FR3135839A1 - Electrical terminal block provided with a male element and a female electrical connection element. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical terminal block (100) comprising: - a housing (110) with two parallel main side faces (112), an upper face (115S), a lower face (115I), a rear face (113) and a front face (114), - a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals housed in the housing and connected to the same electrical potential by an electrical connection device contained in said housing, - an electrical connection assembly which comprises a male connection element ( 170) and a female connection element (180) each comprising an internal part electrically connected inside the housing to said electrical connection device. According to the invention, the male connection element comprises a connection pin (172) which, in a connection configuration, extends outside the housing, towards the rear face of said housing along a connection axis (C1) substantially parallel to one of said main side faces of the housing, and in that the female connection element has a mouth arranged opposite an opening (186) provided in the front face of said housing and oriented along a reception axis (R1) parallel to the connection axis. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Electrical terminal block provided with a male element and a female electrical connection element.

The present invention generally relates to the field of electrical terminal blocks.

It relates more particularly to an electrical terminal block comprising:

- a housing with two parallel main side faces, an upper face, a lower face, a rear face and a front face,

- a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals housed in the housing and connected to the same electrical potential by an electrical connection device contained in said housing,
- an electrical connection assembly which comprises a male connection element and a female connection element each comprising an internal part electrically connected inside the housing to said electrical connection device.

Such an electrical terminal block makes it possible to distribute or distribute a single electrical potential.

In order to be able to increase the number of electrical terminals connected to this electrical potential, it is known to associate two or more terminal blocks in series.

Solutions exist in which two terminal blocks are connected together by electrical cables or jumpers.

These solutions have several drawbacks. First of all, they use a connection element (electric cable or jumper) external to the terminal block.

In the case of a connection by an electric cable, this is introduced into a screw terminal: the contact pressure of the screw can vary over time and the multitude of points of contact between the strands of the electric cable and the screw terminal may limit electrical conductivity.

In the case of jumpers, the insertion force of the jumper is significant and the reliability of the connection may depend on the precision of the respective dimensions of the branches of the jumper and their receiving hole in the terminal blocks.

Other solutions exist in which each electrical terminal block comprises an electrical connection device to another electrical terminal block of the same type which comprises a male connection element and a female connection element. In these solutions, the male and female connection elements protrude from the housing on its side faces, perpendicular to them, so that it is difficult to visualize the connection of the two terminal blocks from the front face of the terminal blocks. Connecting two terminal blocks in series can then be difficult.

In order to remedy these drawbacks, the present invention proposes an electrical terminal block as described in the introduction, in which the male connection element comprises a connection pin which, in a connection configuration, extends outside the housing in the direction of the rear face of said housing along a connection axis substantially parallel to said main side face of the housing, and in which the female connection element has a mouth arranged opposite an opening provided in the front face of said housing and oriented along a reception axis parallel to the connection axis.

Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the connection of two terminal blocks in series is done easily and quickly because the connection pin and the opening allowing access of this connection pin to the female connection element is visible on the front face. of the terminal block.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the electrical terminal block according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:
- said male connection element is fixed in said housing such that the connection pin extends permanently outside of said housing, parallel to one of the main side faces of the housing;

- said electrical connection device comprises a conductive bar against which each electrical connection terminal is arranged and said internal part of said male connection element is directly electrically connected to said conductive bar;

- said internal part of the male connection element is flat and said connection pin forms an angle with this internal part;

- said male connection element is movable between said connection configuration and an offline configuration, in which said connection pin is housed inside the housing;

- said male connection element is movable in translation between said connection and offline configurations;

- said electrical connection device comprises a conductive bar against which each electrical connection terminal is arranged and said male connection element is electrically connected to this conductive bar via a flexible or deformable connector;

- said connector comprises an electrical braid welded directly to the conductive bar and to the male connection element;

- an actuator is provided adapted to cooperate with said male connection element to move it from the connection configuration to its offline configuration and vice versa, this actuator comprising an operating part accessible to the user on the front of the electrical box ;

- the front face of said housing includes a window through which the operating part emerges at the front of the housing;

- the housing has two side slots provided in the main side faces, one of which is suitable for the passage of said connection pin and the other is suitable for the passage of a connection pin of another similar electrical terminal block;

- the connection terminals of said plurality of connection terminals are arranged side by side, aligned in a direction perpendicular to the parallel side faces of the housing and the front face of the housing has a plurality of openings for access to the connection terminals , aligned in this direction;

- said male connection element and said female connection element are made up of two separate parts electrically connected to each other;

- said electrical connection device comprises a conductive bar against which each electrical connection terminal is arranged and said internal part of said female connection element is directly electrically connected to this conductive bar or directly electrically connected to said internal part of the male element of connection;

- said female connection element is in the form of an elastic clamp;

- a root of the connection pin opposite its free end and the mouth of the female connection element extend substantially in a plane parallel to the rear face of the housing;

- the connection axis along which said connection pin extends and the receiving axis of said female connection element extend in a plane perpendicular to said main lateral faces.

The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

On the attached drawings:

is a schematic front perspective view of a first embodiment of the electrical terminal block according to the invention,

is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the connected in series with another electrical terminal block similar to that of the ,

is a schematic view of the front face of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a schematic view of the right side of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a schematic view of the left side of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a schematic bottom view of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is an exploded schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a partial internal schematic magnifying view of the connection area of the two electrical terminal blocks of the ,

is a partial schematic sectional view of the , according to plan P1,

is a schematic front perspective view of a second embodiment of the electrical terminal block according to the invention, in which the connection pin is in its offline configuration,

is a view similar to that of the , on which the connection pin is in its connection configuration,

is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the without the housing cover,

is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the without the housing cover,

is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the connected in series with another electrical terminal block similar to that of the ,

is a schematic view of the front face of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a schematic view of the right side of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a schematic view of the left side of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is an exploded schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the ,

is a partial internal schematic magnifying view of the connection area of the two electrical terminal blocks of the ,

is a partial schematic sectional view of the , according to plan P2.

