FR3110294A1 - Electrical interconnection device for earthing an electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical interconnection device (6) comprising a base (10), a two-jaw system (13) secured to the base, and a mechanism (15) secured to the base and configured to bring the jaws together / apart. jaws from each other and thus vary a space of a receiving area (16) defined between the jaws, between a configuration of clamping the conductor for grounding, and a release configuration or insertion; the two jaws extending longitudinally and having respective internal faces (21) which are arranged so as to provide in the reception zone, a first distal housing (23) and a second proximal housing (24) located between the first distal housing and the base, and the electrical interconnection device is configured to receive an electrical conductor (2) for its grounding in the first distal housing and to receive another electrical conductor (3) in its second proximal housing. (Figure 3)

Description

Electrical interconnection device for grounding an electrical conductor

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates, on the one hand, to an electrical interconnection device for grounding an electrical conductor and to an assembly formed by such a device engaged on an electrical conductor and, on the other hand, to a method of electrical interconnection using such a device for grounding an electrical conductor housed in an electrical cabinet and located behind another electrical conductor.

State of the art

Electrical interconnection devices are known for grounding electrical conductors, in particular clamp-shaped devices that can be mounted at the end of a pole.

Such a clamp is for example provided for the grounding of a bare electrical conductor and directly grips the bare conductor housed in an electrical cabinet, also called a cell, which may comprise a plurality of insulated and/or bare conductors.

This clamp is provided with a base, two jaws fixed by a respective end on the base and a mechanism to bring the jaws closer/spread apart in order to clamp/release the bare conductor.

The jaws are arranged opposite and at a distance from each other and define a reception area for the bare conductor.

This reception zone has a variable space between a configuration of enclosing the bare conductor for its electrical interconnection with a view to its grounding, and a configuration of release or insertion.

The base of such a clamp may include a movable and tiltable portion to orient the jaws in a predetermined direction, so as to facilitate access to the electrical conductor to be interconnected.

The invention aims to provide an electrical interconnection device for grounding an electrical conductor, of a similar type and having a system of jaws making it particularly simple and convenient to use.

The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to an electrical interconnection device for grounding an electrical conductor, comprising a base, a system with two jaws secured by a respective end to the base and extending facing and at a distance from each other so as to define a reception zone between them, and a mechanism secured to the base and configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart and thus vary a space in the reception zone between a configuration for enclosing the electrical conductor for its electrical interconnection with a view to its grounding, and a configuration for releasing or inserting it; characterized in that the two jaws extend longitudinally and have respective internal faces which are arranged so as to provide, in the reception zone and at least in the gripping configuration, a first distal housing and a second proximal housing located between the first distal housing and the base, with the electrical interconnect device being configured to receive said electrical conductor to be interconnected for grounding in the first distal housing and to receive another electrical conductor in its second proximal housing.

The device according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the configuration of its two-jaw system, to establish an electrical interconnection with a conductor with a view to its grounding and which is for example just behind another electrical conductor which does not must not be interconnected.

In particular, the electrical conductor which does not have to be interconnected can be received in the second proximal housing while the electrical conductor which must be interconnected with a view to its grounding can be received in the first distal housing.

In other words, thanks to the two-jaw system of the device according to the invention and in particular thanks to the shape of the two jaws, it is possible to interconnect an electrical conductor with a view to grounding it, without the The other conductor which is located just in front and which must not be interconnected interferes with the interconnection of the electrical conductor located just behind.

The conductor to be interconnected for its grounding can be a bare or lug conductor, while the conductor which must not be interconnected is insulated.

Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred features of the device according to the invention are presented below.

The internal face of at least one of the jaws can be straight and generally straight.

The inner face of at least one of the jaws may include a cavity at least partially defining the second proximal housing.

The at least one of the jaws may comprise an end portion curved inwards and at least partially defining the first distal housing.

The two-jaw system can be provided with a return member interposed between the internal faces of the jaws.

At least one of the jaws may include a seat provided on its internal face and provided to receive the return member.

