Connection unit for use in an electrical network and connection system comprising the same

Abstract

------ Connection unit for use in an electrical network and connection system comprising the same The invention relates to a connection unit (1) comprising a housing (2) receiving an incoming section (3a) and a primary outgoing section (4a), a grounding and short-circuiting section (3b), and a linear actuator extending longitudinally inside the housing (2), the linear actuator comprising a connection carriage (14) movable along a movement path, and a control member configured to regulate the movement of the connection carriage (14) between a first end position and a second end position, such that the outgoing section (4a) can be selectively connected safely to one of the incoming section (3a) and the grounding section (3b). Figure to be published: Figure 1a

Description

Title of the invention: Connection unit for use in an electrical network and connection system comprising the same

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical connection equipment, and more particularly relates to a connection unit intended to be used in an electrical network and a connection system comprising the same.

[0002] Connection units already exist in the prior art for connecting the downstream and upstream sides of an electrical network, particularly for medium voltage networks, or HTA. For example, certain documents such as patents FR2537791 B1 and FR2699750 B1 propose branch units intended to be integrated into an electrical network.

[0003] However, with existing technical solutions, when a power grid cut is desired, for example to isolate a faulty part of the network, it is necessary to manually disconnect the cable connection heads from the connection unit. This operation has the disadvantages of being slow and compromising the sealing of the connection unit. In addition, this operation requires direct intervention by an operator on the connection unit while it is still connected to the network, which presents a safety risk. Furthermore, with existing technical solutions, it is not possible to earth and short-circuit, MALT-CC, the downstream part of the network, which makes it difficult to search for faults on the network without direct intervention on the connection unit and the use of specific equipment.

[0004] Therefore, the prior art solutions proposed for connection units, intended to be used in an electrical network, and connection systems still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.

[0005] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a connection unit comprising a fluidic actuator and an integrated earthing and short-circuiting section, called MALT-CC section.

[0006] Thus, the present invention relates to a connection unit intended to be used in an electrical network, comprising a housing receiving an inlet section intended to be connected upstream of the network and a primary outlet section intended to be connected downstream of the network, in which: the inlet section comprises at least one electrical connection element opening outside the housing and the primary outlet section comprises as many electrical connection elements opening outside the housing as the inlet section, each connection element of the inlet section being electrically connected to a connection element separate arranged inside the housing and each connection element of the primary outgoing section being electrically connected to a separate connection element arranged inside the housing; the connection unit further comprises an earthing and short-circuiting section, called the MALT-DC section, the MALT-DC section comprising as many connection elements as the incoming section, the connection elements of the MALT-DC section being arranged inside the housing opposite the connection elements of the incoming section and all the connection elements of the MALT-DC section being electrically connected to each other and connected to earth; the connection unit further comprises a linear actuator extending longitudinally inside the housing between the connection elements of the incoming section and the connection elements of the MALT-DC section, T linear actuator comprising a connection carriage movable along a movement path,between the connection elements of the arrival section and the connection elements of the MALT-CC section, imposed by a guide element as a function of the movement imparted by the linear actuator on the connection carriage, the connection carriage comprising as many radial arms as the arrival section comprises connection elements and each arm carrying a connection member complementary to both a connection element of the arrival section and a connection element of the MALT-CC section arranged opposite, each connection member carried by an arm being electrically connected to a separate connection element of the primary departure section by means of a flexible electrically conductive element, the linear actuator further comprising a control member accessible from outside the housing and being configured to regulate the movement of the connection carriage,so as to move the connection carriage between a first end-of-travel position in which each connection member carried by an arm is connected to a connection element of the arrival section, and a second end-of-travel position in which each connection member carried by an arm is connected to a connection element of the grounding-DC section, such that the primary outgoing section can be selectively connected safely to one of the arrival section and the grounding-DC section, the connection unit being further configured such that each connection element of the arrival section, respectively of the primary outgoing section, is configured to allow an electrical connection with a cable connection head coming from outside the housing.

[0007] The electrical network may for example be a medium voltage network, or HTA. The connection elements may be integral with the corresponding connection elements, respectively the corresponding branching elements, or may be arranged at a distance and electrically connected to them, for example using metal braids, cables or profiled sheets, for example made of copper or aluminum.

[0008] It will be understood that the use of the fluidic actuator gives a user the possibility of electrically cutting off the network quickly and securely without compromising the sealing of the connection unit. Unlike existing technical solutions, it is no longer necessary to remove cable connection heads to isolate a part of the network, for example a part of the faulty HV network.

[0009] Each flexible electrically conductive element may be a cable or a metal braid.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator is a fluidic actuator comprising two variable volume chambers mechanically connected to the connection carriage and arranged longitudinally on either side of the connection carriage to move the connection carriage by varying the volume of the variable volume chambers, the control member being constituted by at least one valve assembly opening outside the housing to allow an exchange of fluid between the outside and the inside of each of the variable volume chambers. Preferably, a valve assembly is provided for each variable volume chamber. However, the same valve assembly may be provided for both variable volume chambers, with a mechanical selector or equivalent provided upstream of the valve assembly to choose into which of the variable volume chambers the fluid is injected.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator is a worm screw, the carriage of connection then being carried by a nut circulating on the worm screw, the control member being one of a motor, a linkage, an imprint at at least one of the ends of the worm screw of the flat, cruciform, star, hexagonal or square type, tamper-proof or not.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator is a piston whose free end of the rod is mechanically connected to the connection carriage, the control member being a hydraulic source.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator is an electric motor driving by means of gears a chain or equivalent to which the connection carriage is connected, the control member being an electrical power supply for the motor.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the connection elements of the MALT-CC section are connected to each other and to earth in a disconnectable manner, such that, when the connection carriage is in its second end-of-travel position, the connection elements of the MALT-CC section can be selectively isolated to allow a user to have electrical access to the primary outgoing section and to allow faults to be searched for in the downstream part of the network, without compromising the sealing of the housing.

