Electrical connection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection device (1) between a first part (2a) and a second part (2b), said first and second parts (2a, 2b) being configured to be connected and held by a third part (3). Said connection device is particular in that it comprises: - a first and a second lateral section (4a; 4b), comprising a first, respectively second, fixing means, and a first, respectively second, electrical connection means (6a, 6b), arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said connection device (1) and said first, respectively second, part (2a, 2b) when said first, respectively second, part (2a, 2b) is fixed to said connection device (1) by means of said first, respectively second, fixing means (5a, 5b).The connection device (1) is also special in that it further comprises a central section (7) having a variable length. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical connection device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device for electrically connecting two parts. The invention makes it possible, for example, to ground one of the parts automatically when it is assembled with the other.

[0002] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application for the earthing of rails used as a support structure for photovoltaic panel frames. Prior art

[0003] The Applicant develops particularly relevant solutions for automatically grounding electrical equipment during its assembly.

[0004] He is notably the holder of patent EP2684252, which proposes a device for connecting an electrical installation to the ground. This device comprises self-connection means for creating an electrical connection automatically when mounting electrical equipment, such as photovoltaic panel frames, on their supports.

[0005] In such a context, in order for the connection between the frames and the supports to allow the frames to be connected to earth, it is also necessary to earth the supports.

[0006] The grounding of rails forming part of panel frame support structures is usually carried out by conductive braids fixed by bolts in the ends of the rails. These braids make it possible to electrically connect the rails successively two by two. The installation of these braids requires a long work, and the use of dedicated tools. In addition, the electrical connections between braids and rails are not sufficiently reliable. Over time, and under the action of external conditions such as bad weather or temperature changes, these connections can become undone. The grounding of the rails is then no longer carried out, which poses safety problems.

[0007] Document WO2021 / 119458 proposes an electrical connection device between two neighboring rails, adaptable to a connecting profile of these two rails. This device comprises in particular two points, arranged to each be inserted into one of the rails, and thus create an electrical connection. However, since the rails are usually made of aluminum, they undergo a significant phenomenon of thermal expansion / contraction with temperature variations, which modifies the spacing between the neighboring rails. During these movements, the points of the connecting device move along the surface of the rails, which calls into question the reliability of the electrical connections between the device and each of the rails. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a connection device making it possible to electrically connect two parts by means of two electrical connections automatically caused by corresponding mechanical fixings, the distance between the mechanical fixing means being variable, in order to absorb the variations in distance between parts due to their thermal expansion and / or contraction.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to an electrical connection device between a first electrically conductive part and a second electrically conductive part, said first and second parts being configured to be connected and held in a certain position relative to each other by at least one third part.

[0010] This connection device is particular in that it comprises: - a first lateral section, comprising a first means for fixing said connection device to said first part, and a first electrical connection means, arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said connection device and said first part when said first part is fixed to said connection device by means of said first fixing means, and - a second lateral section, comprising a second means for fixing said connection device to said second part, and a second electrical connection means, arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said connection device and said second part when said second part is fixed to said connection device by means of said second fixing means.

[0011] The connection device further comprises a central section, arranged between the first lateral section and the second lateral section, said central section having a variable length, making it possible to vary the distance between the first lateral section and the second lateral section.

[0012] Thanks to these arrangements, a reliable electrical connection is obtained between the first part and the second part, the risk of disconnection during expansion and / or contraction movements of the first and second parts being reduced.

[0013] The central section can be configured to allow a variation in distance between the first lateral section and the second lateral section of between 1 and 15 cm, which allows the invention to be applied to most installations in which the first and second parts are rails belonging to a photovoltaic panel support structure.

[0014] The central section may comprise at least one curved section made in a flexible material, the radius of curvature at at least one point of the curved section thus being variable and making it possible to vary the distance between the first lateral section and the second lateral section, which is a simple and effective embodiment of the invention, easily achievable in an electrically conductive material. In particular, the force resulting from the expansion and contraction phenomena of the first and second parts is sufficient to cause a variation in this radius of curvature.

[0015] Said connection device can be formed by cutting and / or bending an electrically conductive blade, which is a simple and robust embodiment of the invention, allowing the rigidity necessary to establish the electrical contacts by mechanical assembly, and the flexibility required to allow a variation in distance between the lateral sections. The quantity of material necessary to manufacture a connection device according to the invention is also reduced, and the manufacturing method is simple.

