FR2976740A1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CLAMP FOR A CONNECTION RANGE OF AN ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND AN ELECTRIC APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A CONNECTION CLAMP - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connection clamp (10) for a connection pad (20) of a fuse (2), this clamp comprising at least two opposite conducting branches (11) which are biased towards one another by biasing means (13) for holding the connection pad (20) under pressure when inserted into the clamp. This clamp comprises spacer means (30) in the form of an elastic blade (31) arranged to cooperate with the branches (11) and occupy at least two stable positions: a first stable position called active position in which the spacer means ( 30) oppose the return means (13) for opening the connection clamp (10) and allow the frictionless movement of the connection pad (20) with respect to the clamp, and a second stable position called passive position in which the spacer means (30) allow the tilting of the connection clamp (10) in the closed position to maintain under pressure the connection range (20) in the clamp.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION CLAMP FOR A CONNECTION RANGE OF AN ELECTRICAL EOUPLING AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS ELEIPATED WITH SUCH A CONNECTION CLAMP Technical field:

The present invention relates to an electrical connection clamp for a connection pad of electrical equipment, such as a fuse, a power bar or the like, this connection clamp comprising at least two opposite conductive branches and stressed one to the other by return means arranged to maintain pressure under said connection pad when it is inserted between the two branches of said clamp.

It also relates to an electrical apparatus comprising at least one connection clamp for receiving a connection pad of electrical equipment, such as a fuse, a power bar or the like.

PRIOR ART: Electrical protection devices generally use fuses whose dimensions, the shape of the connection pads and the connection method may vary according to the calibres and the standards in force, in accordance with the publication FR 2 890 781 of the same applicant. . The present invention is more particularly concerned with fuses whose connection pads are called knives, such as DIN or UL fuses. These connection pads are nested by sliding in connection clamps provided in the devices such as switch-disconnectors, or in any fuse-type system. For this purpose, the fuse connection pads have on their longitudinal edges engagement chamfers facilitating their interlocking between the two conductive branches of the connection clamps. These connection clamps are associated with return means arranged to apply a significant pressure force on the conductive branches to ensure both a good mechanical maintenance of the fuse and a quality electrical connection. Nevertheless, this connection mode has several disadvantages: a fuse insertion direction imposed by the presence of the engagement chamfers, namely a direction perpendicular to the engagement chamfers, a high insertion force and extraction of the fuse, and - premature wear of the connection clamps due to friction during sliding on insertion and extraction of the fuse.

This mode of electrical connection by sliding a connection pad into a connector clamp can be found in other systems and for example in plug-in connection boxes on power bars, or the like. The invention is also interested in these other applications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above by proposing a new connection clamp allowing an insertion of the connection pad in a direction other than that imposed by the engagement chamfers, while limiting the insertion and extraction efforts of the connection range and eliminating the wear of the connection clamps.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a connection clamp of the kind indicated in the preamble, characterized in that it comprises spacer means arranged to cooperate with said branches and occupy at least two stable positions: a first stable position 5 said active position in which the spacer means oppose said return means to open said connection clamp and allow the frictionless movement of the connection pad with respect to the connection clamp, and a second stable position called passive position in which the spacer means allow the tilting of said connection clamp in the closed position.

The spacer means may be arranged to pass through an intermediate unstable position between the two stable positions, this intermediate position constituting a threshold beyond which they automatically switch from one of the two stable positions to the other stable position.

In a preferred embodiment, the spacer means extend between the two branches which define at least one stop on which the spacer means are based in the active position so that their length in the active position is greater than their length in the passive position. .

They may comprise at least two rods interconnected by a hinge and biased by a spring member to form a toggle joint. Preferably, they comprise at least one elastic blade mounted between the two branches with a prestress buckling.

The spacer means may be arranged at the rear of the branches on the insertion path of the connection pad, so that the switching from their active position to their passive position is caused by the insertion of the connection pad.

The connection clamp advantageously comprises control means arranged to move the spacer means in at least one direction to tilt them from one of the two stable positions to the other stable position, or in the two opposite directions to tilt them. one of the two stable positions to the other stable position and vice versa.

These control means may comprise at least one rocker lever integrated in said clamp or outside said clamp.

In addition, the connection legs may comprise a structured electrical contact surface for optimizing the electrical connection.

The object is also achieved by an electrical apparatus comprising at least one connection clamp as defined above, characterized in that said connection clamp comprises control means arranged to move the spacer means coupled to the branches in at least one direction and tilt them from one of two stable positions to the other stable position.

