FR2811812A1 - CONNECTION CONNECTOR AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTION ASSEMBLY BETWEEN A SET OF BARS AND AT LEAST ONE CONDUCTIVE CABLE - Google Patents

Abstract

This connector (C) comprises two jaws (4, 5) for receiving a fuse (8) or a conductive bar, respectively connected to a zone (43) of contact with the bar (1) and to a reception area (6, 54a) of one end (3a) of a conductor, and a two-part insulating envelope (11, 12) surrounding these jaws (4, 5). The envelope is formed of two half-shells (11, 12) superimposed in a direction (Z-Z ') generally parallel to the direction of insertion of the fuse (8) or of the strip in the jaws (4, 5).

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connection connector of a

  conductor on a bar of a bar system and to an electrical connection assembly between a set of

  bars and at least one conductor cable.

  Such an electrical connection assembly can be used in a connection cabinet, for example in a current distribution cabinet between several dwellings located in a street or to connect several networks together, for the interconnection of transformers used for the energy distribution to allow, for example, maintenance operations on one or more

of these transformers.

  Such a connection assembly is known, in particular, from FR-A-2 715 775 and comprises connectors intended to be arranged in the vicinity of each other by being connected to bars of the bar system. Each connector extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the bars and receives the end of a conductor which it allows

  to connect to the bar to which it is connected.

  By FR-A-2 731 847, it is known to produce a protected connection system on an electrical connection device of the aforementioned type, which includes jaws for receiving the terminals or knives of a fuse, one of these jaws being intended to be in contact with the bar while the other is intended to be in contact with a

  driver. A bipartite insulating jacket is provided.

  FR-A-2 751 465 discloses an electrical circuit breaker provided with an extractable fuse which comprises jaws for receiving the terminals of a fuse and an insulating envelope formed by two half-shells and joined in a direction parallel to the direction d insertion of the fuse in the jaws. These half-shells have a relatively complex geometry, in particular because they include internal ribs, so that their molding requires the use of drawer molds. This complicates their

  production, which increases the cost price of the connector.

  In addition, this method of assembling the insulating envelope does not

  not allow to effectively hold in place a immobilizer screw

  reading the connector in question on a system bar

with bars.

  It is these drawbacks which the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a new connector of the aforementioned type which is characterized in that its envelope is formed by two half-shells superimposed in a direction generally parallel to the direction of introduction. fuse

  or a conductive strip in the jaws of this connector

  tor. Thanks to the invention, the insulating envelope of the connector is formed of two half-shells which are contiguous along a circumference essentially parallel to the exposed surface of the bar to which it is connected. The geometry of these half-shells is therefore relatively simple since one of them forms a base in which the feet of the jaws can be received while the other half-shell is capable of coming to cap these jaws, at the same time a connector locking screw on a bar and a collar for receiving the end of the conductive cable. The invention also makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the connector relative to known devices since each jaw is effectively held in position by one of the half-shells

  before assembly of these two half-shells.

  According to advantageous but not compulsory aspects of the invention, the connector incorporates one or more of the following characteristics:

  - Means of immobilization of the end of the conduc-

  tor in its reception area are provided, these means being able to immobilize this end in a position such that it is oriented in a direction inclined relative to the main direction of the fuse or of the strip in

  place in the jaws. This arrangement allows

  ter, with a high density, several connectors on the bars of a bar system without the conductors to which

  they are connected do not interfere with neighboring connectors.

  In this case, provision may be made for one of the half-shells to include an opening for viewing the positioning of the end of the conductor in the abovementioned immobilization means, this opening being located in the vicinity of the

exit from these means.

  - A connector locking screw on the bar considered

  rée is provided, this screw passing through a first half-shell of the envelope in the aforementioned contact area while it is received in a housing formed by this first half-shell and that the second half-shell makes it possible to retain this head in this housing, while ensuring access to the screw for its operation. This construction ensures imperdability

  of the clamping screw. We can predict that the first half

  shell comprises a veil provided with a hole for the passage of the screw, while the second half-shell comprises a veil generally parallel to the veil of the first half-shell and provided with a hole for access to the screw, the diameter of this hole

  being less than the maximum diameter of the screw.

