EP3349306B1 - Modular electric device - Google Patents

Modular electric device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3349306B1
EP3349306B1 EP17151113.2A EP17151113A EP3349306B1 EP 3349306 B1 EP3349306 B1 EP 3349306B1 EP 17151113 A EP17151113 A EP 17151113A EP 3349306 B1 EP3349306 B1 EP 3349306B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrical
additional
connection terminal
main portion
protective cover
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
EP17151113.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3349306A1 (en
Inventor
Armando Vilas Boas
Vincent Parniere
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 EP17151113.2A priority Critical patent/EP3349306B1/en
Publication of EP3349306A1 publication Critical patent/EP3349306A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3349306B1 publication Critical patent/EP3349306B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • 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
    • H01R9/2408—Modular blocks
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01R4/48275—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 with an opening in the housing for insertion of a release tool

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical device, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block capable of being coupled to an electrical contactor, comprising a terminal block which comprises a box formed in an electrically insulating material and configured so as to allow the mounting of a plurality connection terminals each operating by direct plug-in.
  • an electrical contactor is an electrical device comprising an electrically insulating box containing a plurality of electrical contacts each varying, by an external control, in particular of the electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact and an open configuration where the electrical contact is not established.
  • An electrical contactor also comprises a plurality of connection terminals mounted in the box and elements making it possible to fix the box in a removable manner to a support, for example a support rail of an electrical cabinet.
  • An auxiliary block is an electrical device also comprising an electrically insulating box containing electrical contacts and connection terminals.
  • An auxiliary block comprises elements making it possible to fix this casing in a removable manner on a front face or a lateral face of the casing of an electrical contactor.
  • the auxiliary block is configured so that the change in configuration of its electrical contacts is controlled by the change in configuration of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.
  • connection terminals of an electrical contactor or of an auxiliary block make it possible to electrically connect at least one electrical conductor such as an electrical wire.
  • the electrical conductor thus connected via one of the connection terminals is intended to be electrically connected to a conductive element internal to the contactor or to the auxiliary block, this conductive element itself being electrically connected to a fixed part of the one of the electrical contacts.
  • each connection terminal generally comprises a contact spring arranged so as to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor into the contact spring and then to exert , by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after it has been plugged in, this pressure force being capable of maintaining the electrical conductor in a state blocked axially by the contact spring.
  • each of the contact springs when plugging in the electrical conductor by providing one or more bearing surfaces arranged in such a way as to firstly guide how to deform the contact spring during the insertion of the electrical conductor, on the other hand limit the state of deformation of the contact spring to remain below its plastic deformation.
  • These surfaces are generally delimited by the casing of the electrical apparatus or attached to the latter or to the contact spring. They are generally inserted into the contact spring from the side of the latter, that is to say perpendicular to the plane in which the contact spring is deformed.
  • the present invention aims to solve all or part of the drawbacks listed above.
  • an electrical apparatus is proposed, according to claim 1, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block capable of being coupled to an electrical contactor, comprising a terminal block which comprises a box formed from an electrically insulating material, the box comprising a main part delimiting at least one pair of lateral housings offset from each other parallel to a first direction and in each of which a direct plug-in connection terminal is mounted, at least one additional part formed in a part separate from the main part and delimiting at the at least one central housing in which another connection terminal by direct plug-in is mounted, and mounting elements providing attachment of said at least one additional part to the main part in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal carried by said part additional is located between the connection terminals mounted in the side housings delimited by the main part and in which the connection terminals mounted in the side housings delimited by the main part and each connection terminal carried by the said at least one additional part are arranged along a row oriented along the first direction.
  • the main part delimits two separate pairs of side housings where the two side housings of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction, two side housings belonging to different pairs being offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the side housings of the two pairs being arranged so that, when said at least one additional part occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals mounted in the side housings of the two pairs delimited by the main part and the terminals of connection carried by said at least one additional part are arranged along two separate parallel rows and oriented in the first direction.
  • the box comprises two separate additional parts, each additional part delimiting at least one central housing and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of one of the two additional parts belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of the other of the two additional parts belongs to the other of the two rows when the two additional parts occupy their functional configurations.
  • each connection terminal by direct plug-in comprises a contact spring mounted in the main part or in said at least one additional part and at least one support surface configured so as to guide the way in which the spring deforms of contact and to limit its deformation, the bearing surface being put in place with respect to the contact spring by means of a relative displacement oriented in the first direction.
  • said at least one bearing surface is integral with a clip independent of both the housing and the contact spring and comprising fastening elements configured so as to be able to mount the clip on the contact spring, in particular reversibly.
  • the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part are configured so that the fixing of said at least one additional part requires a relative movement between the additional part and the main part according to a second direction oriented transversely to the first direction.
  • the first direction and the second direction are oriented parallel to the plane in which are positioned elements for fixing the case to a support external to the electrical device such as a support rail of a cabinet. electrical in the case where the electrical device is an electrical contactor or a box of an electrical contactor in the case where the electrical device is an auxiliary block.
  • the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part comprise first mounting members integral with the main part and second mounting members integral with the additional part, the first and second mounting members cooperating with each other by snap-fastening.
  • the box comprises a protective cover formed in a part independent of the main part and of said at least one additional part, and assembly elements ensuring removable fixing of the protective cover on the part main part and on said at least one additional part occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration in which the protective cover covers all or part of the main part and of said at least one additional part in a way preventing manual access to the terminals direct plug connection carried by the main part and by said at least one additional part.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover requires a relative movement between the protective cover and the main part in a third direction oriented transversely to the first direction.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover comprise first assembly members secured to the main part and second assembly members secured to the protective cover, the first and second assembly members cooperating with each other by snap-fastening.
  • the protective cover comprises at least one first orifice associated with each connection terminal of the main part and with each connection terminal of said at least one additional part, each first orifice being arranged opposite the connection terminal which is associated with it and comprising internal guide elements capable of guiding an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal.
  • the invention relates to an electrical device, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block capable of being coupled to an electrical contactor.
  • the electrical appliance (whether constituting an electrical contactor or an auxiliary unit) comprises at least one terminal block, the general principles of which will be described below.
  • the electrical device constituting an electrical contactor comprises a plurality of electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and each varying, by an external control in particular of the 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 made.
  • the movable part of the electrical contacts is integral with a movable armature capable of moving 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.
  • This electrical apparatus also comprises elements making it possible to fix the electrical apparatus on a support, such as for example a support rail of an electrical cabinet.
  • the electrical device constituting an auxiliary unit comprises electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and also each varying between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
  • This electrical device of the auxiliary block type comprises elements allowing the change of configuration of its electrical contacts to be controlled by the change of configuration of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.
  • the term “electrical device” used below can mean either an auxiliary unit or an electrical contactor.
  • the invention which relates to a terminal block for an electrical device must be understood as being either a terminal block for an electrical contactor or a terminal block for an auxiliary block as described above in their general principles.
  • the terminal block which is the subject of the invention comprises a casing formed from an electrically insulating material.
  • the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the box of the electrical contactor as a whole.
  • the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the box of the auxiliary block as a whole.
  • FIG. 1 represents the particular case where the terminal block is a terminal block for an auxiliary block, this auxiliary block being marked 10. All the principles which will be developed in relation to the auxiliary block 10 could quite be adapted by the person skilled in the art to the case of a terminal block for an electrical contactor.
  • Auxiliary block 10 of the Figure 1 comprises an example of a terminal block according to the invention, this terminal block comprising the box 11 which is formed from an electrically insulating material.
  • the terminal block also comprises fixing elements 12 configured so as to be able to fix the case 11 in a removable manner on a front face of an electrical contactor (not shown).
  • the box 11 constitutes the box of the auxiliary block 10 as a whole.
  • the fixing elements 12, which may in particular be of the snap-in type without this being limiting as to their nature, are positioned on the rear face 13 of the auxiliary block 10.
  • the fixing elements 12 are in particular carried at least partially by the box 11, on its rear face.
  • the auxiliary block 10 comprises electrical contacts as mentioned above, each having a fixed part and a movable part and housed in the box 11. Each electrical contact varies, by displacement of its movable part , between an open configuration opening the electrical contact between the movable and fixed parts and a closed configuration closing this electrical contact.
