EP3323170B1 - Freely translatable electrical connection device having 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 to allow free power connection in motion with an electrical cable.

More particularly, the invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising a terminal block for connecting to a terminal of an electric cable so as to allow relative movement in translation between said terminal block and said cable, and in particular, but not exclusively, where the terminal block is part of a set of a terminal block and a busbar.

PRIOR STATE OF THE 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 such a terminal block / busbar assembly, connected to an electric cable, is described in the French patent. FR 2 935 202 B1 of the Applicant. This document describes a plug, mounted on a cable, which is locked to a terminal block in the form of a connection base connected to a busbar. This connection prevents relative movement in translation between the plug and the terminal block.

Another example of a terminal block / busbar set is described in the French patent. FR 2 932 613 B1 of the Applicant. This document describes a conductive plug, mounted on a cable, to connect with a pin connected to a busbar. This connection again prevents relative movement between the plug and the pin. In addition, the plug and cable must be aligned with the pin before engagement.

The devices of the above examples further suffer from a need for precision and potentially, as a result, voltage problems. In particular, if a cable is cut a little too short, the electrical connection (between the terminal block and the terminal) cannot compensate for the undersize of the cable. Similarly, if the cable is rigid and has a large section, the electrical connection cannot compensate for the excess length of the cable. As a result, the cable must be adjusted or potentially replaced, which creates the risk that installers will pull or push hard on the cable in order to reach the correct length. In addition to this, it may happen that the cable needs to be twisted so that the terminal block and the lug are aligned before being connected together. These actions can damage the cable and the connections at both ends of the cable.

The documents FR 1 555 818 and FR 2 067 893 disclose an electrical connection device comprising a terminal block comprising a locking sleeve adapted to connect to a terminal of an electric cable, the sleeve comprising two parts as well as a pivot element configured so that the two parts pivot one relative to each other to allow the insertion of the terminal and its securing.

Another embodiment of terminal block / busbar assembly is described in the French patent. FR 2 578 497 B1 . This document describes an expansion joint allowing the relative movement in translation between two terminal block / busbar assemblies using conductive pins.

This last example allows the relative movement in translation between a terminal block linked to a busbar and a conductive pin. However, relative rotational movement is prevented.

Another defect in 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 present a significant risk of being the cause of a FOD or of being subject to a FOD. In particular, a nut that unscrews, for example, can easily separate from the electrical connection and can cause FOD. In addition, the electrical connections are made up of numerous parts which increase this risk and make them more difficult to install. In addition, since the connections are exposed, or are not sufficiently insulated, there is a risk that, during maintenance, an installer tool, for example a screwdriver or an Allen key, may fall on the electrical connection. and cause a short circuit.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the aforementioned needs and disadvantages by proposing an electrical connection device comprising a terminal block suitable for securing a terminal without requiring adjustment of the length of the electric cable connected to the terminal, and thus allowing avoid any voltage problem, and as far as possible, without having to adjust the orientation of the terminal. Another object is to provide an electrical connection device comprising fewer parts, which is simple to install, and having anti-FOD characteristics, i.e. having a significantly reduced probability of being the cause of '' a FOD or to be subjected to a FOD, anti-FOD characteristics being, in particular in the aviation sector, highly sought after.

The present invention thus provides an electrical connection device comprising a terminal block adapted to connect to a terminal of an electric cable, the terminal block comprising a locking sleeve according to independent claim 1.

The electrical connection device may also include one or more of the following characteristics taken in isolation or according to any possible technical combination.

Preferably, the terminal block sleeve is configured to ensure a translational movement of the terminal over a limited length and to prevent its disconnection from the locking sleeve during translation.

Preferably, said permitted relative movement also comprises rotation.

Preferably, the pin is located in a groove formed in the first part of the locking sleeve, the pin extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis along which the terminal block extends substantially.

According to the invention, the locking sleeve has a shape complementary to that of the terminal to allow its engagement.

Preferably, the locking sleeve defines a cylindrical space between the two first and second parts, the locking sleeve being adapted to allow engagement of a terminal with a cylindrical rod and an enlarged termination, and in that the rod has a diameter less than that of the locking sleeve and a length greater than that of the locking sleeve.