According to a first variant embodiment, these control means may comprise at least one rocker lever mounted on the connection clamp around an axis of rotation and at least one cam integral with said electrical equipment arranged to move the rocker lever in at least one direction during insertion and / or extraction of said equipment into the apparatus.

According to a second variant embodiment, these control means may comprise at least one rocker lever mounted on said apparatus about an axis of rotation and at least one cam integral with said electrical equipment arranged to move said rocking lever in at least one direction when insertion and / or extraction of said equipment in the apparatus.

According to a third variant, the control means may comprise at least one rocker lever mounted on said apparatus and coupled to a tilting handle arranged to move said rocker lever in at least one direction during insertion and / or extraction. said equipment in the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIGS. 1A-C schematically represent the principle FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a connection clamp respectively in the open position and in the closed position on a connection pad of a fuse inserted into a connector of the invention. a direction perpendicular to its chamfer, - 3A to 3F are sectional views of a portion of an electrical apparatus equipped with a fuse box according to Figures 2A and 2B and a first variant of rocker lever , respectively in different insertion and extraction phases, - Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views of a connection clamp respectively in the open position and in closed position on a connection pad 20 of a fuse inserted in a direction parallel to its chamfer; - FIGS. 5A to 5F are partial sectional views of a part of an electric apparatus equipped with a fuse box according to FIGS. FIGS. 4A and 4B and a second variant of a rocking lever, respectively in different insertion and extraction phases, FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views of the connection clamp associated with a third lever variant. respectively, in the open position and in the closed position, and - Figure 7 is a block diagram of a connection box equipped with connection clamps according to the invention and socked on power bars.5 Illustrations of the invention:

With reference to the figures, the connection clip 10 according to the invention is arranged to receive a connection pad 20 of electrical equipment such as, for example, a fuse 2, a shunt or the like, associated with any type of apparatus or device. electrical equipment 1, as well as any type of fuse holder, platinum, a connection box 5 or the like. The connection range 20 of such electrical equipment is generally constituted by a metal rod 21 of substantially rectangular section provided with at least one engagement chamfer 22 on one of its longitudinal edges and sharp edges 23 on its edges transverse. This type of electrical equipment usually comprises two connection pads 20 inserted in two connecting clamps 10 in correspondence, in an insertion direction perpendicular to the engagement chamfers 22 (see Fig. 2A, 2B) to facilitate the engagement. connecting pads 20 inside the clamps 10. In other applications, particularly in that illustrated in Figure 7, the connection pads 20 are constituted by power supply bars, generally of rectangular section, without engagement chamfer.

Each connection clamp 10 comprises at least two metal branches 11, electrically conductive, opposite and carried by fixing means 12. These fastening means 12 may or may not be common to the two branches 11 depending on whether the clamp 10 is a single piece or no, and are suitable for each application for mounting in series connection clamps 10 in an electrical circuit of any type of device 1, fuse holder, connection box 5, etc. The two branches 11 are urged toward each other in the closed position by return means 13. In the illustrated examples, the return means 13 are constituted by a circlip arranged to exert sufficient pressure on the branches 11 and guarantee a good 6 maintaining the connection pad 20 and a quality electrical contact. Of course, any other spring member may be suitable.

The connection clamp 10 of the invention differs from the state of the art in that it comprises spacer means 30 whose operating principle is illustrated in Figures lA to 1C. They are arranged to cooperate with the branches 11 and occupy at least two stable positions: a first stable position called active position (see Fig. 1A, 2A, 4A) in which the spacer means 30 oppose the return means 13 for open the connection clamp 10 and allow the frictionless movement of the connection pad 20 relative to the clamp, and a second stable position called passive position (see Fig. 1C, 2B, 4B) in which the spacer means 30 allow the tilting of the connection clamp 10 in the closed position on the connection pad 20 to ensure its maintenance under pressure in the clamp and a good electrical connection.

In the illustrated examples, these spacer means 30 consist of an elastic blade 31, but could include other means such as for example a toggle formed of two hinged rods and biased by a spring member. The rest of the text relates to the elastic blade 31 to simplify the description with reference to the figures, but the skilled person will understand that it has no limiting effects and that it can be applied to other modes of equivalent realization.

