EP2936635A1

EP2936635A1 - Electrical equipment module

Info

Publication number: EP2936635A1
Application number: EP13821870.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jérome Longeville
Original assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Current assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Priority date: 2012-12-20
Filing date: 2013-12-17
Publication date: 2015-10-28
Also published as: FR3000306A1; WO2014096677A1; FR3000306B1

Abstract

The invention pertains to an electrical equipment module (200) to be engaged in an opening (2) formed in a panel (1) of a hollow barrier, comprising: - a base (210) made of an insulating material that comprises a side wall (212) that opens forward and a rear wall which, combined, delimit an inner space, as well as an outer pathway (214) that borders the side wall and barriers disposed between said inner space which delimit at least one housing accommodating an electrical connection terminal, - at least one deployable unit for fastening the base to the panel of the hollow barrier, which is mobile between a retracted position and a deployed position, and - at least one element for manipulating said deployable unit, whereof an accessible portion is located in the inner space.

Description

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT MODULE

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES The present invention relates generally to electrical equipment.

It relates more particularly to an equipment module to be embedded in a hollow partition.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of an equipment module whose mechanism has for example a switch function, reciprocating, electric drive, socket, network socket ( RJ45), telephone jack (RJ1 1), VDI jack or equivalent (HDMI, ...), light, thermostat, or sensor (smoke, flood, temperature, movement or light).

BACKGROUND

Currently, the electrical equipment to be embedded in hollow partitions all have similar architectures.

Such an electrical apparatus thus comprises an open recess box at the front and intended to be fixed through an opening made in the hollow partition, a frame-shaped apparatus support to be attached to the open front face of the flush-mounting box, an equipment mechanism (for example a switch or socket) to be locked in the opening delimited by the equipment support, and a finishing plate to be fixed on the equipment support in such a way that it hides the latter and aesthetically borders the fitting mechanism.

This fitting mechanism comprises in particular an insulating base which houses connection terminals for its connection to the local electrical network, and which carries at the front a functional part accessible to the user (a tilting or sinking key in the case of a switch or a back and forth, a connection well in the case of a socket, ...).

To install such electrical equipment in an opening made in a hollow partition, it is then necessary to implement a large number of operations.

It is thus necessary to pull at least one cable routing sheath through the opening made in the hollow partition, to engage the end of each sheath in the recess box, to fix the recess box in the opening made in the hollow partition by pushing each sheath into the hollow partition, to screw the fitting support on the box of installation, to connect the electrical wires coming from each sheath to the terminals of the fitting mechanism, to block the fitting mechanism in the equipment support, and to bring the cladding plate onto the equipment support.

These operations are long and tedious to implement.

In particular, the return of each sheath in the hollow partition is in practice often impossible, so that the installer is forced to simultaneously push the recess box into the opening made in the hollow wall and pull the ends of these routing ducts inside the flush-mounting box. It is then forced to cut the ends of each sheath through the inside of the flush-mounting box, at the bottom of the bottom wall of the flush-mounting box, with the risk of cutting the electrical wires housed inside. each sheath, which proves to be particularly tedious.

The number of elements necessary for fixing the electrical equipment on the hollow partition is also important, which generates an additional cost.

Also known from GB2457033 a junction box, designed to allow the secure connection of electrical conductors together.

As described in this document, the junction box comprises a rear base which carries two claws for fixing to a hollow partition, a front cover to be fixed to the rear base by means of two screws, and an inner plate which is screwed on. inside the rear base and which carries electrical wire connection terminals.

Such a junction box therefore has a connection portion of the electrical conductors between them (the inner plate), but has no functional part to ensure a particular electrical function (socket, switch, sensor,. ..).

A disadvantage of this junction box is that it requires the use of several screws to fix the inner plate in the rear base and then to screw the front cover on the rear base, which is inconvenient for the installer and requires a large number of parts.

Another disadvantage is that the fixing claws of the rear base to the hollow wall are not movably mounted on the rear base to allow the engagement thereof in the hollow wall. They are only mounted mobile in translation on the rear base to adapt to the thickness of the hollow partition. Otherwise formulated, to engage the rear base in the hollow partition, it is necessary to extract the claws out of the rear base. This extraction of claws is again inconvenient for the installer. It may also lead to the loss of claws, since the latter are not secured to the rear base.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention proposes an electrical equipment module to be engaged in an opening made in a panel of a hollow partition, comprising:

a base of insulating material which comprises:

^■ a side wall which opens forward or rearward by an end opening, which is closed on the opposite side by an end wall, said side wall (212; 412; 612) defining a interior space,

An outside pavement which borders the front of the side wall to bear against the front face of said panel, and

^■ partitions arranged in said interior space, which are formed with the end wall and / or the side wall, and which delimit at least one receiving housing of an electrical connection terminal,

at least one deployable member for fixing the base to the panel of the hollow partition, which is movable between a retracted position in which it does not hinder the introduction of the base into the opening of the panel and an extended position in which it is adapted to abut on the back of said panel, and

- At least one operating element of said deployable member, an actuating portion is located in said interior space.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the number of components is reduced and the installation of this equipment module in a hollow partition is facilitated.

More precisely, this equipment module does not require a box recess, since the base of the fitting module, which houses the fitting mechanism, replaces the flush-mounting box.

