EP3190664B1 - Electrical apparatus with connection terminal provided with a clamping cage made of non-magnetic material - Google Patents

Electrical apparatus with connection terminal provided with a clamping cage made of non-magnetic material Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3190664B1
EP3190664B1 EP17150057.2A EP17150057A EP3190664B1 EP 3190664 B1 EP3190664 B1 EP 3190664B1 EP 17150057 A EP17150057 A EP 17150057A EP 3190664 B1 EP3190664 B1 EP 3190664B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clamping element
clamping
electrical conductor
electric apparatus
electrical
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17150057.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3190664A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Fontaine
François Fayard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TE Connectivity Services GmbH
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TE Connectivity Services GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3190664A1 publication Critical patent/EP3190664A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3190664B1 publication Critical patent/EP3190664B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/36—Conductive members located under tip of screw
    • H01R4/363—Conductive members located under tip of screw with intermediate part between tip and conductive member
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
    • H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
    • H01R9/26—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical apparatus comprising connection terminals.
  • connection terminal intended to be mounted in an electrically insulating casing conventionally comprises a clamping element mounted in a movable manner in the insulating casing as well as an actuation mechanism for moving the clamping element.
  • the clamping element is ready to receive a free end of an electrical conductor inserted into a cavity delimited by the clamping element which often takes the shape of a cage.
  • the clamping element can vary between a position allowing the placement of the electrical conductor and a position in which the clamping element plates and holds the end of the electrical conductor against an electrically mounted conductive bar in the insulating box.
  • the clamping element is produced by assembling several parts, generally made of steel between them.
  • the assembly of the clamping element therefore requires several operations, which is not optimal in the context of reducing costs and simplifying assembly. There is also a risk that some of the parts may be lost or damaged.
  • the use of steel is problematic.
  • the electrical current circulating in the electrical conductor and in the conductive strip may be greater than 100 A. This may result from this.
  • high intensity eddy currents capable of creating heating of the steel parts and deformation of the clamping element which can lead to detrimental loosening of the conductive element.
  • the documents EP0687032A1 and FR2786611A1 describe solutions where the clamping element is at least partially made of a non-magnetic material but once again the clamping element is each time produced by a complex and expensive assembly of several parts together, with furthermore the same risks in time.
  • the document EP0848452A1 describes an electrical device comprising an insulating housing with four receiving orifices associated with connection terminals.
  • the present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks listed above.
  • connection terminal which is simplified, facilitates assembly and less expensive while improving its operability in high power applications.
  • connection terminal 10 for an electrical appliance.
  • the connection terminal 10 has the function of establishing and maintaining a physical and electrical contact between, on the one hand, an electrical conductor 13 inserted. in the connection terminal 10 and on the other hand a conductive bar 11 of the electrical apparatus formed in an electrically conductive material.
  • the electrical device may in particular be of the electrical contactor type with an operating element for establishing or interrupting electrical continuity, or of the junction block type.
  • the electrical device can be configured to come to be fixed in a removable manner on a fixing rail on which several electrical devices can be mounted side by side, these electrical devices being identical or not to each other.
  • connection terminal 10 comprises a clamping element 12 formed in a non-magnetic material, which makes it possible to avoid or limit the formation of eddy currents mentioned in relation to the state of the art presented above, even in the particular case. aimed at high power applications which involve the presence of an electrical current flowing in the electrical conductor 13 and in the conductive strip 11 greater than 100A.
  • the clamping element 12 is in the form of a cage suitable for receiving the end of an electrical conductor 13 inserted into the clamping element 12.
  • the term "cage” is to be interpreted with a very broad meaning, in the sense that it is an element defining an open cavity or not, passing through or not, suitable for receiving ends of electrical conductors which may have different shapes, different dimensions, in particular different diameters or different lengths.
  • the clamping element 12 is constituted by a single single piece. This eliminates assembly and manufacturing problems, which further reduces costs and improves reliability while improving magnetic properties, to avoid eddy currents as much as possible in high power applications (including a electric current flowing in the electrical conductor 13 concerned and in the electrical bar 11 having an intensity greater than 100A) particularly targeted as a field of application to the invention.
  • the arrangement of a clamping element made of non-magnetic material and in the form of a single, one-piece piece provides in practice better magnetic properties than a multi-piece assembly by avoiding magnetic discontinuities or even deliberate or involuntary breaks in contact. .
  • the non-magnetic material is configured so that the clamping element 12 has a state of spatial deformation, under the effect of the heat resulting from the magnetic field induced by an electrical intensity greater than 100A circulating in the electrical conductor 13 , such that a withdrawal of the end of the electrical conductor 13 out of the clamping element 12 in the clamping configuration is inhibited by the clamping element 12.
  • the one-piece clamping element exhibits a deformation rate (under the effect of the heating which results from this intensity) guaranteeing the maintenance of the electrical conductor below a given limit value of axial withdrawal force.
  • the non-magnetic material of the clamping element is adapted so as to be able to fulfill the function which consists in presenting a state of spatial deformation ensuring the inhibition by the clamping element of the withdrawal of the electrical conductor out of the element. tightening, when such conditions where an electrical current greater than 100A flows in the electrical conductor are applied.
  • this adaptation of the non-magnetic material may depend on the shape of the clamping element, on its thickness, or even on the maximum value of the withdrawal force that the clamping element must inhibit.
  • the adaptation of the non-magnetic material according to these characteristics can be carried out by numerical simulation and the person skilled in the art is quite able to search for the non-magnetic material according to the dimensional or functional characteristics which are attributed to the clamping element.
  • the organization of the clamping element in the form of a single one-piece part not only makes it possible to be more economical, more reliable, simpler and less risky in terms of loss or deterioration, but also makes it possible to have a capacity to deform significantly less in order to improve the axial strength of the electrical conductor.
  • the non-magnetic material is an alloy based on copper, aluminum or an alloy based on aluminum, which in practice gives very good results.
  • clamping element 12 as presented here can be manufactured by any method and any process suitable for the desired aim and result, the single, one-piece part in which the clamping element 12 is made can advantageously be obtained by a simple extrusion operation, which makes manufacturing and obtaining very simple, and inexpensive.
  • the clamping element 12 is in the form of a section of profile having a section with a closed contour.
  • the section of each clamping element 12 may be in the form of a ring or a ring, exactly circular or not, for example in a slightly oblong shape, elongated in a direction corresponding substantially to the direction in which the clamping element 12 is intended to ensure the clamping of the electrical conductor 13 and of the conductive strip 11.
