Electrical device for supplying power to an electrical unit

Abstract

An electrical device (1) for supplying power to a plurality of power units comprises a fixed support (4) and a plurality of contactor blocks (6). The electrical device (1) further comprises a control block (10) movable (F10) between a coupled position, in which the control block is mechanically and electrically coupled with the rest of the electrical device, and a decoupled position, in which the control block is not mechanically or electrically coupled with the rest of the electrical device. When the control block (10) is in the coupled position, each contactor block (6) is maintained in the coupled position on the one hand and the electronic monitoring means of the control block (10) are also connected to the switching means of each contactor block (6). When the control block (10) is in the decoupled position, the switching means of each contactor block (6) are in the open state and each contactor block (6) is movable between its coupled and decoupled positions independently of the other contactor blocks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical device for supplying power to an electrical unit. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of supplying power to electrical units such as electric motors, it is known to use electrical devices that allow power to one or more electrical units in a controlled manner. For example, multiple motors are connected to such an electrical device to form a so-called "motor starter" assembly. This device is configured to receive a supply current, typically multiphase, and redistribute it to multiple supply lines, each connected to one or more motors. For example, by allowing selective switching of the current flowing through the supply lines, the device can control each of these motors.

[0003] FR-3 069 716-A1 describes an example of such an electrical device with a modular structure, in which power supply lines are individually connected to removable connectors that can be replaced during maintenance operations. Each removable connector includes a switching device that either blocks or allows current to flow through the power supply line. However, the switching device wears out with each circuit closing / opening cycle. When the switching device fails, the entire removable connector must be replaced, including completely disconnecting the power supply lines, which is impractical, especially when the motor connected to the electrical device is a three-phase motor, requiring close monitoring of the power phase connections.

[0004] The object of the present invention is, in particular, to overcome these deficiencies by providing an electrical device for supplying power to multiple electrical units, which is especially useful when replacing defective parts. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to an electrical device for supplying power to multiple power units, the device comprising a fixed support and a plurality of contactor blocks. The fixed support includes: input terminals for receiving multiphase electrical current; and distribution circuitry configured to distribute the electrical current to power lines, each comprising multiple single-phase power supply lines. The fixed support includes a number of power lines equal to the number of contactor blocks in the electrical device, and each power line includes a number of power supply lines equal to the number of phases of the electrical current. Each power supply line of the contactor block is connected to a corresponding phase of the electrical current, and these power supply lines are accessible externally to the fixed support via intermediate terminals. Each contactor block includes secondary lines, each secondary line being connected to a corresponding power supply line via a corresponding intermediate terminal. The contactor blocks are movable between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, each secondary line is electrically connected to a specific primary line via an intermediate terminal and is accessible externally to the contactor block via an output terminal block. In the disconnected position, each secondary line is not connected to a primary line. Each contactor block also includes a switching device that is switchable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, all secondary circuits of the contactor blocks are disconnected; in the closed position, all secondary circuits of the contactor block are closed, and current flow between the intermediate terminal block and the output terminal block is not prevented. According to the invention, the electrical device also includes a control block that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the control block mechanically and electrically engages with the rest of the electrical device; in the disengaged position, the control block does not mechanically or electrically engage with the rest of the electrical device. When the control block is in the engaged position, each contactor block remains in the engaged position, and an electronic monitoring device of the control block is also connected to the switching device of each contactor block. The electronic monitoring device is configured to control the switching of each switching device independently of other switching devices. When the control block is in the disengaged position, the switching device of each contactor block is in the open state, and each contactor block is movable independently of other contactor blocks between its engaged and disengaged positions. The electrical connection between the secondary line and the power unit is provided by connectors, each of which can disconnect from one or more corresponding output terminal blocks when one or more corresponding contactor blocks are in the disengaged position.

[0006] According to the present invention, the control block of the electrical device must be disconnected from the rest of the electrical device before the contactor block and its associated connector can be separated. Therefore, it can be determined that the contactor block is de-energized and can be replaced completely safely. Furthermore, during this operation, the power supply line of the power unit remains connected to the connector, and once the faulty contactor block is replaced, the connector can be reconnected to the replaced contactor block without concern for potential phase reversal. This preserves the wiring memory.

