EP4191796A1 - Key system for disconnecting automatic terminals, apparatus mechanism comprising said system, and method for manufacturing said system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) of keys for the disconnection of automatic terminals in a fitting mechanism, which comprises a plurality of keys (110, 120) attached to a common element, in which the common element is a rotation shaft (130) divided into sections (131, 132) which are connected two by two by connection zones (133), each key being rigidly linked to a separate section so that direct actuation by a user of any one of the keys causes the rotation about its longitudinal axis (L1, L2) of said section to which this key is attached, to move said key according to a determined angular deflection constituting the operational travel of said key, and in which each zone link is arranged so that the rotation of a section, generated by the direct actuation of the attached key, keeps each adjacent section immobile or causes incidental rotation of each adjacent section around its longitudinal axis to move the adjacent key attached to this adjacent section following an incident angular deflection much less than the operational travel of said adjacent key. The invention also relates to a fitting mechanism including this system and a method of manufacturing this system.

Description

The present invention relates to a key system for unlocking the automatic terminals provided in a fitting mechanism. It also relates to a fitting mechanism incorporating this system as well as a method of manufacturing this system.

The invention relates more particularly to a system of keys for disconnecting automatic terminals in a fitting mechanism, which comprises a plurality of keys attached to a common element.

In a system comprising a plurality of keys attached to a common element, it is essential to ensure the independence of the keys, that is to say to guarantee that the direct actuation of one of the keys makes it possible to unlock the terminal. automatic terminal associated with this key, without inducing the unlocking of the other automatic terminal(s). In other words, in such a system, the direct actuation of a key must only unlock the single automatic terminal associated with this key, and no other automatic terminal.

We already know from the document EP3522303 such a system in which the common element is a cover aimed at isolating the automatic terminals housed in the insulating base, from the rest of the insulating base. In the document system EP3522303 , the independence of the keys is ensured by the formation of individual hinges, in flexible material, between the cover and each key. In other words, the flexible connection between the cover and each key allows individual movement of the corresponding key relative to the cover, without inducing any movement of the other keys attached to this cover.

Nevertheless, the fact of attaching the keys to the cover is restrictive for the assembly of the equipment mechanism since this requires mounting the automatic terminals in the insulating base before installing, on the base, the cover attached to the keys.

This is all the more problematic for apparatus mechanisms with reduced geometry, for which it is desired to be able to assemble the keys with the insulating base before introducing the automatic terminals therein.

In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a system of several keys connected together, which guarantees the independence of the keys and which does not constrain the order of assembly of the mechanism. 'equipment.

More particularly, according to the invention, a system of keys as described in the introduction is proposed, in which the common element is a rotation shaft divided into sections which are connected two by two by connecting zones, each key being linked by in a rigid manner to a distinct section so that the direct actuation by a user of any one of the keys causes the rotation around its longitudinal axis of the section to which this key is attached, to move the said key according to a determined angular displacement constituting the operational stroke of said key, and in which each connecting zone is arranged so that the rotation of a section, generated by the direct actuation of the attached key, keeps each adjacent section immobile or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section around of its longitudinal axis to move the adjacent key attached to this section along an incident angular movement much less than the operational stroke of said adjacent key.

In the system according to the invention, each key is fixed with respect to the section to which it is rigidly linked, so that when the key is directly actuated by a user, it is the assembly formed by the key and the section which is set in motion. The angular displacement of the key actuated by the user depends directly on the force of action of the user on this key. Within the meaning of the invention, the operational travel of the key corresponds to a minimum angular displacement of the key which is sufficient to unlock the automatic terminal with which this key is associated.

The connection zone between two adjacent sections of the rotation shaft allows the separation of the rotation between these two sections. Thus, the connection zone prevents a key other than that which is actuated directly by the user from unlocking the automatic terminal with which this other key is associated.

Furthermore, the system according to the invention provides for all the keys to be integral with the rotation shaft. This configuration facilitates the installation of the system in the base of the fitting mechanism, in a single step, and avoids losing the individual keys, which are often of small dimensions.

The common tree is also in one piece. It is therefore one-piece. Preferably, it is formed in one piece with the keys. It is advantageously made of one and the same material, typically a plastic material.

It will be noted that the term "widely" used in the expression "move the adjacent key attached to this section following an incident angular displacement much less than the operational stroke of said adjacent key" indicates that the incident angular displacement is sufficiently far from the stroke operational in such a way that the movement of the adjacent key never results in the unlocking of the automatic terminal with which this adjacent key is associated. In practice, the incident angular deflection will be at least 5% less than the operational travel.

• l'arbre de rotation comporte un tronçon destiné à tourner autour d'un premier axe de rotation et au moins un autre tronçon destiné à tourner autour d'un deuxième axe de rotation, parallèle et distinct du premier axe de rotation ;
• le système est une pièce monobloc ;
• l'arbre de rotation comporte à chaque extrémité un élément anti-vibration ;
• l'arbre de rotation comporte au moins deux zones de maintien par lesquelles ledit système est destiné à être tenu dans un socle de mécanisme d'appareillage ;
• l'arbre de rotation comporte une zone de maintien à chacune de ses extrémités ;
• le système comporte au moins trois touches, au moins deux zones de maintien étant au moins partiellement confondues avec au moins deux zones de liaison des tronçons ;
• au moins une des zones de liaison est formée dans un matériau de plus faible résistance à la torsion que le reste de l'arbre de rotation ;
• au moins une des zones de liaison est conformée pour être reçue et tenue de manière ajustée dans un socle du mécanisme d'appareillage.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the system in accordance with the invention, taken individually or according to all the technically possible combinations, are the following:

• the rotation shaft comprises a section intended to rotate around a first axis of rotation and at least one other section intended to rotate around a second axis of rotation, parallel to and distinct from the first axis of rotation;
• the system is a single piece;
• the rotation shaft comprises at each end an anti-vibration element;
• the rotation shaft comprises at least two holding zones by which said system is intended to be held in a fitting mechanism base;
• the rotation shaft has a holding zone at each of its ends;
• the system comprises at least three keys, at least two holding zones being at least partially merged with at least two linking zones of the sections;
• at least one of the connecting zones is formed in a material with lower torsion resistance than the rest of the rotation shaft;
• at least one of the connecting zones is shaped to be received and held in an adjusted manner in a base of the fitting mechanism.

