AU2022305605A1

AU2022305605A1 - Connection terminal and associated electrical apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2022305605A1
Application number: AU2022305605A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Egidio Brunetti
Original assignee: Hager Electro SAS
Current assignee: Hager Electro SAS
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2022-06-27
Publication date: 2023-12-21
Also published as: FR3124900B1; CN117501548A; FR3124900A1; EP4364245A1; WO2023274949A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection terminal comprising: - an insulating casing (1); - an insertion channel (2); - a clamping spring (6) comprising a second clamping segment (8); - a conductive bar (9), in a connected state (E3) of the connection terminal, the connection terminal being configured to pinch said electrical conductor (5) between the conductive bar (9) and the second clamping segment (8)); - a push button (10), said push button (10) being mounted so as to be able to move, in an actuation channel (13), between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), said push button (10) being moveable from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) under the effect of an actuating force; said connection terminal being characterized in that it comprises return means (16), which are separate from the clamping spring (6) and are configured to allow automatic return/movement of the push button (10) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) at least in said connected state (E3) and in the absence of said actuating force.

Description

Description Title of the invention: CONNECTION TERMINAL AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL APPARATUS

[0001] he present invention relates to the field of connection terminals and the field of electrical units comprising such connection terminals.

[0002] To electrically connect an electrical unit to an electrical conductor, connection terminals are already known, from the publication EP3619773A1, which are equipped on the one hand with a pushbutton that is mounted to be movable in an insulating housing inside an actuation channel and on the other hand with a clamping spring to allow the connection of the electrical conductor by pinching against the conductive bar. The pushbutton must be actuated from a first position to a second position, for example using a screwdriver, to place the connection terminal in a connection state and thus allow the insertion of the electrical conductor into an electrical conductor insertion channel of the connection terminal. In this second position of the pushbutton, the pushbutton is pressed into the actuation channel. In a connected state of the connection terminal in which the electrical conductor is connected to the conductive bar by pinching of the electrical conductor by the clamping spring, the pushbutton remains pressed into the actuation channel.

[0003] This configuration has the disadvantage of making it possible for dust and/or various pollutants originating from the outside to be introduced into the connection terminal in the case where the pushbutton is in the second position. The pollutants and/or particles can, if applicable, be introduced into the electrical unit in which the connection terminal is incorporated. This is particularly harmful, if the electrical unit is an electrical protection unit, such as a circuit breaker.

[0004] This configuration has the other disadvantage of not being able to guarantee, to the user, the state of connection of the electrical conductor in the connection terminal. Indeed, there is a risk of completely or partially blocking the travel of the clamping spring with the pushbutton. That may result in the electrical contact not being made or the electrical contact being partially made between the clamping spring and the electrical conductor pressing on the conductive bar. Then, the risk is of creating a partial contact between the clamping spring and the conductive bar which could cause an increase in temperature and thermal runaway. The user who observes that the pushbutton is in the second position may think wrongly that the electrical contact is made correctly, although that is not the case.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to overcome at least one of these drawbacks and to propose a solution that makes it possible to avoid the ingress of pollutants and/or of particles in the connection terminal and to guarantee that the connection of the electrical conductor is made in the connection terminal.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a connection terminal comprising at least:

- an insulating housing, - at least one insertion channel comprising at least one insertion orifice emerging on an outer wall of the insulating housing, said insertion orifice being configured for the insertion of at least one electrical conductor into said insertion channel, the insertion channel extending in a direction of insertion, - at least one clamping spring comprising a first, electrical contact portion, a second, clamping portion and a third, intermediate portion linking the first, electrical contact portion to the second, clamping portion, - at least one conductive bar linked electrically to said first, electrical contact portion, in a connected state of the connection terminal, the connection terminal being configured to pinch said electrical conductor between the conductive bar and the second, clamping portion, - at least one pushbutton comprising a first actuation end arranged to be actuated according to an actuating force and comprising a second end substantially facing the second clamping portion, - at least one actuation channel comprising at least one input orifice emerging on said outer wall of the insulating housing and in which said pushbutton is mounted to be movable in translation in a direction of displacement, said pushbutton being mounted to be movable in the actuation channel between a first position in which an actuation interface of the first actuation end is flush with said outer wall and a second position in which said actuation interface is situated in the actuation channel at a distance 11 from said input orifice, said pushbutton being movable from the first position to the second position under the effect of the actuating force, said connection terminal is characterized in that it comprises return means distinct from the clamping spring which are configured to allow an automatic displacement/return of the pushbutton from the second position to the first position at least in said connected state and in the absence of said actuating force.

