AU2021240118A1

AU2021240118A1 - Electrical distribution device

Info

Publication number: AU2021240118A1
Application number: AU2021240118A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Denis Deckert; Denis Herbrech; Markus Theuer
Original assignee: Hager Electro SAS
Current assignee: Hager Electro SAS
Priority date: 2020-09-28
Filing date: 2021-09-27
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Also published as: EP3975353A1

Abstract

Electrical distribution device The present invention relates to an electrical distribution device comprising: a phase busbar (1, 2, 3) housed inside a casing (4), and one phase conductor (5) extending longitudinally in a direction and electrically connected to said busbar (1, 2, 3), said at least one phase conductor (5) comprising at least one connection end (6) projecting out of the casing (4) through a first orifice (41) of said casing (4), the distribution device being characterized in that it comprises an insulating sleeve (7) mounted with the ability to slide with respect to said at least one phase conductor (5) in the direction between a deployed position (PS) in which the insulating sleeve (7) covers said connection end (6) and a retracted position (PR) in which said insulating sleeve (7) is positioned inside the casing (4). 1/9 [Fig. 1] 6 62 y1P 4 7, PR 3 2 9 411 61 42 43 43 41 43 Fig. 1 2/9 [Fig. 2] 41 73 4 5 715 7, PS 61 43 72 62 4 6 7, PR 42 2 43 9 '42 43 1 R R 310,PV 11 Fig. 2

Description

1/9

[Fig. 1]

6 62 y1P

4 7, PR 3 2

9 411

61 42 43 43

41

43

Fig. 1

2/9

[Fig. 2]

41 73 4 5

715 7, PS 61 43 72

62 4 6 7, PR 42

2 43

9

'42 43 1

R R 310,PV

11 Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical distribution device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical distribution devices comprising at least one busbar.

[0002] In the tertiary or commercial domain, distribution devices such as distribution panels may comprise three phase busbars for distributing three phase potentials and which are preferably positioned vertically. These three busbars are usually protected and insulated by a casing. Each busbar is connected to one or more phase conductors which project from the casing to allow the electrical connection of one or more modular electrical units, for example of the modular earth-leakage current circuit breaker or modular circuit breaker type, to an electrical distribution source. Furthermore, at least one neutral busbar may also be provided in the distribution device and usually allows the connecting of a cable of a neutral line that each modular electrical unit comprises. However, the wiring of the neutral lines of electrical units to the neutral busbar has the disadvantage of being a painstaking operation and has another disadvantage of increasing the bulk within the distribution panel. Furthermore, the distribution of phase potentials using phase conductors that project from the casing cannot be made safe. Specifically, because the phase conductors project from the casing, the distribution device of the prior art does not meet the requirements for ingress protection code IP2X, because it is possible to touch them accidentally notably when the installer is electrically connecting the modular electrical unit or units in the distribution device.

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages and proposes a solution that makes it safe to connect to at least one phase conductor when the installer is electrically connecting the modular electrical unit or units in the distribution device.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to an electrical distribution device according to Claim 1.

[0005] The invention also relates to an assembly according to Claim 12.

[0006] The invention will be better understood, by virtue of the following description, which relates to a number of preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings in which:

[0007] [Fig. 1] depicts a perspective view of a part of the electrical distribution device according to the invention,

[0008] [Fig. 2] depicts a perspective view of a part of the electrical distribution device showing the inside of the casing according to the invention,

[0009] [Fig. 3] depicts a perspective view of a part of the electrical distribution device showing the inside of the casing according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig. 4] depicts a perspective view of a part of the electrical distribution device showing the inside of the casing and the first and second return means according to the invention,

[0011] [Fig. 5] depicts a perspective view of a part of the electrical distribution device showing the inside of the casing according to the invention to which an electrical unit is connected,

[0012] [Fig. 6] depicts a perspective view of a phase or neutral busbar of the electrical distribution device according to the invention,

[0013] [Fig. 7] depicts a perspective view of a phase conductor of the electrical distribution device according to the invention,

[0014] [Fig. 8] depicts a perspective view of an insulating sleeve of the electrical distribution device according to the invention,

[0015] [Fig. 9] depicts a perspective view of a locking member of the electrical distribution device according to the invention,

[0016] [Fig. 10] depicts a view in section of part of the electrical distribution device showing a first locking member of the electrical distribution device in a locked position and a second locking member in an unlocked position, and

[0017] [Fig. 11] depicts a view in section of a part of the electrical distribution device comprising an earth busbar to which the electrical unit is connected.

