ES3058377T3 - Electrical device with automatic connection terminal activated by the insertion of the electrical conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical device (100) comprising a housing (110) provided with an insertion channel (111) for an electrical conductor (1) and housing an electrical connection system (120) associated with said insertion channel, said electrical connection system comprising: - an automatic spring terminal (140), said insertion channel providing access to said automatic terminal, - a push button (130) movable between two stable positions: an up position in which it releases the spring blade that closes said insertion channel and a down position in which it forces the spring blade to open said insertion channel, and - a movable retaining element (160) comprising a retaining portion (161) movable between a retaining position in which this retaining portion cooperates with the push button to maintain it in its down position and a release position in which said retaining portion is released from its cooperation with the push button so that the latter assumes its up position. According to the invention, the retaining element includes an actuating portion (162) accessible through said electrical conductor insertion conduit.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Electrical device with automatic connection terminal activated by the insertion of the electrical conductor. The present invention relates in general to the field of electrical equipment.

[0003] Refers more particularly to an electrical device comprising a housing provided with a conduit for inserting an electrical conductor and housing an electrical connection system associated with said insertion conduit, said electrical connection system comprising:

[0004] - an automatic connection terminal with a spring-loaded sheet, giving access to said insertion conduit to said automatic connection terminal,

[0005] - a movable pusher between two stable positions: an up position in which it releases the spring plate that closes said insertion channel, and a down position in which it forces the spring plate to open said insertion channel,

[0006] - a movable retaining element comprising a movable retaining part between a retaining position in which this retaining part cooperates with the pusher to, by itself, maintain it in its lowered position and a release position in which said retaining part is released from its cooperation with the pusher so that the latter takes its raised position, said retaining element comprising an actuating part accessible through said electrical conductor insertion conduit.

[0007] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the embodiment of a junction block comprising, within a single housing, a plurality of electrical connection systems such as those described above, associated with a plurality of insertion channels for independent electrical conductors. Electrical devices in which a tool is required to move the retaining element are known from the prior art. Thus, to connect an electrical conductor to the automatic connection terminal of the electrical connection system of one of these electrical devices, two simultaneous actions are required: with one hand, the retaining element must be moved to its release position using a tool, while with the other hand the conductor is inserted into the corresponding insertion channel. This connection operation can be difficult and result in an unreliable connection of the electrical conductor.

[0008] Furthermore, documents DE102019121581 and DE102019135203 describe electrical devices according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the retaining element is an element other than the spring sheet of the automatic connection terminal.

[0009] According to document DE102019121581, the retention element consists of a spring sheet distinct from the spring sheet of the automatic connection terminal and having a first part fixed to the device housing and a second part free to pivot between the retention and release positions.

[0010] According to document DE102019135203, the retaining element is mounted on a connecting terminal's conductive bar to allow it to pivot. It comprises a hook-shaped portion adapted to cooperate in the retention simultaneously with the end of the spring-loaded blade's connecting branch and with a complementary retaining element disposed at the end of the pusher. When this cooperation occurs, the hook-shaped portion of the retaining element holds the pusher in its lowered position.

[0011] In comparison with the previously mentioned state of the art, the present invention proposes an electrical device with a limited number of elements, in which the connection of the electrical conductor is quick, simple and reliable.

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes an electrical device as defined in claim 1.

[0013] Thus, advantageously, according to the invention, when the end of the electrical conductor is inserted into the insertion channel, it presses the actuating portion of the retaining element, causing the pusher to be released, which in turn allows the spring leaf to return freely to its rest position. In doing so, the spring leaf pushes the electrical conductor inserted into the connection terminal against a conductive plate. This arrangement results in the automatic connection of the electrical conductor only when it is correctly inserted into the insertion channel and presses the actuating portion of the retaining element. Furthermore, no tools are required.

[0014] Therefore, connecting the electrical conductor to the automatic connection terminal of the electrical device is particularly easy, quick, and reliable.

[0015] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the electrical device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are defined in claims 2 to 16.

[0016] The following description with reference to the attached drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0017] This description describes several embodiments, some of which are not covered by the claims and therefore do not belong to the invention. These embodiments are retained in the description to ensure its intelligibility. The embodiments excluded from the scope of the claims are clearly identified.

[0018] In the attached drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic side perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical device not included in the invention, in which a side wall of the housing is not shown, each pusher being in an elevated position,

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic view, similar to that in Figure 1, of the device in Figure 1 in which each pusher is in the lowered position,

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic partial side perspective view of the device in Figure 1, in which an electrical conductor is partially inserted in a movement represented by arrow F1,

[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic partial side perspective view of the device in Figure 1, into which an electrical conductor is fully inserted,

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the device in Figure 1, in which the electrical conductor is released by using a tool,

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic side perspective view of the complete device of Figure 1, with each pusher in its raised position,

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic front perspective view of the electrical device of Figure 2 mounted on a support rail,

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of the device of Figure 6, Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of an electrical device not included in the invention, in which a side wall of the housing is not shown, each pusher being in an elevated position,

[0027] Figure 10 is an exploded side perspective schematic view of the device in Figure 9, Figure 11 is a side perspective schematic view of a retaining element of the electrical device in Figure 8,

[0028] Figure 12 is a schematic partial side perspective view of the device in Figure 9, into which an electrical conductor is partially inserted according to a movement represented by arrow F2; Figure 13 is a schematic partial side perspective view of the device in Figure 9, into which an electrical conductor is fully inserted,

[0029] Figure 14 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrical device not included in the invention,

[0030] Figure 15 is a schematic side perspective view of the device in Figure 14, with the front cover removed,

[0031] Figure 16 is a schematic exploded side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an electrical device according to the invention,

[0032] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a connection system for the electrical device of Figure 16,

[0033] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a pusher of the connection system of Figure 17, Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the device of Figure 16 and of an electrical conductor intended to be inserted into the device according to a movement represented by arrow F3,

[0034] Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of the device of Figure 19, wherein the electrical conductor is fully inserted into one of the connection terminals of the electrical device. Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of the device of Figure 20, wherein a tool is used to push the pusher according to arrow F4 to release the electrical conductor.

[0035] Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of the device in Figure 21, wherein the pusher is pushed by the tool and the electrical conductor is released according to arrow F6,

[0036] Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to plan PC1 of Figure 19, with the electrical conductor ready for insertion,

[0037] Figure 24 is a schematic sectional view similar to that in Figure 23, wherein the stripped end of the electrical conductor is partially inserted into a connection terminal of the electrical device; Figure 25 is a schematic sectional view of the electrical device of Figure 24, along a median plane PC2 (shown in Figure 21) of one of the pusher legs of the electrical device; Figure 26 is a schematic sectional view along plane PC1 of the electrical device of Figure 20, with the stripped end of the electrical conductor fully inserted into the connection terminal of the electrical device.

[0038] Figure 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view along plane PC1 of the electrical device in Figure 21, Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrical device in Figure 21 along the median plane PC2 of one of the pusher legs,

[0039] Figure 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to drawing PC1 of the electrical device in Figure 22 before the electrical conductor is removed,

[0040] Figure 30 is a schematic view of the electrical device of Figure 29, in section along the median plane P2 of one of the pusher legs,

[0041] Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to plan PC1 of the electrical device of Figure 20, in the case where the pusher is released from the retaining element in the absence of insertion of the electrical conductor,

[0042] Figure 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to drawing PC1 of the electrical device of Figure 31, during the insertion of the electrical conductor,

[0043] Figure 33 is a schematic view of the electrical device of Figure 32, in section along the median plane PC2 of one of the pusher legs,

[0044] Figure 34 is a schematic rear perspective view of a front portion of the electrical device of Figure 16 with a single connection system depicted,

[0045] Figure 35 is an enlarged schematic view of area A in Figure 34, and

[0046] Figure 36 is a schematic sectional view along plane PM2 of Figure 20 without the electrical conductor. In the description that follows, by convention, the term "front" will designate the side of the electrical device facing a user when the electrical device is in the operating position, while the term "rear" will designate the opposite side of that device. The terms "top" and "bottom" will be used with reference to the vertical direction for the user standing in front of the electrical device in the operating position. As a preliminary point, it should be noted that, from one figure to another, identical or similar elements of different embodiments of an electrical device will be referenced with the same reference symbols and will not be described each time.

[0047] The figures show four embodiments of an electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400. The first, second, and third embodiments described below refer to devices not covered by the claims. The electrical device 400 of the fourth embodiment conforms to the invention.

[0048] The electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 shown and described herein constitutes a joining block intended to secure the joining, i.e., the electrical and mechanical connection, between at least two electrical conductors. The joining blocks 100; 200 of the first and second embodiments (Figures 1 to 13) are suitable for securing the joining between two electrical conductors, while the joining blocks 300; 400 according to the third and fourth embodiments (Figures 14, 15, 16 and 19-32) allow for securing the joining between a plurality of electrical conductors, the number of which is herein between 2 and 6 in the third embodiment and between 2 and 8 in the fourth embodiment.

[0049] Of course, it is possible to design junction blocks that allow the electrical connection of any number of electrical conductors to be secured using one of the 300; 400 junction blocks conforming to the third or fourth embodiment. Furthermore, as explained below, the 300 and 400 junction blocks of the third and fourth embodiments can be connected in series with another junction block of the same type, thus allowing the connection of additional electrical conductors.

[0050] The electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 described herein comprises an electrically insulating housing 110; 210; 310; 410 made, for example, of plastic material.

