Key system for disconnecting automatic terminals, switchgear mechanism including this system, and method for manufacturing this system.

Abstract

The invention relates to a key system (100) for disconnecting automatic terminals in a switchgear mechanism, comprising a plurality of keys (110, 120) attached to a common element, wherein the common element is a rotating shaft (130) divided into sections (131, 132) which are connected in pairs by connecting zones (133), each key being rigidly connected to a distinct section such that direct actuation by a user of any one of the keys causes rotation around its longitudinal axis (L1, L2) of said section to which that key is attached, to move said key through a determined angular displacement constituting the operational stroke of said key, and wherein each connecting zone is arranged so that the rotation of a section, generated by the direct actuation of the attached key,holds each adjacent section stationary or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section around its longitudinal axis to move the adjacent key attached to that adjacent section through an incident angular displacement significantly smaller than the operational stroke of said adjacent key. The invention also relates to a switchgear mechanism including this system and a method for manufacturing this system. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Key system for disconnecting automatic terminals, switchgear mechanism comprising this system, and method for manufacturing this system.

[0001] The present invention relates to a key system for unlocking automatic terminals provided in a switchgear mechanism. It also relates to a switchgear mechanism incorporating this system and a method for manufacturing this system.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a key system for disconnecting automatic terminals in a switchgear mechanism, which comprises a plurality of keys attached to a common element.

[0003] In a system with multiple keys attached to a common element, it is essential to ensure the independence of the keys, that is, to guarantee that the direct actuation of one of the keys unlocks the automatic terminal associated with that key, without triggering the unlocking of the other automatic terminal(s). In other words, in such a system, the direct actuation of a key must unlock only the automatic terminal associated with that key, and no other automatic terminal.

[0004] A system such as this is already known from document EP3522303, in which the common element is a cover designed to isolate the automatic terminals housed in the insulating base from the rest of the insulating base. In the system of document EP3522303, the independence of the keys is ensured by the formation of an individual hinge, made of flexible material, between the cover and each key. In other words, the flexible connection between the cover and each key allows the individual movement of the corresponding key relative to the cover, without causing any movement of the other keys attached to that cover.

[0005] However, attaching the keys to the cover is restrictive for the assembly of the switchgear mechanism since it requires mounting the automatic terminals in the insulating base before installing, on the base, the cover attached to the keys.

[0006] This is all the more problematic for reduced geometry switchgear mechanisms, for which it is desirable to be able to assemble the keys with the insulating base before inserting the automatic terminals.

[0007] In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the prior art, the present invention proposes a system of several keys linked together, which guarantees the independence of the keys and which does not constrain the order of assembly of the equipment mechanism.

[0008] More particularly, the invention proposes a key system as described in the introduction, wherein the common element is a rotating shaft divided into sections which are connected in pairs by connecting zones, each key being rigidly connected to a distinct section such that the direct actuation by a user of any one of the keys causes the rotation around its longitudinal axis of the section to which that key is attached, to move said key through a determined angular displacement constituting the operational stroke of said key, and wherein each connecting zone is arranged so that the rotation of a section, generated by the direct actuation of the attached key,holds each adjacent section stationary or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section around its longitudinal axis to move the adjacent key attached to that section by an incident angular displacement significantly smaller than the operational travel of said adjacent key.

[0009] In the system according to the invention, each key is fixed relative to the section to which it is rigidly attached, so that when the key is directly actuated by a user, the entire assembly formed by the key and the section is set in motion. The angular travel of the key actuated by the user depends directly on the force applied by the user to that key. In the sense of the invention, the operational travel of the key corresponds to a minimum angular travel of the key that is sufficient to unlock the automatic terminal to which that key is associated.

[0010] The connection zone between two adjacent sections of the rotation shaft allows the rotation to be decoupled between these two sections. Thus, the connection zone prevents a key other than the one directly activated by the user from unlocking the automatic terminal to which that other key is associated.

[0011] Furthermore, the system according to the invention provides that all the keys are integral with the rotation shaft. This configuration facilitates the installation of the system in the base of the switchgear mechanism, in a single step, and prevents the loss of individual keys, which are often small.

[0012] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the system according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - the rotation shaft includes a section intended to rotate around a first axis of rotation and at least one other section intended to rotate around a second axis of rotation, parallel and distinct from the first axis of rotation; - the system is a single piece; - the rotation shaft has an anti-vibration element at each end; - the rotation shaft has at least two retaining zones through which said the system is intended to be held in a base of equipment mechanism; - the rotation shaft has a holding zone at each of its ends; - the system includes at least three keys, with at least two retaining areas being at least partially coincident with at least two connecting areas of the sections; - at least one of the connecting areas is formed in a material with lower torsional strength than the rest of the rotating shaft; - at least one of the connecting areas is shaped to be received and held in a tight manner in a base of the switchgear mechanism.

[0013] The invention also proposes an equipment mechanism comprising: - an insulating base housing a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals, each terminal being equipped with an automatic clamping blade, and - a system according to the invention, mounted in the insulating base so that each key, provided with a disconnecting element, is placed outside the insulating base opposite a window of said insulating base so that said disconnecting element passes through said window and is positioned opposite the automatic clamping blade of one of the terminals.