  • Such a closed shape of the section allows the clamping element 12 to have very good magnetic characteristics, clearly superior to an open-shaped section or a clamping element in several assembled parts. between them, allowing it in particular to exhibit very low eddy currents even when the electrical intensity is greater than 100A in the electrical conductor 13 clamped by this clamping element 12 and in the conductive strip 11.
  • the cutting section is understood to mean the section considered perpendicular to the direction in which the clamping element 12 has been extruded.
  • the thickness of the clamping element 12 is, at least locally, between 2 and 4 mm.
  • This dimensional characteristic in addition to the use of a non-magnetic material and optionally of the characteristic linked to the closed shape of the section of the clamping element 12, makes it possible to further limit the effects of heating and deformation of the clamping element 12 even when an electrical current greater than 100A flows in the electrical conductor 13.
  • the electrical apparatus comprises an insulating casing 14 electrically formed in any suitable material such as for example a plastic material for simplicity of manufacture by injection. At least one connection terminal 10 is mounted in the electrical apparatus, depending on the number of electrical conductors 13 to be connected. In the example illustrated, the electrical apparatus comprises two separate connection terminals 10, independent of one another. The two connection terminals 10 allow the electrical connection to the conductive strip 11 of two electrical conductors 13, which may or may not be identical. Each of the two connection terminals 10 is intended to receive, in this case, the end of a corresponding electrical conductor 13 (see figure 1 ).
  • the insulating box 14 can be in one piece, or, as illustrated, constituted by the assembly of several parts: in the example illustrated, the insulating box 14 comprises two parts 14a, 14b assembled together so removable in an assembly direction generally perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the electrical conductors 13 in the two connection terminals 10.
  • the two parts 14a, 14b can be fixed by snap-fastening, by means of screws, or anywhere else equivalent means.
  • the insulating box 14 comprises at least one receiving orifice 15 of a first type in which the end of an electrical conductor 13 is threaded until it is inserted into the clamping element 12 and at least one orifice.
  • reception 16 of a second type allowing the insertion of another electrical conductor (not shown) in the insulating box 14, different from the electrical conductor (s) 13.
  • the electrical apparatus comprises at least one branch strip 17 configured so as to electrically connect the conductive strip 11 and the electrical conductor inserted into the receiving orifice 16 of the second type.
  • the insulating box 14 comprises two reception orifices 15 according to the first type arranged on lateral sides of the insulating box 14 which are opposite. These two reception orifices 15 according to the first type make it possible to receive the two electrical conductors 13 which are connected in the two connection terminals 10 that the electrical apparatus comprises, housed in the insulating box 14.
  • Each reception orifice 15 of the first type can comprise a protective cap (not shown) intended to close the reception orifice 15 of the first type which it equips before the installation by inserting the electrical conductor 13.
  • the insulating box 14 also comprises two reception orifices 16 according to the second type, also arranged on the same two opposite lateral sides of the insulating box 14, each being located just above a reception orifice 15 of the first type, as well as two branch strips 17 distinct from one another and distinct from the strip 11.
  • the two reception ports 16 according to the second type allow two electrical conductors not shown, different from the electrical conductors marked 13, which come into contact with the branch strips 17 to establish an electrical connection with the conductive strip 11.
  • connection terminals 10 and the conductive strip 11 as well as the branch strips 17 are concretely mounted in one of the two parts 14a, 14b of the insulating box 14 before the two parts 14a, 14b of the insulating box 14 are assembled together .
  • the figure 2 shows the situation after the assembly of the two parts 14a, 14b of the insulating box 14 between them, before the installation of the electrical conductors 13 visible on the figure 1 .
  • the two electrical conductors 13 intended to be connected to the conductive bar 11 via the two connection terminals 10 are different from each other: the diameter of the end of the electrical conductor 13 on the right which cooperates with clamping element 12 of the right connection terminal 10 in its release configuration is much greater than the diameter of the end of the left-hand electrical conductor 13 which cooperates with the clamping element 12 of the left-hand connection terminal 10 in its clamping configuration.
  • connection terminal 10 is configured so that in the clamping configuration of the clamping element 12, the end of the electrical conductor 13 previously inserted into the clamping element 12 in its release configuration is held in place by clamping between the clamping element 12 and the conductive bar 11 mounted in the insulating case 14 in order to establish an electrical contact between the conductive bar 11 and the end of the electrical conductor 13.
  • the dimensions of the inner part of the clamping element 12 intended to receive the end of the electrical conductors 13 and the conductive strip 11, as well as the organization of the actuating elements 18, are configured to allow cooperation with the ends of electrical conductors 13 having a diameter within a predetermined value range.
  • the clamping element 12 of the left connection terminal 10 adopts its loosening configuration while the clamping element 12 of the right connection terminal 10 is in its clamping configuration.
  • clamping element 12 of each of the two connection terminals 10 is carried out by a corresponding and adapted manipulation of the actuating elements 18 concerned.
  • the change from one configuration to another of the clamping element 12 is carried out by an overall movement of the clamping element 12 relative to the insulating housing 14 in which the 'clamping element 12 is slidably mounted, between a first position corresponding to the release configuration and a second position different from the first position and corresponding to the clamping configuration
  • Each clamping element 12 is housed and mounted with a sliding possibility in a corresponding housing 19 delimited by the insulating housing 14.
  • the sliding movement may or may not be rectilinear, depending on the shape and organization of the housing 19, which provides the function of guiding the clamping element 12 during its movement.
  • the insulating box 14 therefore defines two housings 19 in which the two clamping elements 12 of the two connection terminals 10 are slidably mounted.
  • the reception orifice 15 of the first type opens into the corresponding housing 19.
  • the clamping element 12 of the left connection terminal 10 is in its second position while the clamping element 12 of the right connection terminal 10 is in its first position.
  • the positions are reversed for the two clamping elements 12 with respect to the positions adopted on the figure 1 .
  • each clamping element could be done by any other means, such as for example by a possible change in the shape of the clamping element 12.
  • the actuating elements 18 comprise at least one screwing element such as a screw or a bolt, which can be actuated from outside the insulating case 14 and ensuring the variation of the clamping element 12 between the first position and the second position and vice versa when this screwing element is screwed or unscrewed.
  • the actuating elements 18 may however be formed by any other equivalent and suitable means, in particular depending on the way in which the change of the clamping element 12 is carried out from one configuration to another.
  • the clamping element 12 may comprise a complementary screwing element able to cooperate with the screwing element of the actuating elements 18.
  • the complementary screwing element may be a threaded hole integral with the clamping element 12, in which the screw engages.
  • the invention also relates to an electrical device as such, configured to constitute in particular a junction block or a contactor as has already been indicated.

