EP2936624A1

EP2936624A1 - Equipment module and electrical connector of electrical equipment

Info

Publication number: EP2936624A1
Application number: EP13821873.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jérôme Longeville
Original assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Current assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Priority date: 2012-12-20
Filing date: 2013-12-17
Publication date: 2015-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-17
Also published as: FR3000305A1; WO2014096681A1; FR3000305B1; EP2936624B1

Abstract

The invention pertains to an electrical connector (100) and an equipment module (200) on the rear of which the electrical connector is attached. According to the invention, the electrical connector comprises a shell (110) having means of retention (120) on its front face (111) against the equipment module, at least one electrical connection element that is housed in the shell and that comprises a connection terminal of said equipment module and a supply terminal to be connected to an electrical wire (4, 5, 6), and means of immobilisation (197, 198, 199) that make it possible to immobilise each electrical wire against each supply terminal. Correspondingly, the equipment module comprises a base (210) in the shape of a box open in the front, and which comprises means of fastening to a wall, an equipment module (280) that is engaged inside the base and that comprises connection terminals to be connected to the connection terminals of the electrical connector, and means of retention of said electrical connector.

Description

EQUIPMENT MODULE AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES The present invention relates generally to electrical equipment.

It relates more particularly to an equipment module to be built into a wall, and an electrical connector to report to the back of the equipment module to allow the connection of the latter to the local power network.

The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of an equipment module to be embedded in a hollow partition, whose equipment mechanism is for example a switch mechanism, reciprocating, electric dimmer , socket, VDI socket or equivalent (HDMI, ...), network jack (RJ45), phone jack (RJ1 1), LED, thermostat or detector (smoke, flood, temperature, movement or light).

BACKGROUND

Currently, the electrical equipment to be embedded in hollow partitions all have similar architectures.

Such an electrical apparatus thus comprises an open recess box at the front and intended to be fixed through an opening made in the hollow partition, a frame-shaped apparatus support to be attached to the open front face of the flush-mounting box, an equipment mechanism (for example a switch or socket) to be locked in the opening delimited by the equipment support, and a finishing plate to be fixed on the equipment support in such a way that it hides the latter and aesthetically borders the fitting mechanism.

To install such electrical equipment in an opening made in a hollow partition, it is then necessary to implement a large number of operations.

It is thus necessary to pull at least one cable routing sheath through the opening made in the hollow partition, to engage the end of each sheath in the recess box, to fix the box embedding in the opening made in the hollow partition by pushing each sheath in the hollow partition, screw the equipment support on the mounting box, connect the electrical wires from each sheath to the terminals of the mechanism of switchgear, block the gearing mechanism in the switchgear support, and return the trim plate to the switchgear support.

These operations are long and tedious to implement. In particular, the return of each sheath in the hollow partition is in practice often impossible, so that the installer is forced to simultaneously push the recess box into the opening made in the hollow wall and pull the ends of these routing ducts inside the flush-mounting box. It is then forced to cut the ends of each sheath through the inside of the flush-mounting box, at the bottom of the bottom wall of the flush-mounting box, with the risk of cutting the electrical wires housed inside. each sheath, which proves to be particularly tedious.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

To remedy this drawback, the present invention proposes to replace this electrical equipment with a new type of electrical equipment, comprising an electrical connector and an equipment module.

More particularly, there is provided according to the invention an electrical connector for an equipment module, comprising:

a shell which has a front face and which comprises means for retaining this end face against an outer face of said equipment module,

at least one electrical connection element which is at least partially housed inside said shell and which comprises:

a connection terminal accessible via the front face of said shell for connection to said switchgear module, and

a supply terminal accessible by a lateral face supplying said shell for its connection to an electric wire,

- Locking means which have an actuating portion for locking each electrical wire in abutment against each power supply terminal and a maneuvering part accessible from the outside of said shell for actuating said actuating portion.

An apparatus module is also proposed for engaging in a cavity made in a wall, comprising:

a pedestal comprising a side wall which is bordered at a front end by an external pavement, which is closed at a rear end by a rear wall and which has means for fixing to said wall,

an equipment mechanism engaged inside the base, comprising at least one connection terminal which is at least partly housed in the base and which is accessible from the rear of the base for their connection to an electrical connector, and

- Retaining means provided on the outer face of the rear wall of the base, adapted to fix said electrical connector bearing against said outer face.

Finally, an electrical apparatus is proposed comprising:

an equipment module as mentioned above, and

- An electrical connector as mentioned above whose shell bears against the outer face of the rear wall of said equipment module and whose retaining means cooperate with the retaining means of said equipment module.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the number of components of the electrical equipment is reduced and the introduction of this electrical equipment on a wall is facilitated.

