ITBS20090025A1 - ELECTRIC CONNECTOR - Google Patents

Description

â € œELECTRIC CONNECTORâ €

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting two electrical devices, in particular lighting devices, in a disengageable manner.

Electrical connectors are known for electrically and removably connecting two lighting devices so as to give electrical continuity to an electrical network comprising at least two distinct and separate power lines. Typically the electrical network comprises an electrically neutral line (currently called the neutral), a line connected to earth (currently called the earth) and two or more (three in the typical case of a 5-pole electrical network) separate power lines (each called currently the phase). The neutral and / or earth are typically unique for all the phases present, with the exception, for example, of circuits with emergency lighting systems, in which the relative electrical circuit (phase and neutral) is distinct from the remaining lines. These connectors are typically used to connect two or more lighting devices together in a row to each other, with the possibility of powering each device with only one, at choice, of the two or more power lines, or phases. , available. In this way, the plurality of devices is divided into subgroups, the number of which is equal to the number of power supply lines available, and each subgroup can be activated, through the respective power supply line, independently of the other subgroups. For example, each phase can be controlled by a respective on / off switch. A known electrical connector comprises two distinct and separable parts, each of which comprising a first conducting element intended to carry the neutral of the electrical network and at least two further conducting elements (typically three in the case of a 5-pole connector), electrically insulated from each other and with respect to to the first conductor element, each designed to carry a respective phase of the electrical network. Typically, each part of the connector also comprises a further conducting element, electrically insulated with respect to all the other conducting elements, intended to carry the earth of the electrical network. The two parts each comprise a respective interface, comprising at least the ends of the aforementioned conducting elements and a mechanical interface, and the respective interfaces are suitably counter-shaped with respect to each other (for example, as regards the ends of the elements conductors, according to a male-female scheme) so as to be able to couple to establish a mutual disengageable electrical and mechanical connection. The electrical connector, once connected, guarantees electrical continuity to the aforementioned network thanks to the electrical contact between the respective conducting elements of the two parts.

Typically, the aforesaid electrical connector of the known type is interposed between each pair of adjacent lighting devices and for this purpose, typically, the two parts of the connector complementary to each other are respectively mounted at the two opposite ends of each lighting device. Furthermore, each power supply device comprises internally a number of electrical wires equal to the number of the aforementioned conducting elements of a single part of the connector, and extending between the two opposite ends of the device so as to electrically connect the corresponding pairs of the conducting elements of the two parts. In this way it is possible to connect any number of devices one in a row to the other, maintaining the continuity of the aforementioned electrical network.

To ensure that each lighting device is powered by a phase of your choice, it is known to make, manually and during installation, an electrical connection between the light source of the lighting device (possibly including a respective power supply) and the wire electrical inside the device itself corresponding to the chosen phase. This connection can be obtained through the application, directly on the selected phase electric wire, of a simple terminal (for example of the type called â € ̃mammutâ € ™) or of a current stealing device (in which a metal contact, through a manual pressure, it penetrates the insulation of the electric wire until it comes into contact with its metal core).

The Applicant has realized that this solution involves a lengthening of the installation times of the devices, as well as a jeopardy of the electrical safety of the system containing the lighting devices and / or a loss of the guarantee on the devices themselves. In fact, to create the aforementioned electrical connection it is necessary to open the box of the lighting device, identify the chosen electrical wire (with the possibility of error), cut the chosen electrical wire and / or remove or damage the insulation in at least a portion to uncover the conductor wire, put the conductor wire of the selected phase in stable electrical contact with the conductor wire of the light source and close the device.

The aforementioned electrical connection between the light source and the electrical wire of the selected phase can also be manually made using the terminal of the aforementioned connector, in which both the selected electrical wire and the electrical wire of the light source can be inserted. However, even in this case, since operations are carried out directly on the wires that carry the electrical network, there are risks to the electrical safety of the latter. In addition to the rest, one or more of the aforementioned operations do not comply with current regulations on electrical safety and / or lighting systems and appliances.

A further known solution for electrically connecting the light source and the electric wire of the selected phase comprises an interconnection device, distinct from the aforementioned 5-pole connector and from each of its parts, interposed between two adjacent lighting devices and engaged on opposite sides to the two. parts of the aforementioned connector, belonging respectively to the two devices, to connect them mechanically and electrically so as to give continuity to the aforementioned electrical network. The interconnection device includes an electrical branch for each of the aforementioned lines of the electrical network (in the manner of a â € ̃current pipeâ € ™) and has a respective output socket, typically in the form of a 5-pole female socket. The output socket is used to power one of the two lighting devices, which includes an input plug (typically a 5-pole male plug) which detachably engages the output socket. The input plug is electrically connected, via respective electrical wires, to the light source of the lighting device. The input plug further comprises a selector which selectively puts the light source in electrical contact with the selected phase.