[0051] For the implementation of its joining function, the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 comprises a plurality of independent insertion conduits 111; 211; 311; 411, each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor 1, and houses a plurality of identical electrical connection systems 120; 220; 320; 420, each electrical connection system 120; 220; 320; 420 being associated respectively with one of the insertion conduits 111; 211; 311; 411 (Figures 1, 12, 14 and 16).

[0052] Each of the first and second embodiments of the electrical device 100; 200 is provided herein with two independent insertion conduits 111; 211 for the insertion of two electrical conductors 1 and houses two identical electrical connection systems 120; 220 respectively associated with the two insertion conduits 111; 211.

[0053] The two insertion conduits 111; 211 and the two associated electrical connection systems are identical with the exception of their symmetrical arrangement with respect to a median plane P1; P2 of the corresponding electrical device 100; 200 (Figures 5 and 9).

[0054] The housing 310 of the electrical device 300 according to the third embodiment is provided herein with six independent insertion channels 311, each allowing the insertion of an electrical conductor 1. The insertion channels 311 are arranged herein side by side, parallel to each other. The housing 310 houses six electrical connection systems 320 associated respectively with the six insertion channels 311. They are therefore arranged herein side by side.

[0055] The housing 410 of the electrical device 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention is provided herein with eight independent insertion channels 411, each of which allows the insertion of an electrical conductor 1. The insertion channels 411 are arranged herein side by side, parallel to each other. The housing 410 accommodates eight electrical connection systems 420 associated respectively with the eight insertion channels 411. They are also arranged herein side by side (see Figures 16 and 19 to 22 and 36).

[0056] In one variant, the electrical device can also be configured to perform an electrical function different from that of the junction block. Of course, when the electrical device is not a junction block but an electrical device with another function, such as a switch or an electrical socket, the housing can be provided with a single insertion channel and accommodate a single associated connection system.

[0057] The references associated with the insertion conduits and electrical connection systems of each embodiment are identical, and the following description is valid for each of them.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 10 and 12, 13, the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 of the first and second embodiments has a generally parallelepiped shape with two parallel main side faces 112; 212, a rear face 113; 213, a front face 114; 214, and two opposite transverse faces 115; 215. Only Figures 6 to 8 show the two main side faces 112 of the electrical device 110. In the other views, one of the side walls of the housing 110; 210 is not shown, so that the interior of the housing 110; 210 is visible. In particular, in Figures 1, 2, and 10, only one of the two main side faces 112; 212 is referenced.

[0059] Here, the two main side faces 112; 212 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 extend the entire height of its housing 110; 210.

[0060] The rear face 113; 213 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 conventionally comprises a recess 113A; 213A comprising means for mounting the housing 110; 210 on a mounting rail 10 (Figure 7), intended to press this mounting rail 10 against the bottom of this recess 113A; 213A. This arrangement is conventional and will not be described in further detail here.

[0061] The front face 114; 214 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 has an access opening 111A; 211A giving access to the insertion conduit 111; 211. Here, therefore, two access openings 111A; 211A are provided, each giving access to one of the insertion conduits 111; 211 of the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 (Figures 2, 6, 7, 8, 10).

[0062] The two access openings 111A are aligned in a direction parallel to the main side faces 112; 212 of the housing 110; 210.

[0063] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 5, 8 to 10 and 12, 13, the housing 110; 210 of the electrical device 100; 200 also has internally multiple partitions that delimit different internal housings of the housing 110; 210. The partitions keep the elements of the connection system 120; 220 inside the housing 110; 210 and electrically isolate certain elements from each other.

[0064] In particular, an internal partition of the housing 110; 210 having a substantially cylindrical inner face here delimits a well 111B; 211B which opens into the access opening 111A; 211A such that said insertion conduit 111; 211 is partially formed (Figures 2 and 10) at the level of its entrance. Each electrical conductor 1 can be inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211 along an insertion direction D1; D2 which corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the insertion conduit 111; 211. This insertion direction also corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the well 111B; 211B.

[0065] The housing 310; 410 of the electrical device of the third and fourth embodiments herein comprises a rear part 310A; 410A and a front part 310B; 410B that are assembled to form said housing 310; 410 (Figures 14 and 16).

[0066] The rear portion 310A; 410A of the housing 310; 410 has a bottom 313A provided with a rear face 313; 413. Two parallel rear main side walls 312A; 412A rise from the bottom, bordering it. The front portion 310B; 410B of the housing 310; 410, also hereafter referred to as the "cover 310B; 410B", comprises a front portion 314B; 414B provided with a front face 314; 414, which constitutes the front face of the housing 310; 410, as well as four side walls extending from the front portion 314B; 414B, of which two parallel front main side walls 312B; 412B are included (Figures 14, 16, 36).

[0067] When the housing 310; 410 is assembled, the cover 310B; 410B and the back 310A; 410A extend edge to edge so that the front main side walls 312B; 412B and rear main side walls 312A; 412A form two parallel main side walls of the housing 310; 410 provided with two main side faces 312; 412. The cover 310B; 410B and the back 310A; 410B also together form two cross walls provided with two cross faces 315; 415 (Figures 14, 15 and 19-22).

[0068] In the third embodiment, the facade portion 314B of the cover 310B has access openings 311A, each providing access to one of the insert ducts 311. Therefore, six access openings 311A are provided here (Figure 14). The access openings 311A are aligned here along an L-shaped direction (Figure 14) perpendicular to the main side faces 312 of the housing 310.

[0069] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, one of the transverse faces 415 of the housing 410 has, at the level of the rear portion 410A of the housing 410, access openings 411A, each providing access to one of the insertion channels 411. Therefore, eight access openings 411A are provided here (Figures 19-22). The access openings 411A are also aligned along a direction L (Figure 19) perpendicular to the main side faces 412 of the housing 410.

[0070] In the third and fourth embodiments, the housing 310; 410 also comprises internal partitions. These internal partitions extend the full height of the housing 310; 410, between the front portion 314B; 414B and the back portion 313A; 413A. They extend parallel to the main side faces 312; 412 of the housing 310; 410, so as to electrically isolate the insertion channels 311; 411 from the electrical conductors (Figures 14, 16, and 36). They are formed by joining the rear partition elements 370A; 470A and the front partition elements 370B; 470B when the rear portion 310A; 410A of the housing and the cover 310B are assembled. 410B (figures 14, 16, 33, 36).

[0071] As in the first and second embodiments described above, each insertion channel 311 of the third embodiment comprises a well 311B that opens into the access opening 311A. In the case of the fourth embodiment, the insertion well 411B is limited to the thickness of one of the walls of the housing 410 (Figure 16).

[0072] In the third and fourth embodiments, each electrical conductor 1 can be inserted into the insertion conduit 311; 411 according to an insertion direction D3; D4 that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the insertion conduit 311; 411. It also corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding well 311B; 411B (Figures 15 and 16).

[0073] The insertion directions D3; D4 of the electrical conductors corresponding to the longitudinal axes of the insertion conduits 311; 411 extend herein in the same plane perpendicular to the main side faces 312; 412 of the housing 310; 410. In particular, the insertion directions D3; D4 are oriented substantially perpendicular to a median plane PM1; PM2 of the housing, perpendicular to the main side faces 312; 412 of the housing 310; 410 (Figures 14, 15 and 19 to 22). In the third embodiment (Figure 15), the median plane PM1 is substantially perpendicular to the main side faces 312 of the housing 310, as well as to the transverse faces 315 of this housing. In the fourth embodiment (Figures 19-22) according to the invention, the median plane PM2 is substantially perpendicular to the main side faces 412 of the housing 410, as well as to the front 414 and rear 413 faces of this housing. The insertion directions D4 then extend parallel to the plane PM1, substantially perpendicular to the main side faces 412 of the housing 410, as well as to the transverse faces 415.

[0074] The access openings 311A of the electrical device according to the third embodiment are thus located on the front face of the housing 310 of the electrical equipment 300, on the user side. Their accessibility is optimized. Furthermore, it is preferable that the access openings 317A are arranged in a central area of the front face 314 of the housing 310.

[0075] The access openings 411A of the electrical device 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention are arranged in a central area of one of the transverse faces 415 of the housing 410 of the electrical equipment 400. Regardless of the embodiment considered, each electrical connection system 120; 220; 320; 420 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300; 400 comprises (Figures 1 to 5, 8 to 13 and 16): an automatic connection terminal of spring-loaded foil 140; 240; 340; 440 accessible through the insertion channel 111; 211; 311; 411, a pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 that is movable between two stable positions and that cooperates with said spring-loaded foil 140; 240; 340; 440, and a retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 also movable, adapted to cooperate with said pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0076] The automatic connection terminal of spring sheet 140; 240; 340; 440 comprises herein the spring sheet 140; 240; 340; 440 and a conductive plate 150; 250; 350; 450 (figures 8, 10, 15 and 17).

[0077] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is of the "guillotine" type. It consists of a folded metal strip forming a loop. It has a support arm 141; 241; 341 and an interaction arm 142; 242; 342 provided with a window 143; 243; 343 through which part of the conductive plate 150; 250; 350 passes (Figures 8 and 10). The interaction arm 142; 242; 342 may be straight or, as in this case, slightly curved. The support arm 141; 241; 341 is connected to the interaction arm 142; 242; 342 by means of an elbow 144; 244; 344. It folds into a U shape so that its free end passes through window 143; 243; 343 of interaction branch 142; 242; 342.

