Electrical appliance cut-off device

Abstract

A fastening device (50) is proposed for an electrical conductor (2) of a medium- or high-voltage electrical apparatus (100). The fastening device (50) comprises: - a support plate (1) configured to receive an electrical conductor (2), - a cable head (3) configured to be connected to the electrical conductor (2), - a retaining rod (4) configured to retain the cable head (3) on the electrical conductor (2), - an anchoring device (5) comprising a metallic part (6) covered at least partially with an insulator (7), wherein: - the metallic part (6) of the anchoring device (5) is configured to receive the retaining rod (4), and - the insulator (7) is configured to be in contact with the support plate (1) so as to electrically insulate the retaining rod (4) from the support plate (1). Abstract figure: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical appliance cut-off device technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medium-voltage or high-voltage electrical equipment, that is to say, a voltage range from 1 kV to more than 52 kV. This equipment can be placed inside an insulating enclosure filled with a pressurized gas, thereby improving the electrical insulation properties and preventing unwanted electrical arcs inside the insulating enclosure. Previous technique

[0002] The various electrical conductors of the device, corresponding to the three phases of the electrical network, pass through the wall of the insulating enclosure via a series of cable glands, each surrounding an electrical conductor. Each cable gland ensures a watertight connection between the insulating enclosure and the electrical conductor corresponding to that gland. Inside the enclosure, for each phase, an electrical connection is made between a cable head and an electrical conductor entering the enclosure.

[0003] A fastening device allows a cable head and its corresponding electrical conductor to be mechanically held in place. A retaining rod applies a force that presses the cable head against the electrical conductor. These retaining rods transmit the mechanical forces to the structure of the insulating enclosure. For this purpose, the retaining rods are each linked to one or more anchoring devices attached to the structure of the insulating enclosure.

[0004] It is known to equip each electrical conductor with one or more current sensors to determine the intensity of the current flowing in each electrical conductor. Real-time knowledge of the current intensity in each electrical conductor makes it possible, in particular, to detect the presence of a fault on one of the electrical conductors supplying the electrical device.

[0005] Due in particular to the presence of the current sensors, the space available for installing the anchoring devices may be particularly limited. Furthermore, it may be necessary to electrically isolate the retaining rods from the enclosure structure, for example, to ensure proper operation of the current sensors.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a solution to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the wire and the wafer made of high elastic limit material. Summary

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a fastening device for an electrical conductor of a medium or high voltage electrical device, the fastening device comprising: - a support plate configured to receive an electrical conductor, - a cable head configured to be connected to the electrical conductor, - a retaining rod configured to hold the cable head onto the electrical conductor. - an anchoring device comprising a metallic part covered at least partially with insulation, in which: - the metal part of the anchoring device is configured to receive the retaining rod, and - the insulator is configured to be in contact with the support plate so as to electrically isolate the support plate retaining rod.

[0008] The fastening device thus makes it possible to mechanically hold the cable head relative to the electrical conductor while maintaining electrical insulation between the support plate and the cable head. This ensures proper operation of the electrical device even when the support plate is at a different electrical potential than the electrical conductor, for example, when the support plate is connected to earth.

[0009] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0010] The support plate is configured to be traversed by the electrical conductor.

[0011] The support plate includes an opening for the passage of the electrical conductor.

[0012] The support plate is configured to mechanically hold the electrical conductor.

[0013] A conductor pass-through is disposed between the support plate and the electrical conductor.

[0014] The conductor pass-through surrounds the electrical conductor and is surrounded by the passage orifice.

[0015] The cable head includes a second electrical conductor configured to be connected to the electrical conductor.

[0016] The second electrical conductor includes at one end a lug for connecting to the electrical conductor. The connecting lug forms a protruding, cylindrical part. The electrical conductor includes a cylindrical opening that can receive the connection lug of the second electrical conductor. The connecting lug and the cylindrical orifice have a complementary shape.

[0017] The cable head includes a protective cover surrounding a portion of the end of the electrical conductor. The protective cover surrounds a portion of the end of the second electrical conductor, as well as the connecting lug.

[0018] The electrical conductor is perpendicular to the extension plane of the support plate.

[0019] The retaining rod is configured to press the cable head against the electrical conductor.

[0020] In the nominal installation position of the fastening device, the retaining rod resists a tensile force.

[0021] According to one aspect of the proposed fastening device, the metallic part of the anchoring device comprises a main body extending in a plane and two branches extending transversely from the main body.

[0022] The metallic part of the anchoring device forms a single unit.

[0023] In the nominal installation position of the fastening device, the metallic part of the anchoring device passes through the support plate.

[0024] According to another aspect of the proposed fixing device, the main body of the metallic part of the anchoring device passes through the support plate, and in which the main body and the two arms are arranged on either side of the support plate.

[0025] The support plate includes a passage hole for the main body of the metal part of the anchoring device.

[0026] The passage opening formed in the support plate is rectangular in shape.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the two branches of the metallic part are parallel to each other and point in opposite directions.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the two branches of the metal part extend in the same plane perpendicular to the extension plane of the main body.

[0029] In the nominal installation position of the fastening device, the two arms of the metal part extend in a plane parallel to the support plate.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the two branches of the metal part are completely covered by the insulation.

