Electrical connection device with clamps

Abstract

Electrical connection device with clips The present invention relates to an electrical connection device (10), comprising a first (12) and a second (14) electrical connector; the first connector comprising two first legs (20); the second connector comprising a central blade (30). The device is configured such that, in a first connection configuration, the central blade (30) of the second connector is arranged between the first legs (20) of the first connector and in contact with at least one of said first legs. The second connector (14) further comprises two second legs (32).In the first connection configuration, each of the first legs of the first connector is disposed between the central blade and one of the second legs of the second connector; and in a second connection configuration, at least one of the first legs of the first connector is in contact with a second leg (32) of the second connector. Figure for abstract: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical connection device with clips

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device, of the type comprising a first and a second electrical connector; the first connector comprising two first legs; the second connector comprising a central blade; the device being configured so that, in a first connection configuration, the central blade of the second connector is arranged between the first legs of the first connector and in contact with at least one of said first legs.

[0002] The invention applies particularly to devices of the earthing switch type, notably used in the railway sector.

[0003] Such devices are generally limited in terms of the current intensity to be discharged. When currents of excessively high intensity flow through them, said currents induce magnetic repulsion between the two connectors, thus interrupting electrical conduction. An electric arc is then created between the two connectors, which can lead to the destruction of said connectors by melting upon contact with the electric arc.

[0004] In order to solve this problem, the invention relates to an electrical connection device of the aforementioned type, in which: the second connector further comprises two second legs; in the first connection configuration, each of the first legs of the first connector is arranged between the central blade and one of the second legs of the second connector; and the device is configured so that, in a second connection configuration, at least one of the first legs of the first connector is in contact with a second leg of the second connector.

[0005] Such a protective device allows electrical contact to be maintained between the two connectors, even in the event of magnetic repulsion between some of their elements. The destructive electric arc is thus minimized.

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0007] - in the first connection configuration, each of the first legs of the first connector is in contact with the central blade of the second connector; and in the second connection configuration, each of the first legs of the first connector is in contact with a second leg of the second connector;

[0008] - each of the first legs of the first connector is elastically deformable;

[0009] - each of the second legs of the second connector extends between one end fixed and a free end; and at least one of the second legs is formed of an outer layer and an inner layer fixed to each other, the inner layer being arranged between the outer layer and the central blade;

[0010] - the outer layer and the inner layer are formed respectively of a first and of a second material, having respectively a first and a second coefficient of thermal expansion;

[0011] - each of the second legs of the second connector is formed from a layer outer layer and an inner layer attached to each other, the outer layer and the inner layer being formed from the first and second materials respectively;

[0012] - the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion, the second leg thus being able to deform under the effect of an increase in temperature, so that the free end of said second leg moves closer to the central blade.

[0013] The invention further relates to a connection assembly comprising: a base; an arm movable relative to the base along an axis of rotation; and a flange fixed relative to the base; the assembly further comprising at least one electrical connection device as described above, the first electrical connector being carried by one of the arm and the flange, the second electrical connector being carried by the other of the arm and the flange; the assembly being configured so that, in an angular position of the arm relative to the base along the axis of rotation, the first and second connectors are assembled to each other in the first or second connection configuration.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the connection assembly, the first electrical connector is carried by the arm and the second electrical connector is carried by the flange.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the connection assembly, the first electrical connector is carried by the flange and the second electrical connector is carried by the arm.

[0016] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig. 1][Fig.2] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of a device for connection according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in a first and in a second connection configuration; and

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of a connection assembly comprising the connection device of Figures 1 and 2.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show an electrical connection device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] The device 10 comprises a first 12 and a second 14 electrical connectors. In the embodiment shown, said first 12 and second 14 connectors electrical devices are fixed respectively to a first 16 and to a second 18 electrical devices.

[0021] The first connector 12 comprises two first legs 20 forming a first clamp 22, said first clamp extending substantially along a first axis 24. Each of the first legs 20 is substantially parallel to said first axis 24 and extends between a fixed end and a free end 26. Each fixed end is secured to the first electrical equipment 16 and electrically connected to said first equipment.

[0022] The second connector 14 comprises: a central blade 30; and two second legs 32 forming a second clamp 34.

[0023] Each of the central blade 30 and the second clamp 34 extends substantially along a second axis 36. Each of the central blade 30 and the second legs 32 is substantially parallel to said second axis 36 and extends between a fixed end and a free end 37, 38. Each fixed end is secured to the second electrical equipment 18 and electrically connected to said second equipment.

[0024] Each of the first legs 20, the central blade 30 and the second legs 32 are formed from electrically conductive materials, such as one or more metals. Preferably, each of the first legs 20 is elastically deformable.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, at least one of the second legs 32 is formed of an outer layer 40 and an inner layer 42 fixed to each other. The inner layer 42 is arranged between the outer layer 40 of said second leg 32 and the central blade 30.