[0018] With reference to the figures, an electrical distribution device comprises at least:

* a phase busbar 1, 2, 3 housed inside a casing 4, and * at least one phase conductor 5 extending longitudinally in a direction D and electrically connected to said busbar 1, 2, 3, said at least one phase conductor 5 comprising at least one connection end 6 projecting out of the casing 4 through a first orifice 41 of said casing 4.

[0019] Said at least one phase busbar 1, 2, 3 is configured to be electrically connected to a phase potential. As illustrated in Figure 6, the phase busbar 1, 2, 3 preferably takes the form of an elongate component of rectangular cross section and is preferably made of metal in order to conduct electricity. As Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11 illustrate, the electrical distribution device preferably comprises three phase bars 1, 2, 3 contained in a same plane referred to as first plane, which are mutually parallel, spaced apart, and positioned at least partially inside the casing 4.

[0020] As illustrated in Figure 7, said at least one phase conductor 5 preferably takes the form of a bar that is elongate in the direction D and is preferably made of metal in order to conduct electricity. This phase conductor 5 preferably comprises two connection ends 6. The phase conductor 5 preferably has an orifice 63 which forms a means of centring the phase conductor 5 in the casing 4. Electrical connection between said at least one phase busbar 1, 2, 3 and said at least one phase conductor 5 is not depicted in any of the figures but may preferably be achieved by means of a soldered conducting braid or any other means.

[0021] A connection end 6 preferably has the shape of a fork with two prongs 61, 62, as illustrated notably in Figure 7.

[0022] As a preference, the distribution device preferably comprises a plurality of phase conductors 5 which are contained in a same plane referred to as second plane, which are mutually parallel, spaced apart, and positioned inside the casing 4. The second plane is preferably separate from and parallel to the first plane. The space between two successive phase conductors 5 is intended to allow two modular electrical units 20 to be housed side by side, each having the width of one module or to allow a modular electrical unit 20 having the width of two modules to be housed.

[0023] As a preference, the phase conductor 5 is positioned in a direction D which is substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction in which the phase busbar 1, 2, 3 extends.

[0024] The casing 4 is preferably made of plastic in order to be electrically insulating.

[0025] According to the invention, the distribution device is characterized in that it comprises at least one insulating sleeve 7 mounted with the ability to slide with respect to said at least one phase conductor 5 in the direction D between a deployed position PS in which the insulating sleeve 7 covers said connection end 6 and a retracted position PR in which said insulating sleeve 7 is positioned inside the casing 4.

[0026] Advantageously, the distribution of the phase potentials is performed in a safe way owing to the presence of an insulating sleeve 7 mounted with the ability to slide on the phase conductor 5. Specifically, when the insulating sleeve 7 is in the deployed position PS, it covers the connection end 6, preventing anything from coming into electrical contact therewith. As a result, the connection end 6 is electrically insulated in the deployed position PS. Consequently, when no modular electrical unit 20 is mounted in the electrical distribution device according to the invention, there is no possibility of a user accidentally coming into contact with the connection end 6 of the phase conductor 5. The distribution device according to the invention conforms with ingress protection code IP2X. On the other hand, when the insulating sleeve 7 is in the retracted position PR, it does not cover the connection end 6, which means that it is possible to achieve electrical contact therewith. As a result, the connection end 6 is not electrically insulated in the deployed position PS and can therefore be electrically connected to a phase connection terminal 21 of the modular electrical unit 20. The transition of the insulating sleeve 7 from the deployed position PS to the retracted position PR is achieved by sliding during electrical connection of the phase connection terminal 21 of the modular electrical unit 20. Specifically, the protective casing 23 of the modular electrical unit 20 may cause the sliding movement in the direction D by coming into contact with the free second end 73 of the insulating sleeve 7. The free second end 73 is situated at the opposite end to the first end 71 of the insulating sleeve 7 which end is described hereinafter.