[0031] According to one aspect of the proposed fastening device, the main body of the metal part includes a fixing hole configured to receive an end portion of the retaining rod.

[0032] The end portion of the retaining rod can be bent into a hook shape.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the fastening device, the metallic part of the The anchoring device is formed by a cut and bent sheet of metal.

[0034] The main body of the metal part is flat.

[0035] For example, the fixing hole of the main body of the metal part is formed by punching.

[0036] The mounting hole can be circular. The mounting hole can be oblong.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the fastening device, the insulation is overmolded onto the metal part.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the fastening device, the insulator comprises a flat part extending in a plane parallel to the two arms of the metallic part.

[0039] The insulator comprises a first portion surrounding a first branch and a second portion surrounding a second branch, the first portion and the second portion extending from the flat part.

[0040] In the nominal installation position of the fixing device, the flat part of the insulation is in contact with a first face of the support plate.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the fixing device, the insulator of the anchoring device includes a notch configured to receive a fixing rivet so as to fix the anchoring device to the support plate.

[0042] The notch is an open slit extending between a peripheral edge of the insulator and a bottom distant from the periphery of the insulator.

[0043] An open slot allows the mold to open laterally when the insulator is overmolded onto the metal part. The mold required is therefore particularly simple, since no drawer is needed to form the injected part.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the flat part of the insulator of the anchoring device includes a first notch extending in a direction parallel to the first branch and a second notch extending in a direction parallel to the second branch.

[0045] The first notch and the second notch preferably extend in parallel directions and opposite senses.

[0046] The mold for injecting the insulation can thus comprise two parts that open by a translational movement in a single direction, without the use of pins or slides. The parting line is also simple. Furthermore, the arrangement of the slots ensures that the anchoring device is symmetrical, and therefore can be mounted in any angular position allowing passage through the opening formed in the support plate.

[0047] The thickness of the metallic part of the anchoring device is between 1.0 millimeter and 4.0 millimeters.

[0048] The length of a first branch of the metallic part is between 5.0 millimeters and 10.0 millimeters.

[0049] The length of a second branch of the metallic part is between 5.0 millimeters and 10.0 millimeters.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first branch and the second branch have the same length.

[0051] The first branch includes a planar portion, and the second branch includes a planar portion extending in the same plane as the planar portion of the first branch.

[0052] The first branch of the metal part comprises a straight portion and a curved portion connected to the main body of the metal part.

[0053] The second branch of the metal part comprises a straight portion and a curved portion connected to the main body of the metal part.

[0054] A radius of curvature of the curved portion of the arms of the metallic part is between 0.5 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters.

[0055] For example, the insulation of the metallic part is made of engineering thermoplastic material, possibly reinforced with glass fibers.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the fastening device, the anchoring device is symmetrical with respect to a rotation of 180° around an extension axis of the main body of the metal part.

[0057] Thus, the anchoring device can be mounted indifferently according to either of the angular positions allowing passage through the slot in the support plate. No keying device is necessary.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the fastening device, the main body of the metal part comprises a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and the metal part comprises a singularity configured to differentiate the first face and the second face from each other.

[0059] The presence of the singularity makes it possible to fix the position of the metal part in the mold, in particular its angular orientation. Thus, a metal burr formed during the punching of the fixing hole is always located on the same part of the mold, for example on the moving part of the mold.

[0060] The singularity of the metallic part is for example a notch formed on a free end of the first branch.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the fastening device, the retaining rod is generally U-shaped, and comprises two parallel branches connected by a transverse base.

[0062] The proposed fastening device may include a first anchoring device and a second anchoring device, each anchoring device being configured to receive respectively one end of a branch of the retaining rod.

[0063] A curved end of each arm of the retaining rod is respectively received in a fixing hole of an anchoring device.

[0064] The main body of the metallic part of the first anchoring device is coaxial with a first arm of the retaining rod. Similarly, the main body of the metal part of the second anchoring device is coaxial with the second arm of the retaining rod.

[0065] The transverse base of the retaining rod is in contact with the cable head.

[0066] The cable head includes a metal tab configured to receive the transverse base of the retaining rod.

[0067] The metal tab is elastically deformable in bending.

[0068] The metal tab is disposed on an axial end surface of the first portion of the cable head.

[0069] The axial end surface of the first portion of the cable head is circular in shape, and the metal tab is aligned with a diameter of the axial end surface of the first portion of the cable head.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the transverse base of the retaining rod comprises two coaxial straight portions connected by a V-shaped portion.

[0071] The tip of the V-shaped portion is in contact, in the nominal mounting position, with the metal tab.

[0072] The transverse base of the retaining rod is connected to each branch by a loop-shaped portion.

[0073] The first anchoring device and the second anchoring device are identical.

[0074] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an anchoring device for a fastening device as described above. The manufacturing process includes the following steps: - providing a flat metal sheet, - cutting the flat metal sheet to obtain a rough shape with a main body extended by two parallel legs, - cutting a portion of the main body of the rough shape to form the fixing hole, - bending each leg of the rough shape to form respectively the first and second branches of the anchoring device and obtaining the metal part of the anchoring device.