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  • Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
  • Connection Or Junction Boxes (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un appareil électrique comprenant des bornes de connexion.The present invention relates to an electrical apparatus comprising connection terminals.

De manière connue, une borne de connexion destinée à être montée dans un boitier électriquement isolant comprend classiquement un élément de serrage monté de manière déplaçable dans le boitier isolant ainsi qu'un mécanisme d'actionnement pour déplacer l'élément de serrage.In known manner, a connection terminal intended to be mounted in an electrically insulating casing conventionally comprises a clamping element mounted in a movable manner in the insulating casing as well as an actuation mechanism for moving the clamping element.

L'élément de serrage est prêt à recevoir une extrémité libre d'un conducteur électrique insérée dans une cavité délimitée par l'élément de serrage qui adopte souvent une forme de cage. Grâce au mécanisme d'actionnement, l'élément de serrage peut varier entre une position permettant la mise en place du conducteur électrique et une position dans laquelle l'élément de serrage plaque et maintient l'extrémité du conducteur électrique contre une barrette conductrice électriquement montée dans le boitier isolant.The clamping element is ready to receive a free end of an electrical conductor inserted into a cavity delimited by the clamping element which often takes the shape of a cage. By virtue of the actuation mechanism, the clamping element can vary between a position allowing the placement of the electrical conductor and a position in which the clamping element plates and holds the end of the electrical conductor against an electrically mounted conductive bar in the insulating box.

Dans les solutions existantes, l'élément de serrage est réalisé par un assemblage de plusieurs pièces, généralement en acier entre elles. L'assemblage de l'élément de serrage réclame donc plusieurs opérations, ce qui n'est pas optimal dans la cadre de la réduction des coûts et d'une simplification de montage. Il existe aussi un risque de voir certaines des pièces être perdues ou détériorées.In the existing solutions, the clamping element is produced by assembling several parts, generally made of steel between them. The assembly of the clamping element therefore requires several operations, which is not optimal in the context of reducing costs and simplifying assembly. There is also a risk that some of the parts may be lost or damaged.

Par ailleurs, l'utilisation d'acier est problématique. Dans les applications de fortes puissances, par exemple dans le cas d'un appareil électrique de type contacteur ou terminal de puissance, l'intensité électrique circulant dans le conducteur électrique et dans la barrette conductrice peut être supérieure à 100 A. Il peut en résulter des courants de Foucault de forte intensité, susceptibles de créer un échauffement des pièces en acier et une déformation de l'élément de serrage pouvant conduire à un desserrage préjudiciable de l'élément conducteur.Furthermore, the use of steel is problematic. In high power applications, for example in the case of an electrical device of the contactor or power terminal type, the electrical current circulating in the electrical conductor and in the conductive strip may be greater than 100 A. This may result from this. high intensity eddy currents, capable of creating heating of the steel parts and deformation of the clamping element which can lead to detrimental loosening of the conductive element.

D'autre part, il est nécessaire de limiter l'épaisseur des pièces en acier pour contenir les courants de Foucault en dessous de certaines limites afin d'éviter les problématiques ci-dessous, ce qui renforce l'obligation de recours à un élément de serrage de type multi-pièces assemblées entre elles.On the other hand, it is necessary to limit the thickness of the steel parts to contain the eddy currents below certain limits in order to avoid the problems below, which reinforces the obligation to use an element of multi-piece type clamping assembled together.

Les documents EP0687032A1 et FR2786611A1 décrivent des solutions où l'élément de serrage est au moins partiellement réalisé en matériau amagnétique mais une fois encore l'élément de serrage est à chaque fois réalisé par un assemblage complexe et onéreux de plusieurs pièces entre elles, avec en outre les mêmes risques dans le temps. Le document EP0848452A1 décrit un appareil électrique comprenant un boîtier isolant avec quatre orifices de réception associés à des bornes de connexion.The documents EP0687032A1 and FR2786611A1 describe solutions where the clamping element is at least partially made of a non-magnetic material but once again the clamping element is each time produced by a complex and expensive assembly of several parts together, with furthermore the same risks in time. The document EP0848452A1 describes an electrical device comprising an insulating housing with four receiving orifices associated with connection terminals.

La présente invention vise à résoudre tout ou partie des inconvénients listés ci-dessus.The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks listed above.

Dans ce contexte, il existe un besoin de fournir un appareil électrique comprenant une borne de connexion qui soit simplifiée, facilite le montage et moins onéreuse tout en améliorant son aptitude de fonctionnement dans les applications de hautes puissances.In this context, there is a need to provide an electrical apparatus comprising a connection terminal which is simplified, facilitates assembly and less expensive while improving its operability in high power applications.

A cet effet, il est proposé un appareil électrique selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, there is provided an electrical apparatus according to claim 1.

L'invention sera bien comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit de modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et représentés sur les dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'un exemple d'appareil électrique équipé de deux bornes de connexion selon l'invention respectivement dans une configuration de serrage et dans une configuration de desserrage et coopérant avec des extrémités de deux conducteurs électriques de diamètres différents.
  • La figure 2 est une vue de côté de l'appareil électrique de la figure 1, avant la mise en place des conducteurs électriques visibles sur la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une vue de face illustrant la même partie d'appareil électrique que la figure 1, mais avant la mise en place des conducteurs électriques et en illustrant des configurations inversées pour les deux bornes de connexion par rapport à la figure 1.
The invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • The figure 1 is a perspective view of part of an example of an electrical device equipped with two connection terminals according to the invention respectively in a clamping configuration and in a loosening configuration and cooperating with the ends of two electrical conductors of diameters different.
  • The figure 2 is a side view of the electrical appliance of the figure 1 , before the installation of the electrical conductors visible on the figure 1 .
  • The figure 3 is a front view showing the same part of an electrical appliance as the figure 1 , but before placing the electrical conductors and illustrating reverse configurations for the two connection terminals with respect to the figure 1 .