  - At least one of the half-shells carries at least one elastic tab extending in a direction generally parallel to the direction of introduction of the fuse or of the bar in the jaws, while the other half-shell is provided at least one housing for receiving this tab. This or these tab (s) and this or these housing (s) are used for the relative snap-fastening of the two half-shells. In this case, the aforementioned tab advantageously comprises two ends separated by a notch and able to be arranged on either side of a

  locking lug provided in the housing.

  - One of the half-shells covers the jaws and forms two openings for introducing a fuse knife or bar into each jaw, this opening being bordered by two tongues extending in a direction generally parallel to the direction for inserting the knives into the jaws, these tongues each being provided with a projection capable of forming a zone of localized resistance during the movements of introducing or extracting the fuse or the

  bar relative to the jaws.

  - One of the half-shells forms a space for receiving a removable connector identification label. This allows easy identification of the connectors used for the power supply of a site of use. In this case, it is possible to provide means for locking the label in readable configuration, these means being able to be activated only when the connector has been immobilized on the bar, for example by tightening a locking screw until rupture of his breakable head. - At least one of the half-shells is provided with a tension taking orifice on an element electrically connected to one of the jaws. This makes it possible to check the continuity of the electrical circuit, created through the fuse or the strip,

between the bar and the driver.

  - At least one of the half-shells forms a detachable cover for closing the conductor entry orifice

in the connector.

  The invention also relates to a connector assembly.

  electrical connection between a busbar and a conductive cable which comprises at least one connector as previously described. Such a connection assembly is easy to manufacture

  and to handle, while its cost price is attractive.

  The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the

  description which follows of an embodiment of a

  connector and a connection assembly in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to the invention; - Figure 2 is an exploded longitudinal section of the connector of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a top view of the connector of Figure 1 in the configuration of use, no fuse or conductor bar being shown; - Figure 4 is a section along the line IV-IV in Figure 3 and - Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the detail

V in Figure 1.

  The connector C shown in the figures is intended to be mounted on a bar 1 of a bar system, as known for example from FR-A-2 715 775. To do this, the bar 1 is provided with an orifice the passage of a locking screw 2 provided in the connector C and intended to cooperate with a nut not shown located under the bar 1 in Figure 1. The connector C is configured to receive one end 3a of a conductive cable 3 , this end being partly

  stripped. It is possible to use a cable 3 whose end

  mite 3a is not stripped, the sheath of this end being perforated by a toothing of connector C. The use of a non-stripped end 3a increases safety and facilitates

live connections.

  The connector C comprises two jaws 4 and 5 intended to be electrically connected respectively to the bar 1 and to the conductor 3. The jaw 4 comprises a web 41 in which is defined a notch 42 extending in a direction generally parallel to the axis ZZ 'of screw 2 which is also the central axis of the orifice la in configuration

  mounting of connector C on bar 1.

  X-X 'is noted the longitudinal axis of the bar 1 which is intersecting and perpendicular to the axis Z-Z'. Finally, we denote Y-Y 'an axis perpendicular to the axes X-X' and Z-Z 'and passing through the center of the orifice la. The axis YY 'is in fact a longitudinal axis of the connector C. The jaw 4 is equipped with a spring 43 exerting pressure on the notch 42. The jaw 4 also forms a bowl 44 pierced with a central orifice 44a intended to be aligned with the orifice la and allowing the passage of the screw 2. The jaw 5 also comprises a veil 51 generally parallel to the veil 41 of the jaw 4 and in which is defined a notch 52 closed by a spring 53. A sole 54 extends in the lower part of the jaw 5 in a direction generally perpendicular to that of the web 51 and forms a toothing 54a on which is provided to be disposed a jumper or collar 6 for receiving the end 3a of the conductor 3. On note that the collar 6 is provided with fins 6a for heat dissipation and equipped with a screw 7 with calibrated tightening. This screw 7 comprises a threaded metal part 7a having a polygonal end which cooperates with a

insulating and breakable cap 7b.

  As can be seen more particularly from FIG. 3, the central axis AA 'of the toothing 54a forms a non-zero angle E with respect to the longitudinal axis YY' of the connector C, so that the end 3a of the conductor 3 received in the collar 6 is inclined by this same angle a with respect to this axis Y-Y '. This inclined nature of the end 3a allows dense implantation of different connectors of the type of

  connector C on a busbar system.

