Device for providing electrical protection

Abstract

A device for providing electrical protection comprises an electrically conductive path, a switching mechanism, a switching control (5) and a tripping mechanism actuatable by a predetermined type of electrical fault. The device comprises a test system having a test circuit and a test control (142) which can be brought into a test position such that the test circuit generates the predetermined type of electrical fault. In order to reduce the risk that these controls can impact a user, the test system comprises a holding mechanism (16) which holds the switching control (5) in a holding position when the test control (142) is in the test position and which allows the switching control (5) to be returned to an open position when the test control (142) is in a rest position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electrical protection devices. Background Technology

[0002] A building's electrical system typically includes an electrical distribution board that connects the system to a central power distribution network and includes various devices for protecting, controlling, and monitoring the electrical system. Known electrical protection devices include, in particular, differential protection devices, designed to protect personnel from the circuitry of a facility by disconnecting the circuit when the device detects a differential electrical fault within it. More specifically, a differential protection device measures the difference between the phase current and the neutral current in a circuit, and if this difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, triggers a switching mechanism to disconnect the circuit. Specifically, this difference may represent current leakage to ground.

[0003] In the preceding section, differential protection devices typically include a lever for manually actuating the switching mechanism. When a differential fault is detected, the lever is reciprocated by the switching mechanism.

[0004] Differential protection devices are typically equipped with a test button, which allows the user to intentionally create a differential electrical fault to test whether the device is in good working order. To do this, the test button activates the internal test circuit, which intentionally generates an electrical fault. If the lever returns to the open position when the test button is pressed, the device is confirmed to be functioning correctly.

[0005] The test button is typically placed away from the lever, or in the opposite direction to the lever's return direction. Specifically, otherwise, a sudden return of the lever to the open position could cause the lever to strike the user's finger pressing the test button. Therefore, this limits the possible arrangement of the lever and test button on the device. In particular, it excludes placing the test button very close to the lever and / or in the lever's return direction, which could be advantageous, especially for miniaturizing the device, altering the internal organization of the switching mechanism, or freeing up space at the front, for example, for marking protective devices.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a novel electrical protection device that offers greater flexibility in the arrangement of its switches and test controls without any risk of these controls hitting the user's fingers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an electrical protection device comprising: a housing and a first conductive path, the first conductive path including a first movable contact movable relative to the housing between: a conductive position in which the first movable contact electrically connects a first input terminal to a first output terminal belonging to the first conductive path, and an isolated position in which the first input terminal and the first output terminal are electrically isolated from each other. The electrical protection device further includes a switching mechanism configured to switch between: a standby configuration in which the switching mechanism places the first movable contact in the conductive position, and a trip configuration in which the switching mechanism places the first movable contact in the isolated position. The electrical protection device further includes a switching control actuated by a user between: a closed position for placing the switching mechanism in the standby configuration, and an open position for placing the switching mechanism in the trip configuration, the switching mechanism being configured to return the switching control to the open position when the switching mechanism is in the trip position. The electrical protection device further includes a tripping device configured to switch the switching mechanism to the tripping configuration when the tripping device is triggered by a predetermined type of electrical fault. The electrical protection device also includes a test system comprising: a test circuit configured to switch between: a test configuration in which the test circuit generates a predetermined type of electrical fault, and a stationary configuration in which the test circuit does not generate any electrical fault; and a test control actuated by a user between: a stationary position for placing the test circuit in the stationary configuration, and a test position for placing the test circuit in the test configuration.

[0008] According to the present invention, the testing system includes a holding mechanism configured to: hold the switching control in a holding position, which is between a closed position and an open position, when the testing control is placed in the testing position, and allow the switching control to return to the open position via the switching mechanism when the testing control is in a stationary position.