[0075] The manufacturing process may include the substep: - cut out a portion of the first leg of the raw form so as to create a singularity.

[0076] The manufacturing process may include the following sub-steps: - detect the formed singularity, - Orient the rough shape according to a predefined spatial orientation, - Form a fixing hole in the main body of the rough shape.

[0077] The proposed manufacturing process may include the following steps: - supplying a metallic part of the anchoring device, - overmold the metallic part of an insulating material to form the anchoring device.

[0078] The invention also relates to a medium or high voltage electrical device, comprising: - a receiving enclosure electrically connected to an electrical ground, - an electrical conductor disposed within the receiving enclosure, - a mounting device as described above, in which the support plate is fixed to the receiving enclosure and in which the electrical conductor is received in the support plate of the fastening device.

[0079] The electrical device may include a current sensor configured to determine the intensity of the electric current flowing in the electrical conductor, the current sensor surrounding the electrical conductor, and a part of the anchoring device is disposed, in a direction of extension of the electrical conductor, between the support plate and the current sensor.

[0080] A distance, measured along an extension direction of the electrical conductor, between the support plate and the current sensor is between 5.0 millimeters and 10.0 millimeters.

[0081] The proposed anchoring device has a minimal footprint, which allows the current sensor to be housed.

[0082] The electrical device may include three electrical conductors of a three-phase electrical network, and the fixing device fixes each of the electrical conductors to the support plate. Brief description of the drawings

[0083] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0084] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a medium-sized electrical device tension,

[0085] [Fig.2] is a general, perspective view of an electrical device incorporating a fastening device according to the invention,

[0086] [Fig.3] is a partial, perspective view of the electrical apparatus of [Fig.2],

[0087] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an anchoring device for the fastening device of the [Fig.2],

[0088] [Fig.5] is another perspective view of an anchoring device for the fixing device of [Fig.2],

[0089] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the metallic part of the anchoring device of the [Fig.4],

[0090] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the insulator of the anchoring device of [Fig.4],

[0091] [Fig.8] is a detailed side view of the fastening device shown on the [Fig.2],

[0092] [Fig.9] is a detailed, front view of an anchoring device integrated into the device fixing of the [Fig.2],

[0093] [Fig. 10] is a partial, side view of the electrical apparatus shown in Figures 2 and 3,

[0094] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view illustrating certain steps of a process of Fabrication of an anchoring device integrated into the proposed fastening device,

[0095] [Fig. 12] is another schematic view illustrating further steps in a process for manufacturing an anchoring device integrated into the proposed fastening device. Description of embodiments

[0096] To facilitate reading the figures, the various elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numerals. Certain elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations may be interchanged. When it is specified that a device comprises a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that device.

[0097] A medium or high voltage electrical device 100 has been schematically represented on [Fig.1].

[0098] The electrical device 100 comprises three electrical conductors 2, 2', 2" of a three-phase electrical network. Each electrical conductor 2, 2', 2" corresponds respectively to one phase of the three-phase electrical network. The three electrical conductors 2, 2', 2" play similar roles and can be identical. Each electrical conductor 2, 2', 2" is respectively connected to a switch II, 12, 13. Each switch is movable between a position A1, allowing the flow of electric current, and a position A2, preventing the flow of electric current. A control mechanism 80 moves the switches II, 12, 13 from one position to the other in order to establish or interrupt the flow of electric current in the network. The switches II, 12, 13 are controlled synchronously.

[0099] The electrical device 100 comprises: - a 60W receiving speaker electrically connected to an electrical ground, - an electrical conductor 2 disposed in the receiving enclosure 60, - a fixing device 50. The electrical device 100 includes a support plate 1 fixed to the receiving enclosure 60. The electrical conductor 2 is received in the support plate 1 of the fixing device 50. Similarly, the 2',2" electrical conductors are arranged in the receiving chamber 60 and are received in the support plate 1 of the mounting device 50. The receiving chamber 60 of the electrical device 100 is pressurized and sealed. The receiving chamber 60 can contain an insulating gas. Switches II, 12, 13 are located in enclosure 60 and are in contact with the insulating gas. The 60 receiver enclosure is electrically connected to ground.

[0100] The fixing device 50 fixes each of the electrical conductors 2, 2', 2" to the support plate 1. The proposed fixing device 50 will be described in detail below.

[0101] The proposed fixing device 50 is a fixing device for an electrical conductor 2 of a medium or high voltage electrical device 100. The fastening device 50 includes: - a support plate 1 configured to receive an electrical conductor 2, - a cable head 3 configured to be connected to the electrical conductor 2, - a retaining rod 4 configured to hold the cable head 3 onto the electrical conductor 2, - an anchoring device 5 comprising a metallic part 6 covered at least in part with an insulator 7. The metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 is configured to receive the retaining rod 4, and the insulator 7 is configured to be in contact with the support plate 1 so as to electrically isolate the retaining rod 4 from the support plate 1.

[0102] The fixing device 50 thus allows the mechanical retention of the cable head 3 in relation to the electrical conductor 2, while maintaining electrical insulation between the support plate 1 and the cable head 3. It is therefore possible to guarantee proper operation of the electrical device 100 even when the electrical conductor 2 is placed at an electrical potential different from that of the support plate 1, for example when the cable head 3 is not connected to earth.