As a result, the fitting of this equipment module simply consists in pulling a cable routing sheath through the opening made in the wall, in connecting the electrical wires coming from the sheath to the equipment module. and to fix the module of apparatus in the opening made in the wall.

The base thus houses not only the electrical connection terminals, but preferably also all electrical and conductive components that allow the equipment module to perform its function, these components being mounted (fixed or mobile) directly or indirectly on the pedestal or chassis of the equipment mechanism attached to the pedestal.

Thus, in the case of a socket, pins and pin receiving cells provided will be mounted fixed directly on the base.

In the case of a switch or a back and forth, the movable blade that closes or opens the electrical contact will be mounted indirectly on the base. It will indeed be mounted mobile on an electrical contact element itself attached to the base.

In the case of a dimmer, an indicator or a detector, the printed circuit which carries the electronic circuit will be fixedly mounted on the base or on the frame of the fitting mechanism.

Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the equipment module according to the invention are the following:

an equipment mechanism is provided comprising, on the one hand, a connection part and, on the other hand, a functional part which gives the electrical equipment module its electrical function and which is accessible from the front pedestal;

said functional part comprises a front plate which closes at the front of the side wall of the base, which has two notches or openings for access to the operating part of each operating element, and which is equipped with securing means a finishing plate;

- the base is made in one piece;

the rear end wall of the base has openings for connection of each electrical connection terminal to a automatic electrical connector adapted to be connected to the local electrical network, and comprising retaining means adapted to fix said electrical connector in abutment against said end wall;

each electrical connection terminal comprises a self-stripping portion which projects at the rear of the rear end wall of the base and which is adapted to pierce the insulating sheath of an electrical wire of the local electrical network for connect;

- The base is equipped with a cover mounted movably at the rear of said end wall, between an open position in which it discovers said self-stripping parts and a closed position in which it covers said self-stripping parts;

said deployable member comprises a claw and said operating member comprises a screw which comprises a threaded body screwed onto said claw and a head constituting said actuating portion;

- said base has two hollow recesses in the outer face of its side wall, whose funds form inclined ramps; and

said pedestal has a lateral extension projecting from the lateral wall, away from the outer pavement, and laterally extending said rear end wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

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

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of an electrical equipment module according to the invention to be embedded in a wall, on which the functional part of the electrical equipment module has not represented;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the electrical connector equipping the electrical equipment module of FIG. 1;

- Figure 3 is a sectional view along the plane A-A of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along the plane B-B of Figure 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic rear perspective view of the electrical equipment module of FIG. 1; - Figure 6 is a schematic side sectional view of the electrical connector of the electrical equipment module of Figure 1, equipped with its tip;

- Figure 7 a sectional view along the plane C-C of Figure 6; - Figures 8 to 12 illustrate the introduction of the electrical equipment module of Figure 1 on the wall;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the electrical equipment module of FIG. 1, equipped with its functional part;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the electrical equipment module of FIG. 1, in which the intermediate plate of the functional part of the electrical equipment module has not been represented;

FIG. 15 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the electrical equipment module of FIG. 13;

- Figure 16 is a sectional view along the plane D-D of Figure 14; FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the electrical equipment module according to the invention;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrammatic perspective views of the electrical equipment module of FIG. 17, represented at two different angles;

- Figures 20 to 22 illustrate the introduction of the electrical equipment module of Figure 17 on the wall;

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the electrical equipment module according to the invention; and

- Figures 24 and 25 are schematic perspective views of a fourth embodiment of the electrical equipment module according to the invention, shown from two different angles.

In FIGS. 1 to 16, 17 to 22, 23, and 24 to 25, four embodiments of an equipment module 200 are respectively shown; 400; 600; 800 to be embedded in a hollow partition.

Recall that, in a known manner, such a hollow partition is generally composed of a metal frame (formed of vertical uprights and horizontal rails not shown) and gypsum panels reported on at least one of the two faces of the metal frame.

As shown in Figures 1 and 17, for the reception of the module equipment 200; 400; 600; 800, it is provided in one of the plasterboard 1 a circular opening 2 made with a hole saw.

In the description, the terms "front" and "back" will then be used relative to the direction of the gaze of the installer of the equipment module 200; 400; 600; 800 in this circular opening 2. Thus, the terms front and rear respectively designate the outwardly facing place of the hollow partition and the inwardly facing position of the hollow partition.

The equipment module 200; 400; 600; 800 is designed to offer the user the desired electrical function (here plug socket). It is here in the form of a block "all in one", adapted to be reported directly in the circular opening 2 and to be fixed to the gypsum board 1, without the help of a box flush.

This equipment module 200; 400; 600; 800 has a certain tightness, namely here an IP4X protection index against the insertion of solid bodies with diameters greater than 1 mm.

It is intended to be connected to the local electrical network via three electrical wires 4, 5, 6 which open out of a sheath 3 of cable routing.

As shown in particular in Figure 21, in practice, this sheath 3 is housed between the two gypsum panels 1 of the hollow partition so that its free end can be pulled through the circular opening 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 17, 23 and 24, this sheath 3 is of the flexible and annular type. It therefore comprises a tubular wall formed of a succession of rings which delimit between them grooves.

In the third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 23, the equipment module 600 is designed to be directly connected to the three electrical wires 4, 5, 6 coming from the local electrical network.

