Electrical apparatus with automatic connection terminal actuated by the insertion of the electrical conductor

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device (100) comprising a housing (110) provided with an insertion conduit (111) for an electrical conductor (1) and housing an electrical connection system (120) associated with said insertion conduit, this electrical connection system comprising: - an automatic spring-loaded terminal (140), said insertion conduit providing access to said automatic terminal, - a push button (130) movable between two stable positions: a raised position in which it frees the spring-loaded blade that closes said insertion conduit and a depressed position in which it forces the spring-loaded blade to open said insertion conduit, and - a movable retaining element (160) comprising a retaining portion (161) movable between a retaining position in which this retaining portion cooperates with the push button to, by itself,to maintain it in its depressed position and a release position in which said retaining part is released from its cooperation with the pusher so that the latter assumes its raised position. According to the invention, the retaining element comprises an actuating part (162) accessible via said electrical conductor insertion conduit.

Description

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

[0002] It relates more particularly to an electrical device comprising a housing provided with a conduit for inserting an electrical conductor and housing an electrical connection system associated with said insertion conduit, this electrical connection system comprising: an automatic connection terminal with a spring blade, said insertion conduit providing access to said automatic connection terminal, a pusher movable between two stable positions: a raised position in which it leaves free the spring blade which closes said insertion conduit and a depressed position in which it forces the spring blade to open said insertion conduit, a movable retaining element comprising a retaining part movable between a retaining position in which this retaining part cooperates with the pusher to, by itself, hold it in its depressed position and a release position in which said retaining part is released from its cooperation with the pusher so that the latter takes its raised position, said retaining element comprising an actuating part accessible via said electrical conductor insertion conduit.

[0003] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of a junction block comprising in the same housing a plurality of electrical connection systems as described previously associated with a plurality of conduits for inserting independent electrical conductors.

[0004] Electrical devices are known from the state of the art in which it is necessary to use a tool to move the retaining element. Thus, to connect an electrical conductor to the automatic connection terminal of the electrical connection system of one of these electrical devices, it is necessary to perform two simultaneous actions: with one hand, the retaining element must be moved to its release position using a tool while the other hand inserts the conductor into the corresponding insertion conduit. This connection operation can be cumbersome and lead to an unreliable connection of the electrical conductor.

[0005] Furthermore, documents DE102019121581 and DE102019135203 describe electrical devices according to the preamble of claim 1 in which the retaining element is a separate element from the spring blade of the automatic connection terminal.

[0006] According to document DE102019121581, the retaining element is formed by a spring blade distinct from the spring blade of the automatic connection terminal and which comprises a first part fixed to the housing of the device and a second part free to pivot between the retaining and release positions.

[0007] According to document DE102019135203, the retaining element is mounted on a conductive bar of the connection terminal so as to be able to pivot. It comprises a hook-shaped part adapted to cooperate in a retaining manner both with the end of the connection branch of the spring blade and with a complementary retaining element provided at the end of the pusher. During this cooperation, the hook-shaped part of the retaining element holds the pusher in its depressed position.

[0008] Compared to the aforementioned state of the art, the present invention provides an electrical apparatus with a limited number of elements, in which the connection of the electrical conductor is quick, simple and reliable.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention provides an electrical apparatus as defined in claim 1.

[0010] Thus, advantageously according to the invention, when the end of the electrical conductor is inserted into the insertion conduit, it presses on the actuating part of the retaining element, which causes the release of the pusher, which in turn leaves the spring blade free to return to its rest position. In doing so, the spring blade presses the electrical conductor inserted into the connection terminal against a conductive plate. This arrangement results in the automatic connection of the electrical conductor only when it is correctly inserted into the insertion conduit and presses on the actuating part of the retaining element. Furthermore, no tools are required.

[0011] The connection of the electrical conductor to the automatic connection terminal of the electrical device is therefore particularly easy, quick and reliable.

[0012] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the electrical apparatus according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are defined in claims 2 to 416.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Several embodiments are described in this description, some of which are not covered by the claims and therefore do not belong to the invention. These embodiments are retained in the description to ensure its intelligibility. Embodiments excluded from the scope of the claims are clearly identified.

[0015] On the attached drawings: There figure 1 is a schematic side perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical device not included in the invention, in which a side wall of the housing is not shown, each pusher being in the raised position, The figure 2 is a schematic view similar to that of the figure 1 , of the device of the figure 1 in which each pusher is in the depressed position, The figure 3 is a partial side perspective schematic view of the apparatus of the figure 1 , in which an electrical conductor is partially inserted according to a movement represented by the arrow F1, The figure 4 is a partial side perspective schematic view of the apparatus of the figure 1 , in which an electrical conductor is completely inserted, The figure 5 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of the figure 1 in which the electrical conductor is released by the use of a tool, The figure 6 is a schematic side perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 1 complete, each pusher being in its raised position, The figure 7 is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical apparatus of the figure 2 mounted on a support rail, The figure 8 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 6 , There figure 9 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an electrical apparatus not included in the invention, in which a side wall of the housing is not shown, each pusher being in the raised position, The figure 10 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 9 , There figure 11 is a schematic side perspective view of a retaining element of the electrical apparatus of the figure 8 , There figure 12 is a partial side perspective schematic view of the apparatus of the figure 9 , in which an electrical conductor is partially inserted according to a movement represented by the arrow F2, The figure 13 is a partial side perspective schematic view of the apparatus of the figure 9 , in which an electrical conductor is completely inserted, The figure 14 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrical apparatus not included in the invention, The figure 15 is a schematic side perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 14 , the front cover having been removed, The figure 16 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the invention, The figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a connection system of the electrical device of the figure 16 , There figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a pusher of the connection system of the figure 17 , There figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 16 and an electrical conductor intended to be inserted into the device according to a movement represented by arrow F3, The figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 19 , in which the electrical conductor is completely inserted into one of the connection terminals of the electrical appliance, The figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 20 in which a tool is used to push the pusher according to arrow F4 to release the electrical conductor, The figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of the figure 21 in which the pusher is pressed using the tool and the electrical conductor is released according to arrow F6, The figure 23 is a schematic sectional view according to plan PC1 of the figure 19 , with the electrical conductor ready for insertion, The figure 24 is a schematic sectional view similar to that of the figure 23 , in which the stripped end of the electrical conductor is partially inserted into a connection terminal of the electrical appliance, The figure 25 is a schematic view of the electrical apparatus of the figure 24 , in section along a median plane PC2 (represented on the figure 21 ) of one of the legs of the pusher of the electrical device, The figure 26 is a schematic sectional view according to plan PC1 of the electrical device of the figure 20 , with the stripped end of the electrical conductor fully inserted into the connection terminal of the electrical appliance, The figure 27 is a schematic sectional view according to plan PC1 of the electrical device of the figure 21 , There figure 28 is a schematic view of the electrical apparatus of the figure 21 , in section along the median plane PC2 of one of the legs of the pusher, The figure 29 is a schematic sectional view according to plan PC1 of the electrical device of the figure 22 before the removal of the electrical conductor, The figure 30 is a schematic view of the electrical apparatus of the figure 29 , in section along the median plane P2 of one of the legs of the pusher La figure 31 is a schematic sectional view according to plan PC1 of the electrical device of the figure 20 , in the event that the pusher is released from the retaining element in the absence of insertion of the electrical conductor, The figure 32 is a schematic sectional view according to plan PC1 of the electrical device of the figure 31 , during the insertion of the electrical conductor, The figure 33 is a schematic view of the electrical apparatus of the figure 32 , in section along the median plane PC2 of one of the legs of the pusher, The figure 34 is a schematic rear perspective view of a front part of the electrical apparatus of the figure 16 with only one connection system represented, The figure 35 is an enlarged schematic view of zone A of the figure 34 , and The figure 36 is a schematic sectional view according to a PM2 plan of the figure 20 without the electrical conductor.

[0016] In the following description, by convention, the term "front" will designate the side of the electrical appliance facing a user when this electrical appliance is in the use position, while the term "rear" will designate the opposite side of this appliance. The terms "upper" and "lower" will be used with reference to the vertical direction for the user standing in front of the electrical appliance in the use position.

[0017] As a preliminary point, it will be noted that, from one figure to another, the identical or similar elements of the different embodiments of an electrical device will be referenced by the same reference signs and will not be described each time.

[0018] The figures show four embodiments of an electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400. The first, second and third embodiments described below relate to devices not covered by the claims. The electrical device 400 of the fourth embodiment is in accordance with the invention.

[0019] The electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 shown and described here 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 junction blocks 100; 200 of the first and second embodiments ( figures 1 à 13 ) are adapted to ensure the junction between two electrical conductors, while the terminal blocks 300; 400 conforming to the third and fourth embodiments ( figures 14 , 15 , 16 And 19-32 ) makes it possible to ensure the junction between a plurality of electrical conductors, the number of which is here between 2 and 6 in the third embodiment and between 2 and 8 in the fourth embodiment.

[0020] Of course, it is possible to design terminal blocks for providing the electrical connection of any number of electrical conductors based on one of the terminal blocks 300; 400 according to the third or fourth embodiment. Furthermore, as explained later, the terminal blocks 300; 400 of the third and fourth embodiments can be connected in series with another terminal block of the same type, which allows the connection of additional electrical conductors.

[0021] The electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 described here comprises an electrically insulating housing 110; 210; 310; 410 made for example of plastic.