  A fuse 8 is provided for connecting the jaws 4 and 5 and there are noted 8a and 8b its end knives which extend generally in the direction of the axis Y-Y 'and are provided

  to be respectively engaged in the notches 42 and 52.

  When it is not necessary to use a fuse, a conductive bar can be placed between the jaws 4 and 5, its knives also engaging in the notches 42

and 52.

  An insulating envelope 10 surrounds the aforementioned elements.

  This envelope 10 comprises a base half-shell 11, or "lower" half-shell, intended to rest against the bar 1 and defining housings for receiving elements 2 to 8. The envelope 10 also comprises a second half-shell 12, or "upper" half-shell, which is intended to cover the aforementioned elements when they are in place in the half-shell

basic 11.

  The half-shells 11 and 12 are superimposed in the

  direction of the axis Z-Z 'which is in fact the direction of intro-

  duction of the knives 8a and 8b of the fuse 8 in the jaws 4 and 5, this introduction being represented by the arrows

F1 in Figure 2.

  The half-shell 11 comprises a base sole 110 extending in a direction generally parallel to the plane

defined by the axes X-X 'and Y-Y'.

  This sole 110 is pierced with orifices 110a allowing air circulation around the fuse 8. The sole 110 is also pierced with an orifice 11Ob for receiving the bowl 44, this allowing surface support of the bottom of the bowl

  44 on the upper surface lb of the bar 1.

  Two ribs 111 and 112 extend opposite the bar 1 in the interior volume of the half-shell 11 and thus separate three spaces 113, 114 and 115 intended to receive the jaw 4 and the screw 2 respectively in the space 113, the fuse 8 in space 114, the jaw 5,

  the collar 6 and the end 3a in the space 115.

  The ribs 111 and 112 are in fact formed by juxtaposed tongues, more particularly visible to

Figures 1 and 4.

  The side partitions 116 of the half-shell 11 are lined by rails 117 defining between them housings 118 extending over substantially the entire height of the partitions 116. In the center of each housing 118 extends, starting from the

  partition 116 considered, a lug 119.

  At the space 113, the partitions 116 and the end partition 116 ′ of the connector C are provided with orifices 116a for circulation of air for cooling the jaw 4 and

of screw 2.

  The half-shell 12 defines a central space 124 for receiving the fuse 8 between lateral partitions 126 and ribs 121 and 122 generally perpendicular to these partitions. The partitions 126 are provided with orifices 126a of

  fuse cooling air circulation 8.

  An upper wall of this half-shell is divided into two parts 120a and 120b respectively bordering the ribs 121

  and 122. A second rib 121 'extends generally parallel to

  Lement to the rib 121, that is to say parallel to the axes X-X 'and Z-Z'. The rib 121 'extends over the entire width of the half-shell 12, parallel to the axis X-X', while the rib 121 is interrupted in a central area, as is the veil 120a, which allows to form an opening 123 for introducing the knife 8a into the notch 42 of the jaw 4. The opening 123 is bordered by tongues 123a each equipped with a projection 123b provided with an upper ramp 123c and with a ramp lower 123d inclined with respect to the axis XX ′, the ramps 123c of two projections 123b arranged opposite are converging in the direction of the

  half-shell 11, while the ramps 123d are divergent.

  A similar construction is adopted on the side of the rib 122 which is doubled with a parallel rib 122 ', an opening 123 for introducing a knife of the fuse being also defined and bordered by tongues provided with projections. These different protrusions have the effect of constituting a hard point during the introduction of the knives 8a and 8b into the notches 42 and 52 and of opposing an accidental extraction of the fuse, or of a conducting strip when such a strip is used. The ramps 123c and 123d facilitate the elastic deformation of the tongues 123a during movements of introduction and extraction of the knives

  of fuse 8 in jaws 4 and 5.

  Like the ribs 111 and 112, the ribs 121 and 122 are formed by a succession of tabs separated by notches, as is apparent, for example, from FIG. 4. The respective edges of the partitions are denoted 116b and 116'b respectively. 116 and 116 ′ opposite to the sole 110. There is 126b the edge of the partitions 126 opposite the sail parts 120a

and 120b.

  The edges 116b, 116'b and 126b are generally perpendicular

  at the axis X-X ', so that the half-shells 11 and 12 are joined along a circumference formed by these edges which extends in a plane generally parallel to the axes XX' and Y-Y ', c' that is to say perpendicular to the axis ZZ 'and to the

introduction direction Fl.

