FR2963991A1 - Communication support device for use in electrical installation's switchboard, has intermediate part secured to modules by coupling units pivoting between position in which receptacle and branches are parallel to wall and another position - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has assembly modules (12), each having a bottom wall with an assembly unit adapted to an assembly rail (2) of a panel and a pivoting coupling unit. An intermediate part has branches (22) defining a direction secant to a direction defined by large sides of a receptacle (40). End part of each branch has another coupling unit pivoting complementary to the former unit. The intermediate part is secured to the modules by the coupling units pivoting between a position in which the receptacle and branches are parallel to the wall and another position orthogonal to the former position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a device for adding communication elements in a box or a distribution cabinet comprising rails on which various electrical devices such as circuit breakers can be mounted. In particular, the device according to the invention supports tools that can indicate to the user the destination of the electrical devices mounted in the cabinet and / or transmit data relating to the devices and / or allow an exchange of information between the devices.

STATE OF THE ART An electrical installation usually comprises one or more cabinets bringing together the electrical protection and control devices of the installation. In particular, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, in this type of cabinet 1, horizontal rails 2, conventionally of DIN profile, support a juxtaposition of modular electrical devices 4, for example circuit breakers, relays, etc., connected to one another. upstream to the power supply and distributing the downstream current to the loads. Depending on its environment, its configuration, or even for aesthetic criteria, the cabinet 1 may be provided with one or more plastrons 6 protecting the front of the devices 4 and covering the connection systems; recesses 8 provide access to the actuating members and levers of the apparatus 4.

To identify and identify devices 4 mounted in cabinets 1, various systems have been proposed. In particular, it is possible to write directly on the plastron 6 the destination of the devices 4; however, for maintenance or any modification of the installation, the plastron 6 is removed and the labeling disappears. Conversely, the document FR 2 844 138 proposes a case for a label attached directly to the row of apparatus 4; however, if a plastron 6 is set up, this type of identification becomes ineffective, and the case must also be removed for the change of one of the devices 4 of the row. The 2753 LPu document EP 0 663 674 proposes a marking system directly on the devices 4, which however does not offer much room for information, in particular if it must be adapted to the visible face of the apparatus since the recess 8 of a plastron 6; in particular, this solution is not suitable when the assignment of the product changes in the course of life and would require a difficult rewrite in the traces of the erased information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among other advantages, the invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of existing solutions for information relating to electrical appliances in a table; in particular, the invention provides a device that can be readable in the presence and in the absence of plastron. The invention also aims to allow adaptability of the device supporting the information means, for example by including in the term "information" the communication within the electrical equipment or by combining different displays.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a communication support device adapted for mounting in any electrical enclosure, box, board or cabinet, in which the protection devices and / or control are placed on rails. The device according to the invention comprises two mounting modules adapted for the rails, advantageously identical to each other, preferably substantially of the same shape as the devices mounted on the rail; between the two mounting modules, the device comprises an intermediate portion pivotally movable relative to the modules. The intermediate part comprises a receptacle for communication means, of substantially rectangular shape, associated, on its short sides, at each end, with branches pivoting on the mounting modules by complementary coupling means with the branches which define directions. secants to that defined by the long sides of the receptacle; the coupling can be achieved by screwing or riveting, but preferably the coupling means are integrally formed on the branches and modules of molded plastic and the coupling is by forced engagement.

The receptacle, and more generally the intermediate portion, is pivotable between a first position in which it is substantially parallel to the support wall of the 2753 LPu rails, and a second position substantially orthogonal to the first position. Thus, it is possible to set up a plastron in the envelope to protect the apparatus associated with the device according to the invention while keeping apparent the receptacle and the communication means it contains, by inserting the plastron around the intermediate part in the second position and replacing the device in the first position; conversely, in the maintenance phases, it is possible to remove the plastron while maintaining the communication functions of the receptacle. Advantageously, the coupling means comprise positive locking means in these two positions, for example a gravity abutment system in second position and a snap-in system in the first position.

