Electrical connection strip with one plug element and one electrical socket element

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical terminal blocks.

[0002] It relates more particularly to an electrical terminal block comprising: a housing with two parallel main side faces, an upper face, a lower face, a rear face and a front face, a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals housed in the housing and connected to the same electrical potential by an electrical connection device contained in said housing, an electrical connection assembly which comprises a male connection element and a female connection element each comprising an internal part electrically connected inside the housing to said electrical connection device.

[0003] Such an electrical terminal block makes it possible to distribute or distribute a single electrical potential.

[0004] In order to be able to increase the number of electrical terminals connected to this electrical potential, it is known to connect two or more terminal blocks in series.

[0005] Solutions exist in which two terminal blocks are connected together by electrical cables or jumpers.

[0006] These solutions have several disadvantages. First of all, they implement a connection element (electrical cable or jumper) external to the terminal block.

[0007] In the case of a connection by an electric cable, this is introduced into a screw terminal: the contact pressure of the screw can vary over time and the multitude of contact points between the strands of the electric cable and the screw terminal can limit the electrical conductivity.

[0008] In the case of jumpers, the effort required to insert the jumper is significant and the reliability of the connection may depend on the accuracy of the respective dimensions of the jumper legs and their receiving hole in the terminal blocks.

[0009] Other solutions exist in which each electrical terminal block includes a device for electrical connection to another electrical terminal block of the same type which includes a male connection element and a female connection element. In these solutions, the male and female connection elements protrude from the housing on its side faces, perpendicular to them, so that it is difficult to view the connection of the two terminal blocks from the front face of the terminal blocks. Connecting two terminal blocks in series can then be difficult.

[0010] Furthermore, document DE202010008559 describes a set of modular screw or automatic connection terminals. Each modular connection terminal comprises a housing housing a connection terminal and comprising an electrical connection assembly with a male connection element and a female connection element. The connection assembly is formed here by an "S" tab, which delimits a connection slot on one side and on the other projects from the housing. The male connection element forms a fixed connection pin which extends outside the housing. The female connection element has a mouth arranged opposite an opening provided in the front face of said housing. According to this document, the male and female connection elements are formed in a single piece by a part of the connection terminal itself. Several connection terminals can be assembled in a modular manner.This construction is incompatible with the fact that the male connecting element is mobile.

[0011] Document US2012 / 0149247 discloses an electrical socket-type electrical base suitable for connecting another electrical device to an electrical network. The electrical base is connected to the network via a cable. For this purpose, it comprises a single connection terminal. The base receives the other device and connects it to the electrical network using other electrical elements. Two bases can be connected to each other using a retractable electrical plug that slides laterally between the two bases. This document does not concern a terminal block housing a plurality of electrical terminals connected to the same electrical potential by an electrical connection device contained in the housing of this terminal block. According to this document, it is the female connection element that is movable between a connection configuration and an offline configuration. The male connection element is fixed.The connection assembly is not here electrically connected inside the housing to an electrical connection device electrically connecting a plurality of connection terminals.

[0012] Compared to the aforementioned state of the art, the present invention proposes an electrical terminal block configuration in which the male connection element is housed in the housing, while ensuring the front face display of the connection between two adjacent terminal blocks when the connection element is arranged protruding from the housing.

[0013] More particularly, the present invention provides an electrical terminal block as described in claim 1.

[0014] Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the connection of two terminal blocks in series is done easily and quickly because the connection pin and the opening allowing access of this connection pin to the female connection element is visible on the front face of the terminal block.

[0015] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the electrical terminal block according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are claimed in claims 2 to 12.

[0016] The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

[0017] On the attached drawings: there figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical terminal block according to the invention, in which the connection pin is in its disconnected configuration, the figure 2 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 , on which the connection pin is in its connection configuration, the figure 3 is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the figure 1 without the case cover, the figure 4 is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the figure 2 without the case cover, the figure 5 is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the figure 1 connected in series with another electrical terminal block similar to that of the figure 1 , there figure 6 is a schematic view of the front face of the electrical terminal block of the figure 1 , there figure 7 is a schematic view of the right side of the electrical terminal block of the figure 1 , there figure 8 is a schematic view of the left side of the electrical terminal block of the figure 1 , there figure 9 is an exploded schematic front perspective view of the electrical terminal block of the figure 1 , there figure 10 is a partial internal schematic view in magnifying glass of the connection area of ​​the two electrical terminal blocks of the figure 5 , and the figure 11 is a partial schematic sectional view of the figure 5 , according to plan P2.

