ZA201006059B - Functional unit for low-voltage panel with test position - Google Patents

Description

’ ¢ . m | - 2010706059

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FUNCTIONAL UNIT FOR A LOW-VOLTAGE PANEL WITH TEST

POSITION :

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of electrical distribution and control installations, in particular low-voltage systems for industrial, commercial or other use. More particularly, the invention relates to functional units, conventionally racks, present in power distribution panels, cabinets or enclosures, and to the design thereof in order to reduce the volume occupied by the connections and to simplify testing of the equipment present in the functional units. The invention also relates to a distribution enclosure offering a large © degree of modularity.

STATE OF THE ART

A low-voltage distribution installation, for example on an industrial site, comprises a main power supply line, often parallel to the ceiling of the site, and a load-side distribution circuit supplying the different useful loads. The distribution circuit is connected to the main line at the level of distribution enclosures, panels or cabinets which house the protection and control devices.

In a conventional design described for example in Patent EP 0 944 145, an electrical power distribution enclosure comprises a vertical busbar at the back which connects onto the multipole main line, a distribution circuit which can also comprise a busbar located on the side or the back of the enclosure and on which the distribution circuit cables are connected, and a plurality of functional units which connect onto the busbars of the enclosure. The functional units are usually in the form of racks that are able to slide horizontally between a connected position and a disconnected position. Each rack comprises a support and connection plate on which different protection and control apparatuses can be fitted, and a connection system for simplified connection between the fitted equipment and the busbars. 2688 1 bu

2 SE

This type of configuration offers the particular advantage of simplicity of connection once the functional units have been made up, and therefore provides the possibility of withdrawing one of the racks of the cabinet easily, for example for maintenance or modification of the protection/control of one of the distributed loads. To check the functionalities of a rack, it does however appear desirable to add a testing possibility corresponding to power supply of the equipment of the rack but an absence of distribution.

The power part remains disconnected whereas the "auxiliaries" part is powered.

The space available in a functional rack remains a major criterion and it is important to minimize the dimensions of the plate by the power connection system, the auxiliary contacts and other elements necessary for their operation. Thus, although presented in the document US 4 020 301, the reality of a test function is hardly implemented due to the difficulties of performing testing and of space occupation. Conventionally, a switchgear device is inserted to perform testing, which does however leave the power connectors live,

I5 without any real safety. To enhance safety for a real power-off, the document

WO 03/065529 describes a rack enabling an operating tool to be placed in such an intermediate position, which remains costly and complex. ‘Another option presented in

DE 37 05 728 consists in using sliding auxiliary contacts which are however onerous and voluminous, which further limits the number of possible tests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among other advantages, the object of the invention is to alleviate shortcomings of support and connection plates of existing functional units, and in particular to fit a compact platform comprising the connection means and enabling a test function to be performed in natural manner. A further object of the invention is to optimize the internal arrangement of the platform by integrating the connection system to leave a maximum amount of residual space for the electrical equipment in a unit of standard size. The invention also proposes modularity of fitting of the support and connection plates, in particular by cabinets able to accept two different widths of functional units. 2688 Li

According to one of its features, the invention thereby relates to a functional unit, in particular of rack type, suitable for an electrical distribution and control enclosure, in particular a low-voltage enclosure. The functional unit comprises a plate designed to support the electrical equipment, a front panel with a handle for mobilization of the plate, and side panels able to be guided in the enclosure. On its opposite side and at least partially parallel to the front panel, said side preferably being not straight, being for example L- shaped, the functional unit according to the invention comprises a power connection system to the busbars of the enclosure by a translational movement of the plate. The plate further supports an auxiliary connection system activated by the same translational movement. According to the invention, the main and auxiliary connection systems are fitted on a platform which can be coupled onto the plate with the possibility of relative movement of a part of the platform so as to dissociate the movement of the functional unit and the movement of one of the connection systems, in particular imposing closing of the auxiliary connection system prior to main connection.

According to another feature, the invention also relates to a platform comprising the different connection systems and which can be fitted in a functional unit. In particular, the platform comprises a plastic support, being for example L-shaped when the supply and distribution busbars are offset at the back of the enclosure concerned, on one side whereof connection devices to the busbars are salient, these devices preferably being plug-in contact grips preferably protected by overmolded protuberances of the support. The connection devices are preferably connected to terminal strips to which distribution cables can be connected, the support comprising suitable arrangements. Protective covers are advantageously provided at connection level to ensure a sufficient degree of protection and/or tightness. The platform can further comprise elements suitable for various functionalities such as guiding the functional unit, relative determination of the position of the latter due to the presence of a part of a sensor, opening of the busbar protection covers prior to plug-in of the contact grips, and so on.