The device may comprise at least one electrical connection member fixed by a first end to at least one of the jaws and by a second end opposite the first end to the base.

The electrical connection member may be formed of a cord or else of at least one metal strip running along at least one of the jaws and running inside or outside the base.

The mechanism configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart can be mounted mobile in rotation and in translation on the base.

Rotation of the mechanism configured to move the jaws closer/spread apart can cause it to translate relative to the base and make it possible to stress at least one of the two jaws.

The mechanism configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart may be provided with an end fitting having at least one ramped wall which cooperates with the respective end of the jaws which is secured to the base.

The mechanism configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart may comprise a mounting rod configured to be inserted into a complementary mounting end piece of a pole, and a movement transmission nut configured to be actuated from the perch.

The base may include a fixing lug provided with a locking member configured to cooperate with a complementary locking member of the pole.

The base may be provided with a connection lug to which a grounding cable may be mechanically fastened and electrically connected.

The base may comprise a first part on which is fixed the mechanism configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart and a second part to which the jaws are fixed, with the second part of the base which can be movable in rotation relative to the first part of the base so as to orient the jaws in a predetermined direction.

The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an assembly comprising an electrical interconnection device as described above, an electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding which is located between the jaws in the first housing distal of the device, and another electrical conductor which is located between the jaws in the second proximal housing, with the other electrical conductor which is located between the base of the device and the electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding.

The electrical conductor which is located in the second proximal housing is not to be electrically interconnected and is preferably insulated.

A further subject of the invention, according to a third aspect, is a method of electrical interconnection and grounding of an electrical conductor housed in an electrical cabinet and located behind another electrical conductor, using a electrical interconnection device as described above, comprising the step of introducing the electrical interconnection device, in its insertion configuration, inside the electrical cabinet until the other electrical conductor is between the jaws in the second proximal housing and the electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding is between the jaws in the first distal housing of the device, with the other electrical conductor which is between the base of the device and the electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding; and the step of actuating the mechanism configured to move the jaws closer/spread apart to cause the device to pass from its configuration for insertion to its configuration for enclosing the electrical conductor for its electrical interconnection and its placing To the earth.

The electrical conductor which is located in the second proximal housing is not to be electrically interconnected and is preferably insulated.

Brief description of figures

We will now continue the presentation of the invention with the description of exemplary embodiments, given below by way of non-limiting illustration, with reference to the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 schematically represents an electrical interconnection device according to the invention, arranged at the end of a pole and engaged on a first electrical conductor for its grounding, which first electrical conductor is housed in an electrical cabinet behind a second electrical conductor.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing schematically and in isolation the electrical interconnection device according to the invention, with the first and second electrical conductors taken from the device.

Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2, but in front view.

Figure 4 is similar to Figures 2 and 3, but in perspective.

Figure 5 is similar to that of Figure 4, without the first and second electrical conductors.

Figure 6 is similar to that of Figure 3, without the first and second electrical conductors.

Figure 7 is an isolated perspective view of a jaw of the electrical interconnect device visible in Figures 2 to 6.

Figure 8 is a mid-sectional view of the jaw shown in Figure 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view showing schematically and in isolation a variant embodiment of the electrical interconnection device according to the invention, with the first and second electrical conductors taken from the device.

Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9, but in front view.

Figure 11 is similar to Figures 9 and 10, but in perspective.

Figure 12 is an isolated perspective view of a jaw of the electrical interconnect device visible in Figures 9 to 11.

detailed description

FIG. 1 schematically represents an electrical cabinet 1, also called a cell, in which are housed a plurality of electrical conductors, including at least a first electrical conductor 2 to be interconnected with a view to its grounding and a second electrical conductor 3 which is not is not to be interconnected and grounded, with the second electrical conductor 3 which is in front of the first electrical conductor 2.

The first electrical conductor 2 can be bare or shelled and be located behind the second electrical conductor 3 which can be insulated.

The notions of front/back are understood with regard to access to the electrical cabinet 1.

