EP0987794B1 - Management system for electrical networks with improved connection means - Google Patents

Management system for electrical networks with improved connection means Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0987794B1
EP0987794B1 EP19990402260 EP99402260A EP0987794B1 EP 0987794 B1 EP0987794 B1 EP 0987794B1 EP 19990402260 EP19990402260 EP 19990402260 EP 99402260 A EP99402260 A EP 99402260A EP 0987794 B1 EP0987794 B1 EP 0987794B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
elements
base
module
contact means
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
EP19990402260
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0987794A1 (en
Inventor
Guy Lafon
Alain Lagnoux
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Soule Materiel Electrique
Original Assignee
Soule Materiel Electrique
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Publication date
Application filed by Soule Materiel Electrique filed Critical Soule Materiel Electrique
Publication of EP0987794A1 publication Critical patent/EP0987794A1/en
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Publication of EP0987794B1 publication Critical patent/EP0987794B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/50—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position
    • H01H1/54—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position by magnetic force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/193—Means for increasing contact pressure at the end of engagement of coupling part, e.g. zero insertion force or no friction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices for managing electrical circuits. More specifically, the invention relates to devices comprising a base intended to be fixed to an electrical panel and to minus a withdrawable cartridge which can be inserted so reversible in the base.
  • the installation in a table is advantageous in the case where the function performed by the management system concerns several devices connected to the same secondary network.
  • An example of such function is the protection of a local network against generated overvoltages by lightning discharges in network infrastructures Power.
  • management systems contain components comparable to consumables, insofar as on the one hand these components have an intrinsically limited lifespan, and on the other share of phenomena such as the passage of strong transient currents in the management device can lead to the early end of life of the component.
  • protective devices which will be called DAF - devices lightning protection
  • DAF - devices lightning protection thus generally include varistors to flow to the earth overvoltages from the supply network.
  • varistors are consumable components which have the particularity of warm up when reaching end of life.
  • Modular devices have the advantage of particularly simple work: while replacing a device monobloc on an electrical panel can involve wiring operations and connection requiring the intervention of a specialist, a user any one can replace the cartridge of a modular device, as a result, for example, of damage to certain components consumables included in the cartridge, without having to perform connection operations requiring special skills.
  • the phenomenon mentioned above is detrimental to the good operation of the device.
  • it may be accompanied by deformation of device elements located near the contact areas electric between the base and the cartridge, and made of plastic.
  • Such deformation can be harmful insofar as it promotes the appearance of electric arcs in the connection area, and possibly the fusion of elements produced for example in material plastic, has respective contact means of the base of the cartridge which can cause the cartridge to be welded to the base.
  • Such deterioration involves changing the base, of which the vocation is to remain fixed to the electrical panel and which is not normally not intended to be replaced.
  • An object of the invention is to make it possible to produce devices modules intended to be integrated into electrical panels, in which the connection means between the base and the cartridge allow improve the quality of contact between these two parties and reduce substantially the drawbacks mentioned above.
  • Another object of the invention is to make it possible to carry out devices achieving the aforementioned objective, in which furthermore a microswitch unique remotely reports the status of various cartridge components.
  • the invention proposes according to a first aspect a electrical network management device according to claim 1.
  • the invention also proposes a on the one hand, a cartridge, and on the other hand, a base of a cartridge device withdrawable according to one of the characteristics contained in the device claims.
  • a withdrawable device 10 comprising a base 20 and a cartridge 30.
  • a withdrawable device 10 comprising a base 20 and a cartridge 30.
  • the principle of a withdrawable device whose base is intended to be fixed to an electrical panel is known.
  • Such a device can have a management function in the broad sense devices connected to the electrical panel. Specifically, it may have a regulation, monitoring or protection function for example.
  • the device of FIG. 1 has the function of protecting against overvoltages devices connected to the electrical panel.
  • this example is not limiting and the invention applies to all types of device withdrawable.
  • the base 20 has a so-called lower face 21 intended to be in contact with a support rail of the electrical panel, on which the base can be fixed by means 210 carried by the face 21, ensuring the mechanical fixing between the base and the switchboard rail.
  • the base also includes connection terminals 211 to cables from the electrical panel.
  • a so-called upper face 22 of the base is provided with four orifices 220 of rectangular section, arranged so as to define the four corners of a rectangle on the face 22, and of a fifth orifice 221 having the shape of a triangle and located in the center of the rectangle defined by the four holes 220.
  • Each orifice 220 has on at least part of its wall an electrical contact means electrically connected to the means of connection 211.
  • the upper face 22 opens in a first direction lateral on the edges of the base 20 and is framed according to a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first by two parts of the base protruding upwards 23 and 24.
  • the connection means 211 are housed in these parts 23 and 24.
  • the cartridge 30 is generally shaped parallelepiped, its cross section corresponding substantially to the face 22 of the base.
  • the cartridge consists of a housing 31 bearing on a lower face 310 intended to be in contact with the base, four connection pins 320 that can be inserted into the holes 220 of the base 20.
  • the device according to the invention comprises at least one pair of contact means 320 of the cartridge, for connection electric with contact means of the base in equal number.
  • the face 310 also carries a protruding keying pin 311 shaped like a triangular base cylinder and located in the center of the rectangle defined by pins 320. This lug which has no function electrical is intended to be inserted into the orifice 221 of the base.
  • the lug 311 and its homologous orifice 221 can also be replaced by any other mechanical coding means, consisting of example of a projecting part of the base or of the cartridge suitable for cooperate with a complementary hollow part of the cartridge or the base respectively.
  • the asymmetrical geometry and arrangement of these means must ensure that the cartridge cannot be inserted into the base only in the desired connection direction.
  • the pin 311 is in additionally made of an electrically conductive material and cooperates electrically with means for contacting the orifice 221 of the base.
  • the pin 311 retains its role of polarization, and further constitutes a fifth electrical contact pin between the cartridge and base, which may be necessary for some applications, especially in telephony.
  • the cartridge 30 is intended to be plugged into the base 20.
  • the so-called face lower 310 of the cartridge is in contact with the so-called upper face 22 of the base, the pins 320 are plugged into the corresponding holes 220 of the base and are thus electrically connected to the means of connection 211, and the coding lug 311 is housed in the orifice 221 corresponding on the base 20.
  • Pins 320 which are made of a material electrically conductive have a function of electrical connection of components contained in the housing 31 of the cartridge by means of connection 211 of the base and therefore to the circuit connected to the electrical panel on which the base is fixed.
  • FIG 2 there is shown according to a different perspective an exploded view of the cartridge 30.
  • the organs and elements of the cartridge carried by the underside 310 intended to be in contact with the base during inserting the cartridge.
  • This view shows the four connection pins 320 projecting perpendicularly downward out of the underside of the housing.
  • the withdrawable device described in this text is a surge protection device.
  • a surge protection device Such a device whose general principle is well known implements at least a part active protection intended to be connected via the pins of connection 320 to a circuit to be protected.
  • the cartridge 30 comprises two identical sub-assemblies each comprising such a active part, extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and arranged parallel in the housing 31.
  • the first sub-assembly of the cartridge, referenced Sa on the Figure 2 has an active part consisting of a varistor 36a, of which one of the terminals is directly connected to a first connection pin 320, the other terminal of the active part 36a being connected to a second pin 320 by means of an electrically conductive part 40a fixed on said other terminal, of a cursor 38a conducting the electricity and of a weld 37a.
  • the device of FIG. 2 comprises two subsets identical each of which is connected to two pins 320 for connection with the base.
  • the end 321 of the pin 320 which projects out of the cartridge is bevelled so as to facilitate its engagement in a orifice 220 of the base 20, the rectangular section of which corresponds to that of the spindle, and which extends perpendicular to the face 22 on which it opens.
  • This face 22 is made of the material surrounding the base. This material can for example be a plastic material.
  • a pin electrically conductive 222 in the shape of an "L" is included in the base.
  • This pin includes a part 2221 corresponding to a first branch of the "L", extending parallel to the general direction of the orifice 220 and located in a housing 2210 of the base parallel to the orifice 220, the housing 2210 and the orifice 220 being partially separated by a finger in plastic 223 projecting from the wall 22 towards the inside of the housing.
  • This finger 223 does not however completely separate the orifice 220 from the housing 2210 but leaves a space 224 at its lower end connecting the orifice 220 and the housing 2210 of the pin 222.
  • the part of the spindle 222 perpendicular to the part 2221 is meanwhile connected to the means 211 for connecting the base with the switchboard.
  • the base 20 therefore comprises in association with the pin 320 of the cartridge a cavity consisting of the orifice 220, the space 224 and the housing 2210, said cavity having the general shape of a "U".
  • an element 225 made of a material electrically conductive surrounds finger 223.
  • This element corresponds to the "U" of the cavity mentioned above, decreased clearance to receive pin 320 of the cartridge in hole 220 and to be able to undergo a slight deformation as we will explain later.
  • element 225 has two main branches 2251 and 2252 located on each side of finger 223 and intended to be in contact with the respective pins of the cartridge 320 and of the base 222 when the pin 320 is engaged in the orifice 220 as illustrated in the figure 3b.
  • pins 222 and 320 come into contact with the outer surfaces of the respective branches 2252 and 2251 and not the interior surfaces of these branches.
  • This element 225 of which the two branches 2251 and 2252 situated between pins 222 and 320 define a "U" whose concavity is facing the cartridge, is made of a semi-rigid material conducting electricity.
  • the pin 320 straightens the branch 2251 parallel to the plugging direction of element 225, the end of which is slightly curved, concavity towards finger 223, when the cartridge is not inserted in the base.
  • the rigidity of the element 225 is thus chosen to be large enough for the element returns to its position as shown in Figure 3a when we removes the cartridge from the base, and small enough so that the branch 2251 is ready for the turnaround mentioned above and that its branches can slightly deviate from each other, as we will see later.
  • a current entering via a terminal 211 for connection of the base to the switchboard electric, will successively cross a pin 222 of the base, a element 225 and a pin 320 of the homologous cartridge, the sub-assembly Its correspondent in the cartridge, then a second pin 320 and the corresponding means 225 then 222 and 211 in the base.
  • connection means of the device does it provide a solution to the aforementioned problems in introduction and possibly leading to a replacement of the entire device, including including the base.
  • This characteristic which relates to means of remote signaling of the state of active parts of the cartridge, is in itself independent of the shape specific means of connection between the cartridge and the base.
  • the first Sa subset of the cartridge included a solder 37a connecting the conductive part 40a to a pin 320.
  • This welding also makes it possible to maintain the cursor 38a in a space between the conductive part 40a and the pin 320, so to ensure electrical contact between these two elements.
  • the active part 36a is also associated with a spike 35a protruding from the face 310, through an opening in which it can slide longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the face 310.
  • Sa sub-assembly also includes a spring 39a located at the inside of the case and substantially aligned with the pin 35a and the slider 38a.
  • a first end of this spring remote from the cursor 35a is resting on a piece 380a integral with and aligned with the cursor 35a and located opposite the face 310 with respect to said cursor, the second end of the spring close to the cursor being supported on a fixed point.
  • the spring 39a When the cursor 38a is kept in contact with the workpiece conductor 40a and the second pin 320 by solder 37a, the spring 39a is constrained in compression and thus exerts on the part 380a a permanent force tending to release the cursor from contact with the part 40a and the second pin 320 in which it is located.
  • the spring 39a can also be prestressed in extension between a fixed point of the cartridge distant from the base and the slider to which the spring would be attached, and act on the same as described above.
  • the pin 35a is also integral with the cursor 38a so that when said cursor is held between piece 40a and pin 320 by the solder 37a the pin 35a protrudes from the face 310 of the housing in protruding from said face by a height H1.
  • the pin 35a, the cursor 38a and its weld 37a as well as the spring 39a are arranged so as to be substantially aligned along the same face of the housing 31 of the cartridge 30.
  • the spring 39a pushes the part 380a which recalls the cursor and the pin towards the side of the cartridge opposite to the base, said pin then being retracted (partially or completely) in the cartridge.
  • the cartridge 30 also includes a second sub-assembly identical to the one just described, implementing a second spring, a second slider and a second pin 35b.
  • the two varistors used in this device have a limited lifespan. When they reach the end of their life, these varistors heat up to cause the fusion of the weld associated with them.
  • welds used in this device are low temperature welds that melt under exposure prolonged at temperatures significantly above 100 ° C.
  • the welds respectively associated with the two varistors maintain the two pins 35a and 35b projecting from a height H1 outside the cartridge case.
  • the pins 35a and 35b penetrate into the respective orifices 25a and 25b of the base, shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the base comprises a part 26 comprising a plate rectangular 260 extending substantially parallel to the upper face 22 of the base and a half-disc 261 perpendicular to the plate, one of which side forms an edge 262 with the diameter of the half-disc.
  • Half-disc 261 which is located in a housing complementary to the base, can pivot while remaining in the same plane, as well as move in translation towards the upper face 22 of the base.
  • the pins 35a and 35b are shown projecting out of the cartridge. In this position, the two pins enter the base by the respective orifices 25a and 25b and are supported on the upper face of the plate 260, on either side of the axis of symmetry of the part 26 which is perpendicular to the edge of the part.
  • the center of the underside of the plate is also press on a microswitch 27 button controlling the signal reversal all or nothing of a remote signaling circuit of the state of the device.
  • the three support points on the two sides of the plate are aligned parallel to the edge of the part, thus not creating a moment perpendicular to this edge on part 26.
  • a spring not shown in the figure tends to lift in permanently push button 27.
  • the plate is therefore kept parallel to the face 22 of the base by the equal pressures of the two pins pressing on the two sides of the upper face of the plate, which is also in press button 27.
  • the plate has a pressure transmission function pimples to the pusher and presses itself on the top of the pusher, now this one in a so-called low position corresponding to the remote signaling of a device state in which the two varistors are operational.
  • the pusher 27 can then be lifted under the action of the spring which permanently requests it, up to a second so-called high position where said pushbutton controls the reversal of electrical signals to signal the fault varistor.
  • Figures 5a to 5c schematically represent the positions possible of the pair of pins 35a and 35b of the part 26 and of the pusher 27 controlling the remote signaling signals of the state of the device.
  • the two pins 35a and 35b project towards the bottom out of the cartridge, the two varistors associated respectively with these pins being in service.
  • the wafer 260 is maintained as we saw it perpendicular to the axes of the pins and pusher 27 by the equal and diametrically opposite pressures of these two pins, and the said pusher is held down in said low position.
  • This low position of the pusher corresponds to the control of electrical signals remotely indicating that the two varistors of the device are in service.
  • one of the two pins is retracted inside the cartridge case.
  • it is the pin 35b which is retracted.
  • the configuration described here is symmetrical and could apply to a situation in which the pin 35a is retracted and the pin 35b is projecting downwards.
  • the wafer 260 has, as we have seen pivoted around its point of contact with the pin 35a, and the pusher 27 is in the high position due to the stress of the spring associated with it.
  • the pusher In this high position, the pusher signals at a distance that one at least one of the device's two varistors is out of service.
  • the microswitch when inserting a cartridge, the two of which varistors are in service in the base, the microswitch changes state in moving from its high position to its low position (indeed, part 260 is translated from its position illustrated in FIG. 5c to its position illustrated in the Figure 5a when installing a cartridge).
  • Such use of a single microswitch to report the condition of a device with two varistors makes it possible to reduce the complexity and the costs linked to the wiring between the microswitches and a remote signaling unit, compared to existing solutions in which a microswitch is associated with each varistor.
  • the part 225 could be integral of spindle 222.
  • the aforementioned plating under the effect of force electromagnetic would be operated only between this room 225 and the corresponding pin 320.
  • the part 225 could be consisting of two rigid conductive plates corresponding to branches 2251 and 2252, connected by a flexible conductive part in order to make a conductive U-shaped piece, the two branches of which can move away from each other.