  • the auxiliary unit 10 comprises means ensuring that the change in configuration of its electrical contacts is controlled by the change in configuration of the electrical contacts of an electrical contactor on which it is mounted via the fixing elements 12.
  • the auxiliary block 10 comprises an operating element 30 integral with the moving parts of the electrical contacts and able to be actuated by the moving armature of the electrical contactor on which the auxiliary block 10 is intended to be fixed by means of the fixing elements 12 .
  • the box 11 delimits a plurality of individual housings which will be described in more detail below.
  • Each housing of the box 11 is arranged so as to allow the mounting of at least one connection terminal 14 in the box 11.
  • the terminal block comprises a plurality of separate connection terminals 14, accessible by the front face 15 of the auxiliary block 10, that is to say the face opposite the rear face 13 which is intended to be turned towards the electrical contactor when the box 11 is mounted on this electrical contactor via the fixing elements 12.
  • connection terminal 14 is intended to establish electrical and mechanical contact between an electrical conductor (such as an electrical wire) inserted into this connection terminal 14 and an electrical conductor internal to the auxiliary block itself electrically connected to the fixed part from one of the contacts electricity mentioned above.
  • an electrical conductor such as an electrical wire
  • the shape and nature of this internal electrical conductor are in no way limiting.
  • the box 11 is composed of several parts independent of each other and able to be assembled together in a removable manner.
  • the box 11 essentially comprises a main part 20 and at least one additional part 22 distinct from each other and intended to be assembled together and a protective cover 19 formed in a piece independent of the parts 20, 22 mentioned above. and intended to cover the parts 20, 22 to prevent any manual access to the connection terminals 14 to avoid any risk of electrocution.
  • the box 11 thus comprises a main part 20 delimiting at least one pair of side housings 21 offset from each other parallel to a first direction D1 and in each of which is mounted a connection terminal 14 operating by direct plug-in.
  • the fixing elements 12 are in particular arranged on the rear face of this main part 20.
  • the box 11 also comprises at least one additional part 22 formed in a part separate from the main part 20 and delimiting at least one central housing 23 in which is mounted another connection terminal 14 operating by direct plug-in.
  • each central housing 23 of the additional part 22 is generally framed by the two lateral housings 21 delimited by the main part 20, in the direction in which these two lateral housings 21 are themselves offset one relative to the other.
  • connection terminals 14 can present a certain masking with respect to each other in the first direction D1, which therefore authorizes a certain possible shift from one connection terminal 14 to another transversely to the first direction D1.
  • Each additional part 22 is positioned, in its functional configuration, in a reception housing 29 delimited by the main part 20.
  • the reception housing 29 is located between the two side housings 21 of the pair and is framed by the latter according to the first direction D1.
  • the mounting elements which make it possible to fix the additional part 22 on the main part 20 are configured so that the fixing of the additional part 22 requires a displacement between this additional part 22 and the main part 20 according to a second direction D2 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are oriented parallel to the plane in which the fixing elements 12 are located.
  • the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially perpendicular (at plus or minus 20 degrees) to the direction of insertion of an electrical conductor into each connection terminal 14.
  • each additional part 22 on the main part 20 can comprise first mounting members 25 secured to the main part 20 and second mounting members 26 secured to the additional part 22, the first and second mounting members mounting 25, 26 cooperating with each other by snap-fastening, as illustrated in the example of the Figure 1 .
  • the protective cover 19 comprises at least one first orifice 17 associated with each connection terminal 14 of the main part 20 and with each connection terminal 14 of said at least one additional part 22, each first orifice 17 being arranged opposite the connection terminal 14 which is associated with it and comprising internal guide elements capable of guiding an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice 17 until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal 14.
  • the main part 20 can delimit a single pair of lateral housings 21 offset from one another in the first direction D1 and capable of forming a single row of connection terminals 14 oriented in the first direction D1 together with the terminal or terminals Connection(s) 14 mounted in at least one central housing 23 of at least one additional part 22 which is positioned between the side housings 21 of this single pair of side housings 21.
  • the main part 20 can delimit at least two separate pairs of side housings 21 where the two side housings 21 of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction D1.
  • Two side housings 21 belonging to different pairs are offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, oriented in particular along the second direction D2.
  • the side housings 21 of the two pairs are arranged so that, when said at least one additional part 22 is fixed to the main part 20 and occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals 14 mounted in the side housings 21 of the two pairs delimited by the main part 20 and the connection terminals 14 carried by said at least one additional part 22 are arranged along two separate parallel rows and oriented in the first direction D1.
  • the box 11 may optionally comprise a single additional part 22 to be attached in a removable manner to the main part 20, this single additional part 22 then comprising a or more connection terminals 14 mounted in central housings 23 corresponding.
  • the box 11 may comprise at least two separate additional parts 22, each additional part 22 delimiting at least one central housing 23.
  • the connection terminal 14 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of one of said at least two parts additional parts 22 belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal 24 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of the other of said at least two additional parts 22 belongs to the other of the two rows when each additional part 22 occupies its functional configuration.
  • the box 11 comprises two separate additional parts 22 and each of them delimits two central housings 23. These two additional parts 22 are intended to be mounted on the same and single main part 20. When each of the two additional parts 22 occupies its functional configuration, they are offset relative to each other in the second direction D2.
  • the main part 20 delimits for its part a first pair of lateral housings 21 intended to constitute a first row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of one of the two additional parts 22 and a second pair of lateral housings 21 intended to form a second row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of the other of the two additional parts 22.
  • Each of these two rows comprises two connection terminals 14 mounted in the main part 20 and two terminals connection 14 mounted in one of the two additional parts 22.
  • each connection terminal 14 mounted in the box 11 operates by direct plugging and comprises for this purpose a contact spring 16 arranged so as to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor in the contact spring 16 and then to exert, by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after it has been plugged in, this pressure force being capable of keeping the electrical conductor axially blocked by the spring contact 16.
  • the connection terminals 14 operating by direct plug-in are also known as pressure connection terminal or "push-in" in English terminology.
  • the protective cover 19 delimits at least one such first orifice 17 and at least one such second orifice 18.
  • each connection terminal 14 can make it possible to connect one or more separate electrical conductor(s).
  • the nature and organization of the contact spring 16 are not limiting and can be arbitrary as long as the contact spring 16 fulfills the functions presented generally above.
  • the organization of the elastic part may depend on the material and the shape of the contact spring, the expected thickness of the electrical conductors to be maintained, the pressure force sought to maintain the electrical conductor in its contact position , the shape and design of the case 11 etc....
  • Each connection terminal 14 is equipped with at least one bearing surface configured so as to guide the way in which the contact spring 16 is deformed during the insertion of the electrical conductor and to limit its deformation.
  • the nature and organization of said at least one bearing surface is directly linked to those of the corresponding contact spring 16.
  • Each bearing surface is placed relative to the contact spring 16 by means of a relative displacement oriented parallel to the first direction D1.
  • the support surfaces can be attached to a part commonly called a “key” attached to the case 11, whether or not they are integral with the latter, or independent and removable with respect to the case 11 and the spring 16.
  • Figure 1 represents the particular case where the key which carries the support surfaces is independent of the case 11 and of the corresponding spring 16 and takes the form of a clip 24 independent of the case 11 and of the spring 16.
  • the clip 24 comprises fixing elements configured so as to be able to mount the clip 24 on the contact spring 16, in particular in a reversible manner.
  • the clip 24 delimits a bearing face against which the contact spring 16 bears during the deformation of its elastic part under the action of the external force, to impose the way in which the elastic part of the contact spring 16 spatially deforms and against which the contact spring 16 abuts in its state of maximum deformation to limit the elastic deformation of the elastic part of the contact spring below a predetermined value whatever or the intensity of the external force imposed by the electrical conductor or by the unlocking tool.
  • Each clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 with which it cooperates in a mounting direction oriented transversely to the plane in which the contact spring 16 deforms and parallel to the first direction D1.
  • the clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 before the installation of the spring 16 either in one of the side housings 21 of the main part 20, or in a central housing 23 of said at least one additional part 22. Then, each additional part 22 previously equipped with contact springs 16 and clips 24 at each of its connection terminals 14 is assembled with the main part 20.
  • the box 11 comprises assembly elements providing removable fixing of the protective cover 19 on the main part 20 and on said at least one additional part 22 occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration (not shown) in which the protection 19 covers all or part of the main part 20 and of said at least one additional part 22 in a manner prohibiting manual access to the connection terminals 14 carried by the main part 20 and by said at least one additional part 22.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover 19 requires a relative movement between the protective cover 19 and the main part 20 in a third direction D3 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1.
  • the third direction D3 is in particular perpendicular to the second direction D2 as well.
  • the third direction D3 is in particular oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the fixing elements 12 are located.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are in no way limiting and can be arbitrary as long as they are adapted to the function sought and described here.
  • the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 can for example comprise first assembly members 27 secured to the main part 20 and second assembly members 28 secured to the protective cover 19, the first and second assembly 27, 28 cooperating with each other by snap-fastening, as shown in the Figure 1 .