The Applicant has realized that even this last solution has some drawbacks. First of all, the presence of the interconnection device and the input plug considerably increases the complexity of the connector, with disadvantageous consequences on manufacturing, storage, installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the interconnection device, when present, requires the allocation of a corresponding space between the two adjacent lighting devices, and, when not present, requires ad hoc solutions to compensate for the absence of the same. Furthermore, the selector itself separated from the connector entails additional construction costs due to the need to guarantee the electrical insulation of the conducting elements of the same and between said elements, as well as of all the electrical wires terminating thereon.

In another known solution to obtain the power supply of the lighting device from a phase of your choice, a 5-pole electrical connector of the type described above is used, which also includes a selector, integrated in one of the two parts thereof, adapted to selectively put in electrical contact one of the three further conducting elements of the phases with a still further conducting element intended to be put in contact with the power supply of the lighting device by means of a three-pole plug ("3 -pole tap-off "). For installation, first operate the selector to select the desired phase and then insert the 3-pole plug. In fact, the part that contains the selector is upstream of the other part with respect to the power supply.

The Applicant has realized, to its knowledge for the first time, that even this last solution has some drawbacks. In fact, even when the two parts of the 5-pole connector are engaged with each other to give continuity to a 5-pole electrical circuit, the selector remains accessible so that it is possible to act on it to modify the phase. selected even after installation, without first having to uncouple the two parts of the connector and without even having to remove the 3-pole plug first. This fact entails a potential danger for the electrical network and / or for the electrical device connected to the 3-pole plug (for example due to current overloads), in case of manipulation of the selector with the 3-pole plug inserted and with the selector switched on. .

Furthermore, due to the configuration and / or spatial arrangement of the conductive elements and / or the selector, the above connector is particularly bulky, especially along the prevailing longitudinal direction of the connector itself and is complex.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose an electrical connector of the type with two mutually mating and disengageable parts and an electrical device comprising this connector, which overcome one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. One of the purposes of the present invention in one or more of its different aspects, is to provide an electrical connector, and a corresponding installation method, capable of ensuring a high level of electrical safety both during installation and subsequently. to her.

One of the objects of the present invention in one or more of its various aspects is to propose an electrical connector of the two-part type with selection of the phase of minimum bulk, in particular along the prevailing direction of development of the connector itself.

One of the purposes of the present invention in one or more of its different aspects is to propose an electrical connector and an electrical device comprising this connector which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture and / or store and / or install and / or use.

One or more of the specified technical tasks and / or specified purposes are substantially achieved by an electrical connector, an electrical device, an electrical system and an installation method in accordance with one or more of the attached claims and / or one or more of the following wait.

The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a first and a second part mutually counter-shaped to be able to engage, in a releasable way, one with the other to make an electrical connection able to give continuity to an electrical network comprising at least one neutral line (N1) and at least one first (L1) and a second phase line (L2), each of the first and second part comprising, in a mutually mirrored configuration, a first conductive element intended to be connected to said at least one neutral line (N1) and a second and a third conducting element intended to be connected respectively to said at least a first and a second phase line, where the first, second and third conducting elements are electrically insulated from each other; and where at least said first part comprises, integrated therein, a further conducting element, electrically insulated from said respective first conducting element of the first part, and intended to be put into electrical contact with an electrical user device, and further comprises a selector, integrated in said first part, configured to selectively put said further conducting element in electrical contact with only one of said second and third conducting elements.

In one aspect of the invention said first and second parts are configured in such a way that, once engaged with each other, said selector is inaccessible from the outside of the connector. In this way, the electrical safety of the system is guaranteed even after installation.

In a further aspect of the invention said selector comprises an electrical contact element selectively movable at least between a first position in which it establishes an electrical bridge between said further conducting element and said second conducting element of said first part and a second position in which it establishes a electric bridge between said further conducting element and said third conducting element of said first part, where said second and third conducting element of said first part are equidistant from said further conducting element, where said electrical contact element is rotatably pivoted on said further element conductor and in electrical contact with the latter, and said selector comprises a control element to which said electrical contact element is engaged to be rotated between said first and said second position and where said control element has a parallel axis of rotation to the development direction prev the lens of said first, second and third conducting element and of said further conducting element. In this way the connector is particularly compact.

In a further aspect of the invention said first and second part each comprise a respective main body on which said respective first, second and third conducting element are mounted in such a way that each conducting element has a first end at a first end of the respective main body and a second end at a second end of the respective main body, opposite to the first, being the first and second ends of the conducting elements accessible from the outside of the respective main body at least when the first and second parts are disengaged, and where said further conducting element and said selector are mounted on said respective main body of said first part, in such a way that said further conducting element has a first end, accessible from the outside of the respective main body, at said first end of the respective body principal, called s voter being positioned mainly at said second end of the respective main body and being accessible from the side of said second end when and only when the first and second parts are disengaged. With this optimal arrangement and configuration of the various elements of the connector, the connector is particularly compact, rational and simple, while ensuring the realization of all the required electrical connections.

In a further aspect, the first, second and third conducting elements of the first part are arranged along an arc of a circle having the further conducting element as its center.

