Multi-pole electrical protection system and electrical equipment including the system

Abstract

A multi-pole electrical protection system (2) includes multiple devices (4, 6, 8) for switching current. Each switching device has multiple compartments (18), each compartment including an arc-extinguishing chamber and a pair of separable electrical contacts connected to an upstream connection terminal (10) and a downstream connection terminal (12), which are movable between an open position and a closed position under the action of a tripping device (20). The switching devices are separated from each other, with the upstream terminal (10) of each device connected via a first connector (14) to maintain them at the same potential, and the downstream terminal of each device connected via a second connector (16) to maintain them at the same potential. The switching devices are controlled by the same common tripping device (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-pole electrical protection system and an electrical device including the system. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the electrical protection system of a circuit breaker is a switching device that allows the guidance and dissipation of any electric arc that may form when the circuit is broken. When a circuit breaker can simultaneously disconnect multiple circuits corresponding to multiple electrical phases (also called poles), it is called a multi-pole circuit breaker.

[0003] Circuit breakers are typically designed for a given rating, i.e., a given current and / or power range.

[0004] However, the ever-changing requirements for circuit breakers, especially those related to wind power production and the increasing size of wind turbines, now require circuit breakers to be able to handle very high ampere currents of up to 10kA or even 12kA, and to be able to operate in the so-called “low voltage” range, such as between voltages that can reach 690V and 1200V.

[0005] Conventional methods for manufacturing modular circuit breakers no longer allow for the production of circuit breakers with acceptable performance. The increased number of basic switching devices aligned with each other leads to problems in terms of size and in terms of eliminating the heat flux generated by such very high current intensity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problems that these inventions more specifically aim to solve are addressed by providing a multi-pole electrical protection system with a compact and modular structure, each pole having a high rating and its tripping being synchronous, regardless of the number of poles.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a multi-pole electrical protection system comprising multiple switching devices for switching current. Each switching device has multiple compartments, each compartment including an arc-extinguishing chamber and a pair of separable electrical contacts connected to upstream and downstream connection terminals. Under the action of a tripping device, the separable electrical contacts are movable between an open position and a closed position. According to the invention, the switching devices are separated from each other, while the upstream terminals of each device are connected via a first connector to maintain them at the same potential, and the downstream terminals of each device are connected via a second connector to maintain them at the same potential. Furthermore, the switching devices are controlled by a common tripping device.

[0008] With the aid of this invention, switching devices whose tripping is synchronized can be arranged to eliminate the heat flux associated with high ampere currents. Each switching device is rated according to the power and current associated with each pole. A common tripping mechanism allows the tripping of each switching device to be synchronized with other switching devices.

[0009] According to some advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such an electrical protection system can combine one or more of the following features in any technically permissible combination:

[0010] - The first and second connectors of the switching device are located on the back of the device, one above the other arranged laterally to each other, and each includes a connecting pad, each connecting pad being associated with / connected to one of the upstream or downstream terminals, and each lever including the same number of connecting pads as the arc-extinguishing chambers included in the switching device;

[0011] The first and second connectors of the switching device have the same structure and are oriented in two opposite lateral directions. The connecting pads of the two connectors of the same device are located in different vertical planes.

[0012] -The switching device includes the same number of arc-extinguishing chambers;

[0013] - Each switching device includes two, three, or four arc-extinguishing chambers;

[0014] - Each arc-extinguishing chamber of the switching device is open on the upper surface of the switching device via its own exhaust opening, and the devices are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface so that the exhaust openings are not restricted by other devices;

[0015] - Each switching device includes a switching mechanism for moving separable contacts of the device, the switching mechanism being coupled to a tripping device;

[0016] - The tripping device is part of the electronic control system and is different from the switching device;

[0017] - The protection system includes a receiving base designed for attachment to electrical equipment, each base including an electrical connection positioned to reversibly cooperate with a connector of a switching device;

[0018] - The first switching device includes an actuator and a switching mechanism. Other switching devices are connected to the first switching device via a mechanical unit arranged outside the device and connecting these devices to each other.

