EP3323175B1 - Electrical connection device connectable to multiple cables with protection against damage from foreign bodies - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to the field of electrical power connection, and more specifically to the field of terminal blocks associated with busbars to allow several elements to be connected to the terminal block of the electrical power connection.

More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising an assembly of a terminal block and a set of bars for connecting separately to the lugs of two electrical cables, and ideally to other electronic equipment as well.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Electrical connection assemblies combining terminal blocks and busbars are found in many industries, and particularly in those associated with the field of electricity and power connection. Such assemblies are used to connect a busbar to an electrical structure, for example an electrical cable, and potentially to other electronic equipment at the same time.

An example of an electrical power connection between a busbar and two cables is described in the patent US 7,786,386 B2 . This document describes a first busbar which is connected to a power cable, and also to a second cable which is connected to another busbar. The two cables are attached, as generally practiced in the field, to the same point of the busbar with the same screw passing through the lugs of the first and second cables and of the busbar. Accordingly, to remove a cable, for example the power cable, it requires that the screw be undone, and therefore that both cables be disconnected from the connection.

Sometimes it is better if the second cable is not disconnected from the connection. For example, the second cable can be a control cable connected to a connection between a busbar and a power cable to monitor the connection between the two and being linked to control equipment such as a contactor. In the event that such a control cable is disconnected due to the removal of a first cable, it may result in the contactor having to be reset when the connection is made again.

In order to prevent the disconnection of a cable affecting others, the patent FR 2 786 612 B1 offers a set of a terminal block and a busbar, where the terminal block has two separate connection points to receive two cables. Thus, it makes it possible to obtain that two cables can be individually disconnected. However, this terminal block has a fairly large width and takes up a lot of space.

Another defect of these electrical connections is linked to the aspect of damage by foreign bodies (or FOD for “Foreign Object Damage” in English). The connections described in the above documents and / or in the prior art present a non-negligible risk of being the cause of an FOD or of being subjected to an FOD. In particular, a nut that loosens, for example, can easily separate from the electrical connection and can cause FOD. In addition, electrical connections are made up of many parts which increase this risk and make them more difficult to install. In addition, since the connections are exposed, or not insulated enough, there is a risk that during maintenance an installer tool, such as a screwdriver or Allen key, could fall on the electrical connection. and cause a short circuit.

The document WO2008 / 152069 A1 describes an assembly of an electrical connection device comprising terminal blocks intended to be connected to the busbar and an insulator.

The document FR2715775 A1 describes an assembly of an electrical connection device and an insulator showing a first type of insulator with the walls extending parallel to the first terminal blocks but having a height less than that of the terminal blocks, and a second type of insulator with a vertical boss in the form of a chimney with walls whose height is greater than the height of the terminal blocks.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the aforementioned needs and drawbacks by proposing an electrical connection device comprising an assembly of a terminal block and a busbar adapted for better connection between the busbar and the busbars. cables, and that doesn't take up much space. Another object is to provide an electrical connection device comprising fewer parts, which is simple. to be installed, and having anti-FOD characteristics, that is to say having a significantly reduced probability of being the cause of an FOD or of being subjected to an FOD, the anti-FOD characteristics being, particularly in the aviation sector, highly sought after.

The present invention thus provides an assembly of an electrical connection device and an insulator comprising an electrical connection device and an insulator, the electrical connection device comprising an assembly of a terminal block and a set of bars suitable for connect to the lugs of two cables, the terminal block comprising a first connection point to receive the lug of a first cable and a second connection point to receive the lug of a second cable, the second connection point of the terminal block being at proximity to and offset from the first connection point substantially in the direction of a first axis of the terminal block, the connection points being positioned such that when the cables are both connected substantially parallel to the axis of the terminal block, the second cable or its terminal prevents access to the first connection point, the terminal block being arranged in a first part of the insulator provided with a bottom and walls, the walls are extinguished ndant substantially parallel to the first axis of the terminal block and close to each side of the terminal block, characterized in that the walls extend to a height greater than that of the terminal block.

Preferably, the second connection point of the terminal block is furthermore offset substantially in the direction of a second axis perpendicular to said first axis of the terminal block.

Advantageously, the second connection point is offset horizontally and vertically from the first connection point, being further away from and higher up from an end of the terminal block than the first connection point, the first connection point being adapted to receive a terminal of a control cable, and the second connection point being adapted to receive a terminal of a power cable.