[0018] In the following description, by convention, the term "front" will designate the side of the electrical terminal block facing a user when this device is in the position of use, for example in an electrical cabinet, while the term "rear" will designate the opposite side of this device, facing the inside of the electrical cabinet. The terms "upper" and "lower" will be used with reference to the vertical direction for the user standing in front of the electrical cabinet.

[0019] The figures show an embodiment of an electrical terminal block 200 according to the invention.

[0020] The electrical terminal block 200 shown and described constitutes a junction block intended to ensure the junction, that is to say the electrical and mechanical connection, between at least two electrical conductors. The electrical terminal block 200 shown makes it possible to ensure the junction between a plurality of electrical conductors, the number of which is between 2 and 6.

[0021] Of course, it is possible to design electrical terminal blocks for the electrical connection of any number of electrical conductors based on the electrical terminal blocks described and shown. Furthermore, as explained later, the electrical terminal block 200 is arranged so that it can be connected in series with another similar electrical terminal block 200, which allows the connection of additional electrical conductors.

[0022] The electrical terminal block 200 according to the invention comprises an electrically insulating housing 210, made for example of plastic.

[0023] As shown by the figures 1 à 8 , the housing 210 of the electrical terminal block 200 has a generally parallelepiped shape.

[0024] It comprises a front part 210A and a rear part 210B which are assembled to form said housing 210 ( figures 1 à 9 ).

[0025] The rear part 210B of the housing 210 has a bottom 213B ( figure 9 ) provided with a rear face 213 forming the rear face of the housing 210 ( figures 1 à 5 , 7 à 9 ). Two parallel main rear side walls 212B rise from the bottom 213B, bordering it ( figure 9 ). Two upper and lower rear transverse walls rise from the bottom 213B and connect the two rear main side walls 212B.

[0026] The front part 210A of the housing 210, also called hereinafter “cover 210A”, comprises a front part 214A provided with a front face 214, constituting the front face of the housing 210, as well as four side walls extending from the front part 214A including two parallel front main side walls 212A and two upper and lower front transverse walls ( figure 9 ).

[0027] When the 210 case is assembled ( figures 1 à 8 ), the cover 210A and the rear portion 210B extend edge to edge so that the front 212A and rear 212B main side walls form two parallel main side walls of the housing 210 provided with two main side faces 212 and the upper and lower front and rear transverse walls form upper and lower transverse walls provided with upper and lower transverse faces 215S, 2151 of the housing 210 ( figures 1 , 2 , 5 , 7And 8 ).

[0028] The housing 210 is adapted to be attached to a housing of the same type against one of its main lateral faces 212 ( figure 5 ).

[0029] The housing 210 comprises a plurality of independent insertion conduits 211 each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor (not shown) and housing a plurality of identical electrical connection systems 220, each electrical connection system 220 being respectively associated with one of the insertion conduits 211 ( figures 1 à 4 ).

[0030] In the examples shown in the figures, the housing 210 of the terminal block 200 is provided with six independent insertion conduits 211, each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor. The insertion conduits 211 are here arranged side by side, parallel to each other. The housing 210 houses six electrical connection systems 220 respectively associated with the six insertion conduits 211. They are therefore here arranged next to each other ( figure 9 ).

[0031] The front portion 214A of the cover 210A comprises access openings 211A each providing access to one of the insertion conduits 211 ( figures 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 And 9 ). Six access openings 211A are therefore provided. The access openings 211A are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main lateral faces 212 of the housing 210 (see in particular figure 6 ).

[0032] The housing 210 also comprises internal partitions. These internal partitions extend at least over a portion of the height of the housing 210, between the front portion 214A and the bottom 213B. They extend parallel to the main lateral faces 212 of the housing 210, so as to electrically insulate the insertion conduits 211 from the electrical conductors ( figure 9 ). They are formed by joining rear and front partition elements during the assembly of the rear part 210B of the housing and the cover 210A.

[0033] Each insertion conduit 211 comprises a well 211B opening onto the access opening 211A. Each electrical conductor can be inserted into the insertion conduit 211 in an insertion direction D2 which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding well 211B.

[0034] Each electrical connection system 220 of the electrical terminal block 200 comprises ( figure 9 ): an automatic connection terminal with spring blade 240 accessible through said insertion conduit 211, a pusher 230 which is movable between two stable positions and which cooperates with said spring blade 240, and an intermediate part 260 also movable, adapted to cooperate with said pusher 230.

[0035] The automatic connection terminal here comprises the spring blade 240 and a conductive bar 250.

