FR2962604A1 - False interruption grid for use in multipurpose grid of connection box in electrical network, has optional electrically conducting bars allowing electric connection of independent and interchangeable low voltage modules - Google Patents

Abstract

The grid has an auxiliary block (7) located on a main electrically conducting bar (4) formed with through openings. A base (8) connects U-shaped cages (5, 6) and the auxiliary block. An electrical connection unit electrically connects four optional electrically conducting bars (18) with four main electrically conducting bars, respectively so as to allow extension of the main electrically conducting bars. The optional electrically conducting bars allow electric connection of independent and interchangeable low voltage modules that are electrically connected to ends of conductor cables. An independent claim is also included for a multipurpose grid.

Description

Muting grid false grid and multi-functional grid comprising such a grid and an optional grid.

The invention relates to the field of false cut grids, also called "emerging low voltage buried network" by those skilled in the art. The invention also relates to a connection box for conducting cables equipped with such a false cut gate. It is known, in the field of electric power distribution, to provide a false cut-off grid in which upstream cables of relatively large section are connected to connectors from which also lead downstream conductor cables of high section. In known manner, conductive cables of smaller section are also connected to each of these connectors in order to make a branch connection to power a facility or part of installation. This type of connection allows, from a main line formed by the conductive cables of large section, to feed one or more loads from the conductive cables of smaller section. In a manner also known, false cut grids are either configured to receive fixed modules and are therefore not configurable by the installer, or provided in a fully modular manner, with connection modules of the "REM-BT" type. »(« Low Voltage Modular Emergence Connection »), according to EDF specifications and marketed by MAEC - Cahors ® Group and SEIFEL ®.

The false cutoff grids of the prior art must thus be of several types, differing in particular in their dimensions, depending on the number of conductive cables of small section to be connected. This leads to numerous references to manage and install, as well as limited scalability. For increasing connection requirements, it may be necessary to completely replace the false cut-off grid in place. In addition, for a temporary connection requirement, for example in the case of a maintenance operation, this lack of flexibility of the already installed false-cut grids with minimum connection capacity can be very troublesome.

The aim of the invention is to overcome all or part of these disadvantages by proposing a false-cut grid which is of simple design and offers a great flexibility of use, while being adaptable to many situations that can be encountered in emerging network connection boxes.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a false power grid cut-off grid comprising four electrically conductive main bars each defining at least one main housing intended for receiving and connecting an end of a strong conductor cable. section and at least one secondary housing for receiving and connecting an end of a conductor cable of small section, each main bar comprising: - at least one U-shaped cage whose branches are able to be connected two by two by closing members equipped with a clamping screw, the U-shaped cage and its closure member delimiting said main housing, - at least one auxiliary block located on each main bar, in which is formed at least one orifice passing through, delimiting the secondary housing, - a base connecting said cage and said auxiliary block, the grid comprising electrical connection means of qua optional bars electrically conductive respectively to the four main bars, for extending the main bars on the side of the auxiliary block, said optional bars for the electrical connection of independent and interchangeable low voltage modules, to each of which can be electrically connected the ends of other conductive cables.

Thus the connector comprises, whatever the case, a basic element consisting of the main bar. This connector is scalable since this main bar can be extended by an optional bar that is put in place or not, depending on the need for additional connection. This option bar allows additional branching, additional power outputs, or single-phase or three-phase, fusible protected starting connections. 2962604 -3

In the present text, the concept of high section or small section of the conductive cables is a relative notion, a driver of large section having a larger section than a driver of small section. For example, a conductive cable of large section may have a section 5 between 50 and 240 mm 2, while a conductive cable of small section has a section of 6 and 35 mm 2. The use of a section of profile to achieve the main bar reduces as much as possible its cost, given the automation of the manufacture of profiles, including cutting at high rates. In addition to the fact that the auxiliary block allows connections for additional branching, it can also serve as a support for a power outlet from an external source. The base connecting the cages and the auxiliary block allows a spatial distribution of the receiving housing of the ends of conductive cables which limits the risks of entanglement of these cables, which promotes the integration of the elements relative to each other and facilitates the work of an installer.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, each main bar has a contact surface on which can be applied a connecting end of the corresponding optional bar, the latter being fixed to the main bar by a screw-nut system.