[0007] The invention relates also to an electrical unit comprising a connection terminal, characterized in that said connection terminal is according to the invention.

[0008] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given as nonlimiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0009] [Fig. 1] figure 1 represents a cross-sectional view of a connection terminal according to the invention in an initial state and which is incorporated in an electrical unit according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig. 2] figure 2 represents a cross-sectional view of the connection terminal according to the invention in a connection state and which is incorporated in said electrical unit according to the invention,

[0011] [Fig. 3] figure 3 represents a cross-sectional view of the connection terminal according to the invention in a connected state and which is incorporated in said electrical unit according to the invention,

[0012] [Fig. 4] figure 4 represents an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the connection terminal according to the invention of figure 3,

[0013] [Fig. 5] figure 5 represents a perspective view of an electrical protection unit according to a first variant of the invention of circuit breaker type with molded housing which comprises a connection terminal according to the invention,

[0014] [Fig. 6] figure 6 represents an enlarged perspective view of a part of the electrical unit of figure 5,

[0015] [Fig. 7] figure 7 represents a perspective view of a part of the connection terminal of the electrical unit of figure 5,

[0016] [Fig. 8] figure 8 represents a perspective view of a part of the connection terminal of the electrical unit of figure 5,

[0017] [Fig. 9] figure 9 represents a perspective view of a part of the connection terminal of the electrical unit of figure 5,

[0018] [Fig. 10] figure 10 represents a perspective view of an electrical protection unit according to a second variant of the invention of the circuit breaker type with molded housing which comprises a connection terminal according to the invention,

[0019] [Fig. 11] figure 11 represents an enlarged perspective view of a part of the electrical unit of figure 10,

[0020] [Fig. 12] figure 12 represents a perspective view of a part of a connection terminal of the electrical unit of figure 10,

[0021] [Fig. 13] figure 13 represents a perspective view of a part of the connection terminal of the electrical unit of figure 10,

[0022] [Fig. 14] figure 14 represents a perspective view of a part of the connection terminal of the electrical unit of figure 10.

[0023] A connection terminal comprises at least:

[0024] an insulating housing 1,

[0025] at least one insertion channel 2 comprising at least one insertion orifice 3 emerging on an outer wall 4 of the insulating housing 1, said insertion orifice 3 being configured for the insertion of at least one electrical conductor 5 into said insertion channel 2, the insertion channel 2 extending in a direction of insertion D1,

[0026] at least one clamping spring 6 comprising a first, electrical contact portion 7, a second, clamping portion 8 and a third, intermediate portion 39 linking the first, electrical contact portion 7 to the second, clamping portion 8,

[0027] at least one conductive bar 9 linked electrically to said first, electrical contact portion 7,

[0028] in a connected state E3 of the connection terminal, the connection terminal being configured to pinch said electrical conductor 5 between the conductive bar 9 and the second, clamping portion 8,

[0029] at least one pushbutton 10 comprising a first actuation end 11 arranged to be actuated according to an actuating force F and comprising a second end 12 substantially facing the second, clamping portion 8,

[0030] at least one actuation channel 13 comprising at least one input orifice 14 emerging on said outer wall 4 of the insulating housing 1 and in which said pushbutton 10 is mounted to be movable in translation in a direction of displacement D2,

[0031]said pushbutton 10 being mounted to be movable in the actuation channel 13 between a first position P1 in which an actuation interface 15 of the first actuation end 11 is flush with said outer wall 4 and a second position P2 in which said actuation interface 15 is situated in the actuation channel 13 at a distance 11 from said input orifice 14, said pushbutton 10 being movable from the first position P1 to the second position P2 under the effect of the actuating force F.

[0032] According to the invention, said connection terminal is characterized in that it comprises return means 16 distinct from the clamping spring 6 which are configured to allow an automatic displacement/return of the pushbutton 10 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 at least in said connected state E3 and in the absence of said actuating force F.

