EP3340269A1 - Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system - Google Patents

Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3340269A1
EP3340269A1 EP16205871.3A EP16205871A EP3340269A1 EP 3340269 A1 EP3340269 A1 EP 3340269A1 EP 16205871 A EP16205871 A EP 16205871A EP 3340269 A1 EP3340269 A1 EP 3340269A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical
housing
hardness
spring
coupling elements
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP16205871.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3340269B1 (en
Inventor
Armando Vilas Boas
Vincent PARNIÈRE
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ABB Schweiz AG
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ABB Schweiz AG
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Priority to EP16205871.3A priority Critical patent/EP3340269B1/en
Publication of EP3340269A1 publication Critical patent/EP3340269A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3340269B1 publication Critical patent/EP3340269B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/08Terminals; Connections
    • H01H71/082Connections between juxtaposed circuit breakers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-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
    • H01R4/28Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/48185Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar adapted for axial insertion of a wire end
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00Structural 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
    • H01R9/22Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
    • H01R9/24Terminal blocks
    • H01R9/26Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting
    • H01R9/2675Electrical interconnections between two blocks, e.g. by means of busbars

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a multipolar electric power device such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprising a housing formed in an electrically insulating material having a front face and a rear face equipped with fixing elements. to fix the case to a support.
  • the invention also relates on the one hand to an electrical switch system, in particular assigned to the control of load power such as for example a motor, for example of the so-called motor starter assembly type, comprising at least two such interconnected multipolar electrical devices. electrically and mechanically, on the other hand on coupling elements as such between these two electrical multipole devices.
  • a multipole electrical apparatus comprises polar power connections comprising on the one hand internal power conductors housed in the housing and on the other hand at least one connection terminal for the electrical connection of external conductors with all or part of internal drivers.
  • the electrical apparatus which has the breaking properties may be an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker, a disconnector or other similar electrical switch apparatus for use in distribution or low voltage power control.
  • Such an electrical switch system is for example known from reading the document EP0869594A1 .
  • the opening for insertion of said at least one external conductor is inclined relative to the normal to the general plane of the rear face of the housings, typically at an angle of between 20 ° and 40 °, so to be able to create loops with the external conductors when they are inserted until their connection with the connection terminals, the two multipolar electrical devices are coupled together or not.
  • the inclination of the openings for insertion of the external conductors makes it impossible to use them to couple the two electrical devices when these two electrical devices to be electrically connected to each other are arranged one above the other. the other.
  • the present invention aims to solve all or part of the disadvantages listed above.
  • a multipolar electrical power device such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprising a housing formed of an electrically insulating material having a front face and a rear face equipped with fixing elements for fixing the housing to a support, the apparatus comprising polar power connections comprising on the one hand internal power conductors housed in the housing and on the other hand at least one spring connection terminal operating by direct insertion housed in the housing and having at least one opening defined by the housing and which opens out on the front face to allow external conductors to be inserted and connected to the internal conductors, said at least one opening being such that the direction of insertion of the external conductors is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face of the housing.
  • the housing delimits at least one light associated with each connection terminal, the opening of the light towards the front of the housing and allowing to insert a tool into the housing in a manner to solicit the spring of the associated connection terminal to unlock an external conductor previously plugged.
  • the opening is such that the direction of insertion of the external conductors forms an angle with the line normal to the general plane of the rear face of the case between 0 and 5 °.
  • a switch electrical system in particular assigned to the control of power loads such as for example a motor, comprising two such electrical appliances power, wherein at least one of these two electrical devices has electrical breaking properties , the system comprising coupling elements inserted into the opening of at least one of the connection terminals of each of the two electrical appliances so as to provide an electrical connection between these two connection terminals thus connected via the coupling elements.
  • the coupling elements provide the mechanical connection between the two electrical devices without any other means of mechanical connection between the two electrical devices, in particular without other means of direct mechanical connection between the two boxes of the two electrical devices.
  • the two multipolar electrical devices connected by the coupling elements are arranged one above the other.
  • Coupling elements comprising a multipole interconnection block comprising pins able to be plugged by direct plugging into spring connection terminals operating by direct plugging of two electrical multipolar power devices.
  • each pin has, at least in a zone of said pin coming into contact with the spring, a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring is greater than or equal to 0.85.
  • each pin comprises a first part made of a first electrically conductive material and oriented so as to come into contact with the internal conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus when the pin is plugged in and a second part formed in a second material distinct from the first material and oriented so as to come into contact with the spring of the corresponding electrical apparatus when the pin is plugged.
  • the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring is greater than 0.85.
  • the invention firstly relates to a new design of multipolar electric power device comprising a housing formed in an electrically insulating material having a front face and a rear face equipped with fixing elements for fixing the housing to a support such as a support rail of an electrical cabinet or any other support element. It may in particular be fastening elements configured to operate by snapping.
  • the multipolar electrical device may in particular be configured to constitute an electrical switch, a circuit breaker, a disconnector, or any other similar multipole electrical appliance for use in distribution or low voltage power control.
  • FIG. 1 to 6 there is shown a first such multipolar electrical apparatus 10 constituting what is known in the technical field concerned as an electrical contactor and a second such multipolar electrical apparatus 100 constituting what is called a circuit breaker.
  • the first electric apparatus constituting the electrical contactor 10 thus comprises an insulating housing 11 with a front face 12 and a rear face 13 equipped with such fastening elements 14.
  • the second electrical apparatus 100 constituting the circuit breaker thus comprises an insulating housing 111 with a front face 112 and a rear face 113 equipped with such fixing elements 114.
  • the first electrical apparatus constituting the electrical contactor comprises polar power connections comprising, on the one hand, internal power conductors 15 housed in the housing 11 and, on the other hand, at least one spring-connected connection terminal 16 operating by direct plugging. housed in the case 11.
  • the second electrical apparatus 100 constituting the circuit breaker comprises polar power connections comprising, on the one hand, internal power conductors 115 housed in the housing 111 and, on the other hand, at least one connection terminal 116 per spring 117 operating by direct plug-in connection. in the case 111.
  • Said at least one connection terminal 16 has the very advantageous feature of having at least one opening 18 defined by the housing 11 and which opens on the front face 12 to allow external conductors (not shown) to be inserted and to connect them electrically. to the internal conductors 15.
  • the opening 18 extends along a direction substantially oriented perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 13 of the housing 11. In other words, the opening 18 is configured so that the direction 19 according to which the external conductors are intended to be inserted is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 13 of the housing 11.
  • the electrical apparatus 10 comprises at least one series of such stepped openings 18 (according to a number equal to 4 in the Figures) along a row oriented in a given direction of the housing 11. This direction is typically oriented horizontally when the electrical apparatus 10 is fixed, in particular oriented parallel to the support rail of the electrical cabinet when the housing 11 is fixed by its rear face via the fasteners.
  • This organization is substantially identical for the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100 in which said at least one connection terminal 116 has the very advantageous feature of having at least one opening 118 delimited by the housing 111 and which opens on the front face 112 to allow inserting external conductors (not shown) and electrically connecting them to the inner conductors 115.
  • the opening 118 extends along a direction substantially oriented perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 113 of the housing 111.
  • the opening 118 is configured so that the direction 119 along which the external conductors are intended to be inserted is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 113 of the housing 111.
  • the electrical apparatus 100 comprises at least one series of such stepped openings 118 (according to a number equal to 3 in the Figures) along a row oriented in a given direction of the housing 111.
  • This direction is typically oriented horizontally when the electrical apparatus 100 is fixed, in particular oriented parallel to the support rail of an electrical cabinet when the housing 111 is fixed by its rear face via the fastening elements.
  • the housing 11 delimits at least one light 20 associated with each connection terminal 16 and opening towards the front face of the housing 11 and making it possible to insert a tool into the housing 11 in a manner that makes it possible to bias the spring 17 of the terminal associated connection 16 to unlock an external conductor previously plugged in and connected to the connection terminal 16.
  • the housing 111 delimits at least one light 120 associated with each connection terminal 116 and opening towards the front face 112 of the housing 111 and allowing a tool to be inserted into the housing 111 in a manner to bias the spring 117 of the associated connection terminal 116 to unlock an external conductor previously plugged in and connected to the connection terminal 116.
  • each connection terminal 16, 116 mounted in the housing 11, 111 corresponding to it operates by direct plugging and comprises for this purpose the contact spring 17, 117 arranged to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the outer conductor in the contact spring 17, 117 and then exert, by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the outer conductor after its insertion, this pressure force being able to keep the outer conductor axially blocked by the contact spring 17, 117.
  • the connection terminals 16, 116 operating by direct plugging are also known as the connection terminal pressure or "push-in" in English terminology.
  • each connection terminal 16, 116 the housing 11, 111 delimits at least one such opening 18, 118 and at least one such light 20, 120. In the variant shown, it is provided at the base of each terminal 16, 116 a double opening 18, 118 and two slots 20, 120 so that each connection terminal 16, 116 allows the establishment of two external conductors different. Indeed, it should be noted that depending on the design of the connection terminals 16, 116, each of them can connect one or more external conductor (s) distinct.
  • the nature and organization of the contact spring 17, 117 are not limiting and may be any as soon as the contact spring 17, 117 meets the functions presented in a general manner previously.
  • the organization of the elastic portion may be a function of the material and the shape of the contact spring 17, 117, the expected thickness of the external conductors to be maintained, the desired pressure force to maintain the external conductor in its contact position, the shape and the design of the housing 11, 111 etc.
  • the opening 18 is such that the direction of insertion 19 of the outer conductors forms an angle with the normal line 21 in the general plane of the rear face 13 of the housing 11 between 0 and 5 °.
  • This organization is substantially identical for the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100 in which the opening 118 is such that the direction of insertion 119 of the outer conductors forms an angle with the normal line 121 in the general plane of the rear face 113 of the case 111 included between 0 and 5 °.
  • the invention then relates to a new design of electrical switch system, in particular assigned to the control of load power such as for example a motor, where this system comprises at least two electrical multipolar power devices whose general principles have been described ci -before.
  • At least one of the two electrical devices has electrical breaking properties.
  • FIGS. 1 to 6 represent the particular example of such an electrical switch system where the two multipolar electrical devices are respectively constituted by the first electrical device 10 constituting the electric switch and the second electrical device 100 constituting the circuit breaker.
  • the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100 includes obvious electrical breaking properties related to its circuit breaker function. It can also be considered that the first multipole electrical device 10 has such electrical breaking properties because the skilled person knows that an electric contactor comprises a plurality of electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and varying each, by an external order in particular of electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact between the movable and fixed parts and an open configuration where this electrical contact is not established.
  • the movable portion of the electrical contacts is integral with a movable armature able to move in one direction under the effect of a magnetic field imposed for example by a coil and in the opposite direction under the effect a recall mechanism.
  • the electrical switch system comprises coupling elements 200 inserted in the opening 18, 118 of at least one of the connection terminals 16, 116 of each of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100 so as to provide an electrical connection between these two connection terminals 16, 116 thus connected via the coupling elements 200.
  • the coupling elements 200 are therefore inserted both into the opening 18 of at least one of the connection terminals 16 of the first multipolar electrical device 10 and into the opening 118 of at least one of the terminals of connection 116 of the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100.
  • the coupling elements 200 can be put in place by a simple translation directed perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 13, 113 of each of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100 to be connected.
  • This implementation is simple, effective, safe and requires no specific tools which makes it particularly user-friendly.
  • the coupling elements 200 may advantageously be significantly less bulky than in the prior art presented above, use much less material and be less expensive.
  • the Figures 1 to 3 represent the electrical switch system in an unconnected state of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100, that is to say before the coupling elements 200 are inserted into the openings 18, 118 of multipole electrical devices 10, 100.
  • Figures 4 to 6 represent the electrical switch system in a connected state of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100, that is to say after the coupling elements 200 have been inserted in the openings 18, 118 of the multipole electrical devices 10, 100.
  • the electrical device 100 is for example located above the electrical apparatus 10, but it remains quite possible to provide that it is located below the latter.
  • the coupling members 200 comprise a plurality of pins 201, as described in detail below, which are plugged into a plurality of openings 18 of an upper row of openings 18 of the electrical apparatus 10 and a a plurality of pins 201 being plugged into a plurality of openings 118 of a lower row of openings 118 of the electrical apparatus 100.
  • the coupling elements 200 are configured so as to ensure the mechanical connection between the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100 without any other means of mechanical connection between the two electrical devices 10, 100, in particular without another means of direct mechanical connection between the two housings 11, 111 of the two multipolar electrical devices 10, 100.
  • the coupling elements 200 which not only provide the electrical connection between the two electrical devices 10, 100 but also the mechanical assembly function of the two electrical devices 10, 100 between them. In this configuration, there is no direct mechanical connection of the two electrical devices 10, 100 to each other other than the coupling elements 200. It suffices that one of the two devices 10, 100 is fixed so that the entire system electrical switch is held in position.
  • the coupling element 200 comprises a multipole interconnection block comprising pins 201 (visible on the Figures 3 and 6 ) plugged by direct plugging into the connection terminals 16, 116 of the electrical devices 10, 100 opposite the corresponding poles to ensure the respective polar links between the electrical devices 10, 100. It goes without saying that on the other hand Figure 3 where the electrical switch system is in the non state connected, the pins 201 are not plugged into the connection terminals 16, 116.
  • each pin 201 has, at least in a zone coming into contact with the spring 17, 117, a hardness such as the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring 17, 117 is greater than or equal to 0.85.
  • each pin 201 may for example have in this zone a hardness greater than or equal to the hardness of the spring 17, 117.
  • hardness By “hardness”, one can in particular hear “superficial hardness”. It is possible to characterize the hardness by the Vickers test. In particular, it has been found that a Vickers hardness above 510 HV gives excellent results in practice when the hardness of the spring 17, 117 is 600 HV.
  • each pin 201 in an electrically conductive material such as brass or copper for example and treat this material with a surface hardening treatment such as a treatment nickel plating, possibly phosphoric, at least in the region of the pin 201 where the conductive material comes into contact with the corresponding spring 17, 117.
  • a surface hardening treatment such as a treatment nickel plating, possibly phosphoric
  • each pin 201 comprises a first portion formed in a first electrically conductive material and coming into contact with the inner conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus 10, 100 when the pin 201 is plugged in and a second part formed in a second material distinct from the first material and coming into contact with the spring 17, 117 of the electrical apparatus 10, 100 corresponding when the pin 201 is plugged.
  • the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring 17, 117 is greater than 0.85.
  • the first material is a brass or copper
  • the second material is a stainless steel adapted in terms of hardness
  • the solution just described also has a simple and economical constitution, is user friendly and safe for the operator, and also allows easy assembly and fast wiring while avoiding the more possible to use a tool.