The platform further comprises auxiliary contacts forming part of a block enabling the fatter to be opened/closed in the connection movement of the platform onto the busbars. In particular, the block comprises two connectors that are movable in translation with respect 3688 Lh

. oo ~ 2010706059 to one another in the same direction as connection to the supply and distribution busbars between a position in which the contacts they support are separated and open and a position in which they are closed corresponding to testing. The block comprises a third part forming a frame, movable in translation in the same direction with respect to the connectors, so that the block forms a telescopic assembly. The frame is fixed with respect to the platform support, for example being fitted above the protective covers, and comprises for example a guide rail of one of the connectors, the other connector being fitted at the back of the rack, fixed with respect to the busbars.

To enable connection to the supply busbar to be consecutive to the closed position of the auxiliary contacts, the auxiliary contact block further comprises suitable means, in particular a positive locking device with means for blocking in the extended position of the frame with respect to the two connectors so long as the contacts of the two connectors are not in the closed position, and control means for deactivating the means for blocking when

I5 the closed position of the auxiliary contacts is reached so as to release the relative movement between the frame and connectors. According to a preferred embodiment, the locking device comprises a swivelling lever securedly attached to the frame, a latching part of which lever comes into engagement with a stop on a connector and a control part whereof is biased out of engagement with the stop by the other connector when the relative closed position of the two connectors is reached. Advantageously, the block also comprises means to vice versa enable opening of the auxiliary contacts to be consecutive to disconnection of the supply busbars, in particular of spring type biasing the means for blocking to the latched position as soon as the relative closed position is left.

N oN 25 The invention also relates to an electrical distribution enclosure comprising at least one ~ functional unit equipped with a platform according to the invention, said enclosure comprising an arrangement of supply and distribution busbars operating in conjunction with the platform. Preferably, the enclosure comprises two parallel supply busbars connected in series via one end, and enables functional units of the same width as the enclosure to be fitted, which units can comprise one or two platforms to connect onto one or two busbars, and also functional units with a width reduced by half so that two functional units can be fitted side by side. 2638 Lu

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following 5 description of particular embodiments of the invention given for non-restrictive example purposes only, represented in the accompanying drawings.

Figure | schematically represents a distribution enclosure and the connection principle of a functional unit according to the invention. :

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show elements of a platform according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate the plugged-out, test and plugged-in positions of an

I5 auxiliary connection system in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a distribution enclosure equipped with racks according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment of the invention represented schematically in figure 1, the three-phase low-voltage enclosures 10 comprise a rear compartment 12 comprising a set of four vertical supply busbars 14 separated by a protective grating 16 from a trunking 18 comprising distribution conductors. To simplify the connections, the conductors comprise a rigid end part 20 on which cables 22 are connected. Conventionally, for a 400 V (respectively 690 V) installation, the supply busbars 14 with a cross-section of 160 mm? (respectively 400 mm?) are aligned with their edges parallel to the protective grating 16.

The rigid parts 20 of the distribution conductors present the same type of cross-section, with a thickness of 8 mm, the profile of all these elements being similar to a portion of busbar 14 so that connection on input 14 and on output 20 is similar. By analogy, the rigid parts 20 of the conductors will hereafter be identified as distribution "busbars" 20. 2688 Liu

Enclosure 10 forms a rectangular rhomboid closed off by walls (only a side wall 24 is illustrated), with access via the front to connect electrical apparatuses 26 to busbars 14, 20.

A plurality of apparatuses 26 are combined in functional units 30 guided with sliding on the side walls 24 so that a single orthogonal movement at the rear of enclosure 10 connects a circuit that is already fitted with apparatuses 26 directly and simultaneously on input and on output. Racks 30 comprise a back-plate 32 and a front-plate 34 equipped with a handle 36 to be able to move rack 30. Means for actuating, power-on and/or indicators 38, for example push-buttons, can also be fitted on front-plate 34.