On the other hand, in the first, second and fourth embodiments of the invention respectively shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, in FIGS. 17 to 22 and in FIGS. 24 and 25, the equipment module 200; 400; 800 is provided to be connected via an electrical connector 100 provided with a tip 300.

In these first, second and fourth embodiments, the connectors 100 are identical. They will therefore be designated by the same reference signs. In these three embodiments, only the equipment modules 200; 400; 800 differ. The electrical connector 100 is designed not only to interface this equipment module 200; 400; 800 and the electrical son 4, 5, 6 from the local electrical network, but especially to facilitate the connection of the equipment module 200; 400; 800 to the local power grid.

Finally, the endpiece 300 is designed to provide electrical protection (here class 2) and a mechanical connection between the sheath 3 and the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100. In this way, if one of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 disconnected from the electrical connector 100, it would remain inaccessible and would not pose a danger to the installer or the user.

As is more particularly shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, 17 to 19,

23, 24 and 25, in the four embodiments shown, the equipment module 200; 400; 600; 800 comprises a base 210; 410; 610; 810 and an apparatus mechanism 280; 480; 880 which is housed inside the base 210; 410; 610; 810.

The base 210; 410; 610; 810 here comprises a side wall 212; 412;

612; 812 substantially cylindrical of revolution.

In the first three embodiments of the electrical equipment module 200; 400; 600 shown in Figures 1 to 23, the side wall 212;

412; 612 is closed at the rear by a rear end wall 213; 413; 613 and it opens forwards through a front end opening 212A; 412A. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment of the electrical equipment module 800 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the side wall 812 is closed at the front by a front end plate 881 and opens towards the rearward through a rear end opening 812A.

Anyway, the side wall 212; 412; 612 then delimits an interior space for receiving the components of the fitting mechanism 280;

480; 880.

As will be explained in detail later in this presentation, with reference to Figures 17 to 19, the base 410 may also include a lateral extension 470 projecting from its cylindrical side wall 412.

This side wall could of course have a different shape, including parallelepiped.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 17, 23 and 24, for its fixing in the circular opening 2 made in plasterboard 1, the side wall 212; 412; 612; 812 is bordered on its front end by an outer peripheral sidewalk 214; 414; 614; 814 which is adapted to bear against the front face of the plasterboard 1, all around the circular opening 2. Thus, this outer peripheral sidewalk 214; 414; 614; 814 makes it possible to block the base 210; 410; 610; 810 to the rear.

To block it forward, there are provided fixing means 230;

430; 830 of the base 210; 410; 610; 810 to the plasterboard 1.

These fixing means 230; 430; 830 comprise, on the one hand, at least one deployable member which is movable between a retracted position in which it does not hinder the introduction of the base 210; 410; 610; 810 in the circular opening 2 and an extended position in which it is adapted to rest at the rear of the plasterboard 1, and, secondly, at least one operating element of this deployable member, including a actuating portion is located in said interior space.

As shown more particularly in Figures 5, 19 and 25, these fastening means 230; 430; 830 here comprise two deployable members, formed in this case by two claws 232; 432; 832 housed in two recesses 233; 433; 633; 833 provided hollow in the outer face of the side wall 212; 412; 612; 812 of the base 210; 410; 610; 810, diametrically opposite.

In known manner, each claw 232; 432; 832 is operated by a screw 231; 431; 831 whose head (which corresponds to said actuating portion) is accessible inside the base 210; 410; 610; 810. Thus, when the screw 231;

431; 831 is screwed by the installer, the claw 232; 432; 832 goes up along it to hang on the back of plasterboard 1 of the hollow partition.

The two recesses 233; 433; 633; 833 extend in length from the rear of the outer peripheral sidewalk 214; 414; 614; 814 of the base 210; 410; 610, 810, rearward.

To prevent each claw 232; 432; 832 does not interfere with the insertion of the base 210; 410; 610; 810 in the circular opening 2 made in the plasterboard 1 of the hollow partition, the bottom of each recess 233; 433; 633; 833 forms a ramp such that each recess is deeper towards the rear than toward the front of the base 210; 410; 610; 810.

When the equipment module 200; 400; 600; 800 is delivered to installer, claws 232; 432; 832 are located on the rear side of the base 210; 410; 610; 810, so that they are fully housed in the two recesses 233; 433; 633; 833 and do not protrude out of these.

Then, during assembly of the equipment module 200; 400; 600; 800 in the hollow partition, screws 231; 431; 831 are screwed by the installer in such a way that the claws 232; 432; 832 go up along the screws 231; 431; 831, slide along the ramps, and expand outward, protruding from the side wall 212; 412; 612; 812 of the base 210; 410; 610; 810, to hang on the back of the plasterboard 1.

Each recess 233; 433; 633; 833 is delimited, at the front, by a front wall 234A; 434A; 634A; 834A (see FIGS. 5, 19, 23 and 24) and, at the rear, by a rear wall 235A; 435A; 635A; 835A (see FIGS. 1, 19, 23 and 25).

The front wall 234A; 434A; 634A; 834A is opened by a circular opening 234; 434; 634; 834 passage of the shaft of the screw 231; 431; 831. The front face of the front wall 234A; 434A; 634A; 834A then forms a support for the head of the screw 231; 431; 831.

