EP3032562A1 - Electric connexion device including an auxiliary output, and electrical switching device comprising such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (6) for connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical connection pad of an electrical switching device, the switching device comprising an electrical switching module connected to the electrical connection pad. The connecting device (6) comprises at least one primary member (18) for electrically connecting a primary conductor to the connection pad, and an insulating shell (22) receiving each primary connecting member (18). The connecting device (6) further comprises at least one secondary member (20) for connecting a secondary electrical conductor, and for each secondary member (20), an electrically conductive connecting piece (24) connected between said secondary organ (20) and a respective primary member (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a removable connection device adapted to electrically and mechanically connect a conductor to a connection pad of an electrical switching device comprising an electrical switching module connected to the connection pad and an auxiliary module. The removable connection device comprises at least one primary connecting member of a primary connector to the connection pad, an insulating shell receiving a respective primary connection member, and adapted to electrically isolate the primary connecting member from the outside. of the connection device when the primary conductor is connected to the corresponding range. The connecting device also comprises means for attaching the shell to the switching device.

The invention also relates to a circuit breaker equipped with at least one connecting device according to the invention.

Document is known FR 2 687 248 A1 a removable connection device of the aforementioned type. This device comprises a connection member of a conductor to a connection pad of an electrical switching device. Such a device makes it possible to electrically isolate the connection member from the outside when the conductor is connected to the range of the electrical switching device. In addition, this device is provided with fasteners that allow to fix it to the switching device, and the electrical connection between the conductor and the beach is provided. Fixing the connection device to the switching device is simple, performed manually, and does not require a specific tool. Similarly, the disassembly of the connection device is easy, which facilitates the interventions of operators. In addition, in the case of a multipole circuit breaker, the use of such a connecting device is suitable for connecting any of the conductors on any of the connection pads.

Such switching devices are often supplemented by the addition of auxiliary modules which provide additional functions. These functions are for example signaling functions of the state of the switching device. In the case of a circuit breaker, an auxiliary module is also able to signal a tripping of the circuit breaker following the appearance of an electrical fault. Such modules generally require a power supply. In order to ensure the operation of the auxiliary module even when the switching device cuts the current flow, the power supply of the auxiliary module is generally obtained by a connection of the auxiliary module to the input driver of the switching device. In most cases, this connection is obtained by jointly inserting the input conductor and the supply conductor in the same connection member.

However, the connection of the supply conductor to the input conductor is relatively difficult to implement, and does not always make it possible to obtain a reliable and reproducible electrical connection between the two conductors.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a removable device for connecting a primary conductor to a corresponding connection pad of an electrical switching device comprising an auxiliary module, which allows an easier connection of a secondary conductor for to the power supply of the auxiliary module, while improving the electrical connection of the supply conductor to the input conductor.

• au moins un organe secondaire de raccordement d'un conducteur électrique secondaire apte à alimenter électriquement le module auxiliaire, et
• pour chaque organe secondaire, une pièce de liaison électriquement conductrice connectée entre ledit organe secondaire et un organe primaire respectif,

la coque isolante recevant en outre chaque organe secondaire et chaque pièce de liaison, et étant apte à isoler électriquement chaque organe secondaire de l'extérieur du dispositif de raccordement lorsque le conducteur secondaire est raccordé à l'organe secondaire.To this end, the invention relates to a connection device of the aforementioned type, further comprising:

• at least one secondary connection member for a secondary electrical conductor adapted to supply the auxiliary module with electricity, and
• for each secondary member, an electrically conductive connecting piece connected between said secondary member and a respective primary member,

the insulating shell further receiving each secondary member and each connecting piece, and being adapted to electrically isolate each secondary member from the outside of the connecting device when the secondary conductor is connected to the secondary member.