Connection of functional units 30 is therefore performed by two systems parallel to one another enabling simultaneous plug-in on busbars 14, 20 when movement of rack 30 takes place. According to the invention, the same translational movement enables connection/ disconnection of the auxiliary contacts, preferably comprising a male/female system in the [5 same plug-in direction as rack 30 with respect to enclosure 10.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, racks 30 of electrical distribution enclosure [0 are equipped with a platform 40 comprising the connection elements necessary for performing power connection both on input and on output, as well as connection of the ~ 20 auxiliary contacts. Advantageously, as also illustrated in figure 2A, platform 40 comprises a support 42 made from plastic that can be fitted in place in the racks. In particular, support 42 can leave a space on plate 32, for example having a width of 250 mm. For the illustrated embodiment wherein supply busbars 14 and distribution busbars 20 are offset, platform 40 is L-shaped with a front side designed to be inserted first in enclosure 10 formed in staggered manner, i.e. a first part for line-side connection is offset towards the front of support 42 with respect to a second part for output connection.

In the preferred embodiment, power connection is performed by direct plug-in of contact grips 44 salient from plate 32 and support 42, which can be of conventional design and adapted to the architecture of the enclosure and in particular to the shape and size of busbars 14, 20. Contact grips 44 can be identical for the inputs and outputs or not.

Although they are aligned in two parallel sets 44A, 44B in the figures, other options are 2688 Lb :

possible depending on the arrangement of busbars 14, 20. Advantageously, conducting contact grips 44, biased to a closed position and able to plug-in around the edge of busbars 14, 20, are fitted between molded protective protuberances 46 on the front side of support 42. Contact grips 44 are fixed onto conducting strips 48 associated with support 42 and to which the power supply cables 50 of functional unit 40 are connected, for example by screw-fastening spade connectors. Although it is not illustrated, the same type of connection is performed for output contact grips 44B. Arrangements 52 are preferably formed on the back of support 42 of platform 40 to be able to fit binding bands on cables 50 which will be connected to the electrical apparatuses 26 of functiona] unit 30.

Advantageously, the connection area between cables 50 and conducting strips 48 is protected for example by covers 54 further providing partial tightness, for example of

IPXXB type standard. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in figure 2B, two plastic covers 54A, 54B are screw-tightened onto the rear of contact grips 44 on the branches of the L. The intersection between the branches preferably remains free and can be used for fitting auxiliary contact system 56, preferably in a parallel plane, offset above power supply cables 50.

Auxiliary contact system 56 is preferably composed of a block 60 enabling a "real" test position to be ensured providing optimal safety of the system during the testing phase, which is obtained when normal connection/disconnection movement of power contacts 44 takes place in enclosure 10. The sliding movement takes place alternately between a position in which power contacts 44 and auxiliary contacts 56 are connected and a position in which power contacts 44 and auxiliary contacts 56 are disconnected, via a position in which auxiliary contacts 56 are connected whereas power contacts 14, 20, 44 are plugged- out. Auxiliary contacts 56 are further not securedly attached to power contacts 44, 48, so ~ that they are not mobilized when power connections and disconnections are performed, and are therefore not impaired.

Auxiliary block 60 thus comprises two sets of auxiliary contacts S6A, S6B of complementary shapes, in particular male/female, which can take a closed test position and an open disconnection position with respect to one another. Switching from one position to 2688 Liu the other is achieved by relative translation of one set of contacts 56 with respect to the other, said translation being orthogonal to contact grips 44 of platform 40. The sets of contacts 56A, 56B can thus be fitted on connectors 62, 64 each comprising a surface 66 perpendicular to support 42, which thus presents orthogonal protuberances S6A, respectively openings 56B for passage of said protuberances.

A first auxiliary connector 62 is mounted in fixed manner with respect to the power supply, i.e. at the back of rack 30. In particular, its surface 66A provided with protuberances 56A can be fixed onto a wall bounding trunking 18. Second auxiliary connector 64 is securedly attached to functional unit 30, which will cause translational movement thereof. : Furthermore, it is mounted to enable dissociation between the open or closed position of contact system 56 and the relative position of power contacts 44 with respect to rigid conducting elements 14, 20. In particular, by the same translational movement orthogonal to contact grips 44 of support 42, second connector 64 can slide in a frame 70 securedly :

I5 affixed to power contacts 44, i.e. to support 42 of platform 40. Advantageously, frame 70 is screw-tightened to close off the free space between protective covers 54. It presents means for guiding 72 second connector 64, in particular rails 72 complementary to a slide 74 of second connector 64 forming a rack. This embodiment. of a telescopic auxiliary contact block 60 in three parts 62, 64, 70 is preferred, but other guided relative translation systems are possible.