Description

La présente invention concerne les dispositifs de gestion de circuits électriques. Plus précisément, l'invention concerne les dispositifs comprenant une embase destinée à être fixée sur un tableau électrique et au moins une cartouche débrochable qui peut être enfichée de manière réversible dans l'embase.The present invention relates to devices for managing electrical circuits. More specifically, the invention relates to devices comprising a base intended to be fixed to an electrical panel and to minus a withdrawable cartridge which can be inserted so reversible in the base.

Les dispositifs de gestion, permettant d'assurer par exemple la surveillance, la protection ou la régulation de l'alimentation d'appareils électriques d'un réseau secondaire connecté au réseau d'alimentation, sont généralement implantés selon deux modes principaux :

  • implantation auprès des appareils à gérer, dans ce cas le dispositif de gestion est connecté directement en amont du ou des appareils,
  • implantation dans un tableau électrique interconnecté entre le réseau d'alimentation et le réseau secondaire auquel sont reliés les appareils.
Management devices, making it possible, for example, to monitor, protect or regulate the supply of electrical devices to a secondary network connected to the supply network, are generally implemented in two main modes:
  • implementation with the devices to be managed, in this case the management device is connected directly upstream of the device (s),
  • installation in an electrical panel interconnected between the supply network and the secondary network to which the devices are connected.

Dans le cas de fonctions de gestion très spécifiques ne concernant qu'un appareil particulier, on choisit généralement d'implanter le dispositif de gestion directement en amont de l'appareil.In the case of very specific management functions, Regarding a particular device, we generally choose to install the management device directly upstream of the device.

Par contre, l'implantation dans un tableau est avantageuse dans le cas où la fonction assurée par le dispositif de gestion concerne plusieurs appareils reliés à un même réseau secondaire. Un exemple d'une telle fonction est la protection d'un réseau local contre les surtensions générées par des décharges de foudre dans les infrastructures du réseau d'alimentation.On the other hand, the installation in a table is advantageous in the case where the function performed by the management system concerns several devices connected to the same secondary network. An example of such function is the protection of a local network against generated overvoltages by lightning discharges in network infrastructures Power.

