GB2239990A

GB2239990A - Mounting earth connection on a wiring support

Info

Publication number: GB2239990A
Application number: GB9027695A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Celdran
Original assignee: CELLUX S A
Current assignee: CELLUX S A
Priority date: 1989-12-20
Filing date: 1990-12-20
Publication date: 1991-07-17
Also published as: FR2657411B1; GB9027695D0; FR2657411A1

Abstract

A wiring support trough (1) is formed with tabs (1b, 1c) for locating a strip connector block (2) and a tab (1a) for electrically connecting and mechanically securing the trough (1) to the strip connector block (2). Tabs (1b, 1c) may be insulated (3). <IMAGE>

Description

WIRING SUPPORT In particular, the invention concerns a wiring support of the type of those which have at least one connecting strip serving as an earth connection and suitable for connection to a connection terminal of the "domino" type in particular. This is the case, for example, with metal supports receiving fluorescent tubes.

In general, the "domino" is held only by the earth connecting strip engaged in one of the contact blocks.

This means the certain risk of the connecting strip being torn out, particularly when the conductors engaged in the other blocks of the domino are screwed down. In fact, because the domino is not held, if the user does not take the trouble to keep it in place during connection, then, under the effect of the action of the tightening, a natural rotation of the domino occurs in relation to the fixed connection tab, thus creating an angular tearing-out effort.

To attempt to overcome these drawbacks, it is proposed to fix the domino, by screws in particular, in the support. This solution is not satisfactory, since implementation is not simple or rational, requiring a certain number of drilling and screwing operations.

Special "dominos" equipped with anchoring blocks have also been proposed. One can imagine that, in this case also, such a solution is not satisfactory, taking into consideration the cost caused by the necessity of producing a special domino.

The invention sets itself the object of overcoming these drawbacks and proposes to solve the problem of avoiding breaking the connecting strip when the conductors are screwed down.

Such a problem is solved by the said support having arrangements suitable for ensuring the positioning and angular locking of the connection terminal.

Advantageously, the arrangements are formed precisely when the support is manufactured and are constituted by tabs.

To solve the problem of ensuring the angular locking of the connection terminal, particularly in the "domino" form, that is to say, generally square or rectangular in shape at the base, the tabs are arranged on either side of the earth connecting strip and in parallel manner, to enable the connection terminal to be engaged between the said tabs, in a position of angular locking and connection to the said earth connecting strip.

To solve the problem of not increasing the manufacturing costs, the tabs are obtained by punching out and stamping a part of the support receiving the connection terminal.

Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is to improve the distance in the air of the electrical conductors, from each other and/or in relation to the earth, having the purpose of avoiding the accidental formation of any electric arc.

Such a problem is solved by the tabs receiving an insulating covering.

The invention is explained in detail in the following with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wiring support according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view on a larger scale, as seen along the line 2 - 2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view as seen along the line 4 - 4 of Figure 2.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wiring support denoted in its entirety by (1), of any known, appropriate type such as those currently used for mounting fluorescent tubes. This support, generally produced from a buckled sheet, comprises at least one connecting strip (la) serving as earth connection. In fact, this connecting strip is shaped for connection to a connection terminal (2) in particular of the type of those which are known by the term "domino". In particular, the size of the connecting strip (la) is chosen so that this strip is engaged by elasticity in one of the contact blocks (2a) of the domino (2) (Figure 4) receiving the earth conductor.The other contact blocks (2b) (2c) of the domino ensure, in a well known manner, the electrical connection, taking into account the connection to be carried out in dependence upon, for example, the lighting apparatus to be mounted on the support (1). These connections are not shown, since they do not form part of the specific subject matter of the invention.

According to a feature underlying the invention, the support (1), however it is embodied and whatever the uses envisaged for it, has arrangements suitable for ensuring the positioning and angular locking of the domino (2). These arrangements are established for prohibiting any rotational movement of the domino when the conductors are screwed into the contact blocks (2b) (2c) for example, so that any risk of the earth connecting strip (la) being torn out under the effect of the said tightening moment is removed.

Advantageously, the arrangements on the support are constituted by two tabs (lob) (inc) formed precisely when the support (1) is manufactured. These tabs are obtained by punching out and stamping a part of the support receiving the connection terminal (2).

In particular, the tabs (lob) (inc) are arranged on either side of the earth connecting strip (la) in a parallel manner. Likewise, each of the tabs is arranged angularly in relation to the horizontal plane defined by the part of the support receiving the domino, at an angle (a) of less than 900. Thus it is possible to slide the domino (2) to engage it between the retaining tabs (lob) (inc), while ensuring the connection of the said domino to the earth connecting strip (la) under the conditions indicated above.

Quite clearly, the distance separating the tabs (lb) (inc) is determined in dependence upon the width of the connection terminal (2), so that the connection terminal (2) is engaged between the said tabs with only the functional clearance necessary. In the case of a domino having three parallel rows of contact blocks, the tabs are arranged symmetrically in relation to the earth connecting strip (la).

According to another feature, the tabs (lb) (inc) have an immediate or attached insulating covering (3), so that the distance in the air of the conductors is improved, in order to avoid any risk of an electric arc being formed. This insulating covering (3) can, for example, be formed so that it covers over each of the said tabs (Figure 2).

The advantages emerge clearly from the description; in particular, the following are emphasised: - simplicity of production, and hence a reduction in cost; - the possibility of using connection terminals of the domino type, corresponding to those currently sold commercially; - the effectiveness of the result obtained with the locking in rotation of the domino, in removing any risk of accidental tearing out of the earth connecting strip when the electrical conductors are screwed down.

Claims

1. Wiring support having at least one connecting strip (la) serving as earth connection and suitable for connection to a connection terminal (2), wherein the said support (1) has arrangements (lob) (inc) suitable for ensuring the positioning and angular locking of the connection terminal (2).

2. Support according to claim 1, wherein the arrangements (lob) (lc) are formed precisely when the support is manufactured.

3. Support according to claim 1, wherein the arrangements (lob) (lc) are constituted by tabs.

4. Support according to claim 3, wherein the tabs (lob) (inc) are arranged on either side of the earth connecting strip (la) and in parallel manner, to enable the connection terminal (2) to be engaged between the said tabs, in a position of angular locking and connection to the said earth connecting strip (la).

5. Support according to claim 3, wherein the tabs (lob) (inc) are obtained by punching out and stamping a part of the support receiving the connection terminal (2).

6. Support according to claim 4, wherein the tabs (lb) (lc) are arranged symmetrically with the earth connecting strip (la).

7. Support according to either one of claims 4 or 5, wherein each of the tabs (lob) (inc) is arranged angularly in relation to the horizontal plane defined by the part of the support receiving the connection terminal (2), at an angle (a) of less than 90".

8. Support according to any one of claims 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, wherein the tabs have a covering made of insulating material (3).

9. A wiring support substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.