According to other advantageous features of the invention, each main bar comprises a housing for receiving and locking the nut or screw of said screw-nut system ensuring the attachment of the corresponding optional bar with the main bar.

According to still further advantageous features of the invention, the contact surface of each main bar is substantially parallel to a support plane of the base, the auxiliary block being further raised relative to said support plane, a receiving space of the corresponding optional bar so that the latter does not protrude from said base bearing surface when attached to the main bar. 2962604 -4-

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the grid comprises a non-conductive protective envelope through which are introduced passages for introducing the connecting ends of the corresponding optional bars.

The subject of the invention is also a multifunctional gate consisting of a false cut gate having all or some of the preceding characteristics and an optional gate comprising four optional bars 10 electrically connected to the main bars via the electrical connection means, each bar in the general form of an elongated plate provided with a plurality of orifices, in particular four orifices, distributed along its length and intended for the electrical connection by screw-nut system of independent and interchangeable low voltage modules, to each of which the electrodes can be electrically connected. conductive cable ends. The grid is thus adaptable to multiple electrical installation needs and configurations. In addition, an advantage of the modularity is the reception of modules for conductive cables of large section allowing an additional derivation in a network.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the optional gate comprises an electrically nonconductive protective envelope in which the optional bars are housed, the latter each having a connecting end to the corresponding main bar which is not protected at all. the outside of the envelope.

According to still other advantageous features of the invention, the connecting end of each optional bar has the general shape of a U whose opening is directed towards the corresponding main bar, and whose concave portion of the U is crossed by a screw-nut system ensuring the attachment of the optional bar with the main bar. 35 - 5

The invention further relates to a false grid cut-off grid, comprising at least for a phase or for the neutral, a false cut grid connector or an assembly having all or part of the preceding characteristics.

The invention also relates to a connection box for conducting cables comprising a protective enclosure, said box being equipped with a false cut gate or a multifunctional gate having all or part of the preceding features.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and in the light of the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a connection box seen from the front and without its closure cap, in which are disposed a false cut-off grid according to the invention, associated with an optional gate according to the invention, conductive cables being represented in FIG. fine mixed lines,

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of a main bar of a false cut gate according to the invention,

FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of an optional bar of a false cut-off grating according to the invention, also called connecting plate,

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 show perspective views of the main bar and of the optional bar of FIGS. 1 to 3, assembled or in an exploded view; FIG. 4A represents a variant embodiment of the main bar according to FIG. FIGS. 7, 8, 9 show views similar to FIGS. 4, 5, 6 with the presence of a protective envelope of the main bar, FIGS. 10 and 11 show views of perspective of a false cut grid according to the invention, consisting solely of main bars, - Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an optional grid according to the invention, intended to be connected to the false cut grid of the figures 10 and 11,

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a box according to the invention, illustrating the staggering of the bars in the false cut grid and / or the additional grid,

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate front views of a false break gate according to the invention connected to an optional gate, FIG. 14 showing no connected low voltage module, while FIG. 15 represents connection modules. annexes for a three-phase branch connection in this example.

FIG. 1 shows a connection box 1 according to the invention, viewed from the front and without its closing cap. This box 1 contains a multifunctional grid false cut contiguous to a bottom wall of the cabinet. The grid consists of four superimposed bars or lines of connectors, which correspond, for the three bars above the 25 phases or poles L1, L2, L3 (from bottom to top), and for the lower bar to the neutral pole N. According to a horizontal distribution, the muti-functional grid consists of a false cutoff grid 2, shown on the left in FIG. 1, to which is connected an optional gate 3, shown on the right in FIG. For the purposes of the representation, the false cutoff grid 2 and the optional grid 3 are shown in FIG. 1 without their protective envelopes, which will be described later. With reference to FIG. 2, each false cut-off grid 2 comprises four main bars 4 housed in an electrically nonconductive protective envelope 35 (not shown). Each main bar 2962604 -7