Par ailleurs, certains dispositifs de gestion contiennent des composants assimilables à des consommables, dans la mesure où d'une part ces composants ont une durée de vie intrinsèquement limitée, et d'autre part des phénomènes tels que le passage de courants forts transitoires dans le dispositif de gestion peuvent entraíner la fin de vie précoce du composant.In addition, some management systems contain components comparable to consumables, insofar as on the one hand these components have an intrinsically limited lifespan, and on the other share of phenomena such as the passage of strong transient currents in the management device can lead to the early end of life of the component.

En se référant de nouveau à l'exemple de la protection contre les surtensions, les dispositifs de protection (que l'on nommera DAF - dispositifs anti-foudre) comportent ainsi généralement des varistances pour écouler à la terre les surtensions provenant du réseau d'alimentation. Ces varistances sont des composants consommables qui présentent la particularité de s'échauffer en arrivant en fin de vie.Referring again to the example of protection against overvoltages, protective devices (which will be called DAF - devices lightning protection) thus generally include varistors to flow to the earth overvoltages from the supply network. These varistors are consumable components which have the particularity of warm up when reaching end of life.

Parmi les dispositifs montés sur des tableaux électriques, on distingue deux types

  • dispositif monobloc dont tous les composants ainsi que les moyens de connexion au tableau sont rassemblés dans un boítier unique,
  • dispositif modulaire composé d'une embase fixée sur le tableau et d'une cartouche embrochable de manière amovible sur l'embase et intégrant une partie des composants du dispositif. Dans ce deuxième type de dispositif, des connecteurs de la cartouche et de l'embase assurent le contact électrique entre ces deux parties du dispositif.
Among the devices mounted on electrical panels, there are two types
  • monobloc device of which all the components as well as the means of connection to the switchboard are gathered in a single box,
  • modular device composed of a base fixed on the switchboard and a cartridge plug-in removably on the base and integrating a part of the components of the device. In this second type of device, connectors of the cartridge and of the base ensure electrical contact between these two parts of the device.

Les dispositifs modulaires présentent l'avantage d'une mise en oeuvre particulièrement simple : alors que le remplacement d'un dispositif monobloc sur un tableau électrique peut impliquer des opérations de câblage et de connexion nécessitant l'intervention d'un spécialiste, un utilisateur quelconque peut en effet remplacer la cartouche d'un dispositif modulaire, par suite par exemple de l'endommagement de certains composants consommables compris dans la cartouche, sans avoir à effectuer des opérations de connexion nécessitant des compétences particulières.Modular devices have the advantage of particularly simple work: while replacing a device monobloc on an electrical panel can involve wiring operations and connection requiring the intervention of a specialist, a user any one can replace the cartridge of a modular device, as a result, for example, of damage to certain components consumables included in the cartridge, without having to perform connection operations requiring special skills.

De plus, d'un point de vue économique, l'utilisation des dispositifs modulaires est souvent avantageuse lorsque ceux-ci comportent des composants consommables.In addition, from an economic point of view, the use of the devices modular is often advantageous when these include consumable components.

En effet, le fait d'inclure ces composants dans la cartouche interchangeable réduit le coût de maintenance du dispositif, l'embase n'étant par changée lorsqu'il est nécessaire de remplacer les composants consommables du dispositif. Indeed, the fact of including these components in the cartridge interchangeable reduces the maintenance cost of the device, the base being by changed when components need to be replaced consumables of the device.

Mais un problème qui se pose en particulier dans le cas des dispositifs modulaires est que, lors du passage de courants d'intensité importante, la qualité parfois insuffisante des contacts entre les connecteurs de la cartouche et de l'embase peut induire une résistance importante de la liaison électrique entre l'embase et la cartouche, et par suite un échauffement par effet Joule.But a problem that arises especially in the case of modular devices is that when passing currents of intensity important, the sometimes insufficient quality of the contacts between the connectors of the cartridge and the base can induce a significant resistance of the electrical connection between the base and the cartridge, and consequently a heating by Joule effect.

Le phénomène évoqué ci-dessus est préjudiciable au bon fonctionnement du dispositif. En outre, il peut s'accompagner d'une déformation d'éléments du dispositif situés à proximité des zones de contact électrique entre l'embase et la cartouche, et réalisés en matière plastique.The phenomenon mentioned above is detrimental to the good operation of the device. In addition, it may be accompanied by deformation of device elements located near the contact areas electric between the base and the cartridge, and made of plastic.

Une telle déformation peut être néfaste dans la mesure où elle favorise l'apparition d'arcs électriques dans la zone de connexion, et éventuellement la fusion d'éléments réalisés par exemple en matière plastique, a des moyens de contact respectifs de l'embase de la cartouche ce qui peut provoquer la soudure de la cartouche sur l'embase.Such deformation can be harmful insofar as it promotes the appearance of electric arcs in the connection area, and possibly the fusion of elements produced for example in material plastic, has respective contact means of the base of the cartridge which can cause the cartridge to be welded to the base.

Une telle détérioration implique le changement de l'embase, dont la vocation est de rester fixée au tableau électrique et qui n'est normalement pas destinée à être remplacée.Such deterioration involves changing the base, of which the vocation is to remain fixed to the electrical panel and which is not normally not intended to be replaced.

On précise qu'on connaít par le document US 4 331 375 des moyens de contact électrique utilisant la déformation de certains éléments par suite de l'établissement de forces électromagnétiques, lorsque ces éléments sont traversés par un courant.It is specified that we know from document US 4 331 375 of electrical contact means using the deformation of certain elements as a result of the establishment of electromagnetic forces, when these elements are crossed by a current.

Mais les moyens de connexion enseignés par ce document présentent une structure relativement complexe et onéreuse.But the means of connection taught by this document have a relatively complex and expensive structure.

En outre, les moyens de contact de ces documents n'utilisent que partiellement les forces électromagnétiques générées par un courant les traversant pour améliorer la qualité du contact électrique.In addition, the means of contact of these documents only use partially the electromagnetic forces generated by a current through to improve the quality of electrical contact.

Un but de l'invention est de permettre de réaliser des dispositifs modulaires destinés à être intégrés dans des tableaux électriques, dans lesquels les moyens de connexion entre l'embase et la cartouche permettent d'améliorer la qualité du contact entre ces deux parties et de réduire sensiblement les inconvénients évoqués ci-dessus.An object of the invention is to make it possible to produce devices modules intended to be integrated into electrical panels, in which the connection means between the base and the cartridge allow improve the quality of contact between these two parties and reduce substantially the drawbacks mentioned above.

Un autre but de l'invention est de permettre de réaliser des dispositifs atteignant l'objectif précité, dans lesquels en outre un minirupteur unique signale à distance l'état de différents composants de la cartouche.Another object of the invention is to make it possible to carry out devices achieving the aforementioned objective, in which furthermore a microswitch unique remotely reports the status of various cartridge components.

A cet effet, l'invention propose selon un premier aspect un dispositif de gestion d'un réseau électrique conforme à la revendication 1.To this end, the invention proposes according to a first aspect a electrical network management device according to claim 1.

Et des aspects préférés, mais non limitatifs de ce dispositif correspondent aux revendications dépendantes de dispositif.And preferred, but non-limiting aspects of this device correspond to the dependent device claims.

Selon un deuxième aspect, l'invention propose également d'une part, une cartouche, et d'autre part, une embase d'un dispositif à cartouche débrochable selon l'une des caractéristiques contenues dans les revendications de dispositif.According to a second aspect, the invention also proposes a on the one hand, a cartridge, and on the other hand, a base of a cartridge device withdrawable according to one of the characteristics contained in the device claims.

D'autres aspects, buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront mieux à la lecture de la forme de réalisation suivante, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif débrochable selon l'invention, composé d'une embase et d'une cartouche,
  • la figure 2 est une vue éclatée d'une cartouche destinée à coopérer avec une embase d'un dispositif selon l'invention,
  • les figures 3a et 3b sont des représentations schématiques du détail des moyens de connexion entre une cartouche et une embase selon l'invention,
  • la figure 4 est une représentation schématique en coupe verticale transversale des éléments permettant de commander un bornier de télésignalisation de l'état de la cartouche d'un dispositif débrochable selon l'invention,
  • les figures 5a à 5c sont des représentations en perspective d'une partie de ces éléments de commande, à trois étapes respectives de leur fonctionnement.
Other aspects, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the following embodiment, given by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a withdrawable device according to the invention, composed of a base and a cartridge,
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a cartridge intended to cooperate with a base of a device according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic representations of the detail of the connection means between a cartridge and a base according to the invention,
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation in transverse vertical section of the elements making it possible to control a terminal for remote signaling of the state of the cartridge of a withdrawable device according to the invention,
  • FIGS. 5a to 5c are perspective representations of part of these control elements, at three respective stages of their operation.

En référence tout d'abord à la figure 1, on a représenté un dispositif débrochable 10 comportant une embase 20 et une cartouche 30. Comme on l'a dit, le principe d'un dispositif débrochable dont l'embase est destinée à être fixée sur un tableau électrique est connu.Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a withdrawable device 10 comprising a base 20 and a cartridge 30. As we said, the principle of a withdrawable device whose base is intended to be fixed to an electrical panel is known.