[0007] According to some advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such an electrical device may incorporate one or more of the following features, alone or in any technically permissible combination:

[0008] - Each contactor block includes a locking member that can be moved by an operator between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the contactor block is held in the engaged position, and in the unlocked position, the contactor block is movable between its engaged and disengaged positions. When the control block is in the engaged position, the locking member of each contactor block in the engaged position is held in the locked position. When the control block is in the disengaged position, the locking member of each contactor block is accessible to the operator and is movable between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0009] - The locking member includes a rod having a first end and an opposite second end, which is translatably movable relative to the corresponding contactor block. The first end of the locking member in the locked position extends beyond the lower surface of the corresponding contactor block. In the connected position of the contactor block, the first end of the locking member in the locked position engages with a complementary recess formed in the fixed support to prevent the contactor block from moving, while the second end is blocked in the translational direction by the control block in the connected position.

[0010] - The support includes a plate and a post perpendicular to the plate along an edge defining the transverse direction of the support. A groove is formed in the post along a direction parallel to and at a distance from the connecting edge between the plate and the post, opening onto the front surface of the post. Each contactor block includes a protrusion that engages with the groove in an engagement configuration of the corresponding contactor block. The contactor block is rotatable relative to the support about the axis of the groove. When the contactor block is in the engagement configuration and abuts against the fixed support, the contactor block is in the engagement position. When the contactor block is in the engagement configuration and abuts against the fixed support, each secondary line of the contactor block is connected to a corresponding intermediate terminal.

[0011] - The control block includes a blocking member that is movable by the operator between a blocking position and an unlocked position. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages with the rest of the electrical device to prevent the control block from being moved by the operator between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the unlocked position, the control block is movable by the operator between the connected position and the disconnected position.

[0012] - The fixed support includes a measuring device configured to measure the current flowing through each power supply line and transmit information related to the current measurement value to a monitoring device.

[0013] - The measuring device includes a connection interface formed in the upper part of the support, and the control block includes an interface complementary to the connection interface. When the control block is in the connected position, the connection interface and the complementary interface are connected to each other.

[0014] - The control block includes a guide member that mates with a complementary member fabricated on the remainder of the electrical device to guide the control block when it is connected to the remainder of the electrical device in a translational manner. When the control block is connected to the remainder of the device, the connection between the connection interface and the complementary interface is performed together with the translational movement of the control block.

[0015] - The electrical device includes four contactor blocks; and

[0016] - The control block includes a communication interface connected to the electronic monitoring device, which is configured to allow the operator to send commands to the electronic monitoring device and receive information from the electronic monitoring device. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will be better understood from the following description of one embodiment of an electrical device according to the principles of the invention, and its other advantages will become more apparent. The description is provided by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] - Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical device according to the present invention;

[0019] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the device, showing the connected configuration;

[0020] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and 2 electrical installations along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of plane III in the diagram;

[0021] - Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows some components of the electrical device in a separated position;

[0022] - Figure 5 yes Figure 1 electrical installations along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of plane V in the diagram shows the electrical installation in a different, separate configuration; some components have been omitted for ease of reading.

[0023] - Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the electrical installations, shown in a different, separate configuration, with some components omitted for ease of reading. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Electrical device 1, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown. Electrical device 1 is configured to control the power supply to an electrical unit, such as a motor. Only in Figure 1 The image shows a single electric motor 2. Figure 1 The electric motor 2 shown is not part of this invention, but is only used to illustrate its context.

[0025] Device 1 includes a power input and multiple power outputs, redistributing the electrical current received through the power input among the power outputs. The power outputs are configured to connect to and control the power unit by allowing selective switching of the power supply to the power unit. In some cases, two power outputs are connected to the same power unit, as described below in this specification.

[0026] For example, device 1 is used in an electric motor starter assembly to control the power supply to multiple AC motors.

[0027] The device 1 includes a fixed support 4, and contactor blocks 6 are connected to the fixed support 4. There are four contactor blocks 6, which are represented by 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d respectively.

[0028] Advantageously, contactor blocks 6a to 6d operate in the same manner, or even identically to each other. Therefore, contactor blocks 6a to 6d are interchangeable, which facilitates replacement of contactor block 6 during maintenance operations and allows for cost reduction through standardization.

[0029] Each contactor block 6 has an output terminal block (not shown), which is connected to the corresponding connector 8 or intermediate connector 82 as appropriate. Figure 2 In the middle, contactor blocks 6a and 6d are respectively connected to connector 8, while adjacent contactor blocks 6b and 6c are connected to the same intermediate connector 82, which is itself connected to connector 8.