En référence aux figures 1 à 3 annexées telles que présentées sommairement ci-dessus, l'invention concerne essentiellement une borne de connexion 10 pour appareil électrique. Au sein de l'appareil électrique, et comme il le sera détaillé plus en détails ci-dessous, la borne de connexion 10 a pour fonction d'établir et de maintenir un contact physique et électrique entre d'une part un conducteur électrique 13 inséré dans la borne de connexion 10 et d'autre part une barrette conductrice 11 de l'appareil électrique formée dans un matériau électriquement conducteur. L'appareil électrique peut notamment être de type contacteur électrique avec un élément de manœuvre pour établir ou interrompre une continuité électrique, ou de type bloc de jonction. L'appareil électrique peut être configuré pour venir se fixer de manière démontable sur un rail de fixation sur lequel plusieurs appareils électriques peuvent être montés côte à côte, ces appareils électriques étant identiques ou non entre eux.With reference to figures 1 to 3 appended as summarized above, the invention relates essentially to a connection terminal 10 for an electrical appliance. Within the electrical device, and as will be detailed in more detail below, the connection terminal 10 has the function of establishing and maintaining a physical and electrical contact between, on the one hand, an electrical conductor 13 inserted. in the connection terminal 10 and on the other hand a conductive bar 11 of the electrical apparatus formed in an electrically conductive material. The electrical device may in particular be of the electrical contactor type with an operating element for establishing or interrupting electrical continuity, or of the junction block type. The electrical device can be configured to come to be fixed in a removable manner on a fixing rail on which several electrical devices can be mounted side by side, these electrical devices being identical or not to each other.

La borne de connexion 10 comprend un élément de serrage 12 formé dans un matériau amagnétique, ce qui permet d'éviter ou de limiter la formation de courants de Foucault évoqués en relation avec l'état de la technique présenté précédemment, même dans le cas particulièrement visé des applications de fortes puissances qui impliquent la présence d'une intensité électrique circulant dans le conducteur électrique 13 et dans la barrette conductrice 11 supérieure à 100A.The connection terminal 10 comprises a clamping element 12 formed in a non-magnetic material, which makes it possible to avoid or limit the formation of eddy currents mentioned in relation to the state of the art presented above, even in the particular case. aimed at high power applications which involve the presence of an electrical current flowing in the electrical conductor 13 and in the conductive strip 11 greater than 100A.

L'élément de serrage 12 se présente sous la forme d'une cage apte à recevoir l'extrémité d'un conducteur électrique 13 insérée dans l'élément de serrage 12. Le terme « cage » est à interpréter avec une acception très large, en ce sens qu'il s'agit d'un élément délimitant une cavité ouverte ou non, traversante ou non, adaptée à la réception d'extrémités de conducteurs électriques pouvant avoir différentes formes, différentes dimensions, en particulier différents diamètres ou différentes longueurs.The clamping element 12 is in the form of a cage suitable for receiving the end of an electrical conductor 13 inserted into the clamping element 12. The term "cage" is to be interpreted with a very broad meaning, in the sense that it is an element defining an open cavity or not, passing through or not, suitable for receiving ends of electrical conductors which may have different shapes, different dimensions, in particular different diameters or different lengths.

Chaque borne de connexion 10 comprend aussi des éléments d'actionnement 18 permettant de faire varier l'élément de serrage 12 de cette borne de connexion 10 entre :

  • une configuration de desserrage dans laquelle l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13 peut librement être insérée dans l'élément de serrage 12 ou être retirée hors de l'élément de serrage 12,
  • et une configuration de serrage dans laquelle l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13 préalablement insérée dans l'élément de serrage 12 est maintenue en place par serrage entre l'élément de serrage 12 et la barrette conductrice 11 afin d'établir un contact électrique entre la barrette conductrice 11 et l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13.
Each connection terminal 10 also comprises actuating elements 18 making it possible to vary the clamping element 12 of this connection terminal 10 between:
  • a release configuration in which the end of the electrical conductor 13 can be freely inserted into the clamping member 12 or withdrawn from the clamping member 12,
  • and a clamping configuration in which the end of the electrical conductor 13 previously inserted into the clamping element 12 is held in place by clamping between the clamping element 12 and the conductive bar 11 in order to establish electrical contact between the clamping element 12. conductive strip 11 and the end of the electrical conductor 13.

De manière très avantageuse pour répondre aux problèmes présentés en relation avec l'art antérieur, l'élément de serrage 12 est constitué par une pièce unique monobloc. Cela permet de supprimer les problématiques d'assemblage et de fabrication, ce qui en outre diminue les coûts et améliore la fiabilité tout en améliorant les propriétés magnétiques, pour éviter autant que possible les courants de Foucault dans les applications de hautes puissances (avec notamment un courant électrique circulant dans le conducteur électrique 13 concerné et dans la barrette électrique 11 ayant une intensité supérieure à 100A) particulièrement visées comme domaine d'application à l'invention.Very advantageously in order to respond to the problems presented in relation to the prior art, the clamping element 12 is constituted by a single single piece. This eliminates assembly and manufacturing problems, which further reduces costs and improves reliability while improving magnetic properties, to avoid eddy currents as much as possible in high power applications (including a electric current flowing in the electrical conductor 13 concerned and in the electrical bar 11 having an intensity greater than 100A) particularly targeted as a field of application to the invention.

L'agencement d'un élément de serrage en matériau amagnétique et sous la forme d'une pièce unique et monobloc apporte en pratique de meilleures propriétés magnétiques qu'un ensemble multi-pièces en évitant les discontinuités magnétiques voire des ruptures de contact volontaires ou non.The arrangement of a clamping element made of non-magnetic material and in the form of a single, one-piece piece provides in practice better magnetic properties than a multi-piece assembly by avoiding magnetic discontinuities or even deliberate or involuntary breaks in contact. .

De manière générale, le matériau amagnétique est configuré de sorte que l'élément de serrage 12 présente un état de déformation spatiale, sous l'effet de la chaleur résultant du champ magnétique induit par une intensité électrique supérieure à 100A circulant dans le conducteur électrique 13, tel qu'un retrait de l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13 hors de l'élément de serrage 12 en configuration de serrage est inhibé par l'élément de serrage 12. Ainsi, il est recherché que lorsqu'il circule une intensité supérieure à 100A, l'élément de serrage monobloc présente un taux de déformation (sous l'effet de l'échauffement qui résulte de cette intensité) garantissant le maintien du conducteur électrique en dessous d'une valeur limite donnée d'effort de retrait axial.In general, the non-magnetic material is configured so that the clamping element 12 has a state of spatial deformation, under the effect of the heat resulting from the magnetic field induced by an electrical intensity greater than 100A circulating in the electrical conductor 13 , such that a withdrawal of the end of the electrical conductor 13 out of the clamping element 12 in the clamping configuration is inhibited by the clamping element 12. Thus, it is sought that when it circulates an intensity greater than 100A, the one-piece clamping element exhibits a deformation rate (under the effect of the heating which results from this intensity) guaranteeing the maintenance of the electrical conductor below a given limit value of axial withdrawal force.