[0016] Said first electrical connection means and / or said second electrical connection means may comprise at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth, the tip of said pointed tooth being configured to enter the material of said first part, respectively second part, when said first part, respectively second part, is fixed to said connection device by means of said fixing means, which is a simple and robust embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Said first fixing means and / or said second fixing means may comprise said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth, and a locking element, said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth and said locking element being configured to form together the first, respectively second, fixing means, by pinching said first, respectively second, part. This makes it possible to increase the simplicity, and therefore the reliability of the connection device, the electrical connection and the mechanical fixing relying on common elements.

[0018] Said connection device may comprise at least one third electrical connection means arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said device and said third part, said electrical contact being made when said connection device is fixed to the first part and to the second part, and the first part and the second part are connected by said third part, which makes it possible to electrically connect the first and second parts to the third part in a simple manner, without requiring an additional assembly step.

[0019] Said third electrical connection means may comprise at least one third pointed tooth, the tip of which is configured to enter the material of said third part, when said first part and the second part are fixed. to said connection device by means of said first and second fixing means and when said first part and the second part are connected and held in a certain position relative to each other by the third part, which is a simple and robust embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Said first fixing means and / or said second fixing means may comprise said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth and at least said third pointed tooth, the tip of said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth, and the tip of said at least one third pointed tooth being oriented in distinct directions so as to oppose the separation of the first fixing means and / or said second fixing means from the first part, respectively second part, and the third part. This makes it possible to increase the simplicity, and therefore the reliability of the connection device, the electrical connection and the mechanical fixing relying on common elements.

[0021] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a connection device according to the invention, a first part, a second part, and a third part, the first part being fixed to said connection device by means of the first fixing means, the second part being fixed to said connection device by means of the second fixing means, and the first part and the second part are connected and held in a certain position relative to each other by the third part.

[0022] The first part and the second part may be support rails, and the third part may be a profile connecting said two rails together, which is a particularly relevant application of the invention.

[0023] Thanks to these arrangements, a reliable electrical connection is obtained between the first part and the second part, the risk of disconnection during expansion and / or contraction movements of the first and second parts being reduced.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a method of using an assembly according to the invention, in which during a variation of the distance between the first and second parts under the effect of thermal expansion or contraction of the first part and the second part, the contact points between the connection device and the first part, and between the connection device and the second part remain fixed, and the distance between the first lateral section and the second lateral section of the connection device varies.

[0025] Thanks to these arrangements, a reliable electrical connection is obtained between the first part and the second part, the risk of disconnection during expansion and / or contraction movements of the first and second parts being reduced. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a connection device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of the connection device of [Fig.l],

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view, from the front, of the connection device of the [Fig.l] fixed to a first and a second part, the first and second part being connected by a third part,

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view, from the side, of the connection device, the first and second parts, and the third part of [Fig.3],

[0031] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the connection device, of the first and second piece, and the third piece of [Fig.3],

[0032] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a front view of the connection device, the first and second piece, and the third piece of [Fig.3]

[0033] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a connection device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0034] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a front view of the connection device of [Fig.7],

[0035] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a front view of the connection device of [Fig.7] attached to a first and a second piece,

[0036] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the connection device, of the first and second part of [Fig.9],

[0037] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a connection device according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0038] [Fig.12] [Fig.12] is a front view of the connection device of [Fig.11],

[0039] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a top view of the connection device of [Fig. 11] attached to a first and a second part, the first and second part being connected by a third part,

[0040] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view, from above, of the connection device, of the first and second pieces, and of the third piece of [Fig. 13],

[0041] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view, from the side, of the connection device, of the first and second pieces, and of the third piece of [Fig. 13], and

[0042] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a sectional view of the connecting device, the first and second parts, and the third part of [Fig. 13]. Description of the embodiments

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, identical elements or parts bear the same reference numbers. In addition, terms that have a relative meaning, such as vertical, horizontal, right, left, front, back, above, below, etc. must be interpreted under normal conditions of use of the invention, and as shown in the figures. Furthermore, the geometric positions indicated in the description and the claims, such as "perpendicular", "parallel", "symmetrical" are not limited to the strict sense defined in geometry, but extend to geometric positions which are close, that is to say which accept a certain tolerance in the technical field considered, without influence on the result obtained. This tolerance is notably introduced by the adverb "substantially", without this term necessarily being repeated before each adjective.

[0044] With reference to the figures, the connection device 1 according to the invention is arranged to facilitate the creation of an equipotential connection and, where appropriate, the earthing of two parts, a first part 2a and a second part 2b, electrically conductive. The parts 2a, 2b are made of electrically conductive materials, essentially metallic, for example aluminum, and their surface is commonly anodized.