[0009] A fundamental idea of ​​this invention is that when a user performs a test on an electrical protection device by moving a test control to the test position, the switching control travels directly from the closed position to the open position, without reaching the open position. Therefore, since the switching control does not travel its entire displacement stroke, the risk of impact on the user's hand while the test control is still pressed is particularly low. However, once the test control has returned to the stationary position, meaning the user's hand has been removed, the switching control returns to the open position via the switching mechanism to notify the user that the electrical protection device is functioning correctly. Simultaneously, because the user's hand is away from the test control, the risk of the user being impacted by the switching control is reduced. Furthermore, the force applied by the switching mechanism to move the switching control from the hold position to the open position is typically less than the force required to move the switching control from the closed position to the hold position. Specifically, for example, it can be configured such that the switching control returns to the open position under the action of a spring, referred to as the "control spring," which is part of the switching mechanism, and its tension decreases as the switching control moves from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, the potential impact force of the switching control on the user's hand is low. With the aid of this invention, any desired arrangement of the switching and testing controls can be advantageously conceived, even very close to each other, due to the lower risk of user discomfort. A very compact protective device can thus be obtained, at least with respect to the testing and switching controls. The internal organization of components within the housing is also no longer limited by the positioning of the testing and switching controls, particularly the arrangement of the tripping device relative to the moving contacts. Space can also be freed up, especially at the front of the device, to incorporate other advantageous features, such as labels, desired markings, displays, indicators, and / or additional controls.

[0010] Preferably, the holding mechanism includes a lever that the test control drives to rotate relative to the housing about the switching axis between: a release position, in which the lever does not resist the switching control from the closed position to the open position when the test control is in the rest position; and a locking position, in which the switching control is in the test position, in which the switching control is against the lever when the switching control returns to the open position, thereby holding the control in the holding position by means of the lever.

[0011] Preferably, the lever and the test control pivot relative to each other about a connecting axis, which is fixed relative to the test control. Preferably, the lever and the housing are slidable relative to each other along a sliding axis that intersects the switching axis and the connecting axis, which is fixed relative to the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the test control is formed by a button that slides relative to the housing between a rest position and a test position along a first axis. Preferably, the switching control is formed by a lever that is pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position about a second axis, the first axis being orthogonal to the second axis.

[0013] Preferably, the switching control includes a handle, via which a user can actuate the switching control. Preferably, when the switching control is in the open position, the handle is closer to the test control than when the switching control is in the closed position.

[0014] Preferably, the switching control includes radial teeth, through which the switching control is held by a holding mechanism when the test control is placed in the test position.

[0015] Preferably, the testing system includes a return spring that applies a return force to the test control when the test control is in the test position, the return force tending to return the test control to the stationary position.

[0016] Preferably, the electrical protection device includes a second conductive path comprising a second movable contact movable relative to the housing between: a conductive position, in which the second movable contact electrically connects a second input terminal to a second output terminal belonging to the second conductive path; and an isolated position, in which the second input terminal and the second output terminal are electrically isolated from each other. Preferably, when the switching mechanism is in a standby configuration, the switching mechanism places the second movable contact in the conductive position, and when the switching mechanism is in a trip configuration, the switching mechanism places the second movable contact in the isolated position. Preferably, the test circuit includes a switch disposed between: an open position when the test control is in a rest position, and a closed position when the test control is in a test position. Preferably, the test circuit includes a resistor through which the first conductive path is electrically connected to the second conductive path to generate a predetermined type of electrical fault when the switch is in the closed configuration.

[0017] Preferably, the return spring includes an arm that abuts against the test control to apply a return force to the test control, and the arm constitutes a switch of the test circuit by being displaced by the test control between an open position when the test control is in a stationary position and a closed position when the test control is in a test position.

[0018] Preferably, the tripping device and test circuit are configured such that the predetermined type of electrical fault is a differential electrical fault occurring between the first conductive path and the second conductive path. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention will be better understood and its other advantages will become apparent with reference to the following description, which discloses some examples consistent with its principles and is illustrated in the following figures.

[0020] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electrical protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 It is shown in the first configuration. Figure 1 Side view of the electrical protection device.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is relative to Figure 2 A side view of the aforementioned electrical protection device from another angle, where the device is positioned relative to... Figure 2 Same configuration.

[0023] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows the electrical protection device in the second configuration.

[0024] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 3 A side view showing the electrical protection device in relation to... Figure 4 Same configuration.

[0025] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 2 The view shows the electrical protection device in the third configuration.

[0026] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is the slave in the first configuration. Figure 2 A partial side view at the same angle shows the testing system of the device, with the switching control in the holding position.

[0027] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 7 The view shows the test system in a second configuration, with the toggle control in the open position.

[0028] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 This is the circuit diagram of the electrical protection device shown in the aforementioned figure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figures 1 to 6 An electrical protection device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Device 1 is configured to be integrated into a modular electrical distribution panel for electrical facilities, for example, installed in a building.