In the description which follows, by convention, the term "front" will designate the side of the electrical terminal block facing a user when this device is in the position of use, for example in an electrical cabinet, while the term "rear" will designate the opposite side of this device, facing the inside of the electrical cabinet. The terms “upper” and “lower” will be used with reference to the vertical direction for the user standing in front of the electrical cabinet.

As a preliminary point, it should be noted that, from one figure to another, the identical or similar elements of the different embodiments of the invention will be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described each time.

In the figures, two embodiments of an electrical terminal block 100 are shown; 200 according to the invention.

The electrical terminal block 100; 200 shown and described constitutes a terminal block intended to ensure the junction, that is to say the electrical and mechanical connection, between at least two electrical conductors. Electrical terminal blocks 100; 200 shown make it possible to ensure the junction between a plurality of electrical conductors whose number is between 2 and 6.

Of course, it is possible to design electrical terminal blocks making it possible to ensure the electrical connection of any number of electrical conductors based on the model of the electrical terminal blocks described and represented. In addition, as explained later, the electrical terminal block 100; 200 is arranged so that it can be connected in series with another electrical terminal block 100; 200 similar, which allows the connection of additional electrical conductors.

The electrical terminal block 100; 200 according to the invention comprises a housing 110; 210 electrically insulating made for example of plastic material.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 10 to 17, the housing 110; 210 of the electrical terminal block 100; 200 has a generally parallelepiped shape.

It includes a front part 110A; 210A and a rear part 110B; 210B which are assembled to form said housing 110; 210 (figures 1 to 7 and 10 to 18).

The rear part 110B; 210B of housing 110; 210 has a bottom 113B; 213B (Figures 7 and 18) provided with a rear face 113; 213 forming the rear face of the housing 110; 210 (figures 1, 2, 4 to 7 and 10 to 14, 16 to 18). Two rear main side walls 112B; 212B parallel rise from the bottom 113B; 213B bordering it (figures 7 and 18). Two upper and lower rear transverse walls rise from the bottom 113B; 213B and connect the two main rear side walls 112B; 212B.

The front part 110A; 210A of housing 110; 210, also called in the following “hood 110A; 210A”, includes a facade part 114A; 214A provided with a front face 114; 214, constituting the front face of the housing 110; 210, as well as four side walls extending from the facade part 114A; 214A including two main front side walls 112A; 212A parallel and two upper and lower front transverse walls (Figures 7 and 18).

When the housing 110; 210 is assembled (Figures 1 to 6 and 10 to 17), the cover 110A; 210A and the rear part 110B; 210B extend edge to edge so that the main front side walls 112A; 212A and rear 112B; 212B form two parallel main side walls of the housing 110; 210 provided with two main side faces 112; 212 and the upper and lower front and rear transverse walls form upper and lower transverse walls provided with upper and lower transverse faces 115S, 115I; 215S, 215I of housing 110; 210 (figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 11, 14, 16 and 17).

The box 110; 210 is adapted to be attached to a housing of the same type against one of its main side faces 112; 212 (figures 2 and 14).

The box 110; 210 comprises a plurality of insertion conduits 111; 211 independent each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor (not shown) and housing a plurality of electrical connection systems 120; 220 identical, each electrical connection system 120; 220 being respectively associated with one of the insertion conduits 111; 211 (figures 1 to 3 and 10 to 13).

In the examples shown in the figures, the housing 110; 210 of terminal block 100; 200 is provided with six insertion conduits 111; 211 independent, each authorizing the insertion of an electrical conductor. The insertion conduits 111; 211 are here arranged side by side, parallel to each other. The box 110; 210 houses six electrical connection systems 120; 220 respectively associated with the six insertion conduits 111; 211. They are therefore arranged here next to each other (figures 7 and 18).

The references associated with the six insertion conduits and the six electrical connection systems of each embodiment are identical and the following description is valid for each of them.

The facade part 114A; 214A of cover 110A; 210A has access openings 111A; 211A each giving access to one of the insertion conduits 111; 211 (figures 1 to 3, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15 and 18). Six access openings 211A are therefore provided; 211A. Access openings 111A; 211A are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 112; 212 of housing 110; 210 (see in particular Figures 3 and 15).

The box 110; 210 also has internal partitions. These internal partitions extend at least over part of the height of the housing 110; 210, between the facade part 114A; 214A and the bottom 113B; 213B. They extend parallel to the main side faces 112; 212 of housing 110; 210, so as to electrically isolate the insertion conduits 111; 211 of electrical conductors (figures 7 and 18). They are formed by the joining of rear and front partition elements during the assembly of the rear part 110B; 210B of the housing and cover 110A; 210A.

Each insertion conduit 111; 211 includes a well 111B; 211B leading to access opening 111A; 211A. Each electrical conductor can be inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211 according to an insertion direction D1; D2 which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of well 111B; 211B corresponding.

Each electrical connection system 120; 220 of the electrical terminal block 100; 200 includes (Figures 7 and 18): an automatic leaf spring connection terminal 140; 240 accessible through said insertion conduit 111; 211, a pusher 130; 230 which is movable between two stable positions and which cooperates with said spring blade 140; 240, and an intermediate piece 160; 260 also mobile, adapted to cooperate with said pusher 130; 230.

The automatic connection terminal here includes the leaf spring 140; 240 and a conductive bar 150; 250.