can be performed, as in the example illustrated in the figures, in a profile section of conductive material, thereby forming a monobloc element. In other non-illustrated embodiments, the main bars may consist of several elements assembled to each other. Each main bar 4 extends in a longitudinal direction L which is typically transverse to the direction of greater length of the profile before cutting. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, each main bar 4 is constituted, by progressing from left to right (FIG. 2), of two U-shaped cages 5, 6 and of an auxiliary block 7, substantially aligned and distributed. along the length of the main bar 4. These elements are separated from each other and connected by a base 8, a support plane 9 serves as a geometric reference and is intended to be attached to the bottom of a protective envelope ( presented below). The base 8 is typically in the form of a rigid strip extending in the longitudinal direction L of the main bar 4. Each U-shaped cage has an opening formed at the free ends of the legs of the U which can be closed by closure members 10 These fastening members 10 have typically projecting edges penetrating into complementary hollow shapes which are formed in walls facing the branches of the U, so as to grip the closing members. The two U-shaped cages 5, 6 and their closing member 10 delimit main housings 12, 13 for the reception and connection of the free ends of two conductor cables 14 of strong section, respectively of arrival and starting point (Figure 1). Still in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the auxiliary block 7 situated at the right end of the main bar 4 has two through orifices 15, 16 each delimiting a secondary housing for branch connections of free ends of conductive cables. 17 of small section. Clamping members 17, typically screwed, are also provided to maintain the free ends of the cables introduced into these secondary housings. The auxiliary unit may also comprise a socket (not shown in FIGS. 2, 4-6) for a power supply from a source 2962604 -8

external. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention which is visible in FIG. 4A, such a socket 31 for an additional supply can also be supported by one of the U-shaped cages of the main bar 4, for example the cage 5 located at one end of the main bar. As illustrated, this socket 31 can be suspended in the direction of the second cage 6 in U of the main bar 4. According to an essential aspect of the invention, the false cut gate 2 comprises electrical connection means of an optional gate 3 (Figure 1). More specifically, these connection means are provided at the end of each of the four main bars 4, and cooperate with four optional bars 18 of the optional gate 3 (the optional bars are shown in FIG. 3 without their protective envelope ). Optional bars 18 are also referred to by those skilled in the art as the "connection board". The optional bar 18 has the general shape of a rigid lamella. It is also made of conductive material and is intended to extend the corresponding main bar 4 on the side of the auxiliary block 7 substantially rectilinear and in the longitudinal direction L of the main bar 4. Each optional bar 18 allows the electrical connection of modules 20 independent and interchangeable low-voltage type "REM-BT" ("Modular Low Voltage Emergence Connection"), according to EDF specifications and marketed by MAEC - Cahors ® Group and SEIFEL ®. These modules allow the electrical connection of conductive cables of small section or large section, fuse-protected or not, for additional branches, additional power outputs or protected or non-single-phase or three-phase start connections, providing for a corresponding number of false-cut gate connectors and optional connectors. Other types of modules such as neutral cut-off strips can also be mounted on the optional bar corresponding to the neutral pole N of the grid. The optional bars 18 are themselves integrated in a protective envelope within the optional grid 3, which can be connected as required to the false cut-off grid 2. 2962604 -9

The connection means of each optional bar 18 to the corresponding main bar 4 are described below. The auxiliary block 7 of each main bar 4 is in the general form of a parallelepiped whose upper half-half, as shown in FIG. 2, that is to say the furthest from the base 8, the lower half-half of the auxiliary block 7, as shown in FIG. 2, that is to say the one closest to the base 8, has an outer face 19 substantially parallel to the plane 9 of the base 8. This side of the auxiliary block 7 is a contact surface 19 against which is applied a free end of the corresponding optional bar 18. The fixing of the optional bar 18 on the main bar 4 is effected by a screw-nut system 21, 24. The lower half-half of the auxiliary block 7 comprises for this purpose a housing 20 through which is received and maintained a nut 21 (Figures 4-6). Maintaining the nut 21 is provided by the adjustment between the outer profile of the nut, which typically has a hexagonal shape, and the walls of the housing 20. On its side, the optional bar 18 comprises a passage 22 to its connecting end 23. It has the general shape of a U whose branches are directed towards the corresponding main bar 4. The concave part 20 of the U is intended to be traversed by a fastening screw 24 cooperating with the nut 21 held in the auxiliary block 7. The tightening of the screw and the nut ensures a veneer and a firm hold of the grid optional 18 against the contact surface 19 of the auxiliary block 7. The U-shaped opening of the passage 22 at the end of the optional bar 18 25 allows to fix or disassemble without completely unscrewing the screw 24 and the nut 21 As can be seen in FIG. 2, the auxiliary block 7 is raised relative to the support plane 9 of the base 8 in order to provide a reception space for the corresponding optional bar 18. This receiving space has a height perpendicular to the support plane 9 which is equal to or greater than the thickness of the optional bar 18 in the same direction. Thus when the optional bar 18 is attached to the auxiliary block, it does not exceed the support plane 9 of the base 8. The base 8 may comprise for this purpose a step 25 which extends in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the plane. 9, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, 2962604 -10-