[0014] In a conventional manner, an "automatic terminal" is understood to mean a terminal whose electrical connection is automatic, that is to say, whose clamping of a connection element, generally the bare core of an electrical conductor, is ensured by an automatic clamping blade having a spring effect which automatically compresses, without the intervention of any installer, the connection element against a conductive wall of the terminal.

[0015] In the switchgear mechanism according to the invention, pressing a button causes the section to which that button is connected to rotate. This rotation allows the disconnecting element associated with that button to unlock the automatic terminal, that is, to act against the automatic clamping blade to release the connecting element inserted in the terminal. It is only thanks to the specific connection zone of the button system according to the invention that the rotation of this section does not cause a rotation of the adjacent section sufficient to unlock the neighboring automatic terminal. Thus, in the switchgear mechanism according to the invention, an installer is assured that pressing each button unlocks only the automatic terminal to which that button is connected.

[0016] According to an advantageous feature of the mechanism according to the invention, the touch system mounted in the insulating base is a system in which each connecting area is shaped to be received and held fitted in the insulating base.

[0017] By "adjusted," we mean that there is as little play as possible between each contact zone received in the insulating base and the insulating base itself. Preferably, one assumes that there is absolutely no play between each connection zone and the insulating base. Thus, once the system is assembled and held securely in the insulating base, each connection zone cannot move within the insulating base.

[0018] Thus, in this advantageous mounting mechanism, the base is shaped to receive the system according to the invention such that each connection zone of said system, formed by a portion of the rotating shaft, is at least partially coincident with a retention zone of the system in the insulating base. Such an advantageous mounting mechanism is easy and quick to assemble insofar as the system and the insulating base are shaped relative to each other to correspond. Furthermore, the system can be assembled onto the insulating base in a single step, and without constraint on the assembly time of the automatic terminals in the base.

[0019] The invention finally relates to a method of manufacturing a system according to the invention, according to which an injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material is carried out to manufacture in one piece each key with the section of rotation shaft to which it is rigidly attached.

[0020] Thus, thanks to the process according to the invention, the system according to the invention can take various and possibly complex forms while being obtained quickly, simply and cheaply, by molding.

[0021] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the process according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - The entire system is molded in one piece. - at least two injections of thermoplastic material are made in a mold to manufacture at least two adjacent keys linked to their respective sections of rotation shaft, the at least two injections being made in the mold at two distinct points chosen so that the weld line between the two flows of injected thermoplastic material is positioned in the bonding zone between the two adjacent sections; - we carry out an injection molding of a first part of the system comprising a key linked to its section of rotation shaft, then we carry out on this first molding an overmolding by injection of a second part of the system comprising a key linked to its section of rotation shaft, so that the first and second parts of the system are connected to each other at the level of the rotation shaft, in the area of ​​connection between said sections.

[0022] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various ways insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0023] In addition, various other features of the invention become apparent from the description annexed, carried out with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and where:

[0024] [Fig. 1] is a front perspective view of an actuation key system according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2] is a rear perspective view of the system of [Fig.1],

[0026] [Fig.3] is a top view of the system of [Fig.1],

[0027] [Fig.4] is an exploded perspective view of a mechanism base and of the system of [Fig. 1] ready to be mounted in this base,

[0028] [Fig.5] is a top view of the system of the [Fig.1] assembled on the base of the [Fig.4],

[0029] [Fig.6] is an exploded perspective view of a switchgear mechanism conforming to the invention,

[0030] [Fig.7] is a lateral perspective view of the fitting mechanism of [Fig.6], assembled,

[0031] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view along plane PI of the equipment mechanism of the [Fig.7]

[0032] [Fig.9] is a cross-sectional view along plane P2 of the system of [Fig.1] obtained according to a first embodiment of a manufacturing process according to the invention,

[0033] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view along plane P2 of the system of [Fig. 1] obtained according to a second embodiment of a manufacturing process according to the invention, and

[0034] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view along plane P2 of the system of [Fig.1] obtained according to a third embodiment of a manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0035] Figures 6 to 8 show a device mechanism 1 according to the present invention.

[0036] This is a socket mechanism 1, which is typically designed to be closed by a cover plate (not shown) and mounted on a switchgear support (not shown). In practice, the cover plate defines and delimits an insertion recess into which a user can insert a power plug to supply power to an electrical appliance connected to said plug. The switchgear support is used to mount the insulating base of the socket mechanism 1 either in an electrical box (not shown) that is either recessed or surface-mounted on any wall, or in a trunking (not shown).

[0037] Of course, although not shown, it is entirely conceivable that the switchgear mechanism according to the invention is of another type, for example an electrical switching mechanism.

[0038] As can be clearly seen in [Fig.6], the power socket mechanism 1 according to the invention comprises an insulating base 10 which houses a plurality of electrical connection terminals 2, 3.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the base 10 has a generally parallelepiped shape. This base 10 comprises, on the one hand, a back wall 12 on the inner face of which are provided recesses for receiving the electrical connection terminals 2, 3, and, on the other hand, a side wall 11 which rises from this back wall 12 and which defines, at the front, a reception opening 15 (see [Fig. 7]) intended to receive the trim ring. The insulating base 10 thus forms a housing, open at the front.