[0030] Connector 8 or 82 is connected to the corresponding contactor block 6 via a translational movement of connector 8 or 82 relative to contactor block 6, which is indicated by double-headed arrow F8 in the figure.

[0031] Each connector 8 is configured for electrical connection to the power unit. Figure 1 In this configuration, power unit 2 is connected to connector 8 of contactor block 6a, while other connectors 8 are not connected to power unit.

[0032] Each connector 8 is advantageously asymmetrical in shape, including, for example, key ears not shown, such that each connector 8 can be connected to the contactor block 6 or the intermediate connector 82 in only one way, making it possible to maintain the matching between the phase of the power unit and the phase of the secondary line 646 after each disconnect / reconnection cycle, thereby forming a “wiring memory”.

[0033] Electrical device 1 also includes control block 10. Figure 1 In this diagram, control block 10 is shown separated from the rest of device 1 to better illustrate the interface between control block 10 and the rest of device 1, as described below. Figure 2 In the diagram, control block 10 is shown as being connected to the rest of device 1 in connection configuration of electrical device 1.

[0034] The device 1 also includes an input terminal 41 for receiving multiphase current, such as a three-phase current used to power a motor. The input terminal 41 is connected, for example, to a power source external to the device 1. For example, for a three-phase current, the input terminal 41 is formed by three different electrical conductors, each associated with one phase of the current. The input terminal 41 is at least partially located inside the fixed support 4.

[0035] The fixed support 4 also includes a base 42, a distribution module 44, and a protection module 46. In the example shown, the fixed support 4 is intended to be installed within an electrical distribution panel, and the base 42 includes various mechanical attachment components, such as a recess 421, configured to mate, for example, with a track of the electrical distribution panel, which is not shown.

[0036] The distribution module 44 includes a distribution circuit 442, which is connected to the input terminal 41 via a first power line 444 and to power line 446 on the other hand. Therefore, the distribution circuit 442 is configured to distribute multiphase current from power line 444 to each single-phase power line 446. In this example, power line 444 includes three phases, each carried by power line 446, thus the number of power lines 446 is three. Each power line 446 is adapted to transmit the supply current from the distribution circuit 442 to a corresponding electrical unit downstream of device 1. Therefore, each contactor block 6a to 6d is connected to the power line 446 via an intermediate terminal 448, which is fixed and forms part of the support 4. The intermediate terminal 448 includes, for example, multiple different electrical conductors, here three in number, each associated with one phase of the current carried by power line 444.

[0037] The protection module 46 includes a measuring device 462 configured to measure the current flowing in each power supply line 446. The measuring device 462 is connected to a monitor 464 configured to receive measurement results from the measuring device 462, and the monitor 464 itself is connected to an externally accessible interface 466 from the support 4. The monitor 464 is configured, for example, to generate an alarm signal when the current measured by the measuring device 462 in one of the power supply lines 446 exceeds a predetermined value, indicating, for example, a fault in one of the power units connected downstream of the electrical installation 1.

[0038] In the example shown, the base 42, the distribution module 44, and the protection module 46 are modules connected to each other during the manufacture of the support 4 and are not intended to be disassembled by an operator. As a variation, the base 42, as well as the distribution and protection modules 44 and 46, can be disassembled. According to another variation, the base 42 and modules 44 and 46 are integrated within the same housing.

[0039] Each contactor block 6a to 6d includes multiple secondary lines 646, each connected to its respective power supply line 446 at an intermediate terminal 448. Thus, in the example shown, each contactor block 6a to 6d includes three secondary lines, each corresponding to one phase of the power supply line 444, in this case, three phases.

[0040] Each contactor 8 includes a terminal line 846, each terminal line 846 being connected to a corresponding secondary line 646 of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d on which the connector 8 is mounted. Thus, in this example, each connector 8 includes three terminal lines 846, corresponding to one of the phases of the current carried by the power supply line 444, which is three-phase in this case.

[0041] Each terminal wire 846 is externally accessible from the corresponding connector 8 via an output terminal 848. Thus, in the example shown, the motor 2 is connected to the three output terminals 848 of the connector 8, which is connected to the contactor block 6a.