[0015] This configuration allows, for example, to be able to carry out insulation tests and thus to know the state of the downstream network.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises at least one pipe fluidically connected to a valve assembly and configured to connect said valve assembly to a remotely disposed external fluid supply source.

[0017] It will be understood that the use of a pipe makes it possible to move the user away during power-up and to improve safety.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the position of the connection carriage along the movement path is visible by at least one of a movable slider moved by the connection carriage, a window formed in the housing and a transparent housing.

[0019] It will be understood that these configurations make it possible to know the position of the connection carriage in the housing, in particular to improve safety of use.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the connection carriage further carries a first position verification element configured to cooperate with a second position verification element, fixed to the housing, when the connection carriage is in at least one of the first end-of-travel position and the second end-of-travel position.

[0021] For example, the first position verification element may be a rod carried by the connecting carriage and the second verification element may be a transparent eyelet disposed on the housing in correspondence. According to another example, the first position verification element and the second position verification element may be elements of a position sensor, for example a position sensor configured to deliver an electrical signal.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the connection unit is configured to allow the connection carriage to be locked in position.

[0023] It will be understood that a lock in position, connected or disconnected, makes it possible to improve safety and reliability of use.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each valve assembly is configured to selectively prevent fluid egress from at least one of the variable volume chambers, such that the connecting carriage is selectively locked in position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one of the variable volume chambers is in the form of one of an inflatable bellows and an inflatable bag.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the connection elements of the MALT-CC section are arranged opposite the connection elements of the arrival section.

[0027] It will be understood that, according to a variant, the connection elements of the arrival section can be arranged at a location remote from the housing and be electrically connected to the connection elements of the arrival section arranged opposite the connection elements of the MALT-CC section.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises at least one secondary starting section, intended to be connected downstream of the network, which comprises as many connection elements opening outside the housing as the arrival section, each connection element of the at least one secondary starting section being configured to allow an electrical connection with a cable connection head coming from outside the housing, each connection element of the at least one secondary starting section being electrically connected to a separate connection element arranged inside the housing, and each connection element of the at least one secondary starting section being electrically connected to a separate connection element of the primary starting section, preferably by a cable, a metal braid or a profiled sheet,such that the connection unit is configured to perform a bypass of the arrival section between the primary departure section and the at least one secondary departure section, when the connection carriage is in the first end-of-travel position.

[0029] According to one embodiment, at least one connection element of at least one of the primary outgoing section and, where appropriate, the at least one secondary outgoing section, is arranged at a distance from the corresponding connection element and is electrically connected to the corresponding connection element via a fuse arranged inside the housing.

[0030] It will be understood that the fuses make it possible in particular to protect the downstream part of the network connected to the outgoing sections, for example for use in a “connection module” configuration.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the arrival section comprises three connection elements, preferably arranged in a triangle.

[0032] According to one embodiment, each connection element of the arrival section, respectively of the MALT-CC section, each connection element of the primary departure section and, where appropriate, of the at least one secondary departure section, and each connection element of the arrival section, respectively of the primary departure section and, where appropriate, of the at least one secondary departure section, is one of a socket, a plug, a metal pin and a metal blade.

[0033] It will be understood that several configurations are possible to allow the electrical connections and in particular that, preferably, male type elements and female type elements are chosen in a complementary manner.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises a plurality of seals, such that the interior of the housing is sealed from the exterior of the housing.

[0035] The sealing is preferably a liquid and gas seal.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises a bracket removable lock configured to extend over at least a portion of a periphery of the housing and prohibit access to the valve assemblies, the inlet section, the MALT-CC section, the primary outlet section and, if applicable, the at least one secondary outlet section.

[0037] It will be understood that the locking bracket may further be configured to protect the valve assemblies, the inlet section, the MALT-CC section, the primary outlet section and, where appropriate, the at least one secondary outlet section, preferably against both impacts and flows, for example of water. It will also be understood that, preferably, disassembly of the locking bracket is securely limited, for example by the use of a fixing screw having a specially shaped head, or a specially shaped imprint.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises at least one locking plate configured to be removably attached to the housing at least one of the inlet section, the primary outlet section and, where appropriate, the at least one secondary outlet section, so as to prevent removal of a connection head connected to a connection element.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the at least one blocking plate is connected to ground.

[0040] According to one embodiment, two longitudinal ends of the actuator fluidics are connected to ground, preferably the valve assemblies.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises at least one cap configured to protect an unused connection element among a connection element of the inlet section, a connection element of the primary outlet section, and, where appropriate, a connection element of the at least one secondary outlet section.

[0042] It will be understood that the use of plugs makes it possible, for example, to use the same connection unit in different conditions, without compromising the sealing of the housing, which makes it possible, for example, to provide a smaller number of different connection units and to reduce costs.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the connection unit further comprises a waiting pad configured to mechanically support additional cable connection heads, intended to be subsequently connected to connection elements of the connection unit.