[0078] In the fourth embodiment of the invention, the spring sheet 440 has a different geometry. It consists of a folded metal strip having a connecting portion 446 and an intermediate portion 445. The connecting portion 446 comprises a support branch 441 and an interaction branch 442 connected by an elbow 444 (Figures 16 and 17). The connecting portion 446 extends from the intermediate portion 445 and is folded in the direction of the latter. The intermediate portion 445 extends into the continuation of the support branch 441. It forms the retaining element 460 and an elbowed joining portion 443 that connects the retaining element 460 to the support branch 441, allowing a pivoting movement of this retaining element 460, as will be described in more detail later. Interaction branch 442 extends in the direction of the intermediate part 445.

[0079] Whatever the embodiment, when the spring plate 140; 240; 340; 440 is at rest, i.e., not under the action of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 as described below, the interaction branch 142; 242; 342; 442 tends to move away from the support branch 141; 241; 341; 441. This interaction branch 142; 242; 342; 442 is pre-tensioned against the conductive plate 150; 250; 350; 450 when no electrical conductor is inserted into the connection terminal.

[0080] In the first and second embodiments, the spring sheet 140; 240 is wound around a separator 116; 216 of the housing 110; 210 (Figures 1, 8, 9 and 10) for attachment to the housing 110; 210. It is positioned so that the interaction branch 142; 242 extends through the insertion channel 111; 211.

[0081] The conductive plate 150; 250; 350; 450 is made of conductive metallic material and has a contact part 152; 252; 352; 452 that partially delimits the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411.

[0082] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the contact portion 152; 252; 352 is provided with a free end 153; 253; 353 that passes through the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 (Figures 8, 10, and 14). Here, in order for the electrical device 100; 200; 300 to function as a connecting block, the conductive plate 150; 250; 350 connects the connection terminals of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 to each other. It is therefore presented as a common element to the plurality of connection systems 120; 220; 320 housed in the casing. The conductive plate thus forms an electrical connection means entirely contained within the housing 110; 210; 310, which connects the electrical connection terminals to the same electrical potential. This conductive plate 150; 250; 350 is the sole connection means joining the electrical terminals of the electrical device 100; 200; 300.

[0083] In the first and second embodiments, the conductive metal plate forming the conductive plate 150; 250 is elongated along a longitudinal axis. It is a conductive strip. It has a right-hand central portion 151; 251 extending between the two connection terminals and two symmetrical contact portions 152; 252, folded face to face and located at its longitudinal ends. Each contact portion 152; 252 is supported by an end portion of one of the two spring sheets 140; 240 (Figures 8 and 10).

[0084] The central part 151; 251 can be electrically connected to the electrical network.

[0085] A portion of the support branch 141; 241 of each spring plate 140; 240 extends parallel to the corresponding contact portion 152; 252 of the conductive plate 150; 250, against a side face thereof.

[0086] In the third embodiment of the electrical device, the conductive plate 350 has the form of a metal plate with a rectangular or square outline, bent around at least one axis parallel to two of its sides.

[0087] In the example shown here, the conductive plate 350 is bent about two parallel axes A1 and A2 that extend perpendicular to the main side faces 312 of the housing 310. By convention, the directions in which the conductive plate 350 is bent extend along the lateral direction of the conductive plate 350, and the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction shall be called the longitudinal direction of the conductive plate 350.

[0088] The conductive plate 350 thus comprises three substantially flat parts 351; 352; 354 that are connected to each other by elbows (figures 14).

[0089] A contact portion 352 of the conductive plate 350, located at a longitudinal end thereof, receives the spring leaf 340 of each connecting system 320. The free edge of this contact portion 352 comprises teeth, each passing through the window 343 of the interaction branch 342 of one of the spring leaves 340. These teeth herein constitute the free end 353 of the contact portion 352 of the conductive plate 350. The contact portion 352 is supported by an end portion of each spring leaf 340 (Figures 14 and 15). A portion of the support branch 341 of each spring leaf 340 extends parallel to the corresponding contact portion 352 of the conductive plate 350, against a lateral face thereof. The spring leaves 340 are thus arranged side by side to form a row of spring leaves 340.

[0090] The other longitudinal end of the conductive plate 350, located opposite the teeth of the contact part 352, is a connection part 351 to the electrical network. It can be electrically connected to an electrical network.

[0091] For this purpose, an electrical connection element 380 is provided, comprising herein two receiving recesses 381 for an electrical connection conductor connected by a tab 385. These electrical receiving recesses 381 are connected to the conductive plate 350 via the tab 385 pressed against the connection portion 351. They open opposite an opening 382 in the cover 310B adapted for the passage of the connection conductor.

[0092] By placing two electrical devices side by side, it is possible to connect them using an electrical connector with two electrical conductors joined together, each electrical conductor being inserted into the receiving socket of the electrical connection element 380 of one of the two electrical devices 300.

[0093] The intermediate part 354 of the conductive plate 350 located between the contact part 352 and the connection part 351 is provided with a plurality of holes 355 that allow the passage of each intermediate piece 360, as explained below.

[0094] Thus, when the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is at rest, i.e., without tension, and no electrical conductor is inserted into the connection terminal (Figures 1 and 9), the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 tends to move away from the free end of the support branch 141; 241; 341, which rests on the free end 153; 253; 353 of the contact portion 152; 252; 352 of the conductive plate 150; 250; 350. Thus, the edge of the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340, it is pressed against this free end 153; 253; 353 of the contact part 152; 252; 352 of the conductive plate 150; 250; 350.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the conductive plate 450 is U-shaped, delimiting a housing that receives the connection portion 446 of said spring plate 440, to which belong the support branch 441 disposed against a first wing of the U formed by the conductive plate 450 and the interaction branch 442 pressed against the second wing of the U. The second wing of the U thus forms the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450 (see figure 17).

[0096] The first wing of the U formed by the conducting plate 450 comprises a relief 451 that passes through an opening in the support branch 441 of the spring sheet 440 so as to block any sliding movement of the latter against the first wing (see Figures 17 and 27).

[0097] The bottom of the U formed by the conductive plate 450, which connects the first and second wings of the U, has a through opening 454 near the second wing of the U. When the connection terminal is arranged in the housing 410 of the electrical device 400, the through opening 454 is positioned opposite one of the access openings 411A provided in the cross face 415 of the housing 410, so that an electrical conductor may be inserted into the connection terminal through the access opening 411A in the housing and the through opening 454 in the conductive plate 450. The inserted electrical conductor runs through the second wing of the U, which therefore partially delimits the insertion channel 411 (see Figures 24 and 26).

[0098] The conductive plate 450 and the spring sheet 440 have similar widths, with the exception of the free end 453 of the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450, which is narrower than the rest of the conductive plate so as to fit into a notch 442A formed in the free edge of the interaction branch 442 of the connecting portion 446 of the spring sheet 440 (Figure 16) when no electrical conductor is inserted into the connecting terminal and the pusher 430 exerts no action on the spring sheet 440. In this configuration, the interaction branch 442 of the spring sheet 440 extends through the insertion channel 411 of the connecting terminal.

[0099] Herein, in order for the electrical device 400 to fulfill its function as a connecting block, connecting means are provided that link the connecting terminals of the electrical device 400 together. This may be an element that connects the conductive plates 450 to the same electrical potential. These means are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described herein in further detail.

[0100] The spring sheet 140; 240; 340; 440 is deformable between two configurations: an obturation configuration in which the interaction branch 142; 242; 342; 442 of the spring sheet 140; 240; 340; 440 extends through the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411 and a standby configuration in which the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 releases the insertion conduit section 111; 211; 311 to allow the insertion of an electrical conductor 1 into this conduit.

[0101] In the obturation configuration (Figures 1, 5 (right) and 9 (right)) of the spring plate in the first, second, and third embodiments, a solid portion of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340, located at its free end, extends through the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 at the outlet of well 111B; 211B; 311B. This obturates the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 and blocks access to the connection terminal (see the right-hand terminal in Figures 1, 5, 12, and 13). This occurs particularly when the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is at rest, with no conductor inserted into the connection terminal. This configuration is not shown in the third embodiment.

[0102] In the standby configuration (Figures 2, 3, 12, and 14), the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is forced to deform such that the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is positioned at the outlet of well 111B; 211B; 311B (Figures 2 and 10). This allows the passage of the electrical conductor 1 and its insertion into the connection terminal through the window 143; 243; 343 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340.

[0103] In the sealing configuration (Figure 31) of the spring plate of the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the interaction branch 442 of the connecting portion 446 of the spring plate 440 extends through the insertion channel 411 opposite the access opening 411A of the housing and the through-hole 454 of the conductive plate 450. It thus seals the insertion channel 411. This occurs particularly when the pusher 430 is not in cooperation with the retaining element 460 and no conductor is inserted into the connection terminal. However, in this case, access to the connection terminal is not completely blocked, since the electrical conductor inserted into the insertion channel 411 can push the interaction branch 442 of the connecting portion 446 of the spring plate 440 and connect to the connection terminal.

[0104] In the standby configuration (Figure 23), the spring plate 440 is forced to deform in such a way that the interaction branch 442 of the connection portion 446 of the spring plate 440 moves away from the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450. This allows the passage of the electrical conductor 1 and its easy insertion into the connection terminal through the access opening 411A of the housing and the through opening 454 of the conductive plate 450 (Figure 23).

[0105] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has the function of controlling the passage of the spring plate 140; 240; 340; 440 from one to the other of its two configurations. It can be operated by the operator, either manually or with the aid of a tool, as will be described in more detail later. One pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is provided, associated with each spring plate 140; 240; 340; 440.