More preferably, the electrical connection device further comprises a busbar connected to the terminal block to thereby form an assembly of a terminal block and a busbar, and an electrical cable with a terminal, the terminal having a cylindrical rod. and an enlarged termination, and in that the rod has a diameter less than that of the locking sleeve and a length greater than that of the locking sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a fixing means for locking the sleeve.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to an assembly of an electrical connection device and an insulator, characterized in that it comprises an electrical connection device as described above and an insulator, the electrical connection being arranged in the insulator, the insulator being provided with walls, the walls extending substantially parallel to the axis of the terminal block and rising to a height greater than that of the terminal block.

Preferably, the insulator comprises a cover for fitting the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1A représente une vue en perspective d'un bornier d'un dispositif de connexion électrique selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 1B représente une vue éclatée en perspective du même bornier de la figure 1A ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de connexion électrique avec une cosse sécurisée par le bornier, selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue d'un isolateur, avec une vue éclatée du dispositif de connexion électrique selon le premier mode de réalisation, comprenant un bornier et une cosse de sorte à visualiser le montage dans l'isolateur ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de dessus de plusieurs dispositifs de connexion électrique selon le premier mode de réalisation disposés dans un isolateur, avec un équipement électronique en contact avec les borniers des dispositifs ; et
• la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective de plusieurs dispositifs de connexion électrique selon le premier mode de réalisation disposés dans un isolateur comme selon la figure 4, avec un capot d'un isolateur.

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

• the figure 1A shows a perspective view of a terminal block of an electrical connection device according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 1B represents an exploded perspective view of the same terminal block of the figure 1A ;
• the figure 2 shows a perspective view of the electrical connection device with a terminal secured by the terminal block, according to the first embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 3 shows a view of an insulator, with an exploded view of the electrical connection device according to the first embodiment, comprising a terminal block and a lug so as to view the mounting in the insulator;
• the figure 4 shows a top view of several electrical connection devices according to the first embodiment arranged in an isolator, with electronic equipment in contact with the terminal blocks of the devices; and
• the figure 5 shows a perspective view of several electrical connection devices according to the first embodiment arranged in an insulator as according to the figure 4 , with an insulator cover.

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

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT

The Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a terminal block 10 of an electrical connection device 100 for engaging and securing a terminal of an electrical cable, and for providing a means for electrically connecting a busbar and an electrical cable. The terminal block 10 is essentially in the form of an elongated body extending along a first axis and comprising a locking sleeve 3 adapted to secure a terminal, being moreover made of electrically conductive material. The terminal block 10 is here made of metal and provided with two through holes 5 to secure it to a structure, for example a NIDA panel (not shown).

The locking sleeve 3 comprises a first part (lower) 1 and a second part (upper) 2. The first part 1 is essentially part of the main body of the terminal block 10 and comprises a channel 7 of substantially semi-cylindrical shape oriented upwards , while the second part 2, which is mounted on the first part 1, comprises a channel 8 of substantially semi-cylindrical shape oriented downwards. The two parts 1, 2 form a locking sleeve 3 substantially formed of two half-shells defining, thanks to the two semi-cylindrical channels 7, 8, a cylindrical space extending substantially along said first axis when it is closed .

The two parts 1, 2 of the locking sleeve 3 are intended to be separable, by pivoting, to allow the introduction of the terminal of a cable. The locking sleeve 3 is provided with a fixing means for locking the sleeve and securing the cable lug. The fixing means in this case is a screw of the “captive” type 16, passing through a hole 4 on the second part 2 of the locking sleeve 3 while being secured to the latter so as to be captive in this sense. The screw 16 is intended to engage in a hole 6 formed in the first part 1 to lock the sleeve 3.

This terminal block 10 is adapted to receive a terminal and thus form an electrical connection. The figure 2 clearly illustrates an electrical connection device 100 formed by a terminal block 10 as described above and a terminal 20 of an electric cable 25 attached to said terminal block 10. The terminal 20 of the cable 25 is adapted to be engaged and secured by the sleeve for locking terminal block 3, and for providing a means for electrically connecting the cable 25 and the busbar 12 of the terminal / busbar assembly of the device 100. More specifically, the terminal 20 comprises a part 21 connected to the cable 25, a uniform cylindrical rod 22 which extends away from the connected part 21, and an enlarged stop 23, that is to say having a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical rod 22. The terminal 20 is made of electrically conductive material, for example metal.