[0040] The base 10 of the power socket mechanism 1 more specifically has three locations 13, 14 (see Figures 4 and 5) to accommodate three electrical connection terminals 2, 3: two lateral locations 13 for receiving two female terminals 2 and a central location 14 for receiving a male terminal 3. The electrical connection terminals, whether "male" or "female", are adapted to establish electrical contact between electrical conductors from the electrical network and conductive elements of the electrical plug inserted into the insertion well of the cover plate. The electrical connection terminals 2 whose functional part has a receiving socket 2A are called "female terminals" (see [Fig.6]) intended to receive a connection pin of the electrical plug, while the electrical connection terminal 3, whose functional part includes an electrical contact element, such as a 3A earth pin (see Figures 6 and 7), is called the "male terminal." This pin is designed to protrude into the insertion recess of the cover plate to fit into a socket of the electrical plug. The 3A earth pin is generally that of a French-Belgian type socket. According to an unshown variant, the electrical contact element of a male terminal could be formed by a lyre, as is classically the case in a socket of the German standard (type F). In the remainder of this description, the electrical connection terminals 2 and 3 will be referred to as "terminals 2 and 3."

[0041] Conventionally, terminals 2, 3 are designed to be electrically connected to electrical conductors from the power grid via inlets (or insertion openings). As Figures 4 and 5 clearly show, each terminal 2, 3 is more precisely accessible via a pair of insertion openings 18 provided in the back wall 12 of the base 10. One of the insertion openings in each pair of insertion openings 18 is intended for the passage of the bare core of an electrical conductor from the grid carrying the neutral, phase, or earth current, into a conductive cage of terminal 2, 3 (see [Fig. 8]), the other opening in the pair of insertion openings 18 being provided for the passage of a tap conductor from this terminal 2, 3.

[0042] Each terminal 2, 3 is here "automatically connected" insofar as the clamping of the bare core of the electrical conductor in the conductive cage of said terminal 2, 3 is ensured by an automatic clamping blade 4 (see [Fig. 8]) with a spring effect that automatically compresses the bare core against a conductive wall of the conductor cage, without the need for any installer intervention. "Automatic" terminals are distinct from "screw" terminals, where an installer must tighten a screw to clamp the bare core of the electrical conductor against the conductive wall of the terminal's conductor cage.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the power socket mechanism 1 also includes an insulating cover 20, received in the base 10 so as to extend to the boundary between a rear portion of said base 10, which receives the terminals 2, 3 in their respective positions 13, 14, and a front portion of the base 10, which is intended to receive the insertion well for the trim ring. Thus, the cover 20 forms an intermediate base of the base 10 which encloses the terminals 2, 3 in their respective positions 13, 14.

[0044] The cover 20 is here formed by a generally rectangular plate whose front face is generally flat and extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 12 of the base 10 and to the plane defined by the reception opening 15 (see [Fig. 8]). As shown in [Fig. 6], the cover 20 has three passage openings 25, 26 which extend opposite the functional parts of the terminals 2, 3: one of the passage openings 26 is intended to allow the earth pin 3A of the male terminal 3 to pass through so that it extends into the insertion well of the cover plate, and the other two passage openings 25 are intended to allow the pins of the electrical plug to pass through so that they can make contact with the corresponding reception recesses 2A of the female terminals 2.

[0045] The power outlet mechanism 1 shown in [Fig. 6] also includes a shutter 30 movable between, on the one hand, a closed position in which it prevents access to the phase and neutral female terminals 2 by interposing itself between the passage openings 25 of the cover 20 and the openings of the corresponding receiving recesses of the female terminals 2, and, on the other hand, an open position in which it allows such access. The shutter 30 thus protects the user from possible electrical contact with the conductive elements housed in the rear part of the base 10 of the power outlet mechanism 1.

[0046] Remarkably, the power outlet mechanism 1 according to the invention finally includes a system of 100 buttons for the automatic disconnection of its terminals 2, 3.

[0047] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each key 110, 120 of this system 100 is positioned outside the base 10 opposite a window 19 of said base 10 (see Figures 4, 6 and 8) so that a disconnecting element 111, 121 with which this key 110, 120 is provided passes through said window 19 and is positioned opposite the clamping blade automatic 4 of one of the terminals 2, 3 (see [Fig. 8]). The deliberate (and direct) actuation of one of the buttons 110, 120, to move it a distance greater than or equal to its operational travel, causes the disconnecting element 111, 121 to move, which then opposes the pushing force exerted by the automatic clamping blade 4 of the terminal 2, 3. Thus, the deliberate (and direct) actuation of the button 110, 120 disconnects the terminal 2, 3 by releasing the bare core of the electrical conductor that was clamped in the conductive cage of the terminal 2, 3 by the automatic clamping blade 4.

[0048] The 100 key system, as such, forms part of the invention, and will be better described below with reference to figures 1 to 3. The 100 key system according to the invention will be described ready for use in the power outlet mechanism 1 described above.