The blade springs 140; 240 here is of the “guillotine” type. It consists of a folded metal strip which forms a loop. It has a support branch 141; 241 and an interaction branch 142; 242 equipped with a window 143; 243 through which part 151 passes; 251 of the conductor bar 150; 250 (figures 7, 12, 13 and 18). The interaction branch 142; 242 can be straight or, as here, slightly curved. The support branch 141; 241 is connected to the interaction branch 142; 242 by an elbow 144; 244 (figures 7 and 18). It is folded into a U so that its free end passes through window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242. When the blade springs out 140; 240 is at rest, that is to say without constraint, the interaction branch 142; 242 tends to move away from the free end of the support branch 141; 241.

Terminal block 100; 200 thus comprises a plurality of connection terminals arranged side by side, aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 112; 212 parallel to housing 110; 210 (figures 7, 12, 13 and 18).

The conductor bar 150; 250 is generally in the form of a conductive metal plate including a contact part 152; 252 partially delimits the insertion conduit 111; 211 and is provided with a free edge which delimits the parts 151; 251 of the conductor bar 150; 250 which pass through window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 of each spring blade 140; 240 (figures 7 and 18).

The conductor bar 150; 250 connects each connection terminal of the electrical terminal block 100 to each other; 200. It therefore presents itself as an element common to the plurality of connection systems 120; 220 housed in the housing and constitutes an electrical connection device contained in said housing which connects the plurality of automatic terminals housed in the housing 110 to the same electrical potential; 210.

The metal plate forming the conductive bar 150; 250 has a generally rectangular or square outline, bent around at least one axis perpendicular to two of its sides.

In the example shown in the figures, the conductive bar 150; 250 is bent around a main axis X1; X2 which extends perpendicular to the main side faces 112; 212 of housing 110; 210. By convention, the main axis X1; X2 according to which the conductive bar 150; 250 is bent and extends in the lateral direction of the conductive bar 150; 250, and the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction will be called the longitudinal direction of the conductive bar 150; 250.

The conductor bar 150; 250 thus comprises two substantially planar main parts which are connected together by an elbow (Figures 7 and 18) comprising the contact part 152; 252 and a connecting part 153; 253.

The contact part 152; 252 of the conductor bar 150; 250 is located at one longitudinal end thereof and receives the leaf spring 140; 240 of each connection system 120; 220. The free edge of this contact part 152; 252 includes teeth which constitute parts 151; 251 of the conductor bar 150; 250 which pass through window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 of each spring blade 140; 240 (figures 7 and 18).

The contact part 152; 252 receives in support an end part of each leaf spring 140; 240 (figures 7 and 18). Part of the support branch 142; 242 of each spring blade 140; 240 extends parallel to the contact part 152; 252 corresponding to the conductive bar 150; 250, against a side face thereof. The blades spring 140; 240 are thus arranged here side by side to form a row of spring blades 140; 240.

The contact part 152; 252 extends substantially parallel to the upper and lower faces 115S, 115I; 215S, 215I of housing 110; 210, perpendicular to the main side faces 112; 212.

The other longitudinal end of the conductive bar 150; 250 located opposite the teeth of the contact part 152; 252 is the connection part 153; 253. It can be electrically connected to the other electrical elements arranged inside the housing, as described below.

The connection part 153; 253 of the conductive bar 150; 250 is provided with a plurality of orifices 155; 255 which authorize the passage of a retaining part 161; 261 of each intermediate piece 160; 260, as explained below. It extends from the contact part 152; 252 towards the upper face 115S; 215S and slightly towards the rear of housing 110; 210.

The blade springs 140; 240 is deformable between two configurations: a shutter configuration in which the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240 blocks access to insertion conduit 111; 211 and a waiting configuration in which window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 releases the section of the insertion conduit 111; 211 to authorize the insertion of an electrical conductor in this conduit.

In the shutter configuration, a solid part of the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240 located at the free end thereof extends across the insertion conduit 111; 211 at the exit of well 111B; 211B. It thus closes the insertion conduit 111; 211 and blocks access to the connection terminal. This is particularly the case when the blade springs 140; 240 is at rest, no conductor being introduced into the connection terminal.

In the waiting configuration, the blade springs 140; 240 is forced to deform so that the window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240 is placed at the exit of well 111B; 211B. It thus authorizes the passage of the electrical conductor and its introduction into the connection terminal through window 143; 243 of the blade spring 140; 240.

Pusher 130; 230 has the function of controlling the passage of the blade spring 140; 240 from one to the other of its two configurations. It can be operated by the operator, either manually or using a tool, as will be described in more detail later. A pusher 130 is provided; 230 associated with each leaf spring 140; 240.

Here it includes an elongated pin, provided with an actuating head 131; 231 of a body 132; 232 and a foot 133; 233 adapted to cooperate by hooking onto the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 (figures 7 and 18). Preferably, pusher 130; 230 is a one-piece part made of rigid plastic material. For example, it is molded. It can also be obtained by any technique known to those skilled in the art.

The body 132; 232 of pusher 130; 230 connects the actuation head 131; 231 and foot 133; 233; pusher 130; 230 (figures 7 and 18). Along the body 132; 232 of pusher 130; 230, this has one face facing the spring blade 140; 240 which forms a cooperation surface 134, 234 (Figures 7 and 18) adapted to push the leaf spring 140; 240 to force it into its waiting configuration when pusher 130; 230 is retained in the depressed position (Figures 1, 2, 10 and 11) and to allow the blade spring 140; 240 to return to its shutter configuration when pusher 130; 230 goes into raised position. For this purpose, the thickness of the pusher 130; 230 decreases from the actuation head 131; 231 towards foot 133; 233 (figures 7 and 18).