More preferably, the terminal block comprises a third connection point for receiving a contactor, the third connection point being offset substantially in the direction of the first axis of the terminal block, and substantially in the direction of the second axis of the terminal block, being further away and more top of a terminal block termination as the second connection point.

Preferably, the electrical connection device further comprises a busbar connected to the terminal block, a terminal of a control cable connected to the first connection point and a terminal of a power cable connected to the second connection point, the cables both being connected substantially parallel to the first terminal block, the power cable or its terminal preventing access to the first connection point.

Preferably, the busbar is arranged in a second part of the insulator provided with a bottom and walls, the walls extending substantially parallel to the busbar and close to each side of the busbar and s' extending to a height greater than that of the busbar, in which the first part of the insulator is disposed on the second part, and a cover is secured on the first part of the insulator to nest the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective de plusieurs dispositifs de connexion électrique selon le premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective de plusieurs dispositifs de connexion électrique selon le premier mode de réalisation de la figure 1, de sorte à visualiser le bornier clairement ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue éclatée en perspective d'un dispositif de connexion électrique de la figure 1, de sorte à visualiser le montage ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue en coupe d'un dispositif de connexion électrique de la figure 1.

An embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of nonlimiting example, schematically and partially, with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

• the figure 1 shows a perspective view of several electrical connection devices according to the first embodiment;
• the figure 2 shows a perspective view of several electrical connection devices according to the first embodiment of the figure 1 , so as to view the terminal block clearly;
• the figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an electrical connection device of the figure 1 , so as to visualize the assembly;
• the figure 4 shows a sectional view of an electrical connection device of the figure 1 .

In all of these figures, identical references can designate identical or similar elements. In addition, the figures are not necessarily produced on a uniform scale, to make the figures more readable.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT

The figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of several electrical connection devices 100, each comprising an assembly of a terminal block 10 and a busbar 12 which is connected to a terminal 20 of an electric power cable 25 and a terminal 24 to an electric control cable 29 to monitor the connection, and also to a contactor 45. The electric connection devices 100 are arranged in an insulator 30.

According to this arrangement, the terminal block 10 extends along a first axis substantially parallel to the direction in which the power cables 25 extend, between a first termination and a second termination.

The control cable 29 is connected to a first connection point 6 near the first termination of the terminal block (towards the right of the figure), and the power cable 25 is connected to a second connection point 7 approximately in the middle of the two terminal block terminations. The terminal 24 of the control cable 29 is not clearly visible in this figure 1 because it is located below the power cable 25. The contactor 45 is connected to the terminal block 10 at a third connection point 8 near the second termination (towards the left of the figure). Finally, the terminal block 10 is placed in contact with a busbar 12.

The figure 2 illustrates the same electrical connection devices 100 as those of the figure 1 . However, the power cables 25 and the contactor 45 are not shown for reasons of clarity.

The two connection points 6, 7 for the cable lugs are offset substantially in the direction of the first axis of the terminal block 10 and substantially in the direction of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A third connection point 8 is also provided for connecting a contactor 45 or a electronic equipment, which is still offset substantially in the direction of the first axis of the terminal block 10 and substantially in the direction of the second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

The offset of the connection points in the direction of the first axis of the terminal block, which is a horizontal offset in this case, allows, to some extent, the cables to be connected there parallel and close to each other. The offset of the connection points in the direction perpendicular to the first axis, which is a vertical offset in this case, further serves to accommodate the thickness of the cables and their terminal, and allows the cables to be terminated one at a time. the other.

As a result, the second connection point 7 on terminal block 10 is effectively further and higher from the first termination of terminal block 10 than the first connection point 6. Connection points 6, 7, 8 include a hole suitable for receiving a fixing element 16, 17, 18, for example a screw, but they can take other forms. The holes 6, 7, 8 are essentially located on the same side of the terminal block 10, or more precisely, on the trays 13, 14, 19 at different levels on the same side and which are oriented upwards, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis of terminal block 10. This allows a terminal 24 of a first cable 29 to be positioned at the first connection point 6 of terminal block 10, and a terminal 20 of a second cable 25 to be placed at terminal block 10 slightly above the first cable 29 or its terminal 24, while remaining parallel with the first cable 29 or its terminal 24.