• chaque organe primaire comporte une cage primaire comportant une paroi primaire de serrage et une plaquette primaire mobile de serrage apte à serrer un conducteur primaire respectif contre la paroi primaire de serrage ;
• la cage primaire comprend des moyens primaires de serrage de la plaquette primaire de serrage, les moyens de serrage étant mobiles entre une position primaire desserrée dans laquelle le conducteur primaire est mobile par rapport à la cage primaire et une position primaire serrée dans laquelle la plaquette primaire de serrage est configurée pour serrer le conducteur primaire contre la paroi primaire de serrage, et le dispositif de raccordement comporte en outre des moyens de maintien des moyens primaires de serrage dans la position primaire desserrée en l'absence d'une activation des moyens primaires de serrage ;
• les moyens primaires de serrage comportent une portion de retenue coopérant avec au moins une branche flexible des moyens de maintien pour maintenir les moyens primaires de serrage dans leur position primaire desserrée ;
• chaque organe secondaire comporte une cage secondaire comportant une paroi secondaire de serrage et des moyens secondaires mobiles de serrage aptes à serrer leur conducteur secondaire respectif contre la paroi secondaire de serrage ;
• chaque organe secondaire comporte une cage secondaire comportant une paroi secondaire de serrage et des moyens secondaires mobiles de serrage aptes à serrer leur conducteur secondaire respectif contre la paroi secondaire de serrage, la plaquette primaire de serrage et les moyens secondaires de serrage sont déplaçables indépendamment l'un de l'autre ;
• la pièce de liaison comprend une languette primaire de connexion apte à s'interposer entre le conducteur primaire et la paroi primaire de serrage et une languette secondaire de connexion apte à s'interposer entre le conducteur secondaire et les moyens secondaires de serrage ;
• la languette primaire et la languette secondaire sont orientées suivant des sens opposés ;
• chaque organe primaire comporte une ouverture primaire configurée pour recevoir un conducteur primaire respectif, et des moyens primaires amovibles d'obturation partielle de l'ouverture primaire, les moyens primaires d'obturation étant de préférence aptes à empêcher l'insertion d'objets présentant une section de diamètre supérieur à 12,5 mm dans l'ouverture primaire ;
• chaque organe secondaire comporte une ouverture secondaire configurée pour recevoir un conducteur secondaire respectif, et des moyens secondaires d'obturation partielle de l'ouverture secondaire ;
• les moyens secondaires d'obturation sont mobiles entre une position d'obturation empêchant l'insertion d'objets dans l'ouverture secondaire et une position ouverte permettant l'insertion d'objets dans l'ouverture secondaire ; et
• le dispositif de raccordement est amovible manuellement par rapport au dispositif de commutation électrique.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the connecting device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

• each primary member comprises a primary cage having a primary clamping wall and a movable primary clamping plate capable of clamping a respective primary conductor against the primary clamping wall;
• the primary cage comprises primary means for clamping the primary clamping plate, the clamping means being movable between a loosened primary position in which the primary conductor is movable relative to the primary cage and a tight primary position in which the primary plate clamping device is configured to clamp the primary conductor against the primary clamping wall, and the connecting device further comprises means for holding the primary clamping means in the primary position released in the absence of activation of the primary means of clamping. Tightening ;
• the primary clamping means comprise a retaining portion cooperating with at least one flexible arm of the holding means to maintain the primary clamping means in their primary position loosened;
• each secondary member comprises a secondary cage having a secondary clamping wall and movable secondary clamping means able to clamp their respective secondary conductor against the secondary clamping wall;
• each secondary member comprises a secondary cage comprising a secondary clamping wall and movable secondary clamping means capable of clamping their respective secondary conductor against the secondary clamping wall, the primary clamping plate and the secondary clamping means can be moved independently; one of the other;
• the connecting piece comprises a primary connecting tongue adapted to be interposed between the primary conductor and the primary clamping wall and a secondary connecting tab adapted to be interposed between the secondary conductor and the secondary clamping means;
• the primary tongue and the secondary tongue are oriented in opposite directions;
• each primary member comprises a primary opening configured to receive a respective primary conductor, and removable primary means of partially occluding the primary opening, the primary closure means preferably being able to prevent the insertion of objects having a primary aperture. diameter greater than 12.5 mm in the primary aperture;
• each secondary member has a secondary opening configured to receive a respective secondary conductor, and secondary means for partially occluding the secondary opening;
• the secondary closure means are movable between a closed position preventing the insertion of objects into the secondary opening and an open position for insertion of objects into the secondary opening; and
• the connecting device is manually removable relative to the electrical switching device.

The invention also relates to an electrical switching device provided with at least one connection range of an electrical conductor and a connecting device as defined above.