In further aspects of the present invention, it has the technical characteristics contained in the dependent claims 2 to 10, considered without their dependence.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of some embodiments of an electrical connector, of a device comprising such connector and of the relative installation method in accordance with the present invention, including a preferred but not exclusive embodiment thereof, with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

- figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to the present invention, with the two parts disengaged;

- figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector of figure 1 from a different angle;

- figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector of figures 1 and 2, with the two parts engaged;

- figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section view of the connector of figure 3 according to the section line IV-IV;

- figure 5 is a horizontal longitudinal section view of a part of the connector of figure 1 according to the section line V-V;

- figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the connector of figure 4 according to the section line VI-VI;

- figure 7 is an exploded view of a part of the connector of figure 1;

figure 8 is a schematic drawing of a lighting device comprising a connector according to the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a lighting system comprising a row of lighting devices according to an aspect of the present invention, connected through a connector in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to the attached figures, 1 indicates an electrical connector in accordance with the present invention as a whole. The connector 1 and some of its elements have a prevalent longitudinal development which lies horizontally in the plane of figure 4. The electrical connector 1 comprises a first 2 and a second part 3 distinct from each other and mutually counter-shaped to be able to engage one with the other in a disengageable way. In the present description and claims, the expression "disengageable" or "removable" referring to a connection or coupling or engagement, electrical and / or mechanical, between two parts means the property according to which the two parts can be easily separated by a few simple operations, preferably only by hand and / or with the help of simple tools.

The first 2 and second part 3, once engaged or connected to each other, make an electrical connection capable of giving continuity to an electrical network comprising at least one neutral line (symbolically indicated with N1) and at least one first (L1) and a second phase line (L2). Typically, as in the illustrated example, once engaged or connected to each other, they are capable of giving continuity to an electrical network comprising at least a third phase line (L3) and / or a further neutral line (N2) . The further neutral line N2 can be used for any emergency devices, such as emergency lights, as known in the art. Typically, the electrical network also includes a ground line (â • §) and consequently, as in the example illustrated, once they are engaged or connected to each other, the two parts 2 and 3 are suitable for giving continuity to an electrical network also including this ground line.

Advantageously, each of the first 2 and second parts 3 comprise, in a mutually mirrored configuration, a first conducting element 4 intended to be connected to said at least one neutral line (N1) and a second 5 and a third conducting element 6 intended to be connected respectively a said at least a first (L1) and a second phase line (L2). The first 4, second 5 and third 6 conducting elements of each part 2, 3 are electrically insulated from each other so as to be able to give continuity to the aforesaid electrical network. Preferably, each of the first 2 and second parts 3 further comprise, in a mutually mirrored configuration, a fourth conducting element 20, electrically insulated from all the remaining electric conductors, intended to be connected to said third phase line (L3). If the electrical network has further phase lines beyond the third, each part 2, 3 can comprise a corresponding number of additional electrically insulated conducting elements and intended to be connected to the corresponding phase line. Preferably, each of the first 2 and second parts 3 further comprises, in a mutually mirrored configuration, an earth conducting element 21 and / or a neutral conducting element 22 intended to be connected respectively to said earth line (â • §) and called further neutral line (N2). All the aforesaid conducting elements of each part 2, 3 are electrically insulated from each other so as to be able to give continuity to the aforesaid electrical network. Each of the aforesaid conducting elements of a part 2 or 3 is intended to engage with the corresponding conducting element of the other part 3 or 2 and to establish a removable electrical (and possibly mechanical) connection with it.

Preferably, the first, second and third conducting elements 4, 5 and 6 (and, where present, the fourth conducting element 20 and / or the earth conducting element 21 and / or the neutral conducting element 22) of each part 2,3 are parallel to each other, for example they mainly develop along the same longitudinal direction. More preferably, the aforesaid conducting elements are mutually (substantially) aligned with respect to a plane orthogonal to their longitudinal development.

Advantageously, at least the first part 2 comprises a further conducting element 7, electrically insulated from the first conducting element 4 of the first part 2 (and from the earth conducting element 21 and the neutral conducting element 22 possibly present on the first part 2), and intended to be put into electrical contact with an electrical user device 8.

Preferably, also the further conducting element 7 is parallel to the remaining conducting elements of the first part 2, for example it develops mainly along the same longitudinal direction. More preferably, the further conducting element 7 (for example see Figure 4) is located on the same orthogonal plane on which the remaining conducting elements are located for a substantial portion of its longitudinal extension.