[0027] The insulating sleeve 7 which is illustrated notably in Figure 8 has a channel 76 opening onto the first end 71 via a first opening 74 and onto the free second end 73 via a second opening 75. The shape of the channel 76 is configured to accept the phase conductor 5 and notably the connection end 6 thereof. The channel 76 has a shape that more or less complements that of the phase conductor 5 and the connection end 6. For example, the cross section of the channel 76 will preferably be rectangular.

[0028] The insulating sleeve 7 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material, for example plastic.

[0029] As a preference and as illustrated in Figure 4, the electrical distribution device comprises first return means 8 positioned inside the casing 4 and mechanically connected to said insulating sleeve 7 and designed to store mechanical energy from the deployed position

PS towards the retracted position PR and to at least partially release said mechanical energy from the retracted position PR towards the deployed position PS.

[0030] Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figure 4, the first return means 8 allow the insulating sleeve 7 to return automatically from the retracted position PR to the deployed position PS. The insulating sleeve 7 is pushed back from inside the casing 4 to outside the casing 4. More particularly, when a pressing force is applied to the free second end 73 of the insulating sleeve 7, for example by the pressing of the protective casing 23 of the modular electrical unit 20 on the free second end 73, then the insulating sleeve 7 transitions from the deployed position PS towards the retracted position PR and the first return means 8 store mechanical energy. When this pressing force ceases, then the first return means 8 release at least part of this mechanical energy with the result that the insulating sleeve 7 automatically transitions from the retracted position PR to the deployed position PS. This advantageous configuration ensures that the connection end 6 of the phase conductor 5 is insulated when the user removes the modular electrical unit 20 from the electrical distribution device. The distribution device according to the invention meets ingress protective code IP2X even if the modular electrical unit 20 is removed.

[0031] As a preference and as illustrated in Figure 4, the first return means 8 are designed to be released in the deployed position PS and the first return means 8 are designed to be constrained in the retracted position PR.

[0032] The first return means 8 may comprise a spring, preferably a helical spring, as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0033] This spring may be compressed in the retracted position PR and at rest, which is to say unconstrained, in the deployed position PS of the insulating sleeve 7.

[0034] The first return means 8, for example the spring, are preferably connected to the first end 71 of the insulating sleeve 7 and to an internal wall 40 of the casing 4 which internal wall 40 is positioned facing said first end 71.

[0035] As a preference, the insulating sleeve 7 may comprise the first end 71, positioned inside the casing 4, said first end 71 comprising an end-stop 72 designed to come into abutment against a wall 42 of the casing 4 comprising said first orifice 41 in the deployed position PS.

[0036] Advantageously, the end-stop 72 prevents the insulating sleeve 7 from being removed from the connection end 6 in the deployed position PS, for example if a user pulls the insulating sleeve 7 in the direction D and towards the outside of the casing 4.

[0037] As a preference, the electrical distribution device comprises at least one neutral busbar 9 housed inside said casing 4 and positioned in a plane referred to as third plane, parallel to the plane containing said at least one phase busbar 1, 2, 3, referred to as first plane.

[0038] Advantageously, the electrical distribution device also allows the distribution of a neutral potential and therefore allows said at least one modular electrical unit 20 to be connected to the neutral potential via a neutral connection terminal 22 described hereinbelow. Because the neutral busbar 9 is housed inside the casing 4, the distribution device according to the invention conforms to ingress protection code IP2X.

[0039] In that case, said casing 4 preferably comprises a second orifice 43 opening onto said neutral busbar 9.