• un socle isolant logeant une pluralité de bornes de connexion électrique à connexion automatique, chaque borne étant munie d'une lame de serrage automatique, et
• un système selon l'invention, monté dans le socle isolant de manière que chaque touche, pourvue d'un élément de déconnexion, est placée à l'extérieur du socle isolant en face d'une fenêtre dudit socle isolant pour que ledit élément de déconnexion traverse ladite fenêtre et se positionne en vis-à-vis de la lame de serrage automatique d'une des bornes.

The invention also proposes a fitting mechanism comprising:

• an insulating base housing a plurality of electrical connection terminals with automatic connection, each terminal being provided with an automatic clamping blade, and
• a system according to the invention, mounted in the insulating base so that each key, provided with a disconnection element, is placed outside the insulating base opposite of a window of said insulating base so that said disconnection element passes through said window and is positioned opposite the automatic clamping blade of one of the terminals.

Conventionally, the term "automatic terminal" means a terminal whose electrical connection is automatic, that is to say the tightening of a connection element, generally the stripped core of a conductor electrical, is ensured by an automatic clamping blade having a spring effect which automatically compresses, without the intervention of any installer, the connection element against a conductive wall of the terminal.

In the apparatus mechanism according to the invention, the actuation of a key causes a rotation of the section to which this key is linked, which rotation allows the disconnection element associated with this key to unlock the automatic terminal, it that is to say to act against the automatic clamping blade to be able to release the connection element introduced into the terminal. It is only thanks to the particular connection zone of the key system according to the invention that the rotation of this section does not cause a rotation of the adjacent section which would be sufficient to unlock the neighboring automatic terminal. Thus, in the fitting mechanism according to the invention, an installer is assured that the actuation of each key only unlocks the automatic terminal with which this key is associated.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the mechanism according to the invention, the key system mounted in the insulating base is a system in which each connection zone is shaped to be received and kept adjusted in the insulating base.

By "adjusted" is meant the fact that there is as little clearance as possible between each connection zone received in the insulating base and the insulating base itself. Preferably, it is considered that there is no play at all between each connection zone and the insulating base. Thus, once the system has been assembled and held in an adjusted manner in the insulating base, each connection zone cannot move in the insulating base.

Thus, in this advantageous fitting mechanism, the base is shaped to receive the system according to the invention so that each connecting zone of said system, formed by a part of the rotation shaft, is at least partly coincident with a zone for maintaining the system in the insulating base. Such an advantageous fitting mechanism is easy and quick to assemble insofar as the system and the insulating base are shaped relative to each other to correspond. In addition, the system can be assembled on the insulating base in a single step, and without constraint on the moment of assembly of the automatic bollards in the base.

The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing a system according to the invention, according to which an injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material is carried out in order to manufacture in one piece each key with the rotation shaft section to which it is rigidly bound.

Thus, thanks to the process according to the invention, the system according to the invention can take varied and possibly complex shapes while being obtained quickly, simply and inexpensively, by molding.

• on moule d'une seule pièce l'ensemble du système. ;
• on réalise dans un moule au moins deux injections de matière thermoplastique pour fabriquer au moins deux touches adjacentes liées à leurs tronçons respectifs d'arbre de rotation, les au moins deux injections étant réalisées dans le moule en deux points distincts choisis pour que la ligne de soudure entre les deux flux de matière thermoplastique injectée soit positionnée dans la zone de liaison entre les deux tronçons adjacents ;
• on réalise un moulage par injection d'une première partie du système comportant une touche liée à son tronçon d'arbre de rotation, puis on réalise sur ce premier moulage un surmoulage par injection d'une deuxième partie du système comportant une touche liée à son tronçon d'arbre de rotation, de sorte que les première et deuxième parties du système sont reliées entre elles au niveau de l'arbre de rotation, dans la zone de liaison entre lesdits tronçons.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the process in accordance with the invention, taken individually or according to all the technically possible combinations, are the following:

• the entire system is molded in one piece. ;
• at least two injections of thermoplastic material are carried out in a mold to manufacture at least two adjacent keys connected to their respective rotation shaft sections, the at least two injections being carried out in the mold at two distinct points chosen so that the line of weld between the two flows of injected thermoplastic material is positioned in the connection zone between the two adjacent sections;
• injection molding of a first part of the system comprising a key linked to its rotation shaft section is carried out, then overmolding by injection of a second part of the system comprising a key linked to its rotation shaft section, so that the first and second parts of the system are interconnected at the level of the rotation shaft, in the connection zone between said sections.

Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avant d'un système de touches d'actionnement selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective arrière du système de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus du système de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un socle de mécanisme d'appareillage et du système de la figure 1 prêt à être monté dans ce socle,
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessus, du système de la figure 1 assemblé sur le socle de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un mécanisme d'appareillage conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 7 est une vue en perspective latérale du mécanisme d'appareillage de la figure 6, assemblé,
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon le plan P1 du mécanisme d'appareillage de la figure 7,
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe selon le plan P2 du système de la figure 1 obtenu selon un premier mode de réalisation d'un procédé de fabrication selon l'invention,
• la figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon le plan P2 du système de la figure 1 obtenu selon un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un procédé de fabrication selon l'invention, et
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe selon le plan P2 du système de la figure 1 obtenu selon un troisième mode de réalisation d'un procédé de fabrication selon l'invention.