Preferably the first, second and third conducting element 4, 5, 6 (and optionally the aforementioned fourth conducting element 20 - and any additional ones - and / or the earth conducting element 21 and / or the neutral 22) of each part 2, 3 and / or the further conducting element 7 of the first part 2 comprise a first end 40 and a second end 41, preferably longitudinally opposite to the first. Advantageously, at the first end 40 there is a main body of the respective conducting element, typically comprising a clamp (for example with cavity and tightening screw) for fixing an electric conductor wire. Said main body advantageously extends along the aforementioned longitudinal direction and has at least one portion of a lateral surface having the shape of a cylindrical surface having an axis extending along said longitudinal direction. Advantageously, in correspondence with the second end 41 of one or more of the conductive elements of the first part 2 there is an elongated portion of cylindrical shape, developing parallel to the longitudinal direction and having a smaller orthogonal section than the orthogonal section of the main body. Preferably one or more (better all) of the conducting elements have the aforementioned elongated portion adjacent to and in contact with the main body. Preferably one or more of the conducting elements (better all) is made in a single piece.

The first part 2 advantageously comprises a selector 9 operatively coupled to the further conducting element 7 and configured to selectively put the further conducting element 7 into electrical contact with only one of the second 5 and third conducting elements 6 (and, where present, the fourth conducting element 20 and any additional ones). The further conducting element 7 is electrically insulated from the second 5 and third conducting elements 6 (and fourth 20 where present), when it is not connected to one of them by the selector 9. Advantageously, the further conducting element 7 and / or the selector 9 are integrated in the first part 2 of the connector 1, and are not separated from it and not even separable, when the first part 2 is fully assembled. The selector 9 and / or the further driving element 7 can be separated from the first part 2, for example to allow the assembly of the first part 2 or its disassembly for maintenance. However, in the present invention in one or more of its aspects, when the part 2 is assembled the selector 9 and / or the further conducting element 7 are not separable from the first part 2, as it would be possible, with a simple operation manual, if such elements 9 and / or 7 were coupled to the first part 2 by means of a removable connection. On the contrary, to separate the selector 9 and / or the further conducting element 7 from the first part 2 it is necessary that the latter is at least partially disassembled (for example by separating the half-portion 30a from 30b, see below ).

Preferably, the selector 9 comprises an electrical contact element 10 selectively movable at least between a first position in which it establishes an electrical bridge between the further conducting element 7 and the second conducting element 5 of the first part 2 and a second position in which it establishes a electric bridge between the further conducting element 7 and the third conducting element 6 of the first part 2. The electric contact element 10 can possibly also assume a third (and additional) position in which it establishes an electric bridge between the further element conductor 7 and the fourth (and additional) conductor element 20 of the first part 2.

Advantageously, the second and third conducting elements 5, 6 of the first part 2 (and possibly the fourth conducting element 20) are, with respect to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, equidistant from the further conducting element 7, for example they are arranged along a arc of a circle having as its center the further conducting element 7. In this way it is possible to create a selector 9 which insists on a single conducting element (the additional conducting element 7) intended to be connected to the electrical user 8 , with consequent advantages in terms of compactness of the connector 1 and greater ease of electrical insulation. As shown by way of example, also the remaining conducting elements (the first element 4 and possibly the earth conducting element 21 and / or the neutral conducting element 22) can be equidistant from the further conducting element 7, and preferably to the same distance between the latter and the second and third (and fourth 20) conducting element 5, 6, for example they are arranged along an arc of a circle equal to that described above and arranged on the opposite side with respect to the further conducting element 7 In this way, the connector 1 is particularly compact.

The movable contact element 10 can also assume at least one further position, for example intermediate between the first and second position and / or between the second and third position, in correspondence with which the further conducting element 7 remains electrically insulated both from the second 5 and from the third 6 conducting element, and / or more generally by all the conducting elements included in the first part 2 of the connector 1 (including any fourth conducting element 20).

For example, as illustrated, the electrical contact element 10 remains, in use, always in electrical contact with the further conducting element 7. In a possible embodiment, a fuse (not shown) is interposed between the contact element 10 and the further conducting element 7, to electrically protect the electrical user 8.

In a preferred embodiment of the selector 9, as illustrated by way of example, the electrical contact element 10 is rotatably pivoted on the further conducting element 7 and in permanent electrical contact with the latter. In the example shown, the electrical contact element 10 has a laminar shape and has a through hole 12 in which the further conducting element 7 is inserted so as to establish a permanent and rotating electrical contact.

Advantageously, the selector 9 comprises a control element 11 in which the electrical contact element 10 is engaged to be moved (typically rotated) between the first and second (and possibly third) positions. Typically the control element 11 is electrically insulating, for example it is made of insulating material such as plastic and / or ceramic.

Preferably, the control element 11 comprises at a first end a gripping element 13, in the example shown having a cylindrical shape, protruding from the first part 2 of the connector, so that it can be operated manually or with a simple tool, preferably when and only when the first part 2 is disengaged from the second part 3 of the connector 1. The control element 11 can also comprise at a second end (in the example shown substantially discoidal and coaxial with the cylindrical gripping element 13 ), opposite to the first, a seat 14, in the example shown of substantially rectangular shape, counter-shaped to the electrical contact element 10 so as to transmit to the latter, in use, the twisting action impressed on the control element 11 (for example on the gripping element 13). The control element 11 can have an internal cavity 15 to house at least a portion of the further conducting element 7.

