Title of Invention	A DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF TWO ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES AND AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR SAID DEVICE
Abstract	The present invention relates to a device for electrical connected of two electrical apparatuses such as an electrical protection apparatus (D) associated to a controlled switch (T), said device being designed to electrically connect the output terminals of one of the apparatuses, called the first apparatus, to the input terminals of the other of said apparatuses, called the second apparatus, said device comprising conductors housed in an insulating cover (31), the assembly extending along one of the faces of the two apparatuses (D, T), said above-mentioned input and output terminals comprising access openings (23 to 26) on said faces. This device is characterized in that the insulating cover (31) comprises a flap (39) designed to prevent access to the input terminal(s) of the second apparatus (T) when the connection device (C) is fitted while leaving access to the output terminal(s) (21, 22) of said second apparatus (T) free.

Title of Invention

A DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF TWO ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES AND AN ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR SAID DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for electrical connected of two electrical apparatuses such as an electrical protection apparatus (D) associated to a controlled switch (T), said device being designed to electrically connect the output terminals of one of the apparatuses, called the first apparatus, to the input terminals of the other of said apparatuses, called the second apparatus, said device comprising conductors housed in an insulating cover (31), the assembly extending along one of the faces of the two apparatuses (D, T), said above-mentioned input and output terminals comprising access openings (23 to 26) on said faces. This device is characterized in that the insulating cover (31) comprises a flap (39) designed to prevent access to the input terminal(s) of the second apparatus (T) when the connection device (C) is fitted while leaving access to the output terminal(s) (21, 22) of said second apparatus (T) free.

