EP3340269B1 - 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

Info

Publication number
EP3340269B1
EP3340269B1 EP16205871.3A EP16205871A EP3340269B1 EP 3340269 B1 EP3340269 B1 EP 3340269B1 EP 16205871 A EP16205871 A EP 16205871A EP 3340269 B1 EP3340269 B1 EP 3340269B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical
hardness
spring
multipole
switch system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16205871.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3340269A1 (en
Inventor
Armando Vilas Boas
Vincent PARNIÈRE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Schweiz AG
Original Assignee
ABB Schweiz AG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ABB Schweiz AG filed Critical ABB Schweiz AG
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
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/08—Terminals; Connections
    • H01H71/082—Connections between juxtaposed circuit breakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/48185—Clamped 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
    • H01R4/4819—Clamped 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 the spring shape allowing insertion of the conductor end when the spring is unbiased
    • H01R4/4821—Single-blade spring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/484—Spring housing details
    • H01R4/4842—Spring housing details the spring housing being provided with a single opening for insertion of a spring-activating tool
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/48—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member
    • H01R4/4809—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a spring, clip, or other resilient member using a leaf spring to bias the conductor toward the busbar
    • H01R4/4846—Busbar details
    • H01R4/485—Single busbar common to multiple springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
    • H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
    • H01R9/24—Terminal blocks
    • H01R9/26—Clip-on terminal blocks for side-by-side rail- or strip-mounting
    • H01R9/2675—Electrical 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 .
  • Another example of connection is known from reading the document EP-A-1026782 .
  • 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.
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

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 . Un autre exemple de connexion est connu à la lecture du document EP-A-1026782 .Such an electrical switch system is for example known from reading the document EP0869594A1 . Another example of connection is known from reading the document EP-A-1026782 .

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 et des éléments de couplage selon les revendications independentes 1 et 9.For this purpose, there is provided an electrical apparatus and coupling elements according to independent claims 1 and 9.

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.

Claims (11)

  1. An electrical switch system, in particular assigned to the power control of loads such as for example a motor, comprising two power multipole electrical apparatuses (10, 100), each power multipole electrical apparatus (10, 100) such as an electrical contactor, a circuit breaker or a disconnector, comprising a case (11, 111) made of an electrically-insulating material provided with a front face (12, 112) and a rear face (13, 113) equipped with fastening elements (14, 114) allowing fastening the case (11, 111) to a support, the apparatus (10, 100) comprising pole power connections including, on the one hand, inner power conductors (15, 115) housed within the case (11, 111), and on the other hand, at least one connection terminal (16, 116) using a spring (17, 117) operating by direct plug-in housed within the case (11, 111) and having at least one opening (18, 118) delimited by the case (11, 111) and which opens towards the front face (12, 112) in order to enable outer conductors to be inserted and connected to the inner conductors (15, 115), said at least one opening (18, 118) being 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 case (11, 111),
    a system wherein at least one of these two electrical apparatuses has electrical cut-off 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 ensure an electrical connection between these two connection terminals (16,116) thus connected via the coupling elements (200),
    the coupling elements (200) comprise a multipole interconnection block comprising pins (201) plugged in by direct plug-in into the connection terminals (16, 116) of the electrical apparatuses (10, 100) facing the corresponding poles in order to ensure the respective pole connections between the electrical apparatuses (10, 100), characterized in that:
    each pin (201) has, in at least one area 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.
  2. The electrical switch system according to claim 1, characterized in that the case (11, 111) of each multipole electrical apparatus (10, 100) delimits at least one aperture (20, 120) associated with each connection terminal (16, 116), the aperture (20, 120) opening towards the front face (12, 112) of the case (11, 111) and enabling a tool to be inserted into the case (11, 111) in a manner enabling the spring (17, 117) of the associated connection terminal (16, 116) to be biased in order to unblock a previously plugged in outer conductor.
  3. The electrical switch system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening (18, 118) of each multipole electrical apparatus (10, 100) is such that the direction of insertion (19, 119) of the outer conductors form an angle with the perpendicular straight line (21, 121) perpendicular to the general plane of the rear face (13, 113) of the case (11, 111) comprised between 0 and 5°.
  4. The electrical switch system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the coupling elements (200) ensure the mechanical connection between the two electrical apparatuses (10, 100) without any other mechanical connection means between the two electrical apparatuses (10, 100), in particular without any other direct mechanical connection means between the two cases (11, 111) of the two electrical apparatuses (10, 100).
  5. The electrical switch system according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two multipole electrical apparatuses (10, 100) connected by the coupling elements (200) are disposed one on top of the other.
  6. The electrical switch system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one (100) amongst the two electrical apparatuses (10, 100) is a circuit breaker and the other (10) of the two electrical apparatuses (10, 100) is an electrical contactor, electrically connected to one another via the coupling elements (200) configured so as to constitute an electrical switch system of a motor starter assembly type.
  7. The electrical switch system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each pin (201) comprises a first portion made of a first electrically-conductive material and coming into contact with the inner conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus (10, 100) and a second portion coming into contact with the spring (17, 117) of the corresponding electrical apparatus (10, 100) and made of a second material distinct from the first material.
  8. The electrical switch system according to claim 7, 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.
  9. Coupling elements (200) comprising a multipole interconnection block comprising pins (201) adapted to be plugged in by direct plug-in into connection terminals (16, 116) using a spring (17, 117) operating by directly plugging in two power multipole electrical apparatuses (10, 100), characterized in that each pin (201) has, in at least one area 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.
  10. The coupling elements (200) according to claim 9, 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 inner conductors of the corresponding electrical apparatus (10, 100) when the pin (201) is plugged in and a second portion made of a second material distinct from the first material and oriented so as to come into contact with the spring (17, 117) of the corresponding electrical apparatus (10, 100) when the pin (201) is plugged in.
  11. The coupling elements 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.
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)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16205871.3A EP3340269B1 (en) 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16205871.3A EP3340269B1 (en) 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3340269A1 EP3340269A1 (en) 2018-06-27
EP3340269B1 true EP3340269B1 (en) 2019-11-27