[0049] By convention, in the description, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the user's gaze turned towards the power socket mechanism 1 when he holds the power socket mechanism 1 so that the reception opening 15 of the base 10 is placed at the top, the bottom wall 12 of the base 10 is placed at the bottom, and the side wall 11 of the base 10 in which the windows 19 are provided is placed in front of him. Thus, the term "front" refers to the side of an element facing the user, opposite the base, while the term "back" refers to the side of an element facing the base 10. Finally, "above" refers to the side of an element facing upwards, towards the reception opening 15 of the base 10, while "below" refers to the side of an element facing the opposite direction, that is to say, facing the bottom of the base 10.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the system 100 here comprises two side keys 110 and a central key 120, attached to a common element which takes the form of a rotation shaft 130.

[0051] Advantageously, the system according to the invention is a single-piece unit. This configuration, in which the keys 110 and 120 are inseparable from the rotation shaft 130, facilitates installation of the system in the base of the switchgear mechanism in a single step. This single-piece configuration of the system 100 also prevents the loss of the keys 110 and 120, which are often small.

[0052] Each key 110, 120 of the system 100 comprises a plate 112, 122 which is generally flat, having a front face (clearly visible in [Fig.1]), facing the user, and a rear face (clearly visible in [Fig.2]) opposite the front face, which rear face is the one facing the base 10 when the system 100 is in place in the power socket mechanism 1.

[0053] The front face of the plate 112, 122 may optionally bear visual indications enabling the user to know which terminal is located behind the key 110, 120. For example, in the example shown, the front face of the center key 120 bears a visual indication 125 indicating that it is intended to be associated, in the power outlet mechanism 1, with the earth terminal 3. According to an unrepresented variant, it could be envisaged that each plate be a different colour, for example a blue plate for the button associated with the neutral terminal, a red plate for the plate of the button associated with the phase terminal and a green plate for the button associated with the earth terminal.

[0054] The rear face of the plate 112, 122 is the one which carries the disconnecting element 111, 121 of the key 110, 120 (see figures 2 and 3), intended to interact with the automatic clamping blade 4 of the terminal 2, 3. This disconnecting element 111, 121 here takes the form of a pin which extends globally perpendicularly to a mean extension plane of the plate 112, 122.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the rotation shaft 130 to which the keys 110, 120 are linked is divided into sections 131, 132, and each key 110, 120 is rigidly linked to a section 131, 132 distinct from the rotation shaft 130. Thus, the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 here comprises two lateral sections 131 to which the lateral keys 110 are respectively linked, and a central section 132 to which the central key 120 is linked. Each section 131, 132 has a generally cylindrical shape and extends along a longitudinal axis L1, L2 (see Figures 1 and 3). The rigid connection between each key 110, 120 and its section 131, 132 is formed by a link 135 (see figures 1 and 2) which is generally parallelepiped-shaped and whose section and the material in which it is formed guarantee the rigidity.Link 135 extends globally along a transverse axis T of the section 131, 132 to which it is connected, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1, L2 of said section 131, 132 (see [Fig.1]). For each section 131, 132, the longitudinal and transverse axes L1, L2, T define the average extension plane of the plate 112, 122 of the key 110, 120 which is connected to said section 131, 132. Here, the link 135 connecting the key 110, 120 to its section 131, 132 is more specifically arranged in the median transverse plane of the section 131, 132, which is the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1, L2 of extension of the section 131, 132 and which cuts the section 131, 132 into two equal parts.

[0056] The rigid link 135 between each key 110; 120 and its section 131, 132 implies that the direct actuation by the user of any of the keys 110, 120 causes the rotation, around its longitudinal axis L1, L2, of said section 131, 132 to which this key 110, 120 is attached, to move said key 110, 120 according to a determined angular deflection.

[0057] In other words, since each key 110, 120 is fixed relative to the section 131, 132 to which it is rigidly attached, the direct actuation of the key 110, 120 by the user sets in motion the assembly formed by the key 110, 120 and the section 131, 132. The angular displacement of the key 110, 120 thus generated around The longitudinal axis L1, L2 of the section 131, 132 to which it is linked depends directly on the force of action of the user on the key 110, 120. In the sense of the invention, the angular travel of the key which corresponds to the operational stroke of said key 110, 120 is the minimum angular travel of this key 110, 120 which is sufficient to unlock the terminal 2, 3 associated with this key 110, 120, that is to say to move the automatic clamping blade 4 of the terminal 2, 3 away from the conductive wall against which it naturally exerts its clamping action and against which it tends to return.

[0058] Here, the system 100 is described as "push-to-disconnect" insofar as the user must push on the front face of the keypad to disconnect the terminal associated with that key 110, 120. Alternatively, although not shown, it is entirely conceivable that the system could be "pull-to-disconnect," meaning that the user must pull on any of the keys to disconnect the terminal associated with that key. A hybrid system could also be considered, combining both push-to-disconnect and pull-to-disconnect mechanisms, with each key associated either with a push-to-disconnect mechanism or a pull-to-disconnect mechanism.

[0059] As can be clearly seen in Figures 1 to 3, the sections 131, 132 of the rotation shaft 130 are remarkably connected in pairs by linkage zones 133, and each linkage zone 133 is arranged so that the rotation of a section 131, 132, generated by the direct actuation of the key 110, 120 attached to this section 131, 132, keeps each adjacent section stationary, or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section around its longitudinal axis L1, L2 to move the adjacent key attached to each adjacent section by an incident angular deflection much smaller than the operational stroke of said adjacent key.