The elastic blade 31 is made for example of spring steel, whose thickness is negligible compared to the other two dimensions. It is mounted between the two branches 11 with a prestress in buckling imposed by the low flexibility of the branches of the clamp. For this purpose, the free end of the branches 11 is extended by a tab 14 facing outwardly and provided with a notch 15 and a slot 16 at the bottom of the notch. The elastic blade 31 is fixed to the branches 11 by its ends which are nested in the slots 16. The flared shape of the notches 15 allow the movement of the elastic blade 31 between its two stable positions and the branches 11 form a stop 17 for the blade elastic 31 defining the open position of the clamp 10. The opening clearance of the clamp is small but sufficient and is obtained thanks to the flexibility of the branches 11. As shown in Figure lA, in the active position, the elastic blade 31 is prestressing, bearing on the abutment 17 of the branches 11 and extends over a length L1 which is greater than the length L2 of the same elastic plate 31 prestressing, without stop, in passive position visible in Figure 1 C. This difference in length allows to open the connection clamp 10 by spacing the branches 1 l of a gap El sufficient to allow the insertion and extraction without friction of one of the connection pads 20 of the fu 2. In passive position, the connection clamp 10 can be closed under the action of its return means 13 on the connection pad 20 representing a spacing E2 of the branches 11. The unstable intermediate position of the elastic blade 31 is represented in FIG. 1B and constitutes a threshold beyond which the elastic blade 31 automatically switches from its active position to its passive position and vice versa thanks to the constraint exerted by the return means 13 on the branches 11.

To ensure at least the return of the elastic blade 31 from its passive position to its active position, the connection clamp 10 is completed by control means 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, which can be integrated at least partially in the clamp as in the example illustrated by FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3A to 3F, or external to the connection clamp 10 as in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A to 5F, 6A, 6B and 7.

In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3A to 3F, the control means 40 comprise a rocking lever 41 pivotally mounted about an axis 42 between the two branches I 1 of the connection clamp 10. This rocking lever 41 has a straight form and is provided with a head 43 arranged facing the elastic blade 31 and a foot 44 arranged to cooperate with a cam 26 provided on a housing 25 carrying the fuse 2. The operation of this rocker lever 41 is illustrated by the 3A to 3F and adapted to a fuse box 25 inserted in a direction perpendicular to the chamfers 22 of the fuse 2, which corresponds to a direction parallel to the connection clamp 10 provided in an electrical apparatus 1. To simplify the drawings, only one part of the apparatus in which is mounted a connection clamp 10 is shown, and only one of the connection pads 20 of the fuse 2 is shown.

FIG. 3A corresponds to a sectioned position of the electrical apparatus 1, the fuse box 25 initiates its downward movement parallel to the clamp, and the connection clamp 10 is in the open position. In FIG. 3B, the fuse box 25 continues its descent, the connection pad 20 of the fuse 2 arrives at the branches 11, the cam 26 of the box presses against the foot 44 of the rocker lever 41 to bring its head 43 to bear. on the elastic blade 31 and hold the clamp 10 in the open position. In FIG. 3C, the fuse box 25 continues to descend, the cam 26 has released the rocking lever 41, allowing the elastic blade 31 to move from its active position to its unstable intermediate position by pushing the connection pad 20 of the fuse 2, the clamp is still in the open position. In FIG. 3D, the fuse box 25 reaches the end of its travel, so in the connected position, the fuse connection area 20 pushes the elastic blade 31 beyond its unstable intermediate position, automatically switching it to the passive position, allowing closing the clamp on the connection pad 20 of the fuse under the pressure of its return means 13. The electrical apparatus 1 can be switched on. To replace the device 1 in the sectioned position of FIG. 3A, FIG. 3E illustrates the upward movement of the fuse box 26 in which, as soon as the fuse 2 starts its extraction from the clamp, the cam 26 of the box acts on the rocking lever 41 to push the elastic blade 31 from its passive position to its intermediate position, cause the opening of the clamp 10 to release the fuse 2, and move the elastic blade 31 beyond its intermediate position to make it automatically switch to the active position. In FIG. 3F, the connection zone 20 of the fuse leaves the branches 11, the cam 26 releases the rocker lever 41 and the clamp 10 remains in the open position.

In FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5A to 5F, the control means 40a comprise a rocker lever 41a pivotally mounted about an axis 42a in the housing of an electrical apparatus 1, a fuse holder or the like. This rocker lever 41a has a bent shape and is provided with a head 43a arranged facing the elastic blade 31 and a foot 44a arranged to cooperate with a cam 26a provided on a housing 25a carrying the fuse 2. The operation of this rocker lever 41a is substantially similar to the previous one but adapted to a fuse box 25a inserted in a direction parallel to the chamfers 22 of the fuse 2 which corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the connection clamp 10, illustrated by FIGS. 5A to 5F, also simplified.