In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

• there figure 1 is a front perspective view of a system of actuation keys according to the invention,
• there figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the system of the figure 1 ,
• there picture 3 is a top view of the system of the figure 1 ,
• there figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a switchgear mechanism base and the system of the figure 1 ready to be mounted in this plinth,
• there figure 5 is a top view, of the system of the figure 1 assembled on the base of the figure 4 ,
• there figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a fitting mechanism according to the invention,
• there figure 7 is a side perspective view of the fitting mechanism of the figure 6 , assembled,
• there figure 8 is a sectional view along plane P1 of the fitting mechanism of the figure 7 ,
• there figure 9 is a sectional view according to the plane P2 of the system of the figure 1 obtained according to a first embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention,
• there figure 10 is a sectional view according to the plane P2 of the system of the figure 1 obtained according to a second embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention, and
• there figure 11 is a sectional view according to the plane P2 of the system of the figure 1 obtained according to a third embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention.

On the figures 6 to 8 , there is shown a fitting mechanism 1 according to the present invention.

This is a socket mechanism 1, which is conventionally intended to be closed by a trim (not shown) and attached to a device support (not shown). In practice, the trim materializes and delimits an insertion well into which a user can insert an electrical plug for the purpose of supplying current to an electrical appliance connected to said plug. The device support is used for mounting the insulating base of the current outlet mechanism 1 either in an electrical box (not shown) embedded or attached projecting from any wall, or in a trunking (not shown).

Of course, although this is not shown, it is quite possible for the fitting mechanism according to the invention to be of another type, for example an electric switch mechanism.

As is clearly visible on the figure 6 , the current outlet mechanism 1 according to the invention comprises an insulating base 10 which houses a plurality of electrical connection terminals 2, 3.

As shown by the figure 4 And 5 , the base 10 here has a generally parallelepipedic shape. This base 10 comprises, on the one hand, a bottom wall 12 on the inner face of which are made slots intended to receive the electrical connection terminals 2, 3, and, on the other hand, a side wall 11 which is rises from this bottom wall 12 and which delimits, at the front, a reception opening 15 (see figure 7 ) intended to receive the trim. The insulating base 10 thus forms a box, open at the front.

The base 10 of the current outlet mechanism 1 more specifically comprises three slots 13, 14 (see figure 4 And 5 ) to accommodate three electrical connection terminals 2, 3: two side locations 13 intended to receive two female terminals 2 and a central location 14 intended to receive a male terminal 3. The electrical connection terminals, whether "male" or "female", are adapted to establish electrical contact between electrical conductors from the electrical network and conductive elements of the electrical plug plugged into the insertion well of the trim. The term "female terminals" refers to the electrical connection terminals 2, the functional part of which comprises a reception cell 2A (see figure 6 ) intended to receive a connection pin of the electrical plug, while the term "male terminal" is used, the electrical connection terminal 3 whose functional part comprises an electrical contact element, such as a ground pin 3A (see figure 6 And 7 ), intended to protrude into the insertion well of the trim to fit into a socket of the electrical plug. The 3A ground pin is generally that of a Franco-Belgian type socket. According to a variant not shown, the electrical contact element of a male terminal could be formed by a lyre, as is conventionally the case in a German standard socket outlet (type F). In the remainder of the description, the electrical connection terminals 2, 3 will be referred to as “terminals 2, 3”.

Conventionally, provision is made to be able to electrically connect terminals 2, 3 to electrical conductors coming from the electrical network, via inputs (or insertion openings). As clearly shown by the figure 4 And 5 , each terminal 2, 3 is more precisely accessible via a pair of insertion openings 18 provided in the bottom wall 12 of the base 10. One of the insertion openings of each pair of insertion openings 18 is intended for the passage of the stripped core of an electrical conductor coming from the network carrying the current from neutral, phase, or connected to earth, up to a conductive cage of terminal 2, 3 (see figure 8 ), the other opening of the pair of insertion openings 18 being provided for the passage of a tapping conductor of this terminal 2, 3.

Each terminal 2, 3 is here "automatically connected" insofar as the clamping of the stripped core of the electrical conductor in the conductive cage of said terminal 2, 3 is ensured by an automatic clamping blade 4 (see figure 8 ) having a spring effect which automatically compresses said stripped core against a conductive wall of the conductive cage, without the intervention of any installer. "Automatic" terminals are in some ways opposed to "screw" terminals for which an installer must act on a screw to tighten the stripped core of the electrical conductor against the conductive wall of the terminal's conductive cage.

As shown by the figures 6 to 8 , the socket mechanism 1 also comprises an insulating cover 20, received in the base 10 so as to extend to the border between a rear part of the said base 10, which receives the terminals 2, 3 in their location 13, 14 respectively, and a front part of the base 10, which is intended to receive the insertion well of the trim. Thus, cover 20 forms an intermediate bottom of base 10 which encloses terminals 2, 3 in their respective locations 13, 14.

The cover 20 is here formed by a generally rectangular plate whose front face is generally flat and extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 12 of the base 10 and to the plane defined by the reception opening 15 (see figure 8 ). As shown in figure 6 , the cover 20 is pierced with three passage openings 25, 26 which extend opposite the functional parts of the terminals 2, 3: one of the passage openings 26 is intended to let the earth pin 3A of the male terminal 3 so that it extends into the insertion well of the trim, and the two other passage openings 25 are intended to let the pins of the electrical plug pass so that they can come into contact with the corresponding 2A reception sockets of the female terminals 2.