Un tel dispositif peut avoir une fonction de gestion au sens large des appareils reliés au tableau électrique. Plus précisément, il peut avoir une fonction de régulation, de surveillance ou de protection par exemple.Such a device can have a management function in the broad sense devices connected to the electrical panel. Specifically, it may have a regulation, monitoring or protection function for example.

Le dispositif de la figure 1 a pour fonction de protéger contre les surtensions les appareils reliés au tableau électrique. Toutefois, cet exemple n'est pas limitatif et l'invention s'applique à tous les types de dispositif débrochable.The device of FIG. 1 has the function of protecting against overvoltages devices connected to the electrical panel. However, this example is not limiting and the invention applies to all types of device withdrawable.

L'embase 20 comporte une face 21 dite inférieure destinée à être en contact avec un rail support du tableau électrique, sur lequel l'embase peut être fixée grâce à des moyens 210 portés par la face 21, assurant la fixation mécanique entre l'embase et le rail du tableau.The base 20 has a so-called lower face 21 intended to be in contact with a support rail of the electrical panel, on which the base can be fixed by means 210 carried by the face 21, ensuring the mechanical fixing between the base and the switchboard rail.

L'embase comprend également des bornes 211 de raccordement électrique à des câbles du tableau électrique.The base also includes connection terminals 211 to cables from the electrical panel.

Une face dite supérieure 22 de l'embase est munie de quatre orifices 220 de section rectangulaire, disposés de manière à définir les quatre coins d'un rectangle sur la face 22, et d'un cinquième orifice 221 ayant la forme d'un triangle et situé au centre du rectangle défini par les quatre orifices 220.A so-called upper face 22 of the base is provided with four orifices 220 of rectangular section, arranged so as to define the four corners of a rectangle on the face 22, and of a fifth orifice 221 having the shape of a triangle and located in the center of the rectangle defined by the four holes 220.

Chaque orifice 220 comporte sur au moins une partie de sa paroi un moyen de contact électrique relié électriquement aux moyens de raccordement 211.Each orifice 220 has on at least part of its wall an electrical contact means electrically connected to the means of connection 211.

La face supérieure 22 débouche selon une première direction latérale sur les bords de l'embase 20 et est encadrée selon une deuxième direction latérale perpendiculaire à la première par deux parties de l'embase saillantes vers le haut 23 et 24. Les moyens de raccordement 211 sont logés dans ces parties 23 et 24. The upper face 22 opens in a first direction lateral on the edges of the base 20 and is framed according to a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first by two parts of the base protruding upwards 23 and 24. The connection means 211 are housed in these parts 23 and 24.

La cartouche 30 est quant à elle de forme généralement parallélépipédique, sa section transversale correspondant sensiblement à la face 22 de l'embase. La cartouche est constituée d'un boítier 31 portant sur une face inférieure 310 destinée à être en contact avec l'embase, quatre broches de connexion 320 pouvant être insérées dans les orifices 220 de l'embase 20.The cartridge 30 is generally shaped parallelepiped, its cross section corresponding substantially to the face 22 of the base. The cartridge consists of a housing 31 bearing on a lower face 310 intended to be in contact with the base, four connection pins 320 that can be inserted into the holes 220 of the base 20.

La configuration à quatre broches représentée ici n'est pas limitative. En pratique, le dispositif selon l'invention comprend au moins une paire de moyens de contact 320 de la cartouche, pour la connexion électrique avec des moyens de contact de l'embase en nombre égal.The four-pin configuration shown here is not limiting. In practice, the device according to the invention comprises at least one pair of contact means 320 of the cartridge, for connection electric with contact means of the base in equal number.

La face 310 porte également un ergot de détrompage saillant 311 ayant la forme d'un cylindre de base triangulaire et situé au centre du rectangle défini par les broches 320. Cet ergot qui n'a pas de fonction électrique est destiné à être inséré dans l'orifice 221 de l'embase.The face 310 also carries a protruding keying pin 311 shaped like a triangular base cylinder and located in the center of the rectangle defined by pins 320. This lug which has no function electrical is intended to be inserted into the orifice 221 of the base.

L'ergot 311 et son orifice homologue 221 peuvent également être remplacés par tout autre moyen de détrompage mécanique, constitué par exemple d'une partie saillante de l'embase ou de la cartouche apte à coopérer avec une partie complémentaire en creux de la cartouche ou de l'embase respectivement. La géométrie et la disposition asymétriques de ces moyens doivent garantir que la cartouche ne peut être enfichée dans l'embase que dans le sens de raccordement désiré.The lug 311 and its homologous orifice 221 can also be replaced by any other mechanical coding means, consisting of example of a projecting part of the base or of the cartridge suitable for cooperate with a complementary hollow part of the cartridge or the base respectively. The asymmetrical geometry and arrangement of these means must ensure that the cartridge cannot be inserted into the base only in the desired connection direction.

Dans une variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'ergot 311 est en outre réalisé en un matériau conduisant l'électricité et coopère électriquement avec des moyens de contact de l'orifice 221 de l'embase. Dans cette variante, l'ergot 311 conserve son rôle de détrompeur, et constitue de plus une cinquième broche de contact électrique entre la cartouche et l'embase, ce qui peut s'avérer nécessaire pour certaines applications, notamment en téléphonie.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pin 311 is in additionally made of an electrically conductive material and cooperates electrically with means for contacting the orifice 221 of the base. In this variant, the pin 311 retains its role of polarization, and further constitutes a fifth electrical contact pin between the cartridge and base, which may be necessary for some applications, especially in telephony.

La cartouche 30 est destinée à être enfichée sur l'embase 20. Dans la position d'enfichage de la cartouche sur l'embase, la face dite inférieure 310 de la cartouche est en contact avec la face dite supérieure 22 de l'embase, les broches 320 sont enfichées dans les orifices homologues 220 de l'embase et se trouvent ainsi reliés électriquement aux moyens de raccordement 211, et l'ergot de détrompage 311 est logé dans l'orifice 221 correspondant sur l'embase 20.The cartridge 30 is intended to be plugged into the base 20. In the position of insertion of the cartridge on the base, the so-called face lower 310 of the cartridge is in contact with the so-called upper face 22 of the base, the pins 320 are plugged into the corresponding holes 220 of the base and are thus electrically connected to the means of connection 211, and the coding lug 311 is housed in the orifice 221 corresponding on the base 20.

Les broches 320 qui sont constituées d'une matière électriquement conductrice ont une fonction de raccordement électrique des composants contenus dans le boítier 31 de la cartouche aux moyens de raccordement 211 de l'embase et donc au circuit relié au tableau électrique sur lequel l'embase est fixée.Pins 320 which are made of a material electrically conductive have a function of electrical connection of components contained in the housing 31 of the cartridge by means of connection 211 of the base and therefore to the circuit connected to the electrical panel on which the base is fixed.

Les parties saillantes 23 et 24 de l'embase définissent entre elles un espace dont les dimensions correspondent à celles du boítier 31. Lorsque la cartouche est engagée dans cet espace pour être enfichée sur l'embase, les parties 23 et 24 assurent ainsi :

  • d'une part, le guidage de la cartouche lors de son enfichage sur l'embase, grâce à des gorges 230 et 240 de section constante pratiquées respectivement sur la face des parties 23 et 24 encadrant ledit espace libre et débouchant à l'opposé de l'embase sur l'extrémité des parties 23 et 24. Les gorges ont une orientation générale perpendiculaire à la face 22; elles sont destinées à coopérer respectivement avec des rails 330 et 340 situés sur deux faces opposées du boítier de la cartouche,
  • d'autre part, le maintien et la protection mécaniques de la cartouche en position enfichée.
The protruding parts 23 and 24 of the base define between them a space whose dimensions correspond to those of the housing 31. When the cartridge is engaged in this space to be inserted on the base, the parts 23 and 24 thus provide:
  • on the one hand, the guiding of the cartridge during its insertion on the base, by means of grooves 230 and 240 of constant cross section practiced respectively on the face of the parts 23 and 24 framing said free space and opening out opposite the base on the end of parts 23 and 24. The grooves have a general orientation perpendicular to face 22; they are intended to cooperate respectively with rails 330 and 340 located on two opposite faces of the cartridge case,
  • on the other hand, the mechanical maintenance and protection of the cartridge in the plugged-in position.

En référence maintenant à la figure 2, on a représenté selon une perspective différente une vue éclatée de la cartouche 30. Sur cette vue sont en particulier détaillés les organes et éléments de la cartouche portés par la face inférieure 310, destinée à être en contact avec l'embase lors de l'enfichage de la cartouche. Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown according to a different perspective an exploded view of the cartridge 30. In this view are in particular detailed the organs and elements of the cartridge carried by the underside 310, intended to be in contact with the base during inserting the cartridge.

On retrouve ainsi sur cette vue les quatre broches de connexion 320 saillantes perpendiculairement vers le bas hors de la face inférieure du boítier.This view shows the four connection pins 320 projecting perpendicularly downward out of the underside of the housing.