FIG. 5A corresponds to a sectioned position of the electrical apparatus 1, the fuse box 25a initiates its translation movement perpendicular to the clamp, and the connection clamp 10 is in the open position. In FIG. 5B, the fuse box 25a continues its translation, the connection area 20 of the fuse arrives at the branches 11, the housing cam 26a has no effect on the rocker lever 41a and the clamp 10 is always in open position. In FIG. 5C, the fuse box 25a continues its translation, the cam 26a has no effect on the rocking lever 41a, which allows the elastic blade 31 to move from its active position to its unstable intermediate position by thrust of the connection area 20 of the fuse 2, the clamp 10 is still in the open position. In FIG. 5D, the fuse box 25a comes to the end of the stroke, so in the connected position, the fuse connection area 20 pushes the elastic blade 31 beyond its unstable intermediate position, automatically switching it to the passive position, allowing the closure of the clamp 10 on the connection pad 20 of the fuse under the pressure of its return means 13. The electrical apparatus 1 can be switched on. To replace the apparatus 1 in the sectioned position of FIG. 5A, FIG. 5E illustrates the displacement in inverse translation of the fuse box 25a in which as soon as the fuse 2 starts its extraction from the clamp, the cam 26a acts on the lever tilter 41a to push the elastic blade 31 from its passive position to its intermediate position, and cause the opening of the clamp 10 to release the fuse 2. In Figure 5F, the rocker lever 41a moves the elastic blade 31 beyond its intermediate position to switch automatically to the active position, the fuse 20 connection range leaves the branches 11, and the clamp 10 remains in the open position.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another variant of the control means 40b in the form of a rocker lever 41b adapted to an elastic blade 31 disposed outside the path of the connection pad 20 of the fuse 2. It has a bent shape and is pivotally mounted about an axis 42b in the housing of an electrical apparatus, a fuse holder, a connection box, or the like. It is provided with a foot 44b arranged to cooperate with a cam provided on a housing carrying the fuse 2. This tilting lever 41b has a fork 43b with two fingers overlapping the elastic blade 31 to be able to move in both directions depending on the position of insertion and extraction of the fuse 2 in the apparatus 1.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates another example of application of the connection clamp 10 according to the invention to a plug-in connection box 5 on a power supply busbar 200, these bars being similar to the connection pads 20 of the examples precedents. This junction box 5, commonly called "plug-in", replaces the connection terminals of an electrical appliance 1, such as a switch, a fuse switch, or the like. It allows the connection of the device 1 to the upstream electrical network, without tools or human intervention, directly on the power busbar 200 under tension, on the back of a plate 51 protecting the operator. Thus, the connection and disconnection of the box to the network can be powered, whether the load is connected or not downstream of the device. The connection box 5 has as many connection clamps 10 as poles, and in example three. These clamps considerably improve the connection of such a housing 5 by eliminating the frictional forces of traditional clamps. For this purpose, each connection clamp 10 comprises spacer means 30 in the form of an elastic blade 31 shown in its two positions: the blade in passive position is in strong line and corresponds to the closed clamps on the bars of feeding, and the blade in the active position is in broken line and corresponds to the open clamps (not shown). In this example, the connection box 5 comprises control means 40c which are common to the spacer means 30 and actuated by a tilt handle 52 accessible by an operator to be able to open the clamps 10 before disconnecting the box 5.

Other functionalities can complete this connection box 5. In particular, it is possible to provide self-locking means 53 coupled to the tilting handle 52 to prevent the removal of the device 1 as long as the clamps 10 are closed. . When at the moment of the electrical connection, the elastic blades 31 switch from their active position to their passive position by pushing on the supply bars 200, they cause the displacement of the tilting handle 52 which will automatically deploy the locking means 53 and lock the device 1 at the rear of the plate 51. To remove the device 1, the tilt handle 52 must be actuated to open the clamps 10 and simultaneously refract the locking means 53 inside the housing 5 and allow the removal of the device 1 from the plate 51.

It is also possible to add interlocking means 54 between the connection box 5 and the control mechanism 55 of the electrical apparatus 1. This interlocking function can be performed by a finger that locks the door. tilt handle 52 as the electrical apparatus 1 is in the engaged position.