It consists in pulling a cable routing sheath through the opening in the wall, connecting the electrical wires from the sheath to the quick connector, blocking this quick connector on the back of the fitting module. , and to fix the module of apparatus in the opening made in the wall.

Other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the electrical connector according to the invention are the following:

- Said locking means have a maneuvering part accessible from the outside of said shell to actuate said actuating portion;

each connection terminal comprising a socket accommodating a pin of said equipment module located inside said shell, the face frontal of the shell has at least one access opening to each cell;

- The operating part of the locking means is accessible by a face of said shell which is distinct from said front face;

each electrical connection element also comprises another power supply terminal accessible by a lateral face for the transposition of said shell which is distinct from said lateral supply face, for the transposition of another electric wire;

each supply terminal is provided with means for piercing an insulating sheath of said electrical wire and said locking means comprise at least one operating lever which is mounted movable relative to the shell to support an electric wire on the piercing means of said supply terminal for piercing the insulating sheath of said electric wire;

each operating lever delimits a passage duct for passing said electrical wire towards said supply terminal;

an end piece is provided which delimits a duct for the passage of said electrical wires and which comprises, on the one hand, a distal portion equipped with first means of attachment to a sheath for routing electrical wires, and, on the other hand, a proximal portion equipped with second attachment means to said shell;

- The proximal portion of the tip forms a sleeve adapted to cover a portion of the shell, around said side supply face, and the second fastening means provided on the proximal portion of the nozzle comprises a rib which s' protrudes inside said sleeve and which clings to a hooked face provided in correspondence on the shell;

the distal part of the endpiece has a tube shape and in which the first fastening means provided on the distal portion of the endpiece comprise a rib which projects from said tube and which engages in a groove of said sheath; and

- The tip has a flexible intermediate portion located between said distal portion and said proximal portion.

Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the equipment module according to the invention are the following:

- The base has internal partitions which are formed with all of the rear wall and which define at least one receiving terminal terminal housing; - said base has a lateral extension which projects from the side wall, away from the outer sidewalk, and which laterally extends said rear wall; and

- Each connection terminal protrudes from the rear of the rear wall of the base through an opening adjusted to its section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be implemented.

In the accompanying drawings:

- Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the invention to be embedded in a wall;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the electrical connector of the electrical equipment of FIG. 1;

- Figure 3 is a sectional view along the plane A-A of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along the plane B-B of Figure 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic rear perspective view of the equipment module of the electrical equipment of FIG. 1;

- Figure 6 is a schematic side sectional view of the electrical connector of the electrical equipment of Figure 1, equipped with its tip;

- Figure 7 is a sectional view along the plane C-C of Figure 6;

- Figures 8 to 12 illustrate the introduction of the electrical equipment of Figure 1 on the wall;

- Figure 13 is a schematic perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the invention to be embedded in a wall;

- Figures 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views of the switchgear module of the electrical equipment of Figure 13, shown from two different angles; and

- Figures 16 to 18 illustrate the introduction of the electrical equipment of Figure 13 on the wall.

The installation of electrical equipment in a recessed position in a wall requires to provide a cavity in this wall. In the embodiments shown in the figures, the electrical equipment 10; 20 is more specifically intended to be embedded in a hollow partition (see Figures 1 1 and 18).

It is recalled in this regard that, in known manner, such a hollow partition is generally composed of a metal frame (formed of vertical uprights and horizontal rails not shown) and plasterboard 1 reported on at least one of the two faces of the metal frame.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the cavity formed in this hollow partition is here simply formed by a circular opening 2 made with a hole saw in one of the plasterboards 1.

In the description, the terms "front" and "rear" will then be used with respect to the direction of gaze of the installer of the electrical equipment 10; 20 in this circular opening 2. Thus, the front and rear terms respectively designate the outwardly facing place of the hollow partition and the inwardly facing location of the hollow partition.

In the examples shown, the electrical equipment 10; 20 is a power outlet. Of course, alternatively, it could be otherwise. This electrical equipment could thus be a switch, a back and forth, an electric drive, a network jack (RJ45), a VDI or equivalent (HDMI, ...), a phone jack (RJ1 1), a light, a thermostat or a detector (smoke, flood, temperature, movement or light).

This electrical equipment 10; 20 is intended to be connected to the local electrical network via three electrical son 4, 5, 6 which open out of a sheath 3 of cable routing.

As shown in particular in Figure 17, in practice, this sheath 3 is housed between the two gypsum panels 1 of the hollow partition so that its free end can be pulled through the circular opening 2.

As shown in Figures 1 and 13, this sheath 3 is of the flexible and ringed type. It therefore comprises a tubular wall formed of a succession of rings which delimit between them grooves.