The two parts 1, 2 of the locking sleeve 3 come together to catch the rod 22 of the terminal 20, so as to allow relative movement in translation and in rotation between the terminal block 10 and the terminal 20. The rod 22 therefore has a diameter slightly less than that of the locking sleeve 3, but a length which is greater than that of the locking sleeve 3. Consequently, the terminal block 10 allows the terminal 20 to be movable in translation and movable in rotation relative to the terminal block 10. More precisely , the movement produced in this case between the terminal block 10 and the terminal 20 is a translation of limited length (the length of the rod 22 minus the length of the locking sleeve 3 in the zone where it surrounds the rod 22) and the rotation for an unlimited angle (and therefore 360 °).

Furthermore, it can be observed that, according to the figure 2 , the outside of the rod 22 and the inside of the sleeve 3 have similar shapes, that is to say cylindrical shapes. Of course, it is not imperative that the locking sleeve 3 and the terminal 20 are of cylindrical shape. Other complementary shapes can also be produced, for example, a sleeve defining an internal shape of square section suitable for a terminal with a rod of square section. This then allows relative translation, but not relative rotation. Alternatively, even a sleeve with an octagonal section and a cylindrical rod may also be suitable. The important thing is that the shapes of the sleeve and of the rod allow at least the relative movement in translation, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. However, the cylindrical shape is preferable to allow relative movement in translation and in rotation at the same time.

The substantially semi-cylindrical channel 7 oriented upwards of the first part 1 (lower) is designed in two sections 7A and 7B. A first section 7A with a first diameter corresponding substantially to the diameter of the rod 22 (and the channel 8 of the second part 2 of the sleeve 3), and a second section 7B with a larger diameter which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the enlarged stop 23.

Furthermore, the terminal block 10 also has a shoulder 7C, defined by the two sections 7A, 7B of the channel 7 at the change in diameter. This shoulder 7C serves as a stop to cooperate with the enlarged stop 23 at the bottom of the rod 22, thus preventing the terminal 20 from separating from the terminal block 10.

On the inner surface of the sleeve 3, two electrical contact pads 9 are “clipped”, that is to say connected with a system of clips, to serve as interfaces between the sleeve 3 and the rod 22. These ensure good electrical engagement between terminal block 10 and terminal 20, while allowing relative movement between both. The plates 9, of the multi-contact type, are made of metal, for example copper, beryllium copper, nickel or silver, to allow good conduction. In addition, they have the characteristics of a leaf spring to provide good uniform contact against the rod 22, and at the same time, a slight resistance against its movement to reduce the play. These plates 9 can also be glued or crimped to the sleeve 3.

The terminal block 10, including its locking sleeve 3, is made of metal to facilitate the conduction of electricity between the busbar 12 and the cable 25. However, as a variant, the terminal block 10, including the sleeve 3, can be made of a material which is not electrically conductive, but which is then supplied with a means of conduction of electricity, for example a cable connecting the plates 9 to the busbar 12. In the same way, the terminal 20 may be of non-conductive material, but supplied with a means of conduction of electricity from point of contact with terminal block 10 to cable 25.

The locking sleeve 3 of this embodiment is practical, and designed with few parts. As best illustrated by Figures 1A and 1B , the second part 2 (upper) comprises an arm 13 extending from the side of the terminal block 10 and oriented downwards. The arm 13 supports a pin 14 which engages in the first part 1 of the sleeve 3 on the side of the first part 1 substantially opposite to the side of the first part 1 opposite the second part 2. In this case, the second part 2 is located on the first part 1 (on the top side of the first part 1 which faces the second part 2), but its pin 14 is located under the first part 1 (on the side of the first part 1 which is at the bottom , which is therefore substantially opposite to the high side of the first part 1). More particularly, the pin 14 of the first part 1 of the sleeve 3 engages in a groove 11 provided under the first part 1 of the sleeve. The two parts engage and thus pivot relative to each other, the pin 14 forming a pivot element.