[0036] The spring blade 240 is here of the “guillotine” type. It consists of a folded metal strip which forms a loop. It has a support branch 241 and an interaction branch 242 provided with a window 243 through which passes a part 251 of the conductive bar 250 ( figures 3 , 4 And 9 ). The interaction branch 242 may be straight or, as here, slightly curved. The support branch 241 is connected to the interaction branch 242 by an elbow 244 ( figure 9 ). It is folded into a U such that its free end passes through the window 243 of the interaction branch 242. When the spring blade 240 is at rest, that is to say without constraint, the interaction branch 242 tends to move away from the free end of the support branch 241.

[0037] The terminal block 200 thus comprises a plurality of connection terminals arranged side by side, aligned in a direction perpendicular to the parallel main lateral faces 212 of the housing 210 ( figures 3 , 4 And 9 ).

[0038] The conductive bar 250 is generally in the form of a conductive metal plate of which a contact part 252 partially delimits the insertion conduit 211 and is provided with a free edge which delimits the parts 251 of the conductive bar 250 which pass through the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 of each spring blade 240 ( figure 9 ).

[0039] The conductive bar 250 connects each connection terminal of the electrical terminal block 200 to each other. It is therefore presented as an element common to the plurality of connection systems 220 housed in the housing and constitutes an electrical connection device contained in said housing which connects to the same electrical potential the plurality of automatic terminals housed in the housing 210.

[0040] The metal plate forming the conductive bar 250 has a generally rectangular or square outline, bent around at least one axis perpendicular to two of its sides.

[0041] In the example shown in the figures, the conductive bar 250 is bent around a main axis X2 which extends perpendicular to the main lateral faces 212 of the housing 210. By convention, the main axis X2 along which the conductive bar 250 is bent extends in the lateral direction of the conductive bar 250, and the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction will be called the longitudinal direction of the conductive bar 250.

[0042] The conductive bar 250 thus comprises two substantially flat main parts which are connected to each other by an elbow ( figure 9 ) comprising the contact part 252 and a connection part 253.

[0043] The contact portion 252 of the conductive bar 250 is located at a longitudinal end thereof and receives the spring blade 240 of each connection system 220. The free edge of this contact portion 252 comprises teeth which constitute the parts 251 of the conductive bar 250 which pass through the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 of each spring blade 240 ( figure 9 ).

[0044] The contact part 252 receives in support an end part of each spring blade 240 ( figure 9 ). A portion of the support branch 242 of each spring blade 240 extends parallel to the corresponding contact portion 252 of the conductive bar 250, against a lateral face thereof. The spring blades 240 are thus here arranged side by side to form a row of spring blades 240.

[0045] The contact portion 252 extends substantially parallel to the upper and lower faces 215S, 215I of the housing 210, perpendicular to the main side faces 212.

[0046] The other longitudinal end of the conductive bar 250 located opposite the teeth of the contact portion 252 is the connection portion 253. It can be electrically connected to the other electrical elements arranged inside the housing, as described below.

[0047] The connecting portion 253 of the conductive bar 250 is provided with a plurality of orifices 255 which allow the passage of a retaining portion 261 of each intermediate piece 260, as explained later. It extends from the contact portion 252 towards the upper face 215S and slightly towards the rear of the housing 210.

[0048] The spring blade 240 is deformable between two configurations: a closing configuration in which the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240 blocks access to the insertion conduit 211 and a waiting configuration in which the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 releases the section of the insertion conduit 211 to allow the insertion of an electrical conductor into this conduit.

[0049] In the closing configuration, a solid portion of the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240 located at the free end thereof extends across the insertion conduit 211 at the outlet of the well 211B. It thus closes the insertion conduit 211 and blocks access to the connection terminal. This is particularly the case when the spring blade 240 is at rest, no conductor being introduced into the connection terminal.

[0050] In the standby configuration, the spring blade 240 is forced to deform in such a way that the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240 is placed at the exit of the well 111B; 211B. It thus allows the passage of the electrical conductor and its introduction into the connection terminal through the window 243 of the spring blade 240.

[0051] The function of the pusher 230 is to control the transition of the spring blade 240 from one to the other of its two configurations. It can be actuated by the operator, either manually or using a tool, as will be described in more detail later. A pusher 230 is provided associated with each spring blade 240.

[0052] Here it comprises a pin of elongated shape, provided with an actuating head 231 of a body 232 and a foot 233 adapted to cooperate by hooking on the retaining part 261 of the intermediate part 260 ( figure 9 ). Preferably, the pusher 230 is a single-piece part made of rigid plastic. It is, for example, molded. It can also be obtained by any technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] The body 232 of the pusher 230 connects the actuating head 231 and the foot 233; of the pusher 230 ( figure 9 ). Along the body 232 of the pusher 230, the latter has a face facing the spring blade 240 which forms a cooperation surface 234 ( figure 9 ) adapted to push the spring blade 240 to force it into its waiting configuration when the pusher 230 is held in the pressed position ( figures 1 And 2 ) and to allow the spring blade 240 to return to its closing configuration when the pusher 230 moves into the raised position. For this purpose, the thickness of the pusher 230 decreases from the actuating head 231 towards the foot 233 ( figure 9 ).