Abstract

Un appareil électrique multipolaire (10, 100) de puissance tel qu'un contacteur électrique, un disjoncteur ou un sectionneur, comprend un boitier (11, 111) formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant doté d'une face avant (12, 112) et d'une face arrière (13, 113) équipée d'éléments de fixation (14, 114) permettant de fixer le boitier (11, 111) à un support. L'appareil (10, 100) comprend des liaisons de puissance polaires comportant d'une part des conducteurs internes de puissance (15, 115) logés dans le boitier (11, 111) et d'autre part au moins une borne de connexion (16, 116) par ressort (17, 117) fonctionnant par enfichage direct logée dans le boitier (11, 111) et présentant au moins une ouverture (18, 118) délimitée par le boitier (11, 111) et qui débouche sur la face avant (12, 112) pour permettre d'insérer des conducteurs externes et de les connecter aux conducteurs internes (15, 115). Chaque ouverture (18, 118) est telle que la direction d'insertion (19, 119) des conducteurs externes est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan général de la face arrière (13, 113) du boitier (11, 111). Il est également décrit un système électrique interrupteur et des éléments de couplage.A multipolar electrical apparatus (10, 100) of power such as an electric contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprises a housing (11, 111) formed of an electrically insulating material having a front face (12, 112) and a rear face (13, 113) equipped with fastening elements (14, 114) for fixing the housing (11, 111) to a support. The apparatus (10, 100) comprises polar power connections comprising on the one hand internal power conductors (15, 115) housed in the housing (11, 111) and on the other hand at least one connection terminal ( 16, 116) by spring (17, 117) operating by direct plugging housed in the housing (11, 111) and having at least one opening (18, 118) defined by the housing (11, 111) and which opens on the face before (12, 112) to allow external conductors to be inserted and connected to the internal conductors (15, 115). Each opening (18, 118) is such that the direction of insertion (19, 119) of the outer conductors is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face (13, 113) of the housing (11, 111). There is also described a switch electrical system and coupling elements.

Description

La présente invention concerne un appareil électrique multipolaire de puissance tel qu'un contacteur électrique, un disjoncteur ou un sectionneur, comprenant un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant doté d'une face avant et d'une face arrière équipée d'éléments de fixation permettant de fixer le boitier à un support.The present invention relates to a multipolar electric power device such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprising a housing formed in an electrically insulating material having a front face and a rear face equipped with fixing elements. to fix the case to a support.

L'invention porte aussi d'une part sur un système électrique interrupteur, notamment affecté à la commande de puissance de charges comme par exemple un moteur, par exemple de type ensemble dit de départ-moteur, comprenant au moins deux tels appareils électriques multipolaires interconnectés électriquement et mécaniquement, d'autre part sur des éléments de couplage en tant que tels entre ces deux appareils électriques multipolaires.The invention also relates on the one hand to an electrical switch system, in particular assigned to the control of load power such as for example a motor, for example of the so-called motor starter assembly type, comprising at least two such interconnected multipolar electrical devices. electrically and mechanically, on the other hand on coupling elements as such between these two electrical multipole devices.