[0044] It will be understood that the use of a waiting pad makes it possible in particular to facilitate and accelerate operations of adding or removing cable connection heads.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a connection system characterized in that it comprises a connection unit as described above, a plurality of cable connection heads electrically connected to a plurality of cables, and a means for controlling the control member.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the linear actuator is a fluidic actuator, the control member is constituted by at least one valve assembly, the control means is at least one fluid supply source and the fluid delivered by the at least one fluid supply source is electrically insulating.

[0047] It will be understood that the use of an electrically insulating fluid makes it possible to improve safety of use. In the case of a medium voltage, or HTA, network, the fluid can, for example, be air.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the fluid supply source is a bicycle pump type pump.

[0049] It will be understood that a bicycle pump is an economically interesting solution and simple to set up.

[0050] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In these drawings:

[0052] [Fig.1a] is a perspective view of a connection unit according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0053] [Fig. 1b] is a perspective view of the connection unit of [Fig.1a], the locking bracket having been removed such that the inlet section and a secondary outlet section are visible in the foreground.

[0054] [Fig. 1e] is a perspective view of the connection unit of [Fig. 1a], showing the side opposite that shown in [Fig. 1b], the locking bracket having been removed so that the MALT-CC section, the primary feeder section and a secondary feeder section are visible in the foreground.

[0055] [Fig.2a] is a front perspective view of the interior of the connection unit of the [Fig.lb], with the connecting carriage in the first end position, the support, the locking bracket, the housing and the waiting pad not being shown for clarity.

[0056] [Fig.2b] is a rear perspective view of [Fig.2a].

[0057] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the fluidic actuator and the elements flexible conductors of a connection unit according to the first embodiment of the invention, the valve assemblies not being shown for better visibility of the variable volume chambers and the connection carriage.

[0058] [Fig.4a] is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the connection unit of the [Fig.lb], at the fluid actuator, with the connection carriage in the first end-of-stroke position.

[0059] [Fig.4b] is a schematic view showing the connection status of the unit of connection of [Fig.4a].

[0060] [Fig.5a] is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the connection unit of the [Fig.lb], at the fluid actuator, with the connection carriage in the second end-of-stroke position.

[0061] [Fig.5b] is a schematic view showing the connection status of the unit of connection of [Fig.5a].

[0062] [Fig.6] is a rear perspective view of the interior of a connection unit according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the connection carriage in the first end-of-travel position, the support, the locking bracket, the housing and the waiting pad not being shown for greater clarity.

[0063] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a plug of a connection unit according to the invention.

[0064] If we first refer to Figures 1a to 1c, we can see that a connection unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown there, which comprises a housing 2, an incoming section 3a, an earthing and short-circuiting section, called MALT-CC section 3b, a primary outgoing section 4a and two secondary outgoing sections 4b.

[0065] The connection unit 1 according to the invention is intended to be used in an electrical network, for example a medium voltage network, or HTA. The arrival section 3a is intended to be electrically connected to the upstream of the network, the MALT-CC section 3b is intended to be connected to earth and each departure section 4a, 4b is intended to be electrically connected to the downstream of the network.

[0066] According to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1c, a first side of the housing 2 receives the arrival section 3a and a secondary departure section 4b, and a second side of the housing 2 receives the MALT-CC section 3b, the primary departure section 4a and a secondary departure section 4b.

[0067] It will also be understood that, as a variant, the number of secondary departure sections 4b may be other than two. For example, the connection unit 1 could not include a secondary departure section 4b, the housing 2 can then be “cut in two” so as to keep only the arrival section 3a, the MALT-CC section 3b and the primary departure section 4a, i.e. the left part in [Fig.lb] and the right part in [Fig. le]. For a number of secondary departure sections 4b greater than three, it will be understood that the dimensions of the housing 2 are adapted accordingly to receive the necessary number of secondary departure sections 4b.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the housing 2 is composed of two shells assembled together, for example by bolting, and the connection unit 1 further comprises a plurality of seals arranged on the housing 2 such that an interior of the housing 2 is sealed from an exterior of the housing 2, preferably in a liquid-tight and gas-tight manner. The two shells of the housing 2 may be, for example, made of plastic, in particular a polymer of preferably reinforced with fibers, transparent or opaque.

[0069] As shown in [Fig. 1a], preferably, the connection unit 1 also comprises a support 5a, a waiting pad 5b and a removable locking bracket 6.

[0070] The support 5a is configured to fix the connection unit 1 in a functional manner, for example in a reception chamber or in a manhole, for example of the type located along a road and used for public lighting. It will be understood that, according to variants, the connection unit 1 could be fixed in another manner.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1a], the locking bracket 6 is removably fixed, for example by bolting, to the support 5a and extends in an inverted “U” shape from an upper part of the housing 2, so as to protect the inlet section 3a, the MALT-CC section 3b and the outlet sections 4a, 4b, for example against impacts or flows, for example of water. It will be understood that the locking bracket 6 also makes it possible to prevent access to the inlet section 3a, the MALT-CC section 3b, the primary outlet section 4a and the secondary outlet sections 4b, and thus makes it possible to lock access to the connection unit 1. It will be understood that the locking bracket 6 can be dismantled to allow access to the connection unit 1.It will also be understood that, preferably, disassembly of the locking bracket 6 is securely limited, for example by the use of a fixing screw having a specially shaped head, or a specially shaped imprint. The locking bracket 6 may for example be made of a metal, for example tin-plated aluminum, or a polymer, for example a fiber-reinforced polymer. It will also be understood that alternatively the locking bracket 6 may be directly fixed to the housing 2.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1a and 1c, the connection unit 1 preferably comprises a standby pad 5b, for example, mounted on the support 5a. The standby pad 5b is configured to mechanically support cable connection heads 7b, intended to be subsequently connected to the incoming section 3a or to a outgoing section 4a, 4b.