[0106] This comprises an elongated pin equipped with an actuating head 131; 231; 331; 431, a body 132; 232; 332; 432, and a foot 133; 233; 333; 433 adapted to cooperate with said retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 (Figures 8, 10, and 18). Preferably, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is a one-piece component made of rigid plastic material. For example, it is molded. It may also be produced by any technique known to a person skilled in the art.

[0107] As explained in more detail below, this rigid pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is adapted to cooperate by engaging with a rigid part of the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460.

[0108] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is bounded by two parallel side faces 130A; 230A; 330A; 430A extending parallel to the main side faces 112; 212; 312; 412 of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410. These two side faces 130A; 230A; 330A; 430A are connected to a front end of the pin by a front face 130B; 230B; 330B; 430B and by two cross faces 130C, 130D; 230C, 230D; 330C, 330D; 430C, 430D opposite (figures 8, 10, 14, 16 and 18).

[0109] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the two transverse faces 130C, 130D; 230C, 230D; 330C, 330D are arranged such that the thickness of the pusher 130; 230; 330 measured between these two transverse faces decreases from the drive head 131; 231; 331 towards the foot 133; 233; 333. A first of the transverse faces 130C; 230C; 330C is oriented in the opposite direction to the spring plate 140; 240; 340 and has a flat part, while the second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D, oriented towards the spring plate 140; 240; 340, has a more complex shape which will be described in detail later.

[0110] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the pusher 430 has a generally parallelepiped shape. The body 432 and the foot 433 of the pusher 430 are hollow and house a compression spring 480 (Figure 16) interposed between the head 431 of the pusher 430 and the free end 453 of the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450 (see Figures 23, 24 and 26).

[0111] Foot 433 comprises the rear end of pusher 430. It is shaped like a clamp with two lateral legs 438, extending parallel and facing each other towards the rear. The outer face of each leg 438 forms a rear portion of one of the side faces 430A of pusher 430 (see Figure 18).

[0112] A first of the transverse faces 430C of the pusher 430 is oriented towards the middle part 445 of the spring plate 440, while the second transverse face 430D is oriented towards the conductive plate 450.

[0113] At the level of the foot 433 of the pusher 430, the first cross face 430C has an engagement tooth 439 adapted to cooperate with the retaining element 460 of the spring sheet 440 that will be described later.

[0114] The foot 433 of the pusher 430 also comprises, between the legs 438, a housing 438A adapted to receive the free end 453 of the contact part 452 of the conductive plate 450 (figure 16).

[0115] This housing 438A opens in the second cross face 430D of the pusher 430 to allow the passage of this free end 453 of the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450 between the legs 438 (see Figures 16, 23, 24). The housing 438A accommodates the compression spring 480, one end of which is supported against the bottom of the housing 438A and the other end is supported against the free end 453 of the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450 (see Figures 23 and 24).

[0116] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is movable between an up position (Figures 1, 6, 9, 26, 31 and 32) in which it releases the spring plate 140; 240; 340; 440 to assume its rest position in which it closes said insertion channel 111; 211; 311; 411 (obturation configuration) and a down position (Figures 2, 3, 7, 13 (left), 23, 24, 25, 29 and 30) in which it tensions the spring plate 140; 240; 340; 440 in its standby configuration to open said insertion channel 111; 211; 311; 411. More specifically, herein, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is movable in translation according to a displacement direction P1; P2; P3; P4 that is parallel to the insertion direction D1; D2; D3 of the electrical conductor 1 (figures 1 to 6, 8 to 10 and 11 to 15) in the case of the first, second and third embodiments and that is perpendicular to the insertion direction D4 (figures 16 and 23-32) in the case of the fourth embodiment.

[0117] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is housed in a receiving duct 117; 217; 317; 417 partially enclosed by housing partitions 110; 210; 310; 410 (figures 8, 10, 14, 16, 34 and 36).

[0118] This receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 is located near the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 of the electrical conductor 1 in the first, second, and third embodiments. It then extends globally parallel to the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 associated with the same connection system 120; 220; 320. This receiving conduit 117; 217; 317; 417 opens into an opening 117A; 217A; 317A; 417A in the front face 114; 214; 314; 414 of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 through which the pusher 130; 230; 330 can pass; 430 (Figures 8, 10, 14 and 16). It extends along a longitudinal axis that corresponds to the displacement direction P1; P2; P3; P4 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0119] In the third embodiment, the facade portion 314B of the cover 310B has six openings 317A, each providing access to one of the receiving ducts 317 (Figure 14). The openings 317A are aligned herein in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 312 of the housing 310 near the access openings 311A of the insertion ducts 311, parallel to the alignment direction L of the access openings 311A providing access to the insertion ducts 311. In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the front face 414 of the facade portion 414B of the cover 410B has eight openings 417A, each providing access to one of the receiving ducts 417 (Figure 16). The openings 417A are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the main side faces 412 of the housing 410 (see figure 36).

[0120] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the receiving channel 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 has an inner face 117C; 217C; 317C that is generally flat and extends parallel to the displacement direction P1; P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 (Figures 5, 13, and 14). This inner face 117C; 217C; 317C receives at least part of the first transverse face 130C; 230C; 330C of the pusher 130; 230; 330, which is rotated in the opposite direction to the spring plate 140; 240; 340. When the pusher 130; 230; 330 moves in its receiving channel 117; 217; 317, the flat part of this first transverse face 130C; 230C; 330C slides over this inner face 117C; 217C; 317C of the receiving duct 117; 217; 317. In the case of the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the side faces 430A of the pusher 430 are guided between the front partitions 470B of the housing 410 (figures 34 and 36).

[0121] The drive head 131; 231; 331; 431 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has a shape adapted to seal the opening 117A; 217A; 317A; 417A of the front face 114; 214; 314; 414 of the housing 110; 210; 310; 410. Herein, this opening 117A; 217A; 317A; 417A is square or rectangular in shape, and the drive head 131; 231; 331; 431 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is substantially cubic or parallelepiped (Figures 6, 7, 10, 14 and 16).

[0122] The body 132; 232; 332; 432 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 connects the drive head 131; 231; 331; 431 and the foot 133; 233; 333; 433 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0123] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher facing the spring plate 140; 240; 340 forms, along the body 132; 232; 332 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, a cooperating surface adapted to push the spring plate 140; 240; 340 into its standby configuration when the pusher 130; 230; 330 is held in the lowered position (Figures 3, 12 left and 14, 15) and to allow the spring plate 140; 240; 340 to return to its closing configuration when the pusher 130; 230; 330 moves to the raised position (Figures 1 and 12 right).

[0124] In the first and third embodiments, the cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 330 with the spring plate 140; 340 is curved. It has a convex curvature near the drive head 131; 331 of the pusher 130; 330 and a concave, recessed curvature near the foot 133; 333 of the pusher 130; 330 (Figures 8, 14 and 15).

[0125] In the second embodiment, the cooperation surface of the pusher 230 with the spring sheet 240 comprises an inclined side and, near the foot 233 of the pusher 230, a recessed concave curvature portion (Figure 10).

[0126] The second cross face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher 130; 230; 330 facing the spring plate 140; 240; 340 and forming the cooperation surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 is in contact with the elbow 144; 244: 344 of the spring plate 140; 240: 340. As can be seen in all the figures, the elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 remains in permanent contact with this second cross face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0127] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the rear free edge 438B of the legs 438 of the clamp formed by the foot 433 of the pusher 430 forms a cooperating surface adapted to push the spring plate 440 to tension it in its standby configuration when the pusher 430 is held in the lowered position (Figures 23 to 25) and to allow the spring plate 440 to return to its closing configuration when the pusher 430 moves to the raised position (Figure 26). In practice, the cooperating surface of the pusher 430 cooperates with the face of the interaction branch 442 of the connecting portion 446 of the spring plate 440. More particularly, the rear free edges 438B of the legs 438 of the pusher 430 are adapted to rest on portions of the interaction branch 442 of the spring plate 440 located on each side of the notch 442A provided in the free edge of the interaction branch 442 of the spring plate 440 (Figures 16, 25, 28). The foot 133; 233; 333; 433 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has a shape adapted to engage with a retaining portion 161; 261; 361; 461 of the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 so as to retain the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 in the lowered position. Here, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is held in its lowered position exclusively by the retaining portion 161; 261; 361; 461 of the retaining element 160; 260; 360 (Figures 3, 12 left, 14, 23 to 25).

[0128] The foot 133; 233; 333, 433 of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 has for this purpose an engagement surface 135; 235; 335; 435 (figures 5, 9, 13, 14 and 18) adapted to cooperate in retention with a complementary engagement surface 165; 265; 365; 465 (figures 5, 9, 13, 14 and 16) of the retention portion 161; 261; 361; 461 of the retention element 160; 260; 360; 460. In the first, second and third embodiments, the foot 133; 233; 333 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 has a hook shape (figures 5, 8, 9, 13 and 14) that supports said engagement surface 135; 235; 335. In the fourth embodiment, the engagement surface 435 of the foot 433 belongs to the engagement tooth 439 described above.

[0129] Each engagement surface 135, 165; 235, 265; 335, 365; 465 extends along an inclined plane with respect to the displacement direction P1; P2; P3; P4 of said pusher 130; 230; 330; 430.

[0130] The pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 also comprises stop elements 136; 236; 336; 436 that limit the movement of the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 to the outside of the receiving duct 117; 217; 317; 417 when it is in the raised position (figures 2, 8, 10, 15, 34 and 35).

