Abstract:
A testing and cut-off device for a telephone or computer line to connect two incoming strands to two outgoing strands, comprises a testing well inside which are located a first couple of terminals corresponding to the two incoming strands and a second couple of terminals corresponding to the two outgoing strands, and a pivotal cover for closing the well. These two couples of terminals are insulated from one another, when the cover is open. Each terminal is accessible from the outside by a testing plug. The device further comprises electrical contacts in the cover for interconnecting the terminals when the cover is closed. Said interconnection means in the pivotal cover also comprise means for galvanically linking the latter with an additional electrical component outside the well when the cover is closed. The additional component may be within or outside the cover. If outside it may be connected by wires joined to insulation displacement contacts attached to the cover.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/281,630, filed Oct. 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,147, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, which was a national stage filing under U.S.C. 371 of PCT/IB01/00656 filed Apr. 17, 2001, which International Application was published by the International Bureau in English in Mar. 13, 2003, which claims priority to FR 00 005569 filed Apr. 28, 2000. 
   The present invention relates to a testing and cut-off device for telephone or computer-related line, comprising an additional electrical member. 
   The invention also relates to an interconnection module equipped with a testing and cut-off device for telephone or computer-related line, presenting an additional electrical member. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In telephone exchanges and in private installations, the telephone lines are interconnected either via interconnection terminal blocks, or via interconnection modules. The general, but non-limiting, purpose of such interconnection modules and blocks is to interconnect selectively one or more lines of the telephone distribution Company, or “distributor”, or incoming line(s), to one or more corresponding user lines, or “subscribers”, or outgoing line(s). 
   The teams in charge of repairing and maintaining the lines and telephone installations make measurements or tests, selectively both on the outgoing line and on the corresponding incoming line. In addition, they sometimes make measurements or tests on these two lines, incoming line and outgoing line, when they are interconnected. 
   Document EP-0,710,040 discloses a line cut-off and testing device, composed of a well which contains the free ends of four metal testing blades and which is hermetically closed by a cover which ensures line continuity when it is closed, and which, on the contrary, cuts the line when it is open. 
   At the present time, it is necessary to be able to satisfy the subscribers&#39; particular requirements in the most economical manner possible, and these known modules cannot be easily modified by the constructor with a view to satisfying such requirements at low cost. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention therefore has for an object to propose a testing and cut-off device which integrates novel functions. The invention achieves this object by providing a testing and cut-off device which may be adapted, at low cost, to the various uses or particular configurations that the consumers may require. 
   A testing and cut-off device, intended to be interposed on a bifilar telephone or computer-related line in order to connect two incoming strands to two outgoing strands, comprises a testing well inside which are located, on the one hand, a couple of free terminals corresponding to the two incoming strands and, on the other hand, a couple of free terminals corresponding to the two outgoing strands, and a cover for closing the well, these two couples of terminals being electrically insulated with respect to one another, when the cover is open, and each terminal then becoming selectively accessible from the outside by a respective testing plug, and means incorporating electrical contacts contained in the cover effecting the interconnection of these couples of terminals in two&#39;s when the cover is closed on the well. 
   According to the invention, the testing and cut-off device is characterized in that said interconnection means incorporating electrical contacts contained in the cover, also comprise at least one means for galvanically linking the latter with at least one additional electrical member placed outside the well. 
   Without modifying the testing and cut-off device, the novel functions are added on the already existing function of cover and line opening. This multifunctionality is obtained by one or more additional electrical members connected by one or more galvanic linking means. 
   According to a first possibility, the additional electrical member or members are inserted in the cover, if necessary substantially increasing the height of the cover, the latter still being able to be opened and closed for interrupting the line and/or for accessing the well. 
   The additional electrical member or members may be connected in series with respect to one outgoing strand, or with respect to one incoming strand, or with respect to the two incoming and outgoing strands. To that end, the means incorporating electrical contacts for interconnection of the cover are interrupted, and the additional electrical member or members are interposed at the level of this interruption of the interconnection means incorporating electrical contacts, the galvanic linking means being placed at this interruption. The additional electrical member or members may be one or more positive temperature coefficient resistors (PTCRs). One characteristic of the PTCRs is that of presenting a resistance which increases when the temperature increases: overintensities are in that case peak-clipped. PTCRs constitute protection elements for the intensity. The additional electrical member or members may be connected in parallel (in by-pass) with respect to the two strands of the bifilar line. In that case, the additional electrical members may be one or more Transil diodes which serve to peak-clip the current. 