the connecting end 23 of the optional bar 18 cooperates in abutment against the step 25 of the base 8 in order to correctly position the optional bar 18 in the longitudinal direction L, before its attachment to the auxiliary block 7 via the screw-nut system . The optional bar 18 is provided with a plurality of orifices 26, typically four orifices as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 9, which are distributed along its length and are intended for the electrical connection of the independent and interchangeable low voltage modules 27 (shown only in FIG. ). The connection and the fixing of the modules are ensured by a screw-nut system passing through the orifice 26. Four orifices 26 make it possible, for example, to connect two low-voltage modules arranged in staggered relation to the low voltage modules mounted on a bar. adjacent option. It is also possible to provide additional network branches (cables of large section) and branch branches 15 unprotected (cables of small section). With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, there is shown a main bar 4 of the false break grid. 2 associated with an optional bar 18 of the optional grid (the main bar 4 is shown with its protective envelope 28, while the optional bar 18 is shown without its envelope). This envelope 28 is made of a non-conductive material having a degree of protection "IP2X" (standard). The envelope 28 comprises for example two half-shells able to be assembled with one another, and in which the main bar 4 is housed so as to prevent any conductive contact with the outside, with the exception 25 of cable passage areas, vis-à-vis the main housing 12, 13 and the secondary orifices 15, 16 defining the secondary housing. The casing 28 also comprises a passage 29 (FIGS. 7, 10 and 11) having the general shape of a slot through which the optional bar 18 is introduced through its connecting end 23, to its abutment position with the step 25, in which position it is then attached to the auxiliary block 7 by the screw-nut system 21-24. As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 10 and 11, the main bars 4 are joined by four, one parallel to the other, within the false cut-off grid 2, so as to constitute three phase poles L1, L2, L3 35 and a neutral pole. The main bars 4 are shifted by 2962604 -11-

relative to the others in the longitudinal direction L alternately from top to bottom. These offsets make it easier to route the cables between the U-shaped cages and the auxiliary blocks, these connected cables arriving and departing from the gate from below. In addition, to further improve the routing and integration of the cables, the bars 4 are inclined with respect to a vertical plane inside the cabinet 1, as illustrated in FIG. 13. Specifically, the main bars 4 have a support plane 9 which is inclined relative to a vertical plane. The forward parts of the main bar 4, which are furthest away from the base 8, lean upwards 10. Figure 12 also shows that each optional bar 18 is also enclosed in a casing 30 of non-conductive material within the optional gate 3. This casing 30 also provides a degree of protection "IP2X". It should also be noted that accesses for the module connections are provided in the envelope and can be concealed by removable covers providing IP2X level protection when no module is in place on the connection range concerned. Like the main bars 4 of the false cutoff grid 2, the optional bars 18 of the optional grille 3 are contiguous to each other, four in number. They are also shifted in the longitudinal direction L, so that the optional bars 18 attach respectively to the contact surfaces 19 of each of the main bars 4, after being introduced into the respective passages 29 of the envelope 28. There is also the same inclination of the optional bars 18 with respect to the vertical as that of the main bars 4 of the false cut-off grid. As shown in FIG. 12, the optional gate 3 is shaped in such a way that each optional bar 18 has a bare (unprotected) connection end 23 protruding outside the envelope 30. This end 23 forms a beach penetrating contact in the passage 29 of the corresponding casing 28, for its connection to the corresponding main bar 4. FIG. 14 shows the false-cut gate 2 to which the optional gate 3 is connected, the latter being shown naked, that is to say without low-voltage modules of the "REM-BT" type. Figure 15 2962604 -12-