[0022] For the implementation of its junction function, the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 comprises a plurality of independent insertion conduits 111; 211; 311; 411 each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor 1 and houses a plurality of identical electrical connection systems 120; 220; 320; 420, each electrical connection system 120; 220; 320; 420 being respectively associated with one of the insertion conduits 111; 211; 311; 411 ( figures 1 , 12 , 14 And 16 ).

[0023] Each of the first and second embodiments of the electrical device 100; 200 is here provided with two independent insertion conduits 111; 211 for the insertion of two electrical conductors 1 and houses two identical electrical connection systems 120; 220 respectively associated with the two insertion conduits 111; 211.

[0024] The two insertion conduits 111; 211 and the two associated electrical connection systems are identical apart from their symmetrical arrangement relative to a median plane P1; P2 of the corresponding electrical device 100; 200 ( figures 5 And 9 ).

[0025] The housing 310 of the electrical apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment is here provided with six independent insertion conduits 311 each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor 1. The insertion conduits 311 are here arranged side by side, parallel to each other. The housing 310 houses six electrical connection systems 320 respectively associated with the six insertion conduits 311. They are therefore here arranged next to each other.

[0026] The housing 410 of the electrical apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment according to the invention is here provided with eight independent insertion conduits 411 each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor 1. The insertion conduits 411 are here arranged side by side, parallel to each other. The housing 410 houses eight electrical connection systems 420 respectively associated with the eight insertion conduits 411. They are here also arranged next to each other (see figures 16 And 19 à 22 And 36 ).

[0027] Alternatively, the electrical device may also be arranged to provide an electrical function different from that of the terminal block. Of course, when the electrical device is not a terminal block but an electrical device having another function such as a switch or an electrical outlet, the housing may be provided with a single insertion conduit and house a single associated connection system.

[0028] The references associated with the insertion conduits and electrical connection systems of each embodiment are identical and the following description applies to each of them.

[0029] As shown by the figures 1 à 10 And 12 , 13, the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 of the first and second embodiments has a generally parallelepiped shape with two main lateral faces 112; 212 parallel, a rear face 113; 213, a front face 114; 214 and two opposite transverse faces 115; 215. Only the figures 6 à 8 show the two main side faces 112 of the electrical device 110. In the other views, one of the side walls of the housing 110; 210 is not shown, so as to show the interior of the housing 110; 210. In particular, in the figures 1 , 2 And 10 , only one of the two main lateral faces 112; 212 has been referenced.

[0030] Here, said two main lateral faces 112; 212 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 rise over the entire height of its housing 110; 210.

[0031] The rear face 113; 213 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 conventionally comprises a recess 113A; 213A comprising means for mounting the housing 110; 210 on a mounting rail 10 ( figure 7 ), intended to place this mounting rail 10 at the bottom of this recess 113A; 213A. This arrangement is classic and will not be described in more detail here.

[0032] The front face 114; 214 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 comprises an access opening 111A; 211A giving access to the insertion conduit 111; 211. Here, two access openings 111A; 211A are therefore provided, each giving access to one of the insertion conduits 111; 211 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 ( figures 2 , 6 , 7 , 8 . 10 ).

[0033] The two access openings 111A are aligned in a direction parallel to the main lateral faces 112; 212 of the housing 110; 210.

[0034] As can be seen on the figures 1 à 5 , 8 à 10 And 12 , 13 , the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 also internally comprises multiple partitions which delimit different internal housings of the housing 110; 210. The partitions maintain the elements of the connection system 120; 220 inside the housing 110; 210 and electrically isolate certain elements from each other.

[0035] In particular, an internal partition of the housing 110; 210 having a substantially cylindrical internal face here delimits a well 111B; 211B opening onto the access opening 111A; 211A so as to partially form said insertion conduit 111; 211 ( figures 2 And 10) at its entry. Each electrical conductor 1 can be inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211 in an insertion direction D1; D2 which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the insertion conduit 111; 211. This insertion direction also corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the well 111B; 211B.

[0036] The housing 310; 410 of the electrical apparatus of the third and fourth embodiments here comprises a rear part 310A; 410A and a front part 310B; 410B which are assembled to form said housing 310; 410 ( figures 14 And 16 ).

[0037] The rear portion 310A; 410A of the housing 310; 410 comprises a bottom 313A provided with a rear face 313; 413. Two parallel rear main side walls 312A; 412A rise from the bottom, bordering it.

[0038] The front part 310B; 410B of the housing 310; 410, also called hereinafter “cover 310B; 410B”, comprises a front part 314B; 414B provided with a front face 314; 414, constituting the front face of the housing 310; 410, as well as four side walls extending from the front part 314B; 414B including two parallel front main side walls 312B; 412B ( figures 14 , 16 , 36 ).

[0039] When the housing 310;410 is assembled, the cover 310B;410B and the rear portion 310A;410A extend edge to edge so that the front 312B;412B and rear 312A;412A main side walls form two parallel main side walls of the housing 310;410 provided with two main side faces 312;412. The cover 310B;410B and the rear portion 310A;410B also together form two transverse walls provided with two transverse faces 315;415 ( figures 14 , 15 And 19-22 ).

[0040] In the third embodiment, the front part 314B of the cover 310B comprises access openings 311A ​​each giving access to one of the insertion conduits 311. Six access openings 311A ​​are therefore provided here ( figure 14 ). The access openings 311A ​​are here aligned in a direction L ( figure 14 ) perpendicular to the main lateral faces 312 of the housing 310.

[0041] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, one of the transverse faces 415 of the housing 410 comprises, at the level of the rear part 410A of the housing 410, access openings 411A each giving access to one of the insertion conduits 411. Eight access openings 411A are therefore provided here ( figures 19- 22 ). The access openings 411A are also aligned in a direction L ( figure 19 ) perpendicular to the main lateral faces 412 of the housing 410.

[0042] In the third and fourth embodiments, the housing 310; 410 also comprises internal partitions. These internal partitions extend over the entire height of the housing 310; 410, between the front portion 314B; 414B and the bottom 313A; 413A. They extend parallel to the main lateral faces 312; 412 of the housing 310; 410, so as to electrically insulate the insertion conduits 311; 411 from the electrical conductors ( figures 14 , 16 And 36 ). They are formed by joining together rear partition elements 370A; 470A and front 370B; 470B during the assembly of the rear part 310A; 410A of the housing and the cover 310B; 410B ( figures 14 , 16 , 33 , 36 ).

[0043] As in the first and second embodiments described above, each insertion conduit 311 of the third embodiment comprises a well 311B opening onto the access opening 311A. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the insertion well 411B is limited to the thickness of one of the walls of the housing 410 ( figure 16 ).

[0044] In the third and fourth embodiments, each electrical conductor 1 can be inserted into the insertion conduit 311; 411 in an insertion direction D3; D4 which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the insertion conduit 311; 411. It also corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding well 311B; 411B ( figures 15 And 16 ).

[0045] The insertion directions D3; D4 of the electrical conductors corresponding to the longitudinal axes of the insertion conduits 311; 411 extend here in the same plane perpendicular to the main lateral faces 312; 412 of the housing 310; 410. In particular, the insertion directions D3; D4 are oriented substantially perpendicular to a median plane PM1; PM2 of the housing, perpendicular to the main lateral faces 312; 412 of the housing 310; 410 ( figures 14 , 15 And 19 à 22 ). In the third embodiment ( figure 15 ), the median plane PM1 is substantially perpendicular to the main lateral faces 312 of the housing 310 as well as to the transverse faces 315 of this housing. In the fourth embodiment ( figure 19-22 ) according to the invention, the median plane PM2 is substantially perpendicular to the main lateral faces 412 of the housing 410 as well as to the front 414 and rear 413 faces of this housing. The insertion directions D4 then extend parallel to the plane PM1 substantially perpendicular to the main lateral faces 412 of the housing 410 as well as to the transverse faces 415.

[0046] The access openings 311A ​​of the electrical apparatus according to the third embodiment thus open on the front face of the housing 310 of the electrical apparatus 300, to the right of the user. Their accessibility is optimized.

[0047] Furthermore, it may preferably be provided that the access openings 317A are provided in a central area of ​​the front face 314 of the housing 310.

[0048] The access openings 411A of the electrical apparatus 400 according to the fourth embodiment according to the invention are provided in a central zone of one of the transverse faces 415 of the housing 410 of the electrical apparatus 400.

[0049] Whatever the embodiment envisaged, each electrical connection system 120; 220; 320; 420 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 comprises ( figures 1 à 5 , 8 à 13 And 16 ): an automatic spring blade connection terminal 140; 240; 340; 440 accessible through said insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411, a pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 which is movable between two stable positions and which cooperates with said spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440, and a retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 also movable, adapted to cooperate with said pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0050] The automatic spring blade connection terminal 140; 240; 340; 440 here comprises the spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 and a conductive plate 150; 250; 350; 450 ( figures 8 , 10 , 15 And 17 ).

[0051] In the first, second and third embodiments, the spring blade 140; 240; 340 is of the “guillotine” type. It consists of a folded metal strip which forms a loop. It has a support branch 141; 241; 341 and an interaction branch 142; 242; 342 provided with a window 143; 243; 343 through which passes a part of the conductive plate 150; 250; 350 ( figures 8 And 10). The interaction branch 142; 242; 342 may be straight or, as here, slightly curved. The support branch 141; 241; 341 is connected to the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 by an elbow 144; 244; 344. It is bent into a U such that its free end passes through the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342.