Autrement dit, le matériau amagnétique de l'élément de serrage est adapté de manière à pouvoir remplir la fonction qui consiste à présenter un état de déformation spatiale assurant l'inhibition par l'élément de serrage du retrait du conducteur électrique hors de l'élément de serrage, lorsque de telles conditions où une intensité électrique supérieure à 100A circule dans le conducteur électrique sont appliquées. En pratique, cette adaptation du matériau amagnétique peut dépendre de la forme de l'élément de serrage, de son épaisseur, ou encore de la valeur maximale de l'effort de retrait que l'élément de serrage doit inhiber. Notamment, l'adaptation du matériau amagnétique en fonction de ces caractéristiques peut être réalisée par simulation numérique et l'Homme du Métier est tout à fait à-même de rechercher le matériau amagnétique en fonction des caractéristiques dimensionnelles ou fonctionnelles qui sont attribuées à l'élément de serrage.In other words, the non-magnetic material of the clamping element is adapted so as to be able to fulfill the function which consists in presenting a state of spatial deformation ensuring the inhibition by the clamping element of the withdrawal of the electrical conductor out of the element. tightening, when such conditions where an electrical current greater than 100A flows in the electrical conductor are applied. In practice, this adaptation of the non-magnetic material may depend on the shape of the clamping element, on its thickness, or even on the maximum value of the withdrawal force that the clamping element must inhibit. In particular, the adaptation of the non-magnetic material according to these characteristics can be carried out by numerical simulation and the person skilled in the art is quite able to search for the non-magnetic material according to the dimensional or functional characteristics which are attributed to the clamping element.

Il est d'ailleurs précisé que le fait de prévoir un élément de serrage constitué par une pièce unique monobloc d'un seul tenant permet à ce dernier d'être beaucoup moins sujet à déformation lorsque il a tendance à s'échauffer sous l'effet de la circulation d'une intensité électrique supérieure à 100A qu'un élément de serrage de même encombrement mais agencé sous la forme d'une assemblage multi-pièces.It is also specified that the fact of providing a clamping element consisting of a single monobloc piece in one piece allows the latter to be much less subject to deformation when it tends to heat up under the effect. circulation of an electric current greater than 100A than a clamping element of the same size but arranged in the form of a multi-piece assembly.

Ainsi, l'organisation de l'élément de serrage sous la forme d'une pièce unique monobloc permet non seulement d'être plus économique, plus fiable, plus simple et moins risquée en terme de perte ou de détérioration mais permet en outre d'avoir une capacité à se déformer nettement moins afin d'améliorer la tenue axiale du conducteur électrique.Thus, the organization of the clamping element in the form of a single one-piece part not only makes it possible to be more economical, more reliable, simpler and less risky in terms of loss or deterioration, but also makes it possible to have a capacity to deform significantly less in order to improve the axial strength of the electrical conductor.

Notamment, le matériau amagnétique est un alliage à base de cuivre, de l'aluminium ou un alliage à base d'aluminium, ce qui en pratique confère de très bons résultats.In particular, the non-magnetic material is an alloy based on copper, aluminum or an alloy based on aluminum, which in practice gives very good results.

Bien que l'élément de serrage 12 tel que présenté ici puisse être fabriqué par toute méthode et tout procédé adaptés au but et au résultat recherchés, la pièce unique monobloc dans laquelle est constitué l'élément de serrage 12 peut avantageusement être obtenue par une simple opération d'extrusion, ce qui rend la fabrication et l'obtention très simples, et peu onéreuse.Although the clamping element 12 as presented here can be manufactured by any method and any process suitable for the desired aim and result, the single, one-piece part in which the clamping element 12 is made can advantageously be obtained by a simple extrusion operation, which makes manufacturing and obtaining very simple, and inexpensive.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier non limitatif, et de la manière représentée, l'élément de serrage 12 se présente sous la forme d'une partie de profilé ayant une section à contour fermé. Ainsi, la section de chaque élément de serrage 12 peut se présenter sous la forme d'un anneau ou d'une bague, exactement circulaire ou non, par exemple sous une forme légèrement oblongue, allongée dans une direction correspondant sensiblement à la direction dans laquelle l'élément de serrage 12 est destiné à assurer le serrage du conducteur électrique 13 et de la barrette conductrice 11.According to a particular non-limiting embodiment, and in the manner shown, the clamping element 12 is in the form of a section of profile having a section with a closed contour. Thus, the section of each clamping element 12 may be in the form of a ring or a ring, exactly circular or not, for example in a slightly oblong shape, elongated in a direction corresponding substantially to the direction in which the clamping element 12 is intended to ensure the clamping of the electrical conductor 13 and of the conductive strip 11.

Une telle forme fermée de la section permet à l'élément de serrage 12 de présenter de très bonnes caractéristiques magnétiques, nettement supérieure à une section de forme ouverte ou un élément de serrage en plusieurs pièces assemblées entre elles, lui permettant notamment de présenter de très faibles courants de Foucault même lorsque l'intensité électrique est supérieure à 100A dans le conducteur électrique 13 serré par cet élément de serrage 12 et dans la barrette conductrice 11.Such a closed shape of the section allows the clamping element 12 to have very good magnetic characteristics, clearly superior to an open-shaped section or a clamping element in several assembled parts. between them, allowing it in particular to exhibit very low eddy currents even when the electrical intensity is greater than 100A in the electrical conductor 13 clamped by this clamping element 12 and in the conductive strip 11.

Lorsque l'élément de serrage 12 est obtenu par extrusion, la section de coupe s'entend de la section considérée perpendiculairement à la direction suivant laquelle l'élément de serrage 12 a été extrudé.When the clamping element 12 is obtained by extrusion, the cutting section is understood to mean the section considered perpendicular to the direction in which the clamping element 12 has been extruded.

De manière très avantageuse, l'épaisseur de l'élément de serrage 12 est, au moins localement, comprise entre 2 et 4 mm.Very advantageously, the thickness of the clamping element 12 is, at least locally, between 2 and 4 mm.

Cette caractéristique dimensionnelle, en complément de l'utilisation d'un matériau amagnétique et optionnellement de la caractéristique liée à la forme fermée de la section de l'élément de serrage 12, permet de limiter encore plus les effets d'échauffements et de déformation de l'élément de serrage 12 même lorsqu'il circule une intensité électrique supérieure à 100A dans le conducteur électrique 13.This dimensional characteristic, in addition to the use of a non-magnetic material and optionally of the characteristic linked to the closed shape of the section of the clamping element 12, makes it possible to further limit the effects of heating and deformation of the clamping element 12 even when an electrical current greater than 100A flows in the electrical conductor 13.