Pusher 130; 230 is movable between a raised position in which it leaves the blade spring 140; 240 free to take its resting shape in which it closes said insertion conduit 111; 211 (shutter configuration) and a depressed position in which it forces the spring blade 140; 240 in its waiting configuration to open said insertion conduit 111; 211 (figures 1, 2, 10 and 11). More precisely, here, the pusher 130; 230 is movable in translation along a direction of movement A1; A2 which is parallel to the direction of insertion D1; D2 of the electrical conductor (figures 7 and 18).

The foot 133; 233 of pusher 130; 230 has a shape adapted to hang on the retaining part 161; 261 of said intermediate piece 160; 260 so as to retain the pusher 130; 230 in the depressed position. Pusher 130; 230 is retained in its depressed position exclusively by the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260.

The foot 133; 233 of pusher 130; 230 has the shape of a hook which carries a hooking surface adapted to cooperate in retention with a corresponding hooking surface of the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260.

Pusher 130; 230 is housed in a reception conduit 117; 217 partially delimited by partitions of the housing 110; 210. This reception conduit 117; 217 is arranged near the insertion conduit 111; 211 of the electrical conductor. It extends here generally parallel to the insertion conduit 111; 211 associated with the same connection system 120; 220 (figures 7 and 18).

This reception conduit 117; 217 leads to an opening 117A; 217A of the front face 114; 214 of housing 110; 210 through which the pusher 130; 230 can pass (figures 7 and 18). It extends along a longitudinal axis which corresponds to the direction of movement A1; A2 of pusher 130; 230.

The facade part 114A; 214A of cover 110A; 210A has six openings 117 each giving access to one of the reception conduits 317. The openings 317A are here aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 112; 212 of housing 110; 210 near access openings 111A; 211A insertion conduits 111; 211.

The actuating head 131; 231 of pusher 130; 230 has a shape adapted to close the opening 117A; 217A of the front face 114; 214 of housing 110; 210. Here, this opening 117A; 217A is square in shape and the actuating head 131; 231 of pusher 130; 230 is substantially cubic (Figures 7 and 18). It also has a notch allowing the insertion of a tool to push in the pusher (figures 1 to 3 and 10 to 13).

Pusher 130; 230 also includes stop elements limiting the movement of the pusher 130; 230 towards the outside of the reception conduit 117; 217 when it is in the raised position.

The intermediate piece 160; 260 has the function of retaining the pusher 130; 230 in its depressed position and to authorize its passage to the raised position only when the electrical conductor is correctly inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211.

For this purpose, the intermediate piece 160; 260 is movable between a retaining position in which its retaining part 161; 261 cooperates with the pusher 130; 230 to, by itself, maintain it in its depressed position and a release position in which said retaining part 161; 261 is released from its cooperation with the pusher 130; 230 so that it takes its raised position.

The intermediate piece 160; 260 further comprises an actuation part 162; 262 accessible via said insertion conduit 111; 211 of the electrical conductor (Figures 7, 12, 13 and 18). It also includes a 163 link; 263 flexible connecting this actuation part 162; 262 to retaining part 161; 261 (figures 7 and 18) in an articulated manner.

The arrangement of the link 163; 263 of intermediate piece 160; 260 relative to the retaining parts 161; 261 and actuation 162; 262 gives it elastic properties.

Preferably, the intermediate piece 160; 260 is a one-piece part made of molded plastic material. It is for example molded or obtained by any other technique known to those skilled in the art.

The retaining part 161; 261 has for example the shape of a hook whose free end cooperates in retention with the foot 133; 233 of pusher 130; 230. At the base of the retaining part 161; 261, a journal 166; 266 (Figures 7 and 18) is received in a housing of complementary shape to the housing 110; 210, so as to allow the pivoting of the retaining part 161; 261 around the axis of the pin, which thus constitutes a pivot axis B1; B2.

The actuation part 162; 262 comprises a rod with, at its free end, a platform which navigates in the insertion conduit 111; 211 of the electrical conductor and on which it can press (figures 7 and 18).

The electrical terminal block 100; 200 according to the invention also includes an electrical connection assembly to another electrical terminal block of the same type.

This electrical connection assembly comprises a male connection element 170; 270 and a female connection element 180; 280 each comprising an internal part 171; 181 electrically connected inside the housing 110; 210 said electrical connection device connecting the terminals together (Figures 7 and 18).

Remarkably, the male connection element 170; 270 includes a connection pin 172; 272 which in a connection configuration extends outside the housing 110; 210 towards the rear face 113; 213 of said housing 110; 210 along a connection axis C1; C2 substantially parallel to said main side face 112; 212 of housing 110; 210 (figures 1, 2, 3, 11). In addition, the female connection element 180; 280 has a mouth 184; 284 arranged opposite an opening 186; 286 provided in the front face 114; 214 of said housing 110; 210 and oriented along a reception axis R1; R2 parallel to the connection axis C1; C2 (figures 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15 and 20).

In the first embodiment of the electrical terminal block according to the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 9, said male connection element 170 is fixed in said housing 110 such that the connection pin 172 extends permanently to the exterior of said housing, parallel to one of the main side faces 112 of the housing 110 (Figures 1, 2 and 6).

The internal part 171 of this male connection element 170 comprises a flat part 171A ( ) from which a U-shaped strip 172A extends.

The flat part 171A has a generally rectangular outline. The U-shaped strip extends from the edge of this flat part 171A, near a corner of this flat part 171A located near the lower face 115I of the housing 110 ( ).

A free branch of this U-shaped strip forms the connection pin 172. The rest of the U-shaped strip forms an intermediate element connecting the connection pin 172 to the flat part 171A of the internal part 171 of the male connection element ( ).

The intermediate element of the U-shaped strip 172A is arranged such that said connection pin 172 forms a non-zero angle with the flat part 171A of the internal part 171 of the male connection element 170. The intermediate element of the U-shaped strip is attached to the flat part 171A by an elbow ( ).