[0054] The pusher 230 is movable between a raised position in which it leaves the spring blade 240 free to take its resting shape in which it closes said insertion conduit 211 (closure configuration) and a depressed position in which it forces the spring blade 240 into its waiting configuration to open said insertion conduit 211 ( figures 1 And 2 ). More precisely, here, the pusher 230 is movable in translation along a direction of movement A2 which is parallel to the direction of insertion D2 of the electrical conductor ( figure 9 ).

[0055] The foot 233 of the pusher 230 has a shape adapted to hook onto the retaining portion 261 of said intermediate piece 260 so as to retain the pusher 230 in the depressed position. The pusher 230 is retained in its depressed position exclusively by the retaining portion 261 of the intermediate piece 260.

[0056] The foot 233 of the pusher 230 has the shape of a hook which carries a hooking surface adapted to cooperate in retention with a corresponding hooking surface of the retention part 261 of the intermediate piece 260.

[0057] The pusher 230 is housed in a receiving duct 217 partially delimited by partitions of the housing 210. This receiving duct 217 is arranged close to the insertion duct 211 of the electrical conductor. Here, it extends generally parallel to the insertion duct 211 associated with the same connection system 220 ( figure 9 ).

[0058] This receiving conduit 217 opens onto an opening 217A of the front face 214 of the housing 210 through which the pusher 230 can pass ( figure 9 ). It extends along a longitudinal axis which corresponds to the direction of movement A2 of the pusher 230.

[0059] The front portion 214A of the cover 210A comprises six openings 217A, each providing access to one of the receiving ducts 217. The openings 217A are here aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main lateral faces 212 of the housing 210 near the access openings 211A of the insertion ducts 211.

[0060] The actuating head 231 of the pusher 230 has a shape suitable for closing the opening 217A of the front face 214 of the housing 210. Here, this opening 217A is square in shape and the actuating head 231 of the pusher 230 is substantially cubic ( figure 9 ). It also has a notch allowing the insertion of a tool to push in the pusher ( figures 1 à 4 ).

[0061] The pusher 230 also comprises stop elements limiting the movement of the pusher 230 towards the outside of the receiving duct 217 when the latter is in the raised position.

[0062] The intermediate part 260 has the function of retaining the pusher 230 in its depressed position and of allowing it to move to the raised position only when the electrical conductor is correctly inserted into the insertion conduit 211.

[0063] For this purpose, the intermediate part 260 is movable between a retaining position in which its retaining part 261 cooperates with the pusher 230 to, by itself, hold it in its depressed position and a release position in which said retaining part 261 is released from its cooperation with the pusher 230 so that the latter takes its raised position.

[0064] The intermediate part 260 further comprises an actuating part 262 accessible via said insertion conduit 211 of the electrical conductor ( figures 3 , 4 And 9 ). It also comprises a flexible link 263 connecting this actuating part 262 to the retaining part 261 ( figure 9 ) in an articulate manner.

[0065] The arrangement of the link 263 of the intermediate part 260 relative to the retaining 261 and actuating 262 parts gives it elastic properties.

[0066] Preferably, the intermediate part 260 is a single-piece part made of molded plastic. It is, for example, molded or obtained by any other technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0067] The retaining part 261 has for example the shape of a hook whose free end cooperates in a retaining manner with the foot 233 of the pusher 230. At the base of the retaining part 261, a journal 266 ( figure 9 ) is received in a housing of complementary shape of the housing 210, so as to allow the pivoting of the retaining part 261 around the axis of the journal, which thus constitutes a pivot axis B2.

[0068] The actuating part 262 comprises a rod with, at its free end, a platform which navigates in the insertion conduit 211 of the electrical conductor and on which the latter can press ( figure 9 ).

[0069] The electrical terminal block 200 according to the invention also comprises an assembly for electrical connection to another electrical terminal block of the same type.

[0070] This electrical connection assembly comprises a male connection element 270 and a female connection element 280 each comprising an internal part 271, 281 electrically connected inside the housing 210 to said electrical connection device connecting the terminals together ( figure 9 ).