De manière connue, un appareil électrique multipolaire comprend des liaisons de puissance polaires comportant d'une part des conducteurs internes de puissance logés dans le boitier et d'autre part au moins une borne de connexion permettant la connexion électrique de conducteurs externes avec tout ou partie des conducteurs internes.In known manner, a multipole electrical apparatus comprises polar power connections comprising on the one hand internal power conductors housed in the housing and on the other hand at least one connection terminal for the electrical connection of external conductors with all or part of internal drivers.

Il est possible de connecter électriquement deux appareils électriques multipolaires où au moins l'un de ceux-ci présente des propriétés de coupure électrique afin de constituer un système électrique interrupteur, typiquement un ensemble dit de départ-moteur. L'appareil électrique qui présente les propriétés de coupure peut être un contacteur électrique, un disjoncteur, un sectionneur ou autre appareil électrique interrupteur analogue utilisable en distribution ou commande électrique de puissance basse tension.It is possible to electrically connect two electrical multipole devices where at least one of them has electrical breaking properties to form a switch electrical system, typically a set said motor starter. The electrical apparatus which has the breaking properties may be an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker, a disconnector or other similar electrical switch apparatus for use in distribution or low voltage power control.

Un tel système électrique interrupteur est par exemple connu à la lecture du document EP0869594A1 .Such an electrical switch system is for example known from reading the document EP0869594A1 .

D'autres solutions connues pour connecter électriquement les pôles des deux appareils électriques au sein du système électrique interrupteur prévoient l'utilisation d'éléments de couplage électrique venant s'enficher par translation dans les lumières ménagées dans les boitiers isolants des deux appareils électriques multipolaires où la fonction première de ces lumières est d'abord de permettre l'insertion d'outils tels que des tournevis pour permettre de déconnecter au moins un conducteur externe ayant préalablement été connecté dans les bornes de connexion.Other known solutions for electrically connecting the poles of the two electrical appliances within the electrical switch system provide for the use of electrical coupling elements to be plugged by translation into the lights in the insulating housings of the two multipolar electrical appliances where the primary function of these lights is first to allow insertion of tools such as screwdrivers to enable disconnection of at least one external conductor having previously been connected to the connection terminals.

Dans cette organisation, classiquement, l'ouverture destinée à l'insertion dudit au moins un conducteur externe est inclinée par rapport à la normale au plan général de la face arrière des boitiers, typiquement suivant un angle compris entre 20° et 40°, afin de pouvoir créer des boucles avec les conducteurs externes lorsque ceux-ci sont insérés jusqu'à leur connexion avec les bornes de connexion, que les deux appareils électriques multipolaires soient couplés entre eux ou non.In this organization, conventionally, the opening for insertion of said at least one external conductor is inclined relative to the normal to the general plane of the rear face of the housings, typically at an angle of between 20 ° and 40 °, so to be able to create loops with the external conductors when they are inserted until their connection with the connection terminals, the two multipolar electrical devices are coupled together or not.

Toutefois, toutes ces solutions ne donnent pas encore une entière satisfaction.However, all these solutions do not yet give complete satisfaction.

En particulier, le principe d'utiliser les lumières normalement destinées à l'insertion des outils de déblocage pour enficher les éléments de couplage oblige à une conception du bloc constitutif de ces éléments de couplage encombrante et qui utilise beaucoup de matière, ce qui la rend en outre coûteuse.In particular, the principle of using the lights normally intended for the insertion of the release tools to plug the coupling elements requires a design of the block of these coupling elements cumbersome and using a lot of material, which makes it in addition expensive.

Par ailleurs, l'inclinaison des ouvertures destinées à l'insertion des conducteurs externes rend impossible l'utilisation de celles-ci pour coupler les deux appareils électriques lorsque ces deux appareils électriques à connecter électriquement entre eux sont disposés l'un au-dessus de l'autre.Moreover, the inclination of the openings for insertion of the external conductors makes it impossible to use them to couple the two electrical devices when these two electrical devices to be electrically connected to each other are arranged one above the other. the other.

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

Dans ce contexte, il existe notamment un besoin de fournir une nouvelle conception d'appareil électrique multipolaire et de système électrique interrupteur permettant de simplifier sa constitution, qui soit simple et économique, conviviale et sécuritaire pour l'opérateur, et qui permette de simplifier les éléments de couplage et qui autorise une organisation où les deux appareils électriques à connecter sont disposés l'un au-dessus de l'autre.In this context, there is in particular a need to provide a new design of multipolar electrical apparatus and electrical switch system to simplify its constitution, which is simple and economical, user-friendly and safe for the operator, and which allows to simplify coupling elements and that allows an organization where the two electrical devices to be connected are arranged one above the other.

A cet effet, il est proposé un appareil électrique multipolaire de puissance tel qu'un contacteur électrique, un disjoncteur ou un sectionneur, comprenant un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant doté d'une face avant et d'une face arrière équipée d'éléments de fixation permettant de fixer le boitier à un support, l'appareil comprenant des liaisons de puissance polaires comportant d'une part des conducteurs internes de puissance logés dans le boitier et d'autre part au moins une borne de connexion par ressort fonctionnant par enfichage direct logée dans le boitier et présentant au moins une ouverture délimitée par le boitier et qui débouche sur la face avant pour permettre d'insérer des conducteurs externes et de les connecter aux conducteurs internes, ladite au moins une ouverture étant telle que la direction d'insertion des conducteurs externes est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan général de la face arrière du boitier.For this purpose, it is proposed a multipolar electrical power device such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprising a housing formed of an electrically insulating material having a front face and a rear face equipped with fixing elements for fixing the housing to a support, the apparatus comprising polar power connections comprising on the one hand internal power conductors housed in the housing and on the other hand at least one spring connection terminal operating by direct insertion housed in the housing and having at least one opening defined by the housing and which opens out on the front face to allow external conductors to be inserted and connected to the internal conductors, said at least one opening being such that the direction of insertion of the external conductors is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face of the housing.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, le boitier délimite au moins une lumière associée à chaque borne de connexion, la lumière débouchant vers la face avant du boitier et permettant d'insérer un outil dans le boitier d'une manière permettant de solliciter le ressort de la borne de connexion associée afin de débloquer un conducteur externe précédemment enfiché.According to a particular embodiment, the housing delimits at least one light associated with each connection terminal, the opening of the light towards the front of the housing and allowing to insert a tool into the housing in a manner to solicit the spring of the associated connection terminal to unlock an external conductor previously plugged.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l'ouverture est telle que la direction d'insertion des conducteurs externes forme un angle avec la droite normale au plan général de la face arrière du boitier compris entre 0 et 5°.According to another embodiment, the opening is such that the direction of insertion of the external conductors forms an angle with the line normal to the general plane of the rear face of the case between 0 and 5 °.

Il est également proposé un système électrique interrupteur, notamment affecté à la commande de puissance de charges comme par exemple un moteur, comprenant deux tels appareils électriques de puissance, dans lequel au moins l'un de ces deux appareils électriques possède des propriétés de coupure électrique, le système comprenant des éléments de couplage insérés dans l'ouverture d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion de chacun des deux appareils électriques de sorte à assurer une connexion électrique entre ces deux bornes de connexion ainsi connectées par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage.It is also proposed a switch electrical system, in particular assigned to the control of power loads such as for example a motor, comprising two such electrical appliances power, wherein at least one of these two electrical devices has electrical breaking properties , the system comprising coupling elements inserted into the opening of at least one of the connection terminals of each of the two electrical appliances so as to provide an electrical connection between these two connection terminals thus connected via the coupling elements.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, les éléments de couplage assurent la liaison mécanique entre les deux appareils électriques sans autre moyen de liaison mécanique entre les deux appareils électriques, notamment sans autre moyen de liaison mécanique directe entre les deux boitiers des deux appareils électriques.According to a particular embodiment, the coupling elements provide the mechanical connection between the two electrical devices without any other means of mechanical connection between the two electrical devices, in particular without other means of direct mechanical connection between the two boxes of the two electrical devices.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, les deux appareils électriques multipolaires connectés par les éléments de couplage sont disposés l'un au-dessus de l'autre.According to another embodiment, the two multipolar electrical devices connected by the coupling elements are arranged one above the other.