   According to a second possibility, the additional electrical member or members are disposed outside the cover, this making it possible to have electrical members of larger size, for example in the form of cards or of electronic circuits. 
   The additional electrical member or members may be connected in series with respect to one outgoing strand, or with respect to one incoming strand, or with respect to the two incoming and outgoing strands. To that end, the interconnection means incorporating electrical contacts are interrupted and the galvanic linking means may use insulation displacement contacts, or “I.D.C.s”, disposed at the level of the interruption of said interconnection means. With four insulation displacement contacts, it is possible to connect, by four electrical wires, outside the cover, inter alia, a multiline test unit (or “MTU”), while ensuring the opening of the cover. The MTU circuit makes it possible to effect a line test and to detect all defects on the line. A telephone operator will send a coded electronic signal on his line, then the MTU will, depending on this signal, return another signal then picked up by the telephone operator. Electronic components establish the continuity of the link for each of the strands within the MTU. 
   The additional electrical member or members may be connected in parallel with respect to the two strands of the bifilar line. With one or more galvanic linking means preferably consisting of two insulation displacement contacts, it is possible for example to connect an RC module by two electrical wires, outside the cover. The RC module allows a measurement of line impedance by sending, on it, of a determined frequency. 
   The cover may also comprise an additional earth contact, independent of the interconnection means, which touches a contact present in the well, the latter being directly connected to earth when the cover is closed on the well. With this type of earth contact of the cover, the additional electrical member or members may be a voltage dependent resistor (“VDR”). The resistance of a VDR decreases when the voltage at its terminals increases. The interconnection means are linked with one or more VDRs, which are themselves linked with the earth contact. In this way, the resistance of a VDR decreases when the voltage with respect to earth increases, which causes an overvoltage present on the line to run off to earth. 
   According to the invention, a plurality of additional electrical members may be combined by providing suitable galvanic linking means in the cover. In this way, a plurality of members may be connected together in series on one or on the two strands of line, and/or a plurality of members may be connected together in parallel on the two strands of line. Similarly, one or more members may be connected together in series simultaneously with one or more members that may be connected together in parallel. According to the invention, it is possible to combine one or more additional electrical members inserted inside the cover and one or more members disposed outside, which are connected in series and/or in parallel. 
   In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a module for interconnection of two monopair telephone or computer-related lines, comprises a testing and cut-off device presenting the characteristics set forth hereinabove. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more readily understood and its advantages and various characteristics will be more apparent on reading the following description of a non-limiting form of embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a view in perspective of a module for interconnection of two monopair telephone lines; 
       FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal section of a module for interconnection of two monopair telephone lines, in accordance with the state of the art; 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded view in perspective of the internal connectors of this module, in accordance with the state of the art; 
       FIG. 4  shows in exploded perspective view a cover, its contacts and its additional electrical members, according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  shows a view from underneath of the cover of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  shows a cross-section of the cover along the plane VI—VI in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  shows in exploded perspective view a cover according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  shows in perspective view the cover of  FIG. 7  ready to receive four wires for connection with an additional electrical member; 
       FIG. 9  shows in perspective view the cover of  FIG. 7  provided with four wires for connection with an additional electrical member; 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view, with parts torn away and with longitudinal section of the cover, of an interconnection module equipped with the cover of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 11  shows a plan view in horizontal section of the cover of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 12  shows a view from underneath, by transparency, of the cover of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 13  shows a cross section of the cover along the plane XIII—XIII in  FIG. 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  shows in exploded perspective view a cover and its contacts according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  shows in exploded perspective view a cover and its contacts according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 16  shows in exploded perspective view a cover according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 17  shows a view from underneath of the cover of  FIG. 16 ; 
       FIG. 18  shows a cross section of the cover along the plane XVIII—XVIII in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  shows a longitudinal section of the cover along the plane XIX—XIX in  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 20  shows in exploded perspective view a cover according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 21  shows a side view with parts torn away and with longitudinal section of the cover, of an interconnection module equipped with the cover of  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 22  shows a view from underneath of the cover of  FIG. 20 ; and 
       FIG. 23  shows a cross section of the cover along the plane XXIII—XXIII in  FIG. 22 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 to 3  show a module  1  for interconnection of two monopair telephone or computer-related lines which makes it possible to connect, for example, a bifilar line  2 , comprising two sheathed electrical wires, called “small wires” to a bifilar line  3 , comprising two sheathed electrical wires, called “large wires”. Each of the small wires has a conducting core with a diameter of from 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm, for example equal to 0.4 mm. Each of the large wires has a conducting core with a diameter of between 0.5 and 1.1 mm, for example of 0.8 mm. In the case of a distribution installation of two telephone lines on poles, the bifilar line  2  comes from the multi-line incoming cable which forms part of the telephone distribution network, while the bifilar line  3  is the outgoing line towards the subscriber. In another configuration, the large wire line  3  is composed of two overhead wires coming from the telephone distribution network, while the small wire line  2  is the outgoing line towards the subscriber&#39;s inside installation. In such a case, the large wire line  3  is the incoming line, while the small wire line  2  is the outgoing line. 