As shown in Figures 1,2, 3, 5, the connection pin 172 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the upper and lower faces 115S, 115I of the housing and perpendicular to the main side faces 112. The flat part 171A is extends parallel to the connection part 153 of the conductive bar 150.

Said internal part 171 of said male connection element 170 is directly electrically connected to said conductive bar 150. In practice, the flat part 171A of the internal part 171 is welded to the conductive bar 150.

This flat part 171A comprises one or more openings 173 which extend opposite the orifices 155 of the conductive bar 150 to allow the passage of the retaining part 161 of each intermediate part 160.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 9, the electrical terminal block 100 can be powered by power cables connected to the electrical terminal block 100 by one of two additional screw connection terminals 190 (Figures 1, 2, 3 and 7). Each additional connection terminal 190 includes a cage 192 against which the power cable can be pressed by screwing in a screw ( ). Each additional connection terminal 190 is accessible through an opening 191 provided in the lower face 115I of the housing 110 ( ).

The edge of the flat part 171A of the internal part 171 of the male connection element 170 extends towards the lower face 115I of the housing 110 by tabs 174 which cooperate with the cage of each additional connection terminal 190 to hold it in place and connect it electrically to the other connection terminals of terminal block 100 ( ).

In the second embodiment, shown in Figures 10 to 20, the male connection element 270 is movable between said connection configuration in which said connection pin 272 extends outside of said housing 210, parallel to the one of its main side faces 212 and an offline configuration, in which said connection pin 272 is housed inside the housing 210.

The male connection element 270 is in the form of a flat plate which extends in a plane substantially parallel to the upper and lower faces 215S, 215I of the housing and perpendicular to the main side faces 212.

It comprises an internal part 271 which remains permanently housed inside the housing 210, from which an L-shaped strip extends. The free branch of the L forms the connection pin 272. The other branch of the L constitutes an intermediate part 272A connecting the connection pin 272 to the internal part 271 ( ).

In the example shown in the figures, the male connection element 270 is movable in translation between said connection and offline configuration. It is moved in the plane of said flat plate, in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 212.

Alternatively, one could envisage that the male connection element is movable in pivoting between the connection configuration and the offline configuration, around a pivot axis parallel to the main lateral faces.

In order to authorize its movement inside the housing 210 while maintaining its electrical connection with the conductive bar 250, said male connection element 270 is electrically connected to this conductive bar 250 via a flexible connector 257 or deformable. This is for example an electrical braid welded directly to the conductive bar 250 and to the male connection element 270.

In addition, there is provided an actuator 290 adapted to cooperate with said male connection element 270 to move it from the connection configuration to its offline configuration and vice versa.

This actuator 290 is in the form of a block provided with a slot 292 open towards the rear of the housing 210 and adapted to receive part of the front edge of the flat plate forming the male connection element 270. front edge of the flat plate forming the male connection element 270 comprises two notches 273 which cooperate with complementary ribs provided in the bottom of the slot 292 to secure the actuator 290 and the male connection element 270 during movement of actuator 290 ( ).

The actuator 290 also comprises, at the front, an operating part 291 accessible to the user on the front face of the electrical box 210. For this purpose, the cover 210A of the box 210 includes a window 216 through which the operating part 291 of the actuator 290 emerges outside the housing 210 at the front thereof. This window 216 has dimensions which also allow the translational movement of the actuator 290. The window 216 guides this movement (Figures 10 and 11).

In the two embodiments of the electrical terminal block 100; 200 described and shown, the male connection element 170; 270 and said female connection element 180; 280 are made up of two separate parts electrically connected together.

Alternatively, said male and female connection elements can be formed in one piece.

Said female connection element 180; 280 comes in the form of an elastic clamp.

It thus comprises a profiled receiving part in the shape of a lyre, with two wings 182; 282 rising opposite from a base 183; 283. The free ends of said wings 182; 282 are curved outwards and delimit the mouth 184; 284 of the female connection element 180; 280. The wings 182; 282 delimit between them a reception well for the connection pin of a similar electrical terminal block which extends along the reception axis R1; R2 of the female connection element.

A blade springs 185; 285 forms a rider which encloses the wings 182; 282 of the receiving part of the female connection element 10; 280 so as to permanently bring the two wings towards each other while allowing the passage of the connection pin of said similar electrical terminal block.

Base 183; 283 of the receiving part of the female connection element 180; 280 is extended by the internal part 181; 281 of the female connection element 180; 280.

This internal part 181; 281 of said female connection element 180; 280 is directly electrically connected to the conductive bar 150 or directly electrically connected to said internal part 271 of the male connection element 270.

In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the connection pin 172 of the male connection element is attached to the plate 171A at a corner of this plate located near the lower face 115I of the housing 110. connection pin 172 extends below the contact part 152 of the conductor bar 150.

The female connection element 180 therefore also extends under the contact part of the conductive bar 150. The internal part 181 of the female connection element 180 is welded directly to the male connection element 170.

The edge of the flat part 171A of the internal part 171 of the male connection element 170 extends for this purpose towards the lower face 115I of the housing 110 by a tongue 175 which accommodates the internal part 181 of the female element of connection 180.

In the second embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 20, the male connection element 270 is housed in a part of the housing 210 located near its upper face 215S. The connection pin 272 extends above the contact portion 252 of the busbar 250.

The female connection element 280 therefore also extends above the contact part 252 of the conductive bar 250. The internal part 281 of the female connection element 280 is welded directly to the conductive bar 250.

The connection part 253 of the conductive bar 250 extends for this purpose towards the upper face 215S of the housing 110 by a tongue 256 which accommodates the internal part 281 of the female connection element 280.