The receptacle can be adapted to any means of communication. In particular, it may be associated with simple locator labels, or it may include slots for bistable indicators or light-emitting diodes, or it may be provided with a display screen, for example liquid crystal display or remanent display in which case means for storing energy and / or exchanging information may also be provided. The receptacle may also be adapted for means of direct communication with the electrical apparatus or with each other, for example by containing an antenna for receiving radiofrequency signals transmitted by the apparatuses, the communication being able to be configured in the absence of a plastron and being preserved. in the presence of plastron. If power cables or wires are integrated in the receptacle, for example in engraved guides, the legs and / or mounting modules may also be provided with similar guides for gathering the cables or wires to an identified output; for example, the cables pass in the pivot type coupling means to exit laterally on only one of the mounting modules and can be connected in the cabinet.

The receptacle is movable relative to the limbs and a third position is provided in which the receptacle is substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the mounting modules, as for the first position, and the limbs are not in the first position; advantageously, the second position of the branches is intermediate between the first and third positions of the branches. The securing means between branches and receptacles comprise in particular a pivot connection. According to an option of the invention, the communication support device may comprise two receptacles, similar or not, so as to use the upper and lower part of the devices mounted on the rail; the long sides of the two receptacles, however, have the same length. The mounting modules then comprise two pivoting coupling means.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a distribution board or electrical control comprising at least one mounting rail on which is placed at least one previous communication support device. The operation and maintenance of the tables are thus facilitated and secured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustration and in no way limiting, represented in the appended figures.

Figure 1, already described, illustrates the mounting of electrical equipment in an existing envelope 20.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show in a mounted and exploded position a preferred embodiment of a support device.

FIGS. 3A, 3B schematically show support alternatives and FIGS. 3C, 3D show another device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figures 4A to 4D show the use of a device according to an embodiment on a row of devices in a box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 2753 LPu According to the invention, the communication support device 10 is adapted to be mounted on the conventional mounting rails 2, in particular the DIN rails, for example in an existing installation 1 of FIG. type cabinet, table, cabinet, or other envelope, as shown schematically in Figure 1. For simplification of the description of the embodiments of the invention, the device 10 will be described in relation to this position of use on a rail 2 mounted on a vertical wall; it is understood, however, that the terms of position such as "horizontal", "superior", "before" are in no way restrictive as to the object of the invention. Moreover, geometrical terms, such as "orthogonal", ... must be understood in their mechanical acceptance, that is to say, tolerating a deviation from the strict mathematical definition: for example, a "rectangle" can according to the invention, be curved and blunt angles slightly different from 90 °.

According to the invention, the device 10 for communication support is adapted to take a position in which it is plated on the apparatuses 4, respectively the front plate 6, substantially parallel to the wall supporting the mounting rail 2, and a second position in it can pass through the recesses 8 of the plastrons 6, that is to say substantially orthogonal to the mounting rail 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication support device 10 comprises at the ends two modules 12 that can be mounted in a conventional manner on a rail 2 of a switchboard 1. In particular, each module 12 comprises two large opposite parallel faces. 14 intended to be contiguous to electrical devices 4, and a bottom wall provided with means 16 for mounting on the rail 2; the large faces 14 may in particular be solid and reported to close a hollow housing or include apparent arrangements, the mounting module 12 being integrally molded plastic. Preferably, the modules 12 have a shape substantially identical to that of modular protection devices 4, more or less standardized, set up in this type of table 1, with a front face comprising a protruding nose 18; the thickness between the large faces 14 is advantageously compatible with the pitch of the modular devices 4, the sum of the thicknesses of the two modules 12 being for example equal to or multiple of 9 mm. The mounting means 16 on the rail 2 can take all the forms described in connection with this type of apparatus 4. Advantageously, the two modules 12 of a device 10 according to 2753 LPu the invention are identical in order to limit the number of industrial references and simplify assembly; it is also possible to equip the modules 12 with diodes or other indicators.

The two mounting modules 12 are fixedly placed on the table 1; the support device 10 further comprises an intermediate portion 20, connecting the two modules 12, which is movable relative to the rail 2 and for supporting the communication means as such. In particular, the intermediate portion 20 comprises branches 22 pivotally coupled to the mounting modules 12: for this purpose, each module 12 comprises first coupling means 24 complementary second coupling means 26 integral with an end portion each branch 22, so that one end of each branch 22 moves around a circle centered on its coupling means 26 which define an axis of rotation normal to the branch 22.