The current take-off mechanism 1 represented on the figure 6 also comprises a shutter 30 mounted to move between, on the one hand, a closed position in which it prohibits access to the female phase and neutral terminals 2, by interposing itself between the passage openings 25 of the cover 20 and the mouth of the corresponding reception cells of the female terminals 2, and, on the other hand, an open position in which it allows this access. The shutter 30 thus protects the user from a possible electrical contact with the conductive elements housed in the rear part of the base 10 of the socket mechanism 1.

Remarkably, the current outlet mechanism 1 according to the invention finally comprises a system 100 of keys for disconnecting its automatic terminals 2, 3.

As shown by the figures 7 and 8 , each key 110, 120 of this system 100 is placed outside the base 10 opposite a window 19 of said base 10 (see figure 4 , 6 And 8 ) so that a disconnection element 111, 121 with which this key 110, 120 is provided passes through said window 19 and is positioned opposite the automatic clamping blade 4 of one of the terminals 2, 3 (see figure 8 ). Voluntary (and direct) actuation of one of the keys 110, 120, to move it by a distance greater than or equal to its operational stroke, causes the displacement of the disconnection element 111, 121 which then opposes the thrust force exerted by the automatic clamping blade 4 of the terminal 2, 3. Thus, the voluntary (and direct) actuation of the key 110, 120 makes it possible to disconnect the terminal 2, 3 by releasing the stripped core of the electrical conductor which was clamped in the conductive cage of terminal 2, 3 by the automatic clamping blade 4.

The key system 100 is, as such, part of the invention, and will be better described below with reference to the figures 1 to 3 . The system 100 according to the invention will be described ready to be used in the socket mechanism 1 described above.

By convention, in the description, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the gaze of the user turned towards the socket mechanism 1 when holding the socket mechanism 1 so that the reception opening 15 of the base 10 is placed at the top, the bottom wall 12 of the base 10 is placed at the bottom, and the side wall 11 of the base 10 in which the windows 19 are formed is placed facing it. Thus, the term “front” designates the side of an element facing the user, opposite the base, while the term rear designates the side of an element facing the base 10. Finally, “ above" the side of an element facing upwards, in the direction of the reception opening 15 of the base 10, while "below" designates the side of an element facing the opposite, it that is to say facing the bottom of the base 10.

As shown by the figures 1 to 3 , the system 100 here comprises two side keys 110 and a central key 120, attached to a common element which takes the form of a rotation shaft 130.

Advantageously, the system according to the invention is a single piece. This configuration in which the keys 110, 120 are inseparable from the rotation shaft 130 facilitates the installation of the system in the base of the fitting mechanism, in a single step. This one-piece configuration of the system 100 also avoids losing the keys 110, 120, which are often of small dimensions.

Each key 110, 120 of the system 100 comprises a plate 112, 122 generally flat, provided with a front face (clearly visible on the figure 1 ), facing the user, and a rear face (clearly visible on the figure 2 ) opposite the front face, which rear face is the one facing towards the base 10 when the system 100 is in place in the socket mechanism 1.

The front face of the plate 112, 122 may optionally bear visual indications allowing the user to know which terminal is placed behind the key 110, 120. For example, in the example shown, the front face of the central key 120 carries a visual indication 125 indicating that it is intended to be associated, in the socket mechanism 1, with the earth terminal 3. According to a variant not shown, one could envisage each plate being of a different color, for example a blue plate for the button associated with the neutral terminal, a red plate for the button plate associated with the phase terminal and a green plate for the button associated with the earth terminal.

The rear face of the plate 112, 122 is that which carries the disconnection element 111, 121 of the key 110, 120 (see figure 2 And 3 ), intended to interact with the automatic clamping blade 4 of the terminal 2, 3. This disconnection element 111, 121 here takes the form of a pin which extends generally perpendicular to a mean extension plane of the plate 112, 122.

As shown by the figures 1 to 3 , the rotation shaft 130 to which the keys 110, 120 are linked is divided into sections 131, 132, and each key 110, 120 is rigidly linked to a section 131, 132 distinct from the rotation shaft 130. Thus , the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 here comprises two lateral sections 131 to which the side keys 110 are respectively linked, and a central section 132 to which the central key 120 is linked. Each section 131, 132 has a generally cylindrical shape and is 'extends along a longitudinal axis L1, L2 (see figure 1 And 3 ). The rigid link between each key 110, 120 and its section 131, 132 is formed by a link 135 (see figures 1 and 2 ) generally parallelepipedic whose section and the material in which it is formed guarantee rigidity. The link 135 extends globally along a transverse axis T of the section 131, 132 to which it is connected, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1, L2 of said section 131, 132 (see figure 1 ). For each section 131, 132, the longitudinal and transverse axes L1, L2, T define the mean plane of extension of the plate 112, 122 of the key 110, 120 which is connected to said section 131, 132. Here, the link 135 connecting the key 110, 120 to its section 131, 132 is more specifically arranged in the median transverse plane of the section 131, 132, which is the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1, L2 of extension of the section 131, 132 and which cuts the section 131, 132 into two equal parts.

The rigid link 135 between each key 110; 120 and its section 131, 132 implies that the direct actuation by the user of any one of the keys 110, 120 causes the rotation, around its longitudinal axis L1, L2, of said section 131, 132 to which this key 110, 120 is attached, to move said key 110, 120 along a determined angular displacement.