   This module, which is a module with so-called “tool-less” connection (i.e. without any tool other than a simple screw driver), is composed in fact, in one and the same unit, of three aligned parts  4 ,  6  and  7  electrically connected together, and having distinct functions. A first part  4  formes a first end of the alignment, whose function is to connect, by insertion of the two large wires  3  in twos respective I.D. slots  8 ,  9 , two I.D. contacts  11 ,  12  respectively. A second part  6  forms the middle of the alignment and constitutes the line cut-off and testing zone as well as the “protection” zone receiving a lightning arrester or surge arrester  13 . A third part  7  forms the other end of the alignment, whose function is to connect, by insertion of the two small wires  2  in two respective I.D. slots  14 ,  16 , two I.D. contacts  17 ,  18  respectively. 
   The parts  4 ,  7  for connection of the wires are therefore located on either side of the central part  6  for cut-off, testing and protection. Like all the modules of the prior art, this module  1  is provided to be fixed, by tabs  19 ,  21  forming slideway, on a standardized metal rail  22 . 
   The first connection part  4  comprises an insulating pusher  23  for receiving and connecting the two large wires  3  by passage of the latter in the respective I.D. slots  8 ,  9  of the two I.D. contacts  11 ,  12 . To that end, the pusher  23  comprises two blind orifices  24 ,  26  for receiving the two respective large wires  3 , and it is equipped with a master screw  27  which traverses the base, to screw into a conventional metal nut (not shown). By screwing this screw  27 , the pusher  23  is lowered, this driving the large wires  3 , previously introduced in the blind orifices  24   26  inside the I.D. slots  8 ,  9  of the two I.D. contacts  11 ,  12 . 
   The large wires  3  can be disconnected by unscrewing the screw  27  in order to lift the pusher  23 . The pusher  23  presents an end-of-connection pawl  28  which not only ensures, by its end-of-stroke clicking, a firm positioning of the pusher  23 , but also, by the snapping sound which results from this clicking, informs the wire fitter that the insulation displacement connection is positively made. 
   Each of the two I.D. contacts  11 ,  12  of the first connection part  4  forms part of a respective complex contact, in the form of a cut-out flat metallic circuit, which electrically connects each of them, via a longitudinal and longilinear branch  29 ,  31  respectively, to a testing, cut-off and receiving contact  32 ,  33  of the surge arrester  13 . These two testing contacts  32 ,  33  form part of the second median part  6  of the module mentioned above. 
   The third connection part  7  comprises the two I.D. connection contacts  17 ,  18  for the small wires  2  as well as an insulating manual connection pusher  34  which is plugged on these two I.D. contacts  17 ,  18 . The manual pusher  34  comprises two blind orifices  36  for respectively receiving each of the small wires  2 . The two small wires  2  are conventionally firstly introduced in these orifices  36 , the pusher  34  being lifted, then the pusher is pushed manually on the I.D. contacts  17 ,  18  to make it descend therealong and thus drive the two small wires  2  in their respective I.D. slots  14  and  16 . The manual pusher  34  in that case remains in place and it is then possible to disconnect the wires  2  by simply lifting this pusher in order to disengage these wires from the I.D. slots  14 ,  16 . The connection pusher  34  presents an end-of-connection pawl  37  which not only ensures, by its end-of-stroke clicking, a firm positioning of the pusher  34 , but also, by the snapping sound which results from such clicking, informs the wire fitter that the insulation displacement connection is positively made. 