The rear wall is in turn opened by an opening 235; 435; 635; 835 oblong passage of the free end of this screw. The oblong shape of this opening 235; 435; 635; 835 allows the screw to pivot slightly outwardly as the claw expands from the side wall 212; 412; 612; 812 of the base 210; 410; 610; 810.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 18 and 25, the fitting mechanism

280; 480; 880 which is housed inside the base 210; 410; 610; 810, conventionally comprises a functional part 290; 890 which is accessible to the user and which gives the fitting module its electrical function, and a connection portion 295; 895 for its connection to the local power grid.

Functional part 290; 890 (not visible in FIG. 23, but identical to that shown in FIG. 15) has a form adapted to the function that the fitting mechanism 280; 480; 880 must run (here socket).

In this case, the base 210; 410; 610; 810 has a front plate

281; 481; 881 which, in the first three embodiments, closes the front opening of the base 210; 410 and comprises fixing means on it, or which, in the fourth embodiment, is formed with the side wall 812 of the base 810. This front plate 281; 481; 881 has in its center a recess forming a receiving well 282; 482; 882 of an electrical plug. Here, three openings are provided at the bottom of this receiving well 282; 482; 882.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 25, the functional portion 290; 890 of the apparatus mechanism 280; 480; 880 here comprises two cells 292; 892 for receiving the pins of an electrical plug, an earth pin 293; 893 adapted to engage in the electrical plug, and an intermediate plate 291; 891 which clips inside the receiving well 282; 482; 882, over said cells 292 and the ground pin 293 to hold them in position.

The connection portion 295; 895 of the apparatus mechanism 280; 480; 880 is provided to be accessible from the rear of the base 210; 410; 810 for the connection of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 coming from the local electrical network (directly or via the electrical connector 100).

It comprises, in the first, second and fourth embodiments, three pins 296, 297; 896, 897. As shown in Figures 5, 15, 19 and 25, each pin is in the form of a flat and rectangular tongue. In the first two embodiments, these three pins extend parallel to each other and orthogonally to the rear wall of the base they pass through.

In practice, each pin 296, 297; 896, 897 has just formed with one of the cells 292 or with the ground pin 293, so as to form a connection terminal 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460; 640, 650, 660; 840, 850, 860 monoblock called phase, neutral and earth.

Each connection terminal 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460; 640, 650, 660; 840, 850, 860 is partially housed and locked in a receiving housing defined between internal partitions of the base 210; 410; 610; 810.

In the first three embodiments of the invention, as clearly shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, these internal partitions 219 rise from the rear wall 213 of the base 210 and come from formation with the latter (the base being here molded in one piece of plastic).

In the fourth embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 25, these internal partitions 819 rise from the bottom of the recess 882 provided in the front wall 881 of the base 810 and are formed with the latter (the base being again molded in one piece of plastic).

As shown in FIGS. 1, 18 and 25, the front plate 281; 481; 881 comprises means for securing a finishing plate. These securing means are here formed by two square openings 283; 483; 883 in which it is expected that the finishing plate is clipped. The thus fixed finishing plate then makes it possible to aesthetically cover the equipment module 200; 400; 800.

This front plate 281; 481; 881 also has two notches

284; 484; 884 recessed in its circular peripheral edge, which provide access to the heads of the claws maneuvering screws. Thus, these screw heads are set back from the front face of the front plate 281.

Of course, alternatively, it can provide two openings, instead of these two notches.

As shown in Figure 5, in the first embodiment of the invention, the side wall 212 of the base is perfectly cylindrical in revolution and the rear wall 213 of the base is circular.

One of the three pins 297 is then centered on the rear wall 213 of the base 210 and the two other pins 296 extend on either side thereof.

The three pins 296, 297 are aligned between the two recesses 233 which receive the claw screws. They are surrounded by a peripheral rib 228 projecting from the rear wall 213 of the base 210 towards the rear, to delimit a branching well 229. Thus, the three pins 296, 297 emerge from the bottom 21 1 of this branching well 229.

As shown in FIG. 5, the two recesses 233 extend beyond the rear wall 213 of the base 210, recessed in two posts 236 which project from this rear wall 213 and which border the said connection well. 229.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the electrical connector 100 comprises a shell 1 10 here substantially parallelepiped, which houses three connection elements 140, 150, 160 and which is equipped with locking means 194, 195, 196 to block the three electrical wires 4, 5, 6 of the local electrical network bearing against these three connection elements 140, 150, 160. The shell 1 10 has two substantially square main front faces 1 14 and rear 1 15, and four rectangular side faces including two opposite side faces called "supply face 1 12" and "transiting face 1 13".

The main front face 1 14 has in its center a protuberance

1 16 of identical shape, in negative, to that of the connection well 229 provided at the rear of the base 210 of the equipment module 200. This protrusion 1 16 thus has in particular a substantially rectangular front face 1 1 1 adapted to s apply against the bottom 21 1 of this branch well 229.

The shell 1 10 comprises retaining means 120 adapted to cooperate with complementary retaining means 220 of the equipment module 200 in order to block the end face 1 1 1 of this protuberance 1 16 against the bottom 21 1 of this connection well 229.

As shown in Figure 1, these retaining means 120 are here in the form of two ribs 121, 122 which rise projecting from the main face before 1 14 of the shell 1 10, on either side of the protrusion 1 16, along the latter, and whose front edges are bent towards each other to form ratchet teeth.