[0045] The two parts 2a, 2b are part of the same installation, in which they are connected by at least one third part 3, or a set of third parts, and maintained at a predetermined distance from each other. In the remainder of the description, reference is made only to "a third part 3", it being understood that this expression can also designate a set of parts whose function is to connect the first part 2a and the second part 2b by maintaining them at a certain distance from each other. As mentioned previously, due to the phenomena of thermal expansion and contraction, the predetermined distance depends on the outside temperature.

[0046] The connection device 1 comprises two lateral sections: a first lateral section 4a, configured to be in contact with the first part 2a, and a second lateral section 4b, configured to be in contact with the second part 2b.

[0047] The first lateral section 4a comprises a first means 5a for fixing the connection device 1 to the first part 2a, and the second lateral section 4b comprises a second means 5b for fixing the connection device 1 to the second part 2b. The first fixing means 5a and the second fixing means 5b may be identical, symmetrical, as in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, or different from each other, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 16.

[0048] The first lateral section 4a further comprises a first electrical connection means 6a, arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between the connection device 1 and the first part 2a when the first part 2a is fixed to the connection device 1 by means of the first fixing means 5a. second lateral section 4b comprises a second electrical connection means 6b, arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between the connection device 1 and the second part 2b when the second part 2b is fixed to the connection device 1 by means of the second fixing means 5. Thus the electrical connections can be made without a specific tool, simply by mechanically assembling the connection device 1 to the parts 2a, 2b by means of the fixing means 5a, 5b.

[0049] In the context of the invention, the term "automatically" means that the electrical contact is generated without an additional step, without a dedicated tool, and without it even being necessary to generate it voluntarily, during mechanical assembly.

[0050] The first electrical connection means 6a and the second electrical connection means 6b may be identical, symmetrical, as in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 10, or different from each other, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 to 16.

[0051] The first and second electrical connection means 6a, 6b of the connection device 1 are electrically connected. Preferably, the connection device 1 is entirely made of an electrically conductive material. This material is chosen according to the material of the first and second parts 2a, 2b, in order to avoid generating a galvanic couple between the connection device 1 and one or other of the parts 2a, 2b. For example, if the parts 2a, 2b are made of aluminum, the connection device 1 can be made of stainless steel.

[0052] In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the connection device is formed by cutting and / or bending an electrically conductive blade. However, it is not excluded that it is made of at least two materials, one of which is not electrically conductive.

[0053] Thus, the first part 2a and the second part 2b are automatically electrically connected when they are both fixed to one of the side sections 4a, 4b of a common connection device 1.

[0054] The fixing means 5a, 5b are each configured to prevent any movement of the lateral sections 4a, respectively 4b, relative to the parts 2a, respectively 2b, under normal conditions of use of the connection device 1. In particular, during movements caused by thermal expansion and contraction phenomena, the position of each of the lateral sections 4a, 4b of the connection device 1 remains fixed relative to the position of the section of the part 2a, 2b in contact with the connection device 1.

[0055] The connecting device 1 also comprises a central section 7, arranged between and connecting the first lateral section 4a and the second lateral section 4b. The length of the central section 7 is variable, which makes it possible to vary the distance between the first and second side sections 4a, 4b.

[0056] Thus, when the spacing between the two parts 2a, 2b reduces due to their thermal expansion, or lengthens due to their thermal contraction, the length of the central section 7 of the device 1 adapts to compensate for these movements. This allows the fixing means 5a, 5b of the connection device 1 to the parts 2a, 2b, to remain fixed relative to the parts 2a, 2b. The fixing is thus carried out between elements that are static relative to each other, which allows for greater reliability. In addition, this allows the electrical connection means 6a, 6b of the connection device 1 to remain fixed relative to the parts 2a, 2b. The electrical connection is thus carried out between elements that are static relative to each other, which allows for greater reliability.

[0057] The central section 7 is for example configured to allow a variation in distance between the first and second lateral sections 4a, 4b of between 1 and 15 cm, preferably between 5 and 15 cm. This variation in distance is to be understood as the maximum variation in length that can be undergone by the central section 7, without the connection device 1 being damaged, that is to say without it being deformed to a point that does not allow a return to its initial position.

[0058] In order to allow this adaptation of its length, the central section 7 may comprise a curved section 8 made of a flexible material. When the spacing between the lateral sections 4a, 4b increases, the ends of the curved section tend to move apart, which has the effect of increasing the radius of curvature at at least one point of the curved section. On the contrary, when the spacing between the lateral sections 4a, 4b decreases, the ends of the curved section tend to move closer together, which has the effect of reducing the radius of curvature at at least one point of the curved section.