[0019] -The switching device that includes the actuator also includes the tripping device that drives the actuator;

[0020] - Each switching device includes a common control shaft to which separable contacts are connected, and the shaft of each device is connected to a mechanical unit;

[0021] - The protection system includes a frame for attaching the switching device, and the frame and mechanical unit are made of a non-ferromagnetic, preferably metallic material. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will be better understood from the following description of two embodiments of a multi-pole electrical protection system and electrical equipment given only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which other advantages of the invention will become more apparent:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-pole electrical protection system according to some embodiments, particularly a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a multi-pole electrical protection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of detail III, with some parts hidden for easier reading;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Perspective view of the protection system, along Figure 2 The arrows IV in the image are observed, with some parts hidden for easier reading; and

[0027] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The arrow V in the image is observed. Figure 2 An enlarged view of the protection system. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A multi-pole electrical protection system 2 according to several embodiments is shown.

[0029] Protection system 2 includes multiple switching devices, such as three, referred to herein as 4, 6 and 8.

[0030] Each of the switching devices 4 to 8 is an electrical switching device capable of interrupting the current flowing through the separable contacts and switching between an open state and a closed state.

[0031] Advantageously, the switching devices 4 to 8 are, for example, existing circuit breaker subassemblies, and / or include existing low-voltage circuit breaker components.

[0032] For example, the protection system 2 is intended for use in electrical equipment, such as power distribution or production equipment. According to some examples, the electrical equipment includes a generator, at least one electrical load, and a switching device 2 connected between the generator and the electrical load. For example, the generator may be a wind turbine, particularly a wind turbine.

[0033] Switching devices 4 to 8 are spaced apart from each other.

[0034] Preferably, the switching devices of system 2 are substantially the same as each other and perform similar functions, so for simplicity, only one of these switching devices will be described in detail below.

[0035] Each of devices 4 through 8 is associated with an electrode or electrical phase referred to as P4, P6, and P8, respectively.

[0036] In alternative embodiments, system 2 may include a different number of switching devices. According to some examples, system 2 includes two switching devices. According to other examples, system 2 includes four switching devices. In this sense, protection system 2 is referred to as multi-pole.

[0037] Each of poles P4 through P8 is associated with upstream terminal 10 and downstream terminal 12. In this specification, the concepts of "upstream" and "downstream" are used to distinguish the various elements of the protection system 2 and are not contingent on any particular connection direction of the various elements of the protection system 2.

[0038] For each of devices 4 to 8, the upstream terminal 10 is connected to the upstream connector 14, which is mounted on the corresponding device 4 to 8. Similarly, each downstream terminal 12 is connected to the corresponding downstream connector 16.

[0039] Each of devices 4 to 8 includes a plurality of compartments 18. Advantageously, devices 4 to 8 have the same number of compartments 18. In the example shown, each of devices 4 to 8 includes three compartments 18.

[0040] Each compartment 18 includes an arc-extinguishing chamber and a pair of separable electrical contacts connected to the arc-extinguishing chamber. By extension, reference numeral 18 relating to each compartment also includes the arc-extinguishing chamber housed within said compartment.

[0041] The separable contacts in each pair are connected to either an upstream terminal (not shown) or a downstream terminal. The separable contacts are reversibly movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0042] For example, the separable contacts of each switching device 4 to 8 are connected to a common control shaft for the entire device. This shaft can be moved by a switching mechanism, such as an energy accumulation mechanism. This mechanism can be actuated by an actuator, such as an electromechanical actuator, particularly an electromagnetic actuator. In practice, this actuator can be driven by the tripping device 20.

[0043] When all the separable contacts of one of the switching devices 4 to 8 are in the open / closed state, by extension, it can be said that the corresponding device 4 to 8 is also in the open / closed state.

[0044] For each of devices 4, 6 and 8, the upstream terminals are connected to the same upstream connector 14, and therefore are at the same potential.

[0045] Similarly, for each device 4 to 8, the downstream terminals are connected to the same downstream connector 16 and are therefore at the same potential.

[0046] Switching devices 4 to 8 are connected to the same tripping device 20. Tripping device 20 is configured to receive and process information from each of devices 4 to 8.

[0047] According to some examples, the tripping device 20 may be an electronic tripping device including circuitry and / or a processor, which is specifically programmed to detect potential electrical faults based on information from each of the switching devices 4 to 8 (e.g., current and / or voltage measurements).

[0048] For example, tripping device 20 is connected via data link 22 to measuring device 26 associated with switching devices 4 to 8. Tripping device 20 is also connected via data link 24 to one or more actuators associated with switching devices 4 to 8 to switch their separable electrical contacts between their open and closed states.