[0040] As a preference, the wall 42 comprises this second orifice 43.

[0041] The electrical distribution device comprises at least one locking member 10 mounted with the ability to rotate in the casing 4 about an axis of rotation R between a locked position PV and an unlocked position PD. In said locked position PV (Figures 2, 3, 4, , 10), said locking member 10 is designed to come into abutment against said end-stop 72 when said insulating sleeve 7 is in the deployed position PS so as to prevent the insulating sleeve 7 from sliding with respect to the phase conductor 5 in the direction D. In said unlocked position PD (Figures 10 and 11), said locking member 10 is designed to release said end-stop 72, when said insulating sleeve 7 is in the deployed position PS so as to allow the insulating sleeve 7 to slide with respect to the phase conductor 5 in the direction D.

[0042] This advantageous configuration allows the insulating sleeve 7 to be locked in the deployed position PS to prevent the insulating sleeve 7 from being slid accidentally and to ensure the insulating of the connection end 6 of the phase conductor 5 when said at least one locking member 10 is in the locked position PV.

[0043] In that case, the locking member 10 preferably comprises an actuating lever 11 with a part projecting out of said casing 4 designed to cause the locking member 10 to rotate from the locked position PV towards the unlocked position PD.

[0044] Advantageously, when a pressing force is applied to the projecting part of the actuating lever 11, for example by the pressing of the protective casing 23 of the modular electrical unit 20 on the projecting part of the actuating lever 11, then the locking member transitions from the locked position PV to the unlocked position PD, and then the insulating sleeve 7 can transition from the deployed position PS to the retracted position PR by sliding along the phase conductor 5.

[0045] As a preference, the electrical distribution device comprises second return means 12 positioned inside the casing 4 and mechanically connected to said locking member and designed to store mechanical energy from the locked position PV towards the unlocked position PD and to release said mechanical energy from the unlocked position PD towards the locked position PV.

[0046] Advantageously, the second return means 12 allow automatic return of the locking member 10 from the unlocked position PD towards the locked position PV. More particularly, when a pressing force is applied to the projecting part of the actuating lever 11, for example by the pressing of the protective casing 23 of the modular electrical unit 20 on the projecting part of the actuating lever 11, then the locking member 10 transitions from the locked position PV to the unlocked position PD and the second return means 12 store mechanical energy. When this pressing force ceases, then the second return means 12 release at least some of this mechanical energy with the result that the locking member 10 transitions automatically from the unlocked position PD to the locked position PV. This advantageous configuration ensures the locking of the insulating sleeve 7 in the deployed position PS to prevent the insulating sleeve 7 from being slid accidentally and ensure that the connection end 6 of the phase conductor 5 is insulated when the user removes the modular electrical unit 20 from the electrical distribution device.

[0047] As a preference, the electrical distribution device comprises an earth busbar 13 positioned outside the casing 4.

[0048] Advantageously, the electrical distribution device is also able to distribute an earth potential and therefore to connect said at least one modular electrical unit 20 to the earth potential via an earth connection terminal 24 described hereinafter.

[0049] The earth busbar 13 may be a metal rail.

[0050] With reference to Figures 5 and 11, the invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one modular electrical unit 20 contained in a protective casing 23 that the modular electrical unit 20 comprises and characterized in that said assembly comprises an electrical distribution device as described hereinabove.

[0051] As a preference, the protective casing 23 has a modular format. More specifically, the protective casing 23 has a parallelepipedal overall shape with a first main face 25 and a second main face 26, and lateral faces, respectively a rear face 27, a lower face 28, a front face 29 and an upper face 30 extending from each of the first and second main faces 25, 26 and having a width, which is to say the separation between the first and second main faces 25, 26, that is equal to an integer multiple of a predetermined distance known as the module.

[0052] The modular electrical unit 20 may be a circuit breaker or an earth-leakage circuit breaker or a residual current breaker device or a switch or a contactor.