[0071] Remarkably, the male connection element 270 comprises a connection pin 272 which, in a connection configuration, extends outside the housing 210 towards the rear face 213 of said housing 210 along a connection axis C2 substantially parallel to said main lateral face 212 of the housing 210 ( figure 2 ). Furthermore, the female connection element 280 has a mouth 284 arranged opposite an opening 286 provided in the front face 214 of said housing 210 and oriented along a receiving axis R2 parallel to the connection axis C2 ( figures 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 And 11 ).

[0072] In the embodiment shown in the figures 1 à 11 , the male connection element 270 is movable between said connection configuration in which said connection pin 272 extends outside said housing 210, parallel to one of its main lateral faces 212 and an offline configuration, in which said connection pin 272 is housed inside the housing 210.

[0073] The male connection element 270 is in the form of a flat plate which extends in a plane substantially parallel to the upper and lower faces 215S, 215I of the housing and perpendicular to the main lateral faces 212.

[0074] It comprises an internal part 271 which remains permanently housed inside the housing 210, from which an L-shaped strip extends. The free branch of the L forms the connection pin 272. The other branch of the L constitutes an intermediate part 272A connecting the connection pin 272 to the internal part 271 ( figure 9 ).

[0075] In the example shown in the figures, the male connection element 270 is movable in translation between said connection and disconnection configurations. It is moved in the plane of said flat plate, in a direction perpendicular to the main lateral faces 212.

[0076] Alternatively, it could be envisaged that the male connection element is pivotally movable between the connection configuration and the disconnection configuration, around a pivot axis parallel to the main lateral faces.

[0077] In order to allow its movement inside the housing 210 while maintaining its electrical connection with the conductive bar 250, said male connection element 270 is electrically connected to this conductive bar 250 by means of a flexible or deformable connector 257. This is for example an electrical braid welded directly onto the conductive bar 250 and onto the male connection element 270.

[0078] Furthermore, an actuator 290 is provided adapted to cooperate with said male connection element 270 to move it from the connection configuration to its offline configuration and vice versa.

[0079] This actuator 290 is in the form of a block provided with a slot 292 open towards the rear of the housing 210 and adapted to receive a part of the front edge of the flat plate forming the male connection element 270. The front edge of the flat plate forming the male connection element 270 comprises two notches 273 which cooperate with complementary ribs arranged in the bottom of the slot 292 to make the actuator 290 and the male connection element 270 integral during the movement of the actuator 290 ( figure 9 ).

[0080] The actuator 290 further comprises, at the front, an operating part 291 accessible to the user on the front face of the electrical box 210. For this purpose, the cover 210A of the box 210 comprises a window 216 through which the operating part 291 of the actuator 290 emerges outside the box 210 at the front thereof. This window 216 has dimensions which also allow the actuator 290 to move in translation. The window 216 guides this movement ( figures 1 And 2 ).

[0081] In the embodiment of the electrical terminal block 200 shown, the male connection element 270 and said female connection element 280 consist of two separate parts electrically connected to each other.

[0082] Alternatively, said male and female connecting elements may be formed in one piece.

[0083] Said female connection element 280 is in the form of an elastic clamp.

[0084] It thus comprises a profiled receiving part in the shape of a lyre, with two wings 282 rising opposite each other from a base 283. The free ends of said wings 282 are curved outwards and delimit the mouth 284 of the female connection element 280. The wings 282 delimit between them a well for receiving the connection pin of a similar electrical terminal block which extends along the receiving axis R2 of the female connection element.

[0085] A spring blade 285 forms a jumper which grips the wings 282 of the receiving part of the female connection element 280 so as to permanently bring the two wings towards each other while allowing the passage of the connection pin of said similar electrical terminal block.

[0086] The base 283 of the receiving portion of the female connection element 280 is extended by the internal portion 281 of the female connection element 280.

[0087] This internal part 281 of said female connection element 280 is directly electrically connected to the conductive bar 250 or directly electrically connected to said internal part 271 of the male connection element 270.

[0088] Here, the male connection element 270 is housed in a portion of the housing 210 located near its upper face 215S. The connection pin 272 extends above the contact portion 252 of the conductive bar 250.

[0089] The female connection element 280 therefore also extends above the contact portion 252 of the conductive bar 250. The internal portion 281 of the female connection element 280 is welded directly onto the conductive bar 250.

[0090] The connecting part 253 of the conductive bar 250 is extended for this purpose in the direction of the upper face 215S of the housing 110 by a tab 256 which accommodates the internal part 281 of the female connection element 280.

[0091] The length of the connecting pin 272 and the distance between the mouth 284 and the base 283 of the female connecting element 280 are adapted such that the connecting pin 272 can be housed for the most part inside the female connecting element 280.