• le dispositif de commutation électrique est un disjoncteur ; et
• le dispositif de commutation comporte en outre un module auxiliaire, le module auxiliaire étant connecté électriquement à l'organe secondaire correspondant via le conducteur secondaire correspondant.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the switching apparatus comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

• the electrical switching device is a circuit breaker; and
• the switching device further comprises an auxiliary module, the auxiliary module being electrically connected to the corresponding secondary member via the corresponding secondary conductor.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de commutation comprenant une plage de raccordement électrique, un module de commutation électrique et un module auxiliaire, le dispositif de commutation étant muni de dispositifs de raccordement selon l'invention comprenant chacun un organe primaire de raccordement d'un conducteur primaire à une plage de raccordement correspondante du dispositif de commutation, un organe secondaire de raccordement d'un connecteur secondaire, une coque isolante recevant les organes primaires et les organes secondaires et apte à les isoler électriquement de l'extérieur, et des moyens de fixation de la coque au dispositif de commutation ;
• la figure 2 est une vue éclatée du dispositif de raccordement de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon le plan III de la figure 2 ; et
• la figure 4 est une vue, en coupe partielle selon le plan III, du dispositif de raccordement des figures 2 et 3, avec un connecteur primaire inséré dans l'organe primaire et un connecteur secondaire inséré dans l'organe secondaire.

These features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a switching device comprising an electrical connection pad, an electrical switching module and an auxiliary module, the switching device being provided with connection devices according to the invention, each comprising a primary connection member, and a primary conductor with a corresponding connection range of the switching device, a secondary connecting member of a secondary connector, an insulating shell receiving the primary members and the secondary members and able to isolate them electrically from the outside, and means for attaching the shell to the switching device;
• the figure 2 is an exploded view of the connecting device of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a sectional view according to plan III of the figure 2 ; and
• the figure 4 is a view, in partial section along plane III, of the connecting device of figures 2 and 3 , with a primary connector inserted into the primary member and a secondary connector inserted into the secondary member.

On the figure 1 a switching device 2 comprises an electrical switching device 4 and six devices 6 for connecting a primary conductor 8 to the switching module 4. The switching device 2 comprises a first element 10 for fixing at least one device 6 to the switching device 4, and a second element 11 for fixing at least one other connection device 6 to the switching device 4.

The switching device 4 comprises a switching module (not shown), an auxiliary module (not shown), at least one input connection pad 12, at least one output connection pad (not shown), a cover protection 14, and members 16 for fixing each connecting device. The switching device 4 is configured to receive a current I at the input connection pads 12 and to deliver the current I to the output connection pads, each connection pad being intended to be electrically connected to a corresponding primary conductor.

The switching device 4 is known per se. The switching device 4 is for example an electromechanical circuit breaker. On the figure 1 , the switching device 4 is a three-phase circuit breaker provided with three input connection pads 12 and three output connection pads.

On the figure 2 each connecting device 6 comprises a primary member 18 for connecting a primary conductor, a secondary member 20 for connecting a secondary conductor, an insulating shell 22, an electrically conductive part 24 for connecting the primary member 18 to the secondary member 20 and a cap 26 for isolating the secondary member 20

The connecting device 6 is removable relative to the switching device 4, preferably manually removable. For example, the connecting device 6 is configured to be inserted into the switching device 4 by sliding in an insertion direction X.

The connection device 6 is able to electrically connect the primary conductor 8 to a respective input 12 or output connection area of the switching device 4 when the connection device 6 is fixed to the switching device 4.

The connecting device 6 is also able to electrically connect a secondary conductor 28 to a respective primary conductor 8 via the connecting piece 24, the primary conductor 8 being connected to an input connection pad 12 or to a connection pad of exit.

The primary conductor 8 is known per se. The primary conductor 8 comprises for example a copper core 30 and an insulating sheath 32, visible on the figure 4 .

Each fastening element 10, 11 is able to cooperate with the insulating shell 22, in addition to the fastening members 16, to fix the connecting devices 6 corresponding to the switching device 4. figure 1 , the fastening element 10 comprises an attachment portion 34 adapted to be fixed to the switching device 4 and a holding plate 36 adapted to cooperate with the connecting device 6. The attachment portion 34 is for example fixed to the switching device 4 by screws (not shown). In a variant, the attachment portion 34 is fixed to the switching device 4 by snap-fastening. The holding plate 36 is perpendicular to the attachment portion 34. The attachment portion 34 and the holding plate 36 are, for example, integral.

On the figure 1 each fixing element 10, 11 is able to simultaneously fix three connecting devices 6 to the switching device 4. As a variant, not shown, the switching device 4 comprises three first fastening elements 10 and three second fixing elements 11, each fixing element 10 being able to fix a respective connecting device 6 to the switching device 4.

The switching module is known per se. The switching module is able to cut the transmission of the current I between the input connection pads 12 and the output connection pads.