[0060] In the context of the invention, each connecting zone 133 is a physical part that forms a solid, material link between two adjacent sections 131, 132. Thus, each connecting zone 133 is an integral part of the rotation shaft 130. In particular, a connecting zone 133 is not constituted by an empty space or a "gap" separating two sections 131, 132.

[0061] The linking zone 133 between two sections 131, 132 guarantees the independence of the keys 110, 120 of the system 100, which means that it guarantees that the direct actuation of one of the keys allows only the terminal associated with that key to be unlocked, without inducing the unlocking of the other terminal(s) ac-tionable by the system, in particular that of the adjacent terminals.

[0062] To achieve this, the bonding zones 133 can be shaped in several different ways, described below.

[0063] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the central section 132 of the rotation shaft 130 is intended to rotate about a first axis of rotation R2 (coinciding with the longitudinal axis L2) and the two lateral sections 131 of the rotation shaft 130 are intended to rotate about a second axis of rotation RI (coinciding with the longitudinal axis L1), parallel and distinct from the first axis of rotation R2. In top view, the sections 131, 132 therefore extend in a staggered fashion from one another (see [Fig.3]). The central key 120 and the side keys 110 respectively linked to these sections 131, 132 are thus themselves offset along an anteroposterior axis (which extends from front to back), so that, still in top view, the free end of the disconnecting elements 111 of the side keys 110 is located further from the user than the free end of the disconnecting element 121 of the central key 120 (see [Fig.3]).Conversely, the front face of the side keys 110 plates 112 is set back, further from the user, than the front face of the center key 120 plate 122. This arrangement ensures, despite the small size of the keys 110, 120 plates 112, 122, that the user presses the front face of only one plate 112, 122 when they wish to activate one of the keys 110, 120 of the system 100.

[0064] In this example where the rotation axes RI, R2 of the sections 131, 132 are offset, the connection zone 133 comprises, on the one hand, a central part 133A which is generally cylindrical (see figures 2 and 3), which extends along a longitudinal axis L3 (see [Fig.3]) parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the sections 131, 132, and, on the other hand, two lateral parts 133B, 133C which extend on either side of this central part 133A, obliquely in the direction of the section 131, 132 to which each of these lateral parts 133B, 133C is attached.

[0065] In this example, the central portion 133A of the connecting area 133 is specifically shaped to be received and held securely in the base 10 of the power-receptacle mechanism 1, at the level of a clamping cradle 17A (see [Fig. 4]) of this base 10. In practice, there is minimal play, or even no play at all, between the central portion 133A of the connecting area 133 and the corresponding clamping cradle 17A of the base 10. This implies that the central portion 133A is press-fitted into the clamping cradle 17A, for example by pressing it in, during the assembly of the system 100 onto the base 10. Once the assembly is complete, the clamping cradle 17A prevents the central portion 133A of the corresponding connecting area 133 from moving within the base 10.When one of the keys 110, 120 of system 100 is directly activated by the user, the connecting area 133 is adapted, by the precise retention of its central part 133A in the clamping cradle 17A, to brace itself when the operational travel of said key 110, 120 is reached. The braced connecting area 133 thus limits (or even prevents) the rotation of the . The section adjacent to section 131, 132, to which the activated button 110, 120 is linked, is such that the induced rotation of said adjacent section does not allow the automatic clamping blade 4 of the neighboring terminal 2, 3 to be moved a sufficient distance to disconnect said neighboring terminal 2, 3. In other words, thanks to the bracing connecting area 133, the button(s) adjacent to the one activated by the user do not move, or move only slightly, to be inoperative.

[0066] According to an unshown embodiment, at least one of the connection zones between two adjacent sections is formed from a material with lower torsional strength than the rest of the rotating shaft. The energy associated with the rotation of a section, generated by the direct actuation of the key attached to that section, is then absorbed, totally or partially, by the twisting connection zone, so that this energy does not propagate (or propagates very little) to the adjacent section. Thus, according to this embodiment, the direct actuation of a key induces no rotation of the adjacent section or, at the very least, limits this induced rotation so that the travel of the adjacent key is less than the operational travel of that adjacent key.

[0067] Advantageously, the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 further comprises at least two retaining zones 134 by which said system 100 is intended to be held in the base 10 of the power-picking mechanism 1.

[0068] In the system 100 which has at least three keys 110, 120, two retaining zones 134 are partially coincident with the connecting zones 133 of the sections 131, 132. These two retaining zones 134 are more precisely formed by the central parts 133A (see figures 3 and 4) of the connecting zones 133, intended to be received in a fitted manner in the clamping cradles 17A of the base 10 (see figures 4 and 5).

[0069] Here, the rotation shaft 130 has an additional retaining area 136 at each of its ends (see figures 2 to 4). As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each additional retaining zone 136 more precisely comprises, on the one hand, a notch 136A recessed in the rear of the rotation shaft 130, that is, on the side of the rotation shaft 130 that is generally parallel to the rear face of the plates 112, 122 of the keys 110, 120, and, on the other hand, a bump 136B projecting towards the front of the rotation shaft 130, that is, on the side of the rotation shaft 130 that is generally parallel to the front face of said plates 112, 122. These additional retaining zones 136 are intended to be positioned in cradles 17B of the base 10 of the power-receptacle mechanism 1, which cradles 17B are shaped so that a portion of the base 10 enters the notch 136A of the retaining area 136 (see figures 4 and 5).The configuration of the additional 136 retaining zones in hollows and bumps allows the offset of the rotation axes RI, R2 of the sections 131, 132 of the rotation shaft 130 to be maintained while limiting the anteroposterior offset. posterior of the 136 additional support zones compared to the other 134 support zones of the system 100.