[0052] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the spring blade 440 has a different geometry. It consists of a folded metal strip which has a connection part 446 and an intermediate part 445. The connection part 446 comprises a support branch 441 and an interaction branch 442 connected by an elbow 444 ( figures 16 And 17). The connecting part 446 extends from the intermediate part 445 and is bent towards the latter. The intermediate part 445 extends in the extension of the support branch 441. It forms the retaining element 460 and an angled connecting part 443 which connects the retaining element 460 to the support branch 441 by allowing a pivoting movement of this retaining element 460, as will be described in more detail later. The interaction branch 442 extends towards the intermediate part 445.

[0053] Whatever the embodiment, when the spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 is at rest, that is to say not subjected to the action of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 as will be described later, the interaction branch 142; 242; 342; 442 tends to move away from the support branch 141; 241; 341; 441. This interaction branch 142; 242; 342; 442 is prestressed against the conductive plate 150; 250; 350; 450 when no electrical conductor is inserted into the connection terminal.

[0054] In the first and second embodiments, the spring blade 140; 240 is wound around a wall 116; 216 of the housing 110; 210 ( figures 1 , 8 , 9 And 10 ) for its retention in the housing 110; 210. It is positioned such that the interaction branch 142; 242 extends across the insertion conduit 111; 211.

[0055] The conductive plate 150; 250; 350; 450 is made of conductive metal material and it has a contact portion 152; 252; 352; 452 which partially delimits the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411.

[0056] In the first, second and third embodiments, the contact portion 152; 252; 352 is provided with a free end 153; 253; 353 which passes through the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 ( figures 8 , 10 And 14).Here, in order for the electrical device 100; 200; 300 to fulfill its function as a terminal block, the conductive plate 150; 250; 350 connects the connection terminals of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 to each other. It is therefore presented as an element common to the plurality of connection systems 120; 220; 320 housed in the housing. The conductive plate thus forms an electrical connection means entirely contained in the housing 110; 210; 310, which connect the electrical connection terminals to the same electrical potential. This conductive plate 150; 250; 350 is the only connection means which connects the electrical terminals of the electrical device 100; 200; 300.

[0057] In the first and second embodiments, the conductive metal plate forming the conductive plate 150; 250 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis. It is a conductive strip. It has a straight central portion 151; 251 which extends between the two connection terminals and two symmetrical contact portions 152; 252, folded face to face and located at its longitudinal ends. Each contact portion 152; 252 receives as support an end portion of one of the two spring blades 140; 240 ( figures 8 And 10 ).

[0058] The central part 151; 251 can be electrically connected to the electrical network.

[0059] A portion of the support branch 141; 241 of each spring blade 140; 240 extends parallel to the corresponding contact portion 152; 252 of the conductive plate 150; 250, against a lateral face thereof.

[0060] In the third embodiment of the electrical device, the conductive plate 350 is in the form of a metal plate of rectangular or square outline, bent around at least one axis parallel to two of its sides.

[0061] In the example shown here, the conductive plate 350 is bent around two parallel axes A1, A2 which extend perpendicular to the main lateral faces 312 of the housing 310. By convention, the directions in which the conductive plate 350 is bent extend in the lateral direction of the conductive plate 350, and the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction will be called the longitudinal direction of the conductive plate 350.

[0062] The conductive plate 350 thus comprises three substantially flat parts 351; 352; 354 ​​which are connected to each other by elbows ( figures 14 ).

[0063] A contact portion 352 of the conductive plate 350 located at a longitudinal end thereof receives the spring blade 340 of each connection system 320. The free edge of this contact portion 352 comprises teeth which each pass through the window 343 of the interaction branch 342 of one of the spring blades 340. These teeth here constitute the free end 353 of the contact portion 352 of the conductive plate 350.

[0064] The contact part 352 receives in support an end part of each spring blade 340 ( figures 14 And 15 ). A portion of the support branch 341 of each spring blade 340 extends parallel to the corresponding contact portion 352 of the conductive plate 350, against a lateral face thereof. The spring blades 340 are thus here arranged side by side to form a row of spring blades 340.

[0065] The other longitudinal end of the conductive plate 350 located opposite the teeth of the contact portion 352 is a connection portion 351 to the electrical network. It can be electrically connected to an electrical network.

[0066] For this purpose, an electrical connection element 380 is provided, here comprising two receiving cells 381 for an electrical connection pin connected by a tab 385. These electrical receiving cells 381 are connected to the conductive plate 350 via the tab 385 pressed against the connection part 351. They open opposite an opening 382 of the cover 310B adapted for the passage of the connection pin.

[0067] By positioning two electrical devices side by side, it is possible to connect them using an electrical connector comprising two electrical pins connected to each other, each electrical pin being plugged into the receiving socket of the electrical connection element 380 of one of the two electrical devices 300.

[0068] The intermediate portion 354 of the conductive plate 350 located between the contact portion 352 and the connection portion 351 is provided with a plurality of orifices 355 which allow the passage of each intermediate part 360, as explained later.

[0069] Thus, when the spring blade 140; 240; 340 is at rest, that is to say without constraint, and no electrical conductor is introduced into the connection terminal ( figures 1 And 9), the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 tends to move away from the free end of the support branch 141; 241; 341 which bears on the free end 153; 253; 353 of the contact part 152; 252; 352 of the conductive plate 150; 250; 350. In doing so, the edge of the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 is pressed against this free end 153; 253; 353 of the contact part 152; 252; 352 of the conductive plate 150; 250; 350.

[0070] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the conductive plate 450 has a U shape which delimits a housing which accommodates the connection part 446 of said spring blade 440 to which belongs the support branch 441 arranged against a first wing of the U formed by the conductive plate 450 and the interaction branch 442 constrained against the second wing of the U. The second wing of the U therefore forms the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 (see figure 17 ).

[0071] The first wing of the U formed by the conductive plate 450 comprises a relief 451 which passes through an opening in the support branch 441 of the spring blade 440 so as to block any sliding movement of the latter against the first wing (see figures 17 And 27 ).

[0072] The bottom of the U formed by the conductive plate 450, which connects the first and second wings of the U, has a through opening 454 near said second wing of the U. When the connection terminal is arranged in the housing 410 of the electrical device 400, the through opening 454 is arranged opposite one of the access openings 411A provided in the transverse face 415 of the housing 410, so as to allow the insertion of an electrical conductor into the connection terminal through the access opening 411A of the housing and the through opening 454 of the conductive plate 450. The electrical conductor introduced runs along the second wing of the U which therefore partially delimits the insertion conduit 411 (see figures 24 And 26 ).

[0073] The conductive plate 450 and the spring blade 440 have similar widths except for the free end 453 of the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450 which is narrower than the rest of the conductive plate so as to be received in a notch 442A formed in the free edge of the interaction branch 442 of the connection portion 446 of the spring blade 440 ( figure 16 ) when no electrical conductor is inserted into the connection terminal and no action is exerted on the spring blade 440 by the pusher 430. In this configuration, the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 extends across the insertion conduit 411 of the connection terminal.

[0074] Here, in order for the electrical device 400 to fulfill its function as a terminal block, connection means are provided which connect the connection terminals of the electrical device 400 to each other. This may be an element which connects the conductive plates 450 to the same electrical potential. These means are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail here.

[0075] The spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 is deformable between two configurations: a closure configuration in which the interaction branch 142; 242; 342; 442 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 extends across the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411 and a waiting configuration in which the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 releases the section of the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 to allow the insertion of an electrical conductor 1 into this conduit.

[0076] In the shutter configuration ( figures 1 , 5(right) and 9 (right)) of the spring blade of the first, second and third embodiments, a solid part of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 located at the free end thereof extends across the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 at the outlet of the well 111B; 211B; 311B. It thus closes the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and blocks access to the connection terminal (see the right terminal on the figures 1 , 5 , 12 And 13 ). This is particularly the case when the spring blade 140; 240; 340 is at rest, no conductor being introduced into the connection terminal. This configuration is not shown in the case of the third embodiment.

[0077] In the standby configuration ( figures 2 , 3 , 12 And 14), the spring blade 140; 240; 340 is forced to deform in such a way that the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 comes to be placed at the exit of the well 111B; 211B; 311B ( figures 2 And 10 ). It thus allows the passage of the electrical conductor 1 and its introduction into the connection terminal through the window 143; 243; 343 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340.

[0078] In the shutter configuration ( figure 31 ) of the spring blade of the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the interaction branch 442 of the connection part 446 of the spring blade 440 extends across the insertion duct 411 opposite the access opening 411A of the housing and the through opening 454 of the conductive plate 450. It thus closes the insertion duct 411. This is particularly the case when the pusher 430 is not in cooperation with the retaining element 460 and no conductor is introduced into the connection terminal. However, access to the connection terminal is not entirely blocked in this case, because the electrical conductor introduced into the insertion duct 411 can push back the interaction branch 442 of the connection part 446 of the spring blade 440 and be connected to the connection terminal.

[0079] In the standby configuration ( figure 23 ), the spring blade 440 is forced to deform in such a way that the interaction branch 442 of the connection part 446 of the spring blade 440 is moved away from the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450. It thus allows the passage of the electrical conductor 1 and its effortless introduction into the connection terminal through the access opening 411A of the housing and the through opening 454 of the conductive plate 450 ( figure 23 ).