L'appareil électrique comprend un boitier isolant 14 électriquement formé dans tout matériau adapté comme par exemple une matière plastique pour de simplicité de fabrication par injection. Au moins une borne de connexion 10 est montée dans l'appareil électrique, en fonction du nombre de conducteurs électriques 13 à raccorder. Dans l'exemple illustré, l'appareil électrique comprend deux bornes de connexion 10 distinctes, indépendantes l'une de l'autre. Les deux bornes de connexion 10 permettent le raccordement électrique à la barrette conductrice 11 de deux conducteurs électrique 13 identiques ou non. Chacune des deux bornes de connexion 10 est destinée à recevoir, dans ce cas, l'extrémité d'un conducteur électrique 13 correspondant (voir la figure 1).The electrical apparatus comprises an insulating casing 14 electrically formed in any suitable material such as for example a plastic material for simplicity of manufacture by injection. At least one connection terminal 10 is mounted in the electrical apparatus, depending on the number of electrical conductors 13 to be connected. In the example illustrated, the electrical apparatus comprises two separate connection terminals 10, independent of one another. The two connection terminals 10 allow the electrical connection to the conductive strip 11 of two electrical conductors 13, which may or may not be identical. Each of the two connection terminals 10 is intended to receive, in this case, the end of a corresponding electrical conductor 13 (see figure 1 ).

Le boitier isolant 14 peut être monobloc, ou, comme cela est illustré, constitué par l'assemblage de plusieurs parties : dans l'exemple illustré, le boitier isolant 14 comprend deux parties 14a, 14b assemblées l'une à l'autre de manière démontable suivant une direction de montage globalement perpendiculaire à la direction d'insertion des conducteurs électriques 13 dans les deux bornes de connexion 10. La fixation des deux parties 14a, 14b peut se faire par encliquetage, par l'intermédiaire de vis, ou partout autre moyen équivalent.The insulating box 14 can be in one piece, or, as illustrated, constituted by the assembly of several parts: in the example illustrated, the insulating box 14 comprises two parts 14a, 14b assembled together so removable in an assembly direction generally perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the electrical conductors 13 in the two connection terminals 10. The two parts 14a, 14b can be fixed by snap-fastening, by means of screws, or anywhere else equivalent means.

Le boitier isolant 14 comprend au moins un orifice de réception 15 d'un premier type dans lequel l'extrémité d'un conducteur électrique 13 est enfilée jusqu'à venir s'insérer dans l'élément de serrage 12 et au moins un orifice de réception 16 d'un deuxième type permettant l'insertion d'un autre conducteur électrique (non représenté) dans le boitier isolant 14, différent du ou des conducteur(s) électrique(s) 13. En complément, l'appareil électrique comprend au moins une barrette de dérivation 17 configurée de sorte à relier électriquement la barrette conductrice 11 et le conducteur électrique inséré dans l'orifice de réception 16 du deuxième type.The insulating box 14 comprises at least one receiving orifice 15 of a first type in which the end of an electrical conductor 13 is threaded until it is inserted into the clamping element 12 and at least one orifice. reception 16 of a second type allowing the insertion of another electrical conductor (not shown) in the insulating box 14, different from the electrical conductor (s) 13. In addition, the electrical apparatus comprises at least one branch strip 17 configured so as to electrically connect the conductive strip 11 and the electrical conductor inserted into the receiving orifice 16 of the second type.

Plus précisément, dans l'exemple illustré qui est non limitatif, le boitier isolant 14 comprend deux orifices de réception 15 selon le premier type agencés sur des côtés latéraux du boitier isolant 14 opposés. Ces deux orifices de réception 15 selon le premier type permettent de recevoir les deux conducteurs électriques 13 qui viennent se connecter dans les deux bornes de connexion 10 que comprend l'appareil électrique, logées dans le boitier isolant 14.More precisely, in the example illustrated which is not limiting, the insulating box 14 comprises two reception orifices 15 according to the first type arranged on lateral sides of the insulating box 14 which are opposite. These two reception orifices 15 according to the first type make it possible to receive the two electrical conductors 13 which are connected in the two connection terminals 10 that the electrical apparatus comprises, housed in the insulating box 14.

Chaque orifice de réception 15 du premier type peut comprendre un opercule de protection (non représenté) destiné à obturer l'orifice de réception 15 du premier type qu'il équipe avant la mise en place par insertion du conducteur électrique 13.Each reception orifice 15 of the first type can comprise a protective cap (not shown) intended to close the reception orifice 15 of the first type which it equips before the installation by inserting the electrical conductor 13.

Le boitier isolant 14 comprend également deux orifices de réception 16 selon le deuxième type agencés également sur les mêmes deux côtés latéraux opposés du boitier isolant 14, chacun étant situé juste au-dessus d'un orifice de réception 15 du premier type, ainsi que deux barrettes de dérivation 17 distinctes l'une de l'autre et distincte de la barrette 11. Les deux orfices de réception 16 selon le deuxième type permettent de recevoir deux conducteurs éléctriques non représentés, différents des conducteurs électriques repérés 13, qui viennent en contact avec les barrettes de dérivation 17 pour établir une liaison électrique avec la barrette conductrice 11.The insulating box 14 also comprises two reception orifices 16 according to the second type, also arranged on the same two opposite lateral sides of the insulating box 14, each being located just above a reception orifice 15 of the first type, as well as two branch strips 17 distinct from one another and distinct from the strip 11. The two reception ports 16 according to the second type allow two electrical conductors not shown, different from the electrical conductors marked 13, which come into contact with the branch strips 17 to establish an electrical connection with the conductive strip 11.

Les bornes de connexion 10 et la barrette conductrice 11 ainsi que les barrettes de dérivation 17 sont concrètement montées dans l'une des deux parties 14a, 14b du boitier isolant 14 avant l'assemblage des deux parties 14a, 14b du boitier isolant 14 entre elles. La figure 2 montre la situation après l'assemblage des deux parties 14a, 14b du boitier isolant 14 entre elles, avant la mise en place des conducteurs électriques 13 visibles sur la figure 1.The connection terminals 10 and the conductive strip 11 as well as the branch strips 17 are concretely mounted in one of the two parts 14a, 14b of the insulating box 14 before the two parts 14a, 14b of the insulating box 14 are assembled together . The figure 2 shows the situation after the assembly of the two parts 14a, 14b of the insulating box 14 between them, before the installation of the electrical conductors 13 visible on the figure 1 .