FIGS. 1 to 12 show, on the one hand, and in FIGS. 13 to 18, on the other hand, two embodiments of an electrical apparatus 10; According to the invention.

In these two embodiments, this electrical equipment 10; 20 is composed of an equipment module 200; 400 and a connector 100 which is equipped with a tip 300.

The connectors 100 are here identical in the two embodiments. They will therefore be designated by the same reference signs. In these two embodiments, only the equipment modules 200; 400 differ.

In the electrical equipment 10; According to the invention, the equipment module 200; 400 is the element that allows to offer the user the desired electrical function (here plug socket). It is thus in the form of a block "all in one", adapted to be reported directly in the circular opening 2 and to be fixed to the plasterboard 1, without the help of a box flush.

The electrical connector 100 is in turn designed to interface this equipment module 200; 400 and the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 from the local electrical network. It facilitates the connection of the equipment module 200; 400 to the local power grid.

Finally, the endpiece 300 is designed to provide electrical protection (here class 2) and a mechanical connection between the sheath 3 and the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100. In this way, if one of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 disconnected from the electrical connector 100, it would remain inaccessible and would not pose a danger to the installer or the user.

To this end, this endpiece 300 delimits a passage duct for the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 and comprises, on the one hand, a distal portion 310 equipped with first fixing means 31 1 to the sheath 3, and, d on the other hand, a proximal portion 330 equipped with second attachment means 331 to the shell 1 10 of the connector 100.

As shown more particularly in Figures 1, 5 and 13 to 15, in the two embodiments shown, the equipment module 200; 400 comprises a base 210; 410 and an apparatus mechanism 280; 480 which is housed inside the base 210; 410.

The base 210; 410 here comprises a side wall 212; 412 substantially cylindrical in revolution, closed at the rear by a rear wall 213; 413.

As will be explained in detail later in this discussion, with reference to Figures 13 to 15, the base 410 may also include a lateral extension 470 projecting from its cylindrical side wall 412.

This side wall could of course have a different shape, especially parallelepipedic.

As shown in Figures 1 and 13, for its attachment in the circular opening 2 made in the gypsum board 1, the side wall 212; 412 is bordered on its front end by an outer peripheral sidewalk 214; 414 which is adapted to bear against the front face of the plasterboard 1, all around the circular opening 2. Thus, this outer peripheral sidewalk 214; 414 makes it possible to block the base 210; 410 to the rear.

To block it forward, there are provided fixing means 230; 430 of base 210; 410 to the drywall 1.

As shown more particularly in Figures 5 and 15, these fastening means 230; 430 here comprise two claw screws housed in two recesses 233; 433 provided hollow in the outer face of the side wall 212; 412 of the base 210; 410, diametrically opposite.

In known manner, each claw screw comprises a screw 231; 431 whose head is accessible inside the base 210; 410, and a claw 232; 432 which, when the screw is screwed by the installer, goes up along it to hang on the back of the plasterboard 1 of the hollow partition.

The two recesses 233; 433 extend in length from the rear of the outer peripheral sidewalk 214; 414 of the base 210; 410 to the rear wall 213; 413 of this base.

To prevent the claw 232; 432 does not interfere with the insertion of the base 210; 410 in the circular opening 2 made in the plasterboard 1 of the hollow partition, the bottom of each recess 233; 433 forms a ramp such that each recess is deeper towards the rear than toward the front of the base 210; 410.

When the equipment module 200; 400 is delivered to the installer, the claws 232; 432 are located on the rear side of the base 210; 410, so that they are fully housed in the two recesses 233; 433 and do not protrude out of these.

Then, during assembly of the equipment module 200; 400 in the hollow partition, screws 231; 431 are screwed by the installer in such a way that the claws 232; 432 go up along the screws 231; 431, slide along the ramps, and extend outwardly, protruding from the side wall 212; 412 of the base 210; 410, to hang on the back of the plasterboard 1. Each recess 233; 433 is delimited, at the front, by a front wall 234A; 434A (see FIGS. 5 and 15) and, at the rear, by a rear wall 235A; 435A (see FIGS. 1 and 15).

The front wall 234A; 434A is opened by a circular opening 234; 434 passage of the screw 231; 431. This front wall 234A; 434A then forms a support for the head of the screw 231; 431. Its circular opening 234; 434 also allows access to this screw head from the inside of the base 210; 410.

The rear wall is in turn opened by an opening 235; 435 oblong passage of the free end of this screw. The oblong shape of this opening 235; 435 allows the screw to pivot slightly outwardly as the claw extends outwardly from the side wall 212; 412 of the base 210; 410.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the apparatus mechanism 280; 480 which is housed inside the base 210; 410, conventionally comprises a functional portion accessible to the user, and a connection portion (not visible) for its connection to the local power grid.