The first and second coupling means 24, 26 may be of any known type, and for example each comprise an orifice in which is inserted an axis at the moment of coupling (not shown); a coupling by rivets and / or screws can be chosen. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the coupling means 24, 26 are formed integrally with the branches 22 and modules 12, and comprise a stud 26, advantageously on the module 12, which fits into a recess 24 of a branch 22: the establishment of the intermediate portion 20 is by forcing and snap.

Advantageously, the movement between the fixed modules 12 and the mobile part 20 is limited by a system of stops. Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide a positive locking of the intermediate portion 20 relative to the mounting modules 12 in the second position, preferably after a rotation at 90 °, so as to give full latitude in the establishment of the plastron 6 by freeing both hands; in addition, it may also be advantageous to provide a positive locking of the intermediate portion 20 relative to the mounting modules 12 in the first position, so as to stabilize the assembly. In particular, and as illustrated in FIG. 2B, if the first position is such that the branch 22 is in vertical unstable equilibrium, with the end 30 opposite to the coupling means 26 above said means 26, one of the modules at least 12 mounting and the corresponding branch 22 may include a latching system 32, 34 which can be manually disabled. As regards locking in a second horizontal position, the mounting module 12 comprises guiding means 36 provided with a limit stop 38 cooperating with an arrangement of the branch 22 when the guided part has carried out 90 ° of so to counteract the effect of gravity. Any other alternative is possible.

The intermediate portion 20 may be unitary, with a receptacle 40 molded integrally between the branches 22, eccentric with respect to the pivot, in particular at an opposite end portion 30, and connecting them. Alternatively, the receptacle 40 driven directly by the branches 22 is secured to them fixedly but can be separated. In particular, the branches 22 comprise, at their end portion 30 opposite to the pivoting coupling means 26, means for securing the receptacle 40, for example grooves 42 with snap-fit capability. The receptacle 40 meanwhile, of substantially rectangular shape whose long side is intended to be parallel to the rail 2 and the apparatus 4, comprises complementary securing means at its ends, in particular a protrusion 44 slidable in the groove 42; the short sides of the receptacle 40 are thus coupled along the branches 22 so as to form a U which would be closed by the axis of rotation 26 of the intermediate portion 20.

The large side of the receptacle 40 may be of predetermined fixed length L, for example the length of a mounting rail 2 in a standard cabinet 1. Depending on the configuration of the installation, it may be preferable to adapt to the actual distance covered by the devices 4 mounted on the rail 2, for example to limit the size of the recess 8; it is then advantageous to have a receptacle 40 of length L adaptable, in order to delay the choice of the necessary length. In one option, the receptacle 40 may be a plastic blade for breakable labels in length (Figure 2B); in a preferred option illustrated in Figure 2A, the receptacle 40 may comprise two parts 40A, 40B telescopic relative to each other which allows to adapt to a modification of the installation. 2753 LPu The receptacle 40 is of configuration adapted to the selected communication means. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2B, the receptacle comprises a simple strip of plastic, in or on which can be placed identification tags 4 adjacent devices. The receptacle 40 may furthermore be equipped with luminous means, such as bistable displays or light-emitting diodes (LEDs), making it possible to provide reactive information; according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, a screen 46 of liquid crystal type, or remanent display, is associated with the receptacle 40 and makes it possible to scroll and / or update information. All optical viewing means requiring energy can be powered by a battery, the receptacle 40 then comprising a suitable housing. It is also possible for the screen 46 or the LEDs to be connected directly to the network, the receptacle 40 then comprising passages for the supply wires. In this option, it is advantageous that the branches 22 and the mounting modules 12 are also provided with this type of arrangement within their housing, as well as, for example, at the pivoting coupling means 24, 26. to direct the wires towards the inside of the cabinet 1. In this way, the supply wires remain invisible and protected, as well as perfectly localized, so that the internal dimensions of the cabinet 1 are limited and the risks less damage.

In an advantageous embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2A, the receptacle 40 can be used for means of communication with or between the electrical devices 4. In particular, if the apparatuses 4 are provided with radiofrequency type transmitters / receivers, for example an RFID RFID tag, the receptacle 40 may include one or more antennas 48 for wireless communication with the devices 4 that will be adjacent to it. Here again, preferably, the antennas 48 are integrated into the housings of the mounting and coupling elements 12, 22, 24, 26 for functional and aesthetic reasons.