[0049] For example, measuring device 26 may include one or more current sensors and / or voltage sensors and / or sensors configured to measure any relevant electrical quantity.

[0050] According to some examples, the tripping device 20 forms part of an electronic control unit, which is also configured to transmit switching instructions, such as open, close, and reset instructions, to each of the devices 4 to 8.

[0051] Specifically, the trip command sent by the tripping device 20 is sent together to all switching devices 4, 6, and 8 of the protection system 2. In other words, switching devices 4 to 8 are controlled by the same tripping device 20.

[0052] According to some examples, a single tripping device 20 is associated with various devices 4, 6 and 8.

[0053] In the first embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, tripping device 20 differs from devices 4 to 8. Tripping device 20 is formed, for example, as part of an electronic control unit, unlike devices 4 to 8.

[0054] In other words, the actuation of the common tripping device 20 for the switching devices 4 to 8 is achieved electronically.

[0055] According to other examples, the tripping device 20 may be integrated into one of the switching devices 4 to 8, wherein one of the switching devices 4 to 8 that includes the tripping device 20 is referred to as the “master” switching device, and the other switching device that does not include the tripping device 20 is referred to as the “slave” switching device.

[0056] Optionally, but still advantageously, the switching devices 4 to 8 are detachable, i.e., each switching device 4 to 8 reversibly cooperates with a corresponding receiving base. More precisely, each receiving base includes an electrical connection that is reversibly electrically connected to the upstream and downstream connectors 14 and 16 of the respective device 4 to 8 via a simple translational movement of the device 4 to 8 relative to its respective receiving base in the mounting direction.

[0057] Therefore, for example, when performing maintenance, devices 4 to 8 are easy to disassemble and replace.

[0058] In this case, data links 22 and 24 are also detachable, that is, when the switching devices 4 to 8 are installed on / removed from their respective receiving bases, the connection and / or disconnection of links 22 and 24 occurs together with the connection and / or disconnection of connectors 14 and 16.

[0059] Figures 2 to 5 A second embodiment of protection system 2 is shown.

[0060] In the second embodiment, elements similar to those in the first embodiment bear the same reference numerals plus 100 and operate in the same manner. For example, in Figures 2 to 5 In this diagram, the protection system is designated 102. System 102 includes three switching devices, labeled 104, 106, and 108, which correspond to... Figure 1 The first embodiment shown includes switching devices 4, 6, and 8. However, the number of switching devices is not limited and can vary.

[0061] The following text primarily describes the differences between the first and second embodiments.

[0062] The protection system 102 differs from the protection system 2 in that the switching devices 104 to 108 are mechanically connected to each other so as to be controlled by the same tripping device 120, which has a similar or the same function as the tripping device 20 described above.

[0063] In other words, the actuation of the switching devices 104 to 108 to the common trip device 120 is achieved mechanically, for example, by means of the mechanical connection unit 124, which will be described in more detail below.

[0064] Three switching devices 104 to 108 are mounted on the attachment frame 128. In the example shown, the frame 128 is formed of metal profiles joined together, for example, by welding. However, other embodiments of the frame 128 are possible. Figures 2 to 5 The view shows frame 128 placed on a horizontal surface.

[0065] In the remainder of this specification, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “in front of,” “behind,” “horizontal,” “right,” “left,” etc., are given with reference to the orientation of the elements of the protection system 2 in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the elements of the protection system 2 do not constitute a specific function of the system 2.

[0066] exist Figures 3 to 5 In the image, frame 128 is shown in part for ease of reading. Frame 128 includes three distinct receiving spaces 130, 132, and 134, configured to accommodate corresponding switching devices 104, 106, and 108, thus devices 104 to 108 are separate. Each receiving space 130 to 134 here comprises a rectangular horizontal plate, and these spaces 130 to 134 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0067] Switching devices 104 to 108 are respectively attached to the corresponding receiving spaces 130 to 134 via attachment members (not shown) and flanges 136.

[0068] Each of the switching devices 104 to 108 is generally parallelepiped in shape, having a front face 138. In the example shown, the front faces 138 are located in a vertical plane, are parallel to each other, and are oriented in the same direction to facilitate the use of the protection system 102. The front face 138 of device 104 includes various control and / or monitoring components that an operator can access to use the protection system 102.