The extended position of block 60 illustrated in figure 3A is obtained when all the systems are disconnected, whereas the compact position of block 60 of figure 3C corresponds to an auxiliary connection but also to a power connection when functional unit 30 is fitted in place in enclosure 10. Second connector 64 can thus take a position corresponding to power disconnection in which it is salient from frame 70, and a position corresponding to power connection in which it is inserted to the maximum inside frame 70. Advantageously, in the power connection position, second connector 64 is entirely located inside frame 70, : and first connector 62 only extends beyond connector 64 by its surface 66A via which it is secured to fixed part 18. 2688 1a oo oo . 2810/7 06059

To perform switching via the test position between the first fully disconnected (plugged- out) position and the second plugged-in (connected) position of rack 30, positive locking of second connector 64 with respect to frame 70 is provided so as to impose retraction of telescopic device 60 in two stages. In particular, a locking device 80 keeps frame 70 and second connector 64 in the extended power disconnection position so long as the two auxiliary connectors 62, 64 are not in the test position. Various options for achieving a locking device 80 comprising movable locking means controlled by first connector 62 are possible, with for example a cam system, or a lever that is fixed with respect to second connector 64 but swivelling around a pivot-pin separating it into two arms, or any other alternative.

In a preferred embodiment, locking device 80 comprises a lever 82 with an arm swivelling around a pivot-pin coupled to frame 70 and provided at the level of the free end with a blocking surface 84 operating in conjunction with a stop 74 of second connector 64 in the power disconnection position. The blocking stop is preferably identical to slide 74 of second connector 64. Lever 82 further comprises a control surface 86 designed to operate in conjunction with first connector 62, and in particular the free end of lever 82 is configured as a cam surface or a surface with a protuberance 86 that can be mobilized by a finger 88 of first connector 62 so as to swivel and to be dissociated from stop 74 when first and second connector 62, 64 are in the closed position.

Preferably, return means 90 bias locking device 80 to the blocked position, for example a torsion spring 90 urges lever 82 to the position in which blocking surface 84 operates in conjunction with stop 74. Advantageously, for the reverse succession of steps to be respected, the means adapted are relative to the nature of the contacts. Sliding of connector 64 in frame 70, and therefore cooperation between cam follower finger 88 and lever 80, take place with less friction than extraction of contact systems 56.

Thus, as illustrated in figures 3A to 3C, once rack 30 is located close to "busbars" 14, 20 so that a stress is exerted on platform 40 from the plugged-out position in which the power connectors 44 and auxiliary connectors 56 are disconnected to the test position, second connector 64 fixed on functional unit 30 advances until auxiliary contacts 56 are closed and 2688 1b until the test position is reached, with the power part disconnected and auxiliary block 60 connected (figure 3B). From the test position to the power connection position, guide finger 88 of first connector 62 actuates control surface 86 which releases lever 82 from frame 70. Second connector 64 can then slide in frame 70 when rack 30 advances to its final position, with draw-in of power contact grips 44 on rigid elements 14, 2Q. The two connectors 62, 64 of auxiliary block 60 remain closed during this travel so that, at the end of the operation, all the parts (auxiliary and power) are plugged-in (figure 3C).

Reciprocally, from the plugged-in position of figure 3C to the test position, functional unit 30 retreats, contact grips 44 disengage and the friction of auxiliary contacts 56 makes slide 74 of second connector 64 slide in frame 70. Just before the test position of figure 3B, guide finger 88 releases cam 86 which, biased by torsion spring 90, moves up and blocks second connector 64 in the extended position with respect to frame 70. At this moment, the power is disconnected and the auxiliaries are connected. From the test position to the

IS plugged-out position of figure 3A, the part of auxiliary block 60 securedly attached to rack 30 then moves away from first connector 62, and the connectors are then plugged-out.