[0131] In the first and third embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 and 14, 15, these stop elements 136; 336 (Figures 2, 8 and 15) are in the form of two interlocking teeth held by two interlocking tabs cut into the walls of the pusher 130; 330, which form said side faces 130A; 330A of the pusher 130; 330. Each interlocking tooth comes into contact with a stop partition of the housing 110; 310 when the pusher 130; 330 is moved to its raised position.

[0132] In the second embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 13, these stop elements 236 (Figure 10) are in the form of two indentations 236 projecting from the side faces 230A of the pusher 230. These indentations 236 come into contact with a stop partition of the housing 210 when the pusher 230 moves into its raised position.

[0133] In the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 16 to 35, these stop elements 436 (Figures 34 and 35) are in the form of two teeth 436 projecting from the side faces 430A of the pusher 430 at the end of the legs 438. These teeth 436 come into contact with the edge of the front partitions 470B of the housing 410 when the pusher 430 moves into its raised position (Figures 34, 35 and 36).

[0134] In its raised position, the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 is retained in the housing 110; 210; 310; 410 by means of these stop elements 136; 236; 336; 436 (figures 2, 8, 9, 10, 34, 35 and 36).

[0135] The retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 has the function of retaining the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 in its lowered position and allowing it to move to the raised position only when the electrical conductor 1 is correctly inserted into the insertion channel 111; 211; 311; 411.

[0136] To this end, the retaining element 160; 260; 360; 460 is movable between a retaining position (Figures 2, 3, 12 left, 14, 15, 23, 24 and 25) in which its retaining part 161; 261; 361; 461 cooperates in a retaining manner with the pusher 130; 230; 330; 430 to keep it, by itself, in its lowered position, and a release position (Figures 1, 4, 9, 13 left and 26) in which said retaining part 161; 261; 361; 461 is released from its cooperation with the pusher 130; 230, 330; 430 so that the latter assumes its raised position.

[0137] It should be noted that the retaining element 160; 260, 360; 460 further comprises an actuating part 162; 262, 362; 462 accessible through said insertion conduit 111; 211; 311; 411 of the electrical conductor 1 (figures 1 to 5 and 8 to 14, 16).

[0138] In the first, second and third embodiments, said retaining element 160; 260, 360 has the form of an intermediate piece other than the spring plate 140; 240; 340.

[0139] This intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 further comprises a joint 163; 263; 363 connecting the drive part 162; 262; 362 with the retaining part 161; 261; 361 (figure 11).

[0140] In general, the retaining parts 161; 261; 361 and the actuating parts 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 have greater rigidity than the joint 163; 263; 363. The rigid retaining parts 161; 261; 361 and actuating parts 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 are articulated by the joint 163; 263; 363 which forms a flexible part of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0141] The two embodiments shown on the one hand in Figures 1 to 8 and on the other hand in Figures 9 to 13 differ essentially in the different shape of the intermediate parts 160; 260. This results in a different shape of the housing that accommodates them in the casing 110; 210, as well as a different operation, as will be explained later.

[0142] The structure and operation of the intermediate part 360 of the third embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15 are similar to those of the intermediate part 160 of the first embodiment, unless otherwise stated.

[0143] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the retaining portion 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 comprises a main upright 164A; 264A; 364A elongated along a longitudinal axis, forming a hook at its free end (Figures 8 and 11). This hook has the engagement surface 165; 265; 365 described above, which is adapted to cooperate with the engagement surface 135; 235; 335 complementary to the foot of the pusher 130; 230; 330 by pressing against this engagement surface 135; 235; 335. The hooks formed by the foot of the pusher 130; 230; 330 and the free end of the retaining portion 161; 261; 361 correspond so that in the lowered position of the pusher 130; 230; 330, they are coupled one inside the other (figures 3 and 12 (left)).

[0144] The retaining part 161; 261; 361 further comprises, at the base of the main upright 164A; 264A; 364A, a rounded portion forming a handle 166; 266; 366 that allows the main upright 164A; 264A; 364A to pivot about a pivot axis B1; B2; B3 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of this main upright 164A; 264A; 364A (Figures 8, 10, 11 and 14).

[0145] In the first and third embodiments of Figures 1 to 8 and 14, 15, the handle 166; 366 of the retaining part 161; 361 is directly connected to the joint 163; 363 of the intermediate piece 160; 360. The joint 163; 363 here comprises a plate with a partially corrugated profile. Furthermore, the low thickness of this plate relative to the dimensions of the other parts of the intermediate piece 160; 360 gives it a degree of flexibility. In the second embodiment of Figures 9 to 13, the main strut 264A is extended by a rigid secondary strut 264B, connected to the main strut 264A by means of an elbow 264C. The handle 266 extends at the level of this elbow 264C (Figure 11). A tie rod 269 makes the assembly of the two main uprights 264A and secondary uprights 264B rigid (figure 10).

[0146] The retaining part 261 of the intermediate piece 260 further comprises, on one face of the secondary upright 264B turned in the opposite direction to the main upright 264A, a stop rib 268 (figures 10 and 11).

[0147] The intermediate piece 260 of the second embodiment also comprises an elastic tongue 267 extending from the elbow 264C projecting from the main upright 264A of the retaining portion 261 (Figures 10 and 11). The role of these elements will be explained later.

[0148] On the opposite side of the elbow 264C, the secondary upright 264B is attached to the joint 263. This joint 263 comprises a curved plate whose thickness is small with respect to the dimensions of the other parts of the retaining part, giving it some flexibility (Figure 11).

[0149] In the first, second and third embodiments, the arrangement of the joint 163; 263; 363 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 with respect to the retaining parts 161; 261; 361 and the drive parts 162; 262; 362 gives it elastic properties.

[0150] The drive portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 is generally T-shaped herein, with a leg 162B; 262B; 362B extending into the joint 163; 263; 363 and supporting a plate 162C; 262C; 362C. The plate 162C; 262C; 362C extends perpendicularly to and protrudes from the leg 162B; 262B; 362B. The drive portion 162; 262; 362 further comprises an interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A for supporting one end of the electrical conductor (Figures 2, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14). This interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A is formed here by the front face of plate 162C; 262C; 362C. The drive part 162; 262; 362 is more rigid than the joint 163; 263; 363.

[0151] The drive part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 is substantially movable along the insertion direction D1; D2; D3 of the electrical conductor 1, here in translation.

[0152] Preferably, the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is a one-piece part made of plastic material. For example, it is molded or obtained by any other technique known to the person skilled in the art.

[0153] The intermediate part 160; 260; 360 is partially housed in a housing 118; 218 of the casing 110; 210; 310, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of the intermediate part 160; 260; 360 and its movement (Figures 8 and 10). This housing is not visible in the figures of the third embodiment. In the case of the third embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the structure and operation of the intermediate part are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0154] This housing 118; 218 is elongated and extends to the rear of the electrical conductor 1 insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and the pusher 130; 230; 330 receiving conduit 117; 217; 317, between these two conduits. At the front, it is separated from the electrical conductor 1 insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and the pusher 130; 230; 330 receiving conduit 117; 217; 317 by a separating partition 118A; 218A (Figures 8 and 10). At the rear, it is insulated by a back wall 118B; 218B (Figures 8 and 10). Two slots 118C, 118D; 218C, 218D in the separation partition 118A; 218A opposite the insertion duct 111; 211; 311 and the receiving duct 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, so that the housing 118; 218 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 communicates with each of these two ducts (figures 8 and 10).

[0155] The plate 162C; 262C; 362C of the drive portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 is arranged at the bottom of the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 such that the front face of the plate 162C; 262C; 362C forming the interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A faces the access opening 111A; 211A; 311A of the insertion channel 111; 211; 311, while the pin 162B; 262B; 362B of this plate passes through a first 118C; 218C of the two slots 118C, 118D; 218C, 118D. The joint 163; 263; 363 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 extends to the housing 118; 218. The hook formed at the free end of the retaining part 161; 261: 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 protrudes into the receiving channel 117; 217; 317 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, at the bottom of the latter, through the second groove 118D; 218D (Figures 8 and 10).

[0156] The back wall 118B; 218B of the housing 118; 218 is adapted to guide the movement of the intermediate piece 160; 260.

[0157] In the first, second, and third embodiments of the electrical device 100; 200; 300, the housing portion 118; 218 that accommodates the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360, extending to the rear of the insertion channel 111; 211; 311, is shaped like a channel 119; 219 (Figures 8 and 10). This channel 119; 219 extends along the insertion direction D1; D2; D3 of the electrical conductor 1 and is adapted to accommodate the pin 162B; 262B; 362B of the drive portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360. It guides the translational movement of this drive portion 162; 262; 362 along the insertion direction D1; D2; D3. The dimensions of this channel 119; 219 are smaller than those of the plate 162C; 262C; 362C of the drive part 162; 262; 362, so that the latter moves only in the insertion channel 111; 211; 311. In one variant, the translational movement of the drive part of the intermediate piece could be considered to occur in a direction slightly inclined or curved with respect to the insertion direction of the electrical conductor.

[0158] In the first and third embodiments of the electrical device, the housing 118 comprises, in the rear part of the receiving conduit 117; 317 of the pusher 130; 330, a rounded part 118E that houses the handle 166; 366 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360. This rounded part 118E is formed in the bottom wall 118B of the housing 118 (figure 8).

[0159] Here, the retaining part 161; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 360 is movable, pivoting between its retaining and release positions. The handle 166 remains permanently housed in the rounded portion 118E of the housing 118: the pivot axis B1 of the retaining part 161 is fixed.