The terminals 20, 24 here, in turn, are of the type with a flat termination 22, 27 offset slightly from the axis of the cable 25, 29 and provided with a hole 23, 28. Since the power cable and its terminal conduct more current, they are typically wider than the control cable and its terminal. To connect the cables 25, 29 to the terminal block, the electrical control cable 29 is first secured to the terminal block, then the power cable 25 is secured. Each time, the flat termination 22, 27 of the cable lug is placed on the tray 13, 14 of the terminal block until the holes line up and it is secured there with a screw 16, 17. Of course, d Other types of fasteners can be envisaged, and also other types of lugs.

Once the two cables 25, 29 are secured, the power cable 25 or its terminal 20 prevents the control cable 29 from being disconnected. In particular, the power cable 25 or its terminal 20 covers the screw 16 securing the control cable 29 from above, and therefore limits or prevents access to the screw 16 from above. If the control cable 29 is to be disconnected, it is necessary that the power cable 25 be in a position where it does not cover the screw 16, typically disconnected from its connection point 7. However, the power cable 25 can be disconnected without requiring the control cable 29 to be undone as well. Furthermore, this vertical installation of the cables 25, 29 takes up less surface space.

The figure 3 shows an exploded view of the electrical connection device 100 and of the insulator 30 in which it is placed, and the figure 4 shows a sectional view of the electrical connection device 100. These figures aim to show the assembly of the terminal block 10 relative to the busbar 12 and the terminals 20, 24, and also anti-FOD characteristics, that is to say features to prevent, as much as possible, that the device becomes damaged by a foreign body or is the cause of damage by a foreign body.

The terminal block 10 further comprises two cylindrical vertical feet 2, each having a through hole 5 in a centered manner. These feet 2 are placed in electrical contact on the busbar 12. Two screws 15 are inserted into the holes in the feet to secure the terminal block 10 against the busbar 12. The electrical connection device 100 is ideally placed in an insulator 30 which is, in general, an insulating box provided at the connection to protect it and to prevent the latter, or its conductive parts, from being exposed.

The insulator 30 is supplied in two main parts 34, 38. A first part 34 is intended mainly for the terminal block and the cable lugs, while a second part 38 is intended mainly for the busbar. The first part 34 is placed on the second part 38.

The first part 34 is provided with a bottom 31 and walls 32 on each side of the terminal block 10, and very close to the sides of the latter. These walls rise substantially vertically to a height greater than that of the terminal blocks 10. In addition, the walls 32 extend essentially along the connection, that is to say substantially parallel and along the terminal block 10 and the terminal 20, 24. The bottom 31 comprises the openings 33 adapted to receive the cylindrical feet 2 of the terminal block through them.

The second part 38 of the insulator 30 has, in turn, a bottom 35 and walls 36 on each side of the busbar. These walls 36 rise substantially vertically to a height greater than that of the busbars 12. The walls 36 extend essentially along the length of the busbar 12, that is to say substantially parallel and along the length of the busbar 12. of the busbar 12, at least in the vicinity of the connection. The bottom 35 includes holes 37 adapted to receive the two screws 15 to secure the terminal block 10.

To arrange a connection device 100 in the insulator, the second part 38 is first mounted on a structure, for example a NIDA composite panel 58, with its holes 37 aligning with those provided on the panel 58. The game of bars 12, also provided with holes 11, is then placed in the insulator 30 or in its compartment in the latter. The first part 34 of the insulator 30 is then mounted on the second part 38, and there may be cooperating formations such as a recess or clips allowing engagement between them. This vertical assembly saves the surface space on the panel 58.

The terminal block 10 is then introduced from above with its feet 2 passing through the opening 33 on the bottom 31 of the first part 34 until they touch the busbar 12. Two screws 15 are then inserted in holes 5 on the terminal block. These screws 15 pass through the terminal block, the first part 34 of the insulator, the busbar 12, the second part of the insulator 38 and secure to the composite panel 58 to connect all the parts together at once.

Then the terminal 24 of the control cable 29 is connected with a screw 16 to the first connection point 6 on the terminal block 10, and the terminal 20 of the power cable 25 is connected with a screw 17 to the second connection point 7. As it results from figure 4 , the terminal block 10 is designed to receive the power terminal 20 in a position where it will prevent the screws 16 for the terminal 24 of the control cable 29 and the screws 15 for the terminal block 10 from being accessible, and at the same time, prevents that these screws 15, 16 do not come out of their holes 5, 6 in case they unscrew. In the event that a screw is unscrewed, it abuts against the terminal 20 which would then prevent it from coming out completely and separating from the device.