Whatever the embodiment, the length of the connection pin 172; 272 and the distance between the mouth 184; 284 and base 183; 283 of the female connection element 180; 280 are adapted such that the connection pin 172; 272 can be housed mainly inside the female connection element 180; 280.

A root 172B; 272B of connection pin 172; 272 opposite its free end and the mouth 184; 284 of the female connection element 180; 280 extend substantially in a plane parallel to the rear face 113; 213 of housing 110; 210. This ensures a satisfactory electrical connection between these two elements.

Additionally, root 172B; 272B of connection pin 172; 272 and the mouth 184; 284 of the female connection element 180; 280 extend in a plane perpendicular to said main side faces 112; 212 of housing 110; 210. This ensures that the male connection element 170; 270 of a first electrical terminal block 100; 200 is opposite a female connection element 180; 280 of a second similar neighboring electrical terminal block.

Whatever the embodiment, the housing 110; 210 of the electrical terminal block 100; 200 has two side slots 118, 199; 218, 219 formed in the main side faces 112; 212 and each adapted to the passage of said connection pin 172; 272.

A first of these two side slots 118; 218 allows part of the male connection element 170 to pass; 270 so that the connection pin 172; 272 extends outside the housing 110; 210.

In the first embodiment of the electrical terminal block 100, the first slot 118 surrounds the intermediate element of the U-shaped strip 172A which connects said connection pin 172 with the internal part 171 of the male connection element 170.

In the second embodiment of the electrical terminal block 200, the first slot 218 is wide enough to allow the connection pin 272 to pass as a whole when it goes from the connection configuration to the offline configuration and vice versa.

Internal partitions 218A of the housing 200 extend from the first slot 218 and define a housing for the male connection element 270 in which it can slide.

A second of these side slots 119; 219 is adapted to allow the connection pin of another similar electrical terminal block to pass for its electrical connection with said electrical terminal block (Figures 2 and 14).

The second side slot 119; 219 extends opening 186; 286 of the front face 114; 214 which gives access to the mouth 184; 284 of the female connection element 180; 280 on the front of the terminal block. Thus the connection pin 172; 272 of the other electrical terminal block can be inserted into the female connection element 180; 280 by a translation movement of the spindle back and forth in a direction parallel to the main side faces 112; 212 or by a lateral translation movement in a direction perpendicular to the main lateral faces 112; 212.

Now, we will describe the use of the electrical terminal block 100; 200.

Depending on the number of electrical conductors to be connected to the same electrical potential, the user determines the number of electrical terminal blocks 100; 200 needed for its electrical installation.

If two electrical terminal blocks 100; 200 or more are required, the user electrically connects the desired number of electrical terminal blocks.

To connect an electrical terminal block 100 conforming to the first embodiment to another terminal block, the user inserts the connection pin 172 which permanently projects from this terminal block into the female connection element 180 of the other terminal block. For this purpose, it places for example the two electrical terminal blocks such that their rear faces 113 are aligned in the same plane and it brings the electrical terminal block 100 closer to the other terminal block in a translation movement perpendicular to the main lateral faces 112 of the two terminal blocks until the main side faces facing the two terminal blocks are placed against each other.

Alternatively, the user can connect said electrical terminal block 100 to the other terminal block by positioning the electrical terminal block 100 to be connected in front of the other terminal block, then moving it backwards until the connection pin 172 of the electrical terminal block 100 enters the female connection element of the other electrical terminal block, in a translational movement parallel to the main lateral faces of the other terminal block.

To connect an electrical terminal block 200 conforming to the second embodiment to another terminal block, the user takes the electrical terminal block 200 in its offline configuration. It positions the electrical terminal block 200 against the other terminal block, such that the main side faces facing the two terminal blocks extend against each other. Then, he applies his finger or a tool against the operating part 291 of the actuator 290 and slides it into the window 216 of the housing 210 of the electrical terminal block 200. In doing so, the connection pin 272 of the male element of connection 270 slides out of the housing 210 through the first slot 218 of this housing 210 and enters the female connection element of the other terminal block, through the second slot of this other terminal block.

Alternatively, the user can connect the electrical terminal block 200 by first positioning the connection pin in its connection configuration, placing the electrical terminal block 200 to be connected in front of the other terminal block, then moving it backwards until the connection pin 272 of the electrical terminal block 200 enters the female connection element of the other electrical terminal block, in a translational movement parallel to the main lateral faces of the other terminal block.

The other electrical terminal block may conform to the first or second embodiment described above.

Once the two electrical terminal blocks are connected, they can be mounted in the electrical cabinet or fixed in their final housing.

Alternatively, the other electrical terminal block can already be mounted in the cabinet, or fixed in its housing before connection with the electrical terminal block 100; 200 concerned. The electrical terminal block 100; 200 can be mounted in the cabinet or fixed in its housing simultaneously with its connection to the other terminal block (for example by clipping) or after the connection.

After factory manufacturing of the electrical terminal block 100; 200 or after disconnection of an electrical conductor from each connection terminal, the electrical terminal block is in an unarmed arrangement.

In this unarmed arrangement, the blade springs 140; 240 is at rest: it is not constrained by pusher 130; 230. On the contrary, the elbow 144; 244 of the blade spring 140; 240 cooperates with part of the cooperation surface 134; 234 of pusher 130; 230 having a concave, hollow curvature, near the foot 133; 233 of pusher 130; 230. The elbow 144; 244 exerts at this level a pressure on the cooperation surface 134; 234 of pusher 130; 230 which pushes it forward, through the opening 117A; 217A of its reception conduit 117; 217.