[0069] For convenience, the transverse plane P1 of the protection system 2 is defined as a plane parallel to the front face 138 of the switching devices 104 to 108.

[0070] In addition, the longitudinal plane P2 is defined as a perpendicular plane orthogonal to the transverse plane P1.

[0071] exist Figure 3 The switch device 104 is shown enlarged in the image, with a cover for the front panel 138 concealed for easier reading. The switch device 104 includes a plurality of compartments 118, corresponding to those in the reference above. Figure 1 The described compartment 18. In the example shown, the switching device 104 includes three compartments 118. Each compartment 118 includes an arc-extinguishing chamber (not shown) adjacent to a separable contact. Each arc-extinguishing chamber is open at the upper surface 140 of the device 104 via an exhaust opening 142 for allowing breakup gas to escape from the arc-extinguishing chamber.

[0072] The opening 142 is advantageously oriented upward to facilitate the escape of the broken gas. Advantageously, the switching devices 104 to 108 are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface 140 of each device 104 to 108, thereby ensuring that the exhaust opening 142 of each switching device 104 to 108 is unrestricted and thus preventing switching devices 104 to 108 from blocking the opening 142 of another switching device 104 to 108. In the example shown, the switching devices 104 to 108 are spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

[0073] Each switching device 104 to 106 includes a control shaft 144 arranged transversely to the respective device 104 to 106 and projecting from the side 146 of the device 104 to 108 via an end 148 of the shaft 144. Thus, the end 148 is located outside the respective device 104 to 108. The separable contacts of the same switching device 104 to 108 are therefore connected to the common shaft 144 and switch together between open and closed states under the action of the respective shaft 144.

[0074] More precisely, each shaft 144 is cylindrical about an axis, and is rotatably movable about the axis relative to the corresponding device 104 to 108. When the corresponding shaft 144 rotates, the separable contact of one of the switching devices 104 to 108 moves between an open and closed state. When all the separable contacts of one of the switching devices 104 to 108 are in the open / closed state, it can be said, by extension, that the corresponding switching device 104 to 108 is also in the open / closed state.

[0075] The control shaft 144 of each device 104 to 108 is coupled to the mechanical connection unit 124. The mechanical unit 124 includes a control lever 125, which is connected to each control shaft 144 via a lever 150. Figure 3 In the middle, the connection between shaft 144, lever 150 and rod 125 is more clearly visible.

[0076] The first end of lever 150 is fixed to shaft 144 near end 148 of shaft 144, while the second end of lever 150, opposite to the first end, is connected to rod 125 in a pivoting manner about an axis parallel to the corresponding shaft 144. Thus, mechanical connection unit 124 is located outside each of devices 104 to 108.

[0077] The translational motion of lever 125 is thus converted into the rotational motion of shaft 144. Since the shafts 144 of all switching devices 104 to 108 are connected via mechanical unit 124, the rotational motion of one shaft 144 is replicated by the others, causing the separable contacts in each of devices 104 to 108 to move together between the open and closed states. In other words, by means of mechanical unit 124, the switching of switching devices 104 to 108 between the open and closed states is simultaneous.

[0078] Advantageously, the frame 128 and the mechanical unit 124 are made of non-ferromagnetic, preferably metallic, materials to avoid induction under the influence of the current flowing through the protection system 2.

[0079] Preferably, a centering rod 152 and a guide 154 are provided to help the mechanical unit 124 operate correctly, in particular to keep the shaft 144 parallel and the ends 148 aligned, so as to reduce friction within the mechanical unit 124 and reduce the force required to rotate the shaft 144.

[0080] The centering rod 152 includes a bore in which a bearing for receiving the end 148 of the shaft 144 is housed. Therefore, the shaft 144 is guided to rotate relative to the rod 152 about its respective axis.

[0081] Guide 154 is connected to the flange 136 of each switching device 104 to 108 on the side opposite to side 146. It is understood that the control lever 125, centering lever 152, and guide 154 extend longitudinally in directions parallel to each other, thus aligning the switching devices 104 to 108 in the same direction. More specifically, the shafts 144 of devices 104 to 108 are parallel and coplanar to each other, and the connection between lever 150 and the corresponding shaft 144 is aligned.

[0082] One of the switching devices 104 to 108 also includes a tripping device.