Le système électrique interrupteur peut présenter les caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément ou en combinaison :

  • l'un des deux appareils électriques est un disjoncteur et l'autre des deux appareils électriques est un contacteur électrique, reliés électriquement entre eux par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage configurés de sorte à constituer un système électrique interrupteur de type ensemble départ-moteur,
  • les élément de couplage comprennent un bloc d'interconnexion multipolaire comportant des broches enfichées par enfichage direct dans les bornes de connexion des appareils électriques en regard des pôles correspondant pour assurer les liaisons polaires respectives entre les appareils électriques,
  • chaque broche présente, au moins dans une zone de ladite broche venant en contact avec le ressort, une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort est supérieur ou égal à 0,85,
  • chaque broche comprend une première partie constituée dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur et venant en contact avec les conducteurs internes de l'appareil électrique correspondant et une deuxième partie venant en contact avec le ressort de l'appareil électrique correspondant et constituée dans un deuxième matériau distinct du premier matériau,
  • le deuxième matériau présente une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort est supérieur à 0,85.
The electrical switch system may have the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination:
  • one of the two electrical appliances is a circuit breaker and the other of the two electrical appliances is an electrical contactor, electrically connected to each other via the coupling elements configured so as to constitute a switch type power system starting motor ,
  • the coupling elements comprise a multipolar interconnection block having pins plugged directly into the terminals connecting the electrical devices opposite the corresponding poles to ensure the respective polar links between the electrical appliances,
  • each pin has, at least in a zone of said pin coming into contact with the spring, a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring is greater than or equal to 0.85,
  • each pin comprises a first portion made of a first electrically conductive material and coming into contact with the inner conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus and a second portion coming into contact with the spring of the corresponding electrical apparatus and constituted in a second distinct material the first material,
  • the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring is greater than 0.85.

Il est aussi proposé des éléments de couplage comprenant un bloc d'interconnexion multipolaire comportant des broches aptes à être enfichées par enfichage direct dans des bornes de connexion par ressort fonctionnant par enfichage direct de deux appareils électriques multipolaires de puissance.Coupling elements are also proposed comprising a multipole interconnection block comprising pins able to be plugged by direct plugging into spring connection terminals operating by direct plugging of two electrical multipolar power devices.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, chaque broche présente, au moins dans une zone de ladite broche venant en contact avec le ressort, une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort est supérieur ou égal à 0,85.According to a particular embodiment, each pin has, at least in a zone of said pin coming into contact with the spring, a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring is greater than or equal to 0.85.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque broche comprend une première partie constituée dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur et orientée de sorte à venir en contact avec des conducteurs internes de l'appareil électrique correspondant lorsque la broche est enfichée et une deuxième partie constituée dans un deuxième matériau distinct du premier matériau et orientée de sorte à venir en contact avec le ressort de l'appareil électrique correspondant lorsque la broche est enfichée.According to another embodiment, each pin comprises a first part made of a first electrically conductive material and oriented so as to come into contact with the internal conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus when the pin is plugged in and a second part formed in a second material distinct from the first material and oriented so as to come into contact with the spring of the corresponding electrical apparatus when the pin is plugged.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, le deuxième matériau présente une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort est supérieur à 0,85.According to yet another embodiment, the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring is greater than 0.85.

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 :

  • Les Figures 1 à 3 représentent un exemple de système électrique interrupteur, respectivement en perspective, de côté et selon une coupe longitudinale locale à proximité d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion, dans un état non connecté des deux appareils électriques multipolaires.
  • Les Figures 4 à 6 représentent le système électrique interrupteur des Figures précédentes, respectivement en perspective, de côté et selon une coupe longitudinale locale à proximité d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion, dans un état connecté des deux appareils électriques multipolaires.
The invention will be better understood from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • The Figures 1 to 3 represent an example of a switch electrical system, respectively in perspective, from side and in longitudinal section local near at least one of the connection terminals, in an unconnected state of the two multipolar electrical devices.
  • The Figures 4 to 6 represent the switch electrical system of the previous Figures, respectively in perspective, side and in a longitudinal longitudinal section near at least one of the connection terminals, in a connected state of the two multipolar electrical appliances.

En référence aux Figures 1 à 6 annexées telles que présentées sommairement ci-dessus, l'invention concerne d'abord une nouvelle conception d'appareil électrique multipolaire de puissance comprenant un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant doté d'une face avant et d'une face arrière équipée d'éléments de fixation permettant de fixer le boitier à un support tel qu'un rail de support d'une armoire électrique ou tout autre élément support. Il peut notamment s'agir d'éléments de fixation configurés pour fonctionner par encliquetage.With reference to Figures 1 to 6 appended hereto as summarized above, the invention firstly relates to a new design of multipolar electric power device comprising a housing formed in an electrically insulating material having a front face and a rear face equipped with fixing elements for fixing the housing to a support such as a support rail of an electrical cabinet or any other support element. It may in particular be fastening elements configured to operate by snapping.

L'appareil électrique multipolaire peut notamment être configuré de sorte à constituer un contacteur électrique, un disjoncteur, un sectionneur, ou tout autre appareil électrique multipolaire analogue utilisable en distribution ou commande électrique de puissance basse tension.The multipolar electrical device may in particular be configured to constitute an electrical switch, a circuit breaker, a disconnector, or any other similar multipole electrical appliance for use in distribution or low voltage power control.

Les qualificatifs avant, arrière, haut et bas sont attribués aux éléments en fonction du montage normal de chaque appareil et de sa desserte par un opérateur, qui serait située sur la droite sur les Figures 2 et 5.The qualifiers before, back, up and down are assigned to the elements according to the normal assembly of each device and its service by an operator, who would be located on the right on the Figures 2 and 5 .

Sur les Figures 1 à 6, il est représenté un premier tel appareil électrique multipolaire 10 constituant ce qui est connu dans le domaine technique concerné comme un contacteur électrique et un deuxième tel appareil électrique multipolaire 100 constituant ce qui est appelé un disjoncteur.On the Figures 1 to 6 , there is shown a first such multipolar electrical apparatus 10 constituting what is known in the technical field concerned as an electrical contactor and a second such multipolar electrical apparatus 100 constituting what is called a circuit breaker.

Le premier appareil électrique 10 constitutif du contacteur électrique comprend ainsi un boitier isolant 11 avec une face avant 12 et une face arrière 13 équipée de tels éléments de fixation 14.The first electric apparatus constituting the electrical contactor 10 thus comprises an insulating housing 11 with a front face 12 and a rear face 13 equipped with such fastening elements 14.

Le deuxième appareil électrique 100 constitutif du disjoncteur comprend ainsi un boitier isolant 111 avec une face avant 112 et une face arrière 113 équipée de tels éléments de fixation 114.The second electrical apparatus 100 constituting the circuit breaker thus comprises an insulating housing 111 with a front face 112 and a rear face 113 equipped with such fixing elements 114.

Le premier appareil électrique 10 constitutif du contacteur électrique comprend des liaisons de puissance polaires comportant d'une part des conducteurs internes 15 de puissance logés dans le boitier 11 et d'autre part au moins une borne de connexion 16 par ressort 17 fonctionnant par enfichage direct logée dans le boitier 11.The first electrical apparatus constituting the electrical contactor comprises polar power connections comprising, on the one hand, internal power conductors 15 housed in the housing 11 and, on the other hand, at least one spring-connected connection terminal 16 operating by direct plugging. housed in the case 11.

Le deuxième appareil électrique 100 constitutif du disjoncteur comprend des liaisons de puissance polaires comportant d'une part des conducteurs internes 115 de puissance logés dans le boitier 111 et d'autre part au moins une borne de connexion 116 par ressort 117 fonctionnant par enfichage direct logée dans le boitier 111.The second electrical apparatus 100 constituting the circuit breaker comprises polar power connections comprising, on the one hand, internal power conductors 115 housed in the housing 111 and, on the other hand, at least one connection terminal 116 per spring 117 operating by direct plug-in connection. in the case 111.

Ladite au moins une borne de connexion 16 présente la particularité très avantageuse de comporter au moins une ouverture 18 délimitée par le boitier 11 et qui débouche sur la face avant 12 pour permettre d'insérer des conducteurs externes (non représentés) et de les connecter électriquement aux conducteurs internes 15. L'ouverture 18 s'étend le long d'une direction sensiblement orientée perpendiculairement au plan général de la face arrière 13 du boitier 11. Autrement dit, l'ouverture 18 est configurée de sorte que la direction 19 suivant laquelle les conducteurs externes sont destinés à être insérés est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan général de la face arrière 13 du boitier 11.Said at least one connection terminal 16 has the very advantageous feature of having at least one opening 18 defined by the housing 11 and which opens on the front face 12 to allow external conductors (not shown) to be inserted and to connect them electrically. to the internal conductors 15. The opening 18 extends along a direction substantially oriented perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 13 of the housing 11. In other words, the opening 18 is configured so that the direction 19 according to which the external conductors are intended to be inserted is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 13 of the housing 11.