[0053] As a preference, said modular electrical unit 20 comprises a phase connection terminal 21 which is designed to be electrically connected to the phase conductor 5 (Figures and 11).

[0054] Figures 5 and 11 show an assembly in which the phase connection terminal 21 of the modular electrical unit 20 is connected to the connection end 6 of the phase conductor 5 of the electrical distribution device according to the invention.

[0055] As a preference, said modular electrical unit comprises a neutral connection terminal 22 which is designed to be electrically connected to the neutral busbar 9 (Figures 5 and 11).

[0056] In that case, said neutral connection terminal 22 may comprise a conducting clip which projects on the outside of the protective casing 23, the conducting clip being designed to clip onto the neutral busbar 9.

[0057] This advantageous configuration of the electrical distribution device means that a neutral line cable of the modular electrical unit generally used in the prior art can be replaced by a neutral connection terminal 22 in the form of a conducting clip of the modular electrical unit 20 according to the invention. During installation, the wiring time is eliminated. This results in a great simplicity of installation of said at least one modular electrical unit 20 in the electrical distribution device, as well as a space saving.

[0058] Figures 5 and 11 show an assembly in which the neutral connection terminal 22 of the modular electrical unit 20 is connected to the neutral busbar 9 of the electrical distribution device according to the invention.

[0059] As a preference, said modular electrical unit 20 comprises an earth connection terminal 24 which is designed to be electrically connected to the earth busbar 13 (Figure 11).

[0060] In that case, the earth connection terminal 24 may comprise a U-shaped conducting member which partially projects outside the protective casing 23, the conducting member being designed to be in contact with the earth busbar 13 (Figure 11).

[0061] Figure 11 shows an assembly in which the earth connection terminal 24 of the modular electrical unit 20 is connected to the earth busbar 13 of the electrical distribution device according to the invention.

[0062] Figure 11 also shows an assembly in which the phase connection terminal 21 of the modular electrical unit 20 is connected to the connection end 6 of the phase conductor 5, the neutral connection terminal 22 of the modular electrical unit 20 is connected to the neutral busbar 9 and the earth connection terminal 24 of the modular electrical unit 20 is connected to the earth busbar 13 of the electrical distribution device according to the invention.

[0063] This advantageous configuration allows each of the connection terminals, phase 21, neutral 22 and earth 24, of the modular electrical unit 20 to be connected to the electrical distribution device in a single operation.

[0064] The phase connection terminal 21 may be chosen between a caged or a screwed terminal.

[0065] As a preference, said locking member 10 is configured to be rotated from the locked position PV towards the unlocked position PD by pressure from said protective casing 23 on the locking member 10.

[0066] In that case, the projecting part of the actuating lever 11 is preferably configured to cause the locking member 10 to rotate from the locked position PV towards the unlocked position PD by pressure from said protective casing 23 on the projecting part of the actuating lever 11.

[0067] Of course, the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described and depicted in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, notably from the point of view of the makeup of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. Electrical distribution device comprising at least: a phase busbar (1, 2, 3) housed inside a casing (4), and at least one phase conductor (5) extending longitudinally in a direction D and electrically connected to said busbar (1, 2, 3), said at least one phase conductor (5) comprising at least one connection end (6) projecting out of the casing (4) through a first orifice (41) of said casing (4), the distribution device being characterized in that it comprises at least one insulating sleeve (7) mounted with the ability to slide with respect to said at least one phase conductor (5) in the direction D between a deployed position (PS) in which the insulating sleeve (7) covers said connection end (6) and a retracted position (PR) in which said insulating sleeve (7) is positioned inside the casing (4).

2. Electrical distribution device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises first return means (8) positioned inside the casing (4) and mechanically connected to said insulating sleeve (7) and designed to store mechanical energy from the deployed position (PS) towards the retracted position (PR) and to release said mechanical energy from the retracted position (PR) towards the deployed position (PS).

3. Electrical distribution device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first return means (8) are designed to be released in the deployed position (PS) and in that the first return means (8) are designed to be constrained in the retracted position (PR).