La figure 1 sur laquelle la partie 14b du boitier isolant 14 est absente, montre la situation particulière où l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de gauche adopte sa configuration de serrage tandis que l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de droite est dans sa configuration de desserrage. Toujours sur la figure 1, les deux conducteurs électriques 13 destinés à être reliés à la barrette conductrice 11 par l'intermédiaire des deux bornes de connexion 10 sont différents l'un de l'autre : le diamètre de l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13 de droite qui coopère avec l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de droite dans sa configuration de desserrage est très largement supérieure au diamètre de l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13 de gauche qui coopère avec l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de gauche dans sa configuration de serrage.The figure 1 on which the part 14b of the insulating box 14 is absent, shows the particular situation where the clamping element 12 of the left connection terminal 10 adopts its clamping configuration while the clamping element 12 of the connection terminal 10 right is in its release configuration. Still on the figure 1 , the two electrical conductors 13 intended to be connected to the conductive bar 11 via the two connection terminals 10 are different from each other: the diameter of the end of the electrical conductor 13 on the right which cooperates with clamping element 12 of the right connection terminal 10 in its release configuration is much greater than the diameter of the end of the left-hand electrical conductor 13 which cooperates with the clamping element 12 of the left-hand connection terminal 10 in its clamping configuration.

Chaque borne de connexion 10 est configurée de sorte que dans la configuration de serrage de l'élément de serrage 12, l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13 préalablement insérée dans l'élément de serrage 12 dans sa configuration de desserrage est maintenue en place par serrage entre l'élément de serrage 12 et la barrette conductrice 11 montée dans le boitier isolant 14 afin d'établir un contact électrique entre la barrette conductrice 11 et l'extrémité du conducteur électrique 13.Each connection terminal 10 is configured so that in the clamping configuration of the clamping element 12, the end of the electrical conductor 13 previously inserted into the clamping element 12 in its release configuration is held in place by clamping between the clamping element 12 and the conductive bar 11 mounted in the insulating case 14 in order to establish an electrical contact between the conductive bar 11 and the end of the electrical conductor 13.

Il ressort donc de ce qui précède que les dimensions de la partie intérieure de l'élément de serrage 12 destinée à recevoir l'extrémité des conducteurs électriques 13 et la barrette conductrice 11, ainsi que l'organisation des éléments d'actionnement 18, sont configurés pour admettre la coopération avec des extrémités de conducteurs électriques 13 ayant un diamètre compris dans une plage de valeur prédéterminée.It therefore emerges from the foregoing that the dimensions of the inner part of the clamping element 12 intended to receive the end of the electrical conductors 13 and the conductive strip 11, as well as the organization of the actuating elements 18, are configured to allow cooperation with the ends of electrical conductors 13 having a diameter within a predetermined value range.

Par contre, sur la figure 3 où la partie 14b du boitier isolant 14 est toujours absente, l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de gauche adopte sa configuration de desserrage tandis que l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de droite est dans sa configuration de serrage.On the other hand, on the figure 3 where the part 14b of the insulating box 14 is still absent, the clamping element 12 of the left connection terminal 10 adopts its loosening configuration while the clamping element 12 of the right connection terminal 10 is in its clamping configuration.

Le placement de l'élément de serrage 12 de chacune des deux bornes de connexion 10 dans l'une ou l'autre de ses configurations se pratique par une manipulation correspondante et adaptée des éléments d'actionnement 18 concernés.The placement of the clamping element 12 of each of the two connection terminals 10 in one or the other of its configurations is carried out by a corresponding and adapted manipulation of the actuating elements 18 concerned.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier non limitatif, le changement d'une configuration à l'autre de l'élément de serrage 12 se pratique par un déplacement d'ensemble de l'élément de serrage 12 par rapport au boitier isolant 14 dans lequel l'élément de serrage 12 est monté à coulissement, entre une première position correspondant à la configuration de desserrage et une deuxième position différente de la première position et correspondant à la configuration de serrage Chaque élément de serrage 12 est logé et monté avec une possibilité de coulissement dans un logement 19 correspondant délimité par le boitier isolant 14. Le mouvement de coulissement peut être rectiligne ou non, suivant la forme et l'organisation du logement 19, qui assure la fonction de guidage de l'élément de serrage 12 durant son déplacement. Dans l'exemple particulier illustré, le boitier isolant 14 délimite donc deux logements 19 dans lesquels sont montés à coulissement les deux éléments de serrage 12 des deux bornes de connexion 10. Pour une borne de connexion 10 donnée, l'orifice de réception 15 du premier type débouche dans le logement 19 correspondant.According to a particular non-limiting embodiment, the change from one configuration to another of the clamping element 12 is carried out by an overall movement of the clamping element 12 relative to the insulating housing 14 in which the 'clamping element 12 is slidably mounted, between a first position corresponding to the release configuration and a second position different from the first position and corresponding to the clamping configuration Each clamping element 12 is housed and mounted with a sliding possibility in a corresponding housing 19 delimited by the insulating housing 14. The sliding movement may or may not be rectilinear, depending on the shape and organization of the housing 19, which provides the function of guiding the clamping element 12 during its movement. In the particular example illustrated, the insulating box 14 therefore defines two housings 19 in which the two clamping elements 12 of the two connection terminals 10 are slidably mounted. For a connection terminal 10 given, the reception orifice 15 of the first type opens into the corresponding housing 19.

Par exemple sur la figure 1 l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de gauche est dans sa deuxième position tandis que l'élément de serrage 12 de la borne de connexion 10 de droite est dans sa première position. Sur la figure 3, les positions sont inversées pour les deux éléments de serrage 12 par rapport aux positions adoptées sur la figure 1.For example on the figure 1 the clamping element 12 of the left connection terminal 10 is in its second position while the clamping element 12 of the right connection terminal 10 is in its first position. On the figure 3 , the positions are reversed for the two clamping elements 12 with respect to the positions adopted on the figure 1 .