[0080] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has the function of controlling the passage of the spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 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 130; 230; 330; 430 is provided associated with each spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440.

[0081] It comprises here an elongated pin, provided with an actuating head 131; 231; 331; 431, a body 132; 232; 332; 432 and a foot 133; 233; 333; 433 adapted to cooperate with said retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 ( figures 8 , 10 And 18 ). Preferably, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 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.

[0082] As explained in more detail below, this rigid pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is adapted to cooperate by hooking onto a rigid part of the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460.

[0083] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is delimited by two parallel lateral faces 130A; 230A; 330A; 430A extending parallel to the main lateral faces 112; 212; 312; 412 of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410. These two lateral faces 130A; 230A; 330A; 430A are connected to a front end of the pin by a front face 130B; 230B; 330B; 430B and by two opposite transverse faces 130C, 130D; 230C, 230D; 330C, 330D; 430C, 430D ( figures 8 , 10 , 14 , 16 And 18 ).

[0084] In the first, second and third embodiments, the two transverse faces 130C, 130D; 230C, 230D; 330C, 330D are arranged such that the thickness of the pusher 130; 230; 330 measured between these two transverse faces decreases from the actuating head 131; 231; 331 towards the foot 133; 233; 333. A first of the transverse faces 130C; 230C; 330C faces away from the spring blade 140; 240; 340 and comprises a flat portion, while the second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D, facing the spring blade 140; 240; 340, has a more complex shape which will be described in detail later.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the pusher 430 has a generally parallelepiped shape. The body 432 and the foot 433 of the pusher 430 are hollow and house a compression spring 480 ( figure 16 ) interposed between the head 431 of the pusher 430 and the free end 453 of the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 (see figures 23, 24 And 26 ).

[0086] The foot 433 comprises the rear end of the pusher 430. It has the shape of a rider with two lateral legs 438, which extend parallel towards the rear, facing each other. The external face of each leg 438 forms a rear part of one of the lateral faces 430A of the pusher 430 (see figure 18 ).

[0087] A first of the transverse faces 430C of the pusher 430 is turned towards the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 while the second transverse face 430D is oriented towards the conductive plate 450.

[0088] At the level of the foot 433 of the pusher 430, the first transverse face 430C has a hooking tooth 439 adapted to cooperate with the retaining element 460 of the spring blade 440 which will be described later.

[0089] The foot 433 of the pusher 430 further comprises, between the legs 438, a housing 438A adapted to receive the free end 453 of the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 ( figure 16 ).

[0090] This housing 438A opens onto the second transverse face 430D of the pusher 430 to allow the passage of this free end 453 of the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 between the legs 438 (see figures 16 , 23, 24 ). The housing 438A houses the compression spring 480, one end of which bears against the bottom of the housing 438A and the other end of which bears against the free end 453 of the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 (see figures 23 et 24 ).

[0091] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is movable between a raised position ( figures 1 , 6 , 9 , 26 , 31 et 32 ) in which it leaves the spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 free to take its resting shape in which it closes said insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411 (closure configuration) and a depressed position ( figures 2 , 3 , 7 , 13 (left), 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30)) in which it forces the spring blade 140; 240; 340; 440 into its waiting configuration to open said insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411. More precisely, here, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is movable in translation along a direction of movement P1; P2; P3; P4 which is parallel to the direction of insertion D1; D2; D3 of the electrical conductor 1 ( figures 1 à 6 , 8 à 10 And 11 à 15) in the case of the first, second and third embodiments and which is perpendicular to the insertion direction D4 ( figures 16 And 23-32 ) in the case of the fourth embodiment.

[0092] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is housed in a receiving duct 117; 217; 317; 417 partially delimited by partitions of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 ( figures 8 , 10 , 14 , 16 , 34 And 36 ).

[0093] This receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 is arranged close to the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the electrical conductor 1 in the case of the first, second, third embodiments. It then extends generally parallel to the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 associated with the same connection system 120; 220; 320.

[0094] This receiving conduit 117; 217; 317; 417 opens onto an opening 117A; 217A; 317A; 417A of the front face 114; 214; 314; 414 of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 through which the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 can pass ( figures 8 10 , 14 And 16 ). It extends along a longitudinal axis which corresponds to the direction of movement P1; P2; P3; P4 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0095] In the case of the third embodiment, the front part 314B of the cover 310B comprises six openings 317A each giving access to one of the reception conduits 317 ( figure 14 ). The openings 317A are here aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main lateral faces 312 of the housing 310 near the access openings 311A ​​of the insertion ducts 311 parallel to the direction L of alignment of the access openings 311A ​​giving access to the insertion ducts 311. In the case of the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the front face 414 of the facade part 414B of the cover 410B comprises eight openings 417A each giving access to one of the reception ducts 417 ( figure 16 ). The openings 417A are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 412 of the housing 410 (see figure 36 ).

[0096] In the case of the first, second and third embodiments, the receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 comprises a generally planar internal face 117C; 217C; 317C which extends parallel to the direction of movement P1; P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 ( figures 5 , 13 And 14 ). This internal face 117C; 217C; 317C receives at least in part the first transverse face 130C; 230C; 330C pusher 130; 230; 330, facing away from the spring blade 140; 240; 340. When the pusher 130; 230; 330 is moved in its receiving duct 117; 217; 317, the flat part of this first transverse face 130C; 230C; 330C slides on this internal face 117C; 217C; 317C of the receiving duct 117; 217; 317. In the case of the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the lateral faces 430A of the pusher 430 are guided between the front partitions 470B of the housing 410 ( figures 34 And 36 ).

[0097] The actuating head 131; 231; 331; 431 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has a shape suitable for closing the opening 117A; 217A; 317A; 417A of the front face 114; 214; 314; 414 of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410. Here, this opening 117A; 217A; 317A; 417A is square or rectangular in shape and the actuating head 131; 231; 331; 431 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is substantially cubic or parallelepipedal ( figures 6 , 7 , 10 , 14 And 16 ).

[0098] The body 132; 232; 332; 432 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 connects the actuating head 131; 231; 331; 431 and the foot 133; 233; 333; 433 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0099] In the first, second and third embodiments, the second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher facing the spring blade 140; 240; 340 forms, along the body 132; 232; 332 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, a cooperation surface adapted to push the spring blade 140; 240; 340 to force it into its waiting configuration when the pusher 130; 230; 330 is retained in the pressed-in position ( figures 3 , 12 left and 14, 15) and to allow the spring blade 140; 240; 340 to return to its closing configuration when the pusher 130; 230; 330 moves into the raised position ( figures 1 And 12 RIGHT).

[0100] In the first and third embodiments, the surface of cooperation of the pusher 130; 330 with the spring blade 140; 340 is curved. It has a convex curvature near the actuating head 131; 331 of the pusher 130; 330 and a concave, hollow curvature near the foot 133; 333 of the pusher 130; 330 ( figures 8 , 14 And 15 ).

[0101] In the second embodiment, the surface of cooperation of the pusher 230 with the spring blade 240 comprises an inclined face and, near the foot 233 of the pusher 230, a part of hollow concave curvature ( figure 10 ).

[0102] The second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher 130; 230; 330 facing the spring blade 140; 240; 340 and which forms the cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 is in contact with the elbow 144; 244: 344 of the spring blade 140; 240: 340. As can be seen in all of the figures, the elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 remains in permanent contact with this second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0103] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the rear free edge 438B of the legs 438 of the rider formed by the foot 433 of the pusher 430 forms a cooperation surface adapted to push the spring blade 440 to constrain the latter in its waiting configuration when the pusher 430 is retained in the pressed-in position ( figures 23 à 25 ) and to allow the spring blade 440 to return to its closing configuration when the pusher 430 moves to the raised position ( figure 26 ). In practice, the cooperation surface of the pusher 430 cooperates with the face of the interaction branch 442 of the connection part 446 of the spring blade 440. More particularly, the rear free edges 438B of the legs 438 of the pusher 430 are adapted to bear on parts of the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 located on either side of the notch 442A formed in the free edge of the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 ( figures..16 , 25 , 28 ).

[0104] The foot 133; 233; 333; 433 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has a shape adapted to hook onto a retaining portion 161; 261; 361; 461 of the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 so as to retain the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 in the depressed position. Here, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is retained in its depressed position exclusively by the retaining portion 161; 261; 361; 461 of the retaining element 160; 260; 360 ( figures 3 , 12 left, 14, 23 to 25).

[0105] The foot 133; 233; 333, 433 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 comprises for this purpose a hooking surface 135; 235; 335; 435 ( figures 5 , 9 , 13 , 14 And 18 ) adapted to cooperate with a complementary attachment surface 165; 265; 365; 465 ( figures 5 , 9 , 13 14 And 16) of the retaining portion 161; 261; 361; 461 of the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460. In the first, second and third embodiments, the foot 133; 233; 333 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 has the shape of a hook ( figures 5 , 8 , 9 , 13 And 14 ) which carries said hooking surface 135; 235; 335. In the fourth embodiment, the hooking surface 435 of the foot 433 belongs to the hooking tooth 439 described previously.

[0106] Each hooking surface 135, 165; 235, 265; 335, 365; 465 extends along a plane inclined relative to the direction of movement P1; P2; P3; P4 of said pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0107] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 also comprises stop elements 136; 236; 336; 436 limiting the movement of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 towards the outside of the receiving conduit 117; 217; 317; 417 when the latter is in the raised position ( figures 2 , 8 , 10 15 , 34 And 35 ).