4. Electrical distribution device according to Claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the first return means (8) comprise a spring.

5. Electrical distribution device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insulating sleeve (7) comprises a first end (71) positioned inside the casing (4), said first end (71) comprising an end-stop (72) designed to come into abutment against a wall (42) of the casing (4) comprising said first orifice (41) in the deployed position (PS).

6. Electrical distribution device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one neutral busbar (9) housed inside said casing (4) and positioned in a plane parallel to the plane containing said at least one phase busbar (1, 2, 3).

7. Electrical distribution device according to Claim 6, characterized in that said casing (4) comprises a second orifice (43) opening onto said neutral busbar (9).

8. Electrical distribution device according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking member (10) mounted with the ability to rotate in the casing (4) about an axis of rotation (R) between a locked position (PV) and an unlocked position (PD), in said locked position (PV), said locking member (10) being designed to come into abutment against said end-stop (72) when said insulating sleeve (7) is in the deployed position (PS) so as to prevent the insulating sleeve (7) from sliding with respect to the phase conductor (5) in the direction D and, in said unlocked position (PD), said locking member (10) being designed to release said end-stop (72), when said insulating sleeve (7) is in the deployed position (PS) so as to allow the insulating sleeve (7) to slide with respect to the phase conductor (5) in the direction D.

9. Electrical distribution device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the locking member (10) comprises an actuating lever (11) with a part projecting out of said casing (4) designed to cause the locking member (10) to rotate from the locked position (PV) towards the unlocked position (PD).

10. Electrical distribution device according to any one of Claims 8 to 9, characterized in that it comprises second return means (12) positioned inside the casing (4) and mechanically connected to said locking member (10) and designed to store mechanical energy from the locked position (PV) towards the unlocked position (PD) and to release said mechanical energy from the unlocked position (PD) towards the locked position (PV).

11. Electrical distribution device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises an earth busbar (13) positioned outside the casing (4).

12. Assembly comprising at least one modular electrical unit (20) contained in a protective casing (23) that the modular electrical unit (20) comprises and characterized in that said assembly comprises an electrical distribution device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11.

13. Assembly according to Claim 12, characterized in that said modular electrical unit (20) comprises a phase connection terminal (21) which is designed to be electrically connected to the phase conductor (5).

14. Assembly according to any one of Claims 12 to 13 in combination with Claim 6, characterized in that said modular electrical unit comprises a neutral connection terminal (22) designed to be electrically connected to the neutral busbar (9).

15. Assembly according to Claim 14, characterized in that said neutral connection terminal (22) comprises a conducting clip which projects on the outside of the protective casing (23), the conducting clip being designed to clip onto the neutral busbar (9).

16. Assembly according to any one of Claims 12 to 15 in combination with Claim 10, characterized in that said modular electrical unit comprises an earth connection terminal (24) which is designed to be electrically connected to the earth busbar (13).

17. Assembly according to Claim 14, characterized in that said earth connection terminal (24) comprises a U-shaped conducting member which partially projects outside the protective casing (23), the conducting member being designed to be in contact with the earth busbar (13).

18. Assembly according to any one of Claims 12 to 17 in combination with Claim 8, characterized in that said locking member (10) is configured to be rotated from the locked position (PV) towards the unlocked position (PD) by pressure from said protective casing (23) on the locking member (10).

19. Assembly according to Claim 18 in combination with Claim 9, characterized in that the projecting part of the actuating lever (11) is configured to cause the locking member (10) to rotate from the locked position (PV) towards the unlocked position (PD) by pressure from said protective casing (23) on the projecting part of the actuating lever (11).

[Fig. 1] 1/9

[Fig. 2] 2/9

[Fig. 3] 3/9

[Fig. 5]

[Fig. 4] 4/9

[Fig. 7]

[Fig. 6] 5/9

[Fig. 8] 6/9

[Fig. 9] 7/9

[Fig. 10] 8/9

[Fig. 11] 9/9