In particular, the electrical cabinet 1 is provided with an access hatch 4 which, in its open configuration as in FIG. 1, gives access to an opening 9 through which an operator 5 passes an electrical interconnection device 6 mounted on the end of a pole 7, to interconnect the first electrical conductor 2 located in the electrical cabinet 1 with a view to its grounding via a ground cable 8.

Thus, the arrangement of the first electrical conductor 2 and of the second electrical conductor 3 in the electrical cabinet 1 is such that it is the second electrical conductor 3 which is closest to the access opening 9 whereas it is is the first electrical conductor 2 which needs to be electrically interconnected and grounded using the electrical interconnection device 6.

Figures 2 to 4 show in isolation an assembly formed of the electrical interconnection device 6 in the clamping configuration, and the first and second electrical conductors 2 and 3 taken from the device 6; while Figures 5 and 6 then 7 and 8 show in isolation, respectively the electrical interconnection device in the release or insertion configuration, without the first and second electrical conductors, and one of the jaws of this device.

In particular, the electrical interconnection device 6 comprises a base 10 having a first part 11 and a second part 12 which can be rotatable relative to the first part 11, for example by tightening/loosening fixing screws.

The electrical interconnection device 6 further comprises a system with two jaws 13, each of the jaws 13 being secured by a first end 20 to the second part of the base 10.

Thus, the rotation of the second part 12 of the base 10 with respect to its first part 11 can make it possible to orient the jaws 13 in a predetermined direction.

In the example illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, the first and second parts 11 and 12 of the base 10 are substantially aligned axially and the jaws 13 extend in the same axial direction.

The jaw system 13 is provided with two electrical connection members 14 each fixed by a first end 18 to one of the jaws 13 and by a second end 19 opposite the first end 18 to the second part 12 of the base 10.

In the example shown, the electrical connection members 14 are formed by cables which run along each of the jaws 13 and which run outside the base 10.

The jaw system 13 is further provided with a return member 17, here a compression spring, interposed between the jaws 13.

The electrical interconnection device 6 further comprises a mechanism 15 secured to the base 10 and configured to approach/move the jaws 13 apart.

The jaws 13 extend longitudinally opposite and at a distance from each other so as to define a reception zone 16 between them, which has a variable space between a gripping configuration in which the jaws are tightened and a release or insertion configuration in which the jaws are spread apart.

It is the actuation of the mechanism 15 which makes it possible to pass from one to the other of the clasping and releasing or insertion configurations.

In particular, the two jaws 13 here have respective internal faces 21 which are arranged so as to provide, in the reception zone 16 and at least in the gripping configuration, a first distal housing 23 and a second proximal housing 24 located between the first distal housing 23 and the base 10.

In the example illustrated and as visible in particular in Figures 7 and 8, the inner face 21 of each of the jaws 13 is straight and generally straight.

For example, the jaws 13 can extend over a length of between approximately 150 mm and 300 mm, or even beyond 300 mm.

The jaws 13 each have an inwardly curved end portion 22, opposite the respective first end 20, and at least partially defining the first distal housing 23.

Each jaw 13 is further provided with a seat 25 provided on its respective inner face 21 and provided to receive the return member 17.

Each seat 25 is here formed by an annular wall projecting from the inner face 21 respectively.

The two jaws 13 have outer faces 35, opposite the inner faces 21, and on which the cables 14 are fixed here by their respective first end 18, for example via fixing screws as can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5.

The first and second electrical conductors 2 and 3 are received in the reception zone 16, with the first electrical conductor 2 which is received in the first distal housing 23 for its interconnection and its grounding, while the second electrical conductor 3 is received in the second proximal housing 24.

Thus, the first electrical conductor 2 is located at the proximal end of the device 6, the second electrical conductor 3 is located between the first electrical conductor 2 and the base 10, and the return member is located here between the second electrical conductor 3 and base 10.