En pratique, l'appareil électrique 10 comporte au moins une série de telles ouvertures 18 échelonnées (selon un nombre égal à 4 sur les Figures) le long d'une rangée orientée selon une direction donnée du boitier 11. Cette direction est typiquement orientée horizontalement lorsque l'appareil électrique 10 est fixé, notamment orientée parallèlement au rail de support de l'armoire électrique lorsque le boitier 11 est fixé par sa face arrière via les éléments de fixation.In practice, the electrical apparatus 10 comprises at least one series of such stepped openings 18 (according to a number equal to 4 in the Figures) along a row oriented in a given direction of the housing 11. This direction is typically oriented horizontally when the electrical apparatus 10 is fixed, in particular oriented parallel to the support rail of the electrical cabinet when the housing 11 is fixed by its rear face via the fasteners.

Cette organisation est sensiblement identique pour le deuxième appareil électrique multipolaire 100 dans lequel ladite au moins une borne de connexion 116 présente la particularité très avantageuse de comporter au moins une ouverture 118 délimitée par le boitier 111 et qui débouche sur la face avant 112 pour permettre d'insérer des conducteurs externes (non représentés) et de les connecter électriquement aux conducteurs internes 115. L'ouverture 118 s'étend le long d'une direction sensiblement orientée perpendiculairement au plan général de la face arrière 113 du boitier 111. Autrement dit, l'ouverture 118 est configurée de sorte que la direction 119 suivant laquelle les conducteurs externes sont destinés à être insérés est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan général de la face arrière 113 du boitier 111.This organization is substantially identical for the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100 in which said at least one connection terminal 116 has the very advantageous feature of having at least one opening 118 delimited by the housing 111 and which opens on the front face 112 to allow inserting external conductors (not shown) and electrically connecting them to the inner conductors 115. The opening 118 extends along a direction substantially oriented perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 113 of the housing 111. In other words, the opening 118 is configured so that the direction 119 along which the external conductors are intended to be inserted is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 113 of the housing 111.

En pratique, l'appareil électrique 100 comporte au moins une série de telles ouvertures 118 échelonnées (selon un nombre égal à 3 sur les Figures) le long d'une rangée orientée selon une direction donnée du boitier 111. Cette direction est typiquement orientée horizontalement lorsque l'appareil électrique 100 est fixé, notamment orientée parallèlement au rail de support d'une armoire électrique lorsque le boitier 111 est fixé par sa face arrière via les éléments de fixation.In practice, the electrical apparatus 100 comprises at least one series of such stepped openings 118 (according to a number equal to 3 in the Figures) along a row oriented in a given direction of the housing 111. This direction is typically oriented horizontally when the electrical apparatus 100 is fixed, in particular oriented parallel to the support rail of an electrical cabinet when the housing 111 is fixed by its rear face via the fastening elements.

Le boitier 11 délimite au moins une lumière 20 associée à chaque borne de connexion 16 et débouchant vers la face avant du boitier 11 et permettant d'insérer un outil dans le boitier 11 d'une manière permettant de solliciter le ressort 17 de la borne de connexion 16 associée afin de débloquer un conducteur externe précédemment enfiché et connecté à la borne de connexion 16.The housing 11 delimits at least one light 20 associated with each connection terminal 16 and opening towards the front face of the housing 11 and making it possible to insert a tool into the housing 11 in a manner that makes it possible to bias the spring 17 of the terminal associated connection 16 to unlock an external conductor previously plugged in and connected to the connection terminal 16.

Le boitier 111 quant à lui délimite au moins une lumière 120 associée à chaque borne de connexion 116 et débouchant vers la face avant 112 du boitier 111 et permettant d'insérer un outil dans le boitier 111 d'une manière permettant de solliciter le ressort 117 de la borne de connexion 116 associée afin de débloquer un conducteur externe précédemment enfiché et connecté à la borne de connexion 116.The housing 111 in turn delimits at least one light 120 associated with each connection terminal 116 and opening towards the front face 112 of the housing 111 and allowing a tool to be inserted into the housing 111 in a manner to bias the spring 117 of the associated connection terminal 116 to unlock an external conductor previously plugged in and connected to the connection terminal 116.

Au sein des deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100, chaque borne de connexion 16, 116 montée dans le boitier 11, 111 correpondant fonctionne par enfichage direct et comprend à cet effet le ressort de contact 17, 117 agencé de sorte à s'ouvrir automatiquement sous l'action de l'insertion du conducteur externe dans le ressort de contact 17, 117 et à exercer ensuite, par rappel élastique de sa matière, un effort de pression sur le conducteur externe après son enfichage, cet effort de pression étant capable de maintenir le conducteur externe axialement bloqué par le ressort de contact 17, 117. Les bornes de connexion 16, 116 fonctionnant par enfichage direct sont aussi connues sous le nom de borne de connexion à pression ou « push-in » en terminologie anglo-saxonne.Within the two multipole electrical apparatuses 10, 100, each connection terminal 16, 116 mounted in the housing 11, 111 corresponding to it operates by direct plugging and comprises for this purpose the contact spring 17, 117 arranged to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the outer conductor in the contact spring 17, 117 and then exert, by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the outer conductor after its insertion, this pressure force being able to keep the outer conductor axially blocked by the contact spring 17, 117. The connection terminals 16, 116 operating by direct plugging are also known as the connection terminal pressure or "push-in" in English terminology.

Pour cela, chaque ressort de contact 17, 117 peut comprendre une partie élastique subissant une déformation élastique sous l'action d'une force extérieure appliquée sur le ressort de contact 17, 117 :

  • soit par le conducteur externe durant son insertion à travers l'ouverture 18, 118 pour venir placer le conducteur externe dans une position de contact contre un conducteur interne 15, 115 de puissance, notamment en étant maintenu axialement par le ressort de contact 17, 117,
  • soit par l'outil inséré dans la lumière 20, 120 délimitée par le boitier 11, 111, souvent de manière adjacente à l'ouverture 18, 118, pour ouvrir le ressort de contact 17, 117 et libérer le conducteur externe afin de le retirer hors de sa position de contact.
For this, each contact spring 17, 117 may comprise an elastic portion undergoing elastic deformation under the action of an external force applied to the contact spring 17, 117:
  • either by the external conductor during its insertion through the opening 18, 118 to place the external conductor in a position of contact against an inner conductor 15, 115 of power, in particular being held axially by the contact spring 17, 117 ,
  • either by the tool inserted into the lumen 20, 120 delimited by the housing 11, 111, often adjacent to the opening 18, 118, to open the contact spring 17, 117 and release the external conductor in order to remove it out of his contact position.

Au niveau de chaque borne de connexion 16, 116, le boitier 11, 111 délimite au moins une telle ouverture 18, 118 et au moins une telle lumière 20, 120. Dans la variante illustrée, il est prévu à l'aplomb de chaque borne de connexion 16, 116 une ouverture 18, 118 double et deux lumières 20, 120 de sorte que chaque borne de connexion 16, 116 permet la mise en place de deux conducteurs externes différents. En effet, il est à noter qu'en fonction de la conception des bornes de connexion 16, 116, chacune d'elles peut permette de connecter un ou plusieurs conducteur(s) externe(s) distincts.At each connection terminal 16, 116, the housing 11, 111 delimits at least one such opening 18, 118 and at least one such light 20, 120. In the variant shown, it is provided at the base of each terminal 16, 116 a double opening 18, 118 and two slots 20, 120 so that each connection terminal 16, 116 allows the establishment of two external conductors different. Indeed, it should be noted that depending on the design of the connection terminals 16, 116, each of them can connect one or more external conductor (s) distinct.

La nature et l'organisation du ressort de contact 17, 117 ne sont pas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors que le ressort de contact 17, 117 répond aux fonctions présentées de manière générale précédemment. L'organisation de la partie élastique peut être fonction de la matière et de la forme du ressort de contact 17, 117, de l'épaisseur attendue des conducteurs externes à maintenir, de l'effort de pression recherchée pour maintenir le conducteur externe dans sa position de contact, de la forme et de la conception du boitier 11, 111 etc....The nature and organization of the contact spring 17, 117 are not limiting and may be any as soon as the contact spring 17, 117 meets the functions presented in a general manner previously. The organization of the elastic portion may be a function of the material and the shape of the contact spring 17, 117, the expected thickness of the external conductors to be maintained, the desired pressure force to maintain the external conductor in its contact position, the shape and the design of the housing 11, 111 etc.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, l'ouverture 18 est telle que la direction d'insertion 19 des conducteurs externes forme un angle avec la droite normale 21 au plan général de la face arrière 13 du boitier 11 compris entre 0 et 5°. Cette organisation est sensiblement identique pour le deuxième appareil électrique multipolaire 100 dans lequel l'ouverture 118 est telle que la direction d'insertion 119 des conducteurs externes forme un angle avec la droite normale 121 au plan général de la face arrière 113 du boitier 111 compris entre 0 et 5°.According to a particular embodiment, the opening 18 is such that the direction of insertion 19 of the outer conductors forms an angle with the normal line 21 in the general plane of the rear face 13 of the housing 11 between 0 and 5 °. This organization is substantially identical for the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100 in which the opening 118 is such that the direction of insertion 119 of the outer conductors forms an angle with the normal line 121 in the general plane of the rear face 113 of the case 111 included between 0 and 5 °.