[0073] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the inlet section 3a, the primary outlet section 4a and the secondary outlet sections 4b each comprise three electrical connection elements 7a opening out to the outside of the housing 2, preferably arranged at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle. Each electrical connection element 7a is configured to allow an electrical connection with a cable connection head 7b coming from outside the housing 2. It will be understood that, as a variant, the number of electrical connection elements 7a may be other than three, and is chosen as a function of the number of cables 7c to be connected. As a variant, the connection unit 1 may comprise more connection elements 7a than cable connection heads 7b. to be connected, and include plugs 21 configured to protect the unused connection elements 7a, such a plug 21 being shown in [Fig.7]. It will also be understood that each connection element 7a is an element allowing an electrical connection, and may for example be a socket, a plug, a metal pin or a metal blade.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 1c, the connection unit 1 further comprises a locking plate 8 for the incoming section 3a and for each outgoing section 4a, 4b. Each locking plate 8 is configured to be removably attached to the housing 2, for example by bolting, so as to lock in place the cable connection heads 7b connected to the connection elements 7a and prevent removal thereof. Preferably, each locking plate 8 is connected to earth, for example for electrical safety reasons.

[0075] Preferably, each cable connection head 7b is connected to a connection element 7a in a sealed manner, preferably using a sealing ring, for example a BS type sealing ring. The use of a sealing ring makes it possible in particular to guarantee reliability of the seal, and resistance to pressure and vibrations. The sealing rings also have the advantages of being removable, captive, reusable and having a smooth surface that is easily cleaned, which in particular facilitates the connection of the cable connection heads 7b to the connection elements 7a.

[0076] It will be understood that each cable connection head 7b is intended to be electrically connected to a conductive cable 7c. It will also be understood that a conductive cable 7c is any type of cable suitable for use in an electrical network. A conductive cable 7c may for example be a copper cable having a cross-section of 10 to 35 mm2 or an aluminum cable having a cross-section of 25 to 50 mm2.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b, each connection element 7a of the inlet section 3a is electrically connected to a separate connection element 10a arranged inside the housing 2, and the MALT-CC section 3b comprises as many connection elements 10a as the inlet section 3a. The connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b are arranged inside the housing 2 opposite the connection elements 10a of the inlet section 3a in the same pattern as the connection elements 10a of the inlet section 3a, here at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle.

[0078] Furthermore, all the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b are electrically connected to each other and connected to earth in a disconnectable manner, preferably via an earthing and short-circuiting plate, called MALT-CC plate 9 arranged outside the housing 2 and electrically connected both to the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b and to earth.

[0079] Furthermore, each connection element 7a of the primary departure section 4a is electrically connected to a separate connection element 10b arranged inside the housing 2.

[0080] The connection elements 10a of the inlet section 3a and the branching elements 10b of the primary outlet section 4a may be formed in one piece with the respective connection element 7a, or may be electrically connected to the respective connection element 7a, in a one-to-one manner, for example using a metal braid, a cable or a profiled sheet, for example made of copper or aluminum.

[0081] Thus, although preferably both the connection elements 7a and the connection elements 10a of the arrival section 3a are arranged opposite the MALT-CC section 3b, as a variant, only the connection elements 10a of the arrival section 3a could be arranged opposite the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b and the connection elements 7a of the arrival section 3a could be arranged at another remote location on the housing 2.

[0082] It will be understood that each connection element 10a is an element allowing an electrical connection and that each connection element 10b is an element allowing an electrical connection. Each connection element 10a and each connection element 10b may for example be a socket, a plug, a metal pin or a metal blade.

[0083] Preferably, each connection element 10a and each branching element 10b is a cylindrical metal pin, having for example a diameter of 8 mm, in the middle of which a shoulder is preferably formed in order to facilitate positioning by abutting the shoulder against the housing 2. Each connection element 10a and each branching element 10b is preferably placed in position with a plugging force of approximately 25 N.

[0084] Preferably, the assigned current for the connection elements 10a and the branching elements 10b is 100 A at 80°C and the short-circuit current is 3 kA at 3 s.

[0085] Preferably, the housing 2 also comprises projections, in the form of cylinder portions projecting towards the interior of the housing 2, configured to surround the connection elements 10a and the branching elements 10b in the interior space of the housing 2.

[0086] The connection unit 1 also comprises a linear actuator comprising a control member and a movable connection carriage 14. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5b, the linear actuator is in the form of a fluidic actuator 12 comprising a control member, in the form of two valve assemblies 11, and two mechanically variable volume chambers 13. connected to the connection carriage 14 and arranged longitudinally on either side of the connection carriage 14 to move the connection carriage 14 by varying the volume of the variable volume chambers 13.

[0087] It will be understood that the valve assemblies 11 open to the outside of the housing 2 to allow an exchange of fluid between the outside and the inside of each of the variable volume chambers 13. As shown in Figures 1a to 2b, one valve assembly 11 is arranged on the housing 2 between the connection elements 10a of the inlet section 3a and the other valve assembly 11 is arranged on the housing between the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b. Since the use of the locking bracket 6 prevents access to the inlet section 3a and to the MALT-CC section 3b, it will be understood that the locking bracket 6 also prevents access to the valve assemblies 11.