[0103] Figure 3 illustrates the mounting device 50, the receiving enclosure of the electrical device 100 not being shown. Figure 3 details in particular the arrangement of the electrical conductors 2, 2', 2" relative to the support plate 1. The support plate 1 is fixed to an outer wall of the receiving enclosure 60.

[0104] The support plate 1 is configured to be traversed by the electrical conductor 2. The support plate 1 includes a passage hole 19 for the electrical conductor 2.

[0105] The electrical conductor 2 passes through the support plate 1 in a direction D2 transverse to the extension plane PI of the support plate 1. More specifically, the electrical conductor 2 is here perpendicular to the extension plane PI of the support plate 1. The passage 19 formed in the support plate 1 is, for example, circular in shape. Other shapes are of course possible for the passage opening 19.

[0106] Each electrical conductor 2, 2', 2" is respectively received in a passage 19, 19', 19" of the support plate 1. The support plate 1 is configured to mechanically hold the electrical conductor 2. The support plate 1 also mechanically holds the electrical conductor 2' as well as the electrical conductor 2”.

[0107] A conductor pass-through 21 is disposed between the support plate 1 and the electrical conductor 2. The conductor pass-through 21 surrounds the electrical conductor 2 and is surrounded by the passage orifice 19. The conductor pass-through 21 is made of insulating material. The conductor pass-through 21 is, for example, made of epoxy resin.

[0108] The conductor pass-through 21 may be referred to as a "feed-through". The conductor pass-through 21 allows the electrical conductor 2 to pass through the wall of the support plate 1. The conductor pass-through 21 keeps the electrical conductor 2 away from the pass-through orifice 19, and electrically isolates the electrical conductor 2 from the support plate 1. The conductor pass-through 21 comprises a cylindrical portion 21-1 and a conical portion 21-2 extending the cylindrical portion 21-1. The cylindrical portion 21-1 is disposed in the passage orifice 19, i.e. the edges of the passage orifice 19 are opposite a part of the cylindrical portion 21-1.

[0109] The cable head 3 includes a second electrical conductor 22 configured to be connected to the electrical conductor 2. Electrical conductor 2 can be referred to as "first electrical conductor 2".

[0110] For this purpose, the second electrical conductor 22 includes at one end a connection lug 27 to the electrical conductor 2, shown in [Fig. 10]. The connection lug 27 forms a protruding cylindrical part. In [Fig.3], the symbol 26 designates a cylindrical orifice that can receive the connection lug of the second electrical conductor 22. In this figure, the second electrical conductor 22 is not shown. The connection lug 27 and the cylindrical orifice 26 have a complementary shape. The surface of the cylindrical orifice 26 is smooth here. The contact between the connection lug 27 and the cylindrical orifice 26 of the electrical conductor 2 is a sliding contact. The retaining rod 4 presses the second electrical conductor 22 against the electrical conductor 2. The retaining rod 4 thus ensures the electrical connection between the connection lug of the second electrical conductor 22 and the electrical conductor 2. Similarly, the symbols 26' and 26” respectively designate the opening receiving the connection lug of the second electrical conductor 22' to the electrical conductor 2', and the opening receiving the connection lug of the second electrical conductor 22” to the electrical conductor 2”.

[0111] The electrical conductor 2 and the second electrical conductor 22, once connected together, form a portion of an electrical line in which an electric current can flow. In [Fig.1], the symbol L1 schematically designates the passage of current in a portion of the electrical line corresponding to a phase of the electrical network. The symbol L2 designates the passage of electric current in a portion of the power line corresponding to a second phase, and the symbol L3 corresponds to the third phase.

[0112] In [Fig.3], the electrical conductor 2 is equipped with a cable head 3. The electrical conductors 2',2" are not equipped with their cable head.

[0113] The cable head 3 includes a protective cover 23 surrounding an end portion of the electrical conductor 2. The protective cover 23 surrounds an end portion of the second electrical conductor 22, as well as the connecting lug and the fixing screw. The protective cover 23 is made of insulating material.

[0114] The retaining rod 4 allows mechanical contact to be maintained between the cable head 3 and the electrical conductor 2. The retaining rod 4 is configured to press the cable head 3 against the electrical conductor 2.

[0115] When the electrical device 100 is in a nominal operating configuration: - the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 receives the retaining rod 4, - the insulator 7 is in contact with the support plate 1 so as to electrically insulate the retaining rod 4 from the support plate 1, - the retaining rod 4 holds the cable head 3 onto the electrical conductor 2. The second electrical conductor 22 is thus held against the electrical conductor 2, and the electrical connection between the two elements is thus ensured.

[0116] In this nominal operating configuration corresponding to a nominal installation position of the fastening device 50, the retaining rod 4 resists a tensile force. One end of the retaining rod 4 is engaged in a receiving orifice of the anchoring device 5.

[0117] The cable head 3 is angled. The cable head 3 comprises a first portion 3-1 coaxial with the electrical conductor 2 and a second portion 3-2 extending transversely to the electrical conductor 2. The second portion 3-2 is coaxial with the second electrical conductor 22. As can be seen in figures 2 and 3, electrical conductor 2 and the second electrical conductor 22 are substantially perpendicular.