Landscapes

  • Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique, comprenant un bornier qui comprend un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant et configuré de sorte à permettre le montage d'une pluralité de bornes de connexion fonctionnant chacune par enfichage direct.The present invention relates to an electrical device, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block capable of being coupled to an electrical contactor, comprising a terminal block which comprises a box formed in an electrically insulating material and configured so as to allow the mounting of a plurality connection terminals each operating by direct plug-in.

De manière connue, un contacteur électrique est un appareil électrique comprenant un boitier électriquement isolant renfermant une pluralité de contacts électriques variant chacun, par une commande externe notamment de type électrique, entre une configuration fermée établissant un contact électrique et une configuration ouverte où le contact électrique n'est pas établi. Un contacteur électrique comprend aussi une pluralité de bornes de connexion montées dans le boitier et des éléments permettant de fixer de manière démontable le boitier sur un support, par exemple un rail de support d'une armoire électrique.In known manner, an electrical contactor is an electrical device comprising an electrically insulating box containing a plurality of electrical contacts each varying, by an external control, in particular of the electrical type, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact and an open configuration where the electrical contact is not established. An electrical contactor also comprises a plurality of connection terminals mounted in the box and elements making it possible to fix the box in a removable manner to a support, for example a support rail of an electrical cabinet.

Un bloc auxiliaire est quant à lui un appareil électrique comprenant également un boitier électriquement isolant renfermant des contacts électriques et des bornes de connexion. Un bloc auxiliaire comprend des éléments permettant de fixer ce boitier de manière démontable sur une face avant ou une face latérale du boitier d'un contacteur électrique. Le bloc auxiliaire est configuré de sorte que le changement de configuration de ses contacts électriques est commandé par le changement de configuration des contacts électriques du contacteur électrique sur lequel il est monté.An auxiliary block is an electrical device also comprising an electrically insulating box containing electrical contacts and connection terminals. An auxiliary block comprises elements making it possible to fix this casing in a removable manner on a front face or a lateral face of the casing of an electrical contactor. The auxiliary block is configured so that the change in configuration of its electrical contacts is controlled by the change in configuration of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.

Classiquement, les bornes de connexion d'un contacteur électrique ou d'un bloc auxiliaire permettent de raccorder électriquement au moins un conducteur électrique tel qu'un fil électrique. Le conducteur électrique ainsi raccordé par l'intermédiaire de l'une des bornes de connexion est destiné à être relié électriquement à un élément conducteur interne au contacteur ou au bloc auxiliaire, cet élément conducteur étant lui-même relié électriquement à une partie fixe de l'un des contacts électriques.Conventionally, the connection terminals of an electrical contactor or of an auxiliary block make it possible to electrically connect at least one electrical conductor such as an electrical wire. The electrical conductor thus connected via one of the connection terminals is intended to be electrically connected to a conductive element internal to the contactor or to the auxiliary block, this conductive element itself being electrically connected to a fixed part of the one of the electrical contacts.

Dans le domaine des contacteurs électriques et des blocs auxiliaires, il existe classiquement deux types de borne de connexion :

  • les bornes de connexion assurant la retenue du conducteur électrique après une opération de vissage d'un organe de serrage,
  • les bornes de connexion comprenant un ressort qu'il convient d'ouvrir à l'aide d'un outil adapté pour la mise en place du conducteur électrique et qui se ferme automatiquement après le retrait de cet outil,
  • les bornes de connexion fonctionnant par enfichage direct, également connues dans le domaine concerné sous le terme « push-in » en terminologie anglo-saxonne.
In the field of electrical contactors and auxiliary blocks, there are conventionally two types of connection terminal:
  • the connection terminals ensuring the retention of the electrical conductor after a tightening operation of a clamping member,
  • the connection terminals comprising a spring which should be opened using a suitable tool for fitting the electrical conductor and which closes automatically after the removal of this tool,
  • the connection terminals operating by direct plugging, also known in the field concerned under the term "push-in" in English terminology.

Dans le cas particulier des bornes de connexion par enfichage direct, chaque borne de connexion comprend généralement un ressort de contact agencé de sorte à s'ouvrir automatiquement sous l'action de l'insertion du conducteur électrique dans le ressort de contact et à exercer ensuite, par rappel élastique de sa matière, un effort de pression sur le conducteur électrique après son enfichage, cet effort de pression étant capable de maintenir le conducteur électrique dans un état bloqué axialement par le ressort de contact.In the particular case of connection terminals by direct plugging, each connection terminal generally comprises a contact spring arranged so as to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor into the contact spring and then to exert , by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after it has been plugged in, this pressure force being capable of maintaining the electrical conductor in a state blocked axially by the contact spring.

Dans un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire, il est connu de sécuriser le comportement de chacun des ressorts de contact au moment de l'enfichage du conducteur électrique en prévoyant une ou plusieurs surfaces d'appui agencées de telle sorte à d'une part guider la manière de se déformer du ressort de contact durant l'insertion du conducteur électrique, d'autre part limiter l'état de déformation du ressort de contact pour rester en dessous de sa déformation plastique. Ces surfaces sont généralement délimitées par le boitier de l'appareil électrique ou rapportées sur celui-ci ou sur le ressort de contact. Elles viennent généralement s'insérer dans le ressort de contact par le côté de celui-ci, c'est-à-dire perpendiculairement au plan dans lequel le ressort de contact se déforme. De manière générale, l'aménagement de ces surfaces oblige à une mise en place des ressorts de contact dans le boitier par le côté, c'est-à-dire une fois encore dans une direction transversale au plan dans lequel il se déforme. Un tel appareil électrique est connu du document FR 2 949 017 A3 .In an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block, it is known to secure the behavior of each of the contact springs when plugging in the electrical conductor by providing one or more bearing surfaces arranged in such a way as to firstly guide how to deform the contact spring during the insertion of the electrical conductor, on the other hand limit the state of deformation of the contact spring to remain below its plastic deformation. These surfaces are generally delimited by the casing of the electrical apparatus or attached to the latter or to the contact spring. They are generally inserted into the contact spring from the side of the latter, that is to say perpendicular to the plane in which the contact spring is deformed. In general, the layout of these surfaces requires the contact springs to be placed in the box from the side, that is to say once again in a direction transverse to the plane in which it deforms. Such an electrical device is known from the document EN 2 949 017 A3 .

Il en résulte que ces solutions connues sont contraignantes et souffrent ainsi d'un manque de modularité et de liberté de conception et d'implémentation, notamment vis-à-vis de l'aptitude de l'appareil électrique à pouvoir s'adapter à son environnement (en fonction par exemple de l'encombrement et de la place disponible en termes de largeur, de hauteur ou de profondeur) au sein de l'armoire électrique. Notamment, il est difficile de parvenir à un contacteur électrique ou à un bloc auxiliaire comprenant au moins trois bornes de connexion push-in distinctes alignées sur une même rangée dès lors que l'on souhaite intégrer des surfaces d'appui qui coopèrent avec le ressort afin de sécuriser son comportement. Pourtant, aboutir à une organisation à au moins trois bornes de connexion alignées pourrait s'avérer très avantageux dans certaines situations.As a result, these known solutions are restrictive and thus suffer from a lack of modularity and freedom of design and implementation, in particular vis-à-vis the ability of the electrical device to be able to adapt to its environment (depending, for example, on the size and space available in terms of width, height or depth) within the electrical cabinet. In particular, it is difficult to achieve an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block comprising at least three separate push-in connection terminals aligned on the same row when it is desired to integrate support surfaces which cooperate with the spring in order to secure its behaviour. However, achieving an organization with at least three aligned connection terminals could prove to be very advantageous in certain situations.

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 drawbacks listed above.

Dans ce contexte, il existe un besoin de fournir un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire, qui soit simple, économique, et qui offre une excellente modularité et une grande liberté de conception et de mise en œuvre.In this context, there is a need to provide an electrical device, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block, which is simple, economical, and which offers excellent modularity and great freedom of design and implementation.

A cet effet, il est proposé un appareil électrique , selon la revendication 1, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique, comprenant un bornier qui comprend un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant, le boitier comprenant une partie principale délimitant au moins une paire de logements latéraux décalés entre eux parallèlement à une première direction et dans chacun desquels une borne de connexion par enfichage direct est montée, au moins une partie additionnelle formée dans une pièce distincte de la partie principale et délimitant au moins un logement central dans lequel une autre borne de connexion par enfichage direct est montée, et des éléments de montage assurant une fixation de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sur la partie principale dans une configuration fonctionnelle dans laquelle chaque borne de connexion portée par ladite partie additionnelle est située entre les bornes de connexion montées dans les logements latéraux délimités par la partie principale et dans laquelle les bornes de connexion montées dans les logements latéraux délimités par la partie principale et chaque borne de connexion portée par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sont disposées le long d'une rangée orientée selon la première direction.To this end, an electrical apparatus is proposed, according to claim 1, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block capable of being coupled to an electrical contactor, comprising a terminal block which comprises a box formed from an electrically insulating material, the box comprising a main part delimiting at least one pair of lateral housings offset from each other parallel to a first direction and in each of which a direct plug-in connection terminal is mounted, at least one additional part formed in a part separate from the main part and delimiting at the at least one central housing in which another connection terminal by direct plug-in is mounted, and mounting elements providing attachment of said at least one additional part to the main part in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal carried by said part additional is located between the connection terminals mounted in the side housings delimited by the main part and in which the connection terminals mounted in the side housings delimited by the main part and each connection terminal carried by the said at least one additional part are arranged along a row oriented along the first direction.