In other words, since each key 110, 120 is fixed with respect to the section 131, 132 to which it is rigidly linked, the direct actuation of the key 110, 120, by the user, sets the assembly formed by the key in motion. 110, 120 and the section 131, 132. The angular displacement of the key 110, 120 thus generated around the longitudinal axis L1, L2 of the section 131, 132 to which it is linked depends directly on the force of action of the user on the key 110, 120. Within the meaning of the invention, the angular deflection of the key which corresponds to the operational stroke of said key 110, 120 is the minimum angular deflection of this key 110, 120 which is sufficient to unlock the terminal 2, 3 associated with this key 110, 120, that is to say to separate the automatic clamping blade 4 from the terminal 2, 3 of the conductive wall against which it naturally exerts its clamping action and against which it tends to come back.

Here, the system 100 is said to be "pushy" insofar as the user must exert a pushing action on the front face of the plate of any of the keys to disconnect the terminal associated with this key 110, 120. As a variant, and although this is not shown, it is entirely possible for the system to be "pull-bar", that is to say that the user must exert a pulling action on any of the keys to disconnect the terminal associated with this key. One could also consider a mixed system which is both push and pull, each key being associated either with a disconnection mechanism by pushing action, or with a disconnection mechanism by pulling action.

As is clearly visible on the figures 1 to 3 , the sections 131, 132 of the rotation shaft 130 are, remarkably, connected in pairs by connection zones 133, and each connection zone 133 is arranged so that the rotation of a section 131, 132, generated by the direct actuation of the key 110, 120 attached to this section 131, 132, keeps each adjacent section immobile, or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section around its longitudinal axis L1, L2 to move the adjacent key attached to each adjacent section following an incident angular movement much less than the operational stroke of said adjacent key.

Within the meaning of the invention, each connecting zone 133 is a physical part which forms a material and solid link between two adjacent sections 131, 132. Thus, each connection zone 133 is an integral part of the rotation shaft 130. In particular, a connection zone 133 is not constituted by an empty space or a "gap" separating two sections 131, 132.

The connection zone 133 between two sections 131, 132 guarantees the independence of the keys 110, 120 of the system 100, which amounts to saying that it guarantees that the direct actuation of one of the keys makes it possible to unlock only the associated terminal. to this key, without inducing the unlocking of the other terminal(s) operable by the system, in particular that of the adjacent terminals.

To do this, the connecting zones 133 can be shaped in several different ways, described below.

In the example shown on the figures 1 to 3 , the central section 132 of the rotation shaft 130 is intended to rotate around a first axis of rotation R2 (merged with the longitudinal axis L2) and the two lateral sections 131 of the rotation shaft 130 are intended to rotate around a second axis of rotation R1 (merged with the longitudinal axis L1), parallel and distinct from the first axis of rotation R2. In top view, the sections 131, 132 therefore extend staggered from each other (see picture 3 ). The central key 120 and the side keys 110 respectively linked to these sections 131, 132 are thus themselves offset along an antero-posterior axis (which extends from front to back), so that, always in top view , the free end of the disconnection elements 111 of the side keys 110 is located farther from the user than the free end of the disconnection element 121 of the central key 120 (see picture 3 ). Conversely, the front face of the pads 112 of the side keys 110 is set back, further from the user, than the front face of the pad 122 of the central key 120. This arrangement guarantees, despite the small dimensions of the pads 112, 122 of keys 110, 120, that the user presses the front face of a single plate 112, 122 when he wishes to actuate one of the keys 110, 120 of the system 100.

In this example where the axes of rotation R1, R2 of the sections 131, 132 are offset, the connection zone 133 comprises, on the one hand, a generally cylindrical central part 133A (see figure 2 And 3 ), which extends along a longitudinal axis L3 (see picture 3 ) parallel to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the sections 131, 132, and, on the other hand, two lateral parts 133B, 133C which extend on either side of this central part 133A, obliquely towards the section 131, 132 to which each of these side parts 133B, 133C is attached.

In this example, the central part 133A of the connection zone 133 is more particularly shaped to be received and held in an adjusted manner in the base 10 of the current pickup mechanism 1, at the level of a clamping cradle 17A (see figure 4 ) of this base 10. In practice, there is as little play as possible, or even no play at all, between the central part 133A of the connection zone 133 and the corresponding clamping cradle 17A of the base 10. This means that the central part 133A is assembled by force in the clamping cradle 17A, for example by pressing, during the assembly of the system 100 on the base 10. Once the assembly is complete, the clamping cradle 17A prevents the part central 133A of the corresponding connection zone 133 to be able to move in the base 10. When one of the keys 110, 120 of the system 100 is directly actuated by the user, the connection zone 133 is adapted, by the adjusted maintenance of its central part 133A in the clamping cradle 17A, to buttress when the operational stroke of said key 110, 120 is reached. The connection zone 133 thus braced limits (or even prevents) the rotation of the section adjacent to the section 131, 132 to which the key 110, 120 actuated is linked, so that the induced rotation of said adjacent section does not allow the clamping blade to be moved. automatic 4 of the neighboring terminal 2, 3 from a sufficient distance to disconnect said neighboring terminal 2, 3. In other words, thanks to the connection zone 133 which arches, the key(s) adjacent to that which is actuated by the user does not move or moves little enough not to be operational(s).

According to a variant not shown, at least one of the connecting zones between two adjacent sections is formed in a material with lower resistance to torsion than the rest of the rotation shaft. The energy associated with the rotation of a section, generated by the direct actuation of the key attached to this section, is then totally absorbed. or in part, by the connection zone which twists, so that this energy does not propagate (or propagates little) on the adjacent section. Thus, according to this variant, the direct actuation of a key does not induce any rotation of the adjacent section or, at the very least, limits this induced rotation so that the travel of the adjacent key is less than the operational travel of this key. adjacent.