Full Text	The present invention relates to a device for electrical connection of two electrical apparatuses and an electrical apparatus for said device. The device for electrical connection of two electrical apparatuses such as an electrical protection apparatus is associated to a controlled switch, said device being designed to electrically connect the output terminal(s) of one of the apparatuses, called the first apparatus, to the input terminal(s) of the other of said apparatuses, called the second apparatus, said device comprising conductors housed in an insulating cover, the assembly extending along one of the faces of the two apparatuses, said above-mentioned input and output terminals comprising access openings on said faces. When a circuit breaker and a controlled switch such as a contactor or a remote-controlled switch are associated on the same assembly rail, the output power terminals of the circuit breaker have to be electrically connected to the input power terminals of the controlled switch. Controlled switches conventionally comprise input terminals and output terminals located respectively on two opposite side faces of their case. This results in the electrical bridging required to perform the above-mentioned connection being long, impractical and costly. The present invention solves this problem and proposes a connection device of simple design enabling apparatuses of this kind to be connected quickly and inexpensively, and an electrical apparatus suitable for such a device. For this purpose, the object of the present invention is to provide a connection device of the previously mentioned kind, this device being characterized in that the insulating cover comprises a flap designed to prevent access to the input terminal(s) of the second apparatus when the connection device is fitted, while leaving access to the output terminal(s) of said second apparatus free. According to a particular embodiment, in the connection position, the flap is designed to prevent access to the actuating means of the input terminal(s) of the second apparatus and/or to the parts of conductors situated at the level of the opening of said input terminal(s). The object of the invention is also to provide an electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus can be adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said apparatus being able to be connected to another electrical apparatus located up-line on said mounting support by means of a connection device comprising the previously mentioned features taken either alone or in combination, this apparatus comprising at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal situated on the same side of said support, and the input terminal(s) on the one hand and the output terminal(s) on the other hand are respectively arranged at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus and are respectively staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus. The object of the invention is also to provide an electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus can be adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said apparatus being able to be connected to another electrical apparatus located up-line on said mounting support by means of a connection device comprising the previously mentioned features taken either alone or in combination, this apparatus comprising at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal, said terminals being situated on the same side of the support, and at least one control terminal situated on the other side of the support. According to a particular feature, the input terminal(s) is(are) situated at the rear of the apparatus and at the level of one of the side faces of the apparatus and the output terminal(s) is(are) situated at the front of the apparatus and set back with respect to said side face of the apparatus. According to another feature, the input terminals and output terminals each comprise an access opening for the conductors, said openings being situated respectively for the input terminals and the output terminals on two parts of lateral surfaces staggered in the heightwise and depthwise direction of the case. According to another feature, the input terminal(s) and output terminal(s) comprise actuating means situated respectively for the input terminals and the output terminals on two parts of front face staggered in the depthwise and heightwise direction of the case. But other advantages and features of the invention will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description which refers to the accompanying drawings given for example purposes only and in which: Figure 1 is a front view illustrating a circuit breaker and a controlled switch according to the invention, the apparatuses being connected by a connection device according to the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing more particularly the bottom part of the two apparatuses connected by a connection device according to the invention, Figure 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating the bottom part of the switch only, and Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the connection device according to the invention, only. In figures 1 and 2, a circuit breaker D and a remote-controlled switch T can be seen fitted side by side on the same mounting rail R, the assembly forming a controlled and protected switch. These two apparatuses are housed in distinct modular cases each comprising a rear face 1, 2 for fixing to the rail R, a front face 3, 4, two main faces 5, 6, 7, 8 via which the cases of the two juxtaposed apparatuses are adjoined, and two opposite side faces 9, 10, 11, 12 on which connection terminals 13 to 22 are located. The first apparatus D, in this instance a circuit breaker, is of conventional type and presents two input terminals 13, 14 housed in its upper part, and two output terminals 15, 16 housed in its lower part. The second apparatus is formed by a remote-controlled switch T and comprises, in a manner known as such, a breaking circuit designed to service a use circuit and control led by a control circuit, said control circuit comprising a coil designed to be supplied by the power conductors of the first apparatus D and controlled by an order giver circuit comprising for example a push-button (these circuits not being represented in the figures). This apparatus comprises in its upper part two control terminals 17, 18, by means of which the terminals of the above-mentioned