[0118] Fig. 6 represents the metallic part 6 of the anchoring device 5 taken in isolation.

[0119] The metallic part 6 of the anchoring device 5 comprises a main body 10 extending in a plane P10 and two branches 11,12 extending transversely from the main body 10 to the main body 10. The metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 forms a single unit.

[0120] In the nominal installation position of the fixing device 50, the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 passes through the support plate 1. More specifically, the main body 10 of the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 passes through the support plate 1. The main body 10 and the two branches 11,12 are arranged on either side of the support plate 1.

[0121] The support plate 1 includes a passage 20 of the main body 10 of the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5. The passage 20 formed in the support plate 1 is rectangular in shape.

[0122] The main body 10 of the metal part 6 passes through the passage orifice 20 of the support plate 1. The main body 10 of the metal part 6 passes through the support plate 1 in a direction transverse to the extension plane PI of the support plate 1.

[0123] As shown in [Fig.6], the two branches 11,12 of the metallic part 6 are parallel to each other and point in opposite directions. The two branches 11,12 of the metallic part 6 extend in the same plane P2 perpendicular to the extension plane P10 of the main body 10.

[0124] According to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the two branches 11,12 of the metal part 6 are completely covered by the insulator 7. In other words, all external surfaces of branch 11 are covered by insulation 7. The same applies to branch 12. Insulation 7 adheres to branch 11 and branch 12.

[0125] In the nominal installation position of the fixing device 50, the two arms 11,12 of the metal part 6 extend in a plane parallel to the support plate 1. The two arms 11, 12 of the metal part 6 are separated from the support plate 1 by a layer of insulation 7 surrounding the two arms 11,12.

[0126] Fig. 8 details the connection between the retaining rod 4 and the anchoring device 5, as well as the arrangement of the anchoring device 5 in relation to the wall 1.

[0127] The main body 10 of the metal part 6 includes a fixing hole 8 configured to receive an end portion 25 of the retaining rod 4. The end portion 25 of the retaining rod 4 is here bent into a hook shape. The hook is engaged in the fixing hole 8. The diameter of the rod 4 is less than the minimum dimension of the fixing hole 8 so as to allow easy engagement of the hook.

[0128] The retaining rod 4 applies a tensile force on the main body 10 of the metal part 6, tending to lengthen the main body 10. This tensile force applied at the fixing hole 8 creates a bending force on the arms 11,12 relative to the main body 10. The thickness of the metal part 6 is chosen so that the deformations of the metal part 6 remain within the elastic range.

[0129] In the illustrated example, the fixing hole 8 is oblong. According to an alternative not shown, the fixing hole 8 may be circular.

[0130] The metallic part 6 of the anchoring device 5 can be obtained in different ways.

[0131] According to one embodiment of the fastening device 50, the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 is formed by a cut and folded metal sheet. In other words, the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 is obtained by cutting and bending a sheet of metal.

[0132] The metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 is, for example, made of steel. The metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 may thus be made of stainless steel, or of steel coated with an anti-corrosion coating. The metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 may thus be made of galvanized or zinc-plated steel. Other metallic materials such as aluminum, copper, and bronze may also be used.

[0133] In the illustrated example, the main body 10 of the metal part 6 is flat. The fixing hole 8 of the main body 10 of the metal part 6 is for example formed by punching.

[0134] The thickness E of the metallic part 6 of the anchoring device 5 is between 1.0 millimeter and 4.0 millimeters. The length LU of a first branch 11 of the metal part 6 is between 5.0 millimeters and 10.0 millimeters. The length L12 of a second branch 12 of the metal part 6 is between 5.0 millimeters and 10.0 millimeters. According to the illustrated example, the first branch 12 and the second branch 13 have the same length.

[0135] The first branch 11 includes a planar portion 11-1, and the second branch 12 includes a planar portion 12-1 extending in the same plane P2 as the planar portion 11-1 of the first branch 12.

[0136] The first branch 11 of the metal part 6 comprises a straight portion 1 IR and a curved portion 1 IC connected to the main body 10 of the metal part 6. The curved portion 1 IC of the first branch 11 extends the straight portion 1 IR. The straight portion 1 IR of the first branch 11 extends between the free end 1 IL of the first branch 11 and the curved portion 1 IC of the first branch 11.

[0137] Similarly, the second branch 12 of the metal part 6 comprises a straight portion 12R and a curved portion 12C connected to the main body 10 of the metal part 6. The curved portion 12C of the second branch 12 extends the straight portion 12R. The straight portion 12R of the second branch 12 extends between the free end 12L of the second branch 12 and the curved portion 12C of the second branch 12. A radius of curvature R of the curved portion 11C,12C of the branches 11,12 of the metal part 6 is between 0.5 millimeter and 3.0 millimeters. The radius of curvature of the curved portion 1 IC of the first branch 11 can have the same value as the radius of curvature of the curved portion 12C of the second branch 12.

[0138] As an alternative to the cutting process, it is possible to obtain the metal part 10 by a casting process.