Advantageously, the further conducting element 7 can be inserted with a transversal clearance in the hole 12. Advantageously, the aforementioned through hole 12 is a slot having a first dimension equal to (or slightly larger to allow insertion) the corresponding dimension of the portion of the 'further conducting element 7 (in the example the second end 41 of the element 7) inserted in the hole itself and a second dimension, orthogonal to the first, substantially greater than the corresponding dimension of the aforementioned portion 41 of the further conducting element 7. The element contact element 10 can slide transversely, typically with a limited stroke at both ends, with respect to the control element 11 (for example it can slide within the seat 14) and to the further conducting element 7, thanks to the slot 12.

As exemplarily shown in the figure, a first elastic element 16 can be interposed (for example within a suitable seat 17 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction, contiguous to the seat 14 and with respect to the latter in a longitudinal position closest to the gripping element 13) in compression between the control element 11 and the electrical contact element 10 so as to exert a push away between the two elements in an orthogonal direction and keep the electrical contact element 10 in thrust radially towards the outside of the control element 11. For example, when the electrical contact element 10 is in the first or second position, the first elastic element 16 pushes the electrical contact element 10 against the second 5 or third 6 conducting element respectively to ensure the adequate electrical contact. When the contact element 10 is moved from the first or second position, the appropriate shaping of its radially outermost end, which cooperates with the cylindrical external surface of the corresponding conducting element, generates a thrust of the same radially towards the center of the contact element. command 11, overcoming the action of spring 16.

In a preferred solution, as shown in the figure, a second elastic element 18 is interposed in compression between the electrical contact element 10 and the terminal part of the second end 41 of the further contact element 7 (for example it is held still by a nut 19 screwed onto the aforementioned threaded end part), so as to keep the electrical contact element 10 thrust against the main body 40 of the further conducting element 7.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the selector 9, instead of moving the electrical contact element 10 and the control element 11 with respect to the main body 30 of the part 2 (see below), they are the second 5 and the third 6 conducting element (and possibly the fourth 20 and additional and the elements 4, 21 and 22) which move integrally with each other with respect to the main body 30 of the part 2, for example by rotating a ring nut on which they are mounted, the ring nut being concentric and radially external to the further conducting element 7. In this case, also the second part 3 can have a corresponding ring nut to make a correspondence.

In a further alternative embodiment (not shown) of the selector 9, the electrical contact element 10 is a U-shaped jumper having a first end in electrical contact (better permanent but also not permanent) with the A further (single) conducting element 7 and a second end selectively and alternatively positionable in electrical contact with the second 5 or third 6 (or possibly the fourth 20 or additional) conducting element. In this case, the control element 11 can be an electrically insulated handle of the U-bolt which can be operated manually or by means of a screwdriver.

Typically one or more (preferably all) of the conductive elements 4, 5, 6, 7, 20, 21, 22 of each respective part 2, 3 and / or the electrical contact element 10 are made of conductive material (for example nickel-plated brass or nickel-plated copper).

In a preferred solution, as in the example shown, the first 2 and second parts 3 each comprise a respective electrically insulating main body 30, 31 (for example made of insulating material such as plastic or ceramic). For example, each main body 30, 31 is composed of a first 30a, 31a and a second semi-portion 30b, 31b, distinct from each other and mutually shaped against each other to be able to engage one with the The other, preferably in a disengageable way, so as to constitute the respective main body. Suitable mechanical means of removable interlocking (in the example elastic teeth that engage in suitable seats of the other half-portion) keep the two half-portions together.

On each main body 30, 31 are advantageously mounted the aforementioned respective first, second and third conducting elements 4, 5, 6 (and optionally the aforesaid fourth conducting element 20 - and any additional ones - and / or the earth 21 and / or the neutral conducting element 22) in such a way that each aforesaid conducting element has the first end 40 at a first end of the respective main body and the second end 41 at a second end of the respective main body, typically but not necessarily longitudinally opposite the first extremity. More preferably, the aforementioned first end 40 is located in correspondence with a respective first face 32, 33 of the respective main body 30, 31 which longitudinally delimits the aforementioned first end of the respective main body 30, 31. The aforementioned second end 41 is located in correspondence of a respective second face 34, 35 which longitudinally delimits the aforementioned second extremity of the respective main body 30, 31. It should be noted that the aforementioned expression â € ̃in correspondence to a faceâ € ™ does not necessarily mean that the extremity of the conductor element extends up to the surface of the face or even beyond. Typically, indeed, as can be seen in Figure 4, the ends of the conducting elements end in a rearward position with respect to the plane of the respective face (for example for reasons of electrical safety).

Nevertheless, the first ends 40 of the aforesaid conducting elements are accessible, through the respective face 32 or 33, from the outside of the respective main body 30, 31 when the respective first and second parts 2, 3 are assembled. It should be noted that, in use, in order to access the first ends 40, either the respective main body 30, 31 is removed from the device 90 or the latter is open or in any case has its own accessible interior. The aforementioned access from the outside allows the electrical conducting wires intended to conduct the electrical network inside the device 90 to be put into contact with the respective conducting element, and to fix them.