Selon l'invention, la partie principale délimite deux paires distinctes de logements latéraux où les deux logements latéraux de chacune des deux paires sont décalés entre eux parallèlement à la première direction, deux logements latéraux appartenant à des paires différentes étant décalés dans une direction perpendiculaire à la première direction, les logements latéraux des deux paires étant agencés de sorte que, lorsque ladite au moins une partie additionnelle occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, les bornes de connexion montées dans les logements latéraux des deux paires délimitées par la partie principale et les bornes de connexion portées par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sont disposées le long de deux rangées distinctes parallèles et orientées selon la première direction.According to the invention, the main part delimits two separate pairs of side housings where the two side housings of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction, two side housings belonging to different pairs being offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, the side housings of the two pairs being arranged so that, when said at least one additional part occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals mounted in the side housings of the two pairs delimited by the main part and the terminals of connection carried by said at least one additional part are arranged along two separate parallel rows and oriented in the first direction.

Selon l'invention, le boitier comprend deux parties additionnelles distinctes, chaque partie additionnelle délimitant au moins un logement central et la borne de connexion montée dans ledit au moins un logement central de l'une des deux parties additionnelles appartient à l'une des deux rangées et la borne de connexion montée dans ledit au moins un logement central de l'autre des deux parties additionnelles appartient à l'autre des deux rangées lorsque les deux parties additionnelles occupent leurs configurations fonctionnelles.According to the invention, the box comprises two separate additional parts, each additional part delimiting at least one central housing and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of one of the two additional parts belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal mounted in said at least one central housing of the other of the two additional parts belongs to the other of the two rows when the two additional parts occupy their functional configurations.

Selon l'invention, chaque borne de connexion par enfichage direct comprend un ressort de contact monté dans la partie principale ou dans ladite au moins une partie additionnelle et au moins une surface d'appui configurée de sorte à guider la manière dont se déforme le ressort de contact et à limiter sa déformation, la surface d'appui étant mise en place par rapport au ressort de contact moyennant un déplacement relatif orienté selon la première direction.According to the invention, each connection terminal by direct plug-in comprises a contact spring mounted in the main part or in said at least one additional part and at least one support surface configured so as to guide the way in which the spring deforms of contact and to limit its deformation, the bearing surface being put in place with respect to the contact spring by means of a relative displacement oriented in the first direction.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, ladite au moins une surface d'appui est solidaire d'une agrafe indépendante à la fois du boitier et du ressort de contact et comprenant des éléments de fixation configurés de sorte à pouvoir monter l'agrafe sur le ressort de contact, notamment de manière réversible.According to yet another embodiment, said at least one bearing surface is integral with a clip independent of both the housing and the contact spring and comprising fastening elements configured so as to be able to mount the clip on the contact spring, in particular reversibly.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments de montage de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sur la partie principale sont configurés de sorte que la fixation de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle nécessite un déplacement relatif entre la partie additionnelle et la partie principale selon une deuxième direction orientée transversalement à la première direction.According to yet another embodiment, the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part are configured so that the fixing of said at least one additional part requires a relative movement between the additional part and the main part according to a second direction oriented transversely to the first direction.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, la première direction et la deuxième direction sont orientées parallèlement au plan dans lequel sont positionnés des éléments de fixation du boitier à un support extérieur à l'appareil électrique tel qu'un rail de support d'une armoire électrique dans le cas où l'appareil électrique est un contacteur électrique ou un boitier d'un contacteur électrique dans le cas où l'appareil électrique est un bloc auxiliaire.According to yet another embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are oriented parallel to the plane in which are positioned elements for fixing the case to a support external to the electrical device such as a support rail of a cabinet. electrical in the case where the electrical device is an electrical contactor or a box of an electrical contactor in the case where the electrical device is an auxiliary block.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments de montage de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle sur la partie principale comprennent des premiers organes de montage solidaires de la partie principale et des deuxièmes organes de montage solidaires de la partie additionnelle, les premiers et deuxièmes organes de montage coopérant entre eux par encliquetage.According to yet another embodiment, the mounting elements of said at least one additional part on the main part comprise first mounting members integral with the main part and second mounting members integral with the additional part, the first and second mounting members cooperating with each other by snap-fastening.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, le boitier comprend un couvercle de protection formé dans une pièce indépendante de la partie principale et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle, et des éléments d'assemblage assurant une fixation démontable du couvercle de protection sur la partie principale et sur ladite au moins une partie additionnelle occupant la configuration fonctionnelle, dans une configuration opérationnelle dans laquelle le couvercle de protection recouvre tout ou partie de la partie principale et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle d'une manière interdisant un accès manuel aux bornes de connexion par enfichage direct portées par la partie principale et par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle.According to yet another embodiment, the box comprises a protective cover formed in a part independent of the main part and of said at least one additional part, and assembly elements ensuring removable fixing of the protective cover on the part main part and on said at least one additional part occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration in which the protective cover covers all or part of the main part and of said at least one additional part in a way preventing manual access to the terminals direct plug connection carried by the main part and by said at least one additional part.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection sont configurés de sorte que la fixation du couvercle de protection nécessite un déplacement relatif entre le couvercle de protection et la partie principale selon une troisième direction orientée transversalement à la première direction.According to yet another embodiment, the assembly elements of the protective cover are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover requires a relative movement between the protective cover and the main part in a third direction oriented transversely to the first direction.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection comprennent des premiers organes d'assemblage solidaires de la partie principale et des deuxièmes organes d'assemblage solidaires du couvercle de protection, les premiers et deuxièmes organes d'assemblage coopérant entre eux par encliquetage.According to yet another embodiment, the assembly elements of the protective cover comprise first assembly members secured to the main part and second assembly members secured to the protective cover, the first and second assembly members cooperating with each other by snap-fastening.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation, le couvercle de protection comprend au moins un premier orifice associé à chaque borne de connexion de la partie principale et à chaque borne de connexion de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle, chaque premier orifice étant agencé en regard de la borne de connexion qui lui est associée et comprenant des éléments internes de guidage aptes à guider un conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice jusqu'à s'enficher dans la borne de connexion associée.According to yet another embodiment, the protective cover comprises at least one first orifice associated with each connection terminal of the main part and with each connection terminal of said at least one additional part, each first orifice being arranged opposite the connection terminal which is associated with it and comprising internal guide elements capable of guiding an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal.

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 la Figure 1 unique qui illustre un exemple d'appareil électrique selon l'invention, à l'état éclaté.The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and represented on the Figure 1 which illustrates an example of an electrical device according to the invention, in exploded state.

De manière générale, l'invention concerne un appareil électrique, notamment un contacteur électrique ou un bloc auxiliaire apte à être accouplé à un contacteur électrique. Autrement dit, l'appareil électrique (qu'il soit constitutif d'un contacteur électrique ou d'un bloc auxiliaire) comprend au moins un bornier dont les principes généraux seront décrits ci-après.In general, the invention relates to an electrical device, in particular an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block capable of being coupled to an electrical contactor. In other words, the electrical appliance (whether constituting an electrical contactor or an auxiliary unit) comprises at least one terminal block, the general principles of which will be described below.

L'appareil électrique constituant 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. Cet appareil électrique comprend aussi des éléments permettant de fixer l'appareil électrique sur un support, comme par exemple un rail de support d'une armoire électrique.The electrical device constituting an electrical contactor comprises a plurality of electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and each varying, by an external control in particular of the 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 made. By way of example, the movable part of the electrical contacts is integral with a movable armature capable of moving 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. This electrical apparatus also comprises elements making it possible to fix the electrical apparatus on a support, such as for example a support rail of an electrical cabinet.

L'appareil électrique constituant un bloc auxiliaire comprend des contacts électriques ayant chacun une partie mobile et une partie fixe et variant aussi chacun entre une configuration ouverte et une configuration fermée. Cet appareil électrique de type bloc auxiliaire comprend des éléments permettant que le changement de configuration de ses contacts électriques est commandé par le changement de configuration des contacts électriques du contacteur électrique sur lequel il est monté.The electrical device constituting an auxiliary unit comprises electrical contacts each having a movable part and a fixed part and also each varying between an open configuration and a closed configuration. This electrical device of the auxiliary block type comprises elements allowing the change of configuration of its electrical contacts to be controlled by the change of configuration of the electrical contacts of the electrical contactor on which it is mounted.

Il doit donc être compris que le terme « appareil électrique » utilisé par la suite peut signifier indifféremment un bloc auxiliaire ou un contacteur électrique. Ainsi, l'invention qui concerne un bornier pour appareil électrique doit être comprise comme étant indifféremment un bornier pour un contacteur électrique ou un bornier pour un bloc auxiliaire tels que décrits ci-dessus dans leurs principes généraux.It should therefore be understood that the term “electrical device” used below can mean either an auxiliary unit or an electrical contactor. Thus, the invention which relates to a terminal block for an electrical device must be understood as being either a terminal block for an electrical contactor or a terminal block for an auxiliary block as described above in their general principles.