As shown in FIG. 5, the complementary retaining means 220 of the equipment module 200 then comprise two rectangular windows (not visible) formed in the two long sides of the peripheral rib 228 which delimits the connection well 229.

The ratchet teeth of the two ribs 121, 122 are then adapted to catch in these rectangular windows to block the electrical connector 100 at the rear of the equipment module 200.

Here, these two rectangular windows are made accessible to the two ribs 121, 122 via two grooves 221, 222 recessed in the rear face of the rear wall of the base 210, along the two long sides of the peripheral rib 228.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7, the connection elements

140, 150, 160 which are housed inside the hull 1 10 comprise at least each:

a connection terminal 141, 151, 161 accessible via the end face 1 1 1 of the protuberance 1 16 of the shell 1 10 in order to be able to connect one of the pins 296, 297 of the paired module 200, and

- A power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 accessible by the supply face 1 12 of the shell 1 10 for its connection to one of the electrical son 4, 5, 6 of the local electrical network.

Here, they also each comprise another power supply terminal, called the queuing terminal 143, 153, 163, accessible via the quilting face 1 13 of the shell 1 10 for the re-wiring of another electric wire 7, 8, 9 (see Figure 2).

While the power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 of each connection element 140, 150, 160 is designed to be connected to one of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 coming from the local electrical network in order to supply the power supply module. 200 apparatus in current, the transposition terminal 143, 153, 163 allows to connect another branch switchgear module 200 equipment module considered.

The shell 1 10 has internal partitions which make it possible to block the connection elements 140, 150, 160 in a fixed position and to isolate them electrically from each other.

Each of these three connection elements 140, 150, 160 is here formed in one piece, by cutting and folding a copper strip to the desired shape. These three connection elements 140, 150, 160 have identical shapes here.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each connection element 140, 150, 160 comprises a rectangular main plate whose ends are bent at right angles backwards to form the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 and 140, 153, 163, and whose sides are bent forwards to form the connection terminals 141, 151, 161.

As shown in FIG. 7, the sides of each connection element 140, 150, 160 are folded forwardly and towards each other so as to delimit together receiving cavities of the pins 296, 297 of the fitting module. 200.

As shown in Figure 1, it is then provided three parallel slots 1 17 in the end face 1 1 1 of the protrusion 1 16 of the shell 1 10, allowing the passage of these pins 296, 297 inside the hull 1 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ends of each connection element 140, 150, 160 are bent at right angles to the rear and are cut in such a way that the feed terminals 142, 152, 162 and subculturing 143, 153, 163 are self-stripping.

Each of these terminals more specifically comprises a slot open towards the rear, having a V mouth whose two side edges are sharpened to cut the insulating sheath of the electric wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The bottom this slot is in turn flat to come into contact with the conductive core of the electric wire in order to establish a connection between the supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or subconnect 143, 153, 163 and the electrical wire 4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, the aforementioned blocking means, which make it possible to block the electrical wires 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in abutment against the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 and of the transplants 143, 153 , 163 of the electrical connector 100, include an operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 associated with each of these terminals.

Each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is made of a single piece of insulating material and is engaged inside an isolated housing 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 located in hollow in the rear main face 1 15 of the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100.

Each operating lever has an elongate shape, with a first operating end provided to be accessible to the installer and a second opposite operating end which is rotatably mounted on the shell 1 10 to press the electrical wire.

The second actuating end of each operating lever carries two lateral trunnions (not visible in the figures) engaged in two corresponding circular openings in the shell 1 10. In this way, each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is movable between an extended position (see the operating lever 195 in Figure 2) and a retracted position (see the other operating levers in Figure 2).

The shape of the isolated dwellings 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 limits the travel of the operating levers 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 between these two positions.

Ratchet teeth 195B (see FIG. 2) are arranged on the sides of each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 to engage cavities provided in correspondence in these insulated housings 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 to retain the operating levers 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the first operating end of each operating lever protrudes from the supply face January 12 or subconnect 1 13 corresponding to the electrical connector 100, so as to be easily accessible to the installer.

Here, each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is traversed longitudinally by a guide duct 194A, 195A, 196A, 197A, 198A, 199A (see FIG. 2) for guiding one of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 to the associated power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or subconnection 143, 153, 163.

Each guide duct 194A, 195A, 196A, 197A, 198A, 199A extends from the first operating end of the operating lever towards the second actuating end, and opens laterally towards the front, this is that is, to the associated power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or 140, 153, 163.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the operating lever

194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is in the deployed position, the electric wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 can be engaged in its guide duct 194A, 195A, 196A, 197A, 198A, 199A, remote from the sharpened V-side edges of the associated power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or 145, 153, 163.

Then, when the operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is folded in the retracted position, the electric wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is pushed between these sharp edges V, so that its insulating sheath is sliced and that its conductive core comes into contact with the supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or subconnection 143, 153, 163 associated.

As shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7, the tip 300 defines a passage conduit 301 for the electrical son 4, 5, 6 from the local electrical network, since the sheath 3 to the guide ducts 194A, 195A, 196A delimited by the operating levers 194, 195, 196.