As visible in Figures 3 and 4, the device 6 is in its gripping configuration in which the jaws 13 partially grip the first electrical conductor 2 in the first distal housing 23 so as to ensure an electrical interconnection between the first electrical conductor 2 and jaws 13; while the jaws 13 do not enclose the second electrical conductor 3 in the second proximal housing 24.

Here, the first electrical conductor 2 has a section greater than that of the second electrical conductor 3.

This is possible thanks to the dimensioning of the jaws 13 of the device 6, in particular their length, with respect to the sections of the conductors which can be received in the reception zone 16 and more particularly in the spaces respectively defined by the first distal housing 23 and the second proximal housing 24.

This may also depend on the amplitude of the spreading and bringing together of the jaws, which depends in particular on the shape of the base 10 and the mechanism 15 configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart.

In particular, the mechanism 15 configured to bring the jaws 13 closer/spread apart is here mounted to move in rotation and in translation on the first part 11 of the base 10.

The rotation of the mechanism 15 configured to bring the jaws closer/spread apart causes its translation relative to the first part 11 of the base 10 and makes it possible to urge the jaws 13, which pivot relative to the second part 12 of the base 10, around fixing members 26 which make it possible to secure the jaws 13 to the second part 12 of the base 10 at their respective first end 20.

The fasteners 26 are here formed by pins which each pass through the second part 12 of the base 10 and a respective jaw 13 in its width.

The mechanism 15 configured to move the jaws 13 closer/spread apart is here provided with a mounting rod 27 passing through an orifice 28 provided in the first part 11 of the base 10 and configured to be inserted into a tip complementary assembly of the pole 7.

At a first end of this rod 27, the mechanism 15 comprises a movement transmission nut 29 configured to be actuated from the pole 7.

At a second end of this rod 27, opposite its first end, the mechanism 15 comprises an end piece 30 having at least one ramp wall 31 which cooperates with the internal face 21 of the jaws 13 at their first end 20 respectively.

In the example illustrated and as visible in particular in Figures 3 and 6, the end piece 30 is conical and mechanically connected to the movement transmission nut 29 through the rod 27.

The base 10 is also provided, on its first part 11, with a fixing lug 32 provided with a locking member, for example snap-fastening, configured to cooperate with a complementary locking member of the pole 7, so as to secure the device 6 to the end of the pole 7.

The base 10 is also provided, on its first part 11, with a connection lug 33 on which is mechanically secured and electrically connected the grounding cable 8.

For the interconnection of the device 6 with the first electrical conductor 2 housed in the electrical cabinet 1 with a view to its grounding, the method comprises the steps below.

The device 6 is fitted to the end of the pole 7 via its mounting rod 27.

If device 6 is in its insertion (or release) configuration, it is left in this configuration.

If not, the device 6 has moved from its clamping configuration to its insertion (or release) configuration by actuating the mechanism 15 to separate the jaws 13, for example by means of a complementary mechanism that comprises the pole 7 and which is mechanically coupled to the mechanism 15 of the device 6.

It will be noted that the return member 17 facilitates the separation of the jaws 13 and the return of the device 6 to its insertion (or release) configuration.

The device 6 is passed through the access opening 9 of the electrical cabinet 1 and introduced, in its insertion configuration, inside the electrical cabinet 1 until it receives the second electrical conductor 3 between the jaws 13 in the second proximal housing 24 and the first electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding between the jaws 13 in the first distal housing 23.

The mechanism 15 is then actuated, for example via the pole 7, to bring the jaws 13 closer and thus pass the device 6 from its insertion configuration to its gripping configuration in which it at least partially grips the first electrical conductor 2 to its electrical interconnection and its grounding via the jaws 13, the cables 14, the first part 11 of the base 10, the connection lug 33 and the grounding cable 8.

In this configuration of enclosing the device 6, the second electrical conductor 3 is not electrically interconnected nor grounded.

The device 6 makes it possible, thanks to the configuration of its two-jaw system 13, to establish an electrical interconnection with the first electrical conductor 2 with a view to grounding and which is here located just behind the second electrical conductor 3 which does not must not be interconnected.