Auxiliary contact block 60 as described in the foregoing, as well as alternative embodiments, enables connections and disconnections to be made in economical manner, with simple parts and without remote control, using only the movement of rack 60 to actuate blocking and releasing of locking mechanism 80. A test position with power disconnection and closing of auxiliary contacts 56 is obtained, without sliding between the male and female contacts when movement takes place from the test position to the power connection position, which enables electrical interferences induced by friction to be prevented.

Advantageously, platform 40 further comprises elements enabling systems to be supported and/or actuated, such as sensors and/or microswitches, for indicating the open, closed or . test position of rack 30, in particular by means of indicators 38 on front panel 34. In particular, as illustrated in figure 2A, in a parallel direction to the axis of movement of contact grips 44 and on one side of support 42, a protuberant ramp 92 can trigger a relative position sensor facing same, for example a sensor placed on side wall 24. Platform 40 can 2688 Liu

= 2010/06039 11 E also embark a microswitch device 94 to operate in conjunction with a fixed element with respect to enclosure 10 and to indicate the relative position of rack 30.

It is further advantageous for platform 40 according to the invention to also comprise guide means with limited clearance with respect to plate 32 of rack 30, for example a suitable sliding finger 96. Furthermore, according to the embodiment and the options chosen, it is possible for power busbars 14 on which functional units 30 connect to be protected by a grating 16 equipped with access hatches with protective flaps, for example similar to prefabricated electrical canalizations of Canalis type, so that in the absence of racks 30, [0 busbars 14 are inaccessible. Means 98 for opening the access hatches are then provided on racks 30, and it is advantageous for these means to be located on connection platform 40, + for example a finger 98 extending beyond protective protuberances 46 of power plug-in contact grips 44, so that opening takes place just before insertion of contact grips 44 in the openings of protective grating 16. is

As mentioned before, platform 40 is usually fitted in place on a support plate 32 for use in a low-voltage distribution enclosure 10, the rear face of rack 30 leaving access for contact grips 44 that are salient therefrom to be able to plug-in directly around busbars 14, 20 located on the back of enclosure 10. It is thus apparent that platform 40 concentrates the functions on one and the same support 42 coupled to the base of functional unit 30, which increases the available volume in the rest of rack 30. Furthermore, this platform can be housed indifferently in racks 30, 30° of different depths, in particular 100 and 200 mm, and also in racks of larger width than its size.

Advantageously, as illustrated in figure 4, enclosure 100 comprises two power supply busbars 14, 114 parallel to one another, connected to the same power supply line for example by contact grips at one end, so that it is possible to fit two racks 30 according to the invention side by side. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the second ends of each busbar 14, 114, usually at the bottom of enclosure 100, are connected to one another so as to form a conducting loop 120 between the two busbars. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 4, the connections between the bars 14;, 114; of each busbar set are made by folded flat conductors 124;, preferably of the same nature and even 2688 Lhu of the same cross-section, as the bars 14, 114 in order to minimize the residual space occupation so as to form a loop. The current input by the main line is therefore divided by two in each supply busbar 14, 114, which enables the cross-section of the conducting bars to be reduced, thereby gaining depth in enclosure 100 for functional units 30. It is thereby possible to install more electrical equipment units 26 in each rack 30. Moreover, a larger number of functional units 30 can be fitted in enclosure 10, which enables savings to be made on wiring time inside racks 30 without increasing the connection time between rack 30 and distribution busbars 20, racks 30 being able to be plugged-in directly, without complex connection blocks that have to be aligned.

It is also possible to use functional units 130 corresponding to the width of two above- mentioned racks 30 and occupying the space in front of the two supply busbars 14, 114, i.e. the whole width of panel 100. According to the necessary current intensity, the double functional units 130 comprise one or two above-mentioned platforms 40 so as to connect

IS onto one or both of the busbars and therefore to obtain maximum power or not. The modularity of distribution enclosure 10 is therefore enhanced. What is more, the current intensity when a short-circuit occurs is thereby divided by two, which reduces the stresses induced on the conducting busbars 14, 114 all the more.