[0139] The insulator 7 of the metallic part 6 is for example made of engineering thermoplastic material, possibly reinforced with glass fibers. Polyamide, polyarylamide, polycarbonate, or polyethylene terephthalate are some of the materials that can be used.

[0140] According to one embodiment of the fastening device 50, the insulator 7 is overmolded onto the metal part 6. In other words, an insulating material is injected onto the metallic part 6, once it has been previously shaped.

[0141] As detailed in Figures 4 and 5, the insulator 7 comprises a flat part 14 extending in a plane parallel to the two branches 11,12 of the metallic part 6.

[0142] The insulator 7 comprises a first portion 15A surrounding a first branch 11 and a second portion 15B surrounding a second branch 12. The first portion 15A and the second portion 15B extend from the flat part 14. In the nominal installation position of the fixing device 50, the flat part 14 of the insulation 7 is in contact with a first face IA of the support plate 1.

[0143] The insulator 7 comprises a portion 16 surrounding a part of the main body 10. The edge of portion 16 furthest from the flat part 14, along the direction of axis D10, is distant from the fixing hole 8 so as not to interfere with the retaining rod 4 when it is inserted into the fixing hole 8. A section of portion 16, made transversely to axis D10, has a rectangular perimeter.

[0144] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the insulator 7 of the anchoring device 5 includes a notch 9A configured to receive a fixing rivet 30 so as to fix the anchoring device 5 to the support plate 1.

[0145] One end of the rivet 30 is in contact with the flat part 14 of the insulator 7. The other end of the rivet 30 is in contact with the second face IB of the support plate 1.

[0146] The notch 9A, detailed in [Fig.7], is an open slot extending between a peripheral edge 17 of the insulator 7 and a bottom 18A distant from the periphery of the insulator 7.

[0147] An open slot allows the mold to open laterally when the insulator 7 is overmolded onto the metal part. The mold required is therefore particularly simple, since no drawer is necessary.

[0148] According to the illustrated example, the flat part 14 of the insulator 7 of the anchoring device 5 includes a first notch 9A extending in a direction parallel to the first branch 11 and a second notch 9B extending in a direction parallel to the second branch 12.

[0149] The first notch 9A and the second notch 9B extend in parallel directions and opposite senses. The mold for injecting the insulator 7 can thus comprise two parts that open by a translational movement in a single direction, without the need for pins or drawers. Furthermore, the arrangement of the slots ensures that the anchoring device 5 is symmetrical, and that it can therefore be mounted in either of the two angular positions allowing passage through the opening 20 formed in the support plate 1.

[0150] Fig. 9 shows an anchoring device 5 fixed to the support plate 1 by two rivets 30A, 30B. The body of rivet 30A is positioned between the opposite edges of notch 9A, in the vicinity of the bottom 18 of notch 9A. Similarly, the body of rivet 30B is positioned between the opposite edges of slot 9B, in the vicinity of the bottom 18B of notch 9B.

[0151] According to the illustrated example of the fixing device 50, in particular on [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], the anchoring device 5 is symmetrical with respect to a rotation of 180° around an extension axis D10 of the main body 10 of the metal part 6.

[0152] Thus, the anchoring device 5 can be mounted indifferently according to either of the angular positions allowing passage of the portion 16 through the orifice 20 of the support plate 1. No error-proofing device is necessary. In the example shown, the opening 20 is rectangular. The portion 16 of the insulation has a rectangular cross-section. A gap is present between the edges of the opening 20 and the periphery of the portion 16, so as to allow easy insertion of the anchoring device 5 into the support plate 1.

[0153] According to [Fig.6], the main body 10 of the metallic part 6 comprises a first face 10A and a second face 10B opposite the first face 10A, and the metallic part 6 comprises a singularity 13 configured to differentiate the first face 10A and the second face 10B from each other.

[0154] The presence of the singularity allows the angular orientation of the metal part 6 in the mold to be fixed during the overmolding operation of the insulator onto the metal part 6. This orientation of the metal part 6 in the mold provides a better seal of the mold where the parting line is flush with this metal part. The formation of plastic burrs during injection is thus avoided, eliminating the need for any rework operations to remove these burrs.

[0155] The singularity 13 of the metallic part 6 is for example a notch formed on a free end 1 IL of the first branch 11. According to the illustrated example, the metal part 6 of the anchoring device 5 is symmetrical with respect to a rotation of 180° around the extension axis D10 of the main body 10, except for the presence of the notch 13. Once the metal part 6 is covered with plastic, the anchoring device 5 is symmetrical, as shown in figures 4 and 5.

[0156] Fig. 2 shows the retaining rod 4 as a whole.

[0157] The retaining rod 4 is generally U-shaped and comprises two arms parallels 4-1, 4-2 connected by a transverse base 4-3.

[0158] The proposed fastening device 50 comprises a first anchoring device 5 and a second anchoring device 5'. Each anchoring device 5.5' is configured to receive respectively a portion of the end of a branch 4-1, 4-2 of the retaining rod 4.