[0033] Advantageously, the return means 16 make it possible to guarantee an automatic return of the pushbutton 10 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 at least in said connected state E3 of the connection terminal and in the absence of said actuating force F. In other words, the automatic return of the pushbutton 10 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 is ensured in the case where the electrical conductor 5 is inserted into the insertion channel 2 and is pinched by the second, clamping portion 8 against the conductive bar 9 and the pushbutton 10 is released. Thus, when the pushbutton 10 is released and therefore there is no longer any actuating force F acting on the pushbutton 10, then the pushbutton 10 is displaced automatically from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0034] Advantageously, the return means 16 also make it possible to guarantee that the pushbutton 10 is held in the first position P1 at least in said connected state E3 of the connection terminal when the pushbutton 10 is not being stressed by said actuating force F. In other words, the holding of the pushbutton 10 in the first position P1 is ensured in the case where an electrical conductor 5 is inserted into the insertion channel 2 and is pinched by the second, clamping portion 8 against the conductive bar 9 and the pushbutton 10 is released. Thus, when the pushbutton 10 is released and therefore no actuating force F is acting on the pushbutton 10, then the pushbutton 10 remains in the first position P1. The pushbutton 10 being in contact with the clamping spring 6 in the connected state E3 is thus avoided.

[0035] In the first position P1 of the pushbutton 10 and in the connected state E3 of the connection terminal, said actuation interface 15 of the first actuation end 11 is therefore flush with said outer wall 4 of the insulating housing 1, which makes it possible to guarantee the sealing of the connection terminal even when an electrical conductor 5 is connected. The ingress of pollutants and/or of particles in the connection terminal in the connected state E3 is thus advantageously avoided.

[0036] On the other hand, in the second position P2 and in the connection state E2 or in the connected state E3 of the connection terminal, said actuation interface 15 of the first actuation end 11 is at a distance 11 from said outer wall 4 of the insulating housing 1. The distance 11 is not zero. In this position, the sealing is not guaranteed. By virtue of the invention, the time during which the connection terminal has a pushbutton 10 in the second position P2 is minimized.

[0037] Furthermore, in the connected state E3, the connection terminal is configured for the electrical conductor 5 to be advantageously definitely connected to the conductive bar 9 by a direct pinching between the second, clamping portion 8 and the conductive bar 9. The making of the connection is guaranteed to the user because, in the first position P1, the pushbutton 10 cannot disrupt the connection of the electrical conductor 5 because the latter is at a distance from the clamping spring 6. Thus, when the user observes that the connection terminal comprises an electrical conductor 5 in the insertion channel 2 and that the pushbutton 10 is in the first position P1, the connection terminal being in the connected state E3 with an effective and total electrical connection of the electrical conductor 5 is ensured.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an initial state El of the connection terminal in which the pushbutton 10 is in the first position P1. In this case, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is at a distance from the second, clamping portion 8 of the clamping spring 6 and does not exert any strain thereon and a free end 24 of the second, clamping portion 8 comes to press against the conductive bar 9. In this initial state El, there is therefore no contact between the clamping spring 6 and the pushbutton 10. Moreover, the clamping spring 6 is permanently strained onto the conductive bar 9.

[0039] Figure 2 represents a connection state E2, which is optional, of the connection terminal in which the pushbutton 10 is in the second position P2 after actuation. In this case, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is pressing on the second, clamping portion 8 which is strained and the free end 24 of the second, clamping portion 8 is at a distance from the conductive bar 9 to form a passage 25 for an end 26 of the electrical conductor 5. In this connection state E2, the insertion of an electrical conductor 5 between the conductive bar 9 and the second, clamping portion 8 can be performed regardless of the type of electrical conductor, that is to say for flexible, semi-rigid or rigid electrical conductors.

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 represent said connected state E3 of the connection terminal in which the pushbutton 10 is already returned into the first position P1 by virtue of the return means 16 that are a subject of the invention. In this case, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is at a distance from the second, clamping portion 8 and does not exert any strain thereon and said free end 24 of the second, clamping portion 8 is able to bring or pinch the electrical conductor 5 against the conductive bar 9.

[0041] The transition from the initial state El to the connection state E2 of the connection terminal is done by actuation of the pushbutton 10 under the effect of the actuating force F. Indeed, in this case, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is pressing on the second, clamping portion 8 which is then strained which causes the displacement of the second, clamping portion 8 toward the first, electrical contact portion 7 and the formation of said passage 25 for the electrical conductor 5.