The axis of the spindle 14 is substantially perpendicular to that (first axis) of the terminal block 10. This arrangement therefore allows the second part 2 of the sleeve 3 to pivot in relation to the first part 1 to thus open and close the sleeve 3. When the terminal block 10 is fixed on an insulator or a panel, the pin 14 will be wedged between the terminal block 10 and the insulator (or panel) and cannot come out of this groove 11. To this end, an inverted part may also be supplied at the bottom of pin 14. So even if the screw 16 to secure the sleeve 3 is not produced, the two parts 1, 2 of the sleeve 3 will remain together, by the fact that the pin 14 is part attached to the second part 2 of the sleeve 3.

Another aspect of this invention also relates to damage by foreign bodies (or FOD for "Foreign Object Damage" in English). Besides the fact that the electrical connection device 100, including its locking sleeve 3, is designed with few parts, the invention benefits from other anti-FOD characteristics, that is to say characteristics to avoid, as far as possible, that the device 100 does not become damaged by a foreign body or is the cause of damage by a foreign body.

The figure 3 thus shows a perspective view of an insulator 30 having anti-FOD characteristics, and an exploded view of an electrical connection device 100 making it possible to visualize the way in which they are mounted in the insulator 30.

The figure 4 illustrates for its part several electrical connection devices 100 arranged in an insulator 30, and also with a contactor 45 arranged in contact with the terminal blocks 10.

These figures illustrate the fact that the insulator 30 is provided with a bottom 31 and walls 32 on each side of the terminal block 10 and near each side of the latter. These walls 32 rise substantially vertically to a height greater than that of the busbars 12 and that of the terminal blocks 10. In addition, the walls extend essentially along the connection, that is to say substantially parallel and along the entire terminal block 10 and the entire terminal 20. Each electrical connection device 100 is preferably isolated in its own insulator 30, or in its own compartment in the insulator 30. The insulator 30 is made of insulating composite material, and looks like a case.

In the case of an object, for example an installer tool, falling on the insulator 30 in which the electrical connection devices 100 are housed, it is very likely that it will land on the walls 32 of the isolator 30 or on a device 100 for electrical connection only. Consequently, the risk of an object touching two terminal blocks 10, two busbars 12 or two lugs 20 at the same time, thus causing a short circuit, is significantly reduced.

For additional anti-FOD protection, a cover can be incorporated to fit the electrical connection devices 100. The figure 5 shows a cover 35 of an insulator 30 to enclose the electrical connection devices 100. In this case, only the cables and the ends of the terminal blocks 10 are exposed at the level of the electrical connection. The ends of the terminal blocks 10 are exposed to allow them to connect to the contactor 45, or other electrical equipment or other terminal blocks.

The cover 35 is also made of insulating composite material. The cover 35 is clipped to the insulator 30 and is secured there with a fixing means, such as a captive screw 36 which engages in a respective hole 37 located on the insulator 30. Cooperating flanges comprising recesses can be integrated into the insulator 30 and its cover 35 to surround and support the cables 25 and potentially to provide resistance against their movement. The isolator 30 electrically isolates the electrical connection devices 100 from their environment and from each other and at the same time reduces the likelihood of causing FOD, or of being subjected to FOD.

Another anti-FOD characteristic concerns the fasteners. The electrical connection device 100 comprises a few captive screws 16, 36 of known type and which are frequently used, especially where the loss of screws is highly undesirable and can have serious consequences. This type of screw remains connected with part of the parts to be connected. In other cases where standard screws 15 are used, elastic pins 18 can be used to prevent the loss of these screws 15. Such a pin 18 is clearly visible in figure 1A installed in its own hole passing through hole 5 where there is a standard screw 15. In the case where such a screw 15 is unscrewed, the pin 18 would prevent it from coming out completely and separating from the device. More particularly, the screw head 15 abuts against the pin 18 during its translation, and the screw 15 will thus be contained in its hole 5.

Still, in order to reduce the number of parts, the electrical connection device 100 is designed such that the fastening elements secure several components at the same time. As illustrated in the figures, each terminal block 10 has two holes 5 on the first lower part 1 for receiving screws 15. The screws 15 pass through the terminal block 10, by the busbar 12, by the insulator 30 and are secured on a structure, for example a NIDA panel (not shown), to connect all the parts together at the same time.