[0088] As can be better seen in Figures 2a and 2b, the fluidic actuator 12, for example pneumatic or hydraulic, extends longitudinally between the two valve assemblies 11. The two variable volume chambers 13 of the fluidic actuator 12, for example in the form of inflatable bellows or inflatable bags made of flexible sealed fabric or plastic, are each fluidically connected to one of the valve assemblies 11. As can be better seen in [Fig. 3], the movable connection carriage 14 comprises radial arms 15 and is slidably mounted between the two variable volume chambers 13. Preferably, longitudinal ends of the fluidic actuator 12 are connected to ground, more preferably the valve assemblies 11.

[0089] The connection unit 1 further comprises a guide element 17 configured to guide a movement of the movable connection carriage 14 along a movement path between the connection elements 10a of the arrival section 3a and the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b. Preferably, the guide element 17 is further configured to constrain a change in dimension of a variable volume chamber 13, induced by a change in volume of said variable volume chamber 13, to occur in the longitudinal direction of the fluidic actuator 12, so as to generate a movement of the movable connection carriage 14 along the movement path.For example, the guide element 17 may be a cylindrical, cage-like element extending longitudinally between the two valve assemblies 11 and receiving the movable connection carriage 14 and the variable volume chambers 13, the cylindrical element further comprising longitudinal grooves, in which radial arms 15 of the movable connection carriage 14 can slide, to guide a sliding of the movable connection carriage 14. It will be understood that the guide element 17 may also be composed of several parts.

[0090] It will also be understood that the path of movement of the connection carriage movable 14 between the connecting elements 10a of the inlet section 3a and the connecting elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b, may for example be linear, for example by using longitudinal grooves that extend linearly, or helical, for example by using longitudinal grooves that extend helically. In the case of a helical movement path, it will be understood that the connecting elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b are arranged in the same pattern as the connecting elements 10a of the inlet section 3a and opposite them, but that said pattern can be rotated by a certain angle to correspond to the helical path, and that a bearing is preferably arranged between the connecting carriage 14 and the variable volume chambers 13 in order to allow rotation of the carriage about a longitudinal axis of the fluidic actuator 12.

[0091] It will also be understood that each variable volume chamber 13 can be supplied with fluid by the valve assemblies 11. Preferably, the fluid used is air, and each valve assembly 11 is configured to be able to be connected to an external pump (not shown), for example a bicycle pump which is an economically interesting and simple solution to implement, configured to inflate the variable volume chambers 13. It will however be understood that another fluid, gas or liquid, could also be used to inflate the variable volume chambers 13. It will be understood that the fluid is preferably electrically insulating.

[0092] Preferably, each valve assembly 11 is configured to be connected to a long pipe (not shown), which is configured to be able to be connected to the external pump. This makes it possible, in particular, to protect a user during actuation of the fluidic actuator 12 of the connection unit 1, by moving away, in the event of the presence of voltage inside the connection unit 1.

[0093] It will be understood that inflation of one of the variable volume chambers 13 allows the mobile connection carriage 14 to slide in a first direction, and that inflation of the other variable volume chamber 13 allows the mobile connection carriage 14 to slide in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0094] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], the mobile connection carriage 14 comprises as many radial arms 15 as the arrival section 3a comprises connection elements 10a, this number also corresponds to the number of connection elements 7a of the arrival section 3a and to the number of connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b. Each radial arm 15 carries a connection member 16 at its distal end, and each connection member 16 is complementary to both a connection element 10a of the arrival section 3a and a connection element 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b, such that each connection member 16 of the mobile connection carriage 14 is configured to be capable of being connected to a connecting element 10a of the inlet section 3a or to a connecting element 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b, depending on the position of the connecting trolley 14.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 2b, the connection elements 10a are cylindrical pins and the connection members 16 are sockets, an electrical connection being made when a connection member 16 surrounds a connection element 10a and comes into contact with it. It will be understood, however, that the male and female shapes can be reversed and that other complementary shapes are possible for making the connection elements 10a and the connection members 16, such as for example rectangular blades.

[0096] It will be understood that the electrical connection of the connection members 16 of the connection carriage 14 is made with the connection elements 10a of the arrival section 3a in a first end-of-travel position of the mobile connection carriage 14, and is made with the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b in a second end-of-travel position of the mobile connection carriage 14.

[0097] The connection unit 1 further comprises as many flexible conductive elements 18, for example metal braids or cables, for example made of copper or aluminum, as the mobile connection carriage 14 has radial arms 15. It will be understood that this number also corresponds to the number of connection elements 10a of the arrival section 3a, to the number of connection elements 7a of the arrival section 3a and to the number of connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b.

[0098] For each flexible conductive element 18, a first end is connected to a connection member 16 separate from the mobile connection carriage 14, and the other end is connected to a connection element 10b separate from the primary departure section 4a and is therefore electrically connected to the associated connection element 7a.

[0099] The flexible conductive elements 18 are deformable and allow a sliding movement of the connection carriage 14 between its first end-of-travel position, in which the connection members 16 of the mobile connection carriage 14 are connected to the connection elements 10a of the arrival section 3a, and its second end-of-travel position, in which the connection members 16 of the mobile connection carriage 14 are connected to the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b.

[0100] It will therefore be understood that the connection unit 1 is configured to selectively connect the primary departure section 4a to the arrival section 3a or to the MALT-CC section 3b, depending on a fluid supply to the fluidic actuator 12 configured to slide the mobile connection carriage 14 between its two end-of-travel positions.