[0083] In the example shown, the tripping device 120 is mounted on the switching device 104, which is located at... Figures 2 to 4 The bottom of the switch device. The tripping device 120 is preferably housed in a receiving housing provided for this purpose, which is located on the front of one of the switch devices 104 to 108.

[0084] As a variant (not shown), the tripping device 120 is installed on another of the switching devices 106 or 108, or even placed elsewhere, for example, on one of the switching devices 104 to 108.

[0085] In the example shown, the switching device 104 also includes an actuator 156, such as Figure 2 As shown, the actuator 156 is driven by the tripping device 120.

[0086] Actuator 156 is designed to receive a trip command from trip device 120 and actuate an energy accumulation mechanism (not shown) that causes shaft 144 of device 104 to pivot to switch the separable contacts of device 104.

[0087] The rotational motion of the shaft 144 of device 104 is transmitted via mechanical unit 124 to the shafts 144 of other switching devices 106 and 108, thereby separating the separable contacts of devices 106 and 108.

[0088] In other words, the switching devices 104 to 108 are controlled by the same common trip device 120, which is located on or in the switching device 104.

[0089] The separable contacts of the arc-extinguishing chamber are connected to upstream connector 114 and downstream connector 116, as shown below. Figure 4 and 5 As shown.

[0090] In the example shown, connectors 114 and 116 are located on the back side 158 of each of devices 104 to 108, which is opposite to the front side 138.

[0091] The upstream connector 114 and the downstream connector 116 each include a beam 160 having a rectangular cross-section and a connecting pad 162 that can be attached to or integrated into the beam 160. In the example shown, two beams 160 are shown laterally on the back side 158 of each of the devices 104 to 108, one above the other, and the beams 160 are attached to the switching devices 104 to 108 by attachment members such as screws.

[0092] Each connecting pad 162 includes a base 164 and an attachment rod 166, the base 164 being attached to the corresponding beam 160 via an attachment member. The rod 166 is here in the form of an elongated block, arranged vertically longitudinally and projecting from the base 164. Each rod 166 includes a through-hole designed to mate with other attachment members of the electrical equipment, which are not shown.

[0093] Advantageously, the upstream connector 114 and the downstream connector 116 have the same structure and are mounted on the back 158 of the switching devices 104 to 108 in opposite directions.

[0094] For convenience, direction D1 is defined as the horizontal direction, which lies in the transverse plane P1 and is oriented in the same direction as side 146, i.e., towards. Figure 5 To the right. Similarly, direction D2 is defined as the direction parallel to D1 and opposite in direction, i.e., towards. Figure 5 On the left side.

[0095] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the example shown, connector 114 is oriented in direction D1, while connector 116 is oriented in direction D2.

[0096] For example, the downstream connector 116 is upside down relative to the upstream connector 114, causing the connecting pad 162 of the upstream connector 114 to be misaligned with the connecting pad 162 of the downstream connector 116.

[0097] In this way, the attachment rod 166 of the pad 162 does not obstruct the circulation of airflow at the rear of the device. Through natural convection, this helps to eliminate the heat generated by the current flowing at the level of each pad 162.

[0098] Of course, a forced convection fan system can be provided to help cool the switching devices 104 to 108.

[0099] For example, the attachment rods 166 of the same devices 104 to 108 are therefore located in a vertical plane parallel to each other, different from the planes P2.

[0100] Advantageously, each upstream connector 114 and downstream connector 116 of devices 104 to 108 includes as many pads 162 as the corresponding number of arc-extinguishing chambers included in the respective devices 104 to 108, with each pad 162 aligned with the corresponding arc-extinguishing chamber along a plane parallel to the longitudinal plane P2.

[0101] In the example shown, each device 104 to 108 includes three arc-extinguishing chambers, and each of connectors 114 and 116 includes three connecting pads 162 that are aligned with the three arc-extinguishing chambers of the corresponding device 104 to 108.

[0102] Each arc-extinguishing chamber has a pad 162 associated with it, which are connected to each other by a beam 160, such that the heat generation of the intermediate pad 162 can be reduced, that is, the heat generation of the pad 162 between two other pads 162 located in the same connector 114 or 116 is reduced compared to the case where the connecting pads 162 are not connected to each other by the beam 160.