Preferably, the second ends 41 of the aforesaid conducting elements are accessible, through the respective face 34 or 35, from the outside of the respective main body 30, 31, when and only when the first and second parts 2, 3 are disengaged (when engaged, on the other hand, it is not typically possible to access the aforementioned ends 41, see fig.4).

Preferably, the further conducting element 7 is mounted on the respective main body 30 of the first part 2, so that the further conducting element 7 has the first end 40 at the first end of the respective main body 30 (preferably at the first face 32 and accessible, through the first face 32, from the outside of the respective main body 30 also with the first part 2 assembled) and a second end 41 facing the second end of the respective main body 30. For example, as in the example illustrated, the second end 41 of the further conducting element 7 is located in correspondence with the second face 34 of the respective main body 30.

Preferably, the second end 41 of the further conducting element 7 remains inaccessible from the outside of the respective main body 30 even when the first and second parts 2, 3 are mutually disengaged. For example, the control element 11 can completely enclose the second end 41 (for example housed in the internal cavity 15) of the further conducting element 7.

Preferably, the selector 9 is mounted on the respective main body 30 of the first part 2 in such a way that its prevailing direction of development is parallel to the aforesaid longitudinal direction. More preferably, the axis of rotation of the movable contact element 10 and / or of the control element 11 is parallel to the prevailing direction of development of the conductive elements 4, 5 and 6 and typically also 7. In a embodiment solution the selector 9 is found at the second end of the main body 30 of the second part 2, preferably at the second face 34. It is advantageously accessible from the outside of the main body, from the side of the second face 34 of the main body, when and only when the first and second parts 2, 3 are disengaged.

Advantageously, the first and second parts 2, 3 are configured in such a way that, once assembled and engaged with each other, the selector 9 is inaccessible from the outside of the connector 1. It should be noted that, even with the parts 2 and 3 engaged, it is always possible to partially disassemble part 2 (for example by disengaging the second half-portion 30b from the first 30a) in such a way as to be able to access selector 9. However, after installation, i.e. with the connector mounted on the device 90 and with parts 2 and 3 connected, the conformation of the connector 1 prevents further manipulation of the selector 9, unless the two parts 2, 3 are disengaged.

Preferably, each main body 30, 31 of the first and second part comprises a flange 36 (in the example an integral part of the half-portion 30a), typically interposed between the aforementioned opposite ends of the respective main body 30, 31 (and preferably also of the respective conductive elements), to allow the respective part 2, 3 to be mounted on the electrical device 90 (fig. 8). Typically, the flange 36 surrounds the entire respective main body perimeter and is provided with through holes for mounting on the electrical device 90.

Preferably the second end 41 of each conducting element 4, 5, 6 (and possibly 20 and / or 21 and / or 22) of the first part 2 is counter-shaped at the second end 41 of each corresponding conducting element 4, 5, 6 (and possibly 20 and / or 21 and / or 22) of the second part 3, in such a way that said two second ends 41 are able to mechanically interlock with each other and establish a removable electrical and mechanical connection. As exemplarily shown in the figure, the second end 41 of each conductor element 4, 5, 6 (and possibly 20 and / or 21 and / or 22) of the first part 2 (or vice versa of the second part 3 - not shown) can have the shape of a pin, intended to be inserted in the second end 41, presenting a special cavity, of each corresponding conductor element of the second part 3 (or vice versa of the first part 2), according to a relationship called â € œmale-femaleâ €.

Preferably, the main bodies 30, 31 of the first 2 and second part 3 have respectively a first 37 and a second mechanical interface 38 mutually counter-shaped to be able to fit together and establish a removable mechanical connection. In the example, the first mechanical interface 37 comprises, in correspondence with each conducting element 4, 5, 6 (and possibly 20 and / or 21 and / or 22) of the first part 2, a seat having a substantially cylindrical shape and coaxial to the respective conducting element which is contained therein so as to leave a substantially tubular longitudinal free space inside the seat. In the latter a suitably shaped counter-cylinder belonging to the second mechanical interface 38 is inserted in correspondence with each conductor element 4, 5, 6 (and possibly 20 and / or 21 and / or 22) of the second part 3, and containing this € ™ last.

For example, the first mechanical interface 37 (alternatively the second mechanical interface 38) comprises two structures 39 projecting longitudinally in correspondence with the aforementioned second end of the main body 30 (alternatively 31) and having on the orthogonal plane the shape of an arc of a circle, mutually arranged on each side opposite to the selector 9. Each structure 39 defines one or more (for example three) of the aforementioned seats for housing the conductive elements 4, 5, 6 (and possibly 20 and / or 21 and / or 22) of the first part 2 As an example, the second mechanical interface 38 (alternatively the first mechanical interface 37) comprises two structures 42 projecting longitudinally at the aforementioned second end of the main body 31 (alternatively 30) and having on the orthogonal plane the shape of an arc of a circle, mutually arranged by opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal symmetry axis of the e conductive elements 4, 5, and 6 to mate, with parts 2 and 3 engaged, with the aforementioned structures 39 of the first interface 37.