Comme on l'a dit, le dispositif débrochable décrit dans le présent texte est un dispositif de protection contre les surtensions. Un tel dispositif dont le principe général est bien connu met en oeuvre au moins une partie active de protection destinée à être reliée par l'intermédiaire des broches de connexion 320 à un circuit à protéger.As we said, the withdrawable device described in this text is a surge protection device. Such a device whose general principle is well known implements at least a part active protection intended to be connected via the pins of connection 320 to a circuit to be protected.

Dans le mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2, la cartouche 30 comprend deux sous-ensembles identiques comportant chacun une telle partie active, s'étendant selon une direction longitudinale de la cartouche et disposés parallèlement dans le boítier 31.In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the cartridge 30 comprises two identical sub-assemblies each comprising such a active part, extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge and arranged parallel in the housing 31.

Ainsi la description suivante du premier sous-ensemble de la cartouche est-elle valable pour les deux sous-ensembles dont chacun est relié à deux des quatre broches de connexion de la cartouche.So the following description of the first subset of the cartridge valid for the two sub-assemblies each of which is connected to two of the four cartridge connection pins.

Le premier sous-ensemble de la cartouche, référencé Sa sur la figure 2, comporte une partie active constituée d'une varistance 36a, dont l'une des bornes est reliée directement à une première broche de connexion 320, l'autre borne de la partie active 36a étant reliée à une deuxième broche 320 par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce électriquement conductrice 40a fixée sur ladite autre borne, d'un curseur 38a conduisant l'électricité et d'une soudure 37a.The first sub-assembly of the cartridge, referenced Sa on the Figure 2, has an active part consisting of a varistor 36a, of which one of the terminals is directly connected to a first connection pin 320, the other terminal of the active part 36a being connected to a second pin 320 by means of an electrically conductive part 40a fixed on said other terminal, of a cursor 38a conducting the electricity and of a weld 37a.

Ainsi le dispositif de la figure 2 comprend deux sous-ensembles identiques dont chacun est relié à deux broches 320 de connexion avec l'embase. On va maintenant détailler la structure particulière des moyens de connexion entre la cartouche et l'embase, objet principal de l'invention.Thus, the device of FIG. 2 comprises two subsets identical each of which is connected to two pins 320 for connection with the base. We will now detail the particular structure of the means of connection between the cartridge and the base, main object of the invention.

En référence aux figures 3a et 3b, on a représenté une des quatre broches 320 de la cartouche 30, logée dans le boítier en plastique 31, et les moyens correspondants de l'embase pour assurer le contact électrique entre la cartouche et l'embase du dispositif selon l'invention. With reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, one of the four has been represented. pins 320 of the cartridge 30, housed in the plastic case 31, and the corresponding means of the base to ensure electrical contact between the cartridge and the base of the device according to the invention.

L'extrémité 321 de la broche 320 qui est saillante hors de la cartouche est biseautée de manière à faciliter son engagement dans un orifice 220 de l'embase 20, dont la section rectangulaire correspond à celle de la broche, et qui s'étend perpendiculairement à la face 22 sur laquelle il débouche. Cette face 22 est réalisée dans le matériau entourant l'embase. Ce matériau peut être par exemple une matière plastique.The end 321 of the pin 320 which projects out of the cartridge is bevelled so as to facilitate its engagement in a orifice 220 of the base 20, the rectangular section of which corresponds to that of the spindle, and which extends perpendicular to the face 22 on which it opens. This face 22 is made of the material surrounding the base. This material can for example be a plastic material.

Pour coopérer avec la broche 320 de la cartouche, une broche électriquement conductrice 222 en forme de « L » est incluse dans l'embase. Cette broche comprend une partie 2221 correspondant à une première branche du « L », s'étendant parallèlement à la direction générale de l'orifice 220 et située dans un logement 2210 de l'embase parallèle à l'orifice 220, le logement 2210 et l'orifice 220 étant partiellement séparés par un doigt en plastique 223 saillant de la paroi 22 vers l'intérieur du boítier.To cooperate with pin 320 of the cartridge, a pin electrically conductive 222 in the shape of an "L" is included in the base. This pin includes a part 2221 corresponding to a first branch of the "L", extending parallel to the general direction of the orifice 220 and located in a housing 2210 of the base parallel to the orifice 220, the housing 2210 and the orifice 220 being partially separated by a finger in plastic 223 projecting from the wall 22 towards the inside of the housing.

Ce doigt 223 ne sépare pas toutefois totalement l'orifice 220 du logement 2210 mais laisse libre à son extrémité inférieure un espace 224 reliant l'orifice 220 et le logement 2210 de la broche 222.This finger 223 does not however completely separate the orifice 220 from the housing 2210 but leaves a space 224 at its lower end connecting the orifice 220 and the housing 2210 of the pin 222.

La partie de la broche 222 perpendiculaire à la partie 2221 est quant à elle reliée aux moyens 211 de raccordement de l'embase avec le tableau électrique.The part of the spindle 222 perpendicular to the part 2221 is meanwhile connected to the means 211 for connecting the base with the switchboard.

L'embase 20 comporte donc en association avec la broche 320 de la cartouche une cavité constituée de l'orifice 220, de l'espace 224 et du logement 2210, ladite cavité ayant la forme générale d'un "U".The base 20 therefore comprises in association with the pin 320 of the cartridge a cavity consisting of the orifice 220, the space 224 and the housing 2210, said cavity having the general shape of a "U".

Afin d'assurer le contact électrique entre la broche 320 de la cartouche et celle 222 de l'embase, un élément 225 réalisé dans un matériau électriquement conducteur entoure le doigt 223.In order to ensure electrical contact between pin 320 of the cartridge and that 222 of the base, an element 225 made of a material electrically conductive surrounds finger 223.

La forme de cet élément correspond au « U » de la cavité évoquée ci-dessus, diminué de jeux pour recevoir la broche 320 de la cartouche dans l'orifice 220 et pour pouvoir subir une légère déformation comme on va l'expliquer plus loin.The shape of this element corresponds to the "U" of the cavity mentioned above, decreased clearance to receive pin 320 of the cartridge in hole 220 and to be able to undergo a slight deformation as we will explain later.

Ainsi l'élément 225 comporte deux branches principales 2251 et 2252 situées de chaque côté du doigt 223 et destinées à être en contact avec les broches respectives de la cartouche 320 et de l'embase 222 lorsque la broche 320 est engagée dans l'orifice 220 comme illustré dans la figure 3b.Thus element 225 has two main branches 2251 and 2252 located on each side of finger 223 and intended to be in contact with the respective pins of the cartridge 320 and of the base 222 when the pin 320 is engaged in the orifice 220 as illustrated in the figure 3b.

On notera, et cela est important dans le cadre de l'invention, que les broches 222 et 320 viennent contacter les surfaces extérieures des branches respectives 2252 et 2251 et non les surfaces intérieures de ces branches.It will be noted, and this is important in the context of the invention, that pins 222 and 320 come into contact with the outer surfaces of the respective branches 2252 and 2251 and not the interior surfaces of these branches.

Ainsi, le contact entre ces broches 222, 320 et les branches 2252, 2251 de l'élément 225 tend à être renforcé lorsque lesdites branches 2252, 2251 sont sollicitées en écartement.Thus, the contact between these pins 222, 320 and the branches 2252, 2251 of element 225 tends to be reinforced when said branches 2252, 2251 are requested in spacing.

Cet élément 225, dont les deux branches 2251 et 2252 situées entre les broches 222 et 320 définissent un « U » dont la concavité est tournée vers la cartouche, est réalisé dans une matière semi-rigide conduisant l'électricité.This element 225, of which the two branches 2251 and 2252 situated between pins 222 and 320 define a "U" whose concavity is facing the cartridge, is made of a semi-rigid material conducting electricity.

Ainsi, lors de l'enfichage de la cartouche dans l'embase, la broche 320 vient redresser parallèlement à la direction d'enfichage la branche 2251 de l'élément 225, dont l'extrémité est légèrement recourbée, concavité vers le doigt 223, lorsque la cartouche n'est pas enfichée dans l'embase.Thus, when the cartridge is inserted into the base, the pin 320 straightens the branch 2251 parallel to the plugging direction of element 225, the end of which is slightly curved, concavity towards finger 223, when the cartridge is not inserted in the base.

On notera également que grâce à cette disposition on assure au moins une zone de contact entre la branche 2251 et la broche 320 à distance de l'âme de la pièce 225 reliant les deux branches 2251 et 2252, par exemple vers le milieu de la branche 2251, soit au niveau d'une zone assez flexible de la pièce 225. Il en est de même de préférence au niveau du contact établi entre la branche 2252 et la broche 222.It should also be noted that thanks to this arrangement, the minus a contact zone between branch 2251 and spindle 320 at a distance of the core of the piece 225 connecting the two branches 2251 and 2252, by example towards the middle of branch 2251, that is to say at the level of a fairly flexible of part 225. It is preferably the same at the level of the contact established between branch 2252 and pin 222.

On choisit ainsi la rigidité de l'élément 225 assez grande pour que l'élément retrouve sa position telle que représentée sur la figure 3a quand on retire la cartouche de l'embase, et assez petite pour que la branche 2251 se prête au redressement évoqué ci-dessus et que ses branches puissent légèrement s'écarter l'une de l'autre, comme on va le voir plus loin.The rigidity of the element 225 is thus chosen to be large enough for the element returns to its position as shown in Figure 3a when we removes the cartridge from the base, and small enough so that the branch 2251 is ready for the turnaround mentioned above and that its branches can slightly deviate from each other, as we will see later.