[0103] It should be understood that in the second embodiment of the protection system 102, the use of switching devices 104 to 108, which are different from each other but controlled by the same common trip device 120, allows high ampere currents to be handled in a smaller volume by effectively dissipating heat and expelling destructive gases.

[0104] Many aspects of the second embodiment can be implemented independently of the first embodiment. Similarly, the second embodiment can be implemented independently of the first embodiment.

[0105] In particular, the mechanical actuation of the switching device to the tripping device can be achieved independently of electronic actuation.

[0106] In addition, the frame 128 can be used in the protection system 2 described above, and is not limited to the second embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, in terms of structure and arrangement, connectors 114 and 116 are not only unique to the second embodiment, but can also be applied to the protection system 2 of the first embodiment.

[0108] Typically, in the different embodiments described above, only one tripping device 20 or 120 is required to drive the switching devices 4 to 8 or 104 to 108. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a protection system 2 or 102 that exhibits higher switching performance when using switching devices that include existing low-voltage circuit breaker components, without having to design specific new components, which is both economically and industrially advantageous.

[0109] The embodiments and variations mentioned above can be combined with each other to produce new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-pole electrical protection system (2; 102) comprising a plurality of switching devices (4, 6, 8, 104, 106, 108) for switching current, each switching device having a plurality of compartments (18; 118), each compartment including an arc-extinguishing chamber and a pair of separable electrical contacts connected to an upstream connection terminal (10) and a downstream connection terminal (12), said separable electrical contacts being movable between an open position and a closed position under the action of a tripping device (20; 120). Its features are, The switching devices are separate from each other. The upstream terminals (10) of each switching device are connected via first connectors (14; 114) to keep them at the same potential. The downstream terminals (12) of each switching device are connected via a second connector (16; 116) to keep them at the same potential. Furthermore, the switching devices are controlled by the same common tripping device (20; 120). The first and second connectors (14, 16, 114, 116) of the switching device (4, 6, 8; 104, 106, 108) are located on the back (158) of the switching device, arranged laterally on the other, and each connector includes a connecting pad (162) associated with one of the upstream or downstream terminals, and each connector includes as many connecting pads as the number of arc-extinguishing chambers (18; 118) included in the switching device.

2. The protection system (2; 102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second connectors (14, 16; 114, 116) of the switching devices (4, 6, 8; 104, 106, 108) have the same structure and are oriented in two opposite lateral directions (D1, D2), and the connecting pads of the two connectors of the same switching device are located in different vertical planes.

3. The protection system (2; 102) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The switching devices (4, 6, 8; 104, 106, 108) include the same number of arc-extinguishing chambers (18, 118).

4. The protection system (2; 102) according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each switching device (4, 6, 8; 104, 106, 108) includes two, three, or four arc-extinguishing chambers (18, 118).

5. The protection system (2; 102) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each arc-extinguishing chamber of the switching devices (4, 6, 8; 104, 106, 108) is open on the upper surface (140) of the switching device via its respective exhaust opening (142), and the switching devices are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the upper surface (140) so that the exhaust openings are not restricted by other switching devices.

6. The protection system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each switching device (4, 6, 8) includes a switching mechanism for moving a separable contact of the switching device, the switching mechanism being coupled to the tripping device (20).

7. The protection system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tripping device (20) is part of an electronic control device that is different from the switching devices (4, 6, 8).

8. The protection system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The system includes receiving bases designed for attachment to electrical equipment, each base including an electrical connection positioned to reversibly cooperate with connectors (14, 16) of the switching devices (4, 6, 8).

9. The protection system (102) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first switching device (104, 106, 108) includes an actuator (156) and a switching mechanism. Other switching devices are connected to the first switching device via a mechanical unit (124) arranged outside the switching device and connecting the switching devices to each other.

10. The protection system (102) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The switching device (104, 106, 108) including the actuator (156) also includes a tripping device (120) that drives the actuator.

11. The protection system (102) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each switching device (104, 106, 108) includes a common control shaft (144), to which the separable contacts are coupled, and the shaft of each switching device is coupled to the mechanical unit (124).

12. The protection system (102) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The system includes a frame (128) for attaching the switching devices (104, 106, 108), and the frame and the mechanical unit (124) are made of a non-ferromagnetic material.

13. The protection system (102) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The frame and the mechanical unit (124) are made of metal.

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