Assembly for adding a connection module to a modular electrical apparatus and associated connection module

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for adding a connection module (1) to a modular electrical apparatus (2), said modular electrical apparatus (2) comprising a first neutral line, a second phase lin

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for adding a connection module to a modular electrical apparatus and associated connection module [0001 ] The present invention relates to the field of assemblies for adding a connection module to a modular electrical apparatus and the field of connection modules.

[0002] In the field of residential and commercial electrical equipment, modular electrical apparatus are known, such as differential circuit breakers, also known as RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Overcurrent Protection), or arc detectors, also known as AFDD (Arc Fault Detection Device), or circuit breakers, also known as MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker).

[0003] As is known, this type of modular electrical apparatus comprises at least one line, preferably a phase line, comprising at least one input connection terminal located on a connection level and a second output connection terminal. It further comprises a housing having a generally parallelepiped shape comprising two main faces, respectively a first face and a second face, and lateral faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely a rear face, a front face, a left face and a right face. The modular width of the modular electrical apparatus corresponds to the distance between the first face and the second face, which corresponds to a multiple of a standardized value, known as a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters. Usually, the input connection terminal opens out on the left face and the second output terminal opens out on the right face.

[0004] For certain applications, it may be necessary to add to the modular electrical apparatus an additional line, for example a phase or neutral or ground line, and therefore also at least one corresponding input connection terminal.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to propose a solution making it possible to add to the modular electrical apparatus an additional electrical line the electric potential of which may be identical to or different from said at least one existing electrical line, and also at least one corresponding additional input connection terminal, while having a minimal impact on the shape and architecture of the housing of the existing modular electrical apparatus.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an assembly as claimed in claim 1.

[0007] The invention also relates to a connection module as claimed in claim 10.

[0008] The invention will be understood more clearly from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0009] [Fig. 1] figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a connection module of an assembly according to a first variant of the invention,

[0010] [Fig. 2] figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the connection module of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0011] [Fig. 3] figure 3 depicts a perspective view of the connection module of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0012] [Fig. 4] figure 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connection module of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0013] [Fig. 5] figure 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connection module of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0014] [Fig. 6] figure 6 depicts a perspective view of a modular electrical apparatus of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0015] [Fig. 7] figure 7 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention showing the electrical conduction means,

[0016] [Fig.8] figure 8 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module, unassembled, of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0017] [Fig. 9] figure 9 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module during assembly of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0018] [Fig. 10] figure 10 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0019] [Fig. 11 ] figure 11 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention,

[0020] [Fig. 12] figure 12 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention and a neutral conductive bar of an electrical distribution box according to a first variant embodiment,

[0021] [Fig. 13] figure 13 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention and the neutral conductive bar electrically connected to the connection module,

[0022] [Fig. 14] figure 14 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention and a phase conductive bar of the electrical distribution box according to the first variant embodiment,

[0023] [Fig. 15] figure 15 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention and a phase conductive bar electrically connected to the second input connection terminals,

[0024] [Fig. 16] figure 16 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention, the neutral conductive bar and the phase conductive bar electrically connected to the second input connection terminals,

[0025] [Fig. 17] figure 17 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention, the neutral conductive bar electrically connected to the connection module and the phase conductive bar electrically connected to the second input connection terminals,

[0026] [Fig. 18] figure 18 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention, the neutral conductive bar electrically connected to the connection module and the phase conductive bar electrically connected to the second input connection terminals,

[0027] [Fig. 19] figure 19 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the first variant of the invention, the neutral conductive bar electrically connected to the connection module and the phase conductive bar electrically connected to the second input connection terminals,

[0028] [Fig. 20] figure 20 depicts a perspective view of a connection module of an assembly according to a second variant of the invention,

[0029] [Fig. 21] figure 21 depicts an exploded perspective view of the connection module of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0030] [Fig. 22] figure 22 depicts a perspective view of the connection module of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0031] [Fig. 23] figure 23 depicts a perspective view of a modular electrical apparatus of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0032] [Fig. 24] figure 24 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0033] [Fig. 25] figure 25 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention showing the electrical conduction means,