[0092] A root 272B of the connection pin 272 opposite its free end and the mouth 284 of the female connection element 280 extend substantially in a plane parallel to the rear face 213 of the housing 210. This ensures a satisfactory electrical connection between these two elements.

[0093] Furthermore, the root 272B of the connection pin 272 and the mouth 284 of the female connection element 280 extend in a plane perpendicular to said main lateral faces 212 of the housing 210. This ensures that the male connection element 270 of a first electrical terminal block 200 is opposite a female connection element 280 of a second similar neighboring electrical terminal block.

[0094] The housing 210 of the electrical terminal block 200 comprises two lateral slots 218, 219 formed in the main lateral faces 212 and each adapted for the passage of said connection pin 272.

[0095] A first 218 of these two lateral slots allows a portion of the male connection element 270 to pass through such that the connection pin 272 extends outside the housing 210.

[0096] The first slot 218 is wide enough to allow the connection pin 272 to pass as a whole when it passes from the connected configuration to the disconnected configuration and vice versa.

[0097] Internal partitions 218A of the housing 200 extend from the first slot 218 and define a housing for the male connection element 270 in which the latter can slide.

[0098] A second 219 of these side slots is adapted to allow the connection pin of another similar electrical terminal block to pass through for its electrical connection with said electrical terminal block ( figure 5 ).

[0099] The second lateral slot 219 extends the opening 286 of the front face 214 which gives access to the mouth 284 of the female connection element 280 on the front face of the terminal block. Thus the connection pin 272 of the other electrical terminal block can be inserted into the female connection element 280 by a translational movement of the pin from front to back in a direction parallel to the main lateral faces 212 or by a lateral translational movement in a direction perpendicular to the main lateral faces 212.

[0100] Now we will describe the use of the 200 electrical terminal block.

[0101] Depending on the number of electrical conductors to be connected to the same electrical potential, the user determines the number of 200 electrical terminal blocks required for his electrical installation.

[0102] If two or more 200 electrical terminal blocks are required, the user electrically connects the desired number of electrical terminal blocks.

[0103] To connect an electrical terminal block 200 to another terminal block of the same type, the user takes the electrical terminal block 200 in its disconnected configuration. He positions the electrical terminal block 200 against the other terminal block, such that the facing main lateral faces of the two terminal blocks extend against each other. Then, he applies his finger or a tool against the operating part 291 of the actuator 290 and slides it into the window 216 of the housing 210 of the electrical terminal block 200. In doing so, the connection pin 272 of the male connection element 270 slides out of the housing 210 through the first slot 218 of this housing 210 and enters the female connection element of the other terminal block, through the second slot of this other terminal block.

[0104] Alternatively, the user can connect the electrical terminal block 200 by first positioning the connection pin in its connection configuration, placing the electrical terminal block 200 to be connected in front of the other terminal block, and then moving it backward until the connection pin 272 of the electrical terminal block 200 enters the female connection element of the other electrical terminal block, in a translational movement parallel to the main lateral faces of the other terminal block.

[0105] Once the two electrical terminal blocks are connected, they can be mounted in the electrical cabinet or fixed in their final housing.

[0106] Alternatively, the other electrical terminal block may already be mounted in the cabinet, or fixed in its housing before connection with the relevant electrical terminal block 200. The electrical terminal block 200 may be mounted in the cabinet or fixed in its housing simultaneously with its connection to the other terminal block (for example by clipping) or after connection.

[0107] After factory manufacture of the electrical terminal block 200 or after disconnection of an electrical conductor from each connection terminal, the electrical terminal block is in an unarmored arrangement.

[0108] In this unarmed arrangement, the spring blade 240 is at rest: it is not constrained by the pusher 230. On the contrary, the elbow 244 of the spring blade 240 cooperates with a part of the cooperation surface 234 of the pusher 230 having a concave, hollow curvature, close to the foot 233 of the pusher 230. The elbow 244 exerts at this level a pressure on the cooperation surface 234 of the pusher 230 which pushes the latter forward, through the opening 217A of its receiving conduit 217.

[0109] The actuating head 231 of the pusher 230 projects from the housing 210 of the electrical terminal block 200 through the opening 217 in the front face 214 of the housing 210. The stop elements of the pusher 230 prevent the pusher from coming out of the housing 210.

[0110] The spring blade 240 is in its closing configuration: the free end of the interaction branch 242 extends into the insertion conduit 211 of the housing 210. Access to the connection terminal is blocked since if an electrical conductor is inserted into the insertion conduit 211, its end taps against the free end of the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240.

[0111] The intermediate part 260 is without contact and without interaction with the pusher 230.