[0030] The device 1 in this example includes a housing 2, conductive paths 3 and 4, a switching control 5, tripping devices 6, 7 and 8, an arc-extinguishing chamber 9, a switching mechanism 10, and a test system 14. Figures 2 to 7 In the diagram, the outer shell 2 is a cross-sectional view to show its internal contents.

[0031] Device 1 defines a width direction X1, a depth direction Y1, and a height direction Z1, which are perpendicular to each other and fixed relative to housing 2. Preferably, when device 1 is integrated into a distribution panel, the height direction Z1 points vertically upward.

[0032] like Figure 1 As can be seen, the outer casing 2 constitutes a substantially closed and electrically insulating envelope. The outer casing 2 advantageously includes a front portion 21 and a rear portion 22 distributed in the Y1 direction, with the front portion 21 relative to the rear portion 22 in the Y1 direction. The outer casing 2 advantageously includes a lower end 23 and an upper end 24 distributed in the Z1 direction, with the upper end 24 relative to the lower end 23 in the Z1 direction. The outer casing advantageously includes a right-hand side 28 and a left-hand side 29, which are preferably planar and parallel, and distributed in the X1 direction, with the left-hand side 29 relative to the right-hand side 28 in the X1 direction. The front portion 21 and the rear portion 22, together with the left and right-hand sides, connect the end 23 to the end 24 in the Z1 direction. Both the front portion 21 and the rear portion 22 connect the right-hand side to the left-hand side in the X1 direction. Each side connects the rear portion 22 to the front portion 21 in the Y direction.

[0033] Preferably, the outer casing 2 includes Figures 2 to 6 The visible internal partitions 25 extend parallel to directions Y1 and Z1, easily dividing the interior of the outer shell 2 into sections. Figure 2 , 4 And the right-hand compartment 26 visible in 6 and Figure 3 and 5 The left-hand compartment 27 is visible in the image. The right-hand compartment 26 and the left-hand compartment 27 are distributed along direction X1. The right-hand compartment 26 is defined in direction X1 by a partition 25 and a right-hand side 28, in direction Z by ends 23 and 24, and in direction Y1 by a front portion 21 and a rear portion 22. The left-hand compartment 27 is defined in direction X1 by a partition 25 and a left-hand side 29, in direction Z1 by ends 23 and 24, and in direction Y1 by a front portion 21 and a rear portion 22.

[0034] For integration into a distribution panel, device 1 is advantageously designed to be fastened to a guide rail belonging to the distribution panel. To this end, device 1 advantageously includes any suitable fastening device, such as a snap-on clip, at its rear 22, via which device 1 can be securely attached to the guide rail. Direction X1 is parallel to the guide rail. Therefore, the same guide rail can carry multiple protective devices of the same type as device 1, arranged adjacent to each other along the guide rail, from right-hand side to left-hand side, parallel to direction X1.

[0035] Device 1 is preferably a bipolar device because it includes two conductive paths 3 and 4.

[0036] Each conductive path is configured to include an input terminal, an output terminal, a moving contact, and a fixed contact. Path 3 includes an input terminal 31, an output terminal 32, a moving contact 33, and a fixed contact 34, which are located in... Figure 2 , 4 As seen in Figures 6 and 6. Path 4 includes input terminal 41, output terminal 42, moving contact 43, and fixed contact 44, which are located in... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the text.

[0037] In the example, input terminals 31 and 41, along with output terminals 32 and 42, are screw terminals. As a variation, the input and / or output terminals are automatic terminals, also known as plug-in terminals or quick connector terminals.

[0038] Preferably, each conductive path is electrically isolated from other conductive paths. For this purpose, each conductive path is preferably fully arranged within a corresponding compartment of the housing. Here, path 3 is arranged in compartment 26, and path 4 is arranged in compartment 27. An internal partition 25 is positioned between paths 3 and 4 to ensure they are electrically isolated from each other.

[0039] Input terminals 31 and 41 are preferably arranged at the upper end 24 to enable electrical connection to corresponding power supply devices belonging to the distribution panel. For example, terminal 31 is connected to a first power supply comb belonging to the distribution panel, while input terminal 41 is connected to a second power supply comb belonging to the distribution panel. Each conductive path constitutes a separate pole of device 1. Preferably, path 3 constitutes a phase pole, and path 4 constitutes a neutral pole. In other words, each conductive path is designed to enter a separate potential. Preferably, device 1 is designed for use at low voltages, i.e., voltages between 100V and 600V, such as 230V.