[0034] [Fig. 26] figure 26 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and showing a first connection terminal of the connection module of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0035] [Fig. 27] figure 27 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and showing a connection terminal of the connection module connected to the electrical conduction means of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0036] [Fig. 28] figure 28 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and showing a first shell of a second housing and the first connection terminal of the connection module of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0037] [Fig. 29] figure 29 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and showing the first shell of the second housing assembled with the first connection terminal of the connection module of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0038] [Fig. 30] figure 30 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and showing the first shell assembled with the first connection terminal and a second shell of the second housing of the connection module of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0039] [Fig. 31] figure 31 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention,

[0040] [Fig. 32] figure 32 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention and a neutral conductive bar of an electrical distribution box according to a second variant embodiment,

[0041] [Fig. 33] figure 33 depicts a partial perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention and the neutral conductive bar electrically connected to the connection module,

[0042] [Fig. 34] figure 34 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention and three phase conductive bars of the electrical distribution box according to the second variant embodiment,

[0043] [Fig. 35] figure 35 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention and the three phase conductive bars electrically connected to the second input connection terminals,

[0044] [Fig. 36] figure 36 depicts a perspective view of the modular electrical apparatus and the connection module in the assembled position of the assembly according to the second variant of the invention, the neutral conductive bar electrically connected to the connection module and the phase conductive bars electrically connected to the second input connection terminals.

[0045] An assembly for adding a connection module 1, 1’ to a modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ comprises at least one connection module 1,1’ configured to be electrically connected to a first preferably neutral line of a modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ and said modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’.

[0046] Said modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ comprises at least:

[0047] - the first preferably neutral line,

[0048] - a second preferably phase line comprising at least one second input connection terminal 3 located on a second connection level N2, N2’ and one second output connection terminal (not shown),

[0049] - a first housing 4 having a generally parallelepiped shape comprising two main faces, respectively a first face 5 and a second face 6, and lateral faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely a rear face 7, a front face 8, a left face 9 and a right face 10, the modular width Im of the modular electrical apparatus, which corresponds to the distance between the first face 5 and the second face 6, corresponding to a multiple of a standardized value, known as a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters, the second input connection terminal 3 opening out on the left face 9 and the second output terminal opening out on the right face 10.

[0050] According to the invention, said assembly is characterized in that said connection module 1,1’ comprises:

[0051] - a second housing 11, distinct from the first housing 4, comprising at least a mounting interface 12 and a connection face 13,

[0052] - a connection terminal 14 configured to be electrically connected to the first preferably neutral line by electrical conduction means 15,

[0053] - a first input connection terminal 16 comprising a connection clamp 17 arranged inside the second housing 11 and opening onto said connection face 13, the connection clamp 17 being electrically connected to the connection terminal 14,

[0054] and in that the second housing 11 is configured to be mounted and attached to the first housing 4 of said modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ in an assembled position PA such that the first input connection terminal 16 is located on a first connection level N1, N1 ’ distanced from the second connection level N2, N2’ by a height hi, and the connection face 13 is substantially parallel to the left face 9 while being offset by a distance d1 in an offset direction DD1 perpendicular to the left face 9 and / or the connection face 13 extends the left face 9 by a distance d2 in an offset direction DD2 perpendicular to the rear face 7.

[0055] Advantageously, the solution according to the invention makes it possible to add a first input connection terminal 16 arranged on the first connection level N1, N1’, which terminal is new, and to connect it electrically to a first line of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’, without having to substantially modify the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’. The connection module 1,1’ may be added at the end of the production line by connecting the connection terminal 14 to the first line of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ via the electrical conduction means 15. The connection module 1,1’ may be added to the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ with the lowest possible impact on the latter in terms of internal architecture, performance, manufacturing and installation. Furthermore, since the first input connection terminal 16 comprises a connection clamp 17, electrical connection to a distribution bar of an electrical distribution box is easily achieved without screws and therefore without tools. This screwless electrical connection facilitates in particular but not only the installation of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ having the first connection level N1, NT located below the second connection level N2, N2’, that is to say that the first connection level N1, NT is less close to the front face 8 than the second connection level N2, N2’, in an electrical distribution box having a neutral distribution bar 43 arranged below the phase distribution bar 44. The second housing 11 allows at least one insulation of the connection clamp 17 to guarantee an IP2X protection rating. Thus, this connection module 1,1’ allows late-stage customization of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ and the addition of a screwless connection with an IP2X protection rating. The height hi between the first connection level N1, NT and the second connection level N2, N2’ makes it possible to guarantee a sufficient dielectric distance so that the first electric potential of the first line and the second electric potential of the second line may be different.