   The two I.D. contacts  17 ,  18  of the third part  7  form part of a respective complex contact in the form of a cut-out flat metallic circuit, which electrically connects each of them, via a longitudinal and longilinear branch  38 ,  39  respectively, to a testing and cut-off contact  41 ,  42 . These two testing contacts  41 ,  42  form part of the second median part  6  of the module mentioned above. 
   The median part  6  is constituted by a well  43  of rectangular section comprising an upper O-ring  44  and closed by a pivoting cover  46 . In the state of the art, the cover  46  comprises two contacts  47 ,  48  for line continuity, inserted longitudinally with respect to the cover. When the cover  46  is closed, the contact  47  electrically connects together the contact  32  in connection with the I.D. contact  11  for receiving one of the large wires  3 , with the contact  41  in connection with the I.D. contact  17  for receiving one of the small wires  2 . And when the cover  46  is closed, the contact  48  electrically connects together the contact  33  in connection with the I.D. contact  12  for receiving the other of the large wires  3 , with the contact  42  in connection with the I.D. contact  18  for receiving the other of the small wires  2 . 
   The surge arrester  13  is inserted in parallel on the bifilar large wire line  3 . It is blocked between two elastic metallic parts  49 ,  51  advancing towards each other, belonging respectively to the contacts  32  and  33 , and which bear against the two electrodes of said surge arrester  13 . Moreover, the well  43  includes an earth contact  52  which bears, under the module, against the metal receiving rail  22 . In the well  43 , the earth contact  52  is located half way between the contacts  32  and  33  in order to be able to receive the median earth electrode  53  of the surge arrester  13 . The surge arrester  13  also comprises a safety short circuit  54 , also called “fail-safe”, incorporating a fusible pellet. 
   The cover  46  comprises a hollow body  56 , including the contacts  47 ,  48 , a tab  57  for gripping and a hinge  58  ensuring its opening and closure O/C. 
   In a first embodiment of the invention ( FIGS. 4 to 6 ), the known cover  46  is replaced by a cover  59  of which the hollow body is more voluminous. The interior volume of this cover  59  is intended to receive additional electrical members inserted in series between the large wire line  3  and the small wire line  2 . The electrical members are two in number and, in this example, are positive temperature coefficient resistors (PTCRs). PTCRs have a parallelepipedic shape with a square face whose side measures about 5 mm and with smaller thickness equal to about 2 mm. A PTCR comprises two electrodes, one on each of the most extended opposite surfaces. 
   For this connection, the two known contacts  47 ,  48  have been replaced by four separate specific contacts  61 ,  62 ,  63  and  64 . They each present a first curved end, already known, intended to bear against each of the contacts of the well  32 ,  33 ,  42  and  41  respectively. However, the shape of these contacts  61 ,  62 ,  63  and  64  has been adapted to the geometry of the two PTCRs  66  and  67 . The PTCRs have been placed longitudinally inside the cover  59 , one next to the other and slightly offset in the longitudinal direction, inserted between the planes defined by the contacts of the well. Consequently, one of the electrodes  66   b  of one of the PTCRs  66  faces an electrode  67   b  of the other PTCR  67 , these two electrodes  66   b  and  67   b  being oriented respectively towards the centre of the cover  59 . Likewise, the other of the electrodes  66   a  of one of the PTCRs  66  and another electrode  67   a  of the other PTCR  67  are oriented in opposite directions to one another and towards the lateral walls of the cover. 