[0040] Output terminals 32 and 42 are preferably arranged at the lower end 23 so as to be electrically connected to a circuit that supplies power to a receiving load, such as in the case of a building, household appliance, or lamp. These electrical loads are then powered by the electrical energy supplied to the input terminals 31 and 41 via the device 1.

[0041] The fixed contact 34 is fixed relative to the housing 2 and is electrically connected to the input terminal 31. The movable contact 33 is electrically connected to the output terminal 32. The fixed contact 34 is arranged in the Z1 direction relative to the movable contact 33.

[0042] like Figure 2 , 4 As can be seen from Figure 6, the movable contact 33 preferably includes a conductive end 35, which in Figure 2The contact 33, shown in dashed lines, functions as an electrical contact and is electrically connected to terminal 32. The contact 33 also includes a contact carrier 36 that carries the end 35. The movable contact 33 is pivotable relative to the housing 2 about an axis X22 parallel to direction X1. This pivoting occurs in… Figure 2 The conductive positions shown are Figure 3 This is done between the isolation locations shown. Figure 6 In the middle, contact 33 is located in the middle position between the contact position and the isolation position.

[0043] In the conductive position of the movable contact 33, the conductive end 35 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 34, thereby electrically connecting the input terminal 31 to the output terminal 32. In the isolated position, the conductive end 35 of the movable contact 33 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 34 for electrical isolation, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between terminals 31 and 32 and making terminals 31 and 32 electrically isolated from each other.

[0044] The fixed contact 44 is fixed relative to the housing 2 and is electrically connected to the input terminal 41. The movable contact 43 is electrically connected to the output terminal 42. The fixed contact 44 is arranged in the Z1 direction relative to the movable contact 43.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the movable contact 43 preferably includes a conductive end 45, which performs the function of an electrical contact and is electrically connected to the terminal 42. The contact 43 also includes a contact carrier 46 that carries the end 45. The movable contact 43 is pivotable relative to the housing 2 via the contact carrier 36 about an axis X33 (i.e., about the same axis as the contact 33). This pivoting of the contact 43 occurs in… Figure 3 The conductive positions shown are Figure 5 The pivoting occurs between the isolated positions shown. Contacts 33 and 43 are advantageously pivotable independently of the housing. As they move from their respective isolated positions to their respective conductive positions, contacts 33 and 43 advantageously rotate in the same direction. Specifically, contact segments 35 and 45 are arranged opposite to direction Z1. As a variation, the pivoting of contact 43 can occur about an axis other than axis X22, preferably parallel to axis X33.

[0046] In the conductive position of the moving contact 43, the conductive end 45 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 44, thereby electrically connecting the input terminal 41 to the output terminal 42. In the isolated position, the conductive end 45 of the moving contact 43 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 44 for electrical isolation, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between terminals 41 and 42 and making terminals 41 and 42 electrically isolated from each other.

[0047] Arc extinguishing chamber 9 in Figure 2 Fully displayed in, and Figure 4The opening is made to reveal its contents. The arc-extinguishing chamber 9 is designed to impart arc-extinguishing capability to the device 1 by dissipating any arc that may occur when the contact 33 moves from the conductive position to the isolated position. Preferably, the arc-extinguishing chamber 9 is arranged in a compartment 26 along the rear 22 of the housing 2 between the fixed contacts 34 of the input terminal 31.

[0048] The arc-extinguishing chamber 9 comprises, for example, a stack of metal plates 91, sometimes referred to as fins or separators, which are stacked here at a distance from each other along the direction Y1. The chamber 9 advantageously includes insulating cheek plates, with the plates 91 arranged therebetween. The plates 91 are held, for example, between the partition 25 and the right-hand side 28 of the housing 2. The arc-extinguishing chamber 9 advantageously includes an arc-inducing angle 92 and a switching angle 93, which are located in… Figure 4 As can be seen, in the continuation of the fixed contact 34, angle 92 is electrically connected to path 3. Angle 93 is electrically connected to path 3 between the moving contact 33 and the output terminal 32. Angle 92 is preferably bent toward the interior of the arc-extinguishing chamber 9, i.e., toward the plate 91, and is arranged to face angle 93. Therefore, when the contact 33 is switched to the isolated position, the potential arc is guided to the plate 91 via angles 92 and 93, and is shunt and extinguished within the arc-extinguishing chamber 9. Preferably, the input terminal 31 is located between the chamber 9 and the upper end 24.