  From the edges 126b of the partitions 126, extend legs 128, flat, generally parallel to the partitions 126 and provided with two ends 128a and 128b separated by a notch 128c. The legs 128 are intended to be introduced into the housings 118 of the half-shell 11, while the ends 128a and 128b are arranged on either side of the lug 119 which is then received in the notch 128c. The geometry of the ends 128a and 128b is such that they are firmly immobilized by the cooperation of the rails 117 and the lug 119 once they are received in the housings 118. In other words, a snap-fastening by elastic deformation tabs 128 during their introduction into the housings 118 is possible, this snap-fastening leading to effective locking of the half-shell 11 on the half-shell 12. To this end, stops 117a are provided in the rails 117 and suitable for to oppose an extraction of the legs 128 with respect to the housings 118 by blocking inclined surfaces 128d of the ends 128a and 128b which cannot themselves approach due to the interposition of the lug 119 in

notch 128c.

  The half-shell 12 also comprises a veil 120c generally parallel to the veil 120a and intended to close off the upper part of the space 113, while the screw 2 has been introduced into this space. Screw 2 is tightening type

  calibrated and includes a breakable head 2a and a cylindrical body

  that 2b of insulating material covering a polygonal end of a threaded metal rod 2c. A second head 2a 'allows

  the operation of the screw after separation of the first head.

  A 2d washer is provided to be placed between the body

2b and bowl 44.

  The veil 120c is provided with an orifice 120d for passage of the head 2a when the screw 2 is received in the space 113. The diameter dl of the orifice 120d is greater than the maximum diameter d2 of the head 2a and less than the diameter d3 of the body 2b, so that the screw 2 can be maneuvered by its head 2a which protrudes from the web 120c in a volume 127 defined by the half-shell 12 above the web 120c in FIG. 2, while the screw 2 is effectively retained within

  space 113, which guarantees its captivity.

  In volume 127, two ribs 127a, only one of which appears in FIG. 2, double the rib 121 'over a small width, which makes it possible to define a space 127b of

  receipt and immobilization of an identification label 13

  connector. The label 13 is divided into two panels 13a and 13b, the panel 13a being designed to be slid into the space 127b in order to immobilize the label relative to the half-shell 12. The panels 13a and 13b are connected by a fold line 13c, which makes it possible to vary the orientation of the panels 13a and 13b, as shown

by arrow F2 in Figure 2.

  The panel 13b is provided with two tongues 13d intended to be engaged in holes 126d on the sides 126 of the half-shell 12 after the tightening of the screw 2 on the bar 1. In fact, at the end of this tightening, the head 2a is broken and can be removed from the volume 127, which allows the flap 13b to be folded down in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, in order to engage the tabs 13d in the orifices 126d. In this position, the panel 13b is generally parallel to the plane defined by the axes X-X 'and Y-Y' and has a clearly visible surface on which can be

  indicated the references of the site supplied with electric current

thanks to the driver 3.

  Opposite the veil 120c, the half-shell 12 forms a cap 129 intended to surround the upper part of the collar 6 and of the screw 7. This cap 129 defines a cylindrical sleeve 129a intended to surround the head of the screw 7 The cover 129 is provided with a skirt 129b intended to be inserted inside a rebate 116c provided in the upper part of the partitions 116 at the level of the space 115. The cover 129 also comprises a breakable partition 129d corresponding to a breakable partition 116d provided at the level of the half-shell 11, the partitions 129d and 116d being provided to close the orifice 14 for introducing the end 3a in the connector C and to be broken during the positioning of the end 3a in connector C. In order to allow verification of the correct positioning of end 3a with respect to the collar 6 and to the toothing 54a, the cap 129 is pierced with an opening 129e situated between the sleeve 129a and the rib 122 ', this o opening allowing to visualize the end 3a of the conductor 3 engaged in the collar 6 by the side of the connector C visible

  in the installed configuration of this on the bar 1.

  The opening 129e is therefore formed at the outlet of the collar 6 opposite its inlet through which is put in place

the end 3a.