Possibilities of industrial application:

It is clear from this description that the spreader means 30 of the invention are applicable to any type of connection clamp, in any type of electrical device, device, support, housing or the like, to removably receive any type of connecting pads that can belong to a fuse, a shunt or the like. Similarly, they can be used in devices, boxes or similar plug-in for example on a power busbar. The examples of given applications are of course not limiting.

In addition, it is clear that the invention achieves the goals set, namely that it allows insertion and extraction of a connection pad with respect to a connection clamp without friction, so requiring an effort of minimum maneuver, and does not generate any premature wear of the clamp. It also allows insertion of a connection pad in the clamp in both directions parallel and perpendicular to the clamp, allowing the creation of new architectures of electrical devices. Its embodiment is simple and economical thanks to the reduced number of additional pieces. It allows a possible optimization of the contact surface of the branches of the clamp by reliefs such as streaks or the like, which is impossible in slip connection clamps of the state of the art. Its operation remains identical to a conventional connection clamp in the closed position, since the spacer means are insensitive to the thermal stresses that they can undergo in this position.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variation obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of protection defined in the appended claims. 13

Claims (15)

REVENDICATIONS1. An electrical connector (10) for a connection pad (20) of electrical equipment, such as a fuse (2), a power bar (200) or the like, the clip having at least two arms (11) ) conductive opposite and biased towards each other by return means (13) arranged to maintain under pressure said connection pad (20) when inserted between the two branches of said clamp, characterized in that it comprises spacer means (30) arranged to cooperate with said branches (11) and occupy at least two stable positions: a first stable position called active position in which the spacer means (30) oppose said return means (13) to open said connection clamp (10) and allow the frictionless movement of the connection pad (20) with respect to the clamp, and a second stable position called passive position in which the spacer means (30) allow the swing t of said connection clamp (10) in the closed position. 2. Connection clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that said spacer means (30) are arranged to pass through an intermediate unstable position between the two stable positions, this intermediate position constituting a threshold beyond which they switch automatically from one of the two stable positions at the other stable position. 3. Connection clamp according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said spacer means (30) extend between the two branches (11) which define at least one stop (17) on which rely said spacer means (30) in the active position so that their length (L1) in the active position is greater than their length (L2) in the passive position. 14 4. Connection clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that said spacer means (30) comprise at least two rods interconnected by a hinge and biased by a spring member to form a toggle joint. 5. Connection clamp according to claim 3, characterized in that said spacer means (30) comprise at least one resilient blade (31) mounted between the two branches (11) with a prestressing buckling. 6. Connection clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said spacer means (30) are arranged at the rear of the branches (11) on the insertion path of said connection pad (20), so that the switching from their active position to their passive position is caused by the insertion of the connection pad (20). 7. Connection clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises control means (40, 40a, 40b, 40c) arranged to move said spacer means (30) in at least one direction and the to switch from one of the two stable positions to the other stable position. 8. Connection clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that said control means (40b) are arranged to move said spacer means (30) in the two opposite directions and to switch from one of two stable positions to the another stable position and vice versa. 9. Connection clamp according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said control means (40) comprise at least one rocker lever (41) integrated in said clamp. 10. Connection clamp according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said control means (40a, 40b, 40c) comprise at least one rocker lever (41a, 41b) external to said clamp. 11. Connection clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said legs (11) comprise a structured electrical contact surface. Electrical apparatus (1) comprising at least one connection clamp (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to receive a connection pad (20) of an electrical equipment, such as a fuse (2). , a power bar (200) or the like, characterized in that said connection clamp (10) comprises control means (40, 40a, 40b, 40c) arranged to move the spacer means (30) coupled to the branches ( 11) of said clamp in at least one direction and tilt them from one of two stable positions to the other stable position. Electrical apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said control means (40) comprise at least one rocker lever (41) mounted on said connection clamp (10) about an axis of rotation (42) and at minus a cam (26) integral with said electrical equipment arranged to move said rocking lever in at least one direction during the insertion and / or extraction of said equipment in the apparatus. 14. Electrical apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said control means (40a, 40b) comprise at least one rocker lever (41a, 41b) mounted on said apparatus (1) about an axis of rotation (42a, 42b) and at least one cam (26a) integral with said electrical equipment arranged to move said rocking lever in at least one direction during the insertion and / or extraction of said equipment in the apparatus. Electrical apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that said control means (40c) comprise at least one lever mounted on said apparatus (1) and coupled to a tilt handle (52) arranged to move said rocker lever into at least one direction when inserting and / or extracting said equipment into the apparatus.