   The contact  62 , intended to touch the electrode oriented towards the lateral wall  67   a  of the PTCR  67 , presents an additional metallic part in the form of a cut-out tongue  62   a  projecting towards the electrode  67   a . In order to be able to touch one of the electrodes of one PTCR, which is oriented towards the centre, the corresponding contact must make a bridge and present the form of a U, in order to pass around the body of the PTCR, and it must not touch the other of the electrodes which is oriented towards the lateral wall of the cover  59 . This contact is fixed to the bottom of the cover by the bottom of the U-shaped part. In this way, the contact  63 , touching the opposite electrode oriented towards the centre  67   b  of the same PTCR  67 , presents an additional portion returning towards the centre of the cover and forming the branch of the U  63   a . The same applies for contact  64 , with a metallic part in the form of a cut-out elastic tongue  64   a , shaped to touch the electrode oriented towards the lateral wall  66   a  of the second PTCR  66 . The same applies for contact  61 , with a portion returning towards the centre  61   a , and forming the branch of the U  61   a , shaped to touch the other opposite electrode oriented towards the centre  66   b  of the second PTCR  66 . 
   In this way, the continuity of one of the large wire strands  3  is made through the interconnection module, by the first contact of the well  32 , the first contact of the cover  61 , one of the electrodes of the first PTCR  66   b  via the branch  61   a  of the first contact of the cover  61 , the resistive part of the first PTCR  66 , the other of the electrodes  66   a  of the first PTCR, the cut-out metallic part  64   a  of the second contact  64 , the second contact  64 , and the second contact of the well  41 , up to one of the small wire strands  2 . The continuity of the other of the large wire strands  3  is made through the interconnection module by the third contact of the well  33 , the third contact of the cover  62 , the cut-out metallic part  62   a  of the third contact  62 , one of the electrodes of the second PTCR  67   a , the resistive part of the second PTCR  67 , the other of the electrodes  67   b  of the second PTCR, the branch  63   a  of the fourth contact of the cover  63 , the fourth contact of the cover  63 , and the fourth contact of the well  42 , up to the other of the small wire strands  2 . 
   In a second embodiment ( FIGS. 7 to 13 ), the known cover  46  is replaced by a cover  68  allowing an output for connection towards an additional electrical member which is more voluminous and therefore disposed outside this cover  68 . The additional electrical member is in this example an outside MTU unit (not shown). It is connected in series on each of the two line strands, to the interconnection module, by four sheathed electrical wires. 
   For this connection, the two known contacts  47 ,  48  have been replaced by four separate specific contacts  69 ,  71 ,  72  and  73 . The four separate specific contacts  69 ,  71 ,  72  and  73  have been adapted and they each present a known first curved end, intended to bear against each of the contacts of the well,  32 ,  33 ,  42  and  41  respectively. They also each present another end, pointed upwardly, projecting beyond the cover  68 , of the insulation displacement slot type, similar to an I.D. contact, in order to ensure connection towards the outside of the cover. 
   Connection is made by inserting each of the four MTU wires  74 ,  76 ,  77  and  78  respectively in the four insulation displacement slots  69   a ,  71   a ,  71   a  and  73   a  of each of the four respective I.D. contacts  69 ,  71 ,  72  and  73 . The cover  68  of the well  43  comprises a manual insulating pusher  79  for receiving and connecting the four MTU wires. The cover  68  also comprises in its upper part four openings  81   82 ,  83  and  84  through which the ends, with I.D. slot, of the four respective I.D. contacts  69 ,  71 ,  72  and  73  emerge. The manual insulating pusher  79  comprises four transverse blind orifices  86 ,  87 ,  88  and  89  for receiving the four respective MTU wires  74 ,  76 ,  77  and  78 . In this way, the four MTU wires  74 ,  76 ,  77  and  78  are firstly introduced in these orifices  86 ,  87   88  and  89 , the pusher being lifted. Then the pusher  79  is pushed manually towards the I.D. contacts  69 ,  71 ,  72  and  73  emerging via the openings  81 ,  82 ,  83  and  84 , in order to cause it to descend therealong and thus insert the four MTU wires  74 ,  76 ,  77  and  78  in their respective insulation displacement slots  69   a ,  71   a ,  72   a  and  73   a . The manual pusher  79  remains in place, as it presents two elastic arms  90  cooperating at the end of connection with pawls  91  of the cover  68 , ensuring, by their end-of-stroke clicking, a firm positioning of the manual pusher  79 . A snapping sound, resulting from the clicking, informs the wire fitter that the insulation displacement connection is positively made. Finally, it is possible to disconnect the wires  74 ,  76 ,  77  and  78 , simply by lifting this pusher  79 , in order to disengage them from the insulation displacement slots  69   a ,  71   a ,  72   a  and  73   a.    