The auxiliary module is known per se. The auxiliary module is for example a signaling module of the state of the switching device capable of communicating with a remote electronic device. In a variant, the auxiliary module is a signaling module for a fault trip. The auxiliary module is, for example, powered via a corresponding secondary conductor 28.

The protective cover 14 is able to cover the switching module and the auxiliary module.

The fasteners 16 are configured, in addition to the fastening element 10, 11, to fix each connecting device 6 to the switching device 4 in a position allowing the connection of a primary conductor to a connection pad of input 12 or output.

The fasteners 16 are for example snap fasteners. The fasteners 16 comprise complementary shapes of the shell 22. figure 1 , the fasteners 16 comprise two slots 37.

In variant not shown, the fasteners 16 comprise screws and complementary threaded holes.

The primary connecting member 18 is able to maintain the primary conductor 8 electrically connected to the input connection 12 or output range.

On the figure 2 , the primary member 18 comprises a primary connection cage 38, a primary clamping plate 40 and primary clamping means 42.

The secondary connection member 20 is configured to maintain a secondary conductor 28 electrically connected to the respective connecting piece 24.

According to the example of the figure 2 , the secondary member 20 comprises a secondary connection cage 44 and secondary clamping means 46.

The insulating shell 22 receives each primary member 18 and each secondary member 20. The insulating shell 22 is able to isolate each primary member 18 from the outside when the connection device 6 is fixed to the switching device 4 and when the respective primary conductor is connected to said primary member 18. The insulating shell 22 is adapted to isolate each secondary member 20 from the outside when the connecting device 6 is attached to the switching device 4, the secondary conductor 28 is connected to said secondary member 20. The hull insulating 22 is by example made of a single block. The insulating shell 22 is made of an electrically insulating material. The insulating shell 22 is for example made of plastic.

The shell 22 comprises, for example, a primary chamber 48 for receiving the primary member 18, a secondary chamber 50 for receiving the secondary member 20, a primary opening 52 for introducing the corresponding primary conductor 8, primary means 53 of partially occluding the primary opening 52, a secondary opening 54 for introducing the corresponding secondary conductor 28 into the secondary chamber 50, removable secondary means 55 for partially closing off the secondary opening 54, and means 56 for fixing to the switching device 4.

The shell 22 further comprises an upper opening 58 for introducing the corresponding secondary member 20 into the secondary chamber 50, means 60 for holding the primary clamping means 42 in the absence of activation of these clamping means. 42 and members 62 for fastening the insulation cap 26.

The connecting piece 24 electrically connects the primary member 18 to the respective secondary member 20. The connecting piece 24 is for example made of an electrically conductive material. The connecting piece 24 is for example metallic.

On the figure 3 the connecting piece 24 has a bearing portion 64 against the insulating shell 22, a primary tongue 66, a secondary tongue 68 and a positioning tongue 69. The bearing portion 64, the primary tongue 66, the secondary tongue 68 and the positioning tab 69 are for example made in one piece.

The insulation cap 26 is configured to be attached to the insulating shell 22, and 26 has fastening elements 70, configured to cooperate with the fastening members 62.

The isolation cap 26 is able to partially close the upper insertion opening 58. The partial closure allows the passage of a tool (not shown) for actuating the secondary clamping means 46. For example, the cap insulation 26 includes an actuating opening 72 for insertion of the actuating tool secondary clamping means 46, such as a screwdriver.

The secondary conductor 28 is able to electrically power the auxiliary module. The secondary conductor 28 is able to be connected between the auxiliary module and the connection device 6. The secondary conductor 28 is for example a copper wire.

The primary connection cage 38 is able to receive the primary conductor 8, the respective primary tongue 66 and the input connection area 12 or output, as represented on the figure 4 . In the example of the figure 2 the primary cage is in the form of a quadrilateral base cylinder.

The primary cage 38 comprises a primary clamping wall 74, a primary screwing wall 76 opposite the primary clamping wall 74 and two lateral primary walls 78.

The primary cage 38 receives the primary clamping plate 40 and the primary clamping means 42. In particular, the primary clamping means 42 are carried by the primary screwing wall 76.

The primary cage 38 is for example made in one piece. According to the example of the figure 2 , the primary cage 38 is made in one piece folded on itself. Preferably, the primary cage 38 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metallic material.

The primary clamping plate 40 is movable in translation between the primary screwing wall 76 and the primary clamping wall 74. The primary clamping plate 40 cooperates with the primary clamping means 42 to be displaced in translation. On the figure 3 , the primary clamping plate 40 has a complementary opening 79.