[0160] In the second embodiment, the housing 218 has an inclined surface 218E located opposite the receiving channel 217 of the pusher 230, adapted to cooperate with the handle 266 of the intermediate piece 260. This inclined surface 218E belongs to the separating partition 218A of the housing 218 (Figure 10). The bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 has a notch 218F that forms a stop for the stop rib 268 of the intermediate piece 206. The shape of the housing 218 is also adapted to cooperate with the elastic tongue 267 of the intermediate piece 260: this rests against an inner face of the housing 218 that joins the separating partition 218A and the bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 (Figure 10).

[0161] The retaining part 261 of the intermediate piece 260 according to the second embodiment has a more complex movement than the movement of the retaining part 161 of the intermediate piece 160 according to the first embodiment since the pivot axis B2 of the retaining part 261 corresponding to the axis of the handle 266 is movable.

[0162] The retaining part 261 is movable by sliding between its retaining position and its release position. In addition, the movement of the retaining part 261 also comprises a pivoting motion.

[0163] The conductive plate 150; 250; 350 is housed in the casing 110; 210; 310 against the front face of the separation partition 118A; 218A.

[0164] In the first and second embodiments, to allow the passage of each retaining part 161; 261 into the receiving conduit 117; 217 of the pusher 130; 230, the central part 151; 251 of the conducting plate 150; 250 has, opposite each second groove 118D; 218D made in the separating partition 118A; 218A, a notch 151A; 251A that allows this passage (Figures 8 and 10).

[0165] In order to allow the passage of the retaining portion 160; 260 through the second slot 118D; 218D of the housing 118; 218 and through the notch 151A; 251A of the conductive insert 150; 250, the main strut 164A; 264A of the retaining portion 161; 261 has a tapered section. It is this tapered section that passes through the second slot 118D; 218D of the housing 118; 218 and through the notch 151A; 251A of the conductive insert 150; 250 (Figures 8 and 11).

[0166] In the third embodiment, the windows 355 provided in the intermediate part 354 of the conductive plate 350 similarly allow the passage of the retaining part 361 of each intermediate piece 360 into the receiving duct 317 of the pusher 330 (figure 14).

[0167] The main upright 364A of the retaining part 361 of the intermediate piece 360 does not here comprise a narrowed section. Its section is uniform.

[0168] The operation of the first, second, and third modes of embodiment of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 will now be described.

[0169] Figures 1 and 9 show the internal arrangement of the elements of the electrical device 100; 200 before the spring plates 140; 240 are assembled. This arrangement is obtained at the factory or after disconnecting an electrical conductor from each connection terminal.

[0170] In this unarmed arrangement, the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is at rest: it is not tensioned by the pusher 130; 230; 330. On the contrary, the elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 cooperates with the portion of the cooperating surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 that has the concave, recessed curvature near the foot 133; 233; 333 of the pusher 130; 230; 330. The elbow 144; 244; 344 exerts pressure at this level on the cooperating surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330, which pushes it forward through the opening 117A; 217A; 317A of its receiving conduit 117; 217; 317. The stop elements 136; 236; 336 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 are supported against the stop partition of the housing 110; 210; 310 and prevent the pusher from leaving the housing 110; 210; 310 (Figures 1 and 9). The drive head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 protrudes from the housing 110; 210; 310 of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 through the opening 117; 217; 317 (Figures 1, 6, 9) in the front face 114; 214; 314 of casing 110; 210; 310.

[0171] The spring plate 140; 240; 340 is in its shut-off configuration: the free end of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 extends into the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 of the housing 110; 210; 310. Access to the connection terminal is blocked because if an electrical conductor 1 is inserted into the insertion channel 111; 211; 311, its end strikes against the free end of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 (Figures 1 and 9).

[0172] The intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 is without contact and without interaction with the pusher 130; 230; 360.

[0173] The retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 extends parallel to the displacement direction P1; P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0174] The drive portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 is largely housed in the insertion channel 111; 211; 311. Only the end of the pin 162B; 262B; 362B of the drive portion that is attached to the joint 163; 263; 363 is in the channel 119; 219 of the housing 118; 218 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0175] In the first and third embodiments, the handle 166; 366 of the intermediate piece 160; 360 is pressed against the rounded portion 118E of the housing 118 by the action of the joint 163; 363 (figure 1).

[0176] In the second embodiment, the handle 266 of the intermediate piece is pressed against the inclined surface 218E of the separating partition 218A of the housing 218 of the intermediate piece 260 by the action of the elastic tongue 267, which rests against the inner face of the housing 218 connecting the separating partition 218D and the bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 (Figure 9). The recoil movement of the retaining portion 261 toward the actuating portion 262 is thus restricted.

[0177] To use the electrical device 100; 200; 300, the first step is to assemble the spring plate 140; 240; 340 of each connection terminal, i.e., to place it in the standby configuration (Figure 2). To do this, the operator presses the pusher 130; 230; 330 by pressing its actuating head 131; 231; 331 that protrudes from the housing 110; 210; 310.

[0178] The drive head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 can be pressed manually, using a finger, or with a tool. To facilitate the use of a tool, the front face 130B; 230B; 330B of the drive head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 has a groove 137; 237; 337 (Figures 6, 7, 10, and 14) that allows the insertion of the end of the tool, for example, a screwdriver.

[0179] When the pusher 130; 230; 330 is lowered into its housing 118; 218, its foot 133; 233; 333 comes into contact with the retaining portion 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360. This portion pivots slightly as the pusher 130; 230; 330 is lowered to allow its passage. Finally, the retaining portion 161; 261; 361 returns to its initial position, in the direction of the pusher's displacement P1; P2; P3, thanks to the elastic properties of the joint 163; 263; 363 and the elastic tongue 267 in the second embodiment. It then engages with the foot 133; 233; 333 of the pusher 130; 230; 330. In practice, this is equivalent to press-fitting the pusher 130; 230; 330 onto the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360. The pusher 130, 230 and 330 is thus locked in the lowered position (figure 2).

[0180] Thanks to the profile of the pusher 130; 230; 330, which tapers from its drive head 131; 231; 331 to its foot 133; 233; 333, and its positioning relative to the spring plate 140; 240; 340, the thickness of the portion of the pusher 130; 230; 330 in contact with the spring plate 140; 240; 340 increases progressively as the pusher 130; 230; 330 moves from the raised to the lowered position. This thickness is measured along a direction substantially orthogonal to the displacement direction P1, P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330. As it slides along the displacement direction P1; P2; P3, the pusher 130; 230; 330 thus progressively pushes the elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the displacement direction P1; P2; P3 of the pusher 130; 230; 330, towards the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 of the housing 110; 210; 310.

[0181] The spring plate 140; 240; 340 thus assumes its standby configuration when the pusher 130; 230; 330 is lowered into its receiving chute 117; 217; 317: the two U-shaped parts of the support branch 141; 241; 341 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 approach each other, and the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 moves into the insertion chute 111; 211; 311. The window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 is displaced and positioned in the insertion chute 111; 211; 311, at the outlet of well 111B; 211B; 311B, so that access to the connection terminal is released (Figure 2).

[0182] Each connection terminal of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 is thus assembled and ready to receive an electrical conductor for connection (figures 2, 7).

[0183] Preferably, each connection terminal of the electrical device 100; 200; 300 is factory assembled so that it is delivered ready for use by the operator.

[0184] When the pusher 130; 230; 330 is in its lowered position, the pusher 130; 230; 330 is fully housed in the housing 110; 210; 310. Its drive head 131; 231; 331 is flush with or located towards the rear of the front face 114; 214; 314 of the housing 110; 210; 310 (Figures 2 and 13 left).

[0185] Advantageously, the fact that the pusher 130; 230; 330 does not protrude from the housing 110; 210; 310 in its lowered position visually indicates to the operator that the corresponding connection terminal is armed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the access opening 111A; 211A; 311A of the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 allows verification that the connection terminal is accessible to the electrical conductor.

[0186] Advantageously, the pusher 130; 230; 330 is further traversed longitudinally by a test channel 138 extending directly from the head 131; 231; 331 of the pusher 130; 230; 330 to the second transverse face 130D; 230D; 330D of the pusher 130; 230. This test channel 138 opens into the bottom of the groove 137 (Figures 7), allowing the insertion of the tool tip. When the tip of a test tool is inserted into this test channel 138, it makes contact with the spring plate 140; 240; 340. It is thus possible to determine whether the electrical device is "energized," connected to the electrical network.

[0187] A second step in implementing electrical device 100; 200; 300 involves inserting electrical conductor 1 into the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 of the housing 110; 210; 310 of electrical device 100; 200; 300 (Figures 3 and 12). This is a flexible cable-type electrical conductor with a crimped connector. However, other types of electrical conductors may be used.

[0188] The end of electrical conductor 1 passes through access opening 111A; 211A; 311A, in well 111B; 211B; 311B that partially delimits insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and through window 143; 243; 343 of interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of spring sheet 140; 240; 340 (Figures 3 and 12). The end of electrical conductor 1 is inserted between the edge of the window opening 143; 243; 343 of interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of spring sheet 140; 240; 340 and the conductive plate 150; 250; 350.

[0189] It comes into contact with and rests on the interaction surface 162A; 262A; 362A of the drive portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360. The pin 162B; 262B; 362B of the drive portion 162; 262; 362 slides into the channel 119; 219 of the housing 118; 218. The plate 162C; 262C; 362C of the drive portion 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 slides into the insertion channel 111; 211; 311 and is pushed against the front face of the separation partition 118A; 218A of the housing 118; 218 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360. This translational movement of the drive part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 deforms the joint 163; 263; 363 and causes the movement of the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360 (figures 4 and 13) to release the pusher 130; 230; 330.