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 a person skilled in the art without departing from the general scope of the invention.

For example, the terminal block and the terminal are not necessarily made of metal or conductive material. However, it is preferable that they are made of metal, and whatever suitable metal, for example, copper, nickel or silver.

In addition, other electrical contact pads can be incorporated to improve electrical conductivity. For example, such plates can be mounted at the interface between the two parts of the sleeve, and can be integrated with the electrical contact plates on the inside of the sleeve.

The sleeve can be designed to secure and provide adequate force to the terminal by fully tightening the sleeve (with the pads providing said adequate force) or by adjusting the screw to lock the sleeve. In some cases, once the terminal is installed in the correct position, high resistance against its movement can be applied by tightening the screw firmly.

The sleeve can also be designed to open in the opposite direction of insertion of the terminal. Even a terminal block with two locking sleeves can be envisaged, for example to receive two lugs of opposite directions to connect two cables together in a straight line. Although the terminal block has been mainly described as being in an assembly with a busbar, it can also be associated as a variant with electrical equipment or a cable.

Of course, other types of fasteners can be used instead of screws, and also other anti-FOD arrangements.

By the expression “relative movement between the terminal block and the terminal”, it should be understood that at least part of the terminal block is in relative movement with respect to at least part of the terminal.

Claims (9)

1. An electrical connection device (100) including a terminal block (10) adapted for being connected to a lug (20) of an electrical cable (25), the terminal block (10) comprising a locking sleeve (3) adapted for securing a rod of the lug (20) having an outer shape that is complementary to the inner shape of the sleeve so as to form an electrical connection enabling relative movement between the terminal block (10) and the secured lug (20), the locking sleeve (3) comprising a first portion (1) and a second portion (2), as well as a pivot element (13, 14) configured such that the first and second portions (1, 2) pivot relative to one another in order to allow for the introduction of the lug (20) and the securing thereof, characterised
   in that the pivot element of the locking sleeve (3) comprises a pin (14) connected to the second portion (2) of the locking sleeve (3) and engaged with the first portion (1) of the locking sleeve (3) on the side of the first portion (1) substantially opposite the side of the first portion (1) facing the second portion (2) of the locking sleeve (3), and in that said relative movement allowed is translation.
2. An electrical connection device according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking sleeve (3) of the terminal block (10) is configured to ensure a translation movement of the lug (20) over a limited length and for preventing the disconnection thereof of the locking sleeve (3) during translation.
3. An electrical connection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said relative movement allowed further comprises rotation.
4. An electrical connection device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the pin (14) is located in a groove (11) formed in the first portion (1) of the locking sleeve (3), the pin (14) extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis along which the terminal block extends substantially.
5. An electrical connection device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the locking sleeve (3) defines a cylindrical space between the first and second portions (1, 2), the locking sleeve (3) being adapted for enabling engagement with a lug (20) with a cylindrical rod (22) and an enlarged termination (23), and in that the rod (22) has a diameter less than that of the locking sleeve (3) and a length greater than that of the locking sleeve (3).
6. An electrical connection device as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the locking sleeve (3) comprises a fastening means (16) for the locking of the sleeve (3).
7. An electrical connection device as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that it further comprises a busbar (12) connected to the terminal block (12) in order as such to form a terminal block and busbar assembly, and an electrical cable (25) with a lug (20), the lug (20) having a cylindrical rod (22) and an enlarged termination (23), and in that the rod (22) has a diameter less than that of the locking sleeve (3) and a length greater than that of the locking sleeve (3).
8. An electrical connection device and insulator assembly, characterised in that it comprises an electrical connection device (100) as claimed in any preceding claim and an insulator (30), the electrical connection device (100) being arranged in the insulator (30), the insulator (30) being provided with walls (32), the walls (32) extending substantially parallel to the axis of the terminal block (10) and rising to a height greater than that of the terminal block (10).
9. An assembly according to claim 8, characterised in that the insulator (30) comprises a cover (35) in order to encase the device (100).

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