Comme il sera expliqué plus loin, le bornier objet de l'invention comprend un boitier formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant. En pratique, dans le cas où il s'agit d'un bornier pour un contacteur électrique, le boitier électriquement isolant du bornier pourra constituer en pratique le boitier du contacteur électrique dans son ensemble. Dans le cas où il s'agit d'un bornier pour un bloc auxiliaire, le boitier électriquement isolant du bornier pourra constituer en pratique le boitier du bloc auxiliaire dans son ensemble.As will be explained later, the terminal block which is the subject of the invention comprises a casing formed from an electrically insulating material. In practice, in the case where it is a terminal block for an electrical contactor, the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the box of the electrical contactor as a whole. In the case where it is a terminal block for an auxiliary block, the electrically insulating box of the terminal block may constitute in practice the box of the auxiliary block as a whole.

La Figure 1 annexée représente le cas particulier où le bornier est un bornier pour un bloc auxiliaire, ce bloc auxiliaire étant repéré 10. Tous les principes qui vont être développés en relation avec le bloc auxiliaire 10 pourraient tout à fait être adaptés par l'Homme du Métier au cas d'un bornier pour un contacteur électrique.The Figure 1 appended represents the particular case where the terminal block is a terminal block for an auxiliary block, this auxiliary block being marked 10. All the principles which will be developed in relation to the auxiliary block 10 could quite be adapted by the person skilled in the art to the case of a terminal block for an electrical contactor.

Le bloc auxiliaire 10 de la Figure 1 comporte un exemple de bornier selon l'invention, ce bornier comprenant le boitier 11 qui est formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant. Le bornier comprend aussi des éléments de fixation 12 configurés de sorte à pouvoir fixer le boitier 11 de manière démontable sur une face avant d'un contacteur électrique (non représenté). En pratique, le boitier 11 constitue le boitier du bloc auxiliaire 10 dans son ensemble. Les éléments de fixation 12, qui peuvent notamment être de type par encliquetage sans que cela ne soit limitatif quant à leur nature, sont positionnés sur la face arrière 13 du bloc auxiliaire 10. Les éléments de fixation 12 sont notamment portés au moins partiellement par le boitier 11, sur sa face arrière. De manière non représentée en détails, le bloc auxiliaire 10 comprend des contacts électriques tels qu'évoqués ci-dessus, ayant chacun une partie fixe et une partie mobile et logés dans le boitier 11. Chaque contact électrique varie, par déplacement de sa partie mobile, entre une configuration ouverte ouvrant le contact électrique entre les parties mobile et fixe et une configuration fermée fermant ce contact électrique. Le bloc auxiliaire 10 comprend des moyens assurant que le changement de configuration de ses contacts électriques est commandé par le changement de configuration des contacts électriques d'un contacteur électrique sur lequel il est monté par l'intermédiaire des éléments de fixation 12. Par exemple, le bloc auxiliaire 10 comprend un élément de manœuvre 30 solidaire des parties mobiles des contacts électriques et apte à être actionné par l'armature mobile du contacteur électrique sur lequel le bloc auxiliaire 10 est destiné à être fixé par l'intermédiaire des éléments de fixation 12.Auxiliary block 10 of the Figure 1 comprises an example of a terminal block according to the invention, this terminal block comprising the box 11 which is formed from an electrically insulating material. The terminal block also comprises fixing elements 12 configured so as to be able to fix the case 11 in a removable manner on a front face of an electrical contactor (not shown). In practice, the box 11 constitutes the box of the auxiliary block 10 as a whole. The fixing elements 12, which may in particular be of the snap-in type without this being limiting as to their nature, are positioned on the rear face 13 of the auxiliary block 10. The fixing elements 12 are in particular carried at least partially by the box 11, on its rear face. In a manner not shown in detail, the auxiliary block 10 comprises electrical contacts as mentioned above, each having a fixed part and a movable part and housed in the box 11. Each electrical contact varies, by displacement of its movable part , between an open configuration opening the electrical contact between the movable and fixed parts and a closed configuration closing this electrical contact. The auxiliary unit 10 comprises means ensuring that the change in configuration of its electrical contacts is controlled by the change in configuration of the electrical contacts of an electrical contactor on which it is mounted via the fixing elements 12. For example, the auxiliary block 10 comprises an operating element 30 integral with the moving parts of the electrical contacts and able to be actuated by the moving armature of the electrical contactor on which the auxiliary block 10 is intended to be fixed by means of the fixing elements 12 .

Le boitier 11 délimite une pluralité de logements individuels qui vont être décrits plus en détails ci-après. Chaque logement du boitier 11 est agencé de sorte à permettre le montage d'au moins une borne de connexion 14 dans le boitier 11. Ainsi, le bornier comprend une pluralité de bornes de connexion 14 distinctes, accessibles par la face avant 15 du bloc auxiliaire 10, c'est-à-dire la face opposée à la face arrière 13 qui est destinée à être tournée vers le contacteur électrique lorsque le boitier 11 est monté sur ce contacteur électrique via les éléments de fixation 12.The box 11 delimits a plurality of individual housings which will be described in more detail below. Each housing of the box 11 is arranged so as to allow the mounting of at least one connection terminal 14 in the box 11. Thus, the terminal block comprises a plurality of separate connection terminals 14, accessible by the front face 15 of the auxiliary block 10, that is to say the face opposite the rear face 13 which is intended to be turned towards the electrical contactor when the box 11 is mounted on this electrical contactor via the fixing elements 12.

Chaque borne de connexion 14 est destinée à établir un contact électrique et mécanique entre un conducteur électrique (tel qu'un fil électrique) inséré dans cette borne de connexion 14 et un conducteur électrique interne au bloc auxiliaire lui-même relié électriquement à la partie fixe de l'un des contacts électriques évoqués ci-dessus. La forme et la nature de ce conducteur électrique interne ne sont en aucun cas limitatives.Each connection terminal 14 is intended to establish electrical and mechanical contact between an electrical conductor (such as an electrical wire) inserted into this connection terminal 14 and an electrical conductor internal to the auxiliary block itself electrically connected to the fixed part from one of the contacts electricity mentioned above. The shape and nature of this internal electrical conductor are in no way limiting.

De manière très avantageuse pour répondre aux problématiques présentées par l'art antérieur, le boitier 11 est composé de plusieurs parties indépendantes les unes des autres et aptes à être assemblées les unes aux autres de manière démontable. Notamment, le boitier 11 comprend essentiellement une partie principale 20 et au moins une partie additionnelle 22 distinctes l'une de l'autre et destinées à être assemblées entre elles et un couvercle de protection 19 formé dans une pièce indépendante des parties 20, 22 susmentionnées et destiné à recouvrir les parties 20, 22 pour éviter tout accès manuel aux bornes de connexion 14 pour éviter tout risque d'électrocution.Very advantageously to respond to the problems presented by the prior art, the box 11 is composed of several parts independent of each other and able to be assembled together in a removable manner. In particular, the box 11 essentially comprises a main part 20 and at least one additional part 22 distinct from each other and intended to be assembled together and a protective cover 19 formed in a piece independent of the parts 20, 22 mentioned above. and intended to cover the parts 20, 22 to prevent any manual access to the connection terminals 14 to avoid any risk of electrocution.

Le boitier 11 comprend ainsi une partie principale 20 délimitant au moins une paire de logements latéraux 21 décalés entre eux parallèlement à une première direction D1 et dans chacun desquels est montée une borne de connexion 14 fonctionnant par enfichage direct. Les éléments de fixation 12 sont notamment agencés sur la face arrière de cette partie principale 20.The box 11 thus comprises a main part 20 delimiting at least one pair of side housings 21 offset from each other parallel to a first direction D1 and in each of which is mounted a connection terminal 14 operating by direct plug-in. The fixing elements 12 are in particular arranged on the rear face of this main part 20.

Le boitier 11 comprend aussi au moins une partie additionnelle 22 formée dans une pièce distincte de la partie principale 20 et délimitant au moins un logement central 23 dans lequel est montée une autre borne de connexion 14 fonctionnant par enfichage direct.The box 11 also comprises at least one additional part 22 formed in a part separate from the main part 20 and delimiting at least one central housing 23 in which is mounted another connection terminal 14 operating by direct plug-in.

Le boitier 11 comprend en outre des éléments de montage assurant une fixation, démontable ou non, de chaque partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 dans une configuration fonctionnelle dans laquelle :

  • chaque borne de connexion 14 portée par la partie additionnelle 22 est située entre les bornes de connexion 14 montées dans les logements latéraux 21 délimités par la partie principale 20,
  • les bornes de connexion 14 montées dans les logements latéraux 21 délimités par la partie principale 20 et chaque borne de connexion 14 portée par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 sont disposées le long d'une rangée orientée selon la première direction D1.
The box 11 further comprises mounting elements ensuring fixing, removable or not, of each additional part 22 on the main part 20 in a functional configuration in which:
  • each connection terminal 14 carried by the additional part 22 is located between the connection terminals 14 mounted in the side housings 21 delimited by the main part 20,
  • the connection terminals 14 mounted in the side housings 21 delimited by the main part 20 and each connection terminal 14 carried by said at least one additional part 22 are arranged along a row oriented in the first direction D1.