[0042] Each contactor block 6a to 6d also includes a switching device 602 that is switchable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, all secondary lines 646 of the contactor block 6a to 6d are disconnected and current is prevented from flowing through the secondary lines 646 of the block. In the closed position, all secondary lines 646 of the contactor block 6a to 6d are not prevented from flowing.

[0043] The switching device 602 of each contactor block 6a to 6d is configured to be controlled via a control interface 604, which is accessible from the outside of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d at the location connected to the support 4.

[0044] In the example shown, each switching device 602 includes a movable contact 606, each movable contact 606 being associated with a corresponding secondary line 646. The movable contacts 606 of the same contactor block 6 are securely connected to a lever 607, which is moved by an electromagnetic device including a coil 608 connected to a control interface 604. Each switching device 602 includes a resilient member, such as a spring (not shown), that pushes the coil 608 back to a "rest" position, where the movable contact 606 is not connected to the corresponding secondary line 646 and the switching device 602 is in the open position.

[0045] Therefore, when no voltage is applied to the control interface 604, especially when the control interface 604 is not connected to any other unit, the coil 608 is in the rest position and the switching device 602 is in the open position.

[0046] More generally, the switching device 602 can be controlled from the control interface 604.

[0047] The control block 10 includes an electronic monitoring device 102 connected to an interface 104 accessible from the outside of the control block 10.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the electronic monitoring device 102 includes a computer logic unit (CPU), such as a programmable microcontroller, microprocessor, etc., and a computer memory forming a storage medium for computer-readable data.

[0049] According to some examples, the memory is ROM memory, RAM memory, or EEPROM or flash non-volatile memory, etc. The memory includes executable instructions and / or computer code for ensuring the operation of the monitoring device 102 according to one or more embodiments described below when executed by computer logic units.

[0050] In the connection configuration of electrical device 1, interface 104 of control block 10 is connected to each control interface 604 of contactor block 6. The cooperation between control interface 604 and interface 104 of control block 10 is indicated by two double-headed dashed arrows F104. Electronic monitoring device 102 is connected to the switching device 602 of each contactor block 6a to 6d and is configured to control the switching of each switching device 602 independently of the other switching devices 602. In other words, in the connected position, control block 10 is electrically cooperated with the rest of electrical device 1.

[0051] When control block 10 is in the disengaged position, the switching device 602 of each contactor block 6a to 6d is in the open state, meaning that no current can flow in the secondary circuit 646. Therefore, contactor blocks 6a to 6d can be completely and safely separated from the fixed support 4.

[0052] Control block 10 also includes a monitoring interface 166, which is connected to the electronic monitoring device 102 and, in the connection configuration of electrical device 1, cooperates with interface 466 of monitor 464. The cooperation between monitoring interface 166 and interface 466 is indicated by a double-headed dashed arrow F166. Therefore, monitoring device 102 is configured to exchange information with monitor 464, particularly information regarding the measured values ​​of the current flowing through each power supply line 446.

[0053] Control block 10 also includes a communication interface 106, which is connected to electronic monitoring device 102 and configured to allow information exchange between the operator and monitoring device 102. In the example shown, communication interface 106 is an RJ45 format connector that is accessible from outside control block 10 when electrical device 1 is in a connected configuration. Alternatively, communication interface 106 may include a wireless communication device or a visual interface that is visible to the operator and presents information about the operating status of electrical device 1 to the operator.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, two adjacent contactor blocks 6b and 6c are connected to the same intermediate connector 82, also known as a "reverse" connector, which itself is connected to a single connector 8. The secondary line 646 of contactor block 6b or 6c is therefore connected to the output terminal 848 of connector 8, depending on the open or closed state of the switching device 602 of contactor block 6b or 6c, and thus to the intermediate connector 82. The reverse-type intermediate connector 82 is used, for example, to control the starting and stopping of a motor according to known principles.

[0055] exist Figures 2 to 6 In the example shown, the base 42 of the support member 4 is L-shaped, with a plate 422 and a column 424. The plate 422 is rectangular in shape and extends along a plane assumed to be horizontal in the figure. The column 424 is a slender parallelepiped shape arranged vertically (i.e., perpendicular to the plate 422). In this specification, the concepts of up, down, above, below, front, back, etc., are defined relative to the direction of the electrical device 1 in the figure, and are not contingent on the use of the electrical device 1 in practice.