[0059] As illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the central section 7 may comprise a plurality of curved sections connected to each other in series, the concavity being reversed between two consecutive curved sections. A greater number of curved sections 8 has the effect of increasing the rigidity of the central section 7, that is to say the force necessary to increase or decrease its length.

[0060] The first and / or second electrical connection means 6a, 6b may comprise a pointed tooth 9, or a plurality of pointed teeth 9, for example, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, two pointed teeth 9. The pointed teeth 9 then project towards the first, respectively second, part 2a, 2b, with which the electrical connection is to be made, when the first, respectively second, part 2a, 2b is fixed to the device 1 by means of the first, respectively second, fixing means 5a, 5b. Thus during fixing, the tip of the tooth 9 enters the material of the first, respectively second, part 2a, 2b, piercing if necessary anodizing layer and providing a reliable electrical connection.

[0061] In the case where a connection means 6a, 6b comprises one or more pointed teeth 9, the fixing means 5a, 5b located on the same lateral section 4a, 4b of the part 2a, 2b, may comprise on the one hand one or more of these pointed teeth 9, and on the other hand a blocking element 10, in order to form a fixing means 5a, 5b by pinching, as illustrated in [Fig.2], 8 and 12. In order to achieve this pinching, at least one pinching face 10a of the blocking element 10 forms with at least one pointed tooth 9, an angle, so that during the insertion of the first or second part 2a, 2b between the blocking element 10 and the pointed tooth 9, the blocking element 10 maintains a pressure of the pointed tooth 9 on a surface of the part 2a, 2b, ensuring both effective mechanical fixing and a reliable electrical connection.The tip of the tooth 9 is advantageously turned towards the central section 7 of the connection device 1, in order to effectively oppose a withdrawal of the part 2a, 2b, from the clamp which it forms with the blocking element 10.

[0062] One of the pointed teeth 9 and / or the blocking element may advantageously have a certain flexibility, making it possible to obtain the desired pinching effect.

[0063] Other fixing means 5a, 5b are of course conceivable, by screwing, crimping, or any other technique known to those skilled in the art.

[0064] As illustrated in figures 11 and 12, the connection device 1 may further comprise at least one third connection means 11, arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between the connection device 1 and the third part 3, for example making it possible to ground the third part 3. This electrical connection is made automatically when the first and second parts 2a, 2b are connected by the third part 3, keeping them at a predetermined distance, and the connection device 1 is fixed to the first part 2a and to the second part 2b. Thus an electrical connection between the first, second and third parts 2a, 2b, 3 can be made without a specific tool, simply by mechanically assembling the connection device 1 to the parts 2a, 2b by means of the fixing means 5a, 5b, and by connecting the parts 2a, 2b by the third part 3.

[0065] The third connection means 11 is for example formed by one or more pointed teeth 12, arranged to be inserted into the material of the third part 3, and if necessary to pass through the anodizing layer present on its surface.

[0066] In the embodiments of the connection device 1 comprising a third connection means 11 comprising one or more pointed teeth 12, one of the fixing means 5a, 5b may comprise on the one hand one or more of these pointed teeth 12, and on the other hand at least one pointed tooth 9 of the electrical connection means 6a, 6b located on the same lateral section 2a, 2b. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in Figures 11 to 16. In this embodiment, the teeth 9 of the first, respectively second, connecting means 6a, 6b, and the teeth 12 of the third connecting means 3, extend in distinct directions. Thus, when the third part 3 is in position to connect the first part 2a and the second part 2b together, and the connecting device 1 is fixed to the first part 2a and to the second part 2b, the teeth 9, 12 apply forces of distinct directions, one on a surface of the first or second part 2a, 2b, and the other on a surface of the third part 3, these surfaces being for example parallel, which allows a solid fixing. The tips of the teeth 9, 12 are advantageously turned towards the central section 7 of the connecting device 1, in order to effectively oppose the separation of the connecting device 1 with the first or second part 2a, 2b and the third part 3.Tooth 12 and / or tooth 9 may have some flexibility, and be under tension when parts 2a, 2b, 3 are assembled to the connection device 1, in order to obtain a solid fixing.

[0067] The first and second parts are advantageously rails, forming part of a photovoltaic panel support structure. The third part is then, for example, a connecting profile, adapted to be connected to the ends of the rails and to connect them together. This use case is however not limiting, and other applications are possible.