coil can be connected to the circuit breaker power conductors, and four terminals called power terminals, i.e. two input terminals 19, 20 (respectively neutral and phase) and two output terminals 21, 22 (respectively neutral and phase) in its lower part (able to be seen more particularly in figure 3) In figure 3, and according to the invention, it can be seen that the input terminals 19, 20 and output terminals 21, 22 are situated at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus, the depth being defined as the distance separating the face 4c located the furthest to the front of the apparatus T from the rear face 2 of the apparatus T. It can also be seen in figure 3 that the terminals are also staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus, the height being defined by the distance separating the two side faces 11, 12 of the apparatus T. It can thus be seen that one 12 of the side faces 11, 12 of this apparatus T in fact comprises several parts of side face 12a, 12b parallel to one another but staggered in the heightwise and depthwise direction of the apparatus. The access openings 23, 24 of the input terminals 19, 20 open out on one 12a of these faces 12a, 12b, and the access openings 25, 26 of the output terminals 21, 22 open out on the other 12b of these faces. In the same way, the front face of the case comprises several parts of front face 4a, 4b, 4c parallel to one another, also staggered in the depthwise and heightwise direction of the case. The actuating means 27, 28 of the input terminals 19, 20 open out on one 4a of these parts of face and the actuating means 29, 30 of the output terminals 21, 22 open out on the other part 4b. It can also be noted that the input terminals 19, 20 are also staggered with respect to the output terminals 21, 22 in a direction parallel to the width of the case, said width representing the distance between the two main faces 7, 8 of the case, this enabling the user to perform his wiring in the direction of his wiring diagram without being forced by the apparatus to connect the lower terminals (face 4a) before the upper terminals (face 4b). Referring back to figures 1, 2 and 4, it can be seen that the output terminals 15, 16 of the first apparatus D are electrically connected to the input terminals 19, 20 of the second apparatus T by means of a connection device C according to the invention. This device C comprises an insulating cover 31 made of plastic material, said cover 31 comprising two conducting paths 32, 33 respectively housing two rigid electrical conductors 34, 35. This cover 31 is formed by a plate 36 the dimensions whereof correspond appreciably to the dimensions of the side face 12 of the second apparatus T, this plate 36 comprising two parts of conducting paths 32, 33 designed to receive the part of the conductors extending facing the second apparatus T. Two separate conducting paths 37, 38 housing the part of the conductors situated facing the first apparatus D extend from this plate 36. A flap 39 is mounted articulated on this plate 36 between a position in which it extends in a direction parallel to this plate 36 and a position in which it extends perpendicularly to this plate. Advantageously, articulation of the flap 39 is achieved by means of an integrated plastic hinge 40. Clipping means 41 in the form of a hook designed to engage on corresponding parts 42 (figure 3) of the case are provided on this flap 39. The two conductors 34, 35 each comprise a part 34a, 35a extending along the plate and two connection strips 34b, 35b, 34c, 35c extending perpendicularly to the plane of said plate 36. When the connection operation is performed, the separate paths 37, 38 and the plate 36 are brought to respectively face the side faces 10 and 12 of the apparatuses comprising the output terminals 15, 16 for the first apparatus D, and the input terminals 19, 20 for the second apparatus T. The connecting strips of the conductors 34b, 35b and 34c, 35c are then inserted in the corresponding terminals 16, 15 and 20, 19 of the apparatuses, one of the conductors 34 connecting the phase output terminal 16 of the first apparatus D with the phase input terminal 20 of the second apparatus T, and the other of the conductors 35 connecting the neutral output terminal 15 of the first apparatus D with the neutral input terminal 19 of the second apparatus. It can be seen in particular in figure 2 that the plate 3( covers the whole of the bottom side face 12 of the second apparatus l so tnat access to me conductors and to the terminal openings 23, 24 via the bottom of the apparatus is made impossible. When the device is fitted, the flap 39 is folded onto one 4a of the above-mentioned parts of front face, then fixed to the case of the apparatus by means of the above-mentioned clipping means 41, 42. In this position, this flap 39 on the one hand completes the insulation at the level of the openings 23, 24 of the input terminals 19, 20, i.e. prevents access via the front of the apparatus to the connection part situated at the level of these openings, and on the other hand covers the actuating means 27, 28, i.e. the terminal screw, so that it is impossible to handle the latter. It can on the other hand be seen in particular in figure 2 that access to the openings 25, 26 of the output terminals 21, 22 and to the actuating means 29, 30 of these terminals is left free. A connection device has therefore been achieved by means of the invention enabling quick and inexpensive connection of two apparatuses, due in particular to the fact that the connections are short, the bridging part being totally protected whereas the output of the second apparatus is free for subsequent connection by the customer, and an apparatus enabling such a device to be used has also been achieved. It should be noted that this device can be fitted on request on a controlled switch, or if it is systematically fitted on this switch, it can be removed for a more universal use. The invention applies advantageously but not exclusively when an electrical apparatus such as a circuit breaker is associated to a controlled switch such as a remote-controlled switch or a contactor or with an earth leakage device etc... It should be noted that, although association of a circuit breaker with a two-pole remote-controlled switch has been described in the figures, the invention applies equally as well in the case where the remote-controlled switch is of the single-pole type, i.e. comprising one input terminal and