Although the invention has been-described with reference to a low-voltage distribution enclosure 10, 100 with a set of four busbars 14, 114, it is not limited thereto. Other elements may be concerned by the invention, in particular as far as the shape or number of busbars 14, 20 is concerned, the general size of enclosure 10, 100 and/or of busbars 14, 20, contact grips 44 and racks 30, 130. Furthermore, the different component elements described in combination can be used independently from one another or combined with other alternatives. For example, an auxiliary position system according to the invention can be used in an enclosure with a single distribution busbar, or a rack platform according tothe invention can be used directly associated with an electrical equipment unit. 206881 by

Claims (15)

EE |] LI CLAIMS

1. Connection platform (40) for a functional unit (30) of an electrical enclosure (10) comprising a support (42) equipped on a first side with a set of power supply contact grips (44A) and with a set of output contact grips (44B), each contact grip (44) being open towards the outside of the support (42) and arranged in such a way as to be able : to be plugged-in onto a rigid conducting element (14, 20) of the enclosure (10) and plugged-out from said element when a translational movement takes place in a first direction perpendicular to at least a part of the first side, further characterized by an auxiliary contact block (60) comprising: - a frame (70) that is fixed with respect to the support (42); - first and second connectors (62, 64) each comprising contacts (56) of complementary shapes, movable in translation with respect to one another in the first direction between an open disconnection position and a closed test position in which the contacts (56) are closed, the two connectors (62, 64) being movable in translation with respect to the frame (70) in the first direction between a power ~ disconnection position and a power connection position; - a positive locking device (80) of the second connector (64) comprising blocking means (84) movable between a locking position in which the second connector (64) and frame (70) are locked in the power disconnection position and an unlocking position in which relative movement of the second connector (64) with respect to the frame (70) is permitted, and control means (86) able to move the blocking means (84) from the locking position to the unlocking position when the two connectors (62, 64) reach their relative closed test position and to move the locking C25 means (84) from their unlocking position to their locking position as soon as the two connectors (62, 64) leave their relative closed test position.

2. Platform according to claim | wherein the locking device (80) comprises a lever (82) swivelling on the frame (70) with a control surface (36) designed to operate in conjunction with the first connector (62) and a blocking surface (84) designed to operate in conjunction with a stop (74) on the second connector (64). 2688 Lin N

3. Platform according to claim 2 wherein the locking device (80) comprises a spring (90) biasing the blocking surface (84) towards the stop (74).

4. Platform according to one of claims | to 3 wherein the contact grips (44A) of the first assembly are aligned, the contact grips (44B) of the second assembly are aligned and parallel to the contact grips of the first assembly (44A) so that the support (42) forms an L-shape at the level of the first side, and the frame (70) of the auxiliary contact block (60) is located at the intersection of the L.

5. Platform according to claim 4 comprising protective covers (54) on the branches of the L, and wherein the frame (70) of the auxiliary contact block (60) is located in the same plane as the covers (54).

6. Platform according to one of claims | to 5 further comprising protuberant elements (46, 96, 98) with respect to the first side of the support (42), said elements providing protection, performing guiding in translation and/or enabling cover flaps to be opened.

7. Platform according to one of claims | to 6 wherein the support (42) and/or the second connector (64) further comprise a position sensor element (92, 94).

8. Functional unit (30) of an electrical enclosure (10) comprising a support plate (32), a front panel (34) provided with means (36) enabling the plate (32) to be moved in translation in a direction parallel to its plane and perpendicularly to the front panel (34), and a platform (40) according to one of the foregoing claims, the frame (70) of said platform (40) being mounted fixed with respect to the support plate (32).

9. Functional unit according to claim 8 wherein the platform (40) is according to claim 7, further comprising means (38) for indicating the position of the sensors.

10. Electrical enclosure (10) comprising a framework of rectangular rhomboid shape, a power supply busbar (14) and rigid distribution elements (20) parallel on one side of 2068S 1.by the rectangular rhomboid, at least one functional unit (30) according to one of claims 8 or 9, means for guiding (24) the functional unit (30) orthogonal to the busbars (14, 20) so that the platform (40) of the functional unit (30) can come and engage on the : busbars (14) and rigid elements (20).

11. Electrical enclosure according to claim 10 comprising two power supply busbars (14, 14) parallel to one another and connected to one another in series at one end.

12. Enclosure according to claim 11 comprising at least one functional unit (30) of a first width and at least one functional unit (130) of double width comprising one or two platforms (40).

13. Platform according to claim 1, substantially as herein described and exemplified and/or described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. Functional unit according to claim 8, substantially as herein described and exemplified and/or described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. Electrical enclosure according to claim 10, substantially as herein described and exemplified and/or described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this JIB day of A S > O) O Patent me for the Applicant oo