[0042] The transition from the connection state E2 to the connected state E3 is done by insertion of the electrical conductor 5 into the insertion channel 2 and then, consecutively, by releasing the pushbutton 10. Once the electrical conductor 5 is introduced into the passage 25, the pushbutton 10 can be released, which will result in the pinching of the electrical conductor 5 between the conductive bar 9 and the second, clamping portion 8. Then, advantageously by virtue of the invention, the pushbutton 10 returns automatically into the first position P1 under the effect of the return means 16.

[0043] Alternatively, the transition from the initial state El to the connected state E3 can be done by insertion of a rigid electrical conductor 5 into the insertion channel 2 without manipulating the pushbutton 10. In this case, there is no intermediate connection state E2 which would be provoked by the actuation of the pushbutton 10. The pushbutton 10 remains in the first position P1.

[0044] The actuating force F can be exerted by the user using a tool, for example a screwdriver.

[0045] The electrical conductor 5 can be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The electrical conductor 5 can consist of an electrical cable.

[0046] A rigid or semi-rigid electrical conductor 5 is capable of exerting an insertion force on the second, clamping portion 8 of the clamping spring 6 which is sufficient to allow the displacement of the second, clamping portion 8 toward the first, electrical contact portion 7.

[0047] A flexible electrical conductor 5 is not able to exert an insertion force on the second, clamping portion 8 of the clamping spring 6 which is sufficient to allow the displacement of the second, clamping portion 8 toward the first, electrical contact portion 7. The actuating force F must be applied to the pushbutton 10 to form the passage 25. In this case, from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is pressing on the second, clamping portion 8 to allow the displacement of the second, clamping portion 8 toward the first, electrical contact portion 7.

[0048] The insertion of the flexible electrical conductor 5 between the conductive bar 9 and the second, clamping portion 8 is therefore possible only if the pushbutton 10 is in the second position P2.

[0049]On the other hand, the insertion of a rigid or semi-rigid electrical conductor 5 into the connection terminal does not necessarily need the actuation of the pushbutton 10. In this case, the pushbutton 10 can remain continually in the first position P1. Then, the sealing of the connection terminal according to the invention is maximal and is therefore optimal.

[0050] Preferably, in said connected state E3 and in the first position P1 of the pushbutton 10, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is at a distance from the second, clamping portion 8.

[0051] Advantageously, in the connected state E3 and in the first position P1, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 does not interfere with the clamping spring 6 and in particular with its second, clamping portion 8.

[0052] On the contrary, in said connected state E3 and in the second position P2 of the pushbutton 10, the second end 12 of the pushbutton 10 is pressing on the second, clamping portion 8 and strains the second, clamping portion 8.

[0053] Preferably, the return means 16 are arranged to store up a mechanical energy upon transition from the first position P1 to the second position P2 and to release said mechanical energy upon the transition from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0054] Advantageously, the return means 16 allow the automatic return of the pushbutton 10 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, when the actuating force F is relaxed.

[0055] Preferably, the return means 16 are strained in the first position P1 and in the second position P2 the return means 16 are more strained than in the first position P1.

[0056] Advantageously, the return means 16 make it possible to keep the pushbutton 10 in the first position P1 in the absence of stressing by the actuating force F. Indeed, in this case only the return means 16 exert a pressure on the pushbutton 10. Furthermore, the return means 16 allow the automatic return of the pushbutton 10 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, when the actuating force F is relaxed.

[0057] Preferably, the pushbutton 10 comprises a main body 17 between said first actuation end 11 and said second end 12 and the return means 16 are, on the one hand, joined to the insulating housing 1 or to the conductive bar 9 and, on the other hand, are joined to the main body 17 or pressing onto the main body 17 by protruding into said actuation channel 13.

[0058] Preferably, the return means 16 comprise at least one leaf spring comprising a first end 18 joined to the insulating housing 1 or to the conductive bar 9 and a second end 20 joined to the main body 17 or pressing on the main body 17.

[0059] For example, the main body 17 can comprise a reception zone 27 for the second end 20 of the leaf spring on which the second end 20 of the leaf spring exerts a strain. According to one possibility, the second end 20 of the leaf spring rests on the reception zone 27.

[0060] Alternatively, the return means 16 can consist of two leaf springs.

[0061] Preferably, the connection terminal further comprises a touch tip 22 made of conductive material which is situated in a control channel 23 disposed alongside the actuation channel 13, the touch tip 22 being linked electrically to said conductive bar 9 by electrical conduction means 21.