[0056] The second housing 11 is preferably attached to the first housing 4 without extension in the direction of the modular width Im of the first housing 4. Thus, the width of the assembly comprising the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ to which the connection module 1, T is added in the assembled position PA is equal to the modular width Im. The addition of the connection module 1,1’ has no impact on the modular width Im of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’.

[0057] The first line and said at least one second line are each provided to conduct an electric current. The first electric potential of the first line and the second electric potential of the second line may be different. Thus, according to a non-limiting example, the first line may be selected for example from a neutral line or a ground line or a phase line and said at least one second line may be a phase line.

[0058] The modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ may be a differential circuit breaker or an arc detector or a circuit breaker; these examples are not limiting.

[0059] The modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ may have a rating lower or higher than 32 amp.

[0060] Preferably, the connection face 13 comprises a slot 26 or a window 27 providing access to said connection clamp 17.

[0061] Advantageously, the second insulating housing 11 makes it possible to insulate the connection clamp 17 in such a way as to guarantee an IP2X protection rating. The slot 26 has the advantage of being able to allow a distribution bar to pass through in order to clamp it directly with the connection clamp. The window 27 allows a protruding conductive tooth of the distribution bar to pass through.

[0062] Preferably, the second housing 11 has a width 11 which is smaller than or equal to a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters.

[0063] Advantageously, this configuration has the advantage of being compact.

[0064] The assembly may take the form of a kit in which the connection module 1,1’ and the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ are not assembled together, either mechanically or electrically.

[0065] Preferably, the connection terminal 14 is electrically connected to the electrical conduction means 15 by welding, for example by ultrasonic welding. This avoids having to dismantle the connection module 1, T when it is in the assembled position PA.

[0066] The electrical conduction means 15 preferably form part of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ and may consist, for example, of a conductive braid and / or an electrode.

[0067] In the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment, which are non-limiting examples, the modular electrical apparatus 1,1’ comprises the first line which is a neutral line and three second phase lines each comprising a second input connection terminal 3. The three second input connection terminals 3 open out on the left face 9 and are contained on the second connection level N2, N2’. The three second input connection terminals 3 are aligned side by side in a row with a maximum width of three modules. The first housing 4 of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ has a modular width Im of four modules. The connection module 1,1’ comprises the first input connection terminal 16 which is contained on the first connection level N1, NT and is not aligned with the three second input connection terminals 3 but is offset relative to the latter and extends over a maximum width of one module.

[0068] In another variant that has not been shown, the modular electrical apparatus 1, T comprises the first line which is a neutral line and a single second phase line. The first housing 4 of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ has a modular width Im of two modules. The second input connection terminal 3 is contained on the second connection level N2, N2’ and has a maximum width of one module. The connection module 1,1’ comprises the first input connection terminal 16 which is contained on the first connection level N1, NT and is not aligned with the second input connection terminal 3 in the same column but is offset relative to the latter and extends over a maximum width of one module.

[0069] In another variant that has not been shown, the modular electrical apparatus 1, 1 ’ comprises the first line and a single second phase line. The first housing 4 of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ has a modular width Im of one module. The second input connection terminal 3 is contained on the second connection level N2, N2’ and has a maximum width of one module. The connection module 1,1’ comprises the first input connection terminal 16 which is contained on the first connection level N1, NT and is aligned with the input connection terminal 3 in the same column and extends over a maximum width of one module.

[0070] The first variant embodiment of the assembly according to the invention is illustrated in figures 1 to 19 and comprises the connection module 1 and said modular electrical apparatus 2.

[0071] According to the first variant embodiment of the invention, said mounting interface 12 is configured to be mounted on the left face 9 by first assembly means 18 in the assembled position PA.

[0072] Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to assemble the second housing 11 on the left face 9 of the first housing 4 of the modular electrical apparatus 2.

[0073] Preferably, the first assembly means 18 are means for interlocking, for example by clipping. Such first assembly means 18 have the advantage of being screwless and therefore easy to use.

[0074] Preferably according to a possibility of the first variant embodiment of the invention, the mounting interface 12 comprises a mounting wall 19 and the left face 9 comprises a first opening 20 located on the first connection level N1 giving access to the electrical conduction means 15 forming part of said modular electrical apparatus 2, said mounting wall 19 being configured to be inserted in said first opening 20 in such a way as to close off the latter in the assembled position PA.