one output terminal, in which case the insulating cover will only comprise a single electrical path. The invention is naturally in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given for example purposes only. The terminals could thus for example be of another type than the screw type. On the contrary, the invention encompasses all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as combinations thereof if the latter are performed according to the spirit of the invention. WE CLAIM 1. A device (C) for electrical connection of two electrical apparatuses (D, T) such as an electrical protection apparatus associated to a controlled switch, said device (C) being constructed to electrically connect the output terminal(s) (21,22) of the first apparatus (D), to the input terminal(s) (19, 20) of the second apparatus (T), and comprising conductors housed in an insulating cover (31), the assembly extending along one of the faces (12) of the two apparatuses, said input and output terminals comprising access openings (23, 24, 25, 26) on said faces, characterized in that the insulating cover (31) comprises a flap (39) constructed to prevent access to the input terminal(s) (19, 20) of the second apparatus (T) when the connection device (C) is fitted while leaving access to the output terminal(s) (21, 22) of said second apparatus (T) free. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the connection position, the flap (39) is constructed to prevent access to the actuating means (27, 28) of the input terminal(s) (19, 20) of the second apparatus (T) and/or to the parts of conductors situated at the level of the opening (23, 24) of said input terminal(s) (19, 20). 3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap (39) is mounted in an articulated manner to the cover (31). 4. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover (31) being made of plastic material, the flap (39) is mounted in an articulated manner on the cover (31) by means of an integrated hinge (40) made of plastic. 5. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein it comprises clipping means (41) provided in part on the flap (39) and in part on the case of the second apparatus (T), said means being constructed to perform fixing of the flap (39) on the case of the apparatus. 6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises on the one hand a plate (36) comprising conduction paths (32, 33), said plate (36) being able to be moved to face the said face (12) of the second apparatus (T) and to receive the conductors (34, 35) in so far as their part extending facing said face (12) is concerned, said flap (39) being mounted on said plate (36). 7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein it comprises separate conduction paths (37, 38) able to be moved to face the said face (10) of the first apparatus (D) and to receive the conductors (34, 35) in so far as their part extending facing the first apparatus (D) is concerned. 8. An electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus is adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said electrical apparatus constituting one of the two apparatuses of the device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7 and being able to be connected to the other apparatus of said device located upline on said mounting support by means of the said connection device, characterized in that it comprises at least one input terminal (19, 20) and at least one output terminal (21, 22), said terminals being situated on the same side of said support (R), and that the input terminal(s) (19, 20) on the one hand and the output terminal(s) (21,22) on the other hand are respectively arranged at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus and are respectively staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus. 9. An electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus is adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said electrical apparatus constituting one of the two apparatuses of the device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7 and being able to be connected to the other apparatus of said device located upline on said mounting support by means of the said connection device, characterized in that it comprises at least one input terminal (19,20) and to at least one output terminal (21, 22), said terminals being situated on the same side of said support (R), and at least one control terminal (17,18) situated on the other side of said support (R). 10. The electrical apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the input terminal(s) (19, 20) on the one hand and the output terminal(s) (21, 22) on the other hand are respectively arranged at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus and are respectively staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus. 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 10, wherein tne input (19, 20) is(are) situated at the rear of the apparatus and at the level of one (12) of the side faces of the apparatus and the output terminal(s) (21, 22) is(are) situated at the front of the apparatus (T) and far from said side face (12) of the apparatus (T). 12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 11, wherein the input terminals and output terminals each comprise an access opening (23, 24) and (25, 26) for the conductors, said openings being situated respectively for the input terminals (19, 20) and the output terminals (21, 22) on two parts of lateral surfaces (12a, 12b) staggered in the heightwise and depthwise direction of the case. 13. The electrical apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 12, wherein the input terminal(s) and output terminal(s) comprise actuating means (27, 28, 29 and 30), respectively situated for the input terminals and the output terminals on two parts of front face (4a, 4b) staggered in the depthwise and heightwise direction of the case. 14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 13, wherein the first apparatus (D) is a circuit breaker and/or in that the second apparatus (T) is a remote-controlled switch or a contactor. 15. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 14, wherein the input terminals (19, 20) are staggered with respect to the output terminals (21, 22) in a direction parallel to the width of the case. 16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 15, wherein the second apparatus is a single-pole remote-controlled switch, the said cover only comprising a single -