By "functional part" is meant a part that is adapted to perform a function that goes beyond a simple connection to electrical conductors (this connection being made by the "connecting part").

It can thus be an interaction function with the user (typically a socket, switch, back and forth function, electrical dimmer, VDI socket or equivalent, network socket, telephone jack), or an interaction function with the environment (typically a function of indicator, thermostat, smoke detector, flood detector, temperature detector, motion detector, light detector ...).

The functional part has a shape adapted to the function that the fitting mechanism 280; 480 must run (socket, switch, ...).

In this case, this functional part comprises a front plate 281; 481 which closes the front opening of base 210; 410 and which has in its center a recess forming a receiving well 282; 482 of an electrical plug. Here, three openings are provided at the bottom of this receiving well 282; 482.

This front plate 281 comprises fixing means to the base 210; 410 (not visible in the figures) and means for securing a finishing plate. These securing means are here formed by two square openings 283; 483 in which it is expected that the finishing plate is clipped. The thus fixed finishing plate then makes it possible to aesthetically cover the equipment module 200; 400.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 15, the connecting portion of the switchgear mechanism 280; 480 here comprises three connection elements 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460 called phase, neutral and earth.

Each connection element 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460 is partially housed and locked in a receiving housing defined between internal partitions of the base 210; 410, which rise from the rear wall 213; 413 of the base 210; 410 and who come from training with the latter (by plastic molding).

Each connection element 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460 has a single inner connection terminal (not visible in the figures) accessible from the bottom of the receiving well 282; 482 for connecting said electrical plug, and a single external power terminal 241, 251, 261; 441, 451; 461 accessible through the rear wall 213; 413 of the base 210; 410 for the connection of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 of the local electrical network via the electrical connector 100.

The inner terminal of each connection element 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460 is conventionally in the form of a cell adapted to receive a pin of the electrical plug, or a pin adapted to engage in a socket of the electrical plug. The three passage openings provided at the bottom of the receiving well 282; 482 allow the passage of these different pins.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 15, the external power supply terminal of each connection element 240, 250, 260; 440, 450, 460 is in the form of a flat tongue 241, 251, 261; 441, 451; 461. These three flat tabs 241, 251, 261; 441, 451; 461 extend parallel to each other and orthogonally to the rear wall 213; 413 of the base 210; 410 they go through.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the first embodiment of the invention, the side wall 212 of the base is perfectly cylindrical of revolution. and the rear wall 213 of the base is circular.

One of the three flat tabs 251 is then centered on the rear wall 213 of the base 210 and the two other flat tabs 241, 261 extend on either side thereof.

The three flat tabs 241, 251, 261 are aligned between the two recesses 233 which receive the claw screws. They are surrounded by a peripheral rib 228 which rises from the rear wall 213 of the base 210 towards the rear, to delimit a branching well 229. Thus, the flat tabs 241, 251, 261 emerge from the bottom 21 1 of this branching well 229.

As shown in FIG. 5, the two recesses 233 extend beyond the rear wall 213 of the base 210, recessed in two posts 236 which project from this rear wall 213 and which border the said connection well. 229.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the electrical connector 100 comprises a shell 1 10 here substantially parallelepiped, which houses three connection elements 140, 150, 160 and which is equipped with locking means 194, 195, 196 to block the three electrical wires 4, 5, 6 of the local electrical network bearing against these three connection elements 140, 150, 160.

The shell 1 10 has two substantially square main front faces 1 14 and rear 1 15, and four rectangular side faces including two opposite side faces called "supply face 1 12" and "transiting face 1 13".

This shell 1 10 thus has a thickness (between its two main faces) which is smaller than its widest width (between two of its lateral faces), and which is preferably also smaller than its smallest width (between its two other faces). side). It has a flattened shape. In this way, it can easily be housed in the cavity in the hollow wall, even if it has a reduced depth.

Its largest lateral dimension (here its greater width) is also smaller than the diameter of the base 210 of the equipment module, so that this shell 1 10 does not interfere with the engagement of the equipment module in the circular opening 2 practiced in plasterboard 1.

The main front face 14 presents at its center a protuberance 116 of identical shape, in negative, to that of the connection well 229 provided for in FIG. the rear of the base 210 of the equipment module 200. This protrusion 1 16 thus has in particular a front face 1 1 1 substantially rectangular adapted to be applied against the bottom 21 1 of this branch well 229.