[0068] The assembly formed by the connection device 1, the first part 2a, the second part 2b and the third part 3 is advantageously used when the distance between the first and second parts 2a, 2b varies due to thermal expansion or contraction phenomena. Advantageously, during these variations, the point of contact between the connection device 1 and each of the parts remains fixed, thanks to the fact that the distance between the first lateral section 4a and the second lateral section 4b of the connection device 1 varies.

[0069] The present invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art within the limits of the appended claims. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in some cases, combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Electrical connection device (1) between a first electrically conductive part (2a) and a second electrically conductive part (2b), said first and second parts (2a, 2b) being configured to be connected and held in a certain position relative to each other by at least one third part (3), said connection device being characterized in that it comprises: - a first lateral section (4a), comprising a first fixing means (5a) for said connection device (1) to said first part (2a), and a first electrical connection means (6a), arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said connection device (1) and said first part (2a) when said first part (2a) is fixed to said connection device (1) by means of said first fixing means (5a), and - a second lateral section (2b),comprising a second fixing means (5b) for fixing said connection device (1) to said second part (2b), and a second electrical connection means (6b), arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said connection device (1) and said second part (2b) when said second part (2b) is fixed to said connection device (1) by means of said second fixing means (5b), and in that said connection device (1) further comprises a central section (7), arranged between the first lateral section (4a) and the second lateral section (4b), said central section (7) having a variable length, making it possible to vary the distance between the first lateral section (4a) and the second lateral section (4b).,

2. Connection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central section (7) is configured to allow a variation in distance between the first lateral section (4a) and the second lateral section (4b) of between 1 and 15 cm.

3. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the central section (7) comprises at least one curved section (8) made of a flexible material, the radius of curvature at at least one point of the curved section (8) thus being variable and making it possible to vary the distance between the first lateral section (4a) and the second lateral section (4b).

4. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in wherein said connection device (1) is formed by cutting and / or bending an electrically conductive blade.

5. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said first electrical connection means (6a) and / or said second electrical connection means (6b) comprises at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth (9), the tip of said pointed tooth (9) being configured to enter the material of said first part (2a), respectively second part (2b), when said first part (2a), respectively second part (2b), is fixed to said connection device (1) by means of said first, respectively second, fixing means (5a, 5b).

6. Connection device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said first fixing means (5a) and / or said second fixing means (5b) comprises said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth (9), and a locking element (10), said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth (9), and said locking element (10), being configured to together form the first, respectively second, fixing means (5a, 5b), by pinching said first, respectively second, part (2a, 2b).

7. Connection device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one third electrical connection means (11) arranged to automatically create an electrical contact between said connection device (1) and said third part (3), said electrical contact being made when said connection device (1) is fixed to the first part (2a) and to the second part (2b), and when the first part (2a) and the second part (2b) are connected by said third part (3).

8. Connection device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said third electrical connection means (11) comprises at least one third pointed tooth (12), the tip of which is configured to enter the material of said third part (3), when said first part (2a) and the second part (2b) are fixed to said connection device (1) by means of said first and second fixing means (5a, 5b) and when said first part (2a) and the second part (2b) are connected and held in a certain position relative to each other by the third part (3).

9. A connection device according to claims 5 and 8, wherein said first fixing means (5a) and / or said second fixing means (5b) comprises said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth (9) and at least one third pointed tooth (12), the tip of said at least one first, respectively second, pointed tooth (9), and the tip of said at least one third pointed tooth (12) being oriented in distinct directions so as to oppose the separation of the first fixing means (5a) and / or said second fixing means (5b) from the first part (2a), respectively second part (2b), and the third part (3).

10. An assembly comprising a connection device according to one of claims 1 to 9, a first part (2a), a second part (2b), and a third part (3), the first part (2a) being fixed to said connection device (1) by means of the first fixing means (5a), the second part (2b) being fixed to said connection device (1) by means of the second fixing means (5b), and the first part (2a) and the second part (2b) being connected and held in a certain position relative to each other by the third part (3).

11. Assembly according to claim 10, in which the first part (2a) and the second part (2b) are support rails, and the third part (3) is a profile for connecting said two rails (2a, 2b) together.

12. A method of using an assembly according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein during a variation of the distance between the first part (2a) and the second part (2b) under the effect of thermal expansion or contraction of said first part (2a) and second part (2b), the contact points between the connection device (1) and the first part (2a), and between the connection device (1) and the second part (2b) remain fixed, and the distance between the first lateral section (4a) and the second lateral section (4b) of the connection device (1) varies.

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