Family

ID=57583098

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16205871.3A Active EP3340269B1 (en) 2016-12-21 2016-12-21 Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3340269B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11515691B2 (en) 2020-09-30 2022-11-29 Rockwell Automation Switzerland Gmbh Modular low voltage power distribution module

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2761538B1 (en) 1997-04-01 1999-05-14 Schneider Electric Sa STARTER ASSEMBLY
FR2789523B1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2001-04-20 Schneider Electric Ind Sa INTERCONNECTION BLOCK FOR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
FR2789525B1 (en) * 1999-02-05 2001-03-16 Schneider Electric Sa ELECTRIC SWITCHING APPARATUS AND QUICK ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY
DE102010012820B4 (en) * 2010-03-25 2012-08-23 Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft Mbh Conductor insertion plug

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11515691B2 (en) 2020-09-30 2022-11-29 Rockwell Automation Switzerland Gmbh Modular low voltage power distribution module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3340269A1 (en) 2018-06-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1151499B1 (en) Electric switch appliance and quick-assembly
EP2521224B1 (en) Quick connection device for electrical appliance
FR2735290A1 (en) ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEVICE FOR MODULAR APPLIANCES SUCH AS CIRCUIT BREAKERS OR SIMILAR
EP2409553A1 (en) Control assembly comprising a variable-speed drive and a circuit-breaker
EP2849287B1 (en) Electric connection device of at least one conductor in a terminal belonging to an electric apparatus
EP1916743B1 (en) Electric device comprising at least one spring connection terminal
EP3487006B1 (en) Electrical system comprising an electrical apparatus and an interchangeable connector module
FR2897206A1 (en) DEVICE FOR CONNECTING PARALLEL OF A PLURALITY OF ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLIES
EP3340269B1 (en) Multipole electrical apparatus with vertically oriented direct plug-in connection terminal and electrical switch system
EP2335263B1 (en) Electric connection device and sliding assembly, in particular for a differential protection unit
EP1901320A1 (en) Contact device for an electrical apparatus and electrical apparatus provided with such a device
FR3039009B1 (en) FREE ELECTRONIC CONNECTION DEVICE IN TRANSLATION WITH PROTECTION AGAINST FOREIGN BODILD DAMAGE
EP3387721A1 (en) Electrical cabinet with circuit breakers mounted in the door
FR2823606A1 (en) Low voltage female connector having holder receiving male connector and first circuit board contact pins/contact zone connected/second printed circuit board shorter path contact zone connected.
EP1026782B1 (en) Connection block for electrical devices
FR2957712A1 (en) Mobile contact device for electric switch i.e. AC3 switch, in wind turbine generators, has bar whose end parts are localized at level of zones and transmission units transmitting force of spring on central part of bar in juxtaposition
EP1100105B1 (en) Wiring method for cicuit breaker
FR3046702B1 (en) CONNECTION TERMINAL FOR AN ELECTRIC APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH A CLAMP OF A CLAMP OF AMAGNETIC MATERIAL
EP3349306B1 (en) Modular electric device
FR2900508A1 (en) Metallic power distribution bus-bar for e.g. circuit-breaker, has connection units between connection terminal and stud, and allowing two configurations in which operating unit is in sides of corresponding main surfaces, respectively
EP3333981B1 (en) Electrical connecting terminal between two conducting elements
FR3072510B1 (en) ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MODULAR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND A MODULAR AUXILIARY FIT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS APPARATUS ON A MOUNTING RAIL
EP2332216A1 (en) Electric connection element
EP4035228A1 (en) Fuse-comprising circuit-breaking apparatus
FR3101194A1 (en) Fuse electrical switch-off device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20181221

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H01R 9/26 20060101ALI20190731BHEP

Ipc: H01H 71/08 20060101AFI20190731BHEP

Ipc: H01R 4/48 20060101ALI20190731BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20190823

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1207650

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20191215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602016025009

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20191127

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200227

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200227

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200327

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200419

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20191231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602016025009

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1207650

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20191127

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191221

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191221

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20200828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20161221

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20201221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20191127

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231222

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231214

Year of fee payment: 8