The primary clamping means 42 are configured to control the translation of the primary clamping plate 40 between the primary screwing wall 76 and the primary clamping wall 74, when they are actuated, for example by means of a tool such as than a screwdriver. In particular, the primary clamping means 42 are configured to control the translation of the primary clamping plate 40 between a loosened primary position in which the primary clamping plate 40 is in contact with the primary screwing wall 76 and a tight primary position. in which the primary clamping plate 40 is pressed against the primary clamping wall 74. When a primary conductor 8 is inserted in the primary cage 38, the primary clamping means 42 are able to control the clamping of the primary conductor 8 between the primary clamping plate 40 and the primary clamping wall 74. According to the example of the figure 2 the primary clamping means 42 comprise a screw having a threaded portion 80, a retaining portion 82 and an end 84.

The secondary cage 44 is able to receive the secondary conductor 28 and the respective secondary tongue 68. According to the example of the figure 2 the secondary cage is in the form of a quadrilateral-based cylinder. The secondary cage 44 comprises a secondary clamping wall 86, a secondary screwing wall 88 facing the secondary clamping wall 86 and two lateral secondary walls 90.

The secondary cage 44 receives the secondary clamping means 46. In particular, the secondary clamping means 46 are carried by the secondary screwing wall 88.

The secondary cage 44 is for example made in one piece. According to the example of the figure 2 , the secondary cage 44 is made in one piece folded on itself. Preferably, secondary cage 44 is made of an electrically conductive material such as a metallic material.

The secondary clamping means 46 bear against the secondary tongue 68. The secondary clamping means 46 are able to move the secondary cage 44 between a loosened secondary position in which the secondary tongue 68 is in contact with the secondary screwing wall 88 and a tight secondary position in which the secondary tongue 68 is in contact with the secondary clamping wall 86. When a secondary conductor 28 is inserted into the secondary cage 44, the secondary clamping means 46 are able to control the tightening of the conductor secondary 28 between the secondary clamp wall 86 and the secondary tongue 68. According to the figure 2 , the secondary clamping means 46 comprise for example a screw.

The primary chamber 48 comprises a transverse primary wall 92 substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the primary conductor 8, and four lateral primary walls 94 extending substantially perpendicularly from the transverse primary wall 92.

On the figure 3 , the secondary chamber 50 has three lateral secondary walls 98, a transverse secondary wall 100 and an abutment wall 102.

According to the example of the figure 2 , the secondary chamber 50 communicates with the primary chamber 48 via a connection opening 103, able to allow insertion of the secondary tongue 68 into the secondary chamber 50. The connection opening 103 is for example formed in the lateral secondary wall 98 facing the secondary transverse wall 100.

The primary opening 52 is configured to allow the introduction of the primary conductor 8 into the primary chamber 48 in a primary insertion direction. The primary insertion direction is for example parallel to the insertion direction X. The primary opening 52 extends between the transverse primary wall 92 and the outside. The primary opening 52 comprises a slideway 104 for positioning the connecting piece 24. The primary sealing means 53 are configured to at least partially close off the primary opening 52. Preferably, the primary closure means 53 prevent the primary opening from being blocked. insertion of objects with a diameter greater than 12.5 mm across the primary opening 52. The primary sealing means 53 are preferably removable, more preferably divisible.

On the figure 3 , the primary sealing means 53 are integral with the shell 22.

The secondary opening 54 is configured to allow insertion of the secondary conductor 28 into the secondary chamber 50 in a secondary insertion direction. The secondary direction of introduction is preferably parallel to the primary direction of introduction. The secondary opening 54 extends between the transverse secondary wall 100 and the outside.

The secondary closure means 55 are configured to at least partially close the secondary opening 54. For example, the secondary closure means 55 comprise a sealing tab 106 integrally formed with the secondary cage 44. The tab of FIG. shutter 106 extends for example down from the secondary clamp wall 86.

As a variant not shown, the secondary closure means 55 comprise a breakable portion integral with the insulating shell 22.

The fixing means 56 are able to fix the shell 22 to the switching device 4 in a reversible manner, an operator being able to act on the fixing means 56 to detach the shell 22 of the switching device 4.

The fixing means 56 are for example snap-fastening means. Preferably, the fixing means 56 have complementary shapes of the fastening members 16. On the figure 2 the fastening means 56 comprise two flanges 108 integral with the shell 22. Each flange 108 has a snap-on protrusion 110.

In variant not shown, the fastening means 56 are fastening means by screws.