Other alternatives for the means of communication are conceivable. Furthermore, it is possible for the receptacle 40 to comprise both an RFID antenna 48 and a direct identification system for the user. If the number of functions to integrate is important, it may be interesting that the device 10 ', 10 "comprises two receptacles 40, 40', 2753 LPu similar or different but whose length of the long sides is identical. embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the end modules 12 'comprise securing means 24, 24' on each side of the nose 18, so as to couple a receptacle 40 upwards and a receptacle 40 'downwards for example, an LCD screen at the top and an antenna at the bottom, the two receptacles 40, 40 'then having symmetrical movements when they pass from one position to the other. coupling means 24, 24 'such that one of the receptacles 40', especially when it is an antenna, always remains behind the plastron 6 in the first position: thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3A , the first means of securing 24 sound t located on the nose 18 of the module 12 ', the second 24' being behind.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B, to simplify the passage from the first to the second position, and vice versa, two receptacles 40, 40 'placed on the same mounting modules 12 ", the coupling means 24" may include a chisel type system, so that the two receptacles 40, 40 'are operable simultaneously.

According to the invention and in an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, an articulation between the receptacle 140 and the branches 122 is provided. In particular, the receptacle 140 is pivotally coupled with respect to an end portion 130 of the branches 122 opposite the end of the branches 122 comprising the coupling means 126 with the coupling means 124 of the end modules 112. This option allows a third position of the receptacle 140 (FIG. 3D) in which the receptacle remains parallel to the bottom wall of the modules 112 while the branches 122 have pivoted out of the first position; it may then be advantageous for the third position to correspond to pivoting of the branches 122 greater than 90 ° with respect to the first position (FIG. 3D), the second position being in fact intermediate between the first and third positions. This configuration is particularly suitable for a remanent display and / or a communication device 100 that can be exchanged directly with the devices 4 that would be located between the end modules 112 and / or with a table 1 in which there is little space. in fine available above or below the devices 4 so that the display is 2753 LPu made in front of said devices 4 which allows to simultaneously view the state and or marking of the circuit breakers 4 and the information displayed on the device 140; in addition, it is always possible to remove the plastron without losing the labeling.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D is particularly suitable for a remanent display for which it is not necessary to provide a permanent power supply by means of conducting wires to be integrated in the parts 112, 122 and to undergo the deformations inherent to the passage in the joints.

More generally, when the receptacle 40, 140 comprises remanent display means, these may be provided for the various modes of use and / or parameterization provided. In particular, the display means may be associated with a USB port, a Bluetooth configuration, or any other information exchange means for enabling communication configured on the medium according to the invention; data storage means may be associated with them, or even replace them. It is possible to provide a power supply wiring, or storage means; in an advantageous embodiment, the receptacle 140 comprises a capacity of 1 Farad, which can be loaded during the exchange of data via the dedicated port: the energy thus stored is sufficient for the exchange of content from the viewing screen. The display means 140 may also be associated with selection means, for example push buttons or tactile means, enabling a user to select the data to be displayed and / or transmitted to the communication medium. These different options can be used with other means of communication, such as a liquid crystal display.

When carrying out the electrical installation, a table 1 with rails 2 of conventional type is used, and the design of the installation and the mounting of the devices 4 as such are not modified. As required, on a rail 2, a device 10 according to the invention is integrated, with the mounting modules 12 on either side of a juxtaposition of electrical devices 4: FIG. 4A. It is possible to assemble the communication support device 10 prior to placement on the rail 2 (FIG. 2B), in particular in the case where internal wire connections are present; for a device 10 plus 2753 LPu simple, it is possible to set up the mounting modules 12 within the row and finalize the coupling of the intermediate portion 20 later. Whatever the option, the mounting of the modules 12 is direct, similar to that of the devices 4. Depending on the installation and the communication requirements, it is possible to place two devices 10 according to the invention on the same row, for example. example if communicating devices are located on a first part and if equipment for which an LCD screen is preferred are on a second part.