Il reste toutefois que le changement d'une configuration à l'autre de chaque élément de serrage pourrait se faire par tout autre moyen, comme par exemple par un changement éventuel de la forme de l'élément de serrage 12.However, the change from one configuration to another of each clamping element could be done by any other means, such as for example by a possible change in the shape of the clamping element 12.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, les éléments d'actionnement 18 comprennent au moins un élément de vissage tel qu'une vis ou un boulon, actionnable depuis l'extérieur du boitier isolant 14 et assurant la variation de l'élément de serrage 12 entre la première position et la deuxième position et réciproquement lorsque cet élément de vissage est vissé ou dévissé. Les éléments d'actionnement 18 peuvent toutefois être constitués par tout autre moyen équivalent et adapté, notamment en fonction de la manière dont se pratique le changement de l'élément de serrage 12 d'une configuration à l'autre. L'élément de serrage 12 peut comprendre un élément de vissage complémentaire apte à coopérer avec l'élément de vissage des éléments d'actionnement 18. Par exemple dans le cas tel que représenté où l'élément de vissage des éléments d'actionnement 18 est une vis, alors l'élément de vissage complémentaire peut être un orifice taraudé solidaire de l'élément de serrage 12, dans lequel vient s'engager la vis.According to a particular embodiment, the actuating elements 18 comprise at least one screwing element such as a screw or a bolt, which can be actuated from outside the insulating case 14 and ensuring the variation of the clamping element 12 between the first position and the second position and vice versa when this screwing element is screwed or unscrewed. The actuating elements 18 may however be formed by any other equivalent and suitable means, in particular depending on the way in which the change of the clamping element 12 is carried out from one configuration to another. The clamping element 12 may comprise a complementary screwing element able to cooperate with the screwing element of the actuating elements 18. For example in the case as shown where the screwing element of the actuating elements 18 is a screw, then the complementary screwing element may be a threaded hole integral with the clamping element 12, in which the screw engages.

Alternativement ou en substitution, il peut être prévu que le passage d'une configuration à l'autre de l'élément de serrage 12 puisse être réalisé par un organe élastique tel qu'un ressort configuré à cet effet et logé dans le boitier isolant 14.Alternatively or in substitution, provision may be made for the passage from one configuration to another of the clamping element 12 to be able to be achieved by an elastic member such as a spring configured for this purpose and housed in the insulating case 14. .

L'invention concerne aussi un appareil électrique en tant que tel, configuré pour constituer notamment un bloc de jonction ou un contacteur comme il l'a déjà été indiqué.The invention also relates to an electrical device as such, configured to constitute in particular a junction block or a contactor as has already been indicated.

Claims (7)

  1. An electric apparatus such as a junction block or a contactor, comprising an electrically insulating casing (14) and two connection terminals (10) mounted in the insulating casing (14), and a conductive strip (11) mounted in the insulating casing (14), the two connection terminals (10) permitting to establish an electric contact between the conductive strip (11) and two electrical conductors (13),
    each connection terminal (10) comprising a clamping element (12) formed of a nonmagnetic material and being in the form of a cage capable of receiving the end of an electrical conductor (13) inserted in the clamping element (12), and actuating elements (18) allowing to vary the clamping element (12) between a loosening configuration in which the end of the electrical conductor (13) can be freely inserted in the clamping element (12) or be removed from the clamping element (12) and a clamping configuration in which the end of the electrical conductor (13) previously inserted in the clamping element (12) is held in place by clamping between the clamping element (12) and a conductive strip (11) of the electric apparatus in order to establish an electric contact between the conductive strip (11) and the end of the electrical conductor (13), the clamping element (12) being constituted by a single unitary integral piece,
    the insulating casing (14) comprising two receiving ports (15) of a first type, each of which being associated to one of the two connection terminals (10), the end of one of the two electrical conductors (13) being able to be tapered into each of the two receiving ports (15) of the first type until it is inserted in the clamping element (12) of the associated connection terminal (10),
    the insulating casing (14) comprising two receiving port (16) of a second type, each of which allowing the insertion of another electrical conductor in the insulating casing (14), the electric apparatus comprising two bypass strips (17) different from each other et different from the conductive strip (11), each of the two bypass strips (17) being associated to one of the two receiving ports (16) of the second type et being configured so as to electrically link the conductive strip (11) and the electrical conductor inserted in the associated receiving port (16) of the second type.
  2. The electric apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the nonmagnetic material is a copper-based alloy, aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy.
  3. The electric apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said single unitary integral piece is obtained by an extrusion operation.
  4. The electric apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping element (12) is in the form of a profile portion having a section with closed contour.
  5. The electric apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, at least locally, the thickness of the clamping element (12) is between 2 and 4 mm.
  6. The electric apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the change from one configuration to the other of the clamping element (12) is performed by an overall displacement of the clamping element (12) relative to the insulating casing (14) in which the clamping element (12) is slidably mounted between a first position corresponding to the loosening configuration and a second position different from the first position and corresponding to the clamping configuration.
  7. The electric apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating elements (18) comprise at least one screwing element which can be actuated from the outside of the insulating casing (14) and ensuring the variation of the clamping element (12) between the first position and the second position and vice versa when the screwing element is screwed or unscrewed.
EP17150057.2A 2016-01-08 2017-01-02 Electrical apparatus with connection terminal provided with a clamping cage made of non-magnetic material Active EP3190664B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1650145A FR3046702B1 (en) 2016-01-08 2016-01-08 CONNECTION TERMINAL FOR AN ELECTRIC APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH A CLAMP OF A CLAMP OF AMAGNETIC MATERIAL

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EP3190664A1 EP3190664A1 (en) 2017-07-12
EP3190664B1 true EP3190664B1 (en) 2020-09-02

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CN114243398A (en) * 2021-12-09 2022-03-25 中国华能集团清洁能源技术研究院有限公司 Line connection device

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FR2720862B1 (en) * 1994-06-06 1996-07-05 Schneider Electric Sa Connection terminal for electrical equipment.
FR2757316B1 (en) * 1996-12-16 1999-01-22 Entrelec Sa CONNECTION MODULE WITH INTERCONNECTABLE CONNECTION TERMINALS BY MOBILE CONDUCTIVE PART (S)
FR2766298B1 (en) * 1997-07-21 1999-09-17 Schneider Electric Sa ELECTRICAL APPARATUS WITH TERMINALS WITH ELASTIC CAGES
US5978208A (en) * 1997-12-12 1999-11-02 Eaton Corporation Circuit breaker arrangement with improved terminal collar having interlock sections
FR2777703B1 (en) * 1998-04-17 2002-11-29 Schneider Electric Ind Sa CONNECTION ACCESSORY AND TERMINAL EQUIPPED WITH SUCH AN ACCESSORY
FR2786611B1 (en) * 1998-11-26 2001-02-09 Jean Jacques Lefebvre CONNECTION TERMINAL FOR THE LOOP SUPPLY OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
CA2324845A1 (en) * 2000-06-20 2001-12-20 Weco Electrical Connectors Inc. Electrical connector with self-adjusting contact elements
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EP3190664A1 (en) 2017-07-12
CN107039786A (en) 2017-08-11
FR3046702A1 (en) 2017-07-14
CN107039786B (en) 2021-06-04
FR3046702B1 (en) 2019-07-26

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