Full Text

The present invention relates to a device for electrical connection of two electrical apparatuses and an electrical apparatus for said device. The device for electrical connection of two electrical apparatuses such as an electrical protection apparatus is associated to a controlled switch, said device being designed to electrically connect the output terminal(s) of one of the apparatuses, called the first apparatus, to the input terminal(s) of the other of said apparatuses, called the second apparatus, said device comprising conductors housed in an insulating cover, the assembly extending along one of the faces of the two apparatuses, said above-mentioned input and output terminals comprising access openings on said faces.
When a circuit breaker and a controlled switch such as a contactor or a remote-controlled switch are associated on the same assembly rail, the output power terminals of the circuit breaker have to be electrically connected to the input power terminals of the controlled switch. Controlled switches conventionally comprise input terminals and output terminals located respectively on two opposite side faces of their case. This results in the electrical bridging required to perform the above-mentioned connection being long, impractical and costly.
The present invention solves this problem and proposes a connection device of simple design enabling apparatuses of this kind to be connected quickly and inexpensively, and an electrical apparatus suitable for such a device.
For this purpose, the object of the present invention is to provide a connection device of the previously mentioned kind, this device being characterized in that the insulating cover comprises a flap designed to prevent access to the input terminal(s) of the second apparatus when the connection device is fitted, while leaving access to the output terminal(s) of said second apparatus free.

According to a particular embodiment, in the connection position, the flap is designed to prevent access to the actuating means of the input terminal(s) of the second apparatus and/or to the parts of conductors situated at the level of the opening of said input terminal(s).
The object of the invention is also to provide an electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus can be adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said apparatus being able to be connected to another electrical apparatus located up-line on said mounting support by means of a connection device comprising the previously mentioned features taken either alone or in combination, this apparatus comprising at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal situated on the same side of said support, and the input terminal(s) on the one hand and the output terminal(s) on the other hand are respectively arranged at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus and are respectively staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus.
The object of the invention is also to provide an electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus can be adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said apparatus being able to be connected to another electrical apparatus located up-line on said mounting support by means of a connection device comprising the previously mentioned features taken either alone or in combination, this apparatus comprising at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal, said terminals being situated on the same side of the support, and at least one control terminal situated on the other side of the support.
According to a particular feature, the input terminal(s) is(are) situated at the rear of the apparatus and at the level of one of the side faces of the apparatus and the output

terminal(s) is(are) situated at the front of the apparatus and set back with respect to said side face of the apparatus.
According to another feature, the input terminals and output terminals each comprise an access opening for the conductors, said openings being situated respectively for the input terminals and the output terminals on two parts of lateral surfaces staggered in the heightwise and depthwise direction of the case.
According to another feature, the input terminal(s) and output terminal(s) comprise actuating means situated respectively for the input terminals and the output terminals on two parts of front face staggered in the depthwise and heightwise direction of the case.
But other advantages and features of the invention will become more clearly apparent from the following detailed description which refers to the accompanying drawings given for example purposes only and in which:
Figure 1 is a front view illustrating a circuit breaker and a controlled switch according to the invention, the apparatuses being connected by a connection device according to the invention,
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing more particularly the bottom part of the two apparatuses connected by a connection device according to the invention,
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view illustrating the bottom part of the switch only, and
Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the connection device according to the invention, only.
In figures 1 and 2, a circuit breaker D and a remote-controlled switch T can be seen fitted side by side on the same mounting rail R, the assembly forming a controlled and protected switch. These two apparatuses are housed in distinct modular cases each comprising a rear