Lorsque la cartouche est enfichée dans l'embase, c'est donc un élément tel que l'élément 225 des figures 3a et 3b qui assure le contact électrique entre chaque broche 320 de la cartouche et la broche correspondante 222 située à l'intérieur de l'embase.When the cartridge is inserted in the base, it is therefore a element such as element 225 of Figures 3a and 3b which ensures contact electric between each pin 320 of the cartridge and the pin corresponding 222 located inside the base.

Lors du passage d'un courant fort tel qu'un courant de choc pouvant survenir suite à certaines décharges de foudre sur l'installation électrique, les deux branches de l'élément 225 étant situées en vis-à-vis et traversées par des courants de sens opposés, elles auront tendance à s'écarter l'une de l'autre sous l'effet de la force électromotrice engendrée par le passage du courant.When passing a strong current such as a shock current which may occur following certain lightning strikes on the installation electric, the two branches of the element 225 being located opposite and crossed by currents in opposite directions, they will tend to move away from each other under the effect of the electromotive force generated by current flow.

En effet, lorsque la cartouche est enfichée dans l'embase, un courant, entrant par une borne 211 de raccordement de l'embase au tableau électrique, va successivement traverser une broche 222 de l'embase, un élément 225 et une broche 320 de la cartouche homologue, le sous-ensemble Sa correspondant dans la cartouche, puis une deuxième broche 320 et les moyens 225 puis 222 et 211 correspondants dans l'embase.When the cartridge is inserted in the base, a current, entering via a terminal 211 for connection of the base to the switchboard electric, will successively cross a pin 222 of the base, a element 225 and a pin 320 of the homologous cartridge, the sub-assembly Its correspondent in the cartridge, then a second pin 320 and the corresponding means 225 then 222 and 211 in the base.

Lorsqu'un élément 225 est ainsi traversé par un courant, ses deux branches 2251 et 2252 sont parcourues par la même intensité en sens inverse, ce qui induit une force de Laplace tendant à écarter les branches de l'élément dont on a dit qu'il était semi-rigide.When an element 225 is thus traversed by a current, its two branches 2251 and 2252 are traversed by the same intensity in direction reverse, which induces a Laplace force tending to spread the branches of the element that was said to be semi-rigid.

Cette force d'écartement sera d'autant plus forte que l'intensité du courant traversant l'élément sera importante. Ainsi, lors du passage de courant transitoire fort dans les moyens de connexion entre la cartouche et l'embase, dans chacun des quatre éléments 225 contenus dans l'embase les deux branches de chaque élément auront tendance à se plaquer de chaque côté contre les broches leur étant respectivement associées.This spacing force will be all the stronger as the intensity of the current flowing through the element will be significant. So when passing from strong transient current in the connection means between the cartridge and the base, in each of the four elements 225 contained in the base the two branches of each element will tend to tackle each side against the pins being respectively associated with them.

Cette caractéristique permet d'assurer la qualité du contact électrique entre les broches de la cartouche et celles de l'embase, et d'éviter ainsi les inconvénients cités en introduction pouvant survenir par suite d'un contact électrique de mauvaise qualité entre l'embase et la cartouche.This characteristic ensures the quality of the contact between the pins of the cartridge and those of the base, and avoid thus the drawbacks mentioned in the introduction which may arise as a result of a poor quality electrical contact between the base and the cartridge.

Ainsi, la forme particulière des moyens de connexion du dispositif selon l'invention apporte-t-elle une solution aux problèmes précités en introduction et pouvant aboutir à un remplacement de tout le dispositif, y compris l'embase.Thus, the particular shape of the connection means of the device according to the invention does it provide a solution to the aforementioned problems in introduction and possibly leading to a replacement of the entire device, including including the base.

En référence à nouveau à la figure 2, on va maintenant décrire une deuxième caractéristique du dispositif selon l'invention. Cette caractéristique, qui concerne des moyens de télésignalisation de l'état des parties actives de la cartouche, est en elle-même indépendante de la forme spécifique des moyens de connexion entre la cartouche et l'embase.Referring again to Figure 2, we will now describe a second characteristic of the device according to the invention. This characteristic, which relates to means of remote signaling of the state of active parts of the cartridge, is in itself independent of the shape specific means of connection between the cartridge and the base.

On a dit que le premier sous-ensemble Sa de la cartouche comprenait une soudure 37a reliant la pièce conductrice 40a à une broche 320.It has been said that the first Sa subset of the cartridge included a solder 37a connecting the conductive part 40a to a pin 320.

Cette soudure permet également de maintenir le curseur 38a dans un espace situé entre la pièce conductrice 40a et la broche 320, de manière à assurer le contact électrique entre ces deux éléments.This welding also makes it possible to maintain the cursor 38a in a space between the conductive part 40a and the pin 320, so to ensure electrical contact between these two elements.

D'autre part, à la partie active 36a est également associé un picot 35a saillant hors de la face 310, par une ouverture dans laquelle il peut coulisser longitudinalement selon une direction perpendiculaire au plan de la face 310.On the other hand, the active part 36a is also associated with a spike 35a protruding from the face 310, through an opening in which it can slide longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the face 310.

Le sous-ensemble Sa comporte également un ressort 39a situé à l'intérieur du boítier et sensiblement aligné avec le picot 35a et le curseur 38a.Sa sub-assembly also includes a spring 39a located at the inside of the case and substantially aligned with the pin 35a and the slider 38a.

Une première extrémité de ce ressort éloignée du curseur 35a est en appui sur une pièce 380a solidaire de et alignée avec le curseur 35a et située à l'opposé de la face 310 par rapport audit curseur, la deuxième extrémité du ressort proche du curseur étant en appui sur un point fixe.A first end of this spring remote from the cursor 35a is resting on a piece 380a integral with and aligned with the cursor 35a and located opposite the face 310 with respect to said cursor, the second end of the spring close to the cursor being supported on a fixed point.

Lorsque le curseur 38a est maintenu au contact de la pièce conductrice 40a et de la deuxième broche 320 par la soudure 37a, le ressort 39a se trouve contraint en compression et exerce ainsi sur la pièce 380a une force permanente tendant à dégager le curseur du contact avec la pièce 40a et la deuxième broche 320 dans lequel il se trouve.When the cursor 38a is kept in contact with the workpiece conductor 40a and the second pin 320 by solder 37a, the spring 39a is constrained in compression and thus exerts on the part 380a a permanent force tending to release the cursor from contact with the part 40a and the second pin 320 in which it is located.

On notera ici que le ressort 39a peut également être précontraint en extension entre un point fixe de la cartouche éloigné de l'embase et le curseur auquel le ressort serait fixé, et agir sur ce dernier de la même manière que décrit ci-dessus.It will be noted here that the spring 39a can also be prestressed in extension between a fixed point of the cartridge distant from the base and the slider to which the spring would be attached, and act on the same as described above.

Le picot 35a est également solidaire du curseur 38a si bien que lorsque ledit curseur est maintenu entre la pièce 40a et la broche 320 par la soudure 37a le picot 35a est saillant hors de la face 310 du boítier en dépassant de ladite face d'une hauteur H1.The pin 35a is also integral with the cursor 38a so that when said cursor is held between piece 40a and pin 320 by the solder 37a the pin 35a protrudes from the face 310 of the housing in protruding from said face by a height H1.

Le picot 35a, le curseur 38a et sa soudure 37a ainsi que le ressort 39a sont agencés de manière à être sensiblement alignés le long de la même face du boítier 31 de la cartouche 30.The pin 35a, the cursor 38a and its weld 37a as well as the spring 39a are arranged so as to be substantially aligned along the same face of the housing 31 of the cartridge 30.

Dans le cas où la soudure 37a ne maintient plus le curseur (par suite du passage d'un courant de choc provoquant la cassure de la soudure, ou de la fusion de la soudure suite à un échauffement prolongé de la varistance arrivant en fin de vie), le ressort 39a pousse la pièce 380a qui rappelle le curseur et le picot vers le côté de la cartouche opposée à l'embase, ledit picot étant alors escamoté (partiellement ou totalement) dans la cartouche.In the case where the weld 37a no longer maintains the cursor (for example following the passage of an impact current causing the welding to break, or of the fusion of the weld following a prolonged heating of the varistor arriving at end of life), the spring 39a pushes the part 380a which recalls the cursor and the pin towards the side of the cartridge opposite to the base, said pin then being retracted (partially or completely) in the cartridge.

La cartouche 30 comporte également un deuxième sous-ensemble identique à celui que l'on vient de décrire, mettant en oeuvre un deuxième ressort, un deuxième curseur et un deuxième picot 35b.The cartridge 30 also includes a second sub-assembly identical to the one just described, implementing a second spring, a second slider and a second pin 35b.