Autrement dit, dans la configuration fonctionnelle, chaque logement central 23 de la partie additionnelle 22 est globalement encadré par les deux logements latéraux 21 délimités par la partie principale 20, selon la direction suivant laquelle ces deux logements latéraux 21 sont eux-mêmes décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre.In other words, in the functional configuration, each central housing 23 of the additional part 22 is generally framed by the two lateral housings 21 delimited by the main part 20, in the direction in which these two lateral housings 21 are themselves offset one relative to the other.

Dans ce document, on entend par « disposer le long d'une rangée » que les bornes de connexion 14 peuvent présenter un certain masquage l'une par rapport à l'autre selon la première direction D1, ce qui autorise donc un certain décalage éventuel d'une borne de connexion 14 à une autre transversalement à la première direction D1.In this document, the term “arrange along a row” means that the connection terminals 14 can present a certain masking with respect to each other in the first direction D1, which therefore authorizes a certain possible shift from one connection terminal 14 to another transversely to the first direction D1.

Chaque partie additionnelle 22 vient se positionner, dans sa configuration fonctionnelle, dans un logement de réception 29 délimité par la partie principale 20. Le logement de réception 29 est situé entre les deux logements latéraux 21 de la paire et se trouve encadré par ces derniers suivant la première direction D1.Each additional part 22 is positioned, in its functional configuration, in a reception housing 29 delimited by the main part 20. The reception housing 29 is located between the two side housings 21 of the pair and is framed by the latter according to the first direction D1.

Pour chaque partie additionnelle 22 envisagée, les éléments de montage qui permettent de fixer la partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 sont configurés de sorte que la fixation de la partie additionnelle 22 nécessite un déplacement entre cette partie additionnelle 22 et la partie principale 20 selon une deuxième direction D2 orientée perpendiculairement à la première direction D1.For each additional part 22 envisaged, the mounting elements which make it possible to fix the additional part 22 on the main part 20 are configured so that the fixing of the additional part 22 requires a displacement between this additional part 22 and the main part 20 according to a second direction D2 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, la première direction D1 et la deuxième direction D2 sont orientées parallèlement au plan dans lequel les éléments de fixation 12 sont situés. La première direction D1 et la deuxième direction D2 sont sensiblement perpendiculaires (à plus ou moins 20 degrés) à la direction d'insertion d'un conducteur électrique dans chaque borne de connexion 14.According to a particular embodiment, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are oriented parallel to the plane in which the fixing elements 12 are located. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially perpendicular (at plus or minus 20 degrees) to the direction of insertion of an electrical conductor into each connection terminal 14.

La nature et la conception des éléments de montage de chaque partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 ne sont en aucun cas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors qu'elles sont adaptées à la fonction recherchée et décrite ici. En particulier, les éléments de montage de la partie additionnelle 22 sur la partie principale 20 peuvent comprendre des premiers organes de montage 25 solidaires de la partie principale 20 et des deuxièmes organes de montage 26 solidaires de la partie additionnelle 22, les premiers et deuxièmes organes de montage 25, 26 coopérant entre eux par encliquetage, comme cela est illustré dans l'exemple de la Figure 1.The nature and design of the mounting elements of each additional part 22 on the main part 20 are in no way limiting and can be arbitrary as long as they are adapted to the function sought and described here. In particular, the mounting elements of the additional part 22 on the main part 20 can comprise first mounting members 25 secured to the main part 20 and second mounting members 26 secured to the additional part 22, the first and second mounting members mounting 25, 26 cooperating with each other by snap-fastening, as illustrated in the example of the Figure 1 .

Le couvercle de protection 19 comprend au moins un premier orifice 17 associé à chaque borne de connexion 14 de la partie principale 20 et à chaque borne de connexion 14 de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22, chaque premier orifice 17 étant agencé en regard de la borne de connexion 14 qui lui est associée et comprenant des éléments internes de guidage aptes à guider un conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice 17 jusqu'à s'enficher dans la borne de connexion 14 associée.The protective cover 19 comprises at least one first orifice 17 associated with each connection terminal 14 of the main part 20 and with each connection terminal 14 of said at least one additional part 22, each first orifice 17 being arranged opposite the connection terminal 14 which is associated with it and comprising internal guide elements capable of guiding an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice 17 until it is plugged into the associated connection terminal 14.

Il reste toutefois possible que tout ou partie des éléments internes de guidage soient solidaires de la partie principale 20 et/ou de la partie additionnelle 22 correspondante.However, it remains possible for all or part of the internal guide elements to be secured to the main part 20 and/or to the corresponding additional part 22 .

De manière non représentée, la partie principale 20 peut délimiter une seule paire de logements latéraux 21 décalés entre eux selon la première direction D1 et aptes à former une seule rangée de bornes de connexion 14 orientée selon la première direction D1 conjointement avec la ou les borne(s) de connexion 14 montée(s) dans au moins un logement central 23 d'au moins une partie additionnelle 22 venant se positionner entre les logements latéraux 21 de cette paire unique de logements latéraux 21.In a manner not shown, the main part 20 can delimit a single pair of lateral housings 21 offset from one another in the first direction D1 and capable of forming a single row of connection terminals 14 oriented in the first direction D1 together with the terminal or terminals Connection(s) 14 mounted in at least one central housing 23 of at least one additional part 22 which is positioned between the side housings 21 of this single pair of side housings 21.

Alternativement et de la manière représentée sur la Figure 1, la partie principale 20 peut délimiter au moins deux paires distinctes de logements latéraux 21 où les deux logements latéraux 21 de chacune des deux paires sont décalés entre eux parallèlement à la première direction D1. Deux logements latéraux 21 appartenant à des paires différentes sont décalés dans une direction perpendiculaire à la première direction D1, orientée notamment selon la deuxième direction D2. Les logements latéraux 21 des deux paires sont agencés de sorte que, lorsque ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 est fixée sur la partie principale 20 et occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, les bornes de connexion 14 montées dans les logements latéraux 21 des deux paires délimitées par la partie principale 20 et les bornes de connexion 14 portées par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 sont disposées le long de deux rangées distinctes parallèles et orientées selon la première direction D1.Alternatively and in the manner shown in the Figure 1 , the main part 20 can delimit at least two separate pairs of side housings 21 where the two side housings 21 of each of the two pairs are offset from each other parallel to the first direction D1. Two side housings 21 belonging to different pairs are offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, oriented in particular along the second direction D2. The side housings 21 of the two pairs are arranged so that, when said at least one additional part 22 is fixed to the main part 20 and occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals 14 mounted in the side housings 21 of the two pairs delimited by the main part 20 and the connection terminals 14 carried by said at least one additional part 22 are arranged along two separate parallel rows and oriented in the first direction D1.

Que la partie principale 20 comprenne un ou au moins deux paire(s) de logement latéraux 21, le boitier 11 peut éventuellement comporter une seule partie additionnelle 22 à rapporter de manière amovible sur la partie principale 20, cette unique partie additionnelle 22 comprenant alors une ou plusieurs bornes de connexion 14 montée(s) dans des logements centraux 23 correspondants. Alternativement, le boitier 11 peut comprendre au moins deux parties additionnelles 22 distinctes, chaque partie additionnelle 22 délimitant au moins un logement central 23. La borne de connexion 14 montée dans ledit au moins un logement central 23 de l'une desdites au moins deux parties additionnelles 22 appartient à l'une des deux rangées et la borne de connexion 24 montée dans ledit au moins un logement central 23 de l'autre desdites au moins deux parties additionnelles 22 appartient à l'autre des deux rangées lorsque chaque partie additionnelle 22 occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle.Whether the main part 20 comprises one or at least two pair(s) of lateral housings 21, the box 11 may optionally comprise a single additional part 22 to be attached in a removable manner to the main part 20, this single additional part 22 then comprising a or more connection terminals 14 mounted in central housings 23 corresponding. Alternatively, the box 11 may comprise at least two separate additional parts 22, each additional part 22 delimiting at least one central housing 23. The connection terminal 14 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of one of said at least two parts additional parts 22 belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal 24 mounted in said at least one central housing 23 of the other of said at least two additional parts 22 belongs to the other of the two rows when each additional part 22 occupies its functional configuration.

Dans l'exemple qui est illustré sur la Figure 1, sans que cela ne soit limitatif quant à la liberté de conception et d'organisation du boitier 11 ainsi décomposé en parties distinctes, le boitier 11 comprend deux parties additionnelles 22 distinctes et chacun d'elles délimite deux logements centraux 23. Ces deux parties additionnelles 22 sont destinées à être montées sur la même et unique partie principale 20. Lorsque chacune des deux parties additionnelles 22 occupe sa configuration fonctionnelle, elles sont décalées l'une par rapport à l'autre selon la deuxième direction D2. La partie principale 20 délimite quant à elle une première paire de logements latéraux 21 destinés à constituer une première rangée orientée selon la première direction D1 conjointement avec les deux logements centraux 23 de l'une des deux parties additionnelles 22 et une seconde paire de logements latéraux 21 destinés à constituer une seconde rangée orientée selon la première direction D1 conjointement avec les deux logements centraux 23 de l'autre des deux parties additionnelles 22. Chacune de ces deux rangées comprend deux bornes de connexion 14 montées dans la partie principale 20 et deux bornes de connexion 14 montées dans l'une des deux parties additionnelles 22.In the example shown in the Figure 1 , without this being limiting as to the freedom of design and organization of the box 11 thus broken down into separate parts, the box 11 comprises two separate additional parts 22 and each of them delimits two central housings 23. These two additional parts 22 are intended to be mounted on the same and single main part 20. When each of the two additional parts 22 occupies its functional configuration, they are offset relative to each other in the second direction D2. The main part 20 delimits for its part a first pair of lateral housings 21 intended to constitute a first row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of one of the two additional parts 22 and a second pair of lateral housings 21 intended to form a second row oriented in the first direction D1 together with the two central housings 23 of the other of the two additional parts 22. Each of these two rows comprises two connection terminals 14 mounted in the main part 20 and two terminals connection 14 mounted in one of the two additional parts 22.