[0070] Here, the offset of the rotation axes RI, R2 of the sections 131, 132, combined with the positioning of the holding zones 134, 136 (and therefore with the positioning of the central parts 133A of the linking zones 133) allows, for an operational stroke of a lateral key 110 equivalent to an angular deflection of 17°, to contain the incident angular deflection of the central key 120 to 4°.

[0071] Advantageously, at least one of the keys, here the two side keys 110 of the system 100, are further provided with a clamping element 115 intended to limit the travel of said key 110 when it is actuated. As shown in [Fig. 2], the clamping element 115 extends from the rear face of the plate 112 of the key 110, in a direction perpendicular to the mean plane of extension of the plate 112. The clamping element 115 more precisely comprises two pads 115, arranged on either side of the disconnecting element 111, 121. The pads 115 of the clamping element are intended to abut against the outer face of a portion 1IA of the side wall 11 of the base 10 (see [Fig. 6]). It is when this stop is reached by the 115 pads that the user is assured that the operational travel of the lateral key 110 is reached.

[0072] Advantageously, the rotating shaft 130 finally includes, at each of its ends, an anti-vibration element 139. Here, the anti-vibration element 139 forms a tip at each end of the rotating shaft 130 (see Figures 1 to 3). The anti-vibration element 139 is in the form of an asymmetrical ovoid element, with a front portion 139A having a smaller footprint than a rear portion 139B of said element (see Figures 1 and 2). This anti-vibration element 139 is designed to be received in a corresponding notch 5 of the base 10 (see Figures 4 and 5) so as to prevent the system 100 from changing orientation during the assembly of the power-seal mechanism 1.

[0073] In general, the various elements included in the switchgear mechanism 1 (see [Fig.6]), in particular the base 10, the cover 20, the shutter 30, the system 100, and the terminals 2, 3 are obtained separately, then assembled together to form the power outlet mechanism 1.

[0074] To assemble the power socket mechanism 1 shown in [Fig. 6], the system 100 is first assembled onto the base 10 (see [Fig. 4]). To do this, the system 100 is inserted into the base 10 via the receiving opening 15 of said base 10, so that, on the one hand, the contact plates 112, 122 of the buttons 110, 120 fit into openings 7, 8 provided in the base 10 and the disconnecting elements 111, 121 enter the corresponding windows 19 of the base which open into said openings 7, 8, and, on the other hand, the retaining zones 134, 136 enter into force in the cradles 17A, 17B of the base 10 (see [Fig.5]). The anti-vibration elements 119 of the system 100 are then received in their respective notches 5 (see [Fig.5]).

[0075] The terminals 2, 3 are then assembled in the corresponding positions 13, 14 of the base 10. During this insertion, the terminals 2, 3 push on the disconnecting elements 111, 121 of the keys 110, 120. However, this insertion does not rotate the entire system 100, the orientation of which is maintained by the anti-vibration elements 119 in contact with the notches 5.

[0076] Finally, the cover 20, which has been previously placed on the shutter 30, is positioned above the terminals 2, 3. As shown in [Fig. 6], anti-removal hooks 21, whisker hooks 22 and gripping teeth 23A of the cover 20 then cooperate with additional fixing means of the base 10, respectively, the edges 16 provided inside the base 10 (see figures 4 and 5), the tabs 6 provided in the side wall 11 of the base 10 (see figures 6 and 7), and the windows 23B (see [Fig. 8]) drilled in the side wall of the base 10. The positioning of the cover 20 above the terminals 2, 3 also prevents the system 100 from moving towards the receiving opening 15 of the base 10 (see [Fig. 8]).

[0077] When terminals 2, 3 are in place in the socket 10, the free end of each disconnecting element 111, 121 does not interact with the self-clamping blade 4 of the corresponding terminal 2, 3 until that terminal 2, 3 is connected to the network (see [Fig.8]). It is only when said terminal 2, 3 is connected to its electrical conductor that the automatic clamping blade 4 is positioned in contact with the free end of the disconnecting element 111, 121. It is in this position that the actuation of one of the keys by direct pressing by the user on the key 110, 120 makes it possible to disconnect the corresponding terminal 2, 3, without the rotation possibly induced on the nearest adjacent key being sufficient to move in turn the automatic clamping blade 4 of the neighboring terminal 2, 3, to the point of disconnecting this neighboring terminal.

[0078] As regards the production of the various elements of the power socket mechanism 1, prior to their assembly, the base 10, the cover 20, the shutter 30, and the system 100 are obtained by molding a thermoplastic material chosen for its good electrical insulator, sufficient rigidity, and desired mechanical strength. Each element can be formed from its own thermoplastic material, identical or different from that of the other elements. Each element can itself be formed from a plurality of different thermoplastic materials suitable for molding. For example, the system 100 can be formed from three different thermoplastic materials with identical formulations, except for their pigmentation, which differs so that each contact 110, 120 of the system 100 have a different color.