Les deux varistances mises en oeuvre dans ce dispositif ont une durée de vie limitée. Lors de leur arrivée en fin de vie ces varistances s'échauffent jusqu'à provoquer la fusion de la soudure qui leur est associée.The two varistors used in this device have a limited lifespan. When they reach the end of their life, these varistors heat up to cause the fusion of the weld associated with them.

En effet, les soudures mises en oeuvre dans ce dispositif sont des soudures à basse température qui fondent sous l'effet d'une exposition prolongée à des températures dépassant sensiblement 100°C.Indeed, the welds used in this device are low temperature welds that melt under exposure prolonged at temperatures significantly above 100 ° C.

Lorsque l'une des varistances arrive en fin de vie, le picot qui lui est associé est donc escamoté dans la cartouche 30. On va maintenant expliquer la fonction spécifique de ces picots.When one of the varistors reaches the end of its life, the spike that is associated is therefore retracted into the cartridge 30. We will now explain the specific function of these pins.

Lorsque les deux varistances de la cartouche du DAF sont opérationnelles, les soudures respectivement associées aux deux varistances maintiennent les deux picots 35a et 35b saillants d'une hauteur H1 hors du boítier de la cartouche.When the two varistors of the DAF cartridge are operational, the welds respectively associated with the two varistors maintain the two pins 35a and 35b projecting from a height H1 outside the cartridge case.

Lorsqu'alors on enfiche la cartouche sur son embase, lés picots 35a et 35b pénètrent dans les orifices respectifs 25a et 25b de l'embase, représentés sur la figure 1.When the cartridge is then plugged into its base, the pins 35a and 35b penetrate into the respective orifices 25a and 25b of the base, shown in FIG. 1 .

En référence maintenant à la figure 4, on a représenté en coupe verticale transversale la cartouche 30 enfichée sur l'embase 20, les broches de connexion 222 et 320 n'étant pas représentées sur ce plan de coupe qui contient les axes des deux orifices 25a et 25b de l'embase.Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown in section vertical transverse the cartridge 30 plugged into the base 20, the pins of connection 222 and 320 not being shown on this section plane which contains the axes of the two orifices 25a and 25b of the base.

L'embase comprend une pièce 26 comportant une plaquette rectangulaire 260 s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à la face supérieure 22 de l'embase et un demi-disque 261 perpendiculaire à la plaquette, dont un côté forme une arête 262 avec le diamètre du demi-disque.The base comprises a part 26 comprising a plate rectangular 260 extending substantially parallel to the upper face 22 of the base and a half-disc 261 perpendicular to the plate, one of which side forms an edge 262 with the diameter of the half-disc.

Le demi-disque 261, qui est situé dans un logement complémentaire de l'embase, peut pivoter en restant dans le même plan, ainsi que se déplacer en translation vers la face 22 supérieure de l'embase.Half-disc 261, which is located in a housing complementary to the base, can pivot while remaining in the same plane, as well as move in translation towards the upper face 22 of the base.

On a représenté les picots 35a et 35b saillants hors de la cartouche. Dans cette position, les deux picots pénètrent dans l'embase par les orifices respectifs 25a et 25b et sont en appui sur la face supérieure de la plaquette 260, de part et d'autre de l'axe de symétrie de la pièce 26 qui est perpendiculaire à l'arête de la pièce.The pins 35a and 35b are shown projecting out of the cartridge. In this position, the two pins enter the base by the respective orifices 25a and 25b and are supported on the upper face of the plate 260, on either side of the axis of symmetry of the part 26 which is perpendicular to the edge of the part.

Le centre de la face inférieure de la plaquette est par ailleurs en appui sur un poussoir de minirupteur 27 commandant l'inversion de signaux électriques tout ou rien d'un circuit de télésignalisation de l'état du dispositif. Les trois points d'appui sur les deux faces de la plaquette sont alignés parallèlement à l'arête de la pièce, ne créant ainsi pas de moment perpendiculaire à cette arête sur la pièce 26.The center of the underside of the plate is also press on a microswitch 27 button controlling the signal reversal all or nothing of a remote signaling circuit of the state of the device. The three support points on the two sides of the plate are aligned parallel to the edge of the part, thus not creating a moment perpendicular to this edge on part 26.

Un ressort non représenté sur la figure tend à soulever en permanence le poussoir 27.A spring not shown in the figure tends to lift in permanently push button 27.

Dans cette position, la plaquette est donc maintenue parallèle à la face 22 de l'embase par les pressions égales des deux picots appuyant sur les deux côtés de la face supérieure de la plaquette, qui est par ailleurs en appui sur le poussoir 27.In this position, the plate is therefore kept parallel to the face 22 of the base by the equal pressures of the two pins pressing on the two sides of the upper face of the plate, which is also in press button 27.

De plus, la plaquette a une fonction de transmission des pressions des picots au poussoir et appuie elle-même sur le sommet du poussoir, maintenant celui-ci dans une position dite basse correspondant à la télésignalisation d'un état du dispositif dans lequel les deux varistances sont opérationnelles.In addition, the plate has a pressure transmission function pimples to the pusher and presses itself on the top of the pusher, now this one in a so-called low position corresponding to the remote signaling of a device state in which the two varistors are operational.

Lorsque maintenant l'un des picots (par exemple le picot 35b) est escamoté dans la cartouche, par suite de la défaillance de la varistance qui lui est associée, la plaquette n'est plus soumise qu'à la pression du picot 35a sur un côté de sa face supérieure, et à la pression en sens opposé du minirupteur 27, au centre de sa face inférieure.When now one of the pins (for example the pin 35b) is retracted into the cartridge, due to the failure of the varistor which associated with it, the plate is no longer subjected to the pressure of the pin 35a on one side of its upper face, and at opposite pressure from the microswitch 27, in the center of its underside.

Ces deux forces provoquent le pivotement de la plaquette, autour de l'axe parallèle à l'axe de symétrie de la plaquette et contenant le point de contact de la plaquette avec le picot 35a.These two forces cause the plate to pivot, around from the axis parallel to the axis of symmetry of the plate and containing the point of contact of the wafer with the pin 35a.

Le poussoir 27 peut alors se soulever sous l'action du ressort qui le sollicite en permanence, jusqu'à une deuxième position dite haute où ledit poussoir commande l'inversion de signaux électriques pour signaler le défaut de la varistance.The pusher 27 can then be lifted under the action of the spring which permanently requests it, up to a second so-called high position where said pushbutton controls the reversal of electrical signals to signal the fault varistor.

Sur la figure 4, la position escamotée du picot 35b et les positions qui en résultent pour la plaquette basculée et le poussoir sont représentées en pointillés.In FIG. 4, the retracted position of the pin 35b and the positions resulting for the tilted insert and the pusher are shown with dots.

Les figures 5a à 5c représentent schématiquement les positions possibles du couple de picots 35a et 35b de la pièce 26 et du poussoir 27 commandant les signaux de télésignalisation de l'état du dispositif.Figures 5a to 5c schematically represent the positions possible of the pair of pins 35a and 35b of the part 26 and of the pusher 27 controlling the remote signaling signals of the state of the device.

Sur la figure 5a, les deux picots 35a et 35b sont saillants vers le bas hors de la cartouche, les deux varistances associées respectivement à ces picots étant en service.In FIG. 5a, the two pins 35a and 35b project towards the bottom out of the cartridge, the two varistors associated respectively with these pins being in service.

Dans cette configuration, la plaquette 260 est maintenue comme on l'a vu perpendiculaire aux axes des picots et du poussoir 27 par les pressions égales et diamétralement opposées de ces deux picots, et le poussoir est maintenu enfoncé en position basse par ladite plaquette. "In this configuration, the wafer 260 is maintained as we saw it perpendicular to the axes of the pins and pusher 27 by the equal and diametrically opposite pressures of these two pins, and the said pusher is held down in said low position. "

Cette position basse du poussoir correspond à la commande de signaux électriques indiquant à distance que les deux varistances du dispositif sont en service.This low position of the pusher corresponds to the control of electrical signals remotely indicating that the two varistors of the device are in service.

Sur la figure 5b, l'un des deux picots est escamoté à l'intérieur du boítier de la cartouche. Dans le cas de la figure 5b, c'est le picot 35b qui est escamoté. Toutefois, la configuration décrite ici est symétrique et pourrait s'appliquer à une situation dans laquelle le picot 35a est escamoté et le picot 35b est saillant vers le bas.In FIG. 5b, one of the two pins is retracted inside the cartridge case. In the case of FIG. 5b, it is the pin 35b which is retracted. However, the configuration described here is symmetrical and could apply to a situation in which the pin 35a is retracted and the pin 35b is projecting downwards.

Dans cette configuration, la plaquette 260 a comme on l'a vu pivoté autour de son point de contact avec le picot 35a, et le poussoir 27 est en position haute par suite de la sollicitation du ressort qui lui est associé.In this configuration, the wafer 260 has, as we have seen pivoted around its point of contact with the pin 35a, and the pusher 27 is in the high position due to the stress of the spring associated with it.

Dans cette position haute, le poussoir signale à distance que l'une au moins des deux varistances du dispositif est hors service.In this high position, the pusher signals at a distance that one at least one of the device's two varistors is out of service.