The holding means 60 are configured to keep the primary clamping means 42 stationary in the absence of an action by the operator. In particular, the holding means 60 are configured to prevent the displacement of the primary clamping plate 40 from the primary position which is loosened towards the primary position which is clamped in the absence of activation of the clamping means 42.

The holding means 60 are preferably holding means by clamping. The holding means 60 are for example configured to cooperate with the retaining portion 82. As visible on the figure 2 , the holding means 60 comprise, for example, two flexible branches 112 able to grip the retaining portion 82.

In a variant that is not shown, the holding means 60 comprise a magnet able to exert a magnetic retaining force on the primary clamping means 42 when the primary clamping plate is in its primary loose position.

The fastening members 62 of the insulation cap 26 are able to cooperate with the fastening elements 70 to fix the cap 26 to the shell 22. According to the example of the figure 2 , the fasteners 62 are configured to attach the cap 26 to the shell 22 by snapping. For example, the fasteners 62 comprise at least one protrusion 114 integral with the shell 22. In a variant that is not shown, the fastening members 62 comprise one or more snap holes.

The bearing portion 64 connects the primary tongue 66 to the secondary tongue 68. The bearing portion 64 is preferably perpendicular to the insertion direction X.

The bearing portion 64 has an opening 116 for passing the primary conductor 8 from the primary opening 52 to the primary member 18 received in the primary chamber 48.

The primary tongue 66 is in contact with the primary member 18. The primary tongue 66 is for example perpendicular to the bearing portion 64. The primary tongue 66 is preferably directed towards the switching device 4. The primary tongue 66 is for example configured to be disposed between the primary clamping wall 74 and an input connection 12 or output pad. On the figure 4 , the primary tongue 66 is adapted to be sandwiched between the primary clamping wall 74 and the input range 12 or output.

The secondary tab 68 is configured to be in electrical contact with a respective secondary conductor 28. The secondary tongue 68 is for example perpendicular to the bearing portion 64. The secondary tongue 68 is preferably parallel to the primary tongue 66 and oriented in the opposite direction.

The support tongue 69 is configured to allow the binding piece 24 to remain in position against the shell 22. In particular, the support tongue 69 is able to prevent the translation of the connecting piece 24 upward perpendicularly. to the insertion direction X. On the figure 3 , the support tongue 69 is inserted into the slideway 104 of the insulating shell 22 to prevent the translation of the connecting piece 24 upwards.

The fastening elements 70 are able to cooperate with the fasteners 62 to attach the cap 26 to the shell 22. The fastening elements 70 are for example snap fasteners. According to the example of the figure 2 the fastening elements 70 comprise snap-in openings 118 capable of receiving fastening projections 114.

In a variant that is not shown, the fastening elements 70 comprise attachment projections capable of cooperating with respective latching holes formed in the shell 22.

The primary screwing wall 76 receives the primary clamping means 42. For example, the primary screwing wall 76 comprises a threaded opening 120 adapted to cooperate with the threaded portion 80 to control the translation of the primary clamping plate 40.

The complementary opening 79 of the primary clamping plate 40 is able to cooperate with the end 84 of the primary clamping means 42 to control the movement of the primary clamping plate 40 between the primary clamped position and the unclamped primary position.

The threaded portion 80 has a first diameter D1.

On the figures 2 and 3 , the retaining portion 82 is threaded. The retaining portion 82 has a second diameter D2. The value of the second diameter D2 is for example equal to that of the first diameter D1. In variant not shown, the value of the second diameter D2 is greater than that of the first diameter D1.

In addition, the retaining portion 82 has an unthreaded outer surface. Preferably, the retaining portion 82 has a rough outer surface facilitating clamping by the holding means 60.

The end 84 is configured to transform a rotational movement of the primary clamping means 42 into a translation movement of the primary clamping plate 40.

The secondary screwing wall 88 receives the secondary clamping means 46. For example, the secondary screwing wall 88 has a threaded opening 122 for receiving the secondary clamping means 46.
The slideway 104 is configured to receive the support tongue 69. The slideway 104 is for example parallelepipedic. The sealing tongue 106 is integral with the secondary cage 44. When the secondary cage 44 is in the clamping position, the sealing tongue 106 is located opposite the secondary opening 54 and is therefore able to prevent the introduction of objects into the secondary chamber 50 through the secondary opening 54. In particular, the sealing tab 106 is able to prevent the introduction of a respective secondary conductor into the secondary chamber 50 from the secondary opening 54 when the secondary cage 44 is in a secondary position tight. The shutter tab 106 is for example perpendicular to the secondary insertion direction.