The aforesaid structures 39 are substantially symmetrical to each other, with the longitudinal axis of the selector 9 having a center of symmetry. The aforesaid structures 42 are substantially symmetrical to each other.

The first 37 and / or second mechanical interface 38 also have an interlocking system 51, 52 suitable for allowing the mechanical interlocking between the two interfaces only and exclusively in correspondence with a predetermined relative angular position between the two parts 2, 3. By way of example only one of the two aforesaid structures 39 (in the example only the lower one in figure 1) includes one or more (in the example two) longitudinal grooves 51 and only one of the two aforesaid structures 42 (in the example only the lower one in figure 2) it comprises a corresponding number (in the example two) of longitudinal projections 52 suitable for engaging the corresponding longitudinal grooves 51. In this way, during installation, the correct coupling of the poles of the connector 1 is guaranteed.

One of the two mechanical interfaces 37, 38 (in the example the first 37) can comprise a pair of prongs 43 projecting longitudinally at the aforementioned second end of the main body 30 and having a substantially laminar conformation, mutually arranged on opposite sides with respect to the selector 9. The prongs 43 are interleaved by way of example with the aforementioned structures 39 (0 42) of the respective mechanical interface. Each prong 43 has at its free longitudinal end an engagement tooth with a suitable seat obtained in the second part 3 (for example in correspondence with the respective flange 36).

The first (and / or second 38) mechanical interface 37 is advantageously shaped in such a way as to substantially completely surround, with respect to an orthogonal plane, the selector 9 for all its longitudinal development in correspondence with the aforementioned second end of the main body 30 (in other words for all its 'external' longitudinal development). Preferably, the aforementioned structures 39 and / or the aforementioned prongs 43 of the first mechanical interface 37 extend longitudinally, parallel to the selector 9, for a length comparable (preferably greater) to that of the aforementioned external longitudinal extension of the selector 9. The present invention also contemplates the case in which the aforesaid function of completely surrounding the selector 9 is performed by special structures projecting from the respective main bodies which do not also perform the function of mechanical interface (which in this case can be performed by specific separate structures). For the purposes of the present application, these structures dedicated to the aforementioned function of completely surrounding the selector 9 are understood to be part of the mechanical interfaces 37 and / or 38.

In one aspect, the present invention relates (figure 8) to an electrical device 90, having two opposite ends, comprising an electrical user device 8 (for example a light source, possibly equipped with a power supply) and an electrical connector 1 (comprising the two parts 2 and 3) according to any one of the aspects of the present invention, where the first 2 and second parts 3 of the connector 1 are respectively mounted on the two ends of the device 90 and where the further conducting element 7 is electrically connected to the device of electric user 8 (for example through a respective electric wire 91). Figure 8 illustrates by way of example the electric wires 92 connecting each conducting element of phases 5, 6 and 20 of the first part 2 with the corresponding conducting element of the phases of the second part 3. An electric wire 93 connects the conducting element by way of example of the neutral 4 of the first part 2 with the corresponding conducting element of the neutral 4 of the second part 3 and, through a branch (which could also start directly from a terminal of one of the two parts 2, 3), with the electrical user 8 . An electric wire 94 connects, for example, the earth conductor element 21 of the first part 2 with the corresponding earth conductor element 21 of the second part 3 and, through a branch (which could also start directly from a terminal of one of the two parts 2, 3), with the electric user 8.