[0056] For convenience, an orthogonal coordinate system X, Y, and Z is defined such that axis Z is oriented perpendicular to plate 422, axis X is oriented perpendicular to column 424, and axis Y is oriented parallel to the connecting edge between plate 422 and column 424. Plate 422 therefore has an upper surface 426 oriented upwards, i.e., orthogonal to axis Z.

[0057] In the example shown, the distribution module 44 and the protection module 46 are each substantially elongated parallelepiped in shape, and each extends parallel to the column 424 in the length direction, with the column 424, distribution module 44 and protection module 46 fixed to each other.

[0058] The intermediate terminal 448 is formed on the bottom of the front surface 468 of the protection module 46, while the interface 466 is located on the upper surface 470 of the protection module 46. The front surface 468 is orthogonal to the X-axis, while the upper surface 470 is orthogonal to the Z-axis.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, a guide 472 is formed on either side of the intermediate terminal 448 to guide the contactor blocks 6a to 6d when they are connected to the support 4, as described below.

[0060] A recess 450 is formed in the upper surface 452 of the distribution module 44, and the recess 450 opens into the connection interface 466 in the forward direction, i.e., in the direction of the axis X. The connection interface 466 is configured to connect to the complementary interface via a translational movement parallel to the axis X.

[0061] A groove 474 is formed in the front surface 468 near the connecting edge parallel to the Y-axis between the front surface 468 and the upper surface 470. The groove 474 engages with a protrusion 610 formed on each contactor block 6a to 6d, such that at the connection position of each contactor block 6a to 6d, the rear surface 612 of the contactor block 6a to 6d mechanically engages with the front surface 468 of the protection module 46, while the lower surface 614 of the contactor block 6a to 6d abuts against the upper surface 426 of the plate 422.

[0062] In the example shown, the protrusion 610 is hook-shaped and oriented downwards at the connection position, while the groove 474 has a complementary shape configured such that when one of the protrusions 610 of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d engages with the groove 474 in an "engaged" configuration, as... Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the movement of the contactor block 6a or 6d relative to the fixed support 4 is a rotational movement about an axis A6 parallel to the axis Y and passing through the contact position between the protrusion 610 and the groove 474. The rotational movement of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d on the fixed support 4 is... Figure 5The double-headed arrow F6 indicates that it is part of an arc centered on axis A6. By extension, it can be said that when the protrusion 610 of the contactor block engages with the groove 474 and the movement of the contactor relative to the fixed support 4 is a rotational movement along arrow F6, one of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d is in an engaged configuration, and the connection position of the contactors 6a to 6d corresponds to a situation in which, on the one hand, the contactors 6a to 6d are in an engaged configuration, and on the other hand, the rear surface 612 abuts against the front surface 468 of the support 4, while the lower surface 614 abuts against the upper surface 426 of the plate 422.

[0063] Each contactor block 6a to 6d includes a locking member 616, which prevents each contactor block 6a to 6d from rotating relative to the support member 4 about axis A6 along arrow F6 when the contactor block 6a to 6d is in the engaged position.

[0064] The locking member 616 of each contactor block 6a to 6d can be moved by an operator between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the contactor block 6a to 6d is held in the engaged position; in the unlocked position, the contactor block 6a to 6d is... Figure 4 The connection positions shown are Figure 5 The intermediate positions shown are movable, in which contactor block 6a is in the engaged position and not connected to intermediate terminal 448.

[0065] In the example shown, the locking member 616 of each contactor block 6a to 6d is a lever 618, which includes a bottom end 620 and a top end 622 opposite to the bottom end 620, and includes a head 624 for gripping by a user. Each lever 618 is movable in a translational direction relative to the rest of the contactor block 6a to 6d, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lever, and the translational movement of the lever 618 is indicated by a straight double-headed arrow F618. In the example shown, when the respective contactor blocks 6a to 6d are in the engaged position, the lever 618 of each contactor block 6a to 6d is vertical.

[0066] In the locked position of the locking member 616, the bottom end 620 protrudes from the lower surface 614 of the corresponding contactor block 6. When the corresponding contactor block 6 is in the engaged position, the bottom end 620 engages with the recess 428 formed in the upper surface 426 of the plate 422. Then, the rod 618 is in the downward position, as... Figure 3 As shown, this prevents the corresponding contactor block 6 from rotating along arrow F6.