Once the wirings have been made (before placing the intermediate portions 20 and / or in the second or third position of said parts 20, 120), the receptacles 40 are first placed in their first position so as to be able to check the installation, possibly set up the labels corresponding to the devices 4, test the RFID communications, and / or other conventional operations (Figure 4A). When the installation and verification of Table 1 are completed, the receptacles 40 and branches 22 are moved to their second position, substantially normal to the bottom wall of the mounting modules 12 (Figure 4B); this movement can be achieved by direct gripping on a receptacle 40, possibly provided with a gripping protrusion, or any other alternative - in the case where a third position is possible, a relative locking can be provided between the receptacle 140 and the branches 122 to maintain the second position of said receptacle 140. In this second position, a plastron 6 can be placed on the rows of apparatus 4, passing the receptacle 40 and the branches 22 in the recess 8; preferably, the length of the recess 8 of the plastron 6 and the length L of the intermediate portion 20 are adapted so that the branches 22 of the device abut the edges of the recess 8 so that the aesthetic and protective aspects are optimal . Once the front plate 6 is put in place (FIG. 4C), the intermediate portion 20 is replaced in the first position, so that the information is visible and that the operating levers of the devices 4 are accessible (FIG. 4D); if no access to the joysticks is necessary and if this option exists, the third position can be chosen at this stage. In case of maintenance, to remove the front plate 6, the same maneuver is performed.

Thus, the communication support device 10 according to the invention allows access to the information it contains with and without front panel 6; it is installed in the universal 2753 LPu tables 1 on the same rails 2, in particular DIN, mounting as the modular electrical devices 4; Table 1 itself can be provided with or without faceplates 6, the device 10 according to the invention also making it possible to protect the connection terminals of the electrical devices 4 when the receptacle (s) is (are) in the first position.

What is more, the device 10 is independent of the front plate 6 but also the apparatus, which allows a modification of each of these elements 4, 6 easily; in particular, when the device 10 is in its first position parallel to the mounting wall, it is possible to remove or add an electrical device 4 on the rail 2. Moreover, by the integration of an antenna 48, the device 10 can relay information from an RFID type communication system, which can be tested without, and used with, plastron 6, without loss of information and communication.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a device for carrying information relating to the assignment of an electrical protection device in a cabinet, it is not limited thereto: other elements may be affected by the invention, as in particular the electrical boxes or envelopes containing electronic equipment of type for example telephone splitter. Furthermore, although described in combination, the various elements constituting the preferred embodiment according to the invention can be used separately or with equivalent alternative elements.

2753 LPu

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Communication carrier device (100) for mounting in a distribution board (1) which comprises an electrical apparatus mounting rail (2) (4), said device (100) comprising: two modules (112) mounting assembly each comprising a bottom wall provided with mounting means (16) adapted to the rail (2) of the board (1) and first pivoting coupling means (124); an intermediate portion (120) comprising a substantially rectangular receptacle (140) for communication means (46,48) and two legs (122) defining a secant direction in the direction defined by the long sides of the receptacle (140); first end portion (130) of each of said legs (122) being coupled to the shorter sides of the receptacle (140) by means for relative pivoting and a second end portion of each of said legs (122) comprising second pivotal coupling means (126) complementary to the first coupling means (124); so that the intermediate portion (120) can be secured to the mounting modules (112) by the first and second coupling means (124, 126) pivotably between a first position in which the receptacle (140) and the branches (122) are substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the mounting modules (112), a second position substantially orthogonal to the first position, and a third position in which the receptacle (140) is substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the modules mounting (112) and the legs (122) are not in the first position. 25 The support device of claim 1 further comprising positive locking means (32, 34, 38) for stably maintaining the receptacle (140) in the first and / or second position. 30 3. Support device according to one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the receptacle (140) comprises remanent display means. 13 4. Support device according to claim 3 wherein the remanent display means (140) comprise means for an exchange of information. 5. Support device according to one of claims 3 or 4 wherein the remanent display means (140) comprise energy storage means. 6. Support device according to one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the receptacle of the remanent display means (140) comprises supply son for said means. 7. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the receptacle (140) comprises an antenna (48). 8. Support device according to one of claims 6 or 7 wherein the feed son and / or the antenna (48) pass in the mounting modules (112) via the coupling means (124, 126) . 9. Support device according to one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the mounting modules (112) have the form of housings of modular electrical devices (4). 20 Electrical installation panel (1) comprising at least one mounting rail (2), a plurality of electrical devices (4) juxtaposed on the rail (2), and a support device (100) according to one Claims 1 to 9 in which the mounting modules (112) are mounted on the rail (2) on either side of the juxtaposition of electrical devices (4) so that the receptacle (140) is parallel to the juxtaposition. 10