   Being given that the four contacts  32 ,  33 ,  41  and  42  inside the well  43  are oriented longitudinally with respect to the module, the ends of the four I.D. contacts touching them are also oriented longitudinally with respect to the module and they face the four contacts of the well. On the contrary, being given that the four outlets via the four orifices  86 ,  87 ,  88  and  89  are oriented transversely with respect to the module and are in line, the ends with insulation displacement slots  69   a ,  71   a ,  72   a  and  73   a  of the four I.D. contacts consequently being oriented transversely with respect to the module and being substantially in line, the four I.D. contacts each present intermediate right-angled bevel gears. 
   In a third embodiment ( FIG. 14 ), the known cover  46  is replaced by a cover  92 , allowing both an outlet for connection towards an additional electrical member outside the cover, and additional electrical members inserted inside the cover  92 . The more voluminous hollow body thus receives two PTCRs  93 ,  94  inserted in series between the large wire line  3  and the small wire line  2 . 
   For this connection, the two known contacts  47 ,  48  have been replaced by four separate specific contacts  96 ,  97 ,  98  and  99 . They each present a known first curved end, intended to bear against each of the contacts of the well  32 ,  33 ,  42  and  41  respectively. The shape of these contacts has therefore been adapted, on the one hand, to the geometry of the PTCRs  93 ,  94  and, on the other hand, to the outlet for connection towards the outside of the cover. 
   The PTCRs  93 ,  94  have been placed longitudinally inside the cover  92  one beside the other and slightly offset in the longitudinal direction, inserted between the plans defined by the contacts of the well. Consequently, one of the electrodes  93   b  of one of the PTCRs  93  faces an electrode  94   b  of the other PTCR  94 , these two electrodes  93   b  and  94   b  being respectively oriented towards the centre of the cover  92 . Likewise, the other of the electrodes  93   a  of one of the PTCRs  93  and another electrode  94   a  of the other PTCR  94  are oriented in opposite directions to each other and each towards the lateral walls of the cover. 
   The contact  97 , intended to touch the electrode oriented towards the lateral wall  94   a  of the PTCR  94 , presents an additional metallic part in the form of a cut-out tongue  97   a , projecting in the direction of the electrode  94   a . In order to be able to touch one of the electrodes of a PTCR, which is oriented towards the centre, the corresponding contact must present the shape of a U, in order to pass around the body of the PTCR, and must not touch the other of the electrodes which is oriented towards the lateral wall of the cover  92 . This contact is fixed to the bottom of the cover by the bottom of the U-shaped part. In this way, the contact  98 , touching the opposite electrode oriented towards the centre  94   b  of the same PTCR  94 , presents an additional portion returning towards the centre of the cover and forming the branch of the U  98   a . The same applies to the contact  99 , with an elastic metallic part in the form of cut-out tongue  99   a , shaped to touch the electrode oriented towards the outside  93   a  of the second PTCR  93 . And the same applies to contact  96 , with a portion returning towards the centre, and forming the branch of the U  96   a , shaped to touch the other opposite electrode oriented towards the centre  93   b  of the second PTCR  93 . 
   The additional electrical member outside the cover  92  is, in this example, an RC module (not shown). It is connected in parallel, bridging one of the line strands to the other line strand, to the interconnection module by two sheathed electrical wires (not shown). For this connection, two contacts  96 ,  97  of the cover  92  among the four in most direct electrical connection with the large wires  3 , also present another end, pointed upwardly, projecting from the cover  92 , of the type incorporating an insulation displacement slot, similar to an I.D. contact, in order to ensure the connection towards the outside of the cover. Connection is made by inserting each of the two wires of the RC module respectively in the two insulation displacement slots  96   b  and  97   b  of each of the two respective I.D. contacts  96  and  97 . The cover  92  of the well  43  comprises a manual insulating pusher  101  for receiving and connecting the two wires of the RC circuit. The cover  92  also comprises in its upper part two openings  102  and  103  through which the ends, with insulation displacement slot, of the two respective I.D. contacts  96  and  97  emerge. The manual insulating pusher  101  comprises two transverse blind orifices  104 ,  106  for receiving the two respective wires of the RC circuit. 