In other words, thanks to the system with two jaws 13 of the device 6 and in particular thanks to the shape of the two jaws 13, it is possible to interconnect the first electrical conductor 2 with a view to grounding it, without the second conductor 3 which is located just in front and which must not be interconnected does not interfere with the interconnection of the first electrical conductor 2 located just behind.

Figures 9 to 12 show an alternative embodiment of the electrical interconnection device in the clamping configuration, with the first and second electrical conductors taken from the device and one of the jaws of this device in isolation.

In this device, only the jaws differ from those visible in Figures 2 to 8.

To simplify the description, the same numerical references have therefore been used except for the jaws for which similar references but added the number 100 have been used.

In this device 6, the jaws 113 extend longitudinally and are secured by the first end 120 to the second part 12 of the base 10.

The jaws 113 here have internal faces 121 which are provided with cavities 140 at least partially defining the second proximal housing 124 in the reception zone 116, and inwardly curved end portions 122 defining at least partially the first housing distal 23.

The jaws 113 also have protuberances 145, in the form of beads, projecting from the internal faces 121 between the cavities 140 and the curved end portions 122 and substantially delimiting the first distal housing 123 from the second proximal housing 124.

Thus, the jaws 113 can be shorter than the jaws 13.

The cables 14 are each fixed by a first end 18 to the outer surface 135 of one of the jaws 113 and by a second end 19 opposite the first end 18 to the second part 12 of the base 10.

The return member 17 is interposed between the jaws 113 and housed in the seats 125 projecting from the internal faces 121 of the jaws 113.

The first and second electrical conductors 2 and 3 are received in the reception zone 116, with the first electrical conductor 2 which is received in the first distal housing 123 for its interconnection and its grounding, while the second electrical conductor 3 is received in the second proximal housing 124.

Thus, the first electrical conductor 2 is located at the proximal end of the device 6, the second electrical conductor 3 is located between the first electrical conductor 2 and the base 10, and the return member is located here between the second electrical conductor 3 and base 10.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the device 6 is in its gripping configuration in which the jaws 113 partially grip the first electrical conductor 2 in the first distal housing 123 so as to ensure an electrical interconnection between the first electrical conductor 2 and jaws 113; while the jaws 113 do not enclose the second electrical conductor 3 in the second proximal housing 124.

Here, the first electrical conductor 2 has a section quite similar to that of the second electrical conductor 3, or even a little less.

This is possible thanks to the dimensioning of the jaws 113 of the device 6, in particular the depth of the cavities 140, with respect to the sections of the conductors which can be received in the reception zone 116 and more particularly in the spaces defined respectively by the first distal housing 123 and second proximal housing 124.

The mechanism 15 configured to bring the jaws 113 closer/spread apart and the base 10 are identical to those described with reference to the device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6.

The electrical interconnection process is also identical to that described with reference to the device illustrated in Figures 2 to 6.

Variations not illustrated are described below.

The device may comprise more than two housings for receiving electrical conductors. For example, the device can be configured to delimit several housings between the jaws for conductors to be interconnected, possibly with conductors preceding them or being interposed and which are not to be interconnected; or else several housings for conductors not to be interconnected arranged on the proximal side and one or more housings for conductors to be interconnected arranged on the distal side.

The jaws can be provided with a plurality of cavities, or even a portion with a cavity and a substantially straight and rectilinear portion on the same internal face.

Other shapes of cavities can be considered, for example triangle, U, or other shapes rather than a rounded shape.

The cable can run inside the base rather than outside.

The electrical connecting member can be formed from a metal lamella or several metal lamellae, rather than a cable, and run along at least one of the jaws and run inside or outside from the base.

The device may not be mounted on a pole but rather be used directly and manually by an operator. It then comprises a gripping member.

The end fitting of the mechanism may have a shape different from a cone, for example a triangle shape, a pyramid shape, etc.

The base can be formed in a single piece and be devoid of a second adjustable part.

It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented.