[0112] The retaining portion 261 of the intermediate piece 260 extends parallel to the direction of movement D2 of the pusher 230.

[0113] The actuating portion 262 of the intermediate piece 160; 260 is housed largely in the insertion conduit 211.

[0114] To use the electrical terminal block 200, a first step consists of arming the spring blade 240 of each connection terminal, that is to say placing it in the waiting configuration. To do this, the user presses the push button 230 by pressing on the actuating head 231 thereof which protrudes from the housing 210.

[0115] It is possible to press the actuating head 231 of the pusher 230 manually, using a finger, or using a tool. To facilitate the use of a tool, the front face of the actuating head 231 of the pusher 230 has a slot; 237 allowing the insertion of the end of the tool, for example a screwdriver ( figure 1 ).

[0116] When the pusher 230 is pushed into its housing 218, its foot 233 comes into contact with the retaining part 261 of the intermediate part 260. The latter pivots slightly as the pusher 230 is pushed to let it pass. Finally, the retaining part 261 is returned to its initial position, in the direction of movement D2 of the pusher by the elastic properties of the link 263. It then hooks onto the foot 233 of the pusher 230. In practice, this amounts to clipping the pusher 230 onto the retaining part 261 of the intermediate part 260. The pusher 230 is thus locked in the pushed position ( figure 1 ).

[0117] Thanks to the profile of the pusher 230, which becomes thinner from its actuating head 231 to its foot 233 and to its positioning relative to the spring blade 240, the thickness of the part of the pusher 230 in contact with the spring blade 240 increases progressively when the pusher 230 moves from the raised position to the pressed position. This thickness is measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the pusher 230 ( figures 3 , 4 , 9 ).

[0118] By sliding along the direction of movement, the pusher 230 thus progressively pushes the elbow 244 of the spring blade 240 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the pusher 230, towards the insertion conduit 211 of the housing 210.

[0119] The spring blade 240 thus passes into its waiting configuration when the pusher 230 is pressed into its receiving duct 217: the two parts of the support branch 241 of the spring blade 240 forming a U come together, the interaction branch 242 is moved towards the insertion duct 211. The window 243 of the interaction branch 242 is offset and is placed in the insertion duct 211, at the outlet of the well 211B, so as to free access to the connection terminal ( figures 3 And 4 ).

[0120] Each connection terminal of the electrical terminal block 200 is thus armed and ready to receive an electrical conductor for its connection ( figures 1 à 4 ).

[0121] Preferably, each connection terminal of the electrical terminal block 200 is factory-armed so as to be delivered ready for use by the user.

[0122] When the pusher 230 is in its depressed position, the pusher 230 is fully housed in the housing 210. Its actuating head 231 is flush with or set back from the front face 214 of the housing 210 ( figures 1 And 2 ).

[0123] Advantageously, the fact that the push button 230 does not protrude from the housing 210 in its depressed position visually indicates to the operator that the corresponding connection terminal is armed. In addition, the access opening 211A of the insertion conduit 211 makes it possible to verify that the connection terminal is accessible to the electrical conductor.

[0124] A second step in the implementation of the electrical terminal block 200 consists of introducing the electrical conductor into the insertion conduit 211 of the housing 210 ( figure 3 ). This is, for example, an electrical conductor of the flexible cable type with a crimped end. However, other types of electrical conductors can be used.

[0125] The end of the electrical conductor passes through the access opening 211A, into the well 211B partially delimiting the insertion conduit 211 and through the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240. The end of the electrical conductor is introduced between the edge of the opening of the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240 and the conductive bar 250 ( figures 3 , 4 And 6 ).

[0126] It comes into contact with the platform of the actuating part 262 of the intermediate part 260 and presses on it, thus pushing the actuating part 262 of the intermediate part 260 towards the rear face of the housing 210. The translational movement of the actuating part 262 of the intermediate part 260 deforms the link 263 and causes the movement of the retaining part 261 of the intermediate part 260 to release the pusher 230.

[0127] When the electrical conductor is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 211, the retaining portion 261 of the intermediate piece 260 pivots about the pivot axis B2 defined by the journal 266 of the intermediate piece 260, in the direction of the actuating portion 262. In doing so, the hook formed by the free end of the retaining portion 261 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 233 of the pusher 230 and releases the latter.

[0128] The pusher 230 is no longer held in its depressed position, it rises towards its raised position under the pressure of the spring blade 240 which tends to return to its initial shape, that is to say its shape at rest in the closing configuration. The cooperation surface 234 of the pusher 230 is thus adapted to cooperate with the bend of the spring blade 240 so as to move the pusher 230 forward.