[0075] Advantageously, the position of the first opening 20 on the first connection level N1 and the insertion of the mounting wall 19 in the first opening 20 allows the connection module 1, T to be positioned such that the first input connection terminal 16 is on the first connection level N1 in the assembled position PA. Furthermore, the addition of the first opening 20 to the first housing 4 is a minor modification which does not modify the architecture of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ or the dimensions of the first housing 4 and which allows the electrical conduction means 15 to pass through to the outside of the first housing 4.

[0076] Preferably, according to this possibility of the first variant embodiment of the invention, the connection terminal 14 comprises a first electrode 21 electrically connected to the connection clamp 17, the connection clamp 17 is arranged inside the second housing 11 and the mounting wall 19 comprises a hole 22 from which said first electrode 21 protrudes so as to be inserted in said first opening 20 and to be electrically connected to the electrical conduction means 15 in said assembled position PA.

[0077] Advantageously, in this advantageous configuration, the second insulating housing 11 makes it possible to insulate the connection clamp 17 in such a way as to guarantee an IP2X protection rating, but not to insulate the first electrode 21 so as to allow, at the time of assembly, an easy connection with the electrical conduction means 15 which may consist of a braid. The connection may be made for example by welding.

[0078] Preferably, the first opening 20 is not aligned with said at least one second input connection terminal 3. As a result, the first input connection terminal 16 and said at least one second input terminal 3 are not aligned in the same column, but are offset relative to said at least one second input connection terminal 3.

[0079] Figures 1 to 5 separately illustrate the connection module 1 of this first variant embodiment.

[0080] The second housing 11 preferably has a generally parallelepiped shape with the mounting wall 19 and the connection face 13 parallel to one another and four faces extending from the mounting wall 19 to the connection face 13, namely a lower face 28, an upper face 29 and a left lateral face 30 and a right lateral face 31. The left lateral face 30 and the right lateral face 31 each comprise the first assembly means 18 which are designed to interact with the first opening 20 by clipping. The slot 26 extends over the connection face 13, the left lateral face 30 and the right lateral face 31. The distance between the left lateral face 30 and the right lateral face 31 corresponds to a width 11 which is smaller than or equal to a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters.

[0081] Preferably, the second housing 11 comprises two shells 11a and 11b assembled together by assembly means.

[0082] Figures 6 and 7 separately illustrate said modular electrical apparatus 2 of this first variant embodiment.

[0083] The left face 9 of the first housing 4 comprises, in a first row contained in the first connection level N1, three first windows 37 giving access to the three second input connection terminals 3, and the first opening 20. The three first windows 37 and the first opening 20 are aligned side by side, with the first opening 20 in last position near the first face 5. The left face 9 of the first housing 4 comprises, in a second row contained in the second connection level N2, three second windows 38 giving access to the three second input connection terminals 3 and a third window 39. The three second windows 38 and the third window 39 are aligned side by side, with the third window 39 in last position near the first face 5. The first connection level N1 is located below the second connection level N2, in other words the first connection level N1 is less close to the front face 8 than the second connection level N2. In this example, the plane of the first connection level N1 intersects the left face 9. Figure 6 shows the electrical conduction means 15 inside the first housing 4. Figure 7 shows the electrical conduction means 15 passing through the first opening 20 and partially protruding from the first housing 4. The second input connection terminals 3 are screwless pluggable cages.

[0084] Figures 8 and 9 depict the connection module 1 and said modular electrical apparatus 2 of this first variant embodiment in an unassembled position.

[0085] Figures 10 to 19 depict the connection module 1 and said modular electrical apparatus 2 of this first variant embodiment in the assembled position PA. In this first variant embodiment, the connection face 13 of the connection module 1 is substantially parallel to the left face 9 of the modular electrical apparatus 2 while being offset by the distance d1 in the offset direction DD1 perpendicular to the left face 9. The width of the assembly comprising the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ to which the connection module 1, T is added in the assembled position PA remains equal to the modular width Im, which in this case is preferably four modules. On the other hand, the length of this assembly is greater than the length of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’. The height of this assembly remains equal to the height of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’.

[0086] Figure 12 shows a neutral distribution bar 43 not assembled with the connection module 1.