Advantageously, the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 further comprises at least two holding zones 134 by which said system 100 is intended to be held in the base 10 of the current take-off mechanism 1.

In the system 100 which comprises at least three keys 110, 120, two holding zones 134 are partially coincident with the connecting zones 133 of the sections 131, 132. These two holding zones 134 are more precisely formed by the central parts 133A ( see figures 3 and 4 ) connecting zones 133, intended to be received in an adjusted manner in the clamping cradles 17A of the base 10 (see figure 4 And 5 ).

Here, the rotation shaft 130 includes an additional holding zone 136, at each of its ends (see figures 2 to 4 ). As shown by the figure 2 And 3 , each additional holding zone 136 comprises more precisely, on the one hand, a recessed notch 136A in the rear of the rotation shaft 130, that is to say on the side of the rotation shaft 130 generally parallel to the rear face of the plates 112, 122 of the keys 110, 120, and, on the other hand, a bump 136B projecting forwards from the rotation shaft 130, that is to say on the side of the rotation shaft 130 generally parallel to the front face of said plates 112, 122. These additional holding zones 136 are intended to be positioned in cradles 17B of the base 10 of the current take-off mechanism 1, which cradles 17B are shaped so that part of the base 10 enters the notch 136A of the holding zone 136 (see figure 4 And 5 ). The configuration of the additional holding zones 136 in hollows and bumps makes it possible to maintain the offset of the axes of rotations R1, R2 of the sections 131, 132 of the rotation shaft 130 while limiting the antero-posterior offset of the additional holding zones 136 relative to the other holding areas 134 of the system 100.

Here, the offset of the axes of rotation R1, R2 of the sections 131, 132, combined with the positioning of the holding zones 134, 136 (and therefore the positioning of the central parts 133A of the connecting zones 133) allow, for an operational stroke of a side key 110 equivalent to an angular deflection of 17°, to contain the incident angular deflection of the central key 120 to 4°.

Advantageously, at least one of the keys, here the two side keys 110 of the system 100, are also provided with a clamping element 115 intended to limit the travel of said key 110 when it is actuated. As shown in figure 2 , the clamping element 115 extends from the rear face of the wafer 112 of the key 110, in a direction perpendicular to the mean plane of extension of the wafer 112. The clamping element 115 comprises more precisely two studs 115, arranged on either side of the disconnection element 111, 121. The studs 115 of the clamping element are intended to come into abutment against the external face of a portion 11A of the side wall 11 of the base 10 (see figure 6 ). It is when this stop is reached by the studs 115 that the user is assured that the operational travel of the side key 110 has been reached.

Advantageously, the rotation shaft 130 finally comprises, at each of its ends, an anti-vibration element 139. Here, the anti-vibration element 139 forms an end piece at each end of the rotation shaft 130 (see figures 1 to 3 ). The anti-vibration element 139 takes the form of an asymmetrical ovoid element, with a front part 139A having a size smaller than the size of a rear part 139B of said element (see figures 1 and 2 ). This anti-vibration element 139 is intended to be received in a corresponding notch 5 of the base 10 (see figure 4 And 5 ) so as to prevent the system 100 from changing orientation during the assembly of the socket mechanism 1.

In general, the various elements included in the fitting mechanism 1 (see figure 6 ), in particular the base 10, the cover 20, the shutter 30, the system 100, and the terminals 2, 3 are obtained separately, then assembled together to form the socket mechanism 1.

To assemble the socket mechanism 1 shown in the figure 6 , we begin by assembling the system 100 on the base 10 (see figure 4 ). To do this, the system 100 is introduced into the base 10 via the reception opening 15 of said base 10, so that, on the one hand, the pads 112, 122 of the keys 110, 120 are inserted into openings 7, 8 provided in the base 10 and that the disconnection elements 111, 121 enter the corresponding windows 19 of the base which open into said openings 7, 8, and, on the other hand, that the holding zones 134, 136 enter in force in the cradles 17A, 17B of the base 10 (see figure 5 ). The anti-vibration elements 119 of the system 100 are then received in their respective notches 5 (see figure 5 ).

The terminals 2, 3 are then assembled in the corresponding slots 13, 14 of the base 10. During this insertion, the terminals 2, 3 push on the disconnection elements 111, 121 of the keys 110, 120. However, this insertion does not does not pivot the entire system 100, the orientation of which is maintained thanks to the anti-vibration elements 119 in engagement with the notches 5.

We finally come to position above the terminals 2, 3 the cover 20 which was previously placed on the shutter 30. As shown in the figure 6 , anti-tearing hooks 21, mustache hooks 22 and hooking teeth 23A of the cover 20, then cooperate with complementary fixing means of the base 10, respectively flanges 16 provided inside the base 10 (see figure 4 And 5 ), tabs 6 provided in the side wall 11 of the base 10 (see figure 6 And 7 ), and windows 23B (see figure 8 ) drilled into the side wall of the base 10. The positioning of the cover 20 over the terminals 2, 3 also prevents the system 100 from being able to move in the direction of the receiving opening 15 of the base 10 (see figure 8 ).

When the terminals 2, 3 are in place in the base 10, the free end of each disconnection element 111, 121 does not interact with the automatic clamping blade 4 of the corresponding terminal 2, 3 as long as this terminal 2, 3 is not connected to the network (see figure 8 ). It is only when said terminal 2, 3 is connected to its electrical conductor that the automatic clamping blade 4 is positioned in contact with the free end of the disconnection element 111, 121. It is in this position that the actuation of one of the keys by direct pressing of the user on the key 110, 120 makes it possible to disconnect the corresponding terminal 2, 3, without the rotation possibly induced on the nearest adjacent key being sufficient to in turn move the automatic clamping blade 4 of the neighboring terminal 2, 3, to the point of disconnecting this neighboring terminal.