The shell 1 10 comprises retaining means 120 adapted to cooperate with complementary retaining means 220 of the equipment module 200 in order to block the end face 1 1 1 of this protuberance 1 16 against the bottom 21 1 of this connection well 229.

As shown in Figure 1, these retaining means 120 are here in the form of two ribs 121, 122 which rise projecting from the main face before 1 14 of the shell 1 10, on either side of the protrusion 1 16, along the latter, and whose front edges are bent towards each other to form ratchet teeth.

As shown in FIG. 5, the complementary retaining means 220 of the equipment module 200 then comprise two rectangular windows (not visible) formed in the two long sides of the peripheral rib 228 which delimits the connection well 229.

The ratchet teeth of the two ribs 121, 122 are then adapted to catch in these rectangular windows to block the electrical connector 100 at the rear of the equipment module 200.

Here, these two rectangular windows are made accessible to the two ribs 121, 122 via two grooves 221, 222 recessed in the rear face of the rear wall of the base 210, along the two long sides of the peripheral rib 228.

As shown in Figures 3, 4, 6 and 7, the connection elements 140, 150, 160 which are housed inside the shell 1 10 comprise at least each:

a connection terminal 141, 151, 161 accessible via the end face 1 1 1 of the protrusion 1 16 of the shell 1 10 in order to be able to connect one of the flat tabs 241, 251, 261 of the equipment module 200 , and

- A power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 accessible by the supply face 1 12 of the shell 1 10 for its connection to one of the electrical son 4, 5, 6 of the local electrical network.

Here, they also each comprise another power supply terminal, called the queuing terminal 143, 153, 163, accessible via the quenching face 1 13 of the shell 1 10 for the transplanting of another electric wire 7, 8, 9 (see Figure 2).

While the power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 of each connection element 140, 150, 160 is designed to be connected to one of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6 coming from the local electrical network in order to supply the power supply module. 200 apparatus in current, the transposition terminal 143, 153, 163 allows to connect another branch switchgear module 200 equipment module considered.

The shell 1 10 has internal partitions which make it possible to block the connection elements 140, 150, 160 in a fixed position and to isolate them electrically from each other.

Each of these three connection elements 140, 150, 160 is here formed in one piece, by cutting and folding a copper strip to the desired shape. These three connection elements 140, 150, 160 have identical shapes here.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each connection element 140, 150, 160 comprises a rectangular main plate whose ends are bent at right angles backwards to form the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 and 140, 153, 163, and whose sides are bent forwards to form the connection terminals 141, 151, 161.

As shown in Figure 7, the sides of each connection element

140, 150, 160 are folded forwardly and towards one another to delimit together receiving cells of the flat tabs 241, 251, 261 of the equipment module 200.

As shown in Figure 1, it is then provided three parallel slots 1 17 in the end face 1 1 1 of the protrusion 1 16 of the shell 1 10, allowing the passage of these flat tabs 241, 251, 261 inside. of the hull 1 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ends of each connection element 140, 150, 160 are bent at right angles to the rear and are cut in such a way that the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 and the transiting terminals 143, 153, 163 are self-stripping.

Each of these terminals more specifically comprises a slot open towards the rear, having a V mouth whose two side edges are sharpened to cut the insulating sheath of the electric wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The bottom of this slot is in turn flat to come into contact with the conductive core of the wire electrical connection in order to establish a connection between the power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or the subcharter 143, 153, 163 and the electrical wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

As shown in FIG. 2, the aforementioned blocking means, which make it possible to block the electrical wires 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 in abutment against the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 and of the transplants 143, 153 , 163 of the electrical connector 100, include an operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 associated with each of these terminals.

Each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is made of a single piece of insulating material and is engaged inside an isolated housing 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 located in hollow in the rear main face 1 15 of the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100.

Each operating lever has an elongate shape, with a first operating end provided to be accessible to the installer and a second opposite operating end which is rotatably mounted on the shell 1 10 to press the electrical wire.

The second actuating end of each operating lever carries two lateral trunnions (not visible in the figures) engaged in two corresponding circular openings in the shell 1 10. In this way, each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is movable between an extended position (see the operating lever 195 in Figure 2) and a retracted position (see the other operating levers in Figure 2).

The shape of the isolated dwellings 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 limits the travel of the operating levers 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 between these two positions.

Ratchet teeth 195B (see FIG. 2) are arranged on the sides of each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 to engage cavities provided in correspondence in these insulated housings 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189 to retain the operating levers 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 in the retracted position.

In the retracted position, the first operating end of each operating lever protrudes from the supply face January 12 or subconnect 1 13 corresponding to the electrical connector 100, so as to be easily accessible to the installer.