[0108] In the first and third embodiments shown in the figures 1 à 8 And 14 , 15 , these stop elements 136; 336 ( figures 2 , 8 And 15 ) are in the form of two latching teeth carried by two latching tabs cut out in the walls of the pusher 130; 330 forming said lateral faces 130A; 330A of the pusher 130; 330. Each latching tooth comes into abutment against a stop partition of the housing 110; 310 when the pusher 130; 330 is moved towards its raised position.

[0109] In the second embodiment shown in the figures 9 à 13 , these stop elements 236 ( figure 10 ) are in the form of two notches 236 projecting from the lateral faces 230A of the pusher 230. These notches 236 come into abutment against a stop partition of the housing 210 when the pusher 230 is moved towards its raised position.

[0110] In the fourth embodiment shown in the figures 16 à 35 , these stop elements 436 ( figure 34 And 35 ) are in the form of two teeth 436 projecting from the lateral faces 430A of the pusher 430 at the end of the legs 438. These teeth 436 come into abutment against the edge of the front partitions 470B of the housing 410 when the pusher 430 is moved to its raised position ( figures 34 , 35 et 36 ).

[0111] In its raised position, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is retained in the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 by these stop elements 136; 236; 336; 436 ( figures 2 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 34 , 35 et 36 ).

[0112] The retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 has the function of retaining the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 in its depressed position and of allowing it to move to the raised position only when the electrical conductor 1 is correctly inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411.

[0113] For this purpose, the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 is movable between a retaining position ( figures 2 , 3 , 12 left, 14, 15, 23, 24, and 25) in which its retaining part 161; 261; 361; 461 cooperates with the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 to, by itself, hold it in its pressed position and a release position ( figures 1 ,4 , 9 , 13 left and 26) in which said retaining part 161; 261; 361; 461 is released from its cooperation with the pusher 130; 230, 330; 430 so that the latter takes its raised position.

[0114] Remarkably, the retaining element 160; 260, 360; 460 further comprises an actuating portion 162; 262, 362; 462 accessible via said insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411 of the electrical conductor 1 ( figures 1 à 5 And 8 à 14 , 16 ).

[0115] In the first, second and third embodiments, said retaining element 160; 260, 360 is in the form of an intermediate part separate from the spring blade 140; 240; 340.

[0116] This intermediate part 160; 260; 360 further comprises a link 163; 263; 363 connecting the actuating part 162; 262; 362 to the retaining part 161; 261; 361 ( figure 11 ).

[0117] Generally, the retaining 161; 261; 361 and actuating 162; 262; 362 portions of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 have greater rigidity than the link 163; 263; 363. The rigid retaining 161; 261; 361 and actuating 162; 262; 362 portions of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 are articulated by the link 163; 263; 363 which forms a flexible portion of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360.

[0118] The two embodiments represented on the one hand on the figures 1 à 8 and on the other hand, on the figures 9 à 13 differ essentially by the different shape of the intermediate parts_160; 260. This results in a different shape of the housing accommodating them in the housing 110; 210 as well as a different operation, as will be explained later.

[0119] The structure and operation of the intermediate part 360 of the third embodiment shown in the figures 14 And 15are similar to those of the intermediate part 160 of the first embodiment, unless otherwise indicated.

[0120] In the first, second and third embodiments, the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 comprises a main upright 164A; 264A; 364A of elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, forming, at its free end, a hook ( figures 8 And 11 ). This hook carries the hooking surface 165; 265; 365 described previously, which is adapted to cooperate with the hooking surface 135; 235; 335 complementary to the foot of the pusher 130; 230; 330 by pressing on this hooking surface 135; 235; 335. The hooks formed by the foot of the pusher 130; 230; 330 and the free end of the retaining part 161; 261; 361 correspond so that in the pressed position of the pusher 130; 230; 330, they are nested one inside the other ( figures 3 And 12 (LEFT)).

[0121] The retaining part 161; 261; 361 further comprises, at the base of the main upright 164A; 264A; 364A, a rounded portion forming a journal 166; 266; 366 allowing the pivoting of the main upright 164A; 264A; 364A around a pivot axis B1; B2; B3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of this main upright 164A; 264A; 364A ( figures 8 , 10 , 11 And 14 ).

[0122] In the first and third embodiments of the figures 1 à 8 And 14 , 15 , the pin 166; 366 of the retaining part 161; 361 is directly connected to the link 163; 363 of the intermediate part 160; 360. The link 163; 363 here comprises a strip whose profile is partially undulating. In addition, the small thickness of this strip compared to the dimensions of the other parts of the intermediate part 160; 360 gives it a certain flexibility.

[0123] In the second embodiment of the figures 9 à 13 , the main upright 264A is extended by a secondary upright 264B, rigid, connected to the main upright 264A by an elbow 264C. The trunnion 266 extends at the level of this elbow 264C ( figure 11 ). A spacer 269 stiffens the assembly of the two main uprights 264A and secondary uprights 264B ( figure 10 ).

[0124] The retaining part 261 of the intermediate piece 260 further comprises, on a face of the secondary upright 264B facing away from the main upright 264A, a stop rib 268 ( figures 10 And 11 ).

[0125] The intermediate piece 260 of the second embodiment also comprises an elastic tab 267 which extends from the elbow 264C projecting from the main upright 264A of the retaining part 261 ( figures 10 And 11 ). The role of these elements will be explained later.

[0126] Opposite the elbow 264C, the secondary upright 264B is connected to the link 263. This link 263 comprises a curved strip whose thickness is small compared to the dimensions of the other parts of the retaining part, which gives it a certain flexibility ( figure 11 ).

[0127] In the first, second and third embodiments, the arrangement of the link 163; 263; 363 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 relative to the retaining parts 161; 261; 361 and the actuating parts 162; 262; 362 gives it elastic properties.

[0128] The actuating portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 here has a general T shape with a leg 162B; 262B; 362B which extends in the extension of the link 163; 263; 363 and supports a plate 162C; 262C; 362C. The plate 162C; 262C; 362C extends perpendicular to the leg 162B; 262B; 362B, projecting beyond the latter. The actuating portion 162; 262; 362 further comprises an interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A for supporting one end of the electrical conductor ( figures 2 , 8 , 10 , 11 , 13 And 14 ). This interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A is here constituted by the front face of the plate 162C; 262C; 362C. The actuating part 162; 262; 362 is more rigid than the link 163; 263; 363.

[0129] The actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is movable substantially along the direction of insertion D1; D2; D3 of the electrical conductor 1, here in translation.

[0130] Preferably, the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is a single-piece part made of plastic. It is, for example, molded or obtained by any other technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0131] The intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is partially housed in a housing 118; 218 of the housing 110; 210; 310, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 and to its movement ( figures 8 And 10 ). This housing is not visible in the figures of the third embodiment. In the case of the third embodiment, unless otherwise indicated, the structure and operation of the intermediate part are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0132] This housing 118; 218 has an elongated shape, and extends to the rear of the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the electrical conductor 1 and of the receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, between these two conduits. At the front, it is separated from the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the electrical conductor 1 and of the receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 by a separating partition 118A; 218A ( figures 8 And 10 ). At the rear, it is isolated by a back wall 118B; 218B ( figures 8 And 10 ). Two slots 118C, 118D; 218C, 218D are provided in the separating partition 118A; 218A opposite the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and the receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, so as to communicate the housing 118; 218 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 with each of these two conduits ( figures 8 And 10 ).

[0133] The plate 162C; 262C; 362C of the actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is arranged at the bottom of the insertion duct 111; 211; 311 so that the front face of the plate 162C; 262C; 362C which forms the interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A faces the access opening 111A; 211A; 311A ​​of the insertion duct 111; 211; 311, while the leg 162B; 262B; 362B of this platform passes through a first 118C; 218C of the two slots 118C, 118D; 218C, 118D. The link 163; 263; 363 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 extends into the housing 118; 218. The hook formed at the free end of the retaining part 161; 261: 361 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 projects into the receiving duct 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, at the bottom thereof, through the second slot 118D; 218D ( figures 8 And 10 ).

[0134] The bottom wall 118B; 218B of the housing 118; 218 is adapted to guide the movement of the intermediate part 160; 260.

[0135] In the first, second and third embodiments of the electrical apparatus 100; 200; 300, the part of the housing 118; 218 receiving the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360, which extends to the rear of the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311, has the shape of a channel 119; 219 ( figures 8 And 10). This channel 119; 219 extends along the insertion direction D1; D2; D3 of the electrical conductor 1 and is adapted to house the leg 162B; 262B; 362B of the actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360. It guides the translational movement of this actuating part 162; 262; 362 along the insertion direction D1; D2; D3. The dimensions of this channel 119; 219 are smaller than those of the plate 162C; 262C; 362C of the actuating part 162; 262; 362, so that the latter navigates only in the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311.

[0136] Alternatively, it could be envisaged that the translational movement of the actuating part of the intermediate piece takes place in a direction slightly inclined or curved relative to the direction of insertion of the electrical conductor.

[0137] In the first and third embodiments of the electrical device, the housing 118 comprises, at the rear of the receiving conduit 117; 317 of the pusher 130; 330, a rounded part 118E which receives the journal 166; 366 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360. This rounded part 118E is formed in the bottom wall 118B of the housing 118 ( figure 8 ).