The actuating head 131; 231 of pusher 130; 230 projects from housing 110; 210 of the electrical appliance 100; 200 through opening 117; 217 of the front face 114; 214 of housing 110; 210. The stop elements of the pusher 130; 230 prevent the pusher from leaving the housing 110; 210.

The blade springs 140; 240 is in its shutter configuration: the free end of the interaction branch 142; 242 extends into the insertion conduit 111; 211 of housing 110; 210. Access to the connection terminal is blocked since if an electrical conductor 1 is inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211, its end hits against the free end of the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240.

The intermediate piece 160; 260 is contactless and without interaction with pusher 130; 230.

The retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 extends parallel to the direction of movement D1; D2 of pusher 130; 230.

The actuation part 162; 262 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 is housed largely in the insertion conduit 111; 211.

To use the electrical appliance 100; 200, a first step consists of arming the leaf spring 140; 240 from each connection terminal, i.e. place it in the waiting configuration. To do this, the user presses pusher 130; 230 by pressing the actuating head 131; 231 thereof which protrudes from the housing 110; 210.

It is possible to press the actuating head 131; 231 of pusher 130; 230 manually, using a finger, or using a tool. To facilitate the use of a tool, the front face of the actuating head 131; 231 of pusher 130; 230 has a slot 137; 237 allowing the insertion of the end of the tool, for example a screwdriver (figures 1 and 10).

When pusher 130; 230 is pressed into its housing 118; 218, his foot 133; 233 comes into contact with the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260. This pivots slightly as pusher 130 moves; 230 is pressed to let it pass. Finally, the retaining part 161; 261 is returned to its initial position, in the direction of movement D1; D2 of the pusher by the elastic properties of the link 163; 263. She then clings to foot 133; 233 of pusher 130; 230. In practice, this amounts to clipping the pusher 130; 230 on the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260. The pusher 130; 230 is thus blocked in the pressed position (Figures 1 and 10).

Thanks to the profile of the pusher 130; 230, which becomes thinner from its actuating head 131; 231 to its foot 133; 233 and its positioning relative to the blade spring 140; 240, the thickness of the pusher part 130; 230 in contact with the blade spring 140; 240 gradually increases when pusher 130; 230 moves from the raised position to the depressed position. This thickness is measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the pusher 130; 230 (figures 7, 12, 13, 18).

By sliding along the direction of movement, the pusher 130; 230 thus gradually pushes back the elbow 144; 244 of the blade spring 140; 240 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the pusher 130; 230, towards the insertion conduit 111; 211 of housing 110; 210.

The blade springs 140; 240 thus passes into its waiting configuration when pusher 130; 230 is inserted into its reception conduit 117; 217: the two parts of the support branch 141; 241 of the blade spring 140; 240 forming a U come together, the interaction branch 142; 242 is moved towards the insertion conduit 111; 211. Window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 is offset and is placed in the insertion conduit 111; 211, at the exit of well 111B; 211B, so as to free access to the connection terminal (figures 12 and 13).

Each connection terminal of the electrical appliance 100; 200 is thus armed and ready to receive an electrical conductor for its connection (Figures 1 to 3 and 10 to 13).

Preferably, each connection terminal of the electrical appliance 100; 200 is armed at the factory in order to be delivered ready for use to the user.

When pusher 130; 230 is in its depressed position, the pusher 130; 230 is entirely housed in the housing 110; 210. Its actuating head 131; 231 is flush with or set back from the front face 114; 214 of housing 110; 210 (figures 1, 2, 10 and 11).

Advantageously, the fact that the pusher 130; 230 does not protrude from the housing 110; 210 in its depressed position visually indicates to the operator that the corresponding connection terminal is armed. Furthermore, as shown in the , the access opening 111A; 211A of the insertion conduit 111; 211 allows you to check that the connection terminal is accessible to the electrical conductor.

A second step in the implementation of the electrical terminal block 100; 200 consists of introducing the electrical conductor into the insertion conduit 111; 211 of housing 110; 210 (figures 3 and 12). This is for example an electrical conductor of the flexible cable type with a crimped end. However, other types of electrical conductors can be used.

The end of the electrical conductor passes through the access opening 111A; 211A, in well 111B; 211B partially delimiting the insertion conduit 111; 211 and through the window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240. The end of the electrical conductor is introduced between the edge of the opening of the window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240 and the conductive bar 150; 250 (figures 3, 12, 13 and 15).

It comes into contact with the platform of the actuation part 162; 262 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 and presses on it, thus pushing back the actuating part 162; 262 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 towards the rear face of the housing 110; 210. The translation movement of the actuating part 162; 262 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 distorts link 163; 263 and causes the movement of the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 to release pusher 130; 230.

When the electrical conductor is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211, the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 pivots around pivot axis B1; B2 defined by the pin 166; 266 of the intermediate piece 160; 260, towards the actuation part 162; 262. In doing so, the hook formed by the free end of the retaining part 161; 261 disengages from its cooperation with foot 133; 233 of pusher 130; 230 and frees him.

Pusher 130; 230 no longer being retained in its depressed position, it rises to its raised position under the pressure of the blade spring 140; 240 which tends to return to its initial shape, that is to say its shape at rest in the shutter configuration. The cooperation surface 134; 234 of pusher 130; 230 is thus adapted to cooperate with the elbow of the blade spring 140; 240 so as to move the pusher 130; 230 forward.

Elbow 144; 244 of the blade spring 140; 240 slides on the cooperation surface 134; 234 of pusher 130; 230 and thus pushes it towards the outside of the housing 110; 210. Pusher 130; 230 then moves in translation along the direction of movement D1; D2 until the abutment elements of the pusher abut against the abutment walls of the housing 110; 210. The elbow 144; 244 is positioned against the concave curvature part of the cooperation surface 134; 234 of pusher 130; 230.