[0129] The elbow 244 of the spring blade 240 slides on the cooperation surface 234 of the pusher 230 and thus pushes the latter towards the outside of the housing 210. The pusher 230 then moves in translation along the direction of movement D2 until the stop elements of the pusher come into abutment against the stop walls of the housing 210. The elbow 244 is positioned against the concave curvature portion of the cooperation surface 234 of the pusher 230.

[0130] In doing so, the window 243 of the interaction branch 242 of the spring blade 240 moves and its edge clamps the electrical conductor inserted in the insertion conduit 211 against the conductive bar 250.

[0131] This movement of the spring blade 240 results in a “click” type sound signal which indicates to the operator that the connection has been made.

[0132] Thus, the electrical connection is established only when the pusher 230 is released from its cooperation with the retaining part 261 of the intermediate piece 260, i.e. when the electrical conductor is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 211 and presses on the actuating part 262 of the intermediate piece 260.

[0133] As a result, the electrical connection is reliable and secure.

[0134] To disconnect an electrical conductor from the connection terminal, it is necessary to depress the pusher 230, manually or using a tool, to move the spring blade 240 into its waiting configuration, at least temporarily. It is not necessary to fully depress the pusher 230 until it hooks onto the retaining portion of the intermediate piece 260.

[0135] It is possible to press the pusher 230 with one hand until the electrical conductor is released and remove it with the other hand. When the operator releases the pressure on the pusher 230, it returns to its raised position. The connection terminal must be armed again to accommodate a new electrical conductor.

[0136] It is also possible to fully depress the pusher 230 to move it into its depressed position. It then remains locked in this position and the operator has both hands free to act on the electrical conductor and remove it. The connection terminal is armed and ready to receive a new electrical conductor.

Claims

1. An electrical terminal block (200) comprising: - a casing (210) with two parallel main side faces (212), a top face (2155), a bottom face (215I), a rear face (213) and a front face (214); - a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals housed in the casing (210) and connected to the same electrical potential by an electrical connection device contained in said casing (210); and - an electrical connection assembly that comprises a male connection element (270) and a female connection element (280) each comprising an internal part (181) electrically connected inside the casing (210) to said electrical connection device, - the male connection element (270) comprising a connection pin (272) which, when in a connection configuration, extends out of the casing (210) towards the rear face (213) of said casing (210) along a connection axis (C2) substantially parallel to one of said main side faces (212) of the casing (210), and the female connection element (280) having a mouth (284) arranged facing an opening (286) provided in the front face (214) of said casing (210) and oriented along a reception axis (R2) parallel to the connection axis (C2), characterized in that said male connection element (270) is able to move between said connection configuration and a non-connection configuration in which said connection pin (272) is housed inside the casing (210), and in that, said electrical connection device comprising a busbar (250) against which each electrical connection terminal (240) is arranged, said male connection element (270) is electrically connected to this busbar (250) by means of a flexible or deformable connector (257).

2. An electrical terminal block (200) according to claim 1, in which said male connection element (270) is able to move in translation between said connection and non-connection configurations.

3. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which said connector (257) comprises an electrical braid welded directly to the busbar (250) and to the male connection element (270).

4. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which an actuator (290) is provided that is designed to cooperate with said male connection element (270) to switch it from the connection configuration to its non-connection configuration and vice versa, this actuator (290) comprising a manoeuvring part (291) that is accessible to the user on the front face of the casing (210).

5. An electrical terminal block (200) according to claim 4, in which the front face (214) of said casing (210) comprises a window (216) through which the manoeuvring part (291) emerges at the front of the casing (210).

6. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the casing (210) comprises two lateral slots (218, 219) provided in the main side faces (212), one being designed so that said connection pin (272) can pass through and the other being designed so that a connection pin of another similar electrical terminal block can pass through.

7. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the connection terminals (240) of said plurality of connection terminals are arranged side by side, aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces (212) of the casing (210), and the front face (214) of the casing (210) comprises a plurality of access openings (211A) providing access to the connection terminals, aligned in this direction.

8. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which said male connection element (270) and said female connection element (280) are constituted by two separate parts connected together electrically.

9. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which said internal part (281) of said female connection element (280) is electrically connected directly to this busbar (250) or electrically connected directly to said internal part of the male connection element.

10. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which said female connection element (280) is in the form of a resilient clip.

11. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which a root of the connection pin (272) opposite its free end and the mouth (284) of the female connection element (280) extend substantially in a plane parallel to the rear face (213) of the casing (210).

12. An electrical terminal block (200) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the connection axis (C2) along which said connection pin (272) extends and the reception axis (R2) of said female connection element (280) extend in a plane perpendicular to said main side faces (212).