[0101] In addition, each connection element 7a of each secondary departure section 4b is electrically connected to a separate connection element 10b arranged at inside the case 2.

[0102] The branching elements 10b of a secondary feeder section 4b may be formed integrally with the respective connecting element 7a, or may be electrically connected to the respective connecting element 7a in a one-to-one manner, for example using a metal braid, a cable or a profiled sheet, for example made of copper or aluminum.

[0103] The connection unit 1 is configured such that for each secondary feeder section 4b, each branching element 10b is connected in series to one of the branching elements 10b of the primary feeder section 4a, in a one-to-one manner, for example using a metal braid, a cable or a profiled sheet, for example made of copper or aluminum. It will be understood that each branching element 10b of a secondary feeder section 4b can be connected directly to the respective branching element 10b of the primary feeder section 4a, or be connected in series via a branching element 10b of another secondary feeder section 4b.

[0104] It will be understood that the use of secondary departure sections 4b makes it possible to create a bypass of the arrival section 3a between the primary departure section 4a and the secondary departure sections 4b, when the connection carriage 14 is in the first end-of-travel position.

[0105] It will also be understood that the secondary departure sections 4b are connected or disconnected, with the arrival section 3a or the MALT-CC section 3b, depending on the connection state of the main departure section 4a.

[0106] Figures 4a and 5a show enlarged longitudinal sectional views of the connection unit 1, respectively in the first end-of-travel position of the connection carriage 14, and in the second end-of-travel position of the connection carriage 14. Figures 4b and 5b schematically show the associated connection states.

[0107] Referring to [Fig.4a], it can be seen that the variable volume chamber 13 on the side of the MALT-CC section 3b is inflated and the variable volume chamber 13 on the side of the arrival section 3a is deflated, such that the movable connection carriage 14 is in its first end-of-travel position and the primary departure section 4a is connected to the arrival section 3a.

[0108] Referring to [Fig.5a], it can be seen that the variable volume chamber 13 on the side of the arrival section 3a is inflated and the variable volume chamber 13 on the side of the MALT-CC section 3b is deflated, so that the movable connection carriage 14 is in its second end-of-stroke position and the primary departure section 4a is connected to the MALT-CC section 3b.

[0109] The present invention therefore allows disconnection using the fluidic actuator 12, without dismantling the cable connection heads 7b, which allows including improving safety, avoiding sealing problems and reducing maintenance time.

[0110] It can be specified that, preferably, the connection elements 10a of the MALT-CC section 3b are connected to each other and to the earth in a disconnectable manner, the MALT-CC plate 9 can for example be removable, for example by bolting, and can be isolated when the connection carriage 14 is in its second end-of-travel position to allow a user to have electrical access to the primary outgoing section 4a and to allow the search for faults in the downstream part of the network, for example by carrying out insulation tests, without compromising the sealing of the housing 2, which makes it possible for example to facilitate maintenance operations and searches for faults.

[0111] In order to improve safety, the connection unit 1 is preferably configured to allow the movable connection carriage 14 to be locked in position in its first end-of-travel position or its second end-of-travel position. Such locking may for example be implemented by using valve assemblies 11 which allow the air in the variable volume chambers 13 to be blocked to prevent any unintentional movement of the movable connection carriage 14, the valve assemblies 11 being configured to allow selective evacuation of the air contained in a variable volume chamber 13. For example, each valve assembly 11 may comprise a deflation cord allowing the corresponding variable volume chamber 13 to be exposed to the air, selectively.

[0112] Furthermore, preferably and as shown in Figures 1a to 3, the movable connection carriage 14 further comprises a first position checking element 19a, for example in the form of a rod extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluidic actuator 12 and carried by one of the radial arms 15 of the connection carriage 14, and the housing 2 further comprises two second position checking elements 19b, for example in the form of transparent eyelets arranged on the housing 2. The connection unit 1 is further configured such that the first position checking element 19a cooperates with a second position checking element 19b in the first end-of-travel position of the connection carriage 14, and cooperates with the other position checking element 19b in the second end-of-travel position of the connection carriage 14.The eyelets may for example comprise a position marker, for example a line, allowing a user to ensure that the connection carriage 14 has reached its end-of-travel position when the rod has passed the position marker. It will be understood that alternatively the first position verification element 19a and the second position verification elements 19b may be elements of a position sensor configured to deliver an output signal when the connection carriage 14 is in a . end-of-travel position. It will also be understood that, as a variant, the housing 2 may carry a single second position verification element 19b, for example to confirm the position of the connection carriage 14 only in the first end-of-travel position or only in the second end-of-travel position.

[0113] Furthermore, in Figures 1a to 1c, the housing 2 is shown opaque. However, preferably, the housing 2 is transparent, in particular to allow a user to simply see the position of the mobile connection carriage 14 in the housing 2, for example for safety reasons. It will be understood that as a variant only a window arranged on the housing 2 can be transparent to allow the position of the mobile connection carriage 14 to be seen. It will also be understood that the position of the mobile connection carriage 14 could be indicated in another way, for example by moving a cursor on an external surface of the housing 2, the cursor being able for example to be moved by means of a magnetic interaction between an element secured to the connection carriage 14 and said cursor, such that the sealing of the housing 2 is not compromised.

[0114] Preferably, the housing 2 further comprises projections, in the form of cylinder portions projecting outwardly from the housing 2, configured to surround and protect the connection elements 7a of the connection unit 1.