face 1, 2 for fixing to the rail R, a front face 3, 4, two main faces 5, 6, 7, 8 via which the cases of the two juxtaposed apparatuses are adjoined, and two opposite side faces 9, 10, 11, 12 on which connection terminals 13 to 22 are located.
The first apparatus D, in this instance a circuit breaker, is of conventional type and presents two input terminals 13, 14 housed in its upper part, and two output terminals 15, 16 housed in its lower part.
The second apparatus is formed by a remote-controlled switch T and comprises, in a manner known as such, a breaking circuit designed to service a use circuit and control led by a control circuit, said control circuit comprising a coil designed to be supplied by the power conductors of the first apparatus D and controlled by an order giver circuit comprising for example a push-button (these circuits not being represented in the figures). This apparatus comprises in its upper part two control terminals 17, 18, by means of which the terminals of the above-mentioned coil can be connected to the circuit breaker power conductors, and four terminals called power terminals, i.e. two input terminals 19, 20 (respectively neutral and phase) and two output terminals 21, 22 (respectively neutral and phase) in its lower part (able to be seen more particularly in figure 3) In figure 3, and according to the invention, it can be seen that the input terminals 19, 20 and output terminals 21, 22 are situated at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus, the depth being defined as the distance separating the face 4c located the furthest to the front of the apparatus T from the rear face 2 of the apparatus T. It can also be seen in figure 3 that the terminals are also staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus, the height being defined by the distance separating the two side faces 11, 12 of the apparatus T. It can thus be seen that one 12 of the side faces 11, 12 of this apparatus T in fact comprises several parts of side face 12a, 12b parallel to one another but staggered in the heightwise and depthwise direction of the apparatus. The access openings 23, 24 of the input terminals 19, 20 open out on one 12a of these faces 12a, 12b, and the access openings 25, 26 of the output terminals 21, 22 open out on the other 12b of these faces. In the same way, the front face of the case comprises several parts of front face 4a, 4b, 4c parallel to one another, also staggered in the depthwise and heightwise direction of the case. The actuating means 27, 28 of the input terminals 19, 20 open out on one 4a of these parts of face and the actuating means 29, 30 of the output terminals 21, 22 open out on the other

part 4b. It can also be noted that the input terminals 19, 20 are also staggered with respect to the output terminals 21, 22 in a direction parallel to the width of the case, said width representing the distance between the two main faces 7, 8 of the case, this enabling the user to perform his wiring in the direction of his wiring diagram without being forced by the apparatus to connect the lower terminals (face 4a) before the upper terminals (face 4b). Referring back to figures 1, 2 and 4, it can be seen that the output terminals 15, 16 of the first apparatus D are electrically connected to the input terminals 19, 20 of the second apparatus T by means of a connection device C according to the invention. This device C comprises an insulating cover 31 made of plastic material, said cover 31 comprising two conducting paths 32, 33 respectively housing two rigid electrical conductors 34, 35. This cover 31 is formed by a plate 36 the dimensions whereof correspond appreciably to the dimensions of the side face 12 of the second apparatus T, this plate 36 comprising two parts of conducting paths 32, 33 designed to receive the part of the conductors extending facing the second apparatus T. Two separate conducting paths 37, 38 housing the part of the conductors situated facing the first apparatus D extend from this plate 36. A flap 39 is mounted articulated on this plate 36 between a position in which it extends in a direction parallel to this plate 36 and a position in which it extends perpendicularly to this plate. Advantageously, articulation of the flap 39 is achieved by means of an integrated plastic hinge 40. Clipping means 41 in the form of a hook designed to engage on corresponding parts 42 (figure 3) of the case are provided on this flap 39. The two conductors 34, 35 each comprise a part 34a, 35a extending along the plate and two connection strips 34b, 35b, 34c, 35c extending perpendicularly to the plane of said plate 36.
When the connection operation is performed, the separate paths 37, 38 and the plate 36 are brought to respectively face the side faces 10 and 12 of the apparatuses comprising the output terminals 15, 16 for the first apparatus D, and the input terminals 19, 20 for the second apparatus T. The connecting strips of the conductors 34b, 35b and 34c, 35c are then inserted in the corresponding terminals 16, 15 and 20, 19 of the apparatuses, one of the conductors 34 connecting the phase output terminal 16 of the first apparatus D with the phase input terminal 20 of the second apparatus T, and the other of the conductors 35 connecting the neutral output terminal 15 of the first apparatus D with the neutral input terminal 19 of the second apparatus. It can be seen in particular in figure 2 that the plate 3(