[0067] When the control block 10 is in the engaged position, the head 624 of each lever 618 is received in the recess 108 of the control block 10, thereby preventing translational movement of each lever 618 along arrow F618. Therefore, the locking member 616 of each contactor block 6 in the engaged position is held in a locked position by the control block 10, which constitutes an example of the mechanical engagement of the control block with the rest of the device 1.

[0068] When control block 10 is in the disengaged position, the head 624 of each lever 618 is accessible to the operator, who can then move one or more levers 618 between locked and unlocked positions as needed, thereby releasing one or more corresponding contactor blocks 6 to rotate independently of the other contactor blocks 6 in the direction of arrow F6. In the example shown, control block 10 in the disengaged position allows the operator to manipulate the head 624 of one of the levers 618 of contactor blocks 6a to 6d, enabling the operator to move lever 618 from its lower position to its upper position, wherein the bottom end 620 of lever 618 does not impede the rotational movement of the corresponding contactor block 6a to 6d about axis A6.

[0069] Furthermore, as described below, when the locking member 616 of one of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d is in the unlocked position, the locking member 616 prevents the control block 10 from being connected to the rest of the electrical device 1.

[0070] Optionally, when the locking member 616 of one of the contactor blocks 6 is in the locked position, the contactor 8 or 82 connected to that contactor block 6 cannot be removed, which prevents the connector 8 or 82 from being unintentionally pulled out when the corresponding contactor block 6 is in the connected position.

[0071] The control block 10 also includes a guide member 110 and a blocking member 112. The guide member 110 is configured such that the movement of the control block 10 relative to the rest of the electrical device 1 when the control block 10 is engaged is a translational movement. The guide member 110 includes a nose 114 and an ear 116. The nose 114 is configured to engage with a recess 450 of the fixed support 4, while the ear 116 engages with a recess 630 formed in each contactor block 6a to 6d. In the example shown, the guide member 110 is configured to guide the control block 10 translationally relative to the rest of the device 1 in a direction parallel to the axis X, indicated by a double-headed arrow F10.

[0072] The blocking member 112 is movable by the operator between a blocking position and a deblocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking member 112 engages with the rest of the electrical device 1 to prevent translational movement of the control block 10. In the deblocking position, the blocking member 112 does not prevent translational movement of the control block 10 relative to the rest of the device 1. In other words, the blocking member 112 engages with the rest of the electrical device 1 such that the operator cannot move the control block 10 between the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0073] In the example shown, the blocking member 112 is a stop formed in the control block 10. When the control block 10 is in the connected position, the blocking member 112 can translate relative to the control block 10 in a direction parallel to the axis Z. The translational movement of the blocking member 112 relative to the control block 10 is indicated by the double-headed arrow F112 in the figure.

[0074] The blocking member 112 includes an upper end 118 and a lower end 120. The upper end 118 is designed to be operated by an operator and protrudes from the upper surface 122 of the control block 10. The lower end 120, when the electrical device 1 is in the connected configuration, engages with a groove 630 formed in the upper surface 616 of each contactor block 6a to 6d, the groove 630 facing the lower end 120. The engagement of the blocking member 112 of the control block 10 with the groove 630 of the contactor block 6 is an example of the mechanical engagement between the control block 10 and the rest of the electrical device 1 in the connected position.

[0075] Advantageously, control block 10 includes a position sensor (not shown) configured to determine whether the blocking member 112 is in a blocking position or a deblocking position, and transmit this information to electronic monitoring device 102. Therefore, in the connected configuration of device 1, when the user places the blocking member 112 in the deblocking position, monitoring device 102 is configured to switch each switch device 602 to its off position. Optionally, control block 10 includes an indicator, such as a light-emitting diode, that visually informs the user of the blocking or deblocking position of the blocking member 112.

[0076] During normal operation, device 1 is in the connected configuration, such as... Figure 2 and 3 As shown. When a user wishes to replace one of the contactor blocks 6a to 6d (e.g., block 6a), in the first step, the operator commands the electronic monitoring device 102 to switch the switching device 602 of each contactor block 6 via the communication interface 106 before releasing the obstruction of the blocking member 112 and separating the control block 10 by translating along arrow F10.

[0077] Alternatively, if communication interface 106 is unavailable, or in an emergency, the operator manually moves blocking member 112 to the unlocked position, electronic monitoring device 102 then switches each switching device 602 to the off position. The operator can then safely separate control block 10 by translating along arrow F10.