Here, each operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is longitudinally traversed by a guide duct 194A, 195A, 196A, 197A, 198A, 199A (see FIG. 2) for guiding one of the electrical wires 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 towards the supply terminal 142 , 152, 162 or transplanting 143, 153, 163 associated.

Each guide duct 194A, 195A, 196A, 197A, 198A, 199A extends from the first operating end of the operating lever towards the second actuating end, and opens laterally towards the front, this is that is, to the associated power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or 140, 153, 163.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the operating lever

194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is in the deployed position, the electric wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 can be engaged in its guide duct 194A, 195A, 196A, 197A, 198A, 199A, remote from the sharpened V-side edges of the associated power supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or 145, 153, 163.

Then, when the operating lever 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 is folded in the retracted position, the electric wire 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is pushed between these sharp edges V, so that its insulating sheath is sliced and that its conductive core comes into contact with the supply terminal 142, 152, 162 or subconnection 143, 153, 163 associated.

As shown in Figures 1, 6 and 7, the tip 300 defines a passage conduit 301 for the electrical son 4, 5, 6 from the local electrical network, since the sheath 3 to the guide ducts 194A, 195A, 196A delimited by the operating levers 194, 195, 196.

There is shown here a single endpiece 300. Of course, one can provide another identical tip when it is desired to transplant another equipment module in parallel equipment module 200 considered.

Here, the tip 300 is made in one piece of flexible synthetic material, such as elastomer.

As shown more particularly in Figure 1, the tip 300 has a distal portion 310 to attach to the sheath 3, a proximal portion 330 to attach to the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100, and an intermediate portion 320 which connects the portion distal 310 to the proximal portion 330.

The distal portion 310 has a cylindrical tube shape of revolution, of internal diameter equal, with the clearance, the outer diameter of the sheath 3.

It comprises sealing fastening means 31 1 to the sheath 3 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), formed here by a peripheral rib which protrudes inside the distal portion 310 and which engages in a throat sheath 3.

The proximal portion 330 forms a sleeve of rectangular section adapted to cover an end portion of the shell 1 10, in particular the feed face January 12.

It comprises sealing fastening means 331 to the shell 1 10 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), formed here by a peripheral rib which projects from inside the sleeve, along its end edge.

The shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100 has in correspondence a central section of the narrowing, which delimits a sidewalk near each of its supply faces 1 12 and subculture 1 13. This sidewalk has in particular a so-called hooked face 1 19, which is located opposite the feed face 1 12 or subculture 1 13 corresponding, to which the peripheral rib 331 provided inside the proximal portion 330 of the tip 300 is adapted to catch. This hook face 1 19 then extends all around the shell 1 10, to ensure a good seal between the tip 300 and the shell 1 10.

The installation of the electrical equipment 10 is then carried out in the following manner.

Initially, as shown in FIG. 8, a circular opening 2 is made with a hole saw in the gypsum board 1 of the hollow partition, so that the free end of the sheath 3 can be pulled outwardly. the hollow partition, through this circular opening 2.

The tip 300 is then engaged by its distal portion 310 on the sheath 3, so that the peripheral rib 31 1 provided inside this distal portion 310 engages in a groove of the sheath 3.

The elasticity of the tip 300 facilitates this operation.

As shown in Figure 9, the electrical son 4, 5, 6 flowing in the sheath 3 are pulled out of the nozzle 300 and are engaged by their free ends in the guide ducts 194A, 195A, 196A of the operating levers 194 , 195, 196 of the electrical connector 100.

These operating levers 194, 195, 196 are then folded into position retracted, which connects the electrical son 4, 5, 6 to the supply terminals 142, 152, 162 of the electrical connector 100.

As shown in Figure 10, the tip 300 is then engaged by its proximal portion 330 on the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100, so that the peripheral rib 331 provided within this proximal portion 330 clings. to this hull 1 10.

As shown in Figure 1 1, the electrical connector 100 is then attached to the rear of the base 210 of the equipment module 200, so that its protrusion 1 16 engages in the connection well 229 provided in the rear of this base 210. Thus, the connection elements 140, 150, 160 of the electrical connector 100 connect to the connection elements 240, 250, 260 of the equipment module 200.

Finally, as shown in Figure 12, the equipment module 200 is attached in the circular opening 2 made in the plasterboard 1, and is securely fixed to the latter by maneuvering the claws 232 by means of screws 231.

A not shown end plate is then clipped onto the base 210 of the equipment module 200, to cover it aesthetically, by means of the two square openings 283 provided in front of the base 210.

Thanks to the tip 300, if one of the electrical son 4, 5, 6 disconnects inadvertently from its supply terminal 142, 152, 162, it remains isolated from the outside, which avoids any short circuit and guaranteed class 2 protection.

