WO2013156719A1

WO2013156719A1 - Bridging device using different materials and method of manufacture

Info

Publication number: WO2013156719A1
Application number: PCT/FR2013/050806
Authority: WO
Inventors: Etienne Gancel
Original assignee: Hager-Electro Sas (Société Par Actions Simplifiée)
Priority date: 2012-04-17
Filing date: 2013-04-12
Publication date: 2013-10-24
Also published as: AU2013251019A1; FR2989526A1; EP2839550A1; AU2013251019B2; CN104247168A; FR2989526B1; BR112014025298A2

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a bridging device for electrically linking electrical apparatuses of a board such as circuit breakers, comprising an electrically conducting part (1) which exhibits, on the one hand, contact zones (2) for connecting electrically to said apparatuses, and, on the other hand, a core (3) for electrically interlinking said contact zones (2). This bridging device is characterized in that the constituent material of the contact zones (2), on the one hand, and the constituent material of the core (3), on the other hand, are different. The chosen shapes and principles of assembly associated with the choices of different materials allow economical execution. The subject of the invention is also a method of manufacturing such a device.

Description

Bridging device using different materials

and manufacturing process

The present invention relates to the field of electrical equipment for a building electrical installation and relates to a particular bridging device, and a method of manufacturing such a device.

A bridging device generally makes it possible to put at the same electrical potential of the connection terminals of electrical devices such as circuit breakers, mounted next to each other in an electrical panel.

F 2 190 319 discloses a bridging device comprising a flexible metal conductor, on which are fixed, at predefined spacings, plugs for the electrical connection of the different devices. These plugs can be attached to the conductor by pinching, welding, brazing or otherwise. DE 26 00 795 discloses a similar bridging device, in the form of a wire conductor to which are fixed, at regular intervals, lugs for connecting the devices. However, one of the disadvantages of this type of device is that it is necessary to separately make the connection of each device, given the flexible nature of the driver.

FR 2,693,318 discloses a bridging device in the form of teeth connected, by two, three or more, by a core. The components used to make a bridging device are therefore the same, regardless of the number of devices to be connected. A bridging device of this type may, however, be inflexible, and because of the series arrangement, the contact areas must be dimensioned to each pass all the current for the other devices.

In order to reduce the cost of manufacturing a bridge bar, EP 1 930 986 discloses such a rigid bar of cast aluminum alloy. The major disadvantage, however, is that aluminum flue easily under stress and tends to oxidize, making the electrical contacts less efficient over time.

US 4,689,718 discloses a bridging device in the form of jumpers, mounted on an insulating base, the riders having two, three or more free ends for contact with the electrical device in which they are plugged. One of the disadvantages of the embodiments based on the principles described above is that the good electrical conduction, or even the application of the standards in force themselves, requires the use of a material recognized for its conductive electrical properties, for example a copper-based alloy, which results in significant costs for the bridging device, since such a material is generally expensive. In addition, since a bridging comb is generally obtained by cutting from a larger web of material, the amount of falls, created essentially to define the contours of the teeth of said comb, can be very important, and the cost of manufacture of such an element can, therefore, be high.

The present invention aims to overcome at least a part and preferably all these disadvantages, and aims in particular to provide a bridging device ensuring good conduction of electricity and is inexpensive to manufacture, which is obtained, as it will be described below, in particular by virtue of the production of the conductive part of the bridging device in the form of an assembly.

For this purpose, the invention therefore relates to a bridging device, for electrically connecting electrical devices of an array such as circuit breakers, comprising an electrically conductive portion which has, on the one hand, contact zones for the electrical contact with said apparatus, and, secondly, a core for electrically connecting said contact areas.

This bridging device is characterized in that

the constituent material used for the contact zones, on the one hand, and the material constituting the core, on the other hand, are different.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a connecting device, comprising a step of manufacturing the conductive portion by assembly.

This method is characterized in that the manufacture of the conductive part is done by assembling, with the core, and by plastic deformation, inserts bearing the contact areas.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows a portion of a particular embodiment of the invention, wherein the bridging device comprises a rigid metal core made of two plates between which strips are inserted to form the parts in contact;

- Figure 2 shows a detail of a possible attachment of the bars between two rigid plates forming the core of the bridging device.

The invention therefore firstly relates to a bridging device, for electrically connecting electrical devices of an array such as circuit breakers, comprising an electrically conductive portion 1 which has, on the one hand, contact zones 2 for the electrical contact with said apparatus, and, secondly, a core 3 for electrically connecting said contact areas 2.