[0138] Here, the retaining part 161; 361 of the intermediate part 160; 360 is pivotally movable between its retaining position and its release position. The journal 166 remains permanently received by the rounded part 118E of the housing 118: the pivot axis B1 of the retaining part 161 is fixed.

[0139] In the second embodiment, the housing 218 comprises an inclined surface 218E located opposite the receiving conduit 217 of the pusher 230 adapted to cooperate with the journal 266 of the intermediate part 260. This inclined surface 218E belongs to the separating partition 218A of the housing 218 ( figure 10 ).

[0140] The bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 has a recess 218F forming a stop, the stop rib 268 of the intermediate part 206. The shape of the housing 218 is also adapted to cooperate with the elastic tongue 267 of the intermediate part 260: the latter bears against an internal face of the housing 218 which connects the separation partition 218A and the bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 ( figure 10 ).

[0141] The retaining portion 261 of the intermediate piece 260 according to the second embodiment has a more complex movement than the movement of the retaining portion 161 of the intermediate piece 160 according to the first embodiment because the pivot axis B2 of the retaining portion 261 corresponding to the axis of the journal 266 is movable.

[0142] The retaining portion 261 is slidably movable between its retaining position and its release position. In addition, the movement of the retaining portion 261 also includes pivoting.

[0143] The conductive plate 150; 250; 350 is housed in the housing 110; 210; 310 against the front face of the partition wall 118A; 218A.

[0144] In the first and second embodiments, in order to allow the passage of each retaining part 161; 261 in the receiving conduit 117; 217 of the pusher 130; 230, the central part 151; 251 of the conductive plate 150; 250 comprises, opposite each second slot 118D; 218D formed in the separating partition 118A; 218A, a notch 151A; 251A allowing this passage ( figures 8 And 10 ).

[0145] In order to allow the passage of the retaining portion 160; 260 through the second slot 118D; 218D of the housing 118; 218 and through the notch 151A; 251A of the conductive plate 150; 250, the main upright 164A; 264A of the retaining portion 161; 261 comprises a portion of thinned section. It is this portion of thinned section which passes through the second slot 118D; 218D of the housing 118; 218 and through the notch 151A; 251A of the conductive plate 150; 250 ( figures 8 And 11 ).

[0146] In the third embodiment, the windows 355 provided in the intermediate part 354 of the conductive plate 350 similarly allow the passage of the retaining part 361 of each intermediate part 360 into the receiving conduit 317 of the pusher 330 ( figure 14 ).

[0147] The main upright 364A of the retaining part 361 of the intermediate piece 360 ​​does not here have a thinned section part. Its section is uniform.

[0148] Now, we will describe the operation of the first, second and third embodiments of the electrical apparatus 100; 200; 300.

[0149] THE figures 1 And 9 show the internal arrangement of the elements of the electrical device 100; 200 before arming the spring blades 140; 240. This arrangement is obtained in the factory or after disconnection of an electrical conductor from each connection terminal.

[0150] In this unarmed arrangement, the spring blade 140; 240; 340 is at rest: it is not constrained by the pusher 130; 230; 330. On the contrary, the elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 cooperates with the part of the cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 having the concave, hollow curvature, close to the foot 133; 233; 333 of the pusher 130; 230; 330. The elbow 144; 244; 344 exerts at this level a pressure on the cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 which pushes it forward, through the opening 117A; 217A; 317A of its receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 The stop elements 136; 236; 336 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 bear against the stop partition of the housing 110; 210; 310 and prevent the pusher from coming out of the housing 110; 210; 310 ( figures 1 And 9). The actuating head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 projects from the housing 110; 210; 310 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 through the opening 117; 217; 317 ( figures 1 , 6 , 9 ) of the front face 114; 214; 314 of the housing 110; 210; 310.

[0151] The spring blade 140; 240; 340 is in its closing configuration: the free end of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 extends into the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the housing 110; 210; 310. Access to the connection terminal is blocked since if an electrical conductor 1 is inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311, its end taps against the free end of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 ( figures 1 And 9 ).

[0152] The intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is without contact and without interaction with the pusher 130; 230; 360.

[0153] The retaining portion 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 extends parallel to the direction of movement P1; P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0154] The actuating portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 is housed largely in the insertion duct 111; 211; 311. Only the end of the leg 162B; 262B; 362B of the actuating portion which is connected to the link 163; 263; 363 is located in the channel 119; 219 of the housing 118; 218 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0155] In the first and third embodiments, the journal 166; 366 of the intermediate part 160; 360 is pressed against the rounded portion 118E of the housing 118 by the action of the link 163; 363 ( figure 1 ).

[0156] In the second embodiment, the journal 266 of the intermediate piece is pressed against the inclined surface 218E of the separating partition 218A of the housing 218 of the intermediate piece 260 by the action of the elastic tab 267 which bears on the internal face of the housing 218 which connects the separating partition 218D and the bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 ( figure 9 ). The backward movement of the retaining part 261 towards the actuating part 262 is thus limited.

[0157] To use the electrical device 100; 200; 300, a first step consists of arming the spring blade 140; 240; 340 of each connection terminal, that is to say placing it in the waiting configuration ( figure 2 ). To do this, the operator presses the pusher 130; 230; 330 by pressing on the actuating head 131; 231; 331 thereof which protrudes from the housing 110; 210; 310.

[0158] It is possible to press the actuating head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 manually, using a finger, or using a tool. To facilitate the use of a tool, the front face 130B; 230B; 330B of the actuating head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 has a slot 137; 237; 337 ( figures 6 , 7 , 10 And 14 ) allowing the insertion of the end of the tool, for example a screwdriver.

[0159] When the pusher 130; 230; 330 is pushed into its housing 118; 218, its foot 133; 233; 333 comes into contact with the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360. The latter pivots slightly as the pusher 130; 230; 330 is pushed to let it pass. Finally, the retaining part 161; 261; 361 is returned to its initial position, in the direction of movement P1; P2; P3 of the pusher by the elastic properties of the link 163; 263; 363 and of the elastic tab 267 in the second embodiment. It then hooks onto the foot 133; 233; 333 of the pusher 130; 230; 330. In practice, this amounts to clipping the pusher 130; 230; 330 onto the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360. The pusher 130; 230; 330 is thus locked in the pressed-in position ( figure 2 ).

[0160] Thanks to the profile of the pusher 130; 230; 330, which becomes thinner from its actuating head 131; 231; 331 to its foot 133; 233; 333 and to its positioning relative to the spring blade 140; 240; 340, the thickness of the part of the pusher 130; 230; 330 in contact with the spring blade 140; 240; 340 increases progressively when the pusher 130; 230; 330 passes from the raised position to the pressed position. This thickness is measured in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement P1, P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0161] By sliding along the direction of movement P1; P2; P3, the pusher 130; 230; 330 thus progressively pushes the elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement P1; P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, towards the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the housing 110; 210; 310.

[0162] The spring blade 140; 240; 340 thus passes into its waiting configuration when the pusher 130; 230; 330 is pushed into its receiving duct 117; 217; 317: the two parts of the support branch 141; 241; 341 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 forming a U come together, the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 is moved towards the insertion duct 111; 211; 311. The window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 is shifted and is placed in the insertion duct 111; 211; 311, at the outlet of the well 111B; 211B; 311B, so as to free access to the connection terminal ( figure 2 ).

[0163] Each connection terminal of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 is thus armed and ready to receive an electrical conductor for its connection ( figures 2 , 7 ).

[0164] Preferably, each connection terminal of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 is factory-armed so as to be delivered ready for use by the operator.

[0165] When the pusher 130; 230; 330 is in its depressed position, the pusher 130; 230; 330 is fully housed in the housing 110; 210; 310. Its actuating head 131; 231; 331 is flush with or set back from the front face 114; 214; 314 of the housing 110; 210; 310 ( figures 2 And 13 LEFT).

[0166] Advantageously, the fact that the push button 130; 230; 330 does not protrude from the housing 110; 210; 310 in its depressed position visually indicates to the operator that the corresponding connection terminal is armed. Furthermore, as shown in the figure 7 , the access opening 111A; 211A; 311A ​​of the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 makes it possible to check that the connection terminal is accessible to the electrical conductor.

[0167] Advantageously, the pusher 130; 230; 330 is furthermore longitudinally traversed by a test channel 138 which extends straight from the head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 to the second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher 130; 230. This test channel 138 opens here at the bottom of the slot 137 ( figures 7 ) allowing the insertion of the end of the tool. When a tip of a test tool is introduced into this test channel 138, it comes into contact with the spring blade 140; 240; 340. It is then possible to determine whether the electrical device is “live”, connected to the electrical network.

[0168] A second step in the implementation of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 consists of introducing the electrical conductor 1 into the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the housing 110; 210; 310 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 ( figures 3 And 12). This is a flexible cable type electrical conductor with a crimped end. However, other types of electrical conductors can be used.

[0169] The end of the electrical conductor 1 passes through the access opening 111A; 211A; 311A, into the well 111B; 211B; 311B partially delimiting the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and through the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 ( figures 3 And 12 ). The end of the electrical conductor 1 is introduced between the edge of the opening of the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 and the conductive plate 150; 250; 350.