En référence aux Figures 1 à 6 annexées, l'invention concerne ensuite une nouvelle conception de système électrique interrupteur, notamment affecté à la commande de puissance de charges comme par exemple un moteur, où ce système comprend au moins deux appareils électriques multipolaires de puissance dont les principes généraux ont été décrits ci-avant.With reference to Figures 1 to 6 appended, the invention then relates to a new design of electrical switch system, in particular assigned to the control of load power such as for example a motor, where this system comprises at least two electrical multipolar power devices whose general principles have been described ci -before.

Au sein de ce système électrique interrupteur, au moins l'un des deux appareils électriques possède des propriétés de coupure électrique.Within this electrical switch system, at least one of the two electrical devices has electrical breaking properties.

Les Figures 1 à 6 représentent l'exemple particulier d'un tel système électrique interrupteur où les deux appareils électriques multipolaires sont respectivement constitués par le premier appareil électrique 10 constitutif du contacteur électrique et par le deuxième appareil électrique 100 constitutif du disjoncteur.The Figures 1 to 6 represent the particular example of such an electrical switch system where the two multipolar electrical devices are respectively constituted by the first electrical device 10 constituting the electric switch and the second electrical device 100 constituting the circuit breaker.

Au sein de cet exemple particulier de système électrique interrupteur, le deuxième appareil électrique multipolaire 100 comprend des propriétés de coupure électrique évidentes afférentes à sa fonction de disjoncteur. Il peut également être considéré que le premier appareil électrique multipolaire 10 dispose de telles propriétés de coupure électrique car l'Homme du Métier sait qu'un contacteur électrique comprend une pluralité de contacts électriques ayant chacun une partie mobile et une partie fixe et variant chacun, par une commande externe notamment de type électrique, entre une configuration fermée établissant un contact électrique entre les parties mobile et fixe et une configuration ouverte où ce contact électrique n'est pas établi. A titre d'exemple, la partie mobile des contacts électrique est solidaire d'une armature mobile apte à se déplacer dans un sens sous l'effet d'un champ magnétique imposé par exemple par une bobine et dans le sens inverse sous l'effet d'un mécanisme de rappel.Within this particular example of an electrical switch system, the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100 includes obvious electrical breaking properties related to its circuit breaker function. It can also be considered that the first multipole electrical device 10 has such electrical breaking properties because the skilled person knows that an electric contactor comprises a plurality of electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and varying each, by an external order in particular of electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact between the movable and fixed parts and an open configuration where this electrical contact is not established. For example, the movable portion of the electrical contacts is integral with a movable armature able to move in one direction under the effect of a magnetic field imposed for example by a coil and in the opposite direction under the effect a recall mechanism.

De manière générale, le système électrique interrupteur selon l'invention comprend des éléments de couplage 200 insérés dans l'ouverture 18, 118 d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion 16, 116 de chacun des deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100 de sorte à assurer une connexion électrique entre ces deux bornes de connexion 16, 116 ainsi connectées par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage 200.In general, the electrical switch system according to the invention comprises coupling elements 200 inserted in the opening 18, 118 of at least one of the connection terminals 16, 116 of each of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100 so as to provide an electrical connection between these two connection terminals 16, 116 thus connected via the coupling elements 200.

Les éléments de couplage 200 sont donc insérés à la fois dans l'ouverture 18 d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion 16 du premier appareil électrique multipolaire 10 et dans l'ouverture 118 d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion 116 du deuxième appareil électrique multipolaire 100.The coupling elements 200 are therefore inserted both into the opening 18 of at least one of the connection terminals 16 of the first multipolar electrical device 10 and into the opening 118 of at least one of the terminals of connection 116 of the second multipolar electrical apparatus 100.

Les éléments de couplage 200 peuvent être mis en place par une simple translation dirigée perpendiculairement au plan général de la face arrière 13, 113 de chacun des deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100 à connecter. Cette mise en place est simple, efficace, sécuritaire et ne requiert aucun outil spécifique ce qui la rend particulièrement conviviale.The coupling elements 200 can be put in place by a simple translation directed perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face 13, 113 of each of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100 to be connected. This implementation is simple, effective, safe and requires no specific tools which makes it particularly user-friendly.

Les éléments de couplage 200 peuvent avantageusement être nettement moins encombrants que dans l'art antérieur présenté précédemment, utiliser beaucoup moins de matière et être moins onéreux.The coupling elements 200 may advantageously be significantly less bulky than in the prior art presented above, use much less material and be less expensive.

Contrairement à ce qui était possible dans l'art antérieur et comme il ressort clairement des Figures 1 à 6, les deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100 connectés entre eux par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage 200 sont disposés l'un au-dessus de l'autre.Contrary to what was possible in the prior art and as it is clear from the Figures 1 to 6 the two multipolar electrical apparatuses 10, 100 interconnected via the coupling elements 200 are arranged one above the other.

Les Figures 1 à 3 représentent le système électrique interrupteur dans un état non connecté des deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100, c'est-à-dire avant que les éléments de couplage 200 ne soient insérés dans les ouvertures 18, 118 des appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100.The Figures 1 to 3 represent the electrical switch system in an unconnected state of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100, that is to say before the coupling elements 200 are inserted into the openings 18, 118 of multipole electrical devices 10, 100.

Au contraire, les Figures 4 à 6 représentent le système électrique interrupteur dans un état connecté des deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100, c'est-à-dire après que les éléments de couplage 200 ont été insérés dans les ouvertures 18, 118 des appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100. Dans cette configuration, l'appareil électrique 100 est par exemple situé au-dessus de l'appareil électrique 10, mais il reste tout à fait possible de prévoir qu'il soit situé en dessous de ce dernier.On the contrary, Figures 4 to 6 represent the electrical switch system in a connected state of the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100, that is to say after the coupling elements 200 have been inserted in the openings 18, 118 of the multipole electrical devices 10, 100. In this configuration, the electrical device 100 is for example located above the electrical apparatus 10, but it remains quite possible to provide that it is located below the latter.

Typiquement, les éléments de couplage 200 comprennent une pluralité de broches 201, telles que décrites en détails plus loin, venant s'enficher dans une pluralité d'ouvertures 18 d'une rangée supérieure d'ouvertures 18 de l'appareil électrique 10 et une pluralité de broches 201 venant s'enficher dans une pluralité d'ouvertures 118 d'une rangée inférieure d'ouvertures 118 de l'appareil électrique 100.Typically, the coupling members 200 comprise a plurality of pins 201, as described in detail below, which are plugged into a plurality of openings 18 of an upper row of openings 18 of the electrical apparatus 10 and a a plurality of pins 201 being plugged into a plurality of openings 118 of a lower row of openings 118 of the electrical apparatus 100.

Dans l'application particulière mais non limitative de système électrique interrupteur tel que représentée aux Figures 1 à 6 annexées où l'appareil électrique 100 constitue un disjoncteur, notamment connu sous l'acronyme « MMS » pour « Manual Motor Starter » selon la terminologie anglo-saxonne appropriée, et où l'appareil électrique 10 constitue un contacteur électrique, ces deux appareils électriques 10, 100 peuvent être reliés électriquement entre eux par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage 200 de sorte à notamment constituer un système électrique interrupteur de type ensemble dit de départ-moteur.In the particular but non-limiting application of electrical switch system as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 to 6 attached where the electrical device 100 constitutes a circuit breaker, in particular known by the acronym "MMS" for "Manual Motor Starter" according to the appropriate English terminology, and wherein the electrical apparatus 10 constitutes an electric switch, these two electrical devices 10, 100 may be electrically connected to each other via the coupling elements 200 so as to constitute in particular a switch type electrical system called said motor starter.