Au sein du bornier objet de l'invention, chaque borne de connexion 14 montée dans le boitier 11 fonctionne par enfichage direct et comprend à cet effet un ressort de contact 16 agencé de sorte à s'ouvrir automatiquement sous l'action de l'insertion du conducteur électrique dans le ressort de contact 16 et à exercer ensuite, par rappel élastique de sa matière, un effort de pression sur le conducteur électrique après son enfichage, cet effort de pression étant capable de maintenir le conducteur électrique axialement bloqué par le ressort de contact 16. Les bornes de connexion 14 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 terminal block which is the subject of the invention, each connection terminal 14 mounted in the box 11 operates by direct plugging and comprises for this purpose a contact spring 16 arranged so as to open automatically under the action of the insertion of the electrical conductor in the contact spring 16 and then to exert, by elastic return of its material, a pressure force on the electrical conductor after it has been plugged in, this pressure force being capable of keeping the electrical conductor axially blocked by the spring contact 16. The connection terminals 14 operating by direct plug-in are also known as pressure connection terminal or "push-in" in English terminology.

Pour cela, chaque ressort de contact 16 peut comprendre une partie élastique subissant une déformation élastique sous l'action d'une force extérieure appliquée sur le ressort de contact 16 :

  • soit par le conducteur électrique durant son insertion à travers le premier orifice 17 pour venir placer le conducteur électrique dans une position de contact avec le ressort de contact 16 en étant maintenant axialement par ce dernier,
  • soit par un outil inséré dans un deuxième orifice 18 délimité par le boitier 11 (de manière adjacente à l'un des premiers orifices 17) pour ouvrir le ressort de contact 16 et libérer le conducteur électrique afin de le retirer hors de sa position de contact.
For this, each contact spring 16 may comprise an elastic part undergoing an elastic deformation under the action of an external force applied to the contact spring 16:
  • either by the electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice 17 to place the electrical conductor in a position of contact with the contact spring 16 while now being axially by the latter,
  • either by a tool inserted into a second orifice 18 delimited by the box 11 (adjacent to one of the first orifices 17) to open the contact spring 16 and release the electrical conductor in order to remove it from its contact position .

Au niveau de chaque borne de connexion 14, le couvercle de protection 19 délimite au moins un tel premier orifice 17 et au moins un tel deuxième orifice 18. Dans la variante illustrée, il est prévu à l'aplomb de chaque borne de connexion 14 deux premiers orifices 17 et deux deuxièmes orifices 18 de sorte que chaque borne de connexion 14 permet la mise en place de deux conducteurs électriques différents. En effet, il est à noter qu'en fonction de la conception des bornes de connexion 14, chacune d'elles peut permette de connecter un ou plusieurs conducteur(s) électrique(s) distincts.At each connection terminal 14, the protective cover 19 delimits at least one such first orifice 17 and at least one such second orifice 18. In the variant illustrated, there is provided plumb with each connection terminal 14 two first orifices 17 and two second orifices 18 so that each connection terminal 14 allows the installation of two different electrical conductors. Indeed, it should be noted that depending on the design of the connection terminals 14, each of them can make it possible to connect one or more separate electrical conductor(s).

La nature et l'organisation du ressort de contact 16 ne sont pas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors que le ressort de contact 16 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, de l'épaisseur attendue des conducteurs électriques à maintenir, de l'effort de pression recherchée pour maintenir le conducteur électrique dans sa position de contact, de la forme et de la conception du boitier 11 etc....The nature and organization of the contact spring 16 are not limiting and can be arbitrary as long as the contact spring 16 fulfills the functions presented generally above. The organization of the elastic part may depend on the material and the shape of the contact spring, the expected thickness of the electrical conductors to be maintained, the pressure force sought to maintain the electrical conductor in its contact position , the shape and design of the case 11 etc....

Chaque borne de connexion 14 est équipée d'au moins une surface d'appui configurée de sorte à guider la manière dont se déforme le ressort de contact 16 durant l'insertion du conducteur électrique et à limiter sa déformation. La nature et l'organisation de ladite au moins une surface d'appui est directement liée à celles du ressort de contact 16 correspondant. Chaque surface d'appui est mise en place par rapport au ressort de contact 16 moyennant un déplacement relatif orienté parallèlement à la première direction D1. Les surfaces d'appui peuvent être solidaires d'une pièce couramment appelée « clé » solidaire du boitier 11, en venant de matière avec celui-ci ou non, ou indépendante et amovible par rapport au boitier 11 et au ressort 16. La Figure 1 représente le cas particulier où la clé qui porte les surfaces d'appui est indépendante du boitier 11 et du ressort 16 correspondant et prend la forme d'une agrafe 24 indépendante du boitier 11 et du ressort 16. Dans cette dernière variante, l'agrafe 24 comprend des éléments de fixation configurés de sorte à pouvoir monter l'agrafe 24 sur le ressort de contact 16, notamment de manière réversible. L'agrafe 24 délimite une face d'appui contre laquelle le ressort de contact 16 s'appuie durant la déformation de sa partie élastique sous l'action de la force extérieure, pour imposer la manière dont la partie élastique du ressort de contact 16 se déforme spatialement et contre laquelle le ressort de contact 16 vient buter dans son état de déformation maximale pour limiter la déformation élastique de la partie élastique du ressort de contact en-dessous d'une valeur prédéterminée quelle que soit l'intensité de la force extérieure imposée par le conducteur électrique ou par l'outil de déverrouillage.Each connection terminal 14 is equipped with at least one bearing surface configured so as to guide the way in which the contact spring 16 is deformed during the insertion of the electrical conductor and to limit its deformation. The nature and organization of said at least one bearing surface is directly linked to those of the corresponding contact spring 16. Each bearing surface is placed relative to the contact spring 16 by means of a relative displacement oriented parallel to the first direction D1. The support surfaces can be attached to a part commonly called a “key” attached to the case 11, whether or not they are integral with the latter, or independent and removable with respect to the case 11 and the spring 16. Figure 1 represents the particular case where the key which carries the support surfaces is independent of the case 11 and of the corresponding spring 16 and takes the form of a clip 24 independent of the case 11 and of the spring 16. In this last variant, the clip 24 comprises fixing elements configured so as to be able to mount the clip 24 on the contact spring 16, in particular in a reversible manner. The clip 24 delimits a bearing face against which the contact spring 16 bears during the deformation of its elastic part under the action of the external force, to impose the way in which the elastic part of the contact spring 16 spatially deforms and against which the contact spring 16 abuts in its state of maximum deformation to limit the elastic deformation of the elastic part of the contact spring below a predetermined value whatever or the intensity of the external force imposed by the electrical conductor or by the unlocking tool.

Chaque agrafe 24 est montée sur le ressort de contact 16 avec lequel elle coopère selon une direction de montage orientée transversalement au plan dans lequel le ressort de contact 16 se déforme et parallèlement à la première direction D1. Au niveau de chaque borne de connexion 14, l'agrafe 24 est montée sur le ressort de contact 16 avant la mise en place du ressort 16 soit dans l'un des logements latéraux 21 de la partie principale 20, soit dans un logement central 23 de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22. Ensuite, chaque partie additionnelle 22 équipée préalablement des ressorts de contact 16 et des agrafes 24 au niveau de chacune de ses bornes de connexion 14 est assemblée avec la partie principale 20.Each clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 with which it cooperates in a mounting direction oriented transversely to the plane in which the contact spring 16 deforms and parallel to the first direction D1. At each connection terminal 14, the clip 24 is mounted on the contact spring 16 before the installation of the spring 16 either in one of the side housings 21 of the main part 20, or in a central housing 23 of said at least one additional part 22. Then, each additional part 22 previously equipped with contact springs 16 and clips 24 at each of its connection terminals 14 is assembled with the main part 20.

Le boitier 11 comprend des éléments d'assemblage assurant une fixation démontable du couvercle de protection 19 sur la partie principale 20 et sur ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 occupant la configuration fonctionnelle, dans une configuration opérationnelle (non représentée) dans laquelle le couvercle de protection 19 recouvre tout ou partie de la partie principale 20 et de ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22 d'une manière interdisant un accès manuel aux bornes de connexion 14 portées par la partie principale 20 et par ladite au moins une partie additionnelle 22.The box 11 comprises assembly elements providing removable fixing of the protective cover 19 on the main part 20 and on said at least one additional part 22 occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration (not shown) in which the protection 19 covers all or part of the main part 20 and of said at least one additional part 22 in a manner prohibiting manual access to the connection terminals 14 carried by the main part 20 and by said at least one additional part 22.