The second embodiment of the equipment module 400 shown in Figures 13 to 18 differs from the equipment module shown in Figure 1 in particular by its lateral extension 470 and by its equipment mechanism 480 which is housed in the inside the base 410.

This lateral extension 470 has a generally parallelepipedal shape and extends in length from the side wall 412 of the base 410, radially with respect to the axis of revolution thereof.

It allows to accommodate a gear mechanism 480 larger than the fitting mechanism 280 housed in the base 210 of the equipment module 200 shown in Figure 1.

This lateral extension 470 has a front wall 471 (see FIG. 14) which extends at a distance from the outer peripheral sidewalk 414 of the plinth 410 which is greater than the thickness of the plasterboard 1, so that it can be engaged at the rear of the plasterboard 1.

It has a rear wall 472 (see Figure 15) which extends the rear wall 413 of the base 410.

As shown in FIG. 15, this rear wall 472 has at its free end a recess 473 intended to receive the electrical connector 100.

This recess 473 has a plane face 474 facing towards the rear, from which emerge the flat tabs 441, 451; 461 connection elements 440, 450, 460 of the equipment mechanism 480.

These tabs are aligned parallel to each other, depending on the length of the lateral extension 470. They are arranged relative to each other in the same manner as the plane tabs of the fitting mechanism 280 of the equipment module 200 shown in FIG. figure 1 .

They are surrounded by a peripheral rib 428 projecting from the flat face 474 towards the rear, to delimit a branching well 429. Thus, the flat tabs 441, 451, 461 emerge from the bottom 41 1 of this branching well 429.

This peripheral rib 428 has two rectangular windows

(not visible) made in its two long sides, in which the ratchet teeth of the two ribs 121, 122 of the shell 1 10 of the connector 100 are adapted to hook to block the electrical connector 100 at the rear of the module equipment 400.

This branching well 429 is flanked by two latching lugs

436 which rise from the flat face 474, rearward, and which carry at their ends snap claws facing towards each other.

These snap claws are designed to hook on the rear main face 1 15 of the electrical connector 100, to optimize the attachment of the latter on the equipment module 400.

The installation of the electrical equipment 20 is then operated in a manner homologous to that used to set up the electrical equipment 10 shown in FIG.

Only the operation of engagement of this electrical equipment 20 to Through the circular opening 2 made in the plasterboard 10 differs.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, this operation first of all requires the endpiece 300 to be folded, then to engage the base 410 by its lateral extension 470 before tilting it so that its outer peripheral sidewalk 414 applies against the front of the plasterboard 1.

The side wall 412 of the base 410 is for this purpose curved on its side opposite the lateral extension 470, to allow this tilting.

As shown in Figure 18, this operation would also be possible if two endpieces 300, 300 'had been fixed on the shell 1 10 of the electrical connector 100. It would have only been necessary to fold the two ends 300, 300' before engaging the equipment module 400 in the circular opening 2.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but the skilled person will be able to make any variant within his mind.

It could also have been provided that the tip is flexible only on its intermediate portion and rigid on one and / or the other of its distal and proximal portions.

It could also have been expected that the tip is completely rigid, in which case the commitment of the fitting module in the hollow wall would be made more difficult.

Finally, it would be possible to replace the operating levers of the electrical connector with simple screws.

According to another non-represented variant of the invention, provision could be made for the connection part of the fitting mechanism to comprise only a single connection element (earth or transmission of a signal) and that, in correspondence, the shell of the electrical connector houses only one connection element. However, preferably, the connection part of the fitting mechanism will comprise at least two connection elements (phase and neutral) and, in correspondence, the shell of the electrical connector will house at least two connection elements. They could of course have four or more connection elements.

According to another variant not shown of the invention, one could provide the locking means, which allow to block the electrical son in abutment against the power terminals and transplanting the electrical connector, have no operating lever. It could thus be provided that the supply and transfer terminals are of the automatic type. Thus they could for example each include a leaf spring defining a conduit insertion and automatic locking of a stripped end of an electric wire. Alternatively, these supply and automatic type of supply terminals could be equipped with a disconnect lever, forcing the spring blade to deform to release the stripped end of the wire to disconnect.

Claims

1. Electrical connector (100) for an equipment module (200; 400), comprising:

- a shell (1 10) which has a front face (1 1 1) and which comprises retaining means (120) of this end face (1 1 1) against an outer face (21 1; 41 1) of said module apparatus (200; 400),

at least one electrical connection element (140, 150, 160) which is at least partially housed inside said shell (1 10) and which comprises:

a connection terminal (141, 151, 161) accessible via the front face (1 1 1) of said shell (1 10) for its connection to said equipment module (200; 400), and

a supply terminal (142, 152, 162) accessible via a lateral supply face (1 12) of said shell (1 10) for connection to an electric wire (4, 5, 6),

- Blocking means (194, 195, 196) having an actuating portion for locking each electrical wire (4, 5, 6) in abutment against each power supply terminal (142, 152, 162).