[0078] If the electronic monitoring device 102 malfunctions and the switching device 602 is not controlled as intended when the blocking member 112 is manipulated, the operator disengaging the control block 10 from the rest of the device 1 will disconnect the interface 104 of the control block 10 from the control interface 604 of each contactor block 6. The coil 608 of each switching device 602 then returns to the rest position, and subsequently each switching device 602 is in the open position.

[0079] Through the mechanical and electrical coordination of control block 10 with the rest of electrical device 1, the operator thus benefits from multiple levels of safety during maintenance operations of electrical device 1, ensuring that the switching device 602 of each contactor block 6 is in the open position when control block 10 is in the disengaged position. Device 1 then returns to... Figure 4 The configuration shown.

[0080] Next, the operator unlocks the locking member 616 of the selected contactor blocks 6a to 6d by translating along arrow F618, thereby releasing the contactor blocks to rotate about axis A6. The operator then moves contactor blocks 6a to 6d, thus rotating them about axis A6 until they reach... Figure 5 The contactor is unlocked when it reaches the intermediate position shown. During the rotation of contactor block 6, secondary line 646 is disconnected from the corresponding intermediate terminal 448.

[0081] The operator can then remove contactor blocks 6a to 6d from the rest of the electrical unit 1, thereby disengaging protrusion 610 from recess 474. Contactor block 6 is then in the disengaged position. The operator then disconnects connector 8 from contactor block 6 in the disengaged position by translating connector 8 in the direction of arrow F8.

[0082] If connector 8 is connected to a power unit, such as motor 2, the operator does not need to disconnect the power unit from connector 8. Once contactor block 6 has been replaced, the operator only needs to reconnect connector 8 to the new contactor block 6, which allows for the retention of wiring memory.

[0083] Alternatively, once the unlocking component 616 has been placed in the unlocked position, the operator can disconnect the connector 8 by translating along arrow F8 before rotating the corresponding contactor block 6 about axis A6.

[0084] Once connector 8 has been reconnected to the new contactor block 6, the operator engages protrusion 610 into recess 474, and contactor block 6 is then in the engaged configuration. The operator then rotates contactor block 6 about axis A6, bringing it against retaining support 4, and contactor block 6 is then in the connected position. The secondary line 646 of contactor block 6 is then reconnected to intermediate terminal 448 of retaining support 4.

[0085] Then, the operator locks the contactor block 6 in the connected position by moving the locking member 616 of the contactor block 6 from its unlocked position to its locked position, that is, by translating the lever 618 along arrow F618.

[0086] When the locking member 616 of all contactor blocks 6 in the connected position is in the unlocked position, the operator connects the control block 10 to the rest of the device 1 by translating along arrow F10. The nose 114 of the control block 10 engages with the recess 450 of the support, while the ear 116 engages with the corresponding recess 108 made in each contactor block.

[0087] When the control block 10 is in the engaged position, the operator can block the translational movement of the control block 10 by moving the blocking member 112 from its disengaged position to its blocking position.

[0088] Then, the electrical device 1 is ready to receive instructions from the operator, for example, via the communication interface 106.

[0089] In the example shown, the electrical device 1 has a length of 45 mm measured parallel to axis Y and includes four contactor blocks 6. Each contactor block is sized to suit an industrial environment and to handle the power flowing through the secondary line 646. The size of the electrical device is, for example, suitable for three-phase current at voltages up to 500 volts.

[0090] Of course, the shape of device 1 is not limiting, and device 1 can have other sizes and different numbers of contactor blocks 6.