[0062] Advantageously, the touch tip 22 makes it possible to check the presence of voltage on the outside of the insulating housing 1 alongside the pushbutton 10. The user simply has to introduce a voltage measuring instrument on the one hand into the control channel 23 to the touch tip 22 and on the other hand at a reference point, for example between the neutral pole and the phase pole. Indeed, when the conductive bar 9 is connected to the electrical network, then the conductive bar 9, the electrical conduction means 21 and the touch tip 22 are at the same electrical potential.

[0063] For example, the electrical conduction means 21 take the form of a flat conductive part 28 which comprises, at a first end 29, means 30 of attachment to the conductive bar 9, for example in the form of a clamp made of conductive material. Said flat part 28 comprises a second end 31 opposite the first end 29. The flat part 28 extends longitudinally, preferably parallel to the direction of displacement D2. Preferably, the electrical conduction means 21 are disposed in a compartment of the insulating housing 1 which is situated alongside the actuation channel 13 and which is prolonged by the control channel 23.

[0064] Preferably, the return means 16 made of conductive material are linked electrically to said conductive bar 9 by the electrical conduction means 21 and the return means 16 are mounted on said conductive bar 9 via the electrical conduction means 21.

[0065] Advantageously, the electrical conduction means 21 make it possible, on the one hand, to electrically link the return means 16 to the conductive bar 9, but also to mechanically link the return means 16 to the conductive bar 9, rather than mechanically linking them to the insulating housing 1.

[0066] In this case, the second end 31 of the flat part 28 can be linked electrically and mechanically to the first end 18 of the leaf spring.

[0067] Preferably, the return means 16, the electrical conduction means 21 and the touch tip 22 form a part made of a single piece.

[0068] Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to optimize the bulk inside the insulating housing 1 and facilitate industrialization. Furthermore, this configuration also makes it possible to limit the number of components and to share this part for the different types of connection terminal.

[0069] In this case, in the conduction means 21 described previously, the second end 31 of the flat part 28 is directly prolonged by the return means 16 in the form of a leaf spring which extend into the actuation channel 13. The second end 20 of the leaf spring is joined to the main body 17 of the pushbutton 10. For example, in the reception zone 27 on which the second end 20 of the leaf spring exerts a strain. Furthermore, in this case, in the conduction means 21 described previously, the second end 31 is directly prolonged by the touch tip 22 which extends in the control channel 23. The touch tip 22 can for example take the form of a tongue.

[0070] As figures 5 to 9 illustrate, the connection terminal can comprise a phase conductive bar 9a and a neutral conductive bar 9b. The connection terminal can comprise a first insertion channel 2a of a phase electrical conductor 5, a first pushbutton 10a mounted to be movable in a first actuation channel 13a and a first clamping spring 6a. The connection terminal can further comprise a second insertion channel 2b of a neutral electrical conductor 5, a second pushbutton 10b mounted to be movable in a second actuation channel 13b and a second clamping spring 6b. In this case, each pushbutton 10a, 10b is associated with return means 16a, 16b which are specific to it. In other words, the connection terminal comprises first return means 16a that are distinct from the first clamping spring 6a which are configured to allow an automatic displacement/return of the first pushbutton 10a from the second position P2 to the first position P1 at least in said connected state E3 and in the absence of said actuating force F and second return means 16b distinct from the second clamping spring 6b which are configured to allow an automatic displacement/return of the second pushbutton 10b from the second position P2 to the first position P1 at least in said connected state E3 and in the absence of said actuating force F.

[0071]This configuration is particularly suited to connecting a phase electrical conductor 5 to the phase conductive bar 9a and a neutral electrical conductor 5 to the neutral conductive bar 9b each having a minimum section of 6 mm . In this 2

case, the passage 25 described previously is at least 6mm 2 . Preferably, the passage 25 allows the connection of an electrical conductor 5 whose section lies between 0.75 mm 2 and 6 mm 2 .

[0072] In this configuration illustrated in figures 5 to 9, the first return means 16a made of conductive material are linked electrically and mechanically by first electrical conduction means 21a to said phase conductive bar 9a and to a first touch tip 22a made of conductive material which is situated in a first control channel 23a alongside the first, actuation end 11 of the first pushbutton 10a. In addition, the second return means 16b made of conductive material are linked electrically by second electrical conduction means 21b to said neutral conductive bar 9b and to a second touch tip 22b made of conductive material which is situated in a second control channel 23b alongside the first actuation end 11 of the second pushbutton 10b.