[0159] A curved end of each arm 4-1, 4-2 of the retaining rod 4 is respectively received in a fixing hole 8,8' of an anchoring device 5,5'. The first anchoring device 5 is visible in [Fig.2]. The second anchoring device 5' is visible in [Fig.3], and is located in an orifice 20' of the support plate 1. The first anchoring device 5 is not shown in [Fig.3] and the orifice 20 of the support plate 1 is empty. Branch 4-1 is fixed to the first anchoring device 5, and branch 4-2 is fixed to the second anchoring device 5'.

[0160] The main body 10 of the metal part 6 of the first anchoring device 5 is coaxial with a first branch 4-1 of the retaining rod 4. Similarly, the main body of the metal part of the second anchoring device 5' is coaxial with the second branch 4-2 of the retaining rod 4.

[0161] The first branch 4-1 and the second branch 4-2 of the retaining rod 4 are both under tension, that is to say, they are subjected to a force tending to lengthen them. Similarly, the main body 10 of the metal part 6 of the first anchoring device 5 and of the second anchoring device 5' also undergoes a tensile force.

[0162] The first anchoring device 5 and the second anchoring device 5' are arranged on either side of the electrical conductor 2. For example, the first anchoring device 5 and the second anchoring device 5' are diametrically opposed with respect to the center of the orifice 19 allowing the passage of the electrical conductor 2. The orifice 20 in which the first anchoring device 5 is disposed, the center of the passage orifice 19 and the orifice 20' in which the second anchoring device 5' is disposed are aligned and form a diameter of the passage orifice 19. The reaction forces of the support plate 1 are applied on either side of the passage orifice 19.

[0163] The first anchoring device 5 and the second anchoring device 5' are identical here.

[0164] The transverse base 4-3 of the retaining rod 4 is in contact with the cable head 3. The cable head 3 includes a metal tab 24 configured to receive the transverse base 4-3 of the retaining rod 4. The metal tab 24 is elastically deformable in bending. The metal tab 24 is disposed on an axial end surface of the first portion 3-1 of the cable head 3.

[0165] The axial end surface of the first portion 3-1 of the cable head 3 is circular in shape, and the metal tab 24 is aligned with a diameter of the axial end surface of the first portion 3-1 of the cable head 3.

[0166] According to the illustrated example, the transverse base 4-3 of the retaining rod 4 comprises two coaxial straight portions connected by a V-shaped portion. The tip of the V-shaped portion is in contact, in the nominal mounting position, with the metal tab 24. The transverse base 4-3 of the retaining rod 4 is connected to each branch 4-1, 4-2 by a loop-shaped portion. The two loop-shaped portions form a privileged zone of elastic deformation.

[0167] The electrical device 100 includes a current sensor 70 configured to determine the intensity of the electric current flowing in the electrical conductor 2. The current sensor 70 surrounds the electrical conductor 2. Part of the anchoring device 5 is arranged, along an extension direction of the electrical conductor 2, between the support plate 1 and the current sensor 70.

[0168] A distance, measured along an extension direction of the electrical conductor 2, between the support plate 1 and the current sensor 70 is between 5.0 millimeters and 10.0 millimeters.

[0169] The current sensor 70 is disposed, along an extension direction of the electrical conductor 2, between the outer wall of the enclosure 60 and the support plate 1.

[0170] The proposed anchoring device 5 has a minimal footprint, particularly on the side of the support plate 1 facing the current sensor 70. The minimum spacing required between the outer wall of the enclosure 60 and the support plate 1, to accommodate the current sensor 70, can therefore be very small. Indeed, the offset designated by the symbol d in [Fig. 8], representing the distance between the surface of the support plate 1 and the first portion 15A of the insulator 7, is very small. It is therefore possible to house the current sensor 70 in a particularly small available space. Similarly, current sensors 70', 70" equipping the electrical conductors 2', 2' respectively are arranged between the outer wall of the enclosure 60 and the face IA of the support plate 1. This contributes to the compactness of the electrical appliance 100.

[0171] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a method for manufacturing an anchoring device 5 for a fastening device 50 as described above.

[0172] The manufacturing process comprises the following steps: - supplying a flat metal sheet 40, - cut the flat metal sheet 40 to obtain a rough shape 41 comprising a main body 10 extended by two parallel tabs 42, 42', - cut a portion of the main body 10 of the rough shape 41 to form the fixing hole 8, - bend each leg 42,42' of the rough form 41 so as to form respectively the first branch 11 and the second branch 12 of the anchoring device 5 and obtain the metallic part 6 of the anchoring device 5.

[0173] Part A of [Fig. 11] schematically shows a flat sheet 40, in which a set of metal parts 6 will be formed. Part B of this figure illustrates, in dotted lines, the outline of a set of raw 4L shapes Part C of this figure shows all the rough shapes obtained after cutting and separating from the rest of the sheet metal 40.

[0174] Part A of [Fig. 12] illustrates, in side view, a rough form 41 as obtained in part C of [Fig. 11]. The rough form is planar. Part B illustrates the result obtained after the operation of folding the legs 42,42' of the raw form. The presence of singularity 13 is optional. The manufacturing process may therefore include the following sub-step: - cut out a portion of a first leg 42 of the raw form 41 so as to form a singularity 13.

[0175] The cutting of the singularity 13 can be carried out at the same time as the cutting of the legs 42, 42'. The singularity 13 is formed by the perimeter of the cut made.