[0091] The embodiments and variations mentioned above can be combined with each other to produce new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical device (1) for supplying power to multiple power units (2), comprising a fixed support (4) and multiple contactor blocks (6), wherein: - The fixed support includes: an input terminal (41) for receiving multiphase electrical current; and a distribution circuit (442) configured to distribute the electrical current to power lines (444), each comprising multiple single-phase power supply lines (446). The fixed support includes the same number of power lines as the number of contactor blocks of the electrical device, and each power line includes the same number of power supply lines as the number of phases of the electrical current. Each power supply line of the contactor blocks is connected to a corresponding phase of the electrical current. The power supply lines (446) are accessible externally to the fixed support via an intermediate terminal (448). - Each contactor block (6) includes secondary lines (646), each secondary line being connected to a corresponding power supply line (446) via a corresponding intermediate terminal. The contactor block is movable between an engaged position and an disengaged position. In the engaged position, each secondary line is electrically connected to a specific primary line via an intermediate terminal and is accessible externally via an output terminal block. In the disengaged position, each secondary line is not connected to a primary line. Each contactor block also includes a switching device (602) toggle between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, all secondary lines (646) of the contactor block are disconnected. In the closed position, all secondary lines of the contactor block are closed, and current flow between the intermediate terminal and the output terminal block is not impeded. Its features are: The electrical device further includes a control block (10) movable between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, the control block mechanically and electrically engages with the rest of the electrical device; in the disconnected position, the control block does not mechanically or electrically engage with the rest of the electrical device. When the control block (10) is in the connected position, each contactor block (6) remains in the connected position, and the electronic monitoring device (102) of the control block (10) is also connected to the switching device (602) of each contactor block (6). The electronic monitoring device (102) is configured to control the switching of each switching device independently of other switching devices. When the control block (10) is in the disengaged position, the switching device (602) of each contactor block (6) is in the open state, and each contactor block (6) is movable independently of other contactor blocks between its engaged and disengaged positions. The electrical connection between the secondary line (646) and the power unit (2) is provided by connectors (8, 82), each connector (8, 82) being able to disconnect from one or more corresponding output terminal blocks when one or more corresponding contactor blocks are in the disengaged position.

2. The electrical device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each contactor block (6) includes a locking member (616) movable by an operator between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the contactor block remains in the engaged position, and in the unlocked position, the contactor block is movable between its engaged and disengaged positions. When the control block (10) is in the connected position, the locking member (616) of each contactor block in the connected position is held in the locked position. When the control block is in the disengaged position, the locking member of each contactor block is accessible to the operator and is movable between the locked and unlocked positions.

3. The electrical device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking member (616) includes a rod (618) having a first end (620) and an opposite second end (622), the rod being translatably movable relative to the corresponding contactor block (6), the first end of the locking member (616) in the locked position extending beyond the lower surface (614) of the corresponding contactor block. Furthermore, at the connection position of the contactor block (6), the first end (620) of the locking member in the locked position engages with the complementary recess (428) formed in the fixed support (4) to prevent the contactor block from moving, while the second end (622) is blocked in the translational direction by the control block (10) in the connection position.

4. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The support member (4) includes a plate (422) and a column (424) with an edge orthogonal to the plate along the lateral direction defining the support member. A groove (474) is formed in the column along a direction parallel to the connecting edge between the plate and the column and at a certain distance from the connecting edge, opening onto the front surface (468) of the column. Each contactor block includes a protrusion (610) that engages with a groove in the engagement configuration of the corresponding contactor block, wherein the contactor block is rotatable relative to the support (4) about the axis of the groove, and the contactor block is in the engaged position when it is in the engagement configuration and abuts against the fixed support (4). Furthermore, when the contactor block is in an engaged configuration and abuts against the fixed support, each secondary line (646) of the contactor block is connected to a corresponding intermediate terminal (448).

5. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The control block (10) includes a blocking member (112) movable by an operator between a blocking position and an unlocking position. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages with the rest of the electrical device to prevent the control block (10) from being moved by the operator between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the unlocking position, the control block is movable by the operator between the connected position and the disconnected position.

6. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The fixed support (4) includes a measuring device (462) configured to measure the current flowing through each power supply line (446) and transmit information related to the current measurement to the monitoring device (102).

7. The electrical device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The measuring device (462) includes a connection interface (466) formed in the upper part (470) of the support, and the control block (10) includes an interface (166) complementary to the connection interface, wherein the connection interface and the complementary interface are connected to each other when the control block is in the connected position.

8. The electrical device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control block (10) includes guide members (114, 116) that cooperate with complementary members (450, 630) made on the rest of the electrical device to guide the control block (10) when it is connected to the rest of the electrical device (1) in a translational manner, and when the control block is connected to the rest of the device, the connection between the connection interface (466) and the complementary interface (166) is performed together with the translational movement of the control block.

9. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7 to 8, characterized in that, The electrical device includes four contactor blocks (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d).

10. The electrical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 7 to 8, characterized in that, The control block (10) includes a communication interface (106) connected to the electronic monitoring device (102), the communication interface being configured to allow an operator to send commands to the electronic monitoring device and receive information from the electronic monitoring device.

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