[0026] The outer layer 40 and the inner layer 42 are formed respectively from a first and a second electrically conductive material, preferably metallic. The first and second materials have respectively a first and a second coefficient of thermal expansion, the first coefficient of thermal expansion being greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0027] Preferably, each of the second legs 32 of the second connector 14 is formed of an outer layer 40 and an inner layer 42 fixed to each other, the outer layer 40 and the inner layer 42 being formed respectively of the first and second electrically conductive materials.

[0028] According to a variant not shown, each of the second legs 32 of the second connector 14 is formed from a single piece of electrically conductive material.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 show the device 10, respectively in a first and in a second connection configuration.

[0030] In each of said first and second connection configurations, the first 24 and second 36 axes are substantially coincident; the free ends 26 the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 are oriented towards the second electrical equipment 18; the free ends 37, 38 of the central blade 30 and of the second legs 32 of the second connector 14 are oriented towards the first electrical equipment 16; the central blade 30 of the second connector is arranged between the first legs 20 of the first connector; and each of the first legs 20 of the first connector is arranged between the central blade 30 and one of the second legs 32 of the second connector.

[0031] In the first connection configuration of [Fig.l], the free end 26 of at least one of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 is in contact with the central blade 30 of the second connector 14. Preferably, in the first connection configuration, the free end 26 of each of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 is in contact with the central blade 30 of the second connector 14. Thus, an electric current is able to flow between the first 16 and second 18 electrical equipment, via the first legs 20 and the central blade 30.

[0032] Preferably, in the first connection configuration, a first non-zero distance 44 is provided between at least one of the first tabs 20 of the first connector 12 and the corresponding second tab 32 of the second connector 14. By corresponding tabs 20, 32, we mean the tabs 20, 32 arranged on the same side of the central blade 30 in one of the connection configurations of the device 10.

[0033] Preferably, the first connection configuration corresponds to a minimal mechanical or magnetic constraint of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12.

[0034] In the second connection configuration of [Fig. 2], the free end 26 of at least one of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 is in contact with the corresponding second leg 32 of the second connector 14. Preferably, in the second connection configuration, the free end 26 of each of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 is in contact with the corresponding second leg 32, as visible in [Fig. 2]. Thus, an electric current is able to flow between the first 16 and second 18 electrical equipment, via the first 20 and second 32 legs.

[0035] Preferably, in the second connection configuration, a second non-zero distance 46 is provided between at least one of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 and the central blade 30 of the second connector 14.

[0036] Preferably, the second connection configuration corresponds to a mechanical or magnetic stress of the first legs 20 greater than that of the first connection configuration. More preferably, in the second connection configuration, the first legs 20 are deformed relative to the first connection configuration, so as to separate the free ends 26 of said first legs 20 from the central blade 30.

[0037] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the second connection configuration, the free end 38 of at least one of the second legs 32 of the second connector 14, and preferably of each of said second legs, is closer to the central blade 30 than in the first connection configuration.

[0038] More specifically, in the second connection configuration, a difference in expansion between the outer 40 and inner 42 layers is greater than the corresponding difference in expansion in the first connection configuration. This results in a curvature of the second tab 32 towards the central blade 30.

[0039] Such a curvature promotes electrical contact between the second leg 32 and the corresponding first leg 20.

[0040] Preferably, the second connection configuration corresponds to a temperature of the second legs 32 higher than the first connection configuration.

[0041] [Fig. 3] shows a connection assembly 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. The assembly 50 comprises an embodiment of the first 16 and second 18 electrical equipment previously described.

[0042] In the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the connection assembly 50 is an earth disconnector and further comprises a base 52.

[0043] The first electrical equipment 16 is integrated into an arm 54, movable in rotation relative to the base 52 around a third axis 56.

[0044] The first electrical equipment 16 is fixed and electrically connected to at least one first connector 12 as described above, the first axis 24 of said first connector 12 being perpendicular to the third axis 56. Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the arm 54 comprises at least two first connectors 12, fixed and electrically connected to the first electrical equipment 16. Said two first connectors 12 are spaced apart from each other along the third axis 56.

[0045] The second electrical equipment 18 is integrated into a flange 60, fixedly mounted on the base 52.

[0046] The second electrical equipment 18 is fixed and electrically connected to at least one second connector 14 as described above, the second axis 36 of said second connector 14 being perpendicular to the third axis 56. Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the flange 60 comprises at least two second connectors 14, fixed and electrically connected to the second electrical equipment 18. Said second connectors 14 are spaced apart from each other along the third axis 56.

[0047] The assembly 50 is configured so that, in an angular position of the arm 54 relative to the third axis 56, each of the first connectors 12 of said arm is assembled to one of the second connectors 14 of the flange, in a first or second connection configuration as described above. Each first connector 12 and the corresponding second connector 14 form a connection device 10 as described above. Such an angular position of the arm 54, called the closed position, is visible in [Fig.3].

[0048] The arm 54 is able to pivot relative to the base 52 around the third axis 56, so as to bring each first connector 12 closer to or further away from the corresponding second connector 14. An angular position of the arm 54, in which each first connector 12 is further away from the corresponding second connector 14, is called the open position.