[0115] The connection unit 1 can be used according to a configuration called “connection box” corresponding to the first embodiment described above, and according to a configuration called “connection module” corresponding to a second embodiment described below.

[0116] In the first embodiment, or “connection box” configuration, the connection unit 1 can for example be used for a branch. In the second embodiment, or “connection module” configuration, the connection unit 1 can for example be used to power an electrical transformer, for example of the type which allows a transformation of 5500 V into 220 V.

[0117] In the second embodiment, or “connection module” configuration, the connection unit 1 is identical to the first embodiment, except for the details described below and shown in [Fig.6].

[0118] As shown in [Fig.6], in the second embodiment, or “connection module” configuration, the connection elements 10b of certain secondary outgoing sections 4b are arranged at a distance from the associated connection elements 7a, on the opposite side of the housing 2, and are electrically connected to the associated connection elements 7a by means of fuses 20 extending longitudinally in the interior space of the housing 2.

[0119] It will be understood that in this case, the connection elements 7a of said secondary departure sections 4b, and therefore the associated cable connection heads 7b, do not are no longer powered directly, but are powered via the fuses 20. The fuses 20 may incorporate a spring (not shown) to facilitate the installation of the fuses 20.

[0120] It will also be understood that, in the same way, the connection elements 10b of the primary outgoing section 4a can be arranged at a distance from the associated connection elements 7a, on the opposite side of the housing 2, and be electrically connected to the associated connection elements 7a by means of fuses 20 extending longitudinally in the interior space of the housing 2.

[0121] It will be understood that the fuses 20 make it possible to protect the downstream part of the network connected to the outgoing sections 4a, 4b. According to variants, the fuses 20 may be integral with the connection elements 7a or carried by the cable connection heads 7b.

[0122] It can be specified that a connection unit 1 according to the present invention can be used as a replacement for a DROP box, a DROP module, a CANA module (products of the applicant company) or a modular box, possibly with the use of suitable cable connection heads 7b.

[0123] The invention also relates to a connection system which comprises a connection unit 1 according to the invention, a plurality of cable connection heads 7b electrically connected to a plurality of cables 7c, and at least one fluid supply source, preferably in the form of an external pump, more preferably in the form of a bicycle pump type pump. Preferably, the fluid delivered by the at least one fluid supply source is electrically insulating.

[0124] The valve assemblies 11 can for example advantageously be bicycle valves, allowing sealing, emptying of the chamber with variable volume and allowing compatibility with a conventional bicycle pump.

[0125] The linear actuator according to the invention is not limited to a fluidic actuator.

[0126] Although not shown, the linear actuator could be a worm screw, the connection carriage then being carried by a nut running on the worm screw, the control member being one of a motor, a linkage, an imprint at at least one of the ends of the worm screw of the flat, cruciform, star, hexagonal or square type, tamper-proof or not.

[0127] The linear actuator could also be a piston whose free end of the rod is mechanically connected to the connection carriage, the control member being a hydraulic source.

[0128] The linear actuator could also be an electric motor driving by means of gears a chain or equivalent to which the connection carriage is connected, the control member being an electrical power supply for the motor.

[0129] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational and non-limiting purposes, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. - Connection unit (1) for use in a network electrical, comprising a housing (2) receiving an inlet section (3a) intended to be connected upstream of the network and a primary outlet section (4a) intended to be connected downstream of the network, characterized by the fact that: the inlet section (3a) comprises at least one electrical connection element (7a) opening outside the housing (2) and the primary outlet section (4a) comprises as many electrical connection elements (7a) opening outside the housing (2) as the inlet section (3a), each connection element (7a) of the inlet section (3a) being electrically connected to a separate connection element (10a) arranged inside the housing (2) and each connection element (7a) of the primary outlet section (4a) being electrically connected to a separate connection element (10b) arranged inside the housing (2); the connection unit (1) further comprises a grounding and short-circuiting section, called the MALT-CC section (3b), the MALT-CC section (3b) comprising as many connection elements (10a) as the incoming section (3a), the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b) being arranged inside the housing (2) opposite the connection elements (10a) of the incoming section (3a) and all the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b) being electrically connected to each other and connected to ground; the connection unit (1) further comprises a linear actuator extending longitudinally inside the housing (2) between the connection elements (10a) of the arrival section (3a) and the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b), the linear actuator comprising a movable connection carriage (14) along a displacement path, between the connection elements (10a) of the arrival section (3a) and the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b), imposed by a guide element (17) as a function of the displacement imparted by the linear actuator on the connection carriage (14), the connection carriage (14) comprising as many radial arms (15) as the arrival section (3a) comprises connection elements (10a) and each arm (15) carrying a connection member (16) complementary to both a connection element (10a) of the section

2.