Each attachment flange 108 is adapted to be inserted into a respective slot 37 in the direction of insertion X.

Each detent projection 110 is adapted to cooperate with a respective detent groove to limit the displacement of the shell 22 in the direction of insertion X.

The flexible branches 112 are for example integral with the shell 22.

In addition optional, the connecting device 6 comprises a groove 126 for receiving the holding plate 36 for fixing the connecting device 6 to the switching device. The groove 126 extends in a transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of insertion X.

Thus, the connection device 6 makes it possible to simply connect a primary conductor 8 to an input connection zone 12 or an output of the electrical switching device 4, and the secondary conductor 28 to the primary conductor 8.

In the example of Figures 1 to 4 the fixing of the connecting device 6 to the switching device 4 is effected easily by inserting the fixing flanges 108 in the corresponding slots 37 until the latching projections 110 and the detent grooves cooperate. Fixing is then finalized by inserting the holding plate 36 in the fixing groove 126 and fixing the attachment portion 34 to the switching device 4, for example by screwing.

As visible on the figure 4 when the connecting device 6 is thus fixed to the switching device 4, the connection pad 12 of the switching device 4 is in contact with the primary tab 66.

After fixing the connecting device 6 to the switching device 4, the operator introduces the primary conductor 8 into the primary cage 38 through the primary opening 52, and then screws the primary clamping means 42 to move the primary clamping plate 40 of the primary position loosened to the primary position tightened. In doing so, the primary clamping plate 40 clamps the primary conductor 8 against the connection pad 12, the connection pad 12 being itself clamped against the primary tab 66, the primary tab 66 being then sandwiched between the pad 12 and the primary clamping wall 74. A good electrical contact is thus obtained between the connection pad 12, the primary conductor 8 and the primary tongue 66 of the connecting piece 24.

The connection of the secondary conductor 28 is just as simple, since it suffices to insert the secondary conductor 28 in the secondary cage 44 through the secondary opening 54, then to tighten the secondary clamping means 46. The secondary clamping means 46 then control the displacement of the secondary cage 44 upwards so as to clamp the secondary conductor 28 between the secondary tongue 68 and the secondary clamping wall 86.

The use of the connection piece 24 and two separate connection cages 38,44 makes it possible to prevent the mechanical strength of the clamping of the primary conductor 8 in the primary cage 38 being influenced by the placement of the secondary conductor 28 in the the secondary cage 44. It is also possible to connect the secondary conductor 28 without disconnecting the primary conductor 8, and more generally independently of the connection of the primary conductor 8 to the primary member 18.

In the example of the figure 1 , the switching device 2 comprises six connecting devices 6 according to the invention, each comprising a primary member 18, a respective secondary member 20, an insulating shell 22 and a connecting piece 24. Those skilled in the art will understand of course alternatively, the connecting device 6 comprises a plurality of primary members 18, a plurality of respective secondary members 20 and a plurality of respective connecting pieces 24 received in a single shell 22.

In variant not shown, the connecting device 6 contains three primary members 18, three secondary members 20, three connecting pieces 24 and a single insulating shell 22. The three-phase switching apparatus 2 then comprises two such connecting devices 6, one for the entrance and the other for the exit.

The connecting device 6 is preferably provided with the primary clamping means 42 in the primary position loosened. The holding means 60 limit an involuntary movement of the primary clamping means towards the primary tight position. This then makes it possible to prevent the operator from beginning by loosening the primary clamping plate 40 before inserting the primary conductor 8, and thus saves time for the operator.

The primary sealing means 53 prevent the introduction of an object of diameter greater than 12.5 mm (such as a finger) into the primary opening 52. In this, the connection device offers increased safety against the risk of electrocution of an operator. This makes it possible to provide the switching device 2 with an IP protection class 2. If it proves necessary to introduce a conductor with a diameter greater than 12.5 mm into the primary aperture 52, it is easy to removing the primary sealing means 53 by breaking them, these being preferably divisible.

The shutter tab 106 closes the secondary opening 54 when the secondary cage 44 is in the secondary position tightened. The shutter tongue 106 thus ensures that the introduction of the secondary conductor 28 is only possible when the secondary cage 44 is in the loosened secondary position, provided for the reception of the Secondary conductor 28. This avoids poor quality connections resulting from the introduction of the secondary conductor 28 when the secondary cage 44 is not in the expected position.