[0049] Trip device 6 (in) Figure 2 , 4 As can be seen in 6, the trip device 6 is configured to be triggered by a predetermined type of electrical fault, namely a short-circuit electrical fault, which is prone to occur between conductive paths 3 and 4, or between path 3 and ground. Therefore, the trip device 6 is specifically triggered by a short circuit that may occur downstream of output terminals 32 and 42, on the circuit powered by the device, or on one of its loads. Specifically, this can be a phase-to-neutral or phase-to-ground short circuit.

[0050] Here, the tripping device 6 is mostly arranged in compartment 26 and connected in series on the conductive path 3. In direction Z1, the tripping device 6 is arranged between terminal 31 and fixed contact 34. In direction Y1, the tripping device 6 is arranged between arc-extinguishing chamber 9 and front part 21.

[0051] The tripping device 6 is in the form of a magnetic actuator, which here includes an electromagnetic winding 61 and a moving core 62. Core 62 is only... Figure 6 As can be seen, input terminal 31 is electrically connected to fixed contact 34 via trip device 6, particularly electromagnetic winding 61. When a short circuit occurs between paths 3 and 4, particularly downstream of terminals 32 and 42, the current intensity flowing in winding 61 suddenly becomes very high, thereby generating sufficient electromagnetic force to move moving core 62 from... Figure 2 and Figure 4 The rest position shown Figure 6The tripped position relative to housing 2 is shown. Here, the displacement of core 62 from the rest position to the tripped position occurs in the opposite direction to direction Z1. Once the fault ends, the current flowing in winding 61 is no longer high enough to hold core 62 in the tripped position, allowing core 62 to advantageously return to the rest position, for example by a spring (not shown) belonging to tripping device 6.

[0052] The tripping device 7 is configured to be triggered by another predetermined type of electrical fault, specifically an overload electrical fault, which is prone to occur between conductive paths 3 and 4. Therefore, the tripping device 7 is specifically triggered by an overload that may occur downstream of output terminals 32 and 42, on the circuit powered by the device, or on one of its loads. This type of fault may occur when one or more loads connected to this circuit apply an excessively high current demand.

[0053] Here, the tripping device 7 is entirely arranged in compartment 26 and connected in series on conductive path 3. In direction Z1, the tripping device 6 is arranged between terminal 32 and moving contact 33.

[0054] The tripping device 7 is in the form of a thermal actuator, which is here formed of a conductive and thermally deformable bimetallic strip. The moving contact 33 is electrically connected to the output terminal 32 via the tripping device 7, i.e., via the bimetallic strip. Preferably, a flexible braid 37 electrically connects the moving contact 33 to the tripping device 7. When an overload occurs, particularly downstream of terminals 32 and 42, the intensity of the current flowing in the bimetallic strip raises its temperature until it deforms. Once the fault has ended, the bimetallic strip cools and returns to its initial shape.

[0055] The tripping device 8 is configured to be triggered by another predetermined type of electrical fault, specifically a differential electrical fault, which is prone to occur between conductive paths 3 and 4. Therefore, the tripping device 8 is particularly triggered by current leakage to ground, which may occur downstream of output terminals 32 and 42, resulting in a difference between the intensity of the current flowing in path 3 and the intensity of the current flowing in the opposite direction in path 4.

[0056] Here, the tripping device 8 extends into both compartments 26 and 27, passing through the partition 25. In direction Z1, on one hand, the tripping device 8 is advantageously arranged between output terminals 32 and 42, and on the other hand, between contacts 33, 34, 43, and 44. Preferably, the tripping device 8 includes a differential sensor 81, which extends into both compartments 26 and 27, arranged along the rear portion 22 of the housing 2. Figure 3 and Figure 5As can be seen, the tripping device 8 preferably also includes a relay 82, which extends only into the compartment 27, arranged between the front 21 and the differential sensor 81. The differential sensor 81 includes, for example, a ferromagnetic toroidal surface carrying two electromagnetic windings, one formed by path 3 and the other by path 4. The electromagnetic winding of path 3 is advantageously formed by a portion of path 3 that connects the moving contact 33 to the terminal 32, more precisely, by a portion of path 3 between the tripping device 7 and the output terminal 32. The electromagnetic winding of path 4 is advantageously formed by a portion of path 4 between the moving contact 43 and the output terminal 42. For example, the electromagnetic winding of path 4 and the contact 43 within the sensor 81 are electrically connected using a braid (not shown). When the current difference established between paths 3 and 4 exceeds a certain threshold, a magnetic field is generated in the toroidal surface of the differential sensor 81. The relay 82 is configured to be actuated when the threshold is exceeded, which has the effect of actuating the displacement of the moving rod 83 belonging to the relay 82 relative to the housing 2, from Figure 1 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the movement from the rest position to the trip position. Here, the displacement of the moving lever 83 from the rest position to the trip position occurs in the direction Z1. Once the moving lever 83 has reached the trip position, it should return to the rest position to allow the relay 82 to be reactivated, thereby allowing the relay 82 to actuate the lever 83 again in the event of a differential fault, as described below.