Dans une variante particulière très avantageuse pour sa simplicité, les éléments de couplage 200 sont configurés de sorte à assurer la liaison mécanique entre les deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100 sans autre moyen de liaison mécanique entre les deux appareils électriques 10, 100, notamment sans autre moyen de liaison mécanique directe entre les deux boitiers 11, 111 des deux appareils électriques multipolaires 10, 100. Autrement dit, ce sont les éléments de couplage 200 qui assurent non seulement la liaison électrique entre les deux appareils électriques 10, 100 mais également la fonction d'assemblage mécanique des deux appareils électriques 10, 100 entre eux. Dans cette configuration, il n'existe aucune liaison mécanique directe des deux appareils électriques 10, 100 entre eux autre que les éléments de couplage 200. Il suffit que l'un des deux appareils 10, 100 soit fixé pour que l'ensemble du système électrique interrupteur soit maintenu en position.In a particular variant that is very advantageous for its simplicity, the coupling elements 200 are configured so as to ensure the mechanical connection between the two multipole electrical devices 10, 100 without any other means of mechanical connection between the two electrical devices 10, 100, in particular without another means of direct mechanical connection between the two housings 11, 111 of the two multipolar electrical devices 10, 100. In other words, it is the coupling elements 200 which not only provide the electrical connection between the two electrical devices 10, 100 but also the mechanical assembly function of the two electrical devices 10, 100 between them. In this configuration, there is no direct mechanical connection of the two electrical devices 10, 100 to each other other than the coupling elements 200. It suffices that one of the two devices 10, 100 is fixed so that the entire system electrical switch is held in position.

Sur les Figures 1 à 6, les élément de couplage 200 comprennent un bloc d'interconnexion multipolaire comportant des broches 201 (visibles sur les Figures 3 et 6) enfichées par enfichage direct dans les bornes de connexion 16, 116 des appareils électriques 10, 100 en regard des pôles correspondant pour assurer les liaisons polaires respectives entre les appareils électriques 10, 100. Il va de soi par contre que sur la Figure 3 où le système électrique interrupteur est à l'état non connecté, les broches 201 ne sont pas enfichées dans les bornes de connexion 16, 116.On the Figures 1 to 6 , the coupling element 200 comprises a multipole interconnection block comprising pins 201 (visible on the Figures 3 and 6 ) plugged by direct plugging into the connection terminals 16, 116 of the electrical devices 10, 100 opposite the corresponding poles to ensure the respective polar links between the electrical devices 10, 100. It goes without saying that on the other hand Figure 3 where the electrical switch system is in the non state connected, the pins 201 are not plugged into the connection terminals 16, 116.

L'une des difficultés que la Déposante a dû contourner dans le cadre de l'utilisation des ouvertures 18, 118 pour enficher les éléments de couplage 200 a été de s'assurer que les broches 201 puissent être retirées facilement hors des bornes 16, 116 là où les conducteurs externes n'ont pas la faculté, après leur enfichage, d'être retirés facilement hors des bornes 16, 116.One of the difficulties that the Applicant had to circumvent in the use of the openings 18, 118 for plugging the coupling members 200 was to ensure that the pins 201 could be easily removed from the terminals 16, 116 where the external conductors do not have the faculty, after their insertion, to be easily removed from the terminals 16, 116.

A cet effet, selon un mode de réalisation particulier particulièrement avantageux, chaque broche 201 présente, au moins dans une zone venant en contact avec le ressort 17, 117, une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort 17, 117 est supérieur ou égal à 0,85. Typiquement et sans que cela ne soit limitatif, chaque broche 201 peut par exemple présenter dans cette zone une dureté supérieure ou égale à la dureté du ressort 17, 117.For this purpose, according to a particular particularly advantageous embodiment, each pin 201 has, at least in a zone coming into contact with the spring 17, 117, a hardness such as the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring 17, 117 is greater than or equal to 0.85. Typically and without being limiting, each pin 201 may for example have in this zone a hardness greater than or equal to the hardness of the spring 17, 117.

Par « dureté », on peut en particulier entendre « dureté superficielle ». Il est possible de caractériser la dureté par l'essai Vickers. En particulier, il a été constaté qu'une dureté Vickers supérieure à 510 HV donnait d'excellents résultats en pratique lorsque la dureté du ressort 17, 117 est de 600 HV.By "hardness", one can in particular hear "superficial hardness". It is possible to characterize the hardness by the Vickers test. In particular, it has been found that a Vickers hardness above 510 HV gives excellent results in practice when the hardness of the spring 17, 117 is 600 HV.

Dans une première variante pour parvenir à ce niveau de dureté, il est possible de former chaque broche 201 dans un matériau électriquement conducteur tel que du laiton ou du cuivre par exemple et de traiter ce matériau avec un traitement de durcissement superficiel comme par exemple un traitement de nickelage, éventuellement phosphorique, au moins dans la zone de la broche 201 où le matériau conducteur vient en contact avec le ressort 17, 117 correspondant.In a first variant to achieve this level of hardness, it is possible to form each pin 201 in an electrically conductive material such as brass or copper for example and treat this material with a surface hardening treatment such as a treatment nickel plating, possibly phosphoric, at least in the region of the pin 201 where the conductive material comes into contact with the corresponding spring 17, 117.

Alternativement, une deuxième variante prévoit que chaque broche 201 comprenne une première partie constituée dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur et venant en contact avec les conducteurs internes de l'appareil électrique 10, 100 correspondant lorsque la broche 201 est enfichée et une deuxième partie constituée dans un deuxième matériau distinct du premier matériau et venant en contact avec le ressort 17, 117 de l'appareil électrique 10, 100 correspondant lorsque la broche 201 est enfichée.Alternatively, a second variant provides that each pin 201 comprises a first portion formed in a first electrically conductive material and coming into contact with the inner conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus 10, 100 when the pin 201 is plugged in and a second part formed in a second material distinct from the first material and coming into contact with the spring 17, 117 of the electrical apparatus 10, 100 corresponding when the pin 201 is plugged.

Il en résulte la possibilité de prévoir un premier matériau garantissant la fonction de connexion électrique attribuée aux éléments de couplage 200 et d'agencer une deuxième partie évitant un contact mécanique du premier matériau avec le ressort 17, 117 afin d'éviter la difficulté de retrait des broches 201 hors des bornes de connexion 16, 116.This results in the possibility of providing a first material guaranteeing the electrical connection function attributed to the coupling elements 200 and of arranging a second part avoiding a mechanical contact of the first material with the spring 17, 117 in order to avoid the difficulty of withdrawal. pins 201 outside the connection terminals 16, 116.

En particulier, il est très avantageux de prévoir que le deuxième matériau présente une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort 17, 117 est supérieur à 0,85.In particular, it is very advantageous to provide that the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring 17, 117 is greater than 0.85.

Selon un mode de réalisation envisageable donnant entière satisfaction, le premier matériau est un laiton ou du cuivre, tandis que le deuxième matériau est un acier inoxydable adapté en terme de dureté.According to a conceivable embodiment giving complete satisfaction, the first material is a brass or copper, while the second material is a stainless steel adapted in terms of hardness.

Outre les avantages qui ont été décrits précédemment, la solution qui vient d'être décrite présente en outre une constitution simple et économique, est conviviale et sécuritaire pour l'opérateur, et permet en outre un assemblage facile et un câblage rapide tout en évitant le plus possible de recourir à un outil.In addition to the advantages described above, the solution just described also has a simple and economical constitution, is user friendly and safe for the operator, and also allows easy assembly and fast wiring while avoiding the more possible to use a tool.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation représentés et décrits ci-avant, mais en couvre au contraire toutes les variantes.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described above, but covers all variants.

Claims (15)