Sur la figure 5c, les deux picots 35 a et 35b sont escamotés. La plaquette 260 retrouve ainsi une position parallèle à sa position de la figure 3a. Le poussoir 27 reste dans cette configuration en position haute et signale ainsi toujours à distance le défaut du dispositif.In FIG. 5c, the two pins 35a and 35b are retracted. The plate 260 thus finds a position parallel to its position in the figure 3a. The pusher 27 remains in this configuration in the high position and signals thus always remotely the defect of the device.

La configuration spécifique décrite ci-dessus pour le système de télésignalisation de l'état d'un dispositif anti-foudre comprenant deux varistances est avantageux car il permet de signaler avec un minirupteur unique l'état du dispositif selon un mode binaire (correspondant à une fonction logique « ou »):

  • dans le cas où les deux varistances du dispositif sont en état de marche, le minirupteur signale à distance l'état du dispositif,
  • et le minirupteur signale également à distance un état de défaut correspondant soit au défaut d'une des deux varistances, soit au défaut des deux varistances ou encore à l'absence de cartouche sur l'embase. En effet, dans le cas où aucune cartouche n'est enfichée sur l'embase, la plaquette 260 n'est soumise qu'à la pression exercée par le poussoir 27 et ledit poussoir est en position haute.
The specific configuration described above for the remote signaling system of the state of a lightning protection device comprising two varistors is advantageous because it makes it possible to signal with a single microswitch the state of the device according to a binary mode (corresponding to a logic function "or"):
  • if the two varistors of the device are in working order, the microswitch remotely signals the state of the device,
  • and the microswitch also remotely signals a fault state corresponding either to the fault of one of the two varistors, or to the fault of the two varistors or to the absence of a cartridge on the base. Indeed, in the case where no cartridge is plugged into the base, the plate 260 is only subjected to the pressure exerted by the pusher 27 and said pusher is in the high position.

En particulier, lors de l'enfichage d'une cartouche dont les deux varistances sont en service dans l'embase, le minirupteur change d'état en passant de sa position haute à sa position basse (en effet, la pièce 260 est translatée de sa position illustrée sur la figure 5c à sa position illustrée sur la figure 5a lors de la mise en place d'une cartouche).In particular, when inserting a cartridge, the two of which varistors are in service in the base, the microswitch changes state in moving from its high position to its low position (indeed, part 260 is translated from its position illustrated in FIG. 5c to its position illustrated in the Figure 5a when installing a cartridge).

Une telle utilisation d'un minirupteur unique pour signaler l'état d'un dispositif à deux varistances permet de réduire la complexité et les coûts liés au câblage entre les minirupteurs et un boítier de télésignalisation, par rapport aux solutions existantes dans lesquelles un minirupteur est associé à chaque varistance.Such use of a single microswitch to report the condition of a device with two varistors makes it possible to reduce the complexity and the costs linked to the wiring between the microswitches and a remote signaling unit, compared to existing solutions in which a microswitch is associated with each varistor.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation particulier qui vient d'être décrit.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the mode of particular embodiment which has just been described.

Ainsi, par exemple, en variante, la pièce 225 pourrait être solidaire de la broche 222. Dans ce cas, le plaquage précité sous l'effet de la force électromagnétique, serait opéré uniquement entre cette pièce 225 et la broche 320 correspondante.Thus, for example, as a variant, the part 225 could be integral of spindle 222. In this case, the aforementioned plating under the effect of force electromagnetic, would be operated only between this room 225 and the corresponding pin 320.

Selon une autre variante indépendante, la pièce 225 pourrait être constituée de deux plaquettes rigides conductrices correspondant aux branches 2251 et 2252, reliées par une pièce conductrice souple afin de réaliser une pièce conductrice en « U » dont les deux branches peuvent s'écarter l'une de l'autre.According to another independent variant, the part 225 could be consisting of two rigid conductive plates corresponding to branches 2251 and 2252, connected by a flexible conductive part in order to make a conductive U-shaped piece, the two branches of which can move away from each other.

Claims (22)

  1. An electricity network management device (10) comprising a first module (20) provided with connection means (211) for connection with said network and a second module (30) capable of being electrically connected to the first module by interconnection means (222, 225, 320) for interconnecting the two modules and including generally U-shaped contact means (225), the device being characterized in that the interconnection means comprise a single generally U-shaped contact means having two main limbs (2251, 2252), which contact means has its respective limbs which when carrying currents in opposite directions tend to press their outside surfaces against complementary interconnection elements (320, 222) belonging to the interconnection means, under the effect of the electromagnetic forces involved.
  2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said contact means (225) is adapted to be pressed under the effect of the electromagnetic forces against interconnection elements (320) situated on a module (30) that is different from the module (20) carrying the contact means (225).
  3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that contact means (225) is adapted to be pressed under the effect of the electromagnetic forces against interconnection elements (222) situated on the same module (20).
  4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that said U-shaped contact means (225) is semi-rigid.
  5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that said U-shaped contact means (225) has its concave side facing towards the insertion zone of the complementary interconnection element (320).
  6. A device according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the interconnection elements (320, 222) rest against the outside surface of at least one limb (2251, 2252) of said U-shaped contact means (225).
  7. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one contact zone is defined between the interconnection elements (320, 222) and a limb (2251, 2252) of said contact means (225) remote from the web of said contact means (225).
  8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said contact means (225) is comprised in the first module (20).
  9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said contact means (225) is included in the second module (30).
  10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is intended to protect said electric circuit against voltage surges.
  11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the second module (30) comprises at least one element for providing protection against surges (36a).
  12. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the first module (20) is a socket connected in permanent manner to the circuit to be managed, the second module (30) being a cartridge that is removably pluggable into the socket.
  13. A device (10) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the second module is a cartridge (30) comprising two circuits (Sa) for providing protection against surges, and in that the socket (20) comprises a single two-position switch (27) actuated by elements (35a, 35b) for signaling the respective states of the two protection circuits, a first position of the switch (27) corresponding to the device (10) being in a state in which both protection circuits are active, the second position of the switch corresponding to the device (10) being in one of the following states:
    one of the two protection circuits is out of operation;
    both protection circuits are out of operation; and
    there is no cartridge in the device.
  14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that said signaling elements (35a, 35b) are pegs that project from a face (310) of the cartridge (30) that come into contact with the socket (20) when the cartridge is plugged into the socket.
  15. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that each peg is held in position projecting from the housing by a respective fusible link (37a), said fusible link releasing the peg corresponding thereto when the protection circuit that it holds reaches the end of its life, a spring associated with the peg then retracting said peg into the cartridge (30).
  16. A device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the socket (20) comprises a part (26) having a first face bearing against the switch (27), the signaling elements (35a, 35b) being suitable for coming to bear against an opposite second face of said part (26).
  17. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said part (26) of the socket is suitable for tilting selectively about each of two axes of said first face perpendicular to a line interconnecting the respective longitudinal axes of the two signaling elements and passing through the two respective contact points of said face with said signaling elements.
  18. A device according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that the projections of the bearing points against said part (26) of the signaling elements (35a, 35b) and of the switch (27) onto the plane of said first face of said part are in alignment.
  19. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that in said plane the projections of the bearing points of the signaling elements are disposed symmetrically about the projection of the bearing point of the switch.
  20. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the switch is mechanically prestressed to urge said second face of the part (26) in the direction opposite to the urging of the signaling elements (35a, 35b).
  21. A cartridge (30) for a device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, including contact elements (225) adapted to be pressed against complementary interconnection elements (222, 320) under the effect of the electromagnetic forces involved while an electric current is passing.
  22. A socket (20) of a device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, including contact elements (225) adapted to be pressed against complementary interconnection elements (222, 320) under the effect of the electromagnetic forces involved while an electric current is passing.
EP19990402260 1998-09-15 1999-09-15 Management system for electrical networks with improved connection means Expired - Lifetime EP0987794B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9811485A FR2783362B1 (en) 1998-09-15 1998-09-15 ELECTRICAL NETWORK MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING IMPROVED CONNECTION MEANS
FR9811485 1998-09-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0987794A1 EP0987794A1 (en) 2000-03-22
EP0987794B1 true EP0987794B1 (en) 2003-01-15

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19990402260 Expired - Lifetime EP0987794B1 (en) 1998-09-15 1999-09-15 Management system for electrical networks with improved connection means

Country Status (3)

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EP (1) EP0987794B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69904897T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2783362B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1768536A (en) * 1925-06-27 1930-07-01 Condit Electrical Mfg Corp Electric switch
US3921109A (en) * 1974-06-20 1975-11-18 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit-interrupter
US4331375A (en) * 1978-11-28 1982-05-25 Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Electrical contact assembly
FR2727806A1 (en) * 1994-12-05 1996-06-07 Soule Sa PROTECTION DEVICE AGAINST TRANSIENT OVERVOLTAGES BASED ON VARISTORS AND THERMAL DISCONNECTORS

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DE69904897T2 (en) 2003-11-20
FR2783362B1 (en) 2000-12-01
DE69904897D1 (en) 2003-02-20
EP0987794A1 (en) 2000-03-22
FR2783362A1 (en) 2000-03-17

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