[0049] A method of operating the device 10 and the connection assembly 50 will now be described.

[0050] In an initial state of the assembly 50, it is considered that the arm 54 is in the open position described above.

[0051] To move from the open position to the closed position, the earthing switch formed by said assembly 50 is actuated. The arm 54 pivots into the closed position, each first connector 12 assembling with the corresponding second connector 14. At the time of assembly, the connection device 10 formed by each first connector 12 / second connector 14 pair is in the first connection configuration.

[0052] In the event of a slight short circuit in the closed position of the arm 54, the first clamp 22 formed by the first legs 20 of a first connector 12 remains in contact with the central blade 30 of the corresponding second connector 14. The current is thus discharged to earth via said central blade 30 and said first legs 20.

[0053] In the event of a strong short circuit in the closed position of the arm 54, the central blade 30 of the second connector 14 and each of the first legs 20 of the first connector 12 accumulate electrical charges of the same polarity. The free ends 26 of the first legs 20 are repelled by the magnetic field thus generated, moving away from the central blade 30 up to the second distance 46.

[0054] Each of said first legs 20 then comes into contact with the corresponding second leg 32 of the second connector 14. The electrical connection between the first 12 and second 14 connectors is thus reestablished by the contact between the first 22 and second 34 clamps, allowing the short circuit to be discharged to earth. The connectors 12, 14 are thus protected from damage linked to the electric arc which may form between the connectors 12, 14.

[0055] Furthermore, said electric arc and the circulation of a strong current lead to an increase in the temperature of the connectors 12, 14. The second legs 32 therefore deform by bending towards the central blade 30, as described above. The electrical contact between the first 20 and second 32 legs is thus improved, fa supporting the evacuation to earth of the short circuit and limiting the risk of repulsion between the first 20 and second 32 legs.

[0056] The connection assembly 50 described above is in particular intended to be installed on the roof of an electric railway vehicle, said roof forming the base 52, the third axis 56 being preferably vertical. An earthing switch formed by such an assembly 50 has improved efficiency and resistance compared to known devices.

Claims

Claims

1. An electrical connection device (10), comprising a first (12) and a second (14) electrical connector; the first connector (12) comprising two first legs (20); the second connector (14) comprising a central blade (30); the device being configured such that, in a first connection configuration, the central blade (30) of the second connector (14) is arranged between the first legs (20) of the first connector (12) and in contact with at least one of said first legs (20), the device being characterized in that: - the second connector (14) further comprises two second legs (32); - in the first connection configuration, each of the first legs (20) of the first connector (12) is arranged between the central blade (30) and one of the second legs (32) of the second connector (14);and - the device is configured so that, in a second connection configuration, at least one of the first legs (20) of the first connector (12) is in contact with a second leg (32) of the second connector (14).;

2. An electrical connection device according to claim 1, wherein, in the first connection configuration, each of the first legs (20) of the first connector (12) is in contact with the central blade (30) of the second connector (14); and in the second connection configuration, each of the first legs (20) of the first connector (12) is in contact with a second leg (32) of the second connector (14).

3. An electrical connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the first legs (20) of the first connector (12) is elastically deformable.

4. Electrical connection device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - each of the second legs (32) of the second connector (14) extends between a fixed end and a free end (38); and - at least one of the second legs (32) is formed of an outer layer (40) and an inner layer (42) fixed to each other, the inner layer (42) being arranged between the outer layer (40) and the central blade (30).

5. An electrical connection device according to claim 4, wherein the outer layer (40) and the inner layer (42) are formed from a first and a second material respectively, having a first and a second coefficient of thermal expansion respectively.

6. An electrical connection device according to claim 5, wherein each of the second legs (32) of the second connector (14) is formed of an outer layer (40) and an inner layer (42) secured to each other, the outer layer and the inner layer being formed of the first and second materials respectively.

7. Electrical connection device according to claim 5 or 6, in which the first coefficient of thermal expansion is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion, the second tab (32) thus being able to deform under the effect of an increase in temperature, so that the free end (38) of said second tab approaches the central blade (30).

8. A connection assembly (50) comprising: a base (52); an arm (54) movable relative to the base along an axis (56) of rotation; and a flange (60) fixed relative to the base (52); the assembly further comprising at least one electrical connection device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, the first electrical connector (12) being carried by one of the arm (54) and the flange (60), the second electrical connector (14) being carried by the other of the arm (54) and the flange (60); the assembly being configured so that, in an angular position of the arm (54) relative to the base along the axis (56) of rotation, the first (12) and second (14) connectors are assembled to each other in the first or second connection configuration.

9. A connection assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first electrical connector (12) is carried by the arm (54) and the second electrical connector (14) is carried by the flange (60).

10. A connection assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first electrical connector (12) is carried by the flange (60) and the second electrical connector (14) is carried by the arm (54).

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