[0170] It comes into contact with the interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A of the actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 and presses on it. The leg 162B; 262B; 362B of the actuating part 162; 262; 362 slides in the channel 119; 219 of the housing 118; 218. The plate 162C; 262C; 362C of the actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 slides in the insertion duct 111; 211; 311 and is pushed back against the front face of the partition wall 118A; 218A of the housing 118; 218 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360. This translational movement of the actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 deforms the link 163; 263; 363 and causes the movement of the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 ( figure 4 And 13 ) to release the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0171] In the first and third embodiments of the electrical apparatus 100; 300, when the electrical conductor 1 is fully inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 311, the retaining portion 161; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 360 pivots about the pivot axis B1; B3 defined by the journal 166; 366 of the intermediate piece 160; 360, towards the actuating portion 162; 362. In doing so, the hook formed by the free end of the retaining portion 161; 361 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 133; 333 of the pusher 130; 330 and releases the latter.

[0172] In the second embodiment of the electrical apparatus 200, the intermediate piece 260 is initially in the position shown in the figure 12 or on the figure 13 on the right and described previously.

[0173] When the electrical conductor 1 is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 211, the electrical conductor 1 pushes the actuating part 262 and therefore the link 263 towards the retaining part 261. The retaining part 261 of the intermediate part 260 slides in the housing 218: the secondary upright 264B of the retaining part 261 is pushed towards the pusher 230 and slides on the bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 until the stop rib 268 comes into abutment against the recess 218F of this bottom wall 218B. In doing so, the elastic tab 267 is compressed. The sliding is accompanied by a pivoting of the retaining part 161. The hook formed by the free end of the retaining part 261 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 233 of the pusher 230 and therefore releases the latter ( figure 13 LEFT).

[0174] Whatever the first, second and third embodiment, the pusher 130; 230; 330 is no longer held in its depressed position, it rises towards its raised position under the pressure of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 which tends to return to its initial shape, that is to say its shape at rest in the closing configuration ( figure 1 , 5 right, 9). The cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 is thus adapted to cooperate with the elbow of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 so as to move the pusher 130; 230; 330 forward.

[0175] The elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 slides on the cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 and thus pushes the latter towards the outside of the housing 110; 210; 310. The pusher 130; 230; 330 then moves in translation along the direction of movement P1; P2 until the stop elements 136; 236; 336 come into abutment against the stop walls of the housing 110; 210; 310. The elbow 144; 244; 344 is positioned against the concave curvature portion of the interaction surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0176] In doing so, the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 moves and its edge clamps the electrical conductor 1 inserted in the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 against the conductive plate 150; 250; 350.

[0177] This movement of the spring blade 140; 240; 340 results in a “click” type sound signal which indicates to the operator that the connection has been made.

[0178] In the electrical apparatus according to the first, second and third embodiments not included in the invention, the electrical connection is established only when the pusher 130; 230; 330 is released from its cooperation with the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360, i.e. when the electrical conductor is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and presses on the actuating part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0179] As a result, the electrical connection is reliable and secure.

[0180] To disconnect an electrical conductor from the connection terminal, it is necessary to press the pusher 130; 230; 330, manually or using a tool ( figure 5 ), to move the spring blade 140; 240; 340 into its waiting configuration, at least temporarily. It is not necessary to fully depress the pusher 130; 230; 330 until it hooks onto the retaining part of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0181] It is possible to press the pusher 130; 230; 330 with one hand until the electrical conductor 1 is released and remove it with the other hand. When the operator releases the pressure on the pusher 130; 230; 330, it returns to its raised position. The connection terminal must be armed again to be able to accommodate a new electrical conductor.

[0182] It is also possible to fully depress the pusher 130; 230; 330 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 ( figure 2 ).

[0183] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the retaining element 460 belongs to said spring blade 440.

[0184] The actuating portion 462 and the retaining portion 461 of the retaining element 460 are integrated into the intermediate portion 445 of the spring blade 440.

[0185] As shown more particularly by the figure 17 , this intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 comprises the curved connecting part 443, a straight part 445B and a free end 445A slightly curved away from the interaction branch 442. The straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 extends substantially perpendicular to the support branch 441. The connecting part 446 of the spring blade 440 is folded towards the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 so that the interaction branch 442 extends towards the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440.

[0186] The straight part 445B comprises, near the free end 445A of the intermediate part 445, a window. An internal edge 465 of this window, facing rearward, forms the retaining part 461 of the retaining element 460 ( figure 17 ). As shown for example on the figure 17 , the hooking surface 435 of the hooking tooth 439 formed on the first transverse face 430C of the pusher 430 at its foot 433, and facing forward, is adapted to cooperate with this internal edge 465 of the window of the retaining element 460 to retain the pusher 430 in its pushed-in position ( figure 17 ).

[0187] The hooking tooth 439 of the pusher 430 has a shape and size allowing it to be housed in the window of the retaining element 460. It further comprises a rearwardly facing face which extends along an inclined face which facilitates the passage of the pusher 430 from its raised position to its depressed position. The hooking tooth 439 generally gives a hook shape to the foot 433 of the pusher 430.

[0188] A support zone of the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 located near the window, towards the rear of the window, constitutes the actuating part 462 of the retaining element 460. This support zone of the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 extends across the insertion conduit 411 of the electrical conductor. It has an interaction surface 462A on which the stripped end of the electrical conductor 1 comes to bear when it is inserted into the insertion conduit 411.

[0189] The retaining part 461 and the actuating part 462 of the retaining element 460 thus belong to the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440. They then form a rigid, non-deformable assembly.

[0190] The retaining element 460, comprising the window and the support zone of the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440, is pivotally movable about a pivot axis which extends transversely relative to the spring blade 440. This pivoting mobility is provided by the curved connecting part 443. By this pivoting mobility of the retaining element 460, the actuating part 462 of the retaining element 460 is movable substantially along the insertion direction D4 of the electrical conductor 1.

[0191] The insertion direction D4 of the electrical conductor is substantially perpendicular to the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440. The translation direction P4 of the pusher 430 is substantially parallel to this straight part 445B.

[0192] Said pusher 430 is thus movable in translation in a translation direction P4 substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction D4 of the electrical conductor.

[0193] Now, we will describe the operation of the fourth embodiment of the electrical apparatus 400 according to the invention.

[0194] THE figures 19 And 23 show the configuration of the elements of the electrical device 400 before introduction of an electrical conductor 1 into one of the connection terminals.

[0195] Each connection terminal of the electrical device 400 is here armed and ready to receive an electrical conductor for its connection ( figures 19 , 23 ). This is the preferred configuration for delivery of the electrical appliance 400 to its operator.

[0196] Preferably, each connection terminal of the electrical device 400 is thus armed in the factory in order to be delivered ready for use by the operator.

[0197] In this “armed” configuration, each pusher 430 is in its depressed position. It is fully housed in the housing 410. Its actuating head 431 is flush with or set back from the front face 414 of the housing 410.

[0198] In this depressed position, each pusher 430 is retained by its cooperation with the retaining part 461 of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440. More particularly, as shown in the figure 23 , the hooking tooth 439 of the foot 433 of the pusher 430 is engaged through the window provided in the straight part 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440. The interaction surface 435 of the hooking tooth 439 bears on the internal edge 465 of the window of this intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 to hold the pusher 430.

[0199] In the depressed position of the pusher 430, the free edge 438B of the legs 438 of the pusher 430 presses on the free end 443 of the interaction part 442 of the spring blade 440 and pushes this interaction part 442 away from the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 ( figure 25 ). The insertion conduit 411 is thus cleared, accessible ( figure 24 ) and its section is free so as to allow the insertion of the electrical conductor 1 into the corresponding connection terminal without effort.

[0200] Furthermore, in this position the compression spring 480 housed inside the body 432 of the pusher 430 is compressed ( figure 24 ) between the head of the pusher 430 and the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450.

[0201] Advantageously, the fact that the push button 430 does not protrude from the housing 410 in its depressed position visually indicates to the operator that the corresponding connection terminal is armed.

[0202] The first step in implementing the electrical device 400 consists of introducing the electrical conductor 1 into the insertion conduit 411 of the housing 410 of the electrical device 400 ( figures 20 And 24 ), by a movement according to arrow F3 of the figures 19 And 23 . It is a flexible cable type electrical conductor with a crimped end. However, other types of electrical conductors can be used.

[0203] The stripped end of the electrical conductor 1 passes through the access opening 411A, into the well 411B partially delimiting the insertion conduit 411, and through the through opening 454 of the conductive plate 450 ( figure 23 ). The stripped end of the electrical conductor 1 is introduced between the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 and the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 ( figure 24 ).

[0204] It comes into contact with the interaction surface 462A of the actuating part 462 of the retaining element 460 and presses on it. The intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 is pushed by the electrical conductor and pivots thanks to the connecting part 443 of the spring blade 440 which deforms ( figure 26 ).

[0205] The intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 being pushed back while the pusher 430 remains stationary, the window of the retaining element 460 moves away from the hooking tooth 439 of the pusher 430 and the hooking surface 435 of the hooking tooth 439 detaches from the internal edge 465 of the window. The retaining element 460 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 433 of the pusher 430 and releases the latter. The pusher 430 is no longer retained in its pushed-in position, it rises towards its raised position under the action of the compression spring 480 which relaxes ( figure 26 ).

[0206] The pusher 430 then moves in translation along the direction of movement P4 until the stop elements 436 come into abutment against the front partitions 470B of the housing 410. The pusher 430 is guided in its translational movement by the front partitions 470B of the housing 410.