represents the same view as FIG. 14, this time with low voltage modules of type "REM-BT" connected to the optional gate 3. Each optional bar 18 of the optional gate 3 supports two modules 27. The modules 27 of a Optional bar 18 are staggered between the modules 27 of another optional bar 18 adjacent to the first, taking into account the longitudinal offset between the various bars. It is also noted that the modules 27 of an optional bar 18 penetrate part of the space between the modules 27 of an adjacent option bar 18, or in the space between a module 27 and an adjacent option bar 18. an internal wall of the box 1. A multi-functional gate according to the invention shown in FIG. 15, formed of a false cut gate 2 and an optional gate 3 makes it possible, among other things, to make two protected departures (by fuse). ) three-phase. It will be understood that the false cut-off grid may, as required, be provided alone, without an optional grid attached, and be mounted in a box of suitable size. The same false cut-off grid can be completed / extended by the optional grid so as to allow the connection of additional branches or departures among others.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the means just described and includes all the technical equivalents.

Claims (9)

REVENDICATIONS1. Mains grid fault grid comprising four electrically conductive main bars (4) each defining at least one main housing (12, 13) for receiving and connecting an end of a strong conductor cable (14) section and at least one secondary housing for receiving and connecting an end of a conductor cable (17) of small section, each main bar (4) comprising: - at least one U-shaped cage (5) 6) whose branches are capable of being connected in pairs by closing members (10) equipped with a clamping screw (11), the U-shaped cage and its closing member delimiting said main housing (12, 13). at least one auxiliary block (7) located on each main bar (4), in which is formed at least one through hole (15, 16) delimiting the secondary housing, - a base (8) connecting said cage ( 5, 6) and said auxiliary block (7), characterized in that the grid comprises means for electrically connecting four optional bars (18) electrically conductive respectively to the four main bars (4), for extending the main bars (4), said optional bars (18) for the electrical connection of modules ( 27) independent and interchangeable low voltage, each of which can be electrically connected to the ends of other conductive cables. 2. False cutoff grid according to claim 1, characterized in that each main bar (4) has a contact surface (19) on which a connecting end (23) of the corresponding optional bar (18) can be applied, the latter being fixed to the main bar (4) by a screw-nut system (21, 24). 3. False cutoff grid according to claim 2, characterized in that each main bar (4) comprises a housing (20) for receiving and locking the nut (21) or the screw (24) of said screw system. nut (21, 24) 2962604 -14- securing the corresponding option bar (18) with the main bar (4). 4. False cutoff grid according to claim 3, characterized in that the contact surface (19) of each main bar (4) is substantially parallel to a bearing plane (9) of the base (8), the auxiliary block (7) being further raised relative to said support plane (9), providing a receiving space of the corresponding optional bar (18) so that the latter does not exceed said support surface (9) of the base (8) 10 when attached to the main bar (4). 5. False cutoff grid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a protective envelope (28) non-conductive through which are formed by passages (29) 15 introduction of the ends connecting (23) the corresponding optional bars (18). 6. multifunctional grid consisting of a false cut-off grid according to any one of the preceding claims and an optional gate (3) comprising four optional bars (18) electrically connected to the main bars (4) via the connection means characterized in that each optional bar (18) has the general shape of an elongate plate provided with a plurality of orifices (26), in particular four orifices, distributed along its length and intended for electrical connection by means of a screw-nut system of modules (27) Independent and interchangeable low voltage, each of which can be electrically connected to the ends of other conductive cables. 7. multifunctional grid according to claim 6, characterized in that the optional gate (3) comprises an electrically nonconductive protective envelope (30) in which the optional bars (18) are accommodated, the latter each having a connecting end (23) to the corresponding main bar (4) which is unprotected outside the casing (30). 2962604 - 15 - 8. Multifunctional grating according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting end (23) of each optional bar (18) has the general shape of a U whose opening is directed towards the corresponding main bar (4). and the concave part of the U is traversed by a screw-nut system (21-24) ensuring the attachment of the optional bar (18) with the main bar (4). 9. Box (1) for connecting conductive cables comprising a protective enclosure, said box being equipped with a false cut gate according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or a multifunctional gate according to any one of Claims 6 to 8.