   The two wires of the RC circuit are thus firstly introduced in these orifices  104 ,  106 , the pusher  101  being lifted. The pusher  101  is then pushed manually towards the I.D. contacts  96  and  97  emerging via openings  102  and  103 , in order to cause it to descend therealong and thus drive the two wires of the RC circuit into their respective insulating displacement slots  96   b ,  97   b . The manual pusher  101  remains in place, as it presents two elastic arms  90  cooperating at end of connection with pawls  91  of the cover  92 , ensuring by their end-of-stroke clicking a firm positioning of the manual pusher  101 . A snapping sound resulting from the clicking informs the wire fitter that the insulation displacement connection is positively made. Finally, it is possible to disconnect the wires simply by lifting this pusher  101 , in order to disenage them from the insulation displacement slots  96 B,  97   b.    
   Being given that the four contacts  32 ,  33 ,  41  and  42  inside the well  43  are oriented longitudinally with respect to the module, the ends of the four I.D. contacts touching them are also oriented longitudinally with respect to the module, and they face the four contacts of the well. On the contrary, being given that the two outlets via the two orifices  104  and  106  are oriented transversely with respect to the module and are in line, the ends with insulation displacement slots  96   b  and  97   b  of the two I.D. contacts consequently being oriented transversely with respect to the module and being substantially in line, the two I.D. contacts each present intermediate right-angled bevel gears. 
   In a fourth embodiment ( FIG. 15 ), the known cover  46  is replaced by a cover  107 , allowing both an outlet for connection towards an additional electrical member outside the cover, and additional electrical members inserted inside the cover  107 . The more voluminous hollow body thus receives two PTCRs  108 ,  109  inserted in series between the large wire line  3  and the small wire line  2 . 
   For this connection, the two known contacts  47 ,  48  have been replaced by four separate specific contacts  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 . They each present a known first curved end intended to bear against each of the contacts of the well,  32 ,  33 ,  42 ,  41  respectively. The shape of these contacts has therefore been adapted, on the one hand, to the geometry of the PTCRs  108 ,  109  and, on the other hand, to the outlet for connection towards the outside of the cover. 
   The PTCRs  108  and  109  have been placed inside the cover  107  in manner similar to the first and third embodiments described hereinabove. Consequently, the four contacts of the cover  111 ,  112 ,  113  and  114  present the same shape adapted to the PTCRs as the contacts of the cover of said first and third embodiments. 
   The additional electrical member outside the cover  107  is in this embodiment a module (not shown) connected in series on each of the two line strands  2  and  3  by four sheathed electrical wires (not shown). The four contacts of the cover  111 ,  112 ,  113  and  114  likewise each present another end, pointed upwardly, projecting beyond the cover  107 , of the type with insulation displacement slot  111   a,    112   a ,  113   a ,  114   a  similar to an I.D. contact in order to ensure the connection towards the outside of the cover. The insulation displacement slot ends are disposed at right angles with respect to the ends touching the contacts of the well, hence the necessary presence, for each, of the intermediate bevel gear. Similarly to the second embodiment previously described, the cover  107  comprises an insulating manual pusher  113  with four transverse blind orifices  114 ,  116 ,  117  and  118 . In the cover  107  itself there are arranged four openings  119 ,  121 ,  122  and  123  intended for the passage and outlet of the four ends with insulation displacement slot  111   a,    112   a ,  113   a  and  114   a  respectively. The connection of the four electrical wires of the module is made in a manner equivalent to the processes described in the second and third embodiments mentioned above. 
   In a fifth embodiment ( FIGS. 16 to 19 ), the known cover  46  is replaced by a cover  124 , whose hollow body is more voluminous. The interior volume of this cover  124  is intended to receive an additional electrical member inserted in parallel, bridging one of the line strands to the other line strand. The electrical member is in this example a Transil diode  126 . The Transil is tubular in shape, about 6 mm long and with a diameter of 3 mm. The Transil comprises at each end an electrode in the form of an electrical wire  126   a ,  126   b.    