Appareil électrique multipolaire (10, 100) de puissance tel qu'un contacteur électrique, un disjoncteur ou un sectionneur, comprenant un boitier (11, 111) formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant doté d'une face avant (12, 112) et d'une face arrière (13, 113) équipée d'éléments de fixation (14, 114) permettant de fixer le boitier (11, 111) à un support, l'appareil (10, 100) comprenant des liaisons de puissance polaires comportant d'une part des conducteurs internes de puissance (15, 115) logés dans le boitier (11, 111) et d'autre part au moins une borne de connexion (16, 116) par ressort (17, 117) fonctionnant par enfichage direct logée dans le boitier (11, 111) et présentant au moins une ouverture (18, 118) délimitée par le boitier (11, 111) et qui débouche sur la face avant (12, 112) pour permettre d'insérer des conducteurs externes et de les connecter aux conducteurs internes (15, 115), ladite au moins une ouverture (18, 118) étant telle que la direction d'insertion (19, 119) des conducteurs externes est sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan général de la face arrière (13, 113) du boitier (11, 111).A multipolar electrical power apparatus (10, 100) such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprising a housing (11, 111) formed of an electrically insulating material having a front face (12, 112) and a a rear face (13, 113) equipped with fastening elements (14, 114) for fixing the housing (11, 111) to a support, the apparatus (10, 100) comprising polar power links comprising a part of the internal power conductors (15, 115) housed in the housing (11, 111) and on the other hand at least one connection terminal (16, 116) by spring (17, 117) operating by direct plugging housed in the housing (11, 111) and having at least one opening (18, 118) delimited by the housing (11, 111) and which opens on the front face (12, 112) to allow the insertion of external conductors and connect them to the inner conductors (15, 115), said at least one opening (18, 118) being such that the direction of i nsertion (19, 119) external conductors is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face (13, 113) of the housing (11, 111). Appareil électrique multipolaire (10, 100) de puissance selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le boitier (11, 111) délimite au moins une lumière (20, 120) associée à chaque borne de connexion (16, 116), la lumière (20, 120) débouchant vers la face avant (12, 112) du boitier (11, 111) et permettant d'insérer un outil dans le boitier (11, 111) d'une manière permettant de solliciter le ressort (17, 117) de la borne de connexion (16, 116) associée afin de débloquer un conducteur externe précédemment enfiché.Power multipole electrical apparatus (10, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (11, 111) delimits at least one lumen (20, 120) associated with each connection terminal (16, 116), the light (20, 120) opening towards the front face (12, 112) of the housing (11, 111) and making it possible to insert a tool into the housing (11, 111) in such a way as to urge the spring (17, 117) ) of the associated connection terminal (16, 116) to unblock an external conductor previously plugged. Appareil électrique multipolaire (10, 100) de puissance selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que l'ouverture (18, 118) est telle que la direction d'insertion (19, 119) des conducteurs externes forme un angle avec la droite normale (21, 121) au plan général de la face arrière (13, 113) du boitier (11,111) compris entre 0 et 5°.Power multipole electrical apparatus (10, 100) according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening (18, 118) is such that the direction of insertion (19, 119) of the outer conductors forms an angle with the normal line (21, 121) in the general plane of the rear face (13, 113) of the housing (11, 111) between 0 and 5 °. Système électrique interrupteur, notamment affecté à la commande de puissance de charges comme par exemple un moteur, comprenant deux appareils électriques multipolaires (10, 100) de puissance chacun selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, système dans lequel au moins l'un de ces deux appareils électriques possède des propriétés de coupure électrique, le système comprenant des éléments de couplage (200) insérés dans l'ouverture (18, 118) d'au moins l'une des bornes de connexion (16, 116) de chacun des deux appareils électriques (10, 100) de sorte à assurer une connexion électrique entre ces deux bornes de connexion (16, 116) ainsi connectées par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage (200).Electrical switch system, in particular assigned to the control of power loads such as for example a motor, comprising two multipolar electrical appliances (10, 100) of power each according to any one of the preceding claims, system in which at least one of both of these electrical devices have electrical breaking properties, the system comprising coupling elements (200) inserted into the opening (18, 118) of at least one of the connection terminals (16, 116) of each of the two electrical apparatuses (10, 100) so as to provide an electrical connection between these two connection terminals (16, 116) thus connected via the coupling elements (200) . Système électrique interrupteur selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de couplage (200) assurent la liaison mécanique entre les deux appareils électriques (10, 100) sans autre moyen de liaison mécanique entre les deux appareils électriques (10, 100), notamment sans autre moyen de liaison mécanique directe entre les deux boitiers (11, 111) des deux appareils électriques (10, 100).Electrical switch system according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling elements (200) provide the mechanical connection between the two electrical devices (10, 100) without any other means of mechanical connection between the two electrical devices (10, 100), especially without other means of direct mechanical connection between the two housings (11, 111) of the two electrical devices (10, 100). Système électrique interrupteur selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que les deux appareils électriques multipolaires (10, 100) connectés par les éléments de couplage (200) sont disposés l'un au-dessus de l'autre.Electrical switch system according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the two multipole electrical devices (10, 100) connected by the coupling elements (200) are arranged one above the other. Système électrique interrupteur selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l'un (100) des deux appareils électriques (10, 100) est un disjoncteur et l'autre (10) des deux appareils électriques (10, 100) est un contacteur électrique, reliés électriquement entre eux par l'intermédiaire des éléments de couplage (200) configurés de sorte à constituer un système électrique interrupteur de type ensemble départ-moteur.Electrical switch system according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that one (100) of the two electrical devices (10, 100) is a circuit breaker and the other (10) of the two electrical devices (10, 100 ) is an electrical contactor, electrically connected to each other via the coupling elements (200) configured so as to constitute a switch-type electrical system of the starter motor type. Système électrique interrupteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les élément de couplage (200) comprennent un bloc d'interconnexion multipolaire comportant des broches (201) enfichées par enfichage direct dans les bornes de connexion (16, 116) des appareils électriques (10, 100) en regard des pôles correspondant pour assurer les liaisons polaires respectives entre les appareils électriques (10, 100).Electrical switch system according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the coupling elements (200) comprise a multipole interconnection block having pins (201) plugged directly into the connection terminals (16, 116) electrical devices (10, 100) facing the corresponding poles to ensure the respective polar links between the electrical devices (10, 100). Système électrique interrupteur selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que chaque broche (201) présente, au moins dans une zone de ladite broche (201) venant en contact avec le ressort (17, 117), une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort (17, 117) est supérieur ou égal à 0,85.Electrical switch system according to claim 8, characterized in that each pin (201) has, at least in a zone of said pin (201) coming into contact with the spring (17, 117), a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and hardness of the spring (17, 117) is greater than or equal to 0.85. Système électrique interrupteur selon l'une des revendications 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que chaque broche (201) comprend une première partie constituée dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur et venant en contact avec les conducteurs internes de l'appareil électrique (10, 100) correspondant et une deuxième partie venant en contact avec le ressort (17, 117) de l'appareil électrique (10, 100) correspondant et constituée dans un deuxième matériau distinct du premier matériau.Electrical switch system according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that each pin (201) comprises a first portion made of a first electrically conductive material and coming into contact with the internal conductors of the electrical apparatus (10, 100 ) and a second part coming into contact with the spring (17, 117) of the electrical apparatus (10, 100) and constituted in a second material distinct from the first material. Système électrique interrupteur selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le deuxième matériau présente une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort (17, 117) est supérieur à 0,85.Electrical switch system according to claim 10, characterized in that the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring (17, 117) is greater than 0.85. Eléments de couplage (200) comprenant un bloc d'interconnexion multipolaire comportant des broches (201) aptes à être enfichées par enfichage direct dans des bornes de connexion (16, 116) par ressort (17, 117) fonctionnant par enfichage direct de deux appareils électriques (10, 100) multipolaires de puissance.Coupling elements (200) comprising a multipolar interconnection block having pins (201) adapted to be plugged directly into spring-loaded connection terminals (16, 116) (17, 117) operating by direct plugging of two apparatuses multipolar power (10, 100). Eléments de couplage (200) selon la revendication 12, caractérisés en ce que chaque broche (201) présente, au moins dans une zone de ladite broche (201) venant en contact avec le ressort (17, 117), une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort (17, 117) est supérieur ou égal à 0,85.Coupling elements (200) according to claim 12, characterized in that each pin (201) has, at least in a zone of said pin (201) coming into contact with the spring (17, 117), a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring (17, 117) is greater than or equal to 0.85. Eléments de couplage (200) selon l'une des revendications 12 ou 13, caractérisés en ce que chaque broche (201) comprend une première partie constituée dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur et orientée de sorte à venir en contact avec des conducteurs internes de l'appareil électrique (10, 100) correspondant lorsque la broche (201) est enfichée et une deuxième partie constituée dans un deuxième matériau distinct du premier matériau et orientée de sorte à venir en contact avec le ressort (17, 117) de l'appareil électrique (10, 100) correspondant lorsque la broche (201) est enfichée.Coupling elements (200) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that each pin (201) comprises a first portion made of a first electrically conductive material and oriented so as to come into contact with internal conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus (10, 100) when the pin (201) is plugged in and a second portion formed in a second material distinct from the first material and oriented so as to come into contact with the spring (17, 117) of the apparatus electrical (10, 100) corresponding when the pin (201) is plugged. Eléments de couplage selon la revendication 14, caractérisés en ce que le deuxième matériau présente une dureté telle que le rapport entre ladite dureté et la dureté du ressort (17, 117) est supérieur à 0,85.Coupling elements according to claim 14, characterized in that the second material has a hardness such that the ratio between said hardness and the hardness of the spring (17, 117) is greater than 0.85.
EP16205871.3A 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system Active EP3340269B1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0869594A1 (en) 1997-04-01 1998-10-07 Schneider Electric Sa Motor starter block
EP1026782A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-09 Schneider Electric Industries SA Connection block for electrical devices
EP1151499A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2001-11-07 Schneider Electric Industries SA Electric switch appliance and quick-assembly
US20110237113A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 Stephan Gassauer Conductor insertion plug

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0869594A1 (en) 1997-04-01 1998-10-07 Schneider Electric Sa Motor starter block
EP1026782A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2000-08-09 Schneider Electric Industries SA Connection block for electrical devices
EP1151499A1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2001-11-07 Schneider Electric Industries SA Electric switch appliance and quick-assembly
US20110237113A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 Stephan Gassauer Conductor insertion plug

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