covers the whole of the bottom side face 12 of the second apparatus l so tnat access to me conductors and to the terminal openings 23, 24 via the bottom of the apparatus is made impossible. When the device is fitted, the flap 39 is folded onto one 4a of the above-mentioned parts of front face, then fixed to the case of the apparatus by means of the above-mentioned clipping means 41, 42. In this position, this flap 39 on the one hand completes the insulation at the level of the openings 23, 24 of the input terminals 19, 20, i.e. prevents access via the front of the apparatus to the connection part situated at the level of these openings, and on the other hand covers the actuating means 27, 28, i.e. the terminal screw, so that it is impossible to handle the latter. It can on the other hand be seen in particular in figure 2 that access to the openings 25, 26 of the output terminals 21, 22 and to the actuating means 29, 30 of these terminals is left free.
A connection device has therefore been achieved by means of the invention enabling quick
and inexpensive connection of two apparatuses, due in particular to the fact that the
connections are short, the bridging part being totally protected whereas the output of the
second apparatus is free for subsequent connection by the customer, and an apparatus
enabling such a device to be used has also been achieved.
It should be noted that this device can be fitted on request on a controlled switch, or if it is
systematically fitted on this switch, it can be removed for a more universal use.
The invention applies advantageously but not exclusively when an electrical apparatus
such as a circuit breaker is associated to a controlled switch such as a remote-controlled
switch or a contactor or with an earth leakage device etc...
It should be noted that, although association of a circuit breaker with a two-pole remote-controlled switch has been described in the figures, the invention applies equally as well in the case where the remote-controlled switch is of the single-pole type, i.e. comprising one input terminal and one output terminal, in which case the insulating cover will only comprise a single electrical path.
The invention is naturally in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given for example purposes only. The terminals could thus for example be of another type than the screw type.

On the contrary, the invention encompasses all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as combinations thereof if the latter are performed according to the spirit of the invention.

WE CLAIM
1. A device (C) for electrical connection of two electrical apparatuses (D, T) such as an electrical protection apparatus associated to a controlled switch, said device (C) being constructed to electrically connect the output terminal(s) (21,22) of the first apparatus (D), to the input terminal(s) (19, 20) of the second apparatus (T), and comprising conductors housed in an insulating cover (31), the assembly extending along one of the faces (12) of the two apparatuses, said input and output terminals comprising access openings (23, 24, 25, 26) on said faces, characterized in that the insulating cover (31) comprises a flap (39) constructed to prevent access to the input terminal(s) (19, 20) of the second apparatus (T) when the connection device (C) is fitted while leaving access to the output terminal(s) (21, 22) of said second apparatus (T) free.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the connection position, the flap (39) is constructed to prevent access to the actuating means (27, 28) of the input terminal(s) (19, 20) of the second apparatus (T) and/or to the parts of conductors situated at the level of the opening (23, 24) of said input terminal(s) (19, 20).
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap (39) is mounted in an articulated manner to the cover (31).
4. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover (31) being made of plastic material, the flap (39) is mounted in an articulated manner on the cover (31) by means of an integrated hinge (40) made of plastic.
5. The device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein it comprises clipping means (41) provided in part on the flap (39) and in part on the case of the second apparatus (T), said means being constructed to perform fixing of the flap (39) on the case of the apparatus.
6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises on the one hand a plate (36) comprising conduction paths (32, 33), said plate (36) being able to be moved to face the said face (12) of the second apparatus (T) and to receive the conductors (34, 35) in so far as their part extending facing said face (12) is concerned, said flap (39) being mounted on said plate (36).