It is then conceivable that the connecting device 6 allows simple and durable connection of each primary conductor 8 to each connection range of the switching device 4, and the secondary conductor 28 to the corresponding primary conductor 8. It also ensures good electrical insulation of the various conductive parts and minimize the risk of electrocution of an operator.

Claims (15)

Device (6) for connecting an electrical conductor (8) to an electrical connection pad (12) of an electrical switching device (4), the switching device (4) comprising an electrical switching module connected to the electrical connection area (12) and an auxiliary module,
the connecting device (6) being removable with respect to the electrical switching device (4) and comprising: - at least one primary member (18) for electrically connecting a primary conductor (8) to the connection pad (12), an insulating shell (22) receiving each primary connection member (18), able to electrically isolate each primary connection member (18) from the outside of the connection device (6) when the primary conductor (8) is connected to the corresponding connection area (12), and means (16) for attaching the shell to the switching device (4), characterized in that the connecting device (6) further comprises: at least one secondary member (20) for connecting a secondary electrical conductor (28) able to supply the auxiliary module with electricity, and for each secondary member (20), an electrically conductive connecting piece (24) connected between said secondary member (20) and a respective primary member (18), the insulating shell (22) further receiving each secondary member (20) and each connecting piece (24), and being able to electrically isolate each secondary member (20) from the outside of the connecting device (6) when the conductor secondary (28) is connected to the secondary member (20). Connecting device (6) according to claim 1, wherein each primary member (18) comprises a primary cage (38) having a primary wall (74) for clamping and a movable primary primer (40) clamping a clamp a conductor respective primary (8) against the primary clamping wall (74). Connecting device (6) according to claim 2, wherein the primary cage (38) comprises primary means (42) for clamping the primary clamping plate (40), the clamping means (42) being movable between a position primary core in which the primary conductor (8) is movable relative to the primary cage (38) and a clamped primary position in which the primary clamping (40) is configured to clamp the primary conductor (8) against the primary clamping wall (74), and the connecting device (6) further comprises means (60) for holding the primary clamping means (42) in the primary position released in the absence of activation of the primary clamping means (42). Connecting device (6) according to claim 3, wherein the primary clamping means (42) comprise a retaining portion (82) cooperating with at least one flexible arm (112) holding means (60) for maintaining the means primary clamping devices (42) in their loose primary position. Connecting device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each secondary member (20) comprises a secondary cage (44) having a secondary clamping wall (86) and movable secondary means (46) for clamping able to tighten their respective secondary conductor (28) against the secondary clamping wall (86). Connecting device (6) according to one of the preceding claims taken with claim 2, wherein each secondary member (20) comprises a secondary cage (44) having a secondary clamping wall (86) and secondary movable means (46). ) for clamping their respective secondary conductor (28) against the secondary clamping wall (86), the primary clamping plate (40) and the secondary clamping means (46) are movable independently of one another . Connecting device (6) according to claim 5 or 6, taken with claim 2, wherein the connecting piece (24) comprises a primary tongue (66) of connection able to interpose between the primary conductor (8) and the primary clamping wall (74) and a secondary connecting tongue (68) adapted to be interposed between the secondary conductor (28) and the secondary clamping means (46). Connecting device (6) according to claim 7, wherein the primary tongue (66) and the secondary tongue (68) are oriented in opposite directions. Connecting device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each primary member (18) has a primary aperture (52) configured for receiving a respective primary conductor (8), and removable primary means (53) partially occluding the primary aperture (52),
the primary sealing means (53) preferably being able to prevent the insertion of objects having a section of diameter greater than 12.5 mm in the primary opening (52). Connection device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each secondary member (20) has a secondary opening (54) configured to receive a respective secondary conductor (28), and secondary means (55) shutter partial of the secondary opening (54). Connecting device (6) according to claim 10, wherein the secondary closure means (55) are movable between a closed position preventing the insertion of objects into the secondary opening (54) and an open position allowing inserting objects into the secondary opening (54). Connecting device (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (6) is manually removable relative to the electrical switching device (4). Electrical switching apparatus (2) having an electrical switching device (4) provided with at least one connection pad (12) of an electrical conductor (8) and a connecting device (6) according to one of the claims preceding. Electrical switching apparatus (2) according to claim 13, wherein the electrical switching device (4) is a circuit breaker. An electrical switching apparatus (2) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the switching device (4) further comprises an auxiliary module, the auxiliary module being electrically connected to the corresponding secondary member (20) via the secondary conductor ( 28) corresponding.

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