[0079] In particular, the system 100 according to the invention is obtained according to a manufacturing process which forms part of the invention.

[0080] According to this process according to the invention, an injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material is carried out to manufacture in one piece each key 110, 120 with the section 131, 132 of rotation shaft 130 to which it is rigidly linked.

[0081] In particular, it is planned to mold the entire system 100 in one piece. Obtaining the system 100 in the form of a single monobloc piece is thus facilitated, since no assembly of parts is necessary.

[0082] Various molding processes are conceivable and allow for obtaining systems 100 which are all identical, from an external point of view, to the system 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. It is however possible to identify which manufacturing process was used to obtain the system 100 by observing the inside of the system 100 obtained, in particular by observing a cross-section of its rotation shaft 130 along the longitudinal axis of said rotation shaft 130, as shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0083] According to a first embodiment of the method, at least two injections of identical or different thermoplastic material are carried out in a mold to manufacture at least two adjacent buttons connected to their respective sections of the rotating shaft. These injections are made at two distinct points in the mold chosen so that the weld line between the two flows of injected thermoplastic material is positioned in the bond zone between the two adjacent sections. Preferably, since the system 100 has three buttons 110, 120, three injections are made here at three distinct points in the mold. For example, the three injections are carried out simultaneously or almost simultaneously. It is then necessary to ensure that the location of the two weld lines between the different material flows is such that these locations are indeed situated in the bond zones between two adjacent sections.

[0084] This first embodiment is found in the system 100 shown in [Fig. 9], in which the weld line S between the injected material flows is positioned in the middle of each central portion 133A of the bonding zone 133 between two adjacent sections 131, 132. The weld line S is a section of the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 that is more fragile than the rest of the rotation shaft 130, so that repeated actuation of the keys 110, 120, combined with the flexing of the bonding zone 133, risks causing the system 100 to break at this weld line S. Positioning the weld line S in the central portion 133A of each bonding zone 133 ensures that this weld line S is located at the core of one of the clamping cradles 17A of the base 10, so that, even if the system 100 breaks at the weld line S, the rotation shaft 130 remains held in the clamping cradle 17A, on either side of the weld line S, and each key 110, 120 then remains operational, held in the base 10.

[0085] If the same thermoplastic material is injected to form the system 100 according to the first embodiment of the process, the injection points are ideally located in similar places on the mold, along the median transverse axis T of the corresponding sections 131, 132. For example, the injection points are positioned on the top of the rotating shaft 130, in line with the link 135 connecting the section 131, 132 to its contact 110, 120 (see the arrows Fl in Figures 1 and 2). Another possible example is to position the injection points at the junction between the disconnecting element 111, 121 and the rear face of each insert 112, 122 (see the arrows F2 in [Fig. 2]).

[0086] If different thermoplastic materials are injected to form the system 100 according to the first embodiment of the process, a person skilled in the art will be able to adjust the arrangement of the injection points and / or the injection timing of the thermoplastic materials, according to the speed of movement of each thermoplastic material in the mold so that the weld line S between the different flows of thermoplastic material is always located in the bonding zone 133, preferably at the center of the central part 133A of said bonding zone 133. A person skilled in the art will take into account that the speed of movement of the thermoplastic material depends in particular on the viscosity of this material.

[0087] According to the second and third embodiments of the method, it is planned to perform injection molding of a first part of the system 100 comprising a button connected to its section of rotational shaft, and then to perform overmolding by injection on this first molding of a second part of the system 100 comprising a button connected to its section of rotational shaft 130, such that the first and second parts of the system 100 are connected to each other at the level of the rotational shaft 130, in the connection zone 133 between said sections. Here, since the system 100 comprises three buttons 110, 120, the molding of the first part 100A of the system is considered to correspond to the molding of a central part of the system 100. Then, simultaneously or consecutively or successively, two second parts 100B of the system 100 are performed, on either side of the first part 100A.The second parts 100B are identical and correspond to the lateral parts of system 100 (see figures 10 and 11).

[0088] These second and third embodiments of the process are found in system 100 shown in Figures 10 and 11. In the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first part 100A of system 100 comprises a first a piece of the rotation shaft 130 which includes the central section 132 linked to the central key 120, and, on either side of said central section 132, a part of each of the connection zones 133 by which this central section 132 is linked to the lateral sections 131. Each second part 100B of the system includes a second piece of the rotation shaft 130 which includes the lateral section 131 linked to its lateral key 110, as well as, at one end of this lateral section 131, a part of the connection zone 133 provided between this lateral section 131 and the central section 132, and, at the other end of this lateral section 131, the anti-vibration element 139, and one of the holding zones 136 of the system 100.