There is shown here a single endpiece 300. Of course, one can provide another identical tip when it is desired to transplant another equipment module in parallel equipment module 200 considered.

Here, the tip 300 is made in one piece of flexible synthetic material, such as elastomer.

As shown more particularly in Figure 1, the tip 300 has a distal portion 310 to attach to the sheath 3, a proximal portion 330 to attach to the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100, and an intermediate portion 320 which connects the distal portion 310 to the proximal portion 330.

The distal portion 310 has a cylindrical tube shape of revolution, of inner diameter equal, with the clearance, to the outer diameter of the sheath 3.

It comprises fastening means 31 1 to the sheath 3 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), formed here by a peripheral rib which protrudes inside the distal portion 310 and which engages in a groove the sheath 3.

The proximal portion 330 forms a sleeve of rectangular section adapted to cover an end portion of the shell 1 10, in particular the feed face January 12.

It comprises fastening means 331 to the shell 1 10 (see Figures 6 and 7), formed here by a peripheral rib which protrudes inside the sleeve, along its end edge.

The shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100 has in correspondence a central section of the narrowing, which delimits a sidewalk near each of its supply faces 1 12 and subculture 1 13. This sidewalk has in particular a so-called hooked face 1 19, which is located opposite the supply face 1 12 or transplanting 1 13 corresponding to which the peripheral rib 331 provided inside the proximal portion 330 of the tip 300 is adapted to catch. This hook face 1 19 then extends all around the shell 1 10, to ensure a good seal between the tip 300 and the shell 1 10.

The fitting of the equipment module 200 is then performed as follows.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 8, a circular opening 2 is made with a hole saw in the gypsum board 1 of the hollow partition, so that the free end of the sheath 3 can be pulled outwardly. the hollow partition, through this circular opening 2.

The tip 300 is then engaged by its distal portion 310 on the sheath 3, so that the peripheral rib 31 1 provided inside this distal portion 310 engages in a groove of the sheath 3.

The elasticity of the tip 300 facilitates this operation. As shown in Figure 9, the electrical son 4, 5, 6 flowing in the sheath 3 are pulled out of the nozzle 300 and are engaged by their free ends in the guide ducts 194A, 195A, 196A of the operating levers 194 , 195, 196 of the electrical connector 100.

These operating levers 194, 195, 196 are then folded in the retracted position, which connects the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 to the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 of the electrical connector 100.

As shown in Figure 10, the tip 300 is then engaged by its proximal portion 330 on the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100, so that the peripheral rib 331 provided within this proximal portion 330 clings. to this hull 1 10.

As shown in Figure 1 1, the electrical connector 100 is then attached to the rear of the base 210 of the equipment module 200, so that its protrusion 1 16 engages in the connection well 229 provided in the rear of this base 210. Thus, the connection elements 140, 150, 160 of the electrical connector 100 connect to the connection terminals 240, 250, 260 of the equipment module 200.

Finally, as shown in Figure 12, the equipment module 200 is attached in the circular opening 2 made in the plasterboard 1, and is securely fixed to the latter by maneuvering the claws 232 by means of screws 231.

A not shown end plate is then clipped onto the base 210 of the equipment module 200, to cover it aesthetically, by means of the two square openings 283 provided in front of the base 210.

Thanks to the tip 300, if one of the electrical son 4, 5, 6 disconnects inadvertently from its supply terminal 142, 152, 162, it remains isolated from the outside, which avoids any short circuit and guaranteed class 2 protection.

The second embodiment of the equipment module 400 shown in FIGS. 17 to 22 differs from the first embodiment of the equipment module represented in FIG. 1, in particular by its lateral extension 470 and by its equipment mechanism 480 which is housed inside the base 410.

This lateral extension 470 has a shape overall parallelepiped and extends in length from the side wall 412 of the base 410, radially relative to the axis of revolution thereof.

It makes it possible to accommodate an equipment mechanism 480 which is larger than the apparatus mechanism 280 housed in the base 210 of the equipment module 200 shown in FIG. 1 (it is thus possible, for example, to equip the equipment mechanism 480 with an electronic card making it possible to control relays for opening or closing the circuit).

This lateral extension 470 has a front wall 471 (see FIG. 18) which extends at a distance from the outer peripheral sidewalk 414 of the plinth 410 which is greater than the thickness of the plasterboard 1, so that it can be engaged at the back of the plasterboard 1.

It has a rear wall 472 (see Figure 19) which extends the rear wall 413 of the base 410.

As shown in Figure 19, this rear wall 472 has at its free end a recess 473 provided to accommodate the electrical connector 100.

This recess 473 has a planar face 474 facing towards the rear, from which the pins of the connection terminals 440, 450, 460 emerge from the fitting mechanism 480.

These pins are aligned parallel to each other, depending on the length of the lateral extension 470. They are arranged relative to each other in the same manner as the pins of the switchgear mechanism 280 of the switchgear module 200 shown in FIG. 1.

They are surrounded by a peripheral rib 428 projecting from the plane face 474 towards the rear, to delimit a connection well 429. Thus, the pins of the connection terminals 440, 450, 460 emerge from the bottom 41 1 of this branching well 429.

This peripheral rib 428 has two rectangular windows (not visible) formed in its two long sides, in which the ratchet teeth of the two ribs 121, 122 of the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100 are adapted to hook to block the electrical connector 100 on the back of the switchgear module 400.