[0190] In the first and third embodiments of the electrical device 100; 300, when the electrical conductor 1 is fully inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 311, the retaining part 161; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 360 pivots about the pivot axis B1; B3 defined by the handle 166; 366 of the intermediate piece 160; 360, in the direction of the drive part 162; 362. In doing so, the hook formed by the free end of the retaining part 161; 361 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 133; 333 of the pusher 130; 330 and releases the latter.

[0191] In the second embodiment of the electrical device 200, the intermediate piece 260 is initially in the position shown in Figure 12 or Figure 13 on the right and described above.

[0192] When the electrical conductor 1 is fully inserted into the insertion channel 211, the electrical conductor 1 pushes the drive portion 262, and therefore the joint 263, in the direction of the retaining portion 261. The retaining portion 261 of the intermediate piece 260 slides into the housing 218: the secondary strut 264B of the retaining portion 261 is pushed in the direction of the pusher 230 and slides over the bottom wall 218B of the housing 218 until the stop rib 268 comes to rest against the notch 218F of this bottom wall 218B. In doing so, the elastic tab 267 is compressed. The sliding is accompanied by a pivoting of the retaining part 161. The hook formed by the free end of the retaining part 261 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 233 of the pusher 230, and therefore releases the latter (figure 13 left).

[0193] Regardless of the first, second, and third embodiment, the pusher 130; 230; 330 is no longer held in its lowered position and therefore returns to its raised position under the pressure of the spring plate 140; 240; 340, which tends to return to its initial shape, i.e., its rest shape in the closing configuration (Figure 1, 5 right, 9). The cooperating surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 is adapted to cooperate with the elbow of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 so that the pusher 130; 230; 330 is displaced forward.

[0194] The elbow 144; 244; 344 of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 slides on the cooperating surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330 and thus pushes it outward from the housing 110; 210; 310. The pusher 130; 230; 330 then translates along the displacement direction P1; P2 until the stop elements 136; 236; 336 abut the stop walls of the housing 110; 210; 310. The elbow 144; 244; 344 is positioned against the concave curvature portion of the interacting surface of the pusher 130; 230; 330. In doing so, the window 143; 243; 343 of the interaction branch 142; 242; 342 of the spring sheet 140; 240; 340 moves and its edge comes to squeeze the electrical conductor 1 inserted in the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 against the conductive plate 150; 250; 350.

[0195] This movement of the spring plate 140; 240; 340 is accompanied by a "click" sound signal that indicates to the operator that the connection has been made.

[0196] In the electrical device according to the first, second and third embodiments not included in the invention, the electrical connection is established only when the pusher 130; 230; 330 is released from its cooperation with the retaining part 161; 261; 361 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360, i.e., when the electrical conductor is fully inserted into the insertion conduit 111; 211; 311 and presses on the drive part 162; 262; 362 of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0197] Consequently, the electrical connection is reliable and safe.

[0198] To disconnect an electrical conductor from the connection terminal, it is necessary to lower the pusher 130; 230; 330, manually or with the aid of a tool (Figure 5), to move the spring plate 140; 240; 340 to its standby configuration, at least temporarily. It is not necessary to lower the pusher 130; 230; 330 completely until it engages with the retaining portion of the intermediate piece 160; 260; 360.

[0199] It is possible to press the pusher 130; 230; 330 with one hand until the electrical conductor 1 is released and then remove it with the other hand. When the operator releases pressure on the pusher 130; 230; 330, it returns to its raised position. The connection terminal must then be reassembled to accommodate a new electrical conductor. It is also possible to fully lower the pusher 130; 230; 330 to its lowered position. It then locks in this position, and the operator has both hands free to manipulate and remove the electrical conductor. The connection terminal is now reassembled and ready to receive a new electrical conductor (Figure 2). In the fourth embodiment of the invention, the retaining element 460 belongs to the spring plate 440.

[0200] The drive part 462 and the retention part 461 of the retention element 460 are integrated into the intermediate part 445 of the spring plate 440.

[0201] As shown more particularly in Figure 17, this intermediate portion 445 of the spring sheet 440 comprises the curved joining portion 443, a straight portion 445B, and a slightly curved free end 445A opposite the interaction branch 442. The straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring sheet 440 extends substantially perpendicular to the support branch 441. The connecting portion 446 of the spring sheet 440 is folded in the direction of the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 so that the interaction branch 442 extends in the direction of the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring sheet 440.

[0202] The straight portion 445B has a window near the free end 445A of the intermediate portion 445. An inner edge 465 of this window, facing rearward, forms the retaining portion 461 of the retaining element 460 (Figure 17). As shown, for example, in Figure 17, the engaging surface 435 of the engaging tooth 439, disposed on the first transverse face 430C of the pusher 430 at the level of its foot 433 and facing forward, is adapted to cooperate with this inner edge 465 of the window of the retaining element 460 to retain the pusher 430 in its lowered position (Figure 17).

[0203] The engagement tooth 439 of the pusher 430 is shaped and sized to fit into the window of the retaining element 460. It also comprises a rearward-facing face extending along an inclined plane that facilitates the passage of the pusher 430 from its raised to its lowered position. The engagement tooth 439 generally gives the foot 433 of the pusher 430 a hook shape. A bearing area of the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring plate 440, located near the window, towards the rear of the window, constitutes the actuating portion 462 of the retaining element 460. This bearing area of the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 extends through the insertion channel 411 of the electrical conductor. It has an interaction surface 462A on which the bare end of the electrical conductor 1 rests when it is inserted into the insertion conduit 411.

[0204] The retaining portion 461 and the actuating portion 462 of the retaining element 460 thus belong to the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring leaf 440. They thereby form a rigid, non-deformable assembly. The retaining element 460, comprising the window and the support area of the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring leaf 440, is pivotally movable about a pivot axis extending transversely to the spring leaf 440. This pivotal mobility is provided by the curved connecting portion 443. Thanks to this pivotal mobility of the retaining element 460, the actuating portion 462 of the retaining element 460 is substantially movable along the insertion direction D4 of the electrical conductor 1.

[0205] The insertion direction D4 of the electrical conductor is substantially perpendicular to the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring sheet 440. The translation direction P4 of the pusher 430 is substantially parallel to this straight portion 445B.

[0206] Said pusher 430 is thus translationally movable according to a translation direction P4 substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction D4 of the electric conductor.

[0207] Now, the operation of the fourth embodiment of the electrical device 400 according to the invention will be described.

[0208] Figures 19 and 23 show the configuration of the elements of the electrical device 400 before the introduction of an electrical conductor 1 into one of the connection terminals.

[0209] Each connection terminal of the electrical device 400 is here assembled and ready to receive an electrical conductor for connection (Figures 19, 23). This is the preferred configuration for delivering the electrical device 400 to its operator.

[0210] Preferably, each connection terminal of the 400 electrical device is thus factory assembled so that it is delivered ready for use by the operator.

[0211] In this "armed" configuration, each pusher 430 is in its lowered position. It is housed completely inside the housing 410. Its drive head 431 is flush with or located towards the rear of the front face 414 of the housing 410.

[0212] In this lowered position, each pusher 430 is held in place by its cooperation with the retaining portion 461 of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring plate 440. More specifically, as shown in Figure 23, the engaging tooth 439 of the pusher foot 433 engages through the window provided in the straight portion 445B of the intermediate portion 445 of the spring plate 440. The interaction surface 435 of the engaging tooth 439 bears against the inner edge 465 of the window in this intermediate portion 445 of the spring plate 440 to hold the pusher 430.

[0213] In the lowered position of the pusher 430, the free edge 438B of the pusher 430's tabs 438 rests on the free end 443 of the interacting portion 442 of the spring plate 440 and pushes this interacting portion 442 away from the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450 (Figure 25). The insertion channel 411 is thus clear and accessible (Figure 24), and its cross-section is free so as to allow the insertion of the electrical conductor 1 into the corresponding connection terminal without effort.

[0214] Furthermore, in this position, the compression spring 480 housed within the body 432 of the pusher 430 is compressed (Figure 24) between the head of the pusher 430 and the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450. Advantageously, the fact that the pusher 430 does not protrude from the housing 410 in its lowered position visually indicates to the operator that the corresponding connection terminal is armed.

[0215] The first step in implementing electrical device 400 is to insert electrical conductor 1 into the insertion channel 411 of the housing 410 of electrical device 400 (Figures 20 and 24), by moving it according to arrow F3 in Figures 19 and 23. This is a flexible cable-type electrical conductor with a crimped connector. However, other types of electrical conductors can be used.

[0216] The bare end of electrical conductor 1 passes through access opening 411A, into well 411B that partially delimits insertion conduit 411, and through through opening 454 of conductive plate 450 (Figure 23). The bare end of electrical conductor 1 is inserted between interaction branch 442 of spring plate 440 and contact portion 452 of conductive plate 450 (Figure 24).

[0217] It comes into contact with the interaction surface 462A of the actuating part 462 of the retaining element 460 and exerts pressure on it. The intermediate part 445 of the spring leaf 440 is pushed by the electrical conductor and pivots thanks to the connecting part 443 of the spring leaf 440, which deforms (Figure 26).

[0218] As the intermediate portion 445 of the spring plate 440 is pushed rearward while the pusher 430 remains stationary, the window of the retaining element 460 moves away from the engaging tooth 439 of the pusher 430, and the engaging surface 435 of the engaging tooth 439 disengages from the inner edge 465 of the window. The retaining element 460 disengages from its cooperation with the foot 433 of the pusher 430 and releases it. No longer being held in its lowered position, the pusher 430 rises to its raised position under the action of the expanding compression spring 480 (Figure 26).