Selon un mode de réalisation non limitatif, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection 19 sont configurés de sorte que la fixation du couvercle de protection 19 nécessite un déplacement relatif entre le couvercle de protection 19 et la partie principale 20 selon une troisième direction D3 orientée perpendiculairement à la première direction D1. La troisième direction D3 est notamment perpendiculaire à la deuxième direction D2 également. La troisième direction D3 est notamment orientée perpendiculairement au plan dans lequel les éléments de fixation 12 sont situés.According to a non-limiting embodiment, the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are configured so that the fixing of the protective cover 19 requires a relative movement between the protective cover 19 and the main part 20 in a third direction D3 oriented perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is in particular perpendicular to the second direction D2 as well. The third direction D3 is in particular oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the fixing elements 12 are located.

La nature et la conception des éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection 19 ne sont en aucun cas limitatives et peuvent être quelconques dès lors qu'elles sont adaptées à la fonction recherchée et décrite ici. En particulier, les éléments d'assemblage du couvercle de protection 19 peuvent par exemple comprendre des premiers organes d'assemblage 27 solidaires de la partie principale 20 et de deuxièmes organes d'assemblage 28 solidaires du couvercle de protection 19, les premiers et deuxièmes organes d'assemblage 27, 28 coopérant entre eux par encliquetage, comme cela est représenté sur la Figure 1.The nature and design of the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 are in no way limiting and can be arbitrary as long as they are adapted to the function sought and described here. In particular, the assembly elements of the protective cover 19 can for example comprise first assembly members 27 secured to the main part 20 and second assembly members 28 secured to the protective cover 19, the first and second assembly 27, 28 cooperating with each other by snap-fastening, as shown in the Figure 1 .

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 telles que revendiquées dans les revendications.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments represented and described above, but on the contrary covers all the variants as claimed in the claims.

Claims (9)

  1. An electrical apparatus constituting an electrical contactor or an auxiliary block (10) adapted to be coupled to an electrical contactor, the electrical apparatus including on the one hand at least one terminal board comprising a case (11) formed in an electrically insulating material and on the other hand a plurality of electrical contacts housed in the case (11) and each having a fixed portion and a movable portion, each electrical contact varying, by displacement of its movable portion by an external control, between a closed configuration establishing an electrical contact between the mobile and fixed portions and an open configuration where this electrical contact is not established, the case (11) comprising a main portion (20) delimiting at least one pair of lateral housings (21) offset from each other in parallel to a first direction (D1) and in each of which is mounted a connection terminal (14) by direct plugging, at least one additional portion (22) formed in a part separate from the main portion (20) and delimiting at least one central housing (23) in which is mounted another connection terminal (14) by direct plugging, and mounting elements (25, 26) providing attachment of said at least one additional portion (22) on the main portion (20) in a functional configuration in which each connection terminal (14) carried by said additional portion (22) is located between the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral housings (21) delimited by the main portion (20) and in which the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral housings (21) delimited by the main portion (20) and each connection terminal (14) carried by said at least one additional portion (22) are disposed along a row oriented according to the first direction (D1), each connection terminal (14) by direct plugging comprising a contact spring (16) mounted in the main portion (20) or in said at least one additional portion (22) and at least one support surface configured so as to guide the way in which the contact spring (16) deforms and to limit its deformation, the support surface being positioned with respect to the spring contact (16) by means of a relative displacement oriented according to the first direction (D1), each connection terminal (14) making it possible to establish an electrical and mechanical contact between an electrical conductor inserted in this connection terminal (14) and an electrical conductor internal to the electrical apparatus itself electrically connected to the fixed portion of one of the electrical contacts,
    the main portion (20) delimiting two separate pairs of lateral housings (21) where the two lateral housings (21) of each of the two pairs are offset from each other in parallel to the first direction (D1), two lateral housings (21) belonging to different pairs being offset in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (D1), the lateral housings (21) of the two pairs being arranged such that, when said at least one additional portion (22) occupies its functional configuration, the connection terminals (14) mounted in the lateral housings (21) of the two pairs delimited by the main portion (20) and the connection terminals (14) carried by said at least one additional portion (22) are disposed along two separate rows parallel and oriented according to the first direction (D1),
    the case (11) comprising two separate additional portions (22), each additional portion (22) delimiting at least one central housing (23) and in that the connection terminal (14) mounted in said at least one central housing (23) of one of the two additional portions (22) belongs to one of the two rows and the connection terminal (14) mounted in said at least one central housing (23) of the other of the two additional portions (22) belongs to the other of the two rows when the two additional portions (22) occupy their functional configurations.
  2. The electrical apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one support surface is secured to a clip (24) that is independent of both the case (11) and the contact spring (16) and comprising attaching elements configured so as to be able to mount the clip (24) on the contact spring (16), in particular in a reversible manner.
  3. The electrical apparatus according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting elements (25, 26) of said at least one additional portion (22) on the main portion (20) are configured such hat the attachment of said at least one additional portion (22) requires a relative displacement between the additional portion (22) and the main portion (20) according to a second direction (D2) oriented transversely to the first direction (D1).
  4. The electrical apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) are oriented parallel to the plane in which are positioned elements (12) for attaching the case (11) to a support external to the electrical apparatus such as a support rail of an electrical cabinet in the event where the electrical apparatus is an electrical contactor or a case of an electrical contactor in the event that the electrical apparatus is an auxiliary block.
  5. The electrical apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the mounting elements (25, 26) of said at least one additional portion (22) on the main portion (20) comprise first mounting members (25) secured to the main portion (20) and second mounting members (26) secured to the additional portion (22), the first and second mounting members (25, 26) cooperating with each other by snap-fitting.
  6. The electrical apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the case (11) comprises a protective cover (19) formed in a part that is independent of the main portion (20) and of said at least one additional portion (22), and assembly elements (27, 28) providing a removable attachment of the protective cover (19) on the main portion (20) and on said at least one additional portion (22) occupying the functional configuration, in an operational configuration in which the protective cover (19) covers all or part of the main portion (20) and of said at least one additional portion (22) in a way preventing manual access to the connection terminals (14) by direct plugging carried by the main portion (20) and by said at least one additional portion (22).
  7. The electrical apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the assembly elements (27, 28) of the protective cover (19) are configured such that the attachment of the protective cover (19) requires a relative displacement between the protective cover (19) and the main portion (20) in a third direction (D3) oriented transversely to the first direction (D1).
  8. The electrical apparatus according to any of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the assembly elements (27, 28) of the protective cover (19) comprise first assembly members (27) secured to the main portion (20) and second assembly members (28) secured to the protective cover (19), the first and second assembly members (27, 28) cooperating with each other by snap-fitting.
  9. The electrical apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the protective cover (19) comprises at least one first orifice (17) associated with each connection terminal (14) of the main portion (20) and at each connection terminal (14) of said at least one additional portion (22), each first orifice (17) being arranged facing the connection terminal (14) associated therewith and comprising internal guide elements adapted to guide an electrical conductor during its insertion through the first orifice (17) until it plugs into the associated connection terminal (14).
EP17151113.2A 2017-01-12 2017-01-12 Modular electric device Active EP3349306B1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1734551A1 (en) * 2005-06-15 2006-12-20 Moeller GmbH Plug-in device for electrical switching device
US20090253306A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Moeller Gmbh Plug adapter for an electrical switching device
DE202010009253U1 (en) * 2010-06-18 2010-09-16 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Manifold strip
FR2949017A3 (en) * 2009-08-05 2011-02-11 Abb France Electromagnetic contactor, has circuit board horizontally arranged on fixed part of magnetic path, and movable part penetrated through opening of circuit board and sliding in magnetic field generating coil
DE202015105021U1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2016-12-23 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Connection housing with a connecting device for conductors

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202004000523U1 (en) * 2004-01-15 2005-05-25 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Connection system for connecting electrical conductors to an electrical device
ITRM20060175A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 Mc Technology Gmbh SUPPORTING ELEMENT FOR CONNECTION TERMINALS
DE102007043197B4 (en) * 2007-09-11 2015-03-26 Mc Technology Gmbh terminal

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1734551A1 (en) * 2005-06-15 2006-12-20 Moeller GmbH Plug-in device for electrical switching device
US20090253306A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Moeller Gmbh Plug adapter for an electrical switching device
FR2949017A3 (en) * 2009-08-05 2011-02-11 Abb France Electromagnetic contactor, has circuit board horizontally arranged on fixed part of magnetic path, and movable part penetrated through opening of circuit board and sliding in magnetic field generating coil
DE202010009253U1 (en) * 2010-06-18 2010-09-16 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Manifold strip
DE202015105021U1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2016-12-23 Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG Connection housing with a connecting device for conductors

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