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein it comprises separate conduction paths (37, 38) able to be moved to face the said face (10) of the first apparatus (D) and to receive the conductors (34, 35) in so far as their part extending facing the first apparatus (D) is concerned.
8. An electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus is adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said electrical apparatus constituting one of the two apparatuses of the device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7 and being able to be connected to the other apparatus of said device located upline on said mounting support by means of the said connection device, characterized in that it comprises at least one input terminal (19, 20) and at least one output terminal (21, 22), said terminals being situated on the same side of said support (R), and that the input terminal(s) (19, 20) on the one hand and the output terminal(s) (21,22) on the other hand are respectively arranged at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus and are respectively staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus.
9. An electrical apparatus housed in a case comprising a rear face for fixing to a mounting support such as a rail, a front face, two main faces by means of which the apparatus is adjoined to another apparatus of the same type, and two opposite side faces, said electrical apparatus constituting one of the two apparatuses of the device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 7 and being able to be connected to the other apparatus of said device located upline on said mounting support by means of the said connection device, characterized in that it comprises at least one input terminal (19,20) and to at least one output terminal (21, 22), said terminals being situated on the same side of said support (R), and at least one control terminal (17,18) situated on the other side of said support (R).
10. The electrical apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the input terminal(s) (19, 20) on the one hand and the output terminal(s) (21, 22) on the other hand are respectively arranged at two different depth levels of the case of the apparatus and are respectively staggered in the heightwise direction of the apparatus.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or 10, wherein tne input (19, 20)
is(are) situated at the rear of the apparatus and at the level of one (12) of the side faces of the
apparatus and the output terminal(s) (21, 22) is(are) situated at the front of the apparatus (T)
and far from said side face (12) of the apparatus (T).
12. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 11, wherein the input terminals
and output terminals each comprise an access opening (23, 24) and (25, 26) for the
conductors, said openings being situated respectively for the input terminals (19, 20) and the
output terminals (21, 22) on two parts of lateral surfaces (12a, 12b) staggered in the
heightwise and depthwise direction of the case.
13. The electrical apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 12, wherein the input terminal(s) and output terminal(s) comprise actuating means (27, 28, 29 and 30), respectively situated for the input terminals and the output terminals on two parts of front face (4a, 4b) staggered in the depthwise and heightwise direction of the case.
14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 13, wherein the first apparatus (D) is a circuit breaker and/or in that the second apparatus (T) is a remote-controlled switch or a contactor.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 14, wherein the input terminals (19, 20) are staggered with respect to the output terminals (21, 22) in a direction parallel to the width of the case.
16. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 8 to 15, wherein the second apparatus is a single-pole remote-controlled switch, the said cover only comprising a single
-

Documents:

1000-mas-2001 complete specification as granted.pdf

1000-mas-2001-abstract.pdf

1000-mas-2001-claims.pdf

1000-mas-2001-correspondence others.pdf

1000-mas-2001-correspondence po.pdf

1000-mas-2001-description complete.pdf

1000-mas-2001-drawings.pdf

1000-mas-2001-form 1.pdf

1000-mas-2001-form 26.pdf

1000-mas-2001-form 3.pdf

1000-mas-2001-form 5.pdf

1000-mas-2001-other documents.pdf

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Patent Number

239084

Indian Patent Application Number

1000/MAS/2001

PG Journal Number

11/2010

Publication Date

12-Mar-2010

Grant Date

04-Mar-2010

Date of Filing

13-Dec-2001

Name of Patentee

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SA

Applicant Address

BOULEVARD FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT, F-92500 RUEIL MALMAISON.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	DUCHENE,JEAN-MARIE	RUE DES COMBATTANTS,5B,5140 TONGRINNE.
2	CEDRON,MANUEL	7,PIETER MAGERMANPLEIN, 9620 ZOTTEGEM.
3	THIELEMANS,GEOFFROY	159/2 AVENUE BRUGMANN,1190 FOREST.

PCT International Classification Number

H01R4/04

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	0016643	2000-12-20	France