[0219] The pusher 430 then moves in translation along the movement direction P4 until the stop elements 436 come into contact with the front partitions 470B of the housing 410. The pusher 430 is guided in its translational movement by the front partitions 470B of the housing 410.

[0220] In doing so, the pusher 430 releases the pressure it exerts on the interaction branch 442 of the spring plate 440, which moves and comes to clamp the stripped end of the electrical conductor 1 inserted into the insertion conduit 411 against the contact portion 452 of the conductive plate 450.

[0221] This movement of the spring plate 440 is accompanied by a "click" sound signal that indicates to the operator that the connection has been made.

[0222] In the electrical device described herein, the electrical connection is established only when the pusher 430 is released from its cooperation with the retaining part 461 of the retaining element 460, i.e., when the stripped end of the electrical conductor is fully inserted into the insertion conduit 411 and presses the drive part 462 of the retaining element 460.

[0223] Consequently, the electrical connection is reliable and safe.

[0224] To disconnect the electrical conductor 1 from the connection terminal, it is necessary to lower the pusher 430, either manually or with the aid of a tool (Figures 21 and 22), to move the spring plate 440 to its standby position, at least temporarily. It is not necessary to lower the pusher 430 completely until it engages with the retaining portion 461 of the retaining element 460.

[0225] It is possible to lower the pusher 430 with one hand until electrical conductor 1 is free and remove it with the other hand. When the operator releases pressure on the pusher 430, it returns to its raised position. The connection terminal must be reassembled to accommodate a new electrical conductor.

[0226] It is also possible to lower the pusher 430 completely into its lowered position. It then locks in this position, and the operator has both hands free to work on the electrical conductor and remove it (according to arrow F6 in Figure 22). The connection terminal is now armed and ready to receive a new electrical conductor (Figure 22).

[0227] To push the pusher 430, the drive head 431 of the pusher 430 can be manually pressed, using a finger or a tool. To facilitate the use of a tool, the front face 430B of the drive head 431 of the pusher 430 has a groove 437 (Figures 27, 29) that allows the insertion of the end of the tool, for example a screwdriver.

[0228] To move from its raised to its lowered position, the pusher 430 slides into the housing 410 in the direction of movement P4. The inclined plane of the pusher 439's engagement tooth 430 rests against the free end 445B of the intermediate part 445 of the spring plate 440 and pushes it progressively rearward. The intermediate part 445 pivots due to the deformation of the connecting part 443. Figures 27 to 30 relate to the disconnection of the electrical conductor 1.

[0229] Figures 27 and 28 show the pusher 430 in an intermediate position during its descent. The tool tip is inserted into the groove 437 provided for this purpose in the head 431 of the pusher 430. At the end of the inclined plane, the window of the retaining element 460 faces the engaging tooth 439, which passes through the window (Figures 29, 30). The interaction surface 435 of the engaging tooth 439 abuts against the inner edge 465 of the window. The tabs 438 of the pusher 430 press the interaction branch 442 of the spring plate 440 away from the conductive plate 450.

[0230] Electrical conductor 1 can be removed effortlessly and pusher 430 is armed in view of inserting another electrical conductor into the connection terminal.

[0231] In some cases, the pusher 430 may accidentally disengage from its engagement with the retaining element 460 of the spring plate 440, for example, after an impact on the electrical device 400, without the introduction of an electrical conductor. In this case, the pusher 430 returns to its raised position under the action of the compression spring 480.

[0232] In this unarmed arrangement, the spring plate 440 is at rest: it is not tensioned by the pusher 430. The stop elements 436 of the pusher 430 are supported against the stop partition 470B of the housing 410 and prevent the pusher from coming out of the housing 410 (Figures 1 and 9). The drive head 431 of the pusher 230 protrudes from the housing 410 of the electrical device 400 through the opening 117 (Figure 31) in the front face 414 of the housing 410.

[0233] The spring plate 440 is in its shut-off configuration: the free end of the interaction branch 442 extends into the insertion channel 411 of the housing 410. However, unlike the other embodiments, access to the connection terminal is not completely blocked: it is possible to insert the stripped end of an electrical conductor into the connection terminal, as in a conventional automatic connection terminal (Figures 32 and 33). If an electrical conductor 1 is inserted into the insertion channel 411, its stripped end presses against the interaction branch 442 of the spring plate 440 and pushes this interaction branch 442 rearward, thus allowing the electrical conductor to be inserted. However, some pressure must be applied to the electrical conductor to insert it into the connection terminal. The retaining element 460 is here without contact and without interaction with the pusher 430.

[0234] To reuse the electrical device 400 after the pusher 430 has been unexpectedly disengaged from the retaining element 460, it is also possible to reassemble the spring plate 440 of each connection terminal, i.e., to place it in the standby configuration (Figure 2). To do this, the operator lowers the pusher 430 by pressing its actuating head 431, which protrudes from the housing 410.

[0235] As it slides along the direction of movement P4, the pusher 430 thus progressively pushes the interaction branch 442 of the spring plate 440 towards the rear in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement P4 of the pusher 430.

[0236] The spring plate 440 thus goes into its standby configuration when the pusher 430 is lowered into its receiving duct 417.

[0237] The connection terminal is armed again.

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS 1. An electrical device (400) comprising a housing (410) provided with an insertion channel (411) for an electrical conductor (1) and housing an electrical connection system (420) associated with said insertion channel (411), said electrical connection system (420) comprising: - an automatic connection terminal with a spring-loaded blade (440), said insertion channel (411) accessing said automatic connection terminal; - a pusher (430) movable between two stable positions: an up position in which it releases the spring-loaded blade (440), which closes said insertion channel (411), and a down position in which it tensions the spring-loaded blade (440) to open said insertion channel (411); and - a movable retaining element (460) comprising a retaining part (461) movable between a retaining position in which said retaining part (461) cooperates in a retaining manner with the pusher (430) to, by itself, maintain it in its lowered position, and a release position in which said retaining part (461) is released from its cooperation with the pusher (430) so that the latter assumes its raised position, said retaining element (460) comprising an actuating part (462) accessible through said insertion conduit (411) of the electrical conductor (1), characterized in that the retaining element (460) belongs to said spring plate (440). 2. Electrical device (400) according to claim 1, wherein said retaining part (461) of the retaining element (460) is pivotally movable between its retaining position and its release position. 3. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said actuating part (462) of the retaining element (460) has an interaction surface (462A) for supporting one end of the electrical conductor (1). 4. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said actuating part (462) of the retaining element (460) is substantially movable along the insertion direction (D4) of the electrical conductor (1). 5. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said retaining part (461) comprises an engagement surface (465) extending along an inclined plane with respect to a translation direction (P4) of said pusher (430) and adapted to cooperate in a retaining manner with a complementary surface (435) of the pusher. 6. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said spring sheet (440) has a support branch (441) and an interaction branch (442) pre-tensioned against a conductive plate (450). 7. Electrical device (400) according to claim 6, wherein said pusher (430) has a cooperating surface adapted to cooperate with the spring sheet (440) to tension the interaction branch (442) of the spring sheet (440) in a standby configuration in which the insertion conduit section (411) is released when the pusher (430) is held in the lowered position and to allow the interaction branch (442) of the spring sheet (440) to return to a shut-off configuration in which the interaction branch (442) of the spring sheet (440) is extended through the insertion conduit (411) when the pusher (430) moves to the raised position. 8. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said pusher (430) protrudes from the housing (410) in the raised position. 9. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said housing (410) comprises a plurality of independent insertion channels (411) each authorizing the insertion of an electrical conductor (1) and housing a plurality of electrical connection systems (420), each electrical connection system (420) being associated with one of the insertion channels (411). 10. Electrical device (400) according to claim 9, wherein: - said housing (410) comprises two parallel main side faces (412) adapted to join with two other housings of the same type, two cross faces (415), a rear face (413) and a front face (414); - each insertion conduit (411) extends along an insertion direction (D4) and is accessible through an access opening (411A) provided in one of the cross faces (415) of said housing (410), said access openings (411A) being arranged in a line perpendicular (L) to said main side faces (412), and said insertion axes (D4) being substantially perpendicular to a median plane (PM2) of the housing (410) substantially perpendicular to the main side faces (412). 11. Electrical device (400) according to one of the preceding claims, forming a connecting block, a terminal, a switch or an electrical socket. 12. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said actuating part (462) and the retaining part (461) of the retaining element (460) form a rigid, non-deformable assembly. 13. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the conductive plate (450) is U-shaped and houses a connecting part (446) of said spring sheet (440) to which belong the support branch (441) disposed against one wing of the U formed by the conductive plate (440) and the interaction branch (442) tensioned against the other wing of the U, and wherein the spring sheet (440) further comprises, in the extension of the support branch (441), an intermediate part (445) provided with said retaining element (460). 14. Electrical device (400) according to claim 13, wherein said intermediate part (445) of the spring sheet (440) comprises a joining part (443) extending between the support branch (441) and the retaining element (460), which allows pivoting of the retaining element (460). 15. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the retaining element (460) comprises, on the one hand, a window arranged in said intermediate part (445) of the spring plate (440), of which an inner edge (465) forms the retaining part (461) of the retaining element (460) and, on the other hand, a zone of the intermediate part (445) of the spring plate (440) that forms said actuating part (462) of the retaining element (460). 16. Electrical device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said pusher (430) is translationally movable in a translational direction substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction (D4) of the electrical conductor (1).