Bridging makes it possible to electrically connect two electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, so as to place at the same potential at least one of their terminals. Electrical appliances are usually mounted in an array, lined up next to each other. The terminals they present are therefore aligned and generally regularly distributed. The contact areas 2 are therefore also on the bridging device, separated from each other by a distance which corresponds substantially to the possible distance of the contact terminals of the electrical devices.

Compatible electrical devices therefore have terminals where a bridging device can be connected, so as to bring an electrical potential or to take an electrical potential to bring it to another device.

The connection of the bridging device to the various electrical devices is preferably in the form of a quick connection by leaf spring, but can also be achieved by screwing.

The bridging device thus has at least two contact zones 2, which, as will be described later, may, for example, be carried by inserts 4 in the form of bars, similar to teeth or forks, planes or not. These contact zones 2 are electrically connected by the core 3, so that one of them, electrically connected to one device, is electrically connected to another contact zone 2, connected to another device, so that actually bridging between these two devices. The contact zones 2 and the core 3 form all or part of the conductive portion 1 of the bridging device. In addition, the core 3 may be common to two or more contact zones 2. According to the invention, the constituent material used for the contact zones 2, on the one hand, and the material constituting the core 3, on the other hand, are different, the core 3 being in particular essentially formed of a metal which is less conductive than that used for the contact zones 2. The contact zones 2 can be obtained by galvanizing, directly on the core 3 or, as will be described later, on inserts 4 assembled with the soul 3. It is thus possible to adapt independently of one another, on the one hand, the material constituting the core 3 to the function of the latter, and, on the other hand, the material constituting the contact areas 2 to their own function. In cases where the contact areas 2 are carried by the inserts 4, one and the same material, suitable for their respective functions, can be used for these two elements. Alternatively, the contact areas 2 and the inserts 4 may be made of a material specific to their function: a material for the contact areas 2, a material for the inserts 4. Of course, the materials may be alloys specially developed from several components. The difference in constituent materials can result in a difference in the proportions of the components, or even in the components themselves.

As will be described later, one of the functions of the core 3 may be, in addition to providing the electrical connection between the contact zones 2, to give the bridging device a certain rigidity. The contact areas 2, for their part, are preferably in the same material since used for the same function, namely directly ensure contact with the electrical device. The use of different materials also makes it possible to separately make the contact areas 2 and the core 3, which then makes it possible to reduce the cost of raw materials.

In the case where the contact zones 2 are possibly carried by inserts 4 assembled with the core 3, the insert 4 may be in a homogeneous material and therefore identical to that of the contact zone 2, different from the material used. for the soul 3.

According to a possible feature, the inserts 4, on the one hand, and the core 3, on the other hand, take the form of a substantially linear profile portion, which can of course be implemented even if the constituent material used for the contact zones 2, on the one hand, and the constituent material of the core 3, on the other hand, are identical. The advantage of such a characteristic is that the quantity of falls produced during manufacture is significantly reduced, since it is not necessary to make a comb by proceeding by removing material around the contact zones 2. Thus, the amount of drop generated compared to embodiments where the conductive part 1 is obtained by removal of material from a crude is significantly reduced. Possible holes 8 for crimping the inserts 4 assembled with the core 3 may for example form the bulk of the falls.

In particular embodiments, which do not necessarily require that the material used for the contact zones 2, on the one hand, and the material constituting the core 3, on the other hand, be different, the device bridging takes the form of a rigid bar rake-shaped, the contact areas 2 being carried by metal inserts 4 fixed to the core 3, in particular in the form of bars, said core 3 being metallic and rigid so to give said bridging device its rigidity, the inserts 4 taking in particular the form of teeth or forks. The advantage of bringing the contact areas 2 by the inserts 4, and thus to achieve the conductive portion 1 in the form of an assembly, is in particular to limit the amount of falls produced during manufacture. As the bridging device is then rigid, it is possible to simultaneously achieve at least the correct positioning of the contact areas 2 relative to the electrical contact surfaces of the devices against which they must come. In cases where electrical appliances are equipped with fast connection, usually by spring leaf, the simple positioning of the bridging device is sufficient to ensure the electrical connection with and between the various electrical devices.

Thus, the core 3 is preferably sufficiently rigid to give the bridging device a resistance that allows it at least not to deform under its own weight, or a resistance that allows it to not deform when mounted in the different electrical appliances.