[0087] Figure 13 shows the neutral distribution bar 43 connected to the connection module 1 with the connection clamp 17 which clamps the neutral distribution bar 43.

[0088] Figure 14 shows three phase distribution bars 44 not assembled with the connection module 1 and phase conductors 45 connected and arranged perpendicular to one of the phase distribution bars.

[0089] Figure 15 shows three phase conductors 45 connected to the three second connection terminals 3 by insertion in the three second windows 38 giving access to the three second input connection terminals 3.

[0090] Figure 16 shows the three phase conductors 45 connected to the three second connection terminals 3 and the neutral distribution bar 43 not assembled with the connection module 1.

[0091] Figures 17 to 19 show the three phase conductors 45 connected to the three second connection terminals 3 and the neutral distribution bar 43 connected to the first input connection terminal 16 of the connection module 1.

[0092] The second variant embodiment of the assembly according to the invention is illustrated in figures 20 to 36 and comprises the connection module T and said modular electrical apparatus 2’.

[0093] Advantageously, the assembly with the connection module 1 in the assembled position on the modular electrical apparatus 2 may be installed in an electrical distribution box (not shown) comprising the neutral distribution bar 43 and the three phase distribution bars 44 arranged in two parallel non-coincident planes.

[0094] According to the second variant embodiment of the invention, said mounting interface 12 is configured to be mounted on the rear face 7 by second assembly means 23 in the assembled position PA.

[0095] Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to assemble the second housing 11 on the rear face 7 of the first housing 4 of the modular electrical apparatus 2.

[0096] Preferably, the second assembly means 23 are means for interlocking, for example by clipping, located on the rear face 7 and the second housing 11. Such second assembly means 23 have the advantage of being screwless and therefore easy to use.

[0097] Preferably, according to a possibility of the second variant embodiment of the invention, the rear face 7 comprises a second opening 24 giving access to the electrical conduction means 15 forming part of said modular electrical apparatus 2’ and in the assembled position PA the second housing 11 closes off said second opening 24.

[0098] Advantageously, the addition of the second opening 24 to the first housing 4 is a minor modification which does not modify the architecture of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ or the dimensions of the first housing 4 and which allows the electrical conduction means 15 to pass through to the outside of the first housing 4.

[0099] Preferably, according to this possibility of the second variant embodiment of the invention, the connection terminal 14 comprises a second electrode 25 electrically connected to the connection clamp 17, said second electrode 25 and the connection clamp 17 are arranged inside the second housing 11 and the second electrode 25 is electrically connected to the electrical conduction means 15 in said assembled position PA.

[0100] Advantageously, in this advantageous configuration, the second insulating housing 11 makes it possible to insulate the connection clamp 17, in such a way as to guarantee an IP2X protection rating, and also the second electrode 25 and partly the electrical conduction means 15 which may consist of a braid.

[0101] Preferably, the second opening 24 is not aligned with said at least one second input connection terminal 3. As a result, the first input connection terminal 16 and said at least one second input terminal 3 are not aligned in the same column.

[0102] Figures 20 to 22 separately illustrate the connection module T of this second variant embodiment.

[0103] The second housing 11 preferably has a generally parallelepiped shape and comprises the connection face 13 and a rear face 32 which are parallel to one another and three faces extending from the connection face 13 to the rear face 32, namely a lower face 33, a left lateral face 34 and a right lateral face 35. The mounting interface 12, which is perpendicular to the connection face 13, does not take the form of an upper wall, which means that the second housing 11 has an upper opening 36 which in particular allows the conduction means 15 of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ to pass through. The left lateral face 34 and the right lateral face 35 each comprise the second assembly means 23 of the second housing 11 which are designed to interact with the second assembly means 23 of the first housing 4 by clipping. The window 27 is only located on the connection face 13. The distance between the left lateral face 34 and the right lateral face 35 corresponds to the width 11, which is smaller than or equal to a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters.

[0104] Preferably, the second housing 11 comprises two shells 11a and 11b assembled together by assembly means.

[0105] Figures 23 to 25 separately illustrate said modular electrical apparatus 2’ of this second variant embodiment.