2. Electrical connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said locking means (194, 195, 196) have a maneuvering part accessible from the outside of said shell (1 10) for actuating said actuating portion.

3. Electrical connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the operating part of the locking means (194, 195, 196) is accessible by a face of said shell (1 10) which is distinct from said front face (1). 1 1).

The electrical connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, each connection terminal (141, 151, 161) having a pin accommodating cell (242, 252, 262, 442, 452, 462) of said equipment module (200; 400) located inside said shell (1 10), the front face (1 1 1) of the shell (1 10) has at least one opening (1 17) of access to said cell.

Electrical connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each electrical connection element (140, 150, 160) also comprises another power supply terminal (143, 153, 163) accessible by a lateral transiting face (1 13) of said shell (1 10) which is distinct from said lateral supply face (1 12), for the transplanting another electrical wire (7, 8, 9).

6. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each power terminal (142, 152, 162, 143, 153, 163) is provided with a means for piercing an insulating sheath of said electric wire (4). , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) and wherein said locking means comprise at least one operating lever (194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199) which is movably mounted relative to the shell (1 10 ) for pressing at least one electrical wire (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) on the piercing means of said supply terminal (142, 152, 162, 143, 153, 163) in order to pierce the sheath insulating said electrical wire (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

7. Electrical connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein each operating lever (194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199) defines a conduit for passage of said electrical wire (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to said supply terminal (142, 152, 162, 143, 153, 163).

8. Electrical connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided a tip (300) which defines a passage conduit (301) of said electrical son (4, 5, 6) and which comprises, d ' on the one hand, a distal portion (310) equipped with first fixing means (31 1) to a sheath (3) for routing electrical wires (4, 5, 6), and, on the other hand, a proximal part (330). ) equipped with second attachment means (331) to said shell (1 10).

9. Electrical connector (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the proximal portion (330) of the tip (300) forms a sleeve adapted to cover a portion of the shell (1 10) around said side face of supply (1 12), and wherein the second fastening means (331) provided on the proximal portion (330) of the tip (300) comprise a rib which protrudes inside said sleeve and which hooks to a hooked face (1 19) provided in correspondence on the shell (1 10).

10. Electrical connector (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the distal portion (310) of the nozzle (300) has a tube-shaped and wherein the first fastening means (31 1) provided on the distal portion (310) of the tip (300) comprises a rib which projects from said tube and which engages in a groove of said sheath (3).

1 1. An electrical connector (100) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the tip (300) has a flexible intermediate portion (320) located between said distal portion (310) and said proximal portion (330).

12. Apparatus module (200; 400) to engage in a cavity (2) formed in a wall (1), comprising:

a base (210; 410) comprising a side wall (212; 412) which is bordered at a front end by an outside walkway (214; 414) which is closed at a rear end by a rear wall (213; 413); and which comprises fastening means (230; 430) to said wall (1),

- an equipment mechanism (280; 480) engaged inside the base

(210; 410), comprising at least one connection terminal (242, 252, 262; 442; 452; 462) which is at least partially accommodated in the base (210; 410) and which is accessible from the rear of the base (210; 410) for connection to an electrical connector (100), and

- retaining means (220, 420) provided on the outer face (21 1;

41 1) of the rear wall (213; 413) of the base (210; 410), adapted to fix said electrical connector (100) bearing against said outer face (21 1; 41 1).

13. Apparatus module (400) according to the preceding claim, wherein the base (210; 410) has internal partitions which are formed with all of the rear wall (213; 413) and which delimit at least one terminal terminal receiving housing (242, 252, 262; 442; 452; 462).

14. Apparatus module (400) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein said base (410) has a lateral extension (470) which projects from the side wall (412), away from the sidewalk. outside (414), and which laterally extends said rear wall (413).

15. Apparatus module (400) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein each connection terminal (242, 252, 262; 442; 452; 462) projects from the rear of the rear wall (213; 413) of the base (210; 410) through an aperture fitted to its section.

16. Electrical apparatus (10; 20) comprising:

an equipment module (200; 400) according to one of claims 12 to 15, and

- An electrical connector (100) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, the shell (1 10) bears against the outer face (21 1; 41 1) of the wall rearward (213; 413) of said equipment module (200; 400) and whose retaining means (120) cooperate with the retaining means (220; 420) of said equipment module (200; 400).