The inserts 4 may each take the form of a bar likened to a rectangle of a metal-based material, preferably good conductor, carrying the contact areas 2, and therefore intended to come plug into the electrical device. Patch 4 may have another form compatible with its connection function: fork, angular piece V-shaped obtuse, etc.

According to an additional possible feature, which does not necessarily require that the material used for the contact zones 2, on the one hand, and the material constituting the core 3, on the other hand, be different, the core 3 takes the form of two electrically conductive plates placed one against the other, each having concave recesses 6 arranged so that when a concave recess 6 of a plate 5 is placed opposite the a concave recess 6 of the other plate 5, they delimit together, in the heart of the core 3, an opening 7 where an insert 4 carrying a contact zone 2 can be placed.

The core 3 may advantageously be made of a less electrically conductive material than the contact areas 2, see the inserts 4 which carry them, which reduces the cost of the device. It is then necessary to use a larger quantity of material, which can be obtained by using a thicker core 3, or, as written above, a core made of two plates 5 placed against each other and between which the inserts 4, carrying the contact areas 2, are mounted in contact with each of the two plates 5.

Placing the insert 4 in the core of the core 3 thus doubles the contact area between the insert 4 and the core 3, and therefore the surface through which the electricity flows, thus reducing the temperature local. The opening 7, in which the insert 4 is placed, is obtained by the mere presence, facing each other, concave recess 6 in at least one of the plates 5. Arranging concave recesses 6 on each plate 5 allows in particular to reduce the number of different parts, since then the two plates 5 have the same shape.

Of course, in alternative embodiments, the positioning of the insert 4 in the core of the core 3 can be obtained in a similar manner but with a monoblock core 3, the opening 7 can then be made by conventional removal of material. , piercing or other.

The insert 4 may also, for example, be fixed on the outside of the core 3 by clinching.

According to an additional feature possible, to avoid the use of additional parts to fix them to one another and to ensure the rigidity of the assembly, the two metal plates 5 are fixed to each other by plastic deformation, in particular by clinching at a clinching zone 10, or even crimping. This also makes it possible to limit the bulk of the core 3 formed of these two plates 5. The clinching zone 10 contributes to the good electrical communication between the two plates 5.

According to an additional feature possible, especially in order to reduce the cost of manufacture by assembling the device, and also to complete the clamping between the two plates 5 when the core 3 is formed, the contact zones 2 are carried by parts 4 attached by plastic deformation to the core 3, including inserts in the form of bars and connected for example by riveting, crimping, punching, clinching or other. This characteristic can also be implemented even if the constituent material used for the contact zones 2, on the one hand, and the constituent material of the core 3, on the other hand, are identical.

As it has already been developed above, a good contact between the bar 4 and the core 3 is necessary to ensure good flow of electrical energy without excessive heating. Thus, preferably, the inserts 4 are fixed by crimping to the core 3, deforming a tongue 9 so that it ends in a hole 8, for example a tongue 9 extending from the core 3 and a hole 8 formed in the insert 4. In addition, according to an additional possible feature, the tongue 9 extends from a concave recess 6, the hole 8 being arranged in the insert 4 and having a rectangle shape , the tabs 9 ending in pairs head to tail relative to each other in the same hole 8, so as to end each near an end of said hole 8 in the form of a rectangle. This assembly is shown in Figure 2.

By using parts in the form of a linear section portion and a plastic deformation mounting of the inserts 4 carrying the contact zones 2, the quantity of raw material used can be significantly reduced, since the falls are essentially those generated for the hole 8. The manufacturing cost of the device is therefore reduced.

Preferably, the core 3 is essentially formed of a metal which is less conductive than that used for the contact zones 2, or even for the or bars 4, the contact zones 2 being in particular essentially made of copper, and the soul 3 being especially basically made of Zinc. The contact areas 2 may be formed by a coating of a different material on the inserts 4 or be a portion of the insert 4, the contact areas 2 then being of the same material as the insert 4. The zones of contact contact 2 are therefore in a highly conductive material, and can therefore be of small dimensions, which is particularly compatible with fast plug-in connection solutions in the heart of electrical appliances. The core 3 is, for its part, essentially Zinc, possibly associated with copper, which has satisfactory electric conductivity properties and is less expensive. Pure zinc can for example be obtained from strip.

Finally, to avoid any electrical risk, it is conceivable that the bridging device has a coating of insulating material around the conductive portion 1, in particular a plastic material overmolded on the conductive portion 1 or an extruded profile, which allows to isolate electrically conductive portion 1 from the outside.