[0207] In doing so, the pusher 430 releases the pressure that it exerts on the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 which moves and clamps the stripped end of the electrical conductor 1 inserted in the insertion conduit 411 against the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450.

[0208] This movement of the spring blade 440 results in a “click” type sound signal which indicates to the operator that the connection has been made.

[0209] In the electrical apparatus described here, the electrical connection is established only when the pusher 430 is released from its cooperation with the retaining portion 461 of the retaining element 460, i.e. when the stripped end of the electrical conductor is completely inserted into the insertion conduit 411 and presses on the actuating portion 462 of the retaining element 460.

[0210] As a result, the electrical connection is reliable and secure.

[0211] To disconnect the electrical conductor 1 from the connection terminal, it is necessary to press the pusher 430, manually or using a tool ( figures 21 et 22 ), to move the spring blade 440 into its waiting configuration, at least temporarily. It is not necessary to fully depress the pusher 430 until it hooks onto the retaining portion 461 of the retaining element 460. It is possible to press the pusher 430 with one hand until the electrical conductor 1 is released and remove it with the other hand. When the operator releases the pressure on the pusher 430, it returns to its raised position. The connection terminal must be armed again to be able to accommodate a new electrical conductor.

[0212] It is also possible to fully depress the pusher 430 to place it in 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 (according to arrow F6 of the figure 22 ). The connection terminal is armed and ready to receive a new electrical conductor ( figure 22 ).

[0213] To depress the pusher 430, it is possible to press the actuating head 431 of the pusher 430 manually, using a finger, or using a tool. To facilitate the use of a tool, the front face 430B of the actuating head 431 of the pusher 430 has a slot 437 ( figures 27 , 29 ) allowing the insertion of the end of the tool, for example a screwdriver.

[0214] To move from its raised position to its depressed position, the pusher 430 slides towards the inside of the housing 410 in the direction of movement P4. The inclined face of the hooking tooth 439 of the pusher 430 bears on the free end 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring blade 440 and gradually pushes it back. The intermediate part 445 pivots thanks to the deformation of the connecting part 443. figures 27 à 30 are related to the disconnection of the electrical conductor 1.

[0215] THE figures 27 et 28 show the pusher 430 in an intermediate position during its insertion. The tip of the tool is inserted into the slot 437 provided for this purpose in the head 431 of the pusher 430. At the end of the inclined face, the window of the retaining element 460 comes opposite the hooking tooth 439 which passes through the window ( figure 29, 30 ). The interaction surface 435 of the hooking tooth 439 abuts against the internal edge 465 of the window. The legs 438 of the pusher 430 press on the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 to move it away from the conductive plate 450.

[0216] The electrical conductor 1 can be removed effortlessly and the pusher 430 is armed for the insertion of another electrical conductor into the connection terminal.

[0217] In some cases, it may happen that the pusher 430 comes out of its cooperation with the retaining element 460 of the spring blade 440 by accident, for example after an impact on the electrical device 400, without introduction of an electrical conductor. In this case, the pusher 430 rises towards its raised position under the action of the compression spring 480.

[0218] In this unarmed arrangement, the spring blade 440 is at rest: it is not constrained by the pusher 430. The stop elements 436 of the pusher 430 bear against the stop partition 470B of the housing 410 and prevent the pusher from coming out of the housing 410 ( figures 1 And 9 ). The actuating head 431 of the pusher 230 projects from the housing 410 of the electrical device 400 through the opening 117 ( figure 31 ) of the front face 414 of the housing 410.

[0219] The spring blade 440 is in its closing configuration: the free end of the interaction branch 442 extends into the insertion conduit 411 of the housing 410. However, unlike what happens with the other embodiments, access to the connection terminal is not entirely blocked: it is possible to insert the stripped end of an electrical conductor into the connection terminal, as in a conventional automatic connection terminal ( figures 32 And33 ). If an electrical conductor 1 is inserted into the insertion conduit 411, its stripped end presses against the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 and pushes back this interaction branch 442 so as to allow the insertion of the electrical conductor. However, a certain pressure must be exerted on the electrical conductor to succeed in inserting it into the connection terminal.

[0220] The retaining element 460 is here without contact and without interaction with the pusher 430.

[0221] To reuse the electrical device 400 after the pusher 430 has unintentionally disengaged from cooperation with the retaining element 460, it is also possible to reset the spring blade 440 of each connection terminal, i.e. place it in the standby configuration ( figure 2 ). To do this, the operator pushes the pusher 430 by pressing on the actuating head 431 of the latter which protrudes from the housing 410.

[0222] By sliding along the direction of movement P4, the pusher 430 thus progressively pushes the interaction branch 442 of the spring blade 440 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement P4 of the pusher 430.

[0223] The spring blade 440 thus passes into its waiting configuration when the pusher 430 is pressed into its receiving duct 417.

[0224] The connection terminal is armed again.

Claims

1. Electrical apparatus (400) including a housing (410) provided with an insertion duct (411) for an electrical conductor (1) and housing an electrical connection system (420) associated with said insertion duct (411), this electrical connection system (420) comprising: - an automatic connection terminal with leaf spring (440), said insertion duct (411) giving access to said automatic connection terminal, - a pusher (430) that can move between two stable positions: a raised position in which it leaves the leaf spring (440) free, which closes said insertion duct (411), and a pushed-in position in which it stresses the leaf spring (440) in order to open said insertion duct (411), and - a movable retaining element (460) comprising a retaining portion (461) that is movable between a retaining position in which this retaining portion (461) cooperates in a retaining manner with the pusher (430) so as, by the retaining portion alone, to hold the pusher (430) in its pushed-in position, and a release position in which said retaining portion (461) is released from its cooperation with the pusher (430) so that the latter assumes its raised position, said retaining element (460) comprising an actuating portion (462) that is accessible via said insertion duct (411) for the electrical conductor (1), characterized in that the retaining element (460) belongs to said leaf spring (440).

2. Electrical apparatus (300) according to claim 1, wherein said retaining portion (461) of the retaining element (460) is pivotally movable between its retaining position and its release position.

3. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claim 1 and claim 2, wherein said actuating portion (462) of the retaining element (460) includes an interaction surface (462A) for bearing an end of the electrical conductor (1).

4. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said actuating portion (462) of the retaining element (460) is movable substantially along the insertion direction (D4) of the electrical conductor (1).

5. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said retaining portion (461) includes a catching surface (465) extending in a plane that is inclined relative to a direction of translation (P4) of said pusher (430) and suitable for cooperating in a retaining manner with a complementary surface (435) of the pusher.

6. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said leaf spring (440) presents a support branch (441) and an interaction branch (442) that is prestressed against a conducting plate (450).

7. Electrical apparatus (400) according to claim 6, wherein said pusher (430) presents a cooperating surface suitable for cooperating with the leaf spring (440) to urge the interaction branch (442) of the leaf spring (440) into a standby configuration in which the cross-section of the insertion duct (411) is freed when the pusher (430) is retained in the pushed-in position, and to allow the interaction branch (442) of the leaf spring (440) to return to a closure configuration in which the interaction branch (442) of the leaf spring (440) extends across the insertion duct (411) when the pusher (430) shifts to the raised position.

8. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said pusher (430) projects from the housing (410) in the raised position.

9. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said housing (410) includes a plurality of independent insertion ducts (411) allowing, each one, the insertion of an electrical conductor (1) and housing a plurality of electrical connection systems (420), each electrical connection system (420) being associated with one of the insertion ducts (411).

10. Electrical apparatus (400) according to claim 9, wherein - said housing (410) comprises two parallel main side faces (412) intended to be joined to two other housings of the same type, two transverse faces (415), a rear face (413) and a front face (414), - each insertion duct (411) extends in an insertion direction (D4) and is accessible through an access opening (411A) provided in one of the transverse faces (415) of said housing (410), said access openings (411A) being arranged on a line (L) perpendicular to said main side faces (412), and said insertion axes (D4) being substantially perpendicular to a median plane (PM2) of the housing (410) substantially perpendicular to the main side faces (412).

11. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of the preceding claims, forming a junction block, a terminal block, a switch or an electrical connector.

12. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said actuating portion (462) and the retaining portion (461) of the retaining element (460) form a rigid non-deformable assembly.

13. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the conducting plate (450) presents a U-shape and accommodates a connecting portion (446) of said leaf spring (440) to which the support branch (441), arranged against one wing of the U-shape formed by the conducting plate (440), and the interaction branch (442), stressed against the other wing of the U-shape, belong, and wherein the leaf spring (440) further includes, in the continuation from the support branch (441), an intermediate portion (445) provided with said retaining element (460).

14. Electrical apparatus (400) according to claim 13, wherein said intermediate portion (445) of the leaf spring (440) includes a connecting portion (443) extending between the support branch (441) and the retaining element (460), which allows the retaining element (460) to pivot.

15. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claim 13 and claim 14, wherein the retaining element (460) comprises, on the one hand, a window provided in said intermediate portion (445) of the leaf spring (440), an inner edge (465) of which forms the retaining portion (461) of the retaining element (460), and, on the other hand, an area of the intermediate portion (445) of the leaf spring (440) forming said actuating portion (462) of the retaining element (460).

16. Electrical apparatus (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said pusher (430) is movable in translation in a direction of translation substantially perpendicular to a direction of insertion (D4) of the electrical conductor (1).

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