  According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, which is not

  shown, one of the half-shells 11 or 12, and more specifically

  only the half-shell 11, can be pierced with an opening for the passage of a voltage tap on an element connected to one of the jaws 4 or 5. This makes it possible to check the continuity

  electric and / or the presence of tension on the jaws.

  The air passage orifices mentioned in the description

  all have a diameter or width less than 10 mm, of

  so it is not possible to insert a conductive finger

  in the internal volume of connector C, which guarantees that this connector conforms to the IP2X standard defined in

standard NF-EN 60529.

  The invention has been shown with the legs 128 secured to the upper half-shell 12. They could however be secured to the lower half-shell 1il and introduced into corresponding housings provided in the upper half-shell 12. As a variant, a structure with of the

  legs and housings provided in each of the two half

  hulls 11 and 12 is also possible.

  The invention has been shown while the connector C is used with a fuse 8. Of course, the connector

  could also be used with a busbar.

Claims (13)

  1. Connector for the electrical connection of a conductor on a bar of a bar system, said connector comprising two jaws for receiving a fuse or a conductive bar, respectively connected to a zone of contact with said bar and to a reception area of a   end of said conductor, and a bi-   part surrounding said jaws, characterized in that said envelope (10) is formed by two half-shells (11, 12) superimposed in a direction (Z-Z ') generally parallel to the direction of introduction (F1) of said fuse ( 8) or   said bar in said jaws (4, 5).   2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (6, 54a) for immobilizing the end (3a) of the conductor (3) in said reception zone, these means being able to immobilize this end in a position as it is oriented in a direction (A-A ') inclined relative to (a) the main direction (Y-Y') of the fuse (8) or of the strip in place in said jaws (4, 5).   3. Connector according to claim 2, characterized in that one (12) of said half-shells comprises an opening (129e) for viewing the positioning of the end (3a)   of the conductor (3) in the immobilization means (6, 54a).   4. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that it comprises a screw (2) for blocking the connector (C) on the bar (1), this screw passing through a first half-shell (11) of the casing (10) in the contact zone ( 43) while it is received in a housing formed (113) by the first half-shell and while the second half-shell (12) makes it possible to retain this head in this housing while   ensuring access to the screw for its operation.   5. Connector according to claim 4, characterized in that the first half-shell (11) comprises a web (110) provided with an orifice (11Ob) for the passage of the screw (2), while   the second half-shell (12) includes a web (120c) overall-   ment parallel to said sail of the first half-shell and provided with a hole (120d) for access to said screw, the diameter (dl) of this   hole being less than the maximum diameter (d3) of the screw.   6. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that at least one (12) of the half-shells carries at least one elastic tab (128) extending in a direction (Z-Z ') generally parallel to the direction of insertion (F1) of the fuse (8) or the bar in the jaws (4, 5) while the other half-shell is provided with   less a housing (118) for receiving said tab.   7. Connector according to claim 6, characterized in that said tab comprises two ends (128a, 128b) separated by a notch (128c) and able to be arranged on either side of a locking lug (119) provided in said housing (118).   8. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that one (12) of the half-shells covers said jaws (4, 5) and forms two openings (123) for introducing a knife (8a, 8b) of the fuse (8) or of the bar in each jaw, this opening being bordered   by two tabs (123a) extending in a direction (Z-   Z ') generally parallel to the direction of introduction (F1) of said knives into said jaws, said tongues being each provided with a projection (123b) capable of forming a   resistance zone localized during introductory movements   tion or extraction of the fuse or the strip relative to to the jaws.   9. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that one (12) of said half-shells forms a space (127b) for receiving a removable label (13) identification of said connector.   10. Connector according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises means (13d, 126d) for locking said label (13) in readable configuration, said means being able to be activated only when said connector   (C) has been immobilized on said bar (l) and after sectioning   ment of a head (2a) of a locking screw (2) with calibrated tightening used to immobilize said connector (C) on said bar (1).   11. Connector according to one of the preceding claims.   tes, characterized in that at least one of said half-shells (11, 12) is provided with a tension taking orifice on an element electrically connected to one of said jaws (4,).   12. Connector according to one of the preceding claims.   tes, characterized in that at least one of the half-shells forms a removable cover (116d, 129d) for closing the insertion orifice (14) of the conductor (3) in the connector (C).   13. Electrical connection assembly between a busbar (1) and at least one conductive cable (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one connector (C) according to one of the preceding claims.