   For this connection, the two known contacts  47 ,  48  have been replaced by two specific contacts  127  and  128 . They each present a first and a second curved end  127   a  and  128   a , which are already known, intended to bear against each of the contacts of the well,  32 ,  41  and  33 ,  42  respectively. However, the shape of these specific contacts  127 ,  128  has been adapted to the geometry of the Transil  126 . The Transil has been placed on the longitudinal axis, horizontally, inside the cover  124 , inserted between the planes defined by the contacts of the well. Consequently, one of the electrodes  126   a  of the Transil is oriented towards the hinge  58  and the other of the electrodes  126   b  of the Transil is oriented towards the tab  57  for gripping. 
   One of the contacts  127 , intended to touch the electrode oriented towards the hinge  126   a , presents a protuberance  127   b  deployed perpendicularly to the contact, i.e. transversely with respect to the cover  124 , and in the direction of the other contact  128 . In the protuberance  127   b , there is made a downwardly open slot  127   c  receiving, by insertion then blocking, the wire of the electrode  126   a  of the Transil. Opposite, the other contact  128 , intended to touch the electrode oriented towards the tab  126   b  for gripping, presents a protuberance  128   b , deployed perpendicularly to the contact, i.e. transversely with respect to the cover  124  and in the direction of the first contact  127 . In the protuberance  128   b , there is made a downwardly open slot receiving, by insertion then blockage, the wire of the electrode  126   b  of the Transil. 
   The connection is therefore made from the contacts  32 ,  41  of the well towards the contacts  33 ,  42  of the well, via the contact  127  with its protuberance  127   b , the Transil  126 , and the contact  128  with its protuberance  128   b.    
   In a sixth embodiment ( FIGS. 20 to 23 ), the known cover  46  is replaced by a cover  129  whose hollow body is more voluminous. The interior volume of this cover  129  is intended to receive additional electrical members inserted in parallel, bridging one of the line strands to the other line strand. The electrical members are, in this embodiment, two VDRs. A VDR has the shape of a pellet with a diameter of about 6 mm and 2.5 mm thick. A VDR comprises two electrodes, one on each of the opposite round faces. 
   For this connection, the two known contacts  47 ,  48  have been replaced by two specific contacts  131 ,  132 . They each present a first and a second curved end  131   a,    132   a , which is already known, intended to bear against each of the contacts of the well  32 ,  41  and  33 ,  42 , respectively. The shape of these specific contacts  131 ,  132  has been adapted to the geometry of the VDRs. The two VDRs  133 ,  134  have been placed longitudinally inside the cover  129 , one beside the other and edgewise between the planes defined by the contacts of the well. 
   The contact  131 , intended to touch one of the electrodes of the VDR  133 , presents an additional metallic part in the form of a cut-out tongue  131   b  projecting in the direction of the electrode. The same applies for the contact  132  intended to touch one of the electrodes of the VDR  134  with the aid of its cut-out tongue  132   b.    
   Between the two VDRs  133 ,  134  and parallel thereto, an earth contact  136  has been inserted, in the form of a metal plate provided with some points coming into contact with the electrodes of the two VDRs. This earth contact  136 , on the one hand, is fixed in the mass of the cover, and on the other hand, opposite, it comprises a tab  136   a  deployed in the well when the cover is closed. The tab  136   a  is oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the plane defined by the plate of the earth contact  136 . When the cover  129  pivots and closes, the tab  136   a  descends and touches the earth contact  52  of the well, itself in contact with the median earth electrode  53  of the surge arrester  13 , and in abutment against the metal reception rail  22  of the interconnection device (cf.  FIG. 3 ). 
   The connection is therefore made from the contacts  32 ,  41  of the well towards the earth contact  52  of the well, via the contact of the cover  131  with its tongue  131   b,  the first VDR  133 , and the central earth contact  136  with its tab  136   a . In the same way, the connection is made from the contacts  33 ,  42  of the well towards the earth contact  52  of the well, via the contact of the cover  132  with its tongue  132   b,  the second VDR  134  and the central earth contact  136  with its tab  136   a.    
   The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and other adaptations of this module and its cover may in particular be envisaged. For example, the additional electrical members inserted in the cover may be of any type, any shape or any dimensions, on condition that the cover can always be opened. They may be connected in series or in parallel. For example, the additional electrical members outside the cover may be connected together in series or in parallel by other means. There may be two or four tuning fork contacts accessible from the outside by a plug-in electrical member, in the same way, for example, as the plug-in module  22  for continuity and protection is connected on an interconnection module in accordance with the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,436, according to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  6  thereof.