In doing so, window 143; 243 of the interaction branch 142; 242 of the blade spring 140; 240 moves and its edge tightens the electrical conductor 1 inserted in the insertion conduit 111; 211 against the conductive bar 150; 250.

This movement of the blade springs 140; 240 results in a “click” type sound signal which indicates to the operator that the connection has been made.

Thus, the electrical connection is established only when the pusher 130; 230 is released from its cooperation with the retaining part 161; 261 of the intermediate piece 160; 260, that is to say when the electrical conductor is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211 and presses on the actuation part 162; 262 of the intermediate piece 160; 260.

As a result, the electrical connection is reliable and secure.

To disconnect an electrical conductor from the connection terminal, it is necessary to press pusher 130; 230, manually or using a tool ( ), to pass the blade spring 140; 240 in its waiting configuration, at least temporarily. It is not necessary to fully depress pusher 130; 230 until it hooks onto the retaining part of the intermediate piece 160; 260.

It is possible to press pusher 130 with one hand; 230 until you release the electrical conductor and remove it with the other hand. When the operator releases the pressure on pusher 130; 230, it returns to its raised position. The connection terminal must be re-armed to accommodate a new electrical conductor.

It is also possible to fully depress pusher 130; 230 to move it into its depressed position. It then remains blocked in this position and the operator has both hands free to act on the electrical conductor and remove it. The connection terminal is armed and ready to accommodate a new electrical conductor.

Claims (17)

Electrical terminal block (100; 200) comprising:
- a housing (110; 210) with two parallel main side faces (112; 212), an upper face (115S; 215S), a lower face (115I; 215I), a rear face (113; 213) and a front face (114; 214),
- a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals housed in the housing (110; 210) and connected to the same electrical potential by an electrical connection device contained in said housing (110; 210),
- an electrical connection assembly which comprises a male connection element (170; 270) and a female connection element (180; 280) each comprising an internal part (171; 181) electrically connected to the interior of the housing (110; 210) audit electrical connection device,
characterized in that the male connection element (170; 270) comprises a connection pin (172; 272) which, in a connection configuration, extends outside the housing (110; 210), in the direction of the rear face (113; 213) of said housing (110; 210) along a connection axis (C1; C2) substantially parallel to one of said main lateral faces (112; 212) of the housing (110; 210), and in that the female connection element (180; 280) has a mouth (184; 284) arranged opposite an opening (186; 286) provided in the front face (114; 214) of said housing (110; 210 ) and oriented along a reception axis (R1; R2) parallel to the connection axis (C1; C2). Electrical terminal block (100) according to claim 1, wherein said male connection element (170) is fixed in said housing (110) such that the connection pin (172) permanently extends outside of said housing (110; 210), parallel to one of the main side faces (112) of the housing (110). Electrical terminal block (100) according to claim 2, in which said electrical connection device comprises a conductive bar (150) against which each electrical connection terminal is arranged and said internal part (171) of said male connection element (170) is directly electrically connected to said conductive bar (150). Electrical terminal block (100) according to claim 3, wherein said internal part (171) of the male connection element (170) is planar and said connection pin (172) forms an angle with this internal part (171). An electrical terminal block (200) according to claim 1, wherein said male connection member (270) is movable between said connection configuration and an offline configuration, wherein said connection pin (272) is housed within the housing (210). Electrical terminal block (200) according to claim 5, wherein said male connection element (270) is movable in translation between said connection and disconnection configurations. Electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 5 and 6, in which said electrical connection device comprises a conductive bar (250) against which each electrical connection terminal (240) is arranged and said male connection element (270) is electrically connected to this conductive bar (250) via a flexible or deformable connector (257). Electrical terminal block (200) according to claim 7, wherein said connector (257) comprises an electrical braid soldered directly to the conductive bar (250) and to the male connection element (270). Electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 5 to 8, in which there is provided an actuator (290) adapted to cooperate with said male connection element (270) to move it from the connection configuration to its off configuration. connection and vice versa, this actuator (290) comprising an operating part (291) accessible to the user at the front of the housing (210). Electrical terminal block (200) according to claim 9, in which the front face (214) of said housing (210) comprises a window (216) through which the operating part (291) emerges at the front of the housing (210) . Electrical terminal block (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the housing (110; 210) has two lateral slots (118, 119; 218, 219) formed in the main lateral faces (112; 212) and adapted one to the passage of said connection pin (172; 272) and the other to the passage of a connection pin of another similar electrical terminal block. Electrical terminal block (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the connection terminals (140; 240) of said plurality of connection terminals are arranged side by side, aligned in a direction perpendicular to the faces main side (112; 212) of the housing (110; 210) and the front face (114; 214) of the housing (110; 210) comprises a plurality of access openings (111A; 211A) to the connection terminals, aligned according to this direction. Electrical terminal block (100; 200), according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which said male connection element (170; 270) and said female connection element (180; 280) consist of two separate parts connected to each other electrically. Electrical terminal block (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 13, in which said electrical connection device comprises a conductive bar (150; 250) against which each electrical connection terminal is arranged and said internal part (181; 281 ) of said female connection element (180; 280) is directly electrically connected to this conductive bar (150) or directly electrically connected to said internal part (271) of the male connection element (270). Electrical terminal block (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which said female connection element (180; 280) is in the form of an elastic clamp. Electrical terminal block (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 15, in which a root of the connection pin (172; 272) opposite its free end and the mouth (184; 284) of the female element connection (180; 280) extend substantially in a plane parallel to the rear face (113; 213) of the housing (110; 210). Electrical terminal block (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 16, in which the connection axis (C1; C2) along which said connection pin (172; 272) extends and the reception axis ( R1; R2) of said female connection element (180; 280) extend in a plane perpendicular to said main lateral faces (112; 212).