[0073] Advantageously, in this case, the checking of the presence of voltage is done by a voltage measurement between the first touch tip 22a and the second touch tip 22b.

[0074] As figures 10 to 14 illustrate, the connection terminal can comprise, instead of a first insertion channel 2a for a phase electrical conductor 5 and a second insertion channel 2b for a neutral electrical conductor 5 described previously, a first insertion channel 2a for a phase electrical conductor 5 and a second insertion channel 2b for a phase electrical conductor 5, a third insertion channel 2c for a neutral electrical conductor 5 and a fourth insertion channel 2d for a neutral electrical conductor 5.

The connection terminal is then equipped with a first pushbutton 10a associated with a first clamping spring 6a and a second pushbutton 10b associated with a second clamping spring 6b which are mounted to be movable in a first actuation channel 13a. In this case, each pair of first/second pushbuttons 10a, 10b, is associated with first return means 16a, for example a leaf spring. Furthermore, the connection terminal is then equipped with a third pushbutton 10c associated with a third clamping spring 6c and a fourth pushbutton 10d associated with a fourth clamping spring 6d which are mounted to be movable in a second actuation channel 13b. In this case, each pair of third/fourth pushbuttons 10c, 10d, is associated with second return means 16b, for example a leaf spring.

[0075] This configuration is particularly suited to connecting two phase electrical conductors 5 to the phase conductive bar 9a and two neutral electrical conductors 5 to the neutral conductive bar 9b each having a maximum section of 4mm . In 2

this case, the passage 25 described previously is at least 4mm . Preferably, the 2

passage 25 allows the connection of an electrical conductor 5 whose section lies between 0.75 mm 2 and 4 mm 2 .

[0076] Preferentially, the connection terminal comprises blocking means X which prevent the pushbutton 10 from exiting from the actuation channel 13, that is to say beyond the outer wall 4. For example, the blocking means 32 can consist of a stop which is situated either on the insulating housing 1 or on the conductive bar 9.

[0077] The insulating housing 1 and/or the pushbutton 10 is or are preferably made of an insulating material, for example plastic.

[0078] The conductive bar 9 is preferably made of copper with or without surface treatment.

[0079] The invention relates also to an electrical unit comprising a connection terminal, characterized in that said connection terminal is in accordance with the invention as described previously.

[0080] Advantageously, the connection terminal according to the invention makes it possible to easily connect an electrical unit 100, 101 to the electrical network. Furthermore, when the connection terminal is incorporated in an electrical unit 100, 101, the ingress of pollutants and/or of particles into the electrical unit 100, 101 is then advantageously avoided. This is particularly advantageous when the electrical unit 100, 101 is an electrical protection unit described hereinbelow, since the fouling of its components is thus avoided.

[0081]The electrical unit is preferably a protection unit, for example a circuit breaker, preferably modular and/or with molded housing (MCB) as illustrated in figures 5 to 14 or a differential circuit breaker, preferably modular and/or with molded housing (RCBO) or a connection terminal block.

[0082] According to an example that is not represented, the electrical protection unit can comprise a single electrical terminal for a single pole, and in this case the connection terminal can comprise a single insertion channel 2 for an electrical conductor 5 and a single pushbutton 10.

[0083] Alternatively according to another example that is not represented, the electrical protection unit can comprise a single electrical terminal for a single pole, and in this case, the connection terminal can comprise two insertion channels for an electrical conductor 5 associated with a single pushbutton 10.

[0084] In the preceding two examples, the electrical terminal is connected electrically and preferably directly to the conductive bar 9 of the connection terminal.

[0085] According to a first variant according to the invention illustrated in figures 5 to 9, the electrical protection unit 100 can comprise a phase electrical terminal for a phase pole and a neutral electrical terminal for a neutral pole, and in this case the connection terminal comprises a first insertion channel 2a for a phase electrical conductor 5 which is associated with a first pushbutton 1Oa and a second insertion channel 2b for a neutral electrical conductor 5 which is associated with a second pushbutton 10b.