Claims (15)

Electrical interconnection device for grounding an electrical conductor (2), comprising a base (10), a system with two jaws (13; 113) secured by a respective end (20; 120) to the base and extending opposite and at a distance from each other so as to define a reception zone (16; 116) between them, and a mechanism (15) secured to the base and configured to bring the jaws closer/spread from each other and thus vary a space of the reception zone between a configuration of enclosing the electrical conductor for its electrical interconnection with a view to its grounding, and a configuration of release or insertion; characterized in that the two jaws extend longitudinally and have respective internal faces (21; 121) which are arranged so as to provide, in the reception zone and at least in the gripping configuration, a first distal housing (23 ; 123) and a second proximal housing (24; 124) located between the first distal housing and the base, with the electrical interconnect device being configured to receive said electrical conductor to be interconnected for grounding in the first housing distal and to receive another electrical conductor (3) in its second proximal housing. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the internal face (21) of at least one of the jaws (13) is straight and generally rectilinear, or the internal face (121) of at least one of the jaws (113) comprises a cavity (140) at least partially defining the second proximal housing (124). Device according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the at least one of the jaws (13; 113) comprises an end portion (22; 122) curved inwards and defining at least partially the first distal housing (23; 123). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two-jaw system (13; 113) is provided with a return member (17) interposed between the internal faces (21; 121) of the jaws. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the jaws (13; 113) comprises a seat (25; 125) provided on its internal face (21; 121) and provided to receive the return member ( 17). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one electrical connection member (14) fixed by a first end (18) to at least one of the jaws (13; 113) and by a second end (19) opposite the first end at the base (10). Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the electrical connection member (14) is formed of a small cable or else of at least one metal strip running along at least one of the jaws (13; 113) and walking inside or outside the base (10). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mechanism (15) configured to bring the jaws (13; 113) closer/spread apart from each other is mounted so as to be able to move in rotation and in translation on the base (10), the rotation of the mechanism configured to move the jaws closer/spread apart causing it to translate relative to the base and making it possible to act on at least one of the two jaws. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the mechanism (15) configured to bring the jaws (13; 113) closer/spread apart is provided with an end piece ( 30) having at least one ramped wall (31) which cooperates with the respective end (20; 120) of the jaws (13; 113) which is secured to the base (10). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mechanism (15) configured to move the jaws (13; 113) apart/away from each other comprises a mounting rod (27) configured to be inserted into a complementary mounting end piece of a pole (7), and a movement transmission nut (29) configured to be actuated from the pole. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the base (10) comprises a fixing lug (32) provided with a locking member configured to cooperate with a complementary locking member of the pole (7). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the base (10) is provided with a connection lug (33) on which is mechanically fastened and electrically connected an earthing cable (8) . Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the base (10) comprises a first part (11) on which is fixed the mechanism (15) configured to bring the jaws (13; 113) closer/spread apart. each other and a second part (12) to which the jaws are attached, with the second part of the base which is rotatable relative to the first part of the base so as to orient the jaws in a direction predetermined. Assembly comprising an electrical interconnection device (6) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, an electrical conductor (2) to be interconnected for its grounding which is located between the jaws (13; 113) in the first distal housing (23; 123) of the device, and another electrical conductor (3) which is located between the jaws in the second proximal housing (24; 124), with the other electrical conductor (3) which is located between the base of the device and the electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding. Method of electrical interconnection and grounding of an electrical conductor (2) housed in an electrical cabinet (1) and located behind another electrical conductor (3), using an electrical interconnection device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the step of introducing the electrical interconnection device, in its insertion configuration, inside the electrical cabinet until the the other electrical conductor is between the jaws (13; 113) in the second proximal housing (24; 124) and the electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding is between the jaws in the first distal housing (23; 123 ) of the device, with the other electrical conductor which is located between the base (10) of the device and the electrical conductor to be interconnected for its grounding; and the step of actuating the mechanism (15) configured to move the jaws closer/spread apart to change the device from its configuration for insertion to its configuration for enclosing the electrical conductor for its electrical interconnection and its grounding.