[0106] The left face 9 of the first housing 4 comprises, in a second row contained in the second connection level N2’, three fourth windows 40 giving access to the three second input connection terminals 3, and a fourth opening 41. The three fourth windows 40 and the fourth opening 41 are aligned side by side, with the fourth opening 41 in last position near the first face 5. The left face 9 of the first housing 4 comprises, in a first row which is not contained in the second connection level N2 or in the first connection level, three fifth windows 42 giving access to the three second input connection terminals 3. The three fifth windows 42 are aligned side by side. The first connection level NT is located below the second connection level N2’, in other words the first connection level NT is less close to the front face 8 than the second connection level N2’. In this example, the plane of the first connection level NT does not intersect the left face 9. Figure 25 shows the electrical conduction means 15 passing through the second opening 24 and partially protruding from the first housing 4. The second input connection terminals 3 are pluggable cages with screws.

[0107] Figures 26 to 30 depict the connection module T and said modular electrical apparatus 2’ of this second variant embodiment during assembly. Preferably, during assembly the connection terminal 14 is electrically connected to the electrical conduction means 15, which makes it possible to first assemble the first input connection terminal 16 to the modular electrical apparatus 2’, as shown in figures 26 to 27. Next, the first and second shells 11a, 11b are assembled to the input connection terminal 16 in such a way as to insulate the latter as well as the connection terminal 14, and are assembled to the rear face 7 by the second assembly means 23 for assembling the second housing 11 to the rear face 7, as shown in figures 28 to 30.

[0108] Figures 31 to 36 depict the connection module T and said modular electrical apparatus 2’ of this second variant embodiment in the assembled position PA. In this second variant embodiment, the connection face 13 of the connection module 1 ’ extends the left face 9 of the modular electrical apparatus 2’ by the distance d2 in the offset direction DD2 perpendicular to the rear face 7. Furthermore, the right lateral face 35 extends the first face 5 by the distance d2 in the offset direction DD2. The width of the assembly comprising the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ to which the connection module 1, T is added in the assembled position PA is equal to the modular width Im, which in this case is preferably four modules. On the other hand, the height of this assembly is greater than the height of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’. The length of this assembly remains equal to the length of the modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’.

[0109] Figure 32 shows a neutral distribution bar 43 not assembled with the connection module T and neutral conductors 46 connected and arranged perpendicular to this bar.

[0110] Figure 33 shows the neutral distribution bar 43 electrically connected to the connection module T by one of the neutral conductors 46 which is connected to the connection module T by insertion in the window 27 and clamping by the connection clamp 17.

[0111] Figure 34 shows three phase distribution bars 44 not assembled with the connection module T and phase conductors 45 connected and arranged perpendicular to one of the bars.

[0112] Figure 35 shows that the three phase conductors 45 are connected to the three second connection terminals 3 by insertion in the three fourth windows 40 giving access to the three second input connection terminals 3.

[0113] Figure 36 shows the three phase conductors 45 connected to the three second input connection terminals 3 and one of the neutral conductors 46 connected to the first input connection terminal 16 of the connection module T.

[0114] The invention also relates to the connection module 1, T for said assembly according to the invention and as described above.

[0115] According to the invention, the connection module 1, T is characterized in that it comprises:

[0116] the second housing 11 comprising at least said mounting interface 12 and said connection face 13,

[0117] the connection terminal 14 configured to be electrically connected to the first preferably neutral line by the electrical conduction means 15,

[0118] the first input connection terminal 16 being configured to be located on the first connection level N1, NT distanced from the second connection level N2, N2’ by a height hi and comprising a connection clamp 17 arranged inside the second housing 11 and opening onto said connection face 13, the connection clamp 17 being electrically connected to the connection terminal 14,

[0119] the second housing 11 being configured to be mounted and attached to the first housing 4 of said modular electrical apparatus 2, 2’ in an assembled position PA such that the first input connection terminal 16 is located on a first connection level N1, NT distanced from the second connection level N2, N2’ by a height hi and the connection face 13 is substantially parallel to the left face 9 while being offset by a distance d1 in an offset direction DD1 perpendicular to the left face 9 and / or the connection face 13 extends the left face 9 by a distance d2 in an offset direction DD2 perpendicular to the rear face 7.