This branching well 429 is flanked by two latching tabs 436 which rise from the flat face 474, towards the rear, and which carry to their ends of the latching claws facing towards each other.

These snap claws are designed to hook on the rear main face 1 15 of the electrical connector 100, to optimize the attachment of the latter on the equipment module 400.

The installation of the equipment module 400 is then operated in a manner homologous to that used to set up the equipment module 200 shown in FIG.

Only the engagement operation of this equipment module 400 through the circular opening 2 made in the gypsum board 10 differs.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, this operation first of all requires the endpiece 300 to be folded, then to engage the base 410 by its lateral extension 470 before tilting it so that its external peripheral sidewalk 414 applies against the front of the plasterboard 1.

The side wall 412 of the base 410 is for this purpose curved on its side opposite the lateral extension 470, to allow this tilting.

As shown in Figure 22, this operation would also be possible if two endpieces 300, 300 'had been fixed on the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100. It would have only been necessary to bend the two ends 300, 300' before engaging the equipment module 400 in the circular opening 2.

The third embodiment of the equipment module 600 shown in FIG. 23 differs from the first embodiment of the equipment module represented in FIG. 1 by its connection means to the local electrical network.

Indeed, unlike the equipment modules 200; 400 described above, this equipment module 600 is designed to be directly connected to the electrical son 4, 5, 6 from the local electrical network, without the help of electrical connector or tip.

As will be explained in the remainder of this disclosure, an outer portion 641, 651, 661 of each connection terminal 640, 650, 660 is for this purpose self-stripping, so as to facilitate the connection of these electrical son 4, 5, 6.

Preferably, the base 610 of the equipment module 600 comprises a cover 680 which is mounted movably at the rear of the body 610, between an open position in which it discovers the outer part 641, 651, 661 of each connection terminal 640, 650, 660, and a closed position in which it covers this outer portion 641, 651, 661.

This cover 680 thus makes it possible to protect the zone where the connection of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 coming from the local electrical network takes place.

The rear wall 613 of the body 610 here has a large thickness, which allows it to have recessed in its rear face a large groove 615 which extends axially from one side to the other of the body 610 and which has a cross section of rectangular shape.

This wide groove 615 has in its middle a comb-shaped element 616, which extends over the entire width of the groove 615 and which defines three grooves 617, 618, 619 open towards a first end of the groove 615.

These three grooves 617, 618, 619 accommodate the non-stripped ends of the three electrical wires 4, 5, 6.

There are three slots in the rear wall 613 which each open into one of the three grooves 617, 618, 619. The outer portions 641, 651, 661 of the three connection terminals 640, 650, 660 then emerge at the rear. of the base 610 through these three slots.

These outer portions 641, 651, 661 of the three connection terminals 640, 650, 660 have identical shapes, and are each formed by a metal blade whose end is cut so as to be self-stripping. The shape of this end is identical to that of the power supply terminals 142, 152, 162 of the electrical connector 100 shown in FIG. 4. Each of these ends thus has a V-shaped cutout, the two lateral edges of which are sharpened so as to cut out the insulating sheath of the electric wire 4, 5, 6 and whose bottom is flat or rounded to come into contact with the conductive core of the electric wire.

The cover 680 has meanwhile a main wall 681 whose overall rectangular shape has a shape complementary to that of the groove 615. It also comprises a peripheral flange 682 which borders on one side the main wall 681.

This cover 680 is rotatably mounted in the groove 615. Its peripheral flange 682 carries for this purpose two coaxial journals (not visible in the figures) which project from two opposite sides of its outer face and which are engaged in two circular openings (not visible in the figures) provided in the side walls of the groove 615, close to its first end.

The body 610 then comprises snap-fitting means 620 of the cover 680 in the closed position.

These latching means are here formed by two square windows 620 located in the side walls of the groove 615, near its second end. They are designed to accommodate two detent teeth 683 provided on the two opposite sides of the outer face of the peripheral rim 682 of the cover 680, opposite the trunnions.

The cover 680 has, projecting from the inner face of its main wall 681, three support ribs 688 which are situated in such a way that, when the cover 680 is folded in the closed position, they engage in the grooves 617, 618, 619, between the cutting edges of the V-shaped cuts of the outer parts 641, 651, 661 of the three connection terminals 640, 650, 660, without coming into contact with the latter.

Thus, these support ribs 688 make it possible to push the electric wires

4, 5, 6 between these sharp edges due to the closure of the cover 680, which has the effect of cutting their insulating sheaths and connect their conductive cores to the connection terminals 640, 650, 660.

To avoid that in the closed position, the cover 680 crushes the electrical son 4, 5, 6, the hood 680 defines with the body 610 a passage for the sheath 3.

The cover 680 thus has a semicircular notch 689 recessed in its peripheral rim 682. The groove 615 has, for its part, on the side of its second end, a widening section 621.

This notch 689 and this enlargement of section 621 thus together define a tubular passage for the sheath 3.

The notch 689 semicircular here has a diameter equal, next to the mounting clearance, to the outside diameter of the grooves of the sheath 3, so that it is provided to engage in one of these grooves in order to securely lock and in a sealed manner this sheath 3.

The installation of the equipment module 600 in a hollow partition is operated in a manner homologous to that described above, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12 and will therefore not be exposed again.