[0089] To ensure that the first and second parts 100A, 100B of the system 100 are perfectly joined, the first piece of rotating shaft 130 molded with the first part 100A of the system 100 has, at each end by which it is intended to be connected to the second piece of rotating shaft 130 of one of the second parts 100B of the system 100, attachment means 137A, 137B designed to facilitate the adhesion of the thermoplastic material during the overmolding of said second part 100B. The second piece of rotating shaft 130 has, of course, attachment means 138A, 138B which are complementary in shape to the attachment means 137A, 137B of the first piece. A first example of complementary shape attachment means is visible in [Fig. 10], in the form of a spherical groove 137B receiving a spherical nipple 138B. A second example of complementary shape attachment means is visible in [Fig.11], in the form of 137A, 138A mounting brackets.

[0090] Similar to what has been explained for the first embodiment of the process, the junction between the first and second pieces of the rotation shaft 130, originating from the first and second parts 100A, 100B of the system 100 is a fragile area of ​​the rotation shaft 130, which risks breaking during the multiple actuations of the keys 110, 120 of the latter. Providing that the attachment means 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B of complementary shapes are located in the central part 133A of the linkage area 133 ensures that, even in the event of a break in the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 at the level of this junction, it will still be held in the clamping cradle 17A of the base 10, on either side of the broken junction and each key 110, 120 will then remain operational, held in the base 10.

[0091] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention.

[0092] In particular, it is entirely conceivable that the number of keys provided on the rotation shaft may be different, as long as the rotation shaft is linked to at least two keys.

[0093] It is also conceivable that each section of the rotation shaft has a distinct axis of rotation, instead of, as is the case in the example shown, the two lateral sections share the same axis of rotation.

[0094] Various other modifications may still be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A key system (100) for automatically disconnecting terminals (2, 3) in a switchgear mechanism (1), comprising a plurality of keys (110, 120) attached to a common element, characterized in that the common element is a rotating shaft (130) divided into sections (131, 132) which are connected in pairs by connecting zones (133), each connecting zone (133) being a physical part which forms a solid material link between two adjacent sections (131, 132), each key (110, 120) being rigidly connected to a distinct section (131, 132) such that direct actuation by a user of any one of the keys (110, 120) causes the section (131, 132) to which that key (110, 120) is to rotate around its longitudinal axis (L1, L2). 120) is attached, to move said key (110, 120) according to a determined angular displacement constituting the operational stroke of said key (110, 120),and in that each connecting zone (133) is arranged so that the rotation of a section (131, 132), generated by the direct actuation of the attached key (110, 120), either keeps each adjacent section (131, 132) stationary or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section (131, 132) around its longitudinal axis (L1, L2) to move the adjacent key attached to that adjacent section (131, 132) by an incident angular displacement considerably smaller than the operational stroke of said adjacent key.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft (130) comprises a section (132) intended to rotate about a first axis of rotation (R2) and at least one other section (131) intended to rotate about a second axis of rotation (RI), parallel and distinct from the first axis of rotation (R2).

3. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, which is a single piece.

4. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rotation shaft (130) has at each end an anti-vibration element (139).

5. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotation shaft (130) has at least two retaining zones (134, 136) by which said system (130) is intended to be held in a base (10) of a switchgear mechanism (1).

6. System (100) according to claim 5, wherein the rotation shaft (130) has a retaining zone (136) at each of its ends.

7. System (100) according to any one of claims 5 and 6, which includes at least three keys (110, 120) and in which at least two holding zones (134) are at least partially coincident with at least two connecting zones (133) of the sections (131, 132).

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least one of the bonding zones is formed in a material of lower torsional strength than the rest of the rotating shaft.

9. System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the connecting areas (133) is shaped to be received and held in a tight fit in a base (10) of the switchgear mechanism (1).

10. Switchgear mechanism(l) comprising: - an insulating base (10) housing a plurality of automatic electrical connection terminals (2, 3), each terminal (2, 3) being provided with an automatic clamping blade (4), and - a system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 mounted in the insulating base (10) so that each button (110, 120), provided with a disconnecting element (111, 121), is placed outside the insulating base (10) opposite a window (19) of said insulating base (10) so that said disconnecting element (111, 121) passes through said window (19) and is positioned opposite the automatic clamping blade (4) of one of the terminals (2, 3).

11. Mechanism (1) of switchgear according to the preceding claim, wherein the touch system (100) is of the type according to claim 9, reported in the insulating base (10) so that each connecting area (133) is held fitted in the insulating base (10).

12. Method of manufacturing a system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material is carried out to manufacture in one piece each key (110, 120) with the section (131, 132) of rotation shaft (130) to which it is rigidly connected.

13. A manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein the entire system (100) is molded in one piece.

14. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 12 and 13 of a system according to claim 9, wherein at least two injections of thermoplastic material are made in a mold to manufacture less two adjacent touches (110, 120) linked to their respective sections (131, 132) of rotation shaft (130), the at least two injections being carried out in the mold at two distinct points chosen so that the weld line (S) between the two flows of injected thermoplastic material is positioned in the bonding zone (133) between the two adjacent sections (131, 132).

15. A manufacturing method according to claim 12, in which an injection molding is performed of a first part (100A) of the system (100) comprising a key (120) linked to its section (132) of rotation shaft (130), then an injection overmolding is performed on this first molding of a second part (100B) of the system (100) comprising a key (110) linked to its section (131) of rotation shaft (130), so that the first and second parts (100A, 100B) of the system (100) are connected to each other at the level of the rotation shaft (130), in the connection zone (133) between said sections (131, 132).

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