[0057] Figure 9 The circuit diagram summarizes the distribution and connection of the various components mentioned above from an electrical perspective.

[0058] The switching mechanism 10 is housed within the housing 2, partially within compartments 26 and 27. The switching mechanism 10 is configured to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The aforementioned standby configuration (in which mechanism 10 places the two contacts 33 and 43 in a conductive position) and as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The trip configuration shown is switched between (in this position, the switching mechanism 10 places contacts 33 and 43 in the isolated position).

[0059] In this example, the switching mechanism 10 includes a hoop 101, in Figures 2 to 6 As can be seen, hoop 101 is pivotable about axis X101 relative to housing 2. The hoop extends into compartments 26 and 27, supported by partition 25, spanning the latter. When mechanism 10 is in the standby configuration, hoop 101 is in a first orientation about axis X101 relative to housing 2, referred to as the "standby position". When mechanism 10 is in the trip configuration, hoop 101 is in a second orientation about axis X101, referred to as the "trip position". Mechanism 10 actuates movable contacts 33 and 43 via hoop 110.

[0060] like Figure 2 ,4 As shown in Figure 6, the clamp 101 includes, for example, a cam 102 arranged in compartment 26, which drives the movable contact 33 from the conductive position to the isolating position via the cam 102 when the clamp 101 pivots from the standby position to the tripped position. To drive the contact 33 to rotate in this direction, the cam 102 abuts against the contact carrier 36. Mechanism 10 advantageously includes a spring 103, referred to as a "contact spring," arranged in compartment 26 and supported on the clamp 101 and the contact 33, more precisely, the contact carrier 36. Thus, when the clamp 101 pivots from the tripped position to the standby position, the clamp 101 drives the contact 33 from the isolating position to the conductive position via the spring 103. The spring 103 is configured to apply a force to the contact 33 by being supported on the clamp 101, which tends to press the movable contact 33 against the fixed contact 34 when the clamp 101 is in the standby position.

[0061] like Figure 3 and 5 As shown, clamp 101 includes, for example, a cam 104 arranged in compartment 27, which drives the movable contact 43 from the conductive position to the isolating position via the cam 102 when clamp 101 pivots from the standby position to the tripped position. To drive the contact 43 to rotate in this direction, cam 104 abuts against contact carrier 46. Mechanism 10 advantageously includes a spring 105, referred to as a "contact spring," arranged in compartment 27 and supported on clamp 101 and contact 43, more precisely, contact carrier 46. Thus, when clamp 101 pivots from the tripped position to the standby position, clamp 101 drives the contact 43 from the isolating position to the conductive position via spring 105. Spring 105 is configured to apply a force to contact 43 by being supported on clamp 101, which tends to press the movable contact 43 against the fixed contact 44 when clamp 101 is in the standby position.

[0062] Mechanism 10 advantageously includes a spring 109, referred to as a "hoop spring", which in Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, spring 109 is arranged in compartment 27. Spring 109 exerts a force on clamp 101 by being supported on housing 2, which tends to displace clamp 101 from standby position to trip position. For example, spring 109 is a torsion spring mounted on partition 25, with one arm supported on clamp 101 and the other arm supported on partition 25.

[0063] The switching control 5 takes the form of a lever, which can move relative to the housing 2 around axis X5. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The closed position shown and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The axis pivots between the shown open positions. The axis X5 is preferably parallel to the direction X1, that is, particularly parallel to the axis X33.

[0064] The control 5 here includes a base 51