[0086] According to a second variant according to the invention illustrated in figures 10 to 14, the electrical protection unit 101 can comprise a phase electrical terminal for a phase pole and a neutral electrical terminal for a neutral pole, and in this case, the connection terminal comprises a first insertion channel 2a for a first phase electrical conductor 5 and a second insertion channel 2b for a second phase electrical conductor 5 which are associated with a pair of first and second pushbuttons 1Oa, 1Ob and a third insertion channel 2c for a third neutral electrical conductor 5 and a fourth insertion channel 2d for a fourth neutral electrical conductor 5 which are associated with a pair of third and fourth pushbuttons 10c, 1Od.

[0087] In the preceding two examples, the phase electrical terminal is connected electrically and preferably directly to the phase conductive bar 9a and the neutral electrical terminal is connected electrically and preferably directly to the neutral conductive bar 9b.

[0088] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the attached drawings. Modifications can still be made, notably from the point of view of the construction of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without in any way departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

[Claim 1] A connection terminal comprising at least: - an insulating housing (1), - at least one insertion channel (2) comprising at least one insertion orifice (3) emerging on an outer wall (4) of the insulating housing (1), said insertion orifice (3) being configured for the insertion of at least one electrical conductor (5) in said insertion channel (2), the insertion channel (2) extending in a direction of insertion (Dl), - at least one clamping spring (6) comprising a first, electrical contact portion (7), a second, clamping portion (8) and a third, intermediate portion (39) linking the first, electrical contact portion (7) to the second, clamping portion (8), - at least one conductive bar (9) linked electrically to said first, electrical contact portion (7), in a connected state (E3) of the connection terminal, the connection terminal being configured to pinch said electrical conductor (5) between the conductive bar (9) and the second, clamping portion (8), - at least one pushbutton (10) comprising a first actuation end (11) arranged to be actuated according to an actuating force (F) and comprising a second end (12) substantially facing the second, clamping portion (8), - at least one actuation channel (13) comprising at least one input orifice (14) emerging on said outer wall (4) of the insulating housing (1) and in which said pushbutton (10) is mounted to be movable in translation in a direction of displacement (D2), said pushbutton (10) being mounted to be movable in the actuation channel (13) between a first position (P1) in which an actuation interface (15) of the first actuation end (11) is flush with said outer wall (4) and a second position (P2) in which said actuation interface (15) is situated in the actuation channel (13) at a distance 11 from said input orifice (14), said pushbutton (10) being movable from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) under the effect of the actuating force (F), said connection terminal is characterized in that it comprises return means (16) distinct from the clamping spring (6) which are configured to allow an automatic displacement/return of the pushbutton (10) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) at least in said connected state (E3) and in the absence of said actuating force (F).
[Claim 2] The connection terminal as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in said connected state (E3) and in the first position (P1) of the pushbutton (10), the second end (12) of the pushbutton (10) is at a distance from the second, clamping portion (8).
[Claim 3] The connection terminal as claimed in either one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the return means (16) are arranged to store up a mechanical energy upon the transition from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) and to release said mechanical energy upon the transition from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1).
[Claim 4] The connection terminal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the return means (16) are strained in the first position (P1) and in that in the second position (P2) the return means (16) are more strained than in the first position (P1).
[Claim 5] The connection terminal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pushbutton (10) comprises a main body (17) between said first actuation end (11) and said second end (12) and in that the return means (16) are, on the one hand, joined to the insulating housing (1) or to the conductive bar (9) and, on the other hand, are joined to the main body (17) or pressing on the main body (17) by protruding into said actuation channel (13).
[Claim 6] The connection terminal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the return means (16) comprise at least one leaf spring comprising a first end (18) joined to the insulating housing (1) or to the conductive bar (9) and a second end (20) joined to the main body (17) or pressing on the main body (17).
[Claim 7] The connection terminal as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connection terminal further comprises a touch tip (22) made of conductive material which is situated in a control channel (23) disposed alongside the actuation channel (13), the touch tip (22) being linked electrically to said conductive bar (9) by electrical conduction means (21).
[Claim 8] The connection terminal as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the return means (16) made of conductive material are linked electrically to said conductive bar (9) by electrical conduction means (21) and in that the return means (16) are mounted on said conductive bar (9) via the electrical conduction means (21).
[Claim 9] The connection terminal as claimed in either one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the return means (16), the electrical conduction means (21) and the touch tip (22) form a part made of a single piece.
[Claim 10] An electrical unit comprising a connection terminal, characterized in that said connection terminal is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.