A contactor 45 can be installed and connected to terminal block 10 using a screw 18, possibly before the cables 25, 29 are connected. Such a contactor can also be connected to other terminal blocks or contactors. Of course, other contactors can be connected to the control cable (instead of the contactor shown). Each terminal block 10 and each busbar 12 are thus in the insulator 30, or essentially in its own compartment in the insulator 30. The insulator 30 is made of an insulating composite material.

In the case of an object, for example a tool of an installer, falling on the insulator in which the electrical connection devices are housed, it is very likely that it will land on the walls 32, 36 of the 'insulator 30 or on an electrical connection device 100 only. As a result, the risk of an object touching two terminal blocks, two busbars or two lugs at the same time, thus causing a short circuit, is significantly reduced. For additional anti-FOD protection, the insulator 30 can be incorporated with a cover (not shown) to fit the electrical connection devices 100.

The invention therefore allows a connection between a set of a terminal block and a busbar with two cables and their terminal which are in parallel and slightly above each other, and also allows a terminal of one cable to be removed without requiring the other to be removed as well. The invention further has anti-FOD characteristics, in that it is designed of few parts, and prevent screw loss and protect the terminal block and connection.

The embodiment described above is by way of example and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. It should be noted that other embodiments or improvements to the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the general scope of the invention. For example, the terminal block can be designed with another connection point to secure a lug of another cable on top of the other two and prevent access to the second connection point.

Note that the expression "the direction of the axis" does not necessarily mean that the direction is along the same axis, but can be along a parallel axis deviating in the same direction.

Claims (6)

1. An electrical connection device and insulator assembly comprising an electrical connection device (100) and an insulator (30), the electrical connection device (100) comprising a terminal block (10) and busbar (12) assembly adapted to connect to the lugs (20, 24) of two cables (25, 29), the terminal block (10) comprising a first connection point (6) for receiving the lug (24) of a first cable (29) and a second connection point (7) for receiving the lug (20) of a second cable (25), the second connection point (7) of the terminal block (10) being adjacent to and offset from the first connection point (6) substantially in the direction of a first axis of the terminal block (10), the connection points (6, 7) being positioned in such a way that, when the cables (25, 29) are both connected substantially parallel to the first axis of the terminal block (10), the second cable (25) or the lug thereof (20) prevents access to the first connection point (6), the terminal block (10) being arranged in a first portion (34) of the insulator (30) provided with a bottom (31) and with walls (32), the walls (32) extending substantially parallel to the first axis of the terminal block (10) and in the vicinity of each side of the terminal block (10), characterised in that the walls (32) extend to a height greater than that of the terminal block (10).
2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the second connection point (7) of the terminal block (10) is furthermore offset substantially in the direction of a second axis perpendicular to said first axis of the terminal block (10).
3. An assembly according to claim 2, characterised in that the second connection point (7) is offset horizontally and vertically from the first connection point (6), being father away and higher from an end of the terminal block (10) than the first connection point (6), the first connection point (6) being suitable for receiving a lug (24) of a control cable (29), and the second connection point (7) being suitable for receiving a lug (20) of a power cable (25).
4. An assembly according to claim 3, characterised in that the terminal block (10) comprises a third connection point (8) in order to receive a contactor (45), the third connection point (8) being offset substantially in the direction of the first axis of the terminal block (10), and substantially in the direction of the second axis of the terminal block (10), being farther away and higher from an end of the terminal block (10) than the second connection point (7).
5. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that it further comprises a busbar (12) connected to the terminal block (10), a lug (24) of a control cable (29) connected to the first connection point (6) and a lug (20) of a power cable (25) connected to the second connection point (7), the cables (25, 29) being both connected substantially parallel to the first axis of the terminal block (10), the power cable (25) or the lug thereof (20) preventing access to the first connection point (6).
6. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the busbar (12) is arranged in a second portion (38) of the insulator (30) provided with a bottom (35) and with walls (36), the walls (36) extending substantially parallel to the busbar (12) and in the vicinity of each side of the busbar (12) and extending to a height that is greater than that of the busbar (12), wherein the first portion (34) of the insulator (30) is arranged on the second portion (38), and a cover is secured on the first portion (34) of the insulator (30) in order to encase the device (100).

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