The forms and principles of selected assemblies associated with the choice of different materials thus allow an economic execution.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a bridging device as described above, comprising a step of manufacturing the conductive portion 1 by assembly. According to the invention, the manufacture of the conductive part 1 is done by assembling, with the core 3, and by plastic deformation, inserts 4 carrying the contact zones 2. This method of assembly is particularly economical, because it limits the falls and the components used for this assembly. In advantageous embodiments for assembling the metal part 1, the assembly of the inserts 4 with the core 3 is done by crimping, deforming a tongue 9 so that it ends in a hole 8, each hole 8 is for example arranged to accommodate two tongues 9, the tongue 9 extending in particular from the core 3 and the hole 8 being arranged in particular in the insert 4. Technical details of such a fixing by crimping have already been given above.

According to a possible additional feature, the method further comprises a step of feeding the length of the profile sections to the appropriate length in order to form the inserts 4 and / or the core 3, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of raw material necessary to make the compounds assembled later to form the part conductive 1. In fact, it is sufficient to cut the components with a corresponding section to that desired, and cut them to the desired length.

According to another possible characteristic, the method further comprises a step of assembling the core 3 from at least two plates 5. It is thus possible to arrange the contact zones 2 on the inserts 4, placed in the heart of the soul 3, between the two plates 5.

In possible embodiments, the assembly of the core 3 is made by plastic deformation, in particular clinching the plates 5 at a punching zone. It is thus possible to limit the components necessary to achieve the assembly.

Finally, according to a possible additional feature of the method, it further comprises a step of making the contact areas 2 by galvanizing.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments developed. In particular, it is quite possible to combine the features detailed above in a different way. Modifications therefore remain possible, especially from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, by different combination of the aforementioned characteristics, or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

EVENDICATIONS

Bridging device, for electrically connecting electrical devices of an array such as circuit breakers, comprising an electrically conductive part (1) which has, on the one hand, contact zones (2) for electrical contact with said devices, and, secondly, a core (3) for electrically connecting said contact zones (2), a bridging device characterized in that

the constituent material used for the contact zones (2), on the one hand, and the material constituting the core (3), on the other hand, are different.

2. bridging device according to claim 1, characterized in that it takes the form of a rigid bar rake-shaped, the contact areas (2) being carried by metal inserts (4) fixed to the core (3), in particular in the form of bars, said core (3) being metallic and rigid so as to confer on said bridging device its rigidity.

3. Bridging device according to claim 2, characterized in that the inserts (4), on the one hand, and the core (3), on the other hand, essentially take the form of a portion of profile linear.

4. Bridging device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that

the contact zones (2) are carried by inserts (4) fixed by plastic deformation to the core (3).

5. Bridging device according to claim 4, characterized in that the inserts (4) are fixed by crimping to the core (3), deforming a tongue (9) so that it ends in a hole (8). ).

6. Bridging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the core (3) takes the form of two plates (5) electrically conductive placed against each other, each having recesses. concave recesses (6) arranged so that when a concave recess (6) of a plate (5) is placed opposite a concave recess (6) of the other plate (5), they together define, in the heart of the core (3), an opening (7) where an insert (4) carrying a contact zone (2) can be placed.

7. Bridging device according to claim 6, characterized in that the two plates (5) are fixed metal to each other by plastic deformation.

8. Bridging device according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the tongue (9) extends from a concave recess (6), the hole (8) being arranged in the insert (4) and having a rectangle shape, the tongues (9) ending in pairs head-to-tail with respect to each other in the same hole (8), so as to end each close to an end of said hole (8) in rectangle shape.

9. A method of manufacturing a bridging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a step of manufacturing the conductive portion (1) by assembly,

characterized in that the manufacture of the conductive part (1) is done by assembling, with the core (3), and by plastic deformation, inserts (4) carrying the contact areas (2).

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises, in addition, a step of feeding to the appropriate length of the profile sections to form the inserts (4) and / or the core (3).

1 1. Manufacturing process according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it further comprises a step of assembling the core (3) from at least two plates (5) .

12. Manufacturing process according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the assembly of the core (3) is by plastic deformation.

13. Manufacturing process according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the assembly of the inserts (4) with the core (3) is done by crimping, deforming a tongue (9) so that it ends in a hole (8), each hole (8) being for example arranged to accommodate two tabs (9).

14. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises a step of making the contact zones (2) by galvanizing.