[0176] The manufacturing process may include the following substeps: - detect the singularity 13 formed, - Orient the raw form 41 according to a predefined spatial orientation, - Form a fixing hole 8 in the main body 10 of the rough shape 4L

[0177] The hole 8 is, for example, formed by punching. Once the fixing hole 8 is formed, the resulting part is identical to that shown in [Fig. 6]. The metal part 6 can be overmolded with the insulator 7.

[0178] The proposed manufacturing process may therefore include the following steps: - provide a metallic part 6 of the anchoring device 5, - overmold the metal part 6 with an insulating material 7 so as to form the anchoring device 5.

[0179] The supplied metal part 6 is the product resulting from the various shaping stages of the raw form 4L The supplied metal part 6 is placed in a mold, for example a two-part mold. A plastic insulator is injected into the mold, so that to cover the branches 11,12 of the metal part 6 as well as part of the main body 10. Figures 4 and 5 represent the finished part ready for installation in an electrical device.

Claims

Demands

1. A fastening device (50) for an electrical conductor (2) of a medium or high voltage electrical apparatus (100), the fastening device (50) comprising: - a support plate (1) configured to receive an electrical conductor (2), - a cable head (3) configured to be connected to the electrical conductor (2), - a retaining rod (4) configured to retain the cable head (3) on the electrical conductor (2), - an anchoring device (5) comprising a metallic part (6) covered at least in part with an insulator (7), wherein: - the metallic part (6) of the anchoring device (5) is configured to receive the retaining rod (4), and - the insulator (7) is configured to be in contact with the support plate (1) so as to electrically insulate the retaining rod (4) from the support plate (1).

2. Fixing device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the metal part (6) of the anchoring device (5) comprises a main body (10) extending in a plane (P10) and two arms (11, 12) extending transversely from the main body (10) to the main body (10).

3. Fixing device (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the main body (10) of the metal part (6) of the anchoring device (5) passes through the support plate (1), and wherein the main body (10) and the two arms (11,12) are arranged on either side of the support plate (1).

4. A fastening device (50) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the two arms (11,12) of the metal part (6) are parallel to each other and point in opposite directions.

5. Fixing device (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the two arms (11,12) of the metal part (6) extend in the same plane (P2) perpendicular to the extension plane (P10) of the main body (10).

6. Fixing device (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the two arms (11,12) of the metal part (6) are completely covered by the insulator (7).

7. A fastening device (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the main body (10) of the metal part (6) includes a fastening hole (8) configured to receive an end portion (25) of the retaining rod (4).

8. Fixing device (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the insulator (7) comprises a flat part (14) extending in a plane parallel to the two arms (11,12) of the metallic part (6).

9. A fastening device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal part (6) of the anchoring device (5) is formed by a cut and bent metal sheet.

10. Fixing device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulator (7) of the anchoring device (5) includes a notch (9A) configured to receive a fixing rivet (30) so as to fix the anchoring device (5) to the support plate (1).

11. A fastening device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 8, wherein the flat part (14) of the insulator (7) of the anchoring device (5) comprises a first notch (9A) extending in a direction parallel to the first arm (11) and a second notch (9B) extending in a direction parallel to the second arm (12), the first notch (9A) and the second notch (9B) extending in parallel directions and opposite senses.

12. Fixing device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the anchoring device (5) is symmetrical with respect to a rotation of 180° around an extension axis (D10) of the main body (10) of the metal part (6).

13. A fastening device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the main body (10) of the metal part (6) comprises a first face (10A) and a second face (10B) opposite the first face (10A), wherein the metal part (6) comprises a singularity (13) configured to differentiate the first face (10A) and the second face (10B) from each other, and in which the singularity (13) of the metallic part (6) is a notch formed on a free end (1 IL) of the first branch (11).

14. A fastening device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining rod (4) is generally U-shaped, and comprises two parallel arms (4-1, 4-2) connected by a transverse base (4-3), and wherein the fastening device (50) comprises a first anchoring device (5) and a second anchoring device (5'), each anchoring device (5,5') being configured to receive respectively one end of an arm (4-1, 4-2) of the retaining rod (4).

15. A method for manufacturing an anchoring device (5) of a fastening device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - providing a flat metal sheet (40), - cutting the flat metal sheet (40) so as to obtain a rough form (41) comprising a main body (10) extended by two parallel tabs (42,42'), - cutting a portion of the main body (10) of the rough form (41) so as to form the fastening hole (8), - bending each tab (42,42') of the rough form (41) so as to form respectively the first arm (11) and the second arm (12) of the anchoring device (5) and to obtain the metal part (6) of the anchoring device (5).

16. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps: - providing a metallic part (6) of the anchoring device (5), - overmolding the metallic part (6) with an insulating material (7) so as to form the anchoring device (5).

17. Medium or high voltage electrical apparatus (100), comprising: - a receiving enclosure (60) electrically connected to an electrical ground, - an electrical conductor (2) disposed in the receiving enclosure (60), - a fastening device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the support plate (1) is fixed to the receiving enclosure (60) and in which the electrical conductor (2) is received in the support plate (1) of the fixing device (50).

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