In one aspect, the present invention relates (figure 9) to an electrical system 96 comprising a plurality (in example two) of devices 90 as described above, arranged in succession to each other, where, for each pair of devices adjacent, the first part 2 of the respective connector 1 of one of the devices 90 of the pair is engaged with the second part 3 of the respective connector 1 of the other of the devices 90 of the pair and where the plurality of devices 90 comprises at least two subgroups of devices , the first subgroup having the respective selector 9 in the aforesaid first position and the second subgroup in the aforesaid second position.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the electrical connector 1 according to any one of the aspects of the present invention to electrically connect two electrical user devices 90, the two devices having mounted, on a respective end, respectively the first 2 and the second part 3, comprising the steps of acting on the selector 9 to establish an electrical contact between the further conducting element 7 and only one chosen between the second 5 and the third conducting element 6 and engaging the first 2 and the second part 3 of the connector so as to make said electrical connection. Advantageously, the devices 90 are installed in such a way that the end carrying the first part 2 of the connector 1 (with the selector 9) faces the source of the electrical network, so that by disengaging the two parts of the connector, the conductive elements 4, 5 and 6 of the first part 2 are not live and the selector 9 can be operated safely.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Electric connector (1) comprising a first (2) and a second part (3) mutually shaped against each other to be able to engage, in a releasable way, with each other to make an electrical connection able to give continuity to an electrical network comprising at least one neutral line (N1) and at least a first (L1) and a second phase line (L2), each of the first (2) and second part (3) comprising, in a mutually mirrored configuration, a first conductive element (4) intended to be connected to said at least one neutral line (N1) and a second (5) and a third conductive element (6) intended to be connected respectively to said at least one first (L1) and a second phase line (L2), where the first, second and third conducting elements are electrically insulated from each other; and where at least said first part (2) comprises, integrated in said first part (2), a further conductive element (7), electrically insulated from said respective first conductive element (4) of the first part (2), and intended to be put into electrical contact with an electrical user device (8), and also comprises a selector (9), integrated in said first part (2), configured to selectively put said further conducting element (7) into electrical contact with only one of the said second (5) and third conducting element (6), characterized in that said first and second parts are configured in such a way that, once engaged with each other, said selector (9) is inaccessible from the outside of the connector. 2. Electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein said selector (9) comprises an electrical contact element (10) selectively movable at least between a first position in which it establishes an electrical bridge between said further conducting element (7) and said second conducting element (5) of said first part (2) and a second position in which it establishes an electrical bridge between said further conductive element (7) and said third conductive element (6) of said first part (2), where said second and third element conductor of said first part are equidistant from said further conductor element (7). 3. Electrical connector according to claim 2, where said electrical contact element (10) is rotatably pivoted on said further conducting element (7) and in electrical contact with the latter, and said selector (9) comprises a control element (11) to which said electrical contact element is engaged to be rotated between said first and said second position. 4. Electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein said control element (11) has an axis of rotation arranged parallel to the prevailing direction of development of said first, second and third conducting element (4, 5, 6) and of said further element conductor (7). 5. Electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, where said first (2) and second part (3) each comprise a respective electrically insulating main body (30, 31) on which said respective first (4), second (5 ) and third conducting element (6) in such a way that each conducting element has a first end (40) at a first end of the respective main body and a second end (41) at a second end of the respective main body, opposite to the first, being the first (40) and second ends (41) of the conducting elements accessible from the outside of the respective main body at least when the first and second part are disengaged, and where said further conducting element (7) and said selector ( 9) are mounted on said respective main body (30) of said first part (2), so that said further conducting element (7) has a first end (40), accessible from the outside of the respective main body, at said first end of the respective main body (30), said selector (9) being positioned mainly at said second end of the respective main body (30) and being accessible from the side of said second extremity when and only when the first and second part are disengaged. 6. Electric connector according to any one of the preceding claims, where the main bodies (30, 31) of said first and second parts have respectively a first (37) and second mechanical interface (38) mutually shaped against each other to be able to fit together the one with the other and establish a removable mechanical connection, and shaped in such a way as to, when mutually engaged, substantially completely surround said selector (9) with respect to a plane orthogonal to the prevailing direction of development of said connector (1), at least for all the external longitudinal extension of said selector (9). 7. Electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, where each first and second part (2, 3) further comprises, in a mutually mirrored configuration, a respective fourth conducting element (20), electrically insulated from all the remaining electrical conductors, intended to be connected to a third phase line (L3) and an earth conductor element (21), electrically insulated from all the remaining electrical conductors, intended to be connected to a earth line (â • §), where the first, second, third and fourth conducting element (4, 5, 6 and 20) and the earth conducting element (21) of each part are mutually parallel and mutually aligned with respect to a plane orthogonal to their longitudinal development and where the second, the third and fourth conducting elements (5, 6, 20) of the first part 2 are, with respect to said orthogonal plane, arranged along an arc of a circle having as its center said selector (9) and the first conducting element re (4) and the earth conductor element 21 are arranged along a further arc of a circle having a radius equal to the radius of said arc of a circle and arranged on the opposite side with respect to said selector (9). 8. Electric device (90) having two ends and comprising an electric user device (8) and an electric connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first (2) and second part (3) of said connector are respectively mounted on said two ends and where said further conducting element (7) is electrically connected to said electrical user device (8). 9. Electrical system (96) comprising a plurality of devices (90) according to claim 8 arranged in succession to each other, where for each pair of adjacent devices said first part (2) of said respective connector of one of the devices of said pair is engaged with said second part (3) of said respective connector of the other of the devices of said pair and where said plurality of devices comprises at least a first and a second subgroup of devices, where the first subgroup has the respective selector (9) which puts in electrical contact said respective further conducting element (7) with said respective second conducting element (5) and the second subgroup has the respective selector (9) which puts said respective further conducting element (7) in electrical contact with said respective third conductor element (6), and where for each device (90) said respective first part (2) of the respective connector (1) is, resp. to the direction of supply of said electrical network, upstream of said respective second part (3) of the respective connector (1) of the same device (90). 10. Use of the electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims to electrically connect two electrical devices (90), the two devices having mounted, on a respective end, respectively said first (2) and second part (3), comprising the phases of: - acting on said selector (9) to establish an electrical contact between said further conducting element (7) and only one chosen between said second (5) and third conducting element (6); - engaging the first (2) and the second part (3) of the connector (1) together so as to make said electrical connection.