[0120] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the attached drawings. Modifications are possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. 19

Claims

1. An assembly for adding a connection module (1, 1’) to a modular electrical apparatus (2, 2’) comprising at least one connection module (1, 1’) configured to be electrically connected to a first preferably neutral line of a modular electrical apparatus (2, 2’) and said modular electrical apparatus (2. 2’), said modular electrical apparatus (2, 2') comprising at least:- the first preferably neutral line,- a second preferably phase line comprising at least one second input connection terminal (3) located on a second connection level (N2, N2’) and one second output connection terminal,- a first housing (4) having a generally parallelepiped shape comprising two main faces, respectively a first face (5) and a second face (6), and lateral faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely a rear face (7), a front face (8), a left face (9) and a right face (10), the modular width (Im) of the modular electrical apparatus, which corresponds to the distance between the first face (5) and the second face (6), corresponding to a multiple of a standardized value, known as a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters, the second input connection terminal (3) opening out on the left face (9) and the second output terminal opening out on the right face (10), assembly characterized in that said connection module (1, 1’) comprises:- a second housing (11), distinct from the first housing (4), comprising at least a mounting interface (12) and a connection face (13),- a connection terminal (14) configured to be electrically connected to the first preferably neutral line by electrical conduction means (15),- a first input connection terminal (16) comprising a connection clamp (17) arranged inside the second housing (11) and opening onto said connection face (13), the connection clamp (17) being electrically connected to the connection terminal (14),and in that the second housing (11) is configured to be mounted and attached to the first housing (4) of said modular electrical apparatus (2, 2’) in an assembled position (PA) such that the first input connection terminal (16) is located on a first connection level (N1, N1’) distanced from the second connection level (N2, N2’) by a height (hi), and the connection face (13) is substantially parallel to the leftface (9) while being offset by a distance (d1) in an offset direction (DD1) perpendicular to the left face (9) and / or the connection face (13) extends the left face (9) by a distance (d2) in an offset direction (DD2) perpendicular to the rear face (7).

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said mounting interface (12) is configured to be mounted on the left face (9) by first assembly means (18) in the assembled position (PA).

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the mounting interface (12) comprises a mounting wall (19) and in that the left face (9) comprises a first opening (20) located on the first connection level (N1) giving access to the electrical conduction means (15) forming part of said modular electrical apparatus (2), said mounting wall (19) being configured to be inserted in said first opening (20) in such a way as to close off the latter in the assembled position (PA).

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the connection terminal (14) comprises a first electrode (21) electrically connected to the connection clamp (17), the connection clamp (17) is arranged inside the second housing (11) and the mounting wall (19) comprises a hole (22) from which said first electrode (21) protrudes so as to be inserted in said first opening (20) and to be electrically connected to the electrical conduction means (15) in said assembled position (PA).

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said mounting interface (12) is configured to be mounted on the rear face (7) by second assembly means (23) in the assembled position (PA).

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the rear face (7) comprises a second opening (24) giving access to the electrical conduction means (15) forming part of said modular electrical apparatus (2’) and in that in the assembled position (PA) the second housing (11) closes off said second opening (24).

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the connection terminal (14) comprises a second electrode (25) electrically connected to the connection clamp (17), in that said second electrode (25) and the connection clamp (17) are arranged inside the second housing (11) and in that the second electrode(25) is electrically connected to the electrical conduction means (15) in said assembled position (PA).

8. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connection face (13) comprises a slot (26) or a window (27) providing access to said connection clamp (17).

9. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second housing (11) has a width (11) which is smaller than or equal to a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters.

10. A connection module (1, T) for said assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises:- the second housing (11) comprising at least said mounting interface (12) and said connection face (13),- the connection terminal (14) configured to be electrically connected to the first preferably neutral line by the electrical conduction means (15),- the first input connection terminal (16) being configured to be located on the first connection level (N1, NT) distanced from the second connection level (N2, N2’) by a height (hi) a first input connection terminal (16) and comprising a connection clamp (17) arranged inside the second housing (11) and opening onto said connection face (13), the connection clamp (17) being electrically connected to the connection terminal (14), the second housing (11) being configured to be mounted and attached to the first housing (4) of said modular electrical apparatus (2, 2’) in an assembled position (PA) such that the first input connection terminal (16) is located on a first connection level (N1, NT) distanced from the second connection level (N2, N2’) by a height (hi), and the connection face (13) is substantially parallel to the left face (9) while being offset by a distance (d1) in an offset direction (DD1) perpendicular to the left face (9) and / or the connection face (13) extends the left face (9) by a distance (d2) in an offset direction (DD2) perpendicular to the rear face (7).

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