3. arrival (3a) and a connection element (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b) arranged opposite, each connection member (16) carried by an arm (15) being electrically connected to a connection element (10b) separate from the primary departure section (4a) via a flexible electrically conductive element (18), the linear actuator further comprising a control member accessible from outside the housing (2) and being configured to regulate the movement of the connection carriage (14), so as to move the connection carriage (14) between a first end-of-travel position in which each connection member (16) carried by an arm (15) is connected to a connection element (10a) of the arrival section (3a), and a second end-of-travel position in which each connection member (16) carried by an arm (15) is connected to a connection element (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b),such that the primary outgoing section (4a) can be selectively safely connected to one of the incoming section (3a) and the DC-MALT section (3b), the connection unit (1) being further configured such that each connection element (7a) of the incoming section (3a), respectively of the primary outgoing section (4a), is configured to allow an electrical connection with a cable connection head (7a) coming from outside the housing (2)., - Connection unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear actuator is a fluidic actuator (12) comprising two variable volume chambers (13) mechanically connected to the connection carriage (14) and arranged longitudinally on either side of the connection carriage (14) to move the connection carriage (14) by varying the volume of the variable volume chambers (13), the control member being constituted by at least one valve assembly (11) opening outside the housing (2) to allow an exchange of fluid between the outside and the inside of each of the variable volume chambers (13). - Connection unit (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b) are connected to each other and to earth in a disconnectable manner, so that, when the connection carriage (14) is in its second end position, the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b) can be selectively isolated to allow a user to have access electrical to the primary departure section (4a) and allow the search for faults in the downstream part of the network, without compromising the sealing of the housing (2).

4. - Connection unit (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3 taken as dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises at least one pipe fluidically connected to a valve assembly (11) and configured to connect said valve assembly (11) to a remotely arranged external fluid supply source.

5. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the position of the connection carriage (14) along the movement path is visible by at least one of a movable slider moved by the connection carriage (14), a window formed in the housing (2) and a transparent housing (2).

6. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection carriage (14) further carries a first position checking element (19a) configured to cooperate with a second position checking element (19b), fixed to the housing (2), when the connection carriage (14) is in at least one of the first end-of-travel position and the second end-of-travel position.

7. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connection unit (1) is configured to allow locking in position of the connection carriage (14).

8. - Connection unit (1) according to claim 7 taken as a dependency of claim 2, characterized in that each valve assembly (11) is configured to selectively prevent an exit of fluid from at least one of the variable volume chambers (13), such that the connection carriage (14) is selectively locked in position.

9. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8 taken as a dependency of claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the variable volume chambers (13) is in the form of one of an inflatable bellows and an inflatable bag.

10. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connection elements (10a) of the MALT-CC section (3b) are arranged opposite the connection elements (7a) of the inlet section (3a).

11. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises at least one secondary outgoing section (4b), intended to be connected downstream of the network, which comprises as many connection elements (7a) opening outside the housing (2) as the inlet section (3a), each connection element (7a) of the at least one secondary outgoing section (4b) being configured to allow an electrical connection with a cable connection head (7b) coming from outside the housing (2), each connection element (7a) of the at least one secondary outgoing section (4b) being electrically connected to a separate connection element (10b) arranged inside the housing (2), and each connection element (10b) of the at least one secondary outgoing section (4b) being electrically connected to a separate connection element (10b) of the primary outgoing section (4a), preferably by a cable, a metal braid or a profiled sheet,such that the connection unit (1) is configured to carry out a bypass of the arrival section (3a) between the primary departure section (4a) and the at least one secondary departure section (4b), when the connection carriage (14) is in the first end-of-travel position.,

12. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one connection element (10b) of at least one of the primary outgoing section (4a) and, where appropriate, the at least one secondary outgoing section (4b), is arranged at a distance from the corresponding connection element (7a) and is electrically connected to the corresponding connection element (7a) via a fuse (20) arranged inside the housing (2).

13. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the inlet section (3a) comprises three connection elements (7a), preferably arranged in a triangle.

14. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each connection element (10a) of the inlet section (3a), respectively of the MALT-CC section (3b), each branching element (10b) of the primary outlet section (4a) and where appropriate of the at least one secondary outlet section (4b), and each connection element (7a) of the inlet section (3a), respectively of the primary outlet section (4a) and where appropriate of the at least one secondary outlet section (4b), is one of a socket, a plug, a metal pin and a metal blade metal.

15. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises a plurality of seals, such that the interior of the housing (2) is sealed from the exterior of the housing (2).

16. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises a removable locking bracket (6) configured to extend over at least part of a periphery of the housing (2) and to prevent access to the valve assemblies (11), to the inlet section (3a), to the MALT-CC section (3b), to the primary outlet section (4a) and, where appropriate, to the at least one secondary outlet section (4b).

17. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises at least one locking plate (8) configured to be removably attached to the housing (2) at least one of the inlet section (3a), the primary outlet section (4a) and, where appropriate, the at least one secondary outlet section (4b), so as to prevent removal of a connection head (7b) connected to a connection element (7a).

18. - Connection unit (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one locking plate (8) is connected to earth.

19. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 17 taken as dependent on claim 2, characterized in that two longitudinal ends of the fluidic actuator (12) are connected to earth, preferably the valve assemblies (11).

20. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises at least one plug (21) configured to protect an unused connection element (7a) among a connection element (7a) of the inlet section (3a), a connection element (7a) of the primary outlet section (4a), and, where appropriate, a connection element (7a) of the at least one secondary outlet section (4b).

21. - Connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the connection unit (1) further comprises a waiting pad (5b) configured to mechanically support additional cable connection heads (7b), intended to be subsequently connected to connection elements (7a) of the connection unit (1).

22. - Connection system characterized in that it comprises a connection unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, a plurality of cable connection heads (7b) electrically connected to a plurality of cables (7c), and a means for controlling the control member.

23. - Connection system according to claim 22, characterized in that the linear actuator is a fluidic actuator (12), the control member is constituted by at least one valve assembly (11), the control means is at least one fluid supply source and the fluid delivered by the at least one fluid supply source is electrically insulating.

24. - Connection system according to claim 23, characterized in that the fluid supply source is a bicycle pump type pump.

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