As regards obtaining the various elements of the socket mechanism 1, prior to their assembly, the base 10, the cover 20, the shutter 30, and the system 100 are obtained by molding a thermoplastic material which is chosen to be a good electrical insulator and to be sufficiently rigid and to have a desired mechanical strength. Each element can be formed from its own thermoplastic material, identical to or different from that of the other elements. Each element may itself be formed from a plurality of different thermoplastic materials capable of being molded. For example, System 100 can be formed from three different thermoplastic materials which have identical formulations, except for their pigmentation which differs so that each key 110, 120 of the system 100 has a different color.

In particular, the system 100 according to the invention is obtained according to a manufacturing process which forms part of the invention.

According to this method in accordance with the invention, injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material is carried out to manufacture in one piece each key 110, 120 with the section 131, 132 of rotation shaft 130 to which it is rigidly linked.

In particular, provision is made to mold the entire system 100 in a single piece. Obtaining the system 100 in the form of a single, one-piece piece is thus facilitated, since no assembly of parts is necessary.

Different molding processes can be envisaged and make it possible to obtain systems 100 which are all identical, from an external point of view, to the system 100 described above with reference to the figures 1 to 3 . It is however possible to identify which method of obtaining was used to obtain the system 100 by observing the interior of the system 100 obtained, in particular by observing a section of its rotation shaft 130 along the longitudinal axis of said rotation 130, as shown in the figures 9 to 11 .

According to a first embodiment of the method, provision is made to produce, in a mould, at least two injections of thermoplastic material, identical or different, to manufacture at least two adjacent keys connected to their respective rotation shaft sections. These injections are carried out at two distinct points of the mold chosen so that the weld line between the two flows of injected thermoplastic material is positioned in the connection zone between the two adjacent sections. Preferably, since the system 100 comprises three keys 110, 120, three injections are made here, at three distinct points of the mould. For example, the three injections are carried out simultaneously or almost simultaneously. It is then necessary to make sure of the place where the two weld lines are positioned between the different flows of material, so as to guarantee that these places are indeed located in the connection zones between two adjacent sections.

This first embodiment is found in the system 100 represented on the figure 9 , in which the weld line S between the flows of injected material is positioned in the middle of each central part 133A of the connecting zone 133 between two adjacent sections 131, 132. The weld line S is a section of the shaft of rotation 130 of the system 100 which is more fragile than the rest of the rotation shaft 130 so that, the repeated actuation of the keys 110, 120, combined with the connection zone 133 which bows, risks to break the system 100 at the level of this weld line S. The fact of positioning the weld line S in the central part 133A of each connection zone 133 guarantees that this weld line S is found at the heart of one of the cradles clamping 17A of the base 10, so that, even if the system 100 breaks at the weld line S, the rotation shaft 130 remains held in the clamping cradle 17A, on either side of the line of welding S, and each key 110, 120 then remains operational, held in the base 10.

If the same thermoplastic material is injected to form the system 100 according to the first embodiment of the method, the injection points are ideally located at similar places in the mold, along the median transverse axis T of the sections 131, 132 correspondents. For example, the injection points are positioned on top of the rotation shaft 130, in alignment with the link 135 connecting the section 131, 132 to its button 110, 120 (see the arrows F1 on the figures 1 and 2 ). Another possible example is to position the injection points at the junction between the disconnection element 111, 121 and the rear face of each plate 112, 122 (see the arrows F2 on the figure 2 ).

If different thermoplastic materials are injected to form the system 100 according to the first embodiment of the method, those skilled in the art will be able to adjust the arrangement of the injection points and/or the moment of injection of the thermoplastic materials, depending on the speed of movement of each thermoplastic material in the mold so that the weld line S between the different flows of thermoplastic material is always in the connection zone 133, preferably in the center of the central part 133A of said connection zone 133 Those skilled in the art will take into account the fact that the speed of movement of the thermoplastic material depends in particular on the viscosity of this material.

According to second and third embodiments of the method, it is planned to carry out an injection molding of a first part of the system 100 comprising a key connected to its rotation shaft section, then to carry out on this first molding an overmolding by injection of a second part of the system 100 comprising a key linked to its rotation shaft section 130, so that the first and second parts of the system 100 are connected to each other at the level of the rotation shaft 130, in the connecting zone 133 between said sections. Here, as the system 100 comprises three keys 110, 120, it is considered that the molding of the first part 100A of the system corresponds to the molding of a central part of the system 100. Then, simultaneously or consecutively or successively, the overmolding of two second parts 100B of the system 100, on either side of the first part 100A. The second parts 100B are identical and correspond to the side parts of the system 100 (see figures 10 and 11 ).

These second and third embodiments of the method are found in the system 100 represented on the figures 10 and 11 . In the examples shown on the figures 10 and 11 , the first part 100A of the system 100 comprises a first piece of the rotation shaft 130 which includes the central section 132 linked to the central key 120, and, on either side of said central section 132, a part of each of the connecting zones 133 by which this central section 132 is linked to the lateral sections 131. Each second part 100B of the system comprises for its part a second piece of the rotation shaft 130 which includes the lateral section 131 linked to its side key 110, as well as, at one end of this lateral section 131, part of the connection zone 133 provided between this lateral section 131 and the central section 132, and, at the other end of this lateral section 131, the anti- vibration 139, and one of the holding zones 136 of the system 100.