As already explained supra, the fourth embodiment the equipment module 800 shown in Figures 24 and 25 differs from the first embodiment of the equipment module 200 shown in Figure 1 by the shape of its base 810.

Here, in fact, the side wall 812 of the base 810 is closed at the front by the front plate 881 (these side wall and front plate coming from one piece), while it opens towards the back.

In this fourth embodiment, the terminals 840, 850, 860 are housed between internal partitions which have just formed with the front plate and which are situated inside the recess 882 provided in this front plate 881. Alternatively, it could be provided that these partitions are located, not projecting from the front face of the bottom of the recess 882, but rather projecting from the rear face of the bottom of this recess.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but the skilled person will be able to make any variant within his mind.

In particular, it could be provided that the switchgear module has a number of connection terminals other than three. It could thus comprise a single connection terminal (for example earth), two connection terminals (for example phase and neutral) or more than three connection terminals (for example phase, neutral, ground, and ordered).

It could also be expected that the base of the equipment module is free of claws and screws, but instead has torsion springs, one end of which could be deployed behind the plasterboard for fixing the base, and another end would be operable to maneuver the deployable end. Such a spring is for example described in document EP0245512.

It would also be possible, as a variant of the third embodiment of the equipment module shown in FIG. 23, for the base to be equipped with two covers adapted to respectively allow access to three first connection terminals to be connected to the local electrical network, and three other connection terminals for attaching another equipment module.

In the examples shown, the equipment module 200; 400; 600 has a plug function. Of course, alternatively, it could be otherwise. It could thus present a function of switch, of va-and- comes, electric valve, network jack (RJ45), phone jack (RJ1 1), indicator, or detector (smoke, flood, temperature, movement or light).

Claims

1. Electrical equipment module (200; 400; 600; 800) to engage in an opening (2) made in a panel (1) of a hollow partition, comprising:

a base (210; 410; 610; 810) of insulating material which comprises:

^■ a side wall (212; 412; 612; 812) which opens forward or rearward by an end opening (212A; 412A, 812A), and which is closed on the opposite side by a wall end portion (213; 413; 613; 881), said side wall (212; 412; 612) delimiting an interior space;

^■ an external curb (214; 414; 614) which borders on the front side wall (212; 412; 612) to bear against the front face of said panel (1), and

^■ partitions arranged in said interior space, which are formed with the end wall (213; 413; 613; 881) and / or with the side wall (212; 412; 612; 812), and which delimit at least a housing for receiving an electrical connection terminal (240, 250, 260, 440, 450, 460, 640, 650, 660, 840, 850, 860),

- at least one deployable member (232; 432; 832) for fixing the base (210; 410; 610; 810) to the panel (1) of the hollow partition, which is movable between a retracted position in which it does not hinder not introducing the base (210; 410; 610; 810) into the opening (2) of the panel (1) and an extended position in which it is adapted to abut on the back of said panel (1), and

- At least one operating element (231, 431) of said deployable member (232; 432), an actuating portion is located in said interior space.

2. Apparatus module (200; 400; 600; 800) according to the preceding claim, wherein there is provided an apparatus mechanism (280; 480; 880) having, on the one hand, a connecting part ( 295; 895), and on the other hand, a functional part which gives the electrical equipment module (200; 400; 600; 800) its electrical function and which is accessible from the front of the base (210; 410; 610; 810).

3. Electrical equipment module (200; 400; 600) according to the preceding claim, wherein said functional portion comprises a front plate (281; 481; 881) which closes in front of the side wall of the base (210; 410; 610), which has two notches (284; 484; 884) or access openings to the actuating portion of each operating element (231; 431), and which is provided with securing means (283; 483; 883) of a finishing plate.

4. Electrical equipment module (200; 400; 600; 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (210; 410; 610; 810) is made in one piece.

5. Electrical equipment module (200; 400) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rear end wall (213; 413) of the base (210; 410) has openings allowing the connection of each electrical connection terminal (240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460) to an automatic electrical connector (100) adapted to be connected to the local electrical network, and comprising retaining means (220; 420) adapted to fix said connector electrical (100) bearing against said end wall (213; 413).

6. Electrical equipment module (600) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each electrical connection terminal (640, 650, 660) comprises a self-stripping portion which projects at the rear of the wall rear end (613) of the base (610) and which is adapted to pierce the insulating sheath of an electrical wire of the local electrical network to connect to it.

7. Module of electrical equipment (600) according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (610) is equipped with a cover (680) mounted to move rearward of said end wall (613), between a position open in which it discovers said self-stripping parts and a closed position in which it covers said self-stripping parts.

8. Electrical equipment module (200; 400; 600; 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said deployable member (232; 432;

832) comprises a claw and wherein said operating member (231; 431; 831) comprises a screw which comprises a threaded body screwed onto said claw and a head constituting said actuating portion.

9. Electrical equipment module (200; 400; 600; 800) according to the preceding claim, wherein said base (210; 410; 610; 810) has two recesses (233; 433; 633; 833) recessed in the outer face of its side wall (212; 412; 612; 812), the bottoms of which form inclined ramps.

10. Module of electrical equipment (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said base (410) has a lateral extension (470). protruding from the side wall (412), remote from the outer sidewalk (414), and laterally extending said rear end wall (413).