To guarantee that the first and second parts 100A, 100B of the system 100 are perfectly integral, the first piece of rotation shaft 130 molded with the first part 100A of the system 100 comprises, at each end by which it is intended to be linked to the second piece of rotation shaft 130 of one of the second parts 100B of the system 100, hooking means 137A, 137B intended to promote the hooking of the thermoplastic material during the overmolding of said second part 100B. The second piece of rotation shaft 130 includes, of course, attachment means 138A, 138B which are of complementary shape to that of the attachment means 137A, 137B of the first piece. A first example of attachment means of complementary shapes is visible on the figure 10 , in the form of a spherical groove 137B receiving a spherical stud 138B. A second example of attachment means of complementary shapes is visible on the figure 11 , in the form of hooking lugs 137A, 138A.

Similar to what was explained for the first embodiment of the method, the junction between the first and second pieces of the rotation shaft 130, coming from the first and second parts 100A, 100B of the system 100 is a fragile zone of the rotation shaft 130, which risks breaking during multiple actuations of the keys 110, 120 of the latter. The fact of providing that the attachment means 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B of complementary shapes are located in the central part 133A of the connection zone 133 guarantees that, even in the event of the rotation shaft 130 of the system 100 breaking at this junction, it will still be held in the clamping cradle 17A of the base 10, on either side of the broken junction and each key 110, 120 will then remain operational, held in the base 10.

Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention.

In particular, it is quite possible for the number of keys provided on the rotation shaft to be different, as long as the rotation shaft is linked to at least two keys.

It is also conceivable that each section of the rotation shaft has a separate axis of rotation, instead, as is the case in the example shown, that the two lateral sections have the same axis of rotation.

Various other modifications may still be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

System (100) of keys for disconnecting automatic terminals (2, 3) in a fitting mechanism (1), which comprises a plurality of keys (110, 120) attached to a common element, characterized in that the common element is a rotation shaft (130) divided into sections (131, 132) which are connected two by two by connecting zones (133), each key (110, 120) being connected in such a way rigid to a distinct section (131, 132) so that the direct actuation by a user of any one of the keys (110, 120) causes the rotation around its longitudinal axis (L1, L2) of the section (131, 132) to which this key (110, 120) is attached, to move said key (110, 120) along a determined angular displacement constituting the operational stroke of said key (110, 120), and in that each connection zone (133) is arranged so that the rotation of a section (131, 132), generated by the direct actuation of the key (110, 120) attached, keeps each section (131, 132) adjacent or causes an incident rotation of each adjacent section (131, 132) around its longitudinal axis (L1, L2) to move the adjacent key attached to this adjacent section (131, 132) following an incident angular movement much less than the operational stroke of said adjacent key. System (100) according to Claim 1, in which the rotation shaft (130) comprises a section (132) intended to rotate around a first axis of rotation (R2) and at least one other section (131) intended to rotate around a second axis of rotation (R1), parallel and distinct from the first axis of rotation (R2). System (100) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, which is a one-piece part. System (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the rotation shaft (130) comprises at each end an anti-vibration element (139). System (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the rotation shaft (130) comprises at least two holding zones (134, 136) by which said system (130) is intended to be held in a base (10) of fitting mechanism (1). System (100) according to Claim 5, in which the rotation shaft (130) has a holding zone (136) at each of its ends. System (100) according to one of Claims 5 and 6, which comprises at least three keys (110, 120) and in which at least two holding zones (134) are at least partially coincident with at least two connection zones ( 133) of the sections (131, 132). System according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which at least one of the connecting zones is formed from a material with lower torsion resistance than the rest of the rotation shaft. System (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which at least one of the connecting zones (133) is shaped to be received and held in an adjusted manner in a base (10) of the fitting mechanism (1) . Apparatus mechanism(l) comprising: - an insulating base (10) housing a plurality of electrical connection terminals (2, 3) with automatic connection, each terminal (2, 3) being provided with an automatic clamping blade (4), and - a system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9 mounted in the insulating base (10) so that each key (110, 120), provided with a disconnection element (111, 121), is placed at the exterior of the insulating base (10) facing a window (19) of said insulating base (10) so that said disconnection element (111, 121) passes through said window (19) and is positioned opposite of the automatic clamping blade (4) of one of the terminals (2, 3). Apparatus mechanism (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the key system (100) is of the type according to claim 9, attached to the insulating base (10) so that each connection zone (133) is kept adjusted in the insulating base (10). Method of manufacturing a system (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, according to which injection molding of at least one thermoplastic material is carried out in order to manufacture each key (110, 120) in one piece with the section (131, 132) of rotation shaft (130) to which it is rigidly connected. Manufacturing process according to claim 12, in which the entire system (100) is molded in one piece. Method of manufacturing according to one of Claims 12 and 13 of a system according to Claim 9, according to which at least two injections of thermoplastic material are carried out in a mold in order to manufacture at least two adjacent keys (110, 120) linked to their respective sections (131, 132) of rotation shaft (130), the at least two injections being carried out in the mold at two distinct points chosen so that the weld line (S) between the two flows of injected thermoplastic material is positioned in the connecting zone (133) between the two adjacent sections (131, 132). Manufacturing process according to claim 12, according to which injection molding is carried out of a first part (100A) of the system (100) comprising a key (120) linked to its section (132) of rotation shaft (130) , then overmolding is carried out on this first molding by injection of a second part (100B) of the system (100) comprising a key (110) connected to its section (131) of rotation shaft (130), so that the first and second parts (100A, 100B) of the system (100) are interconnected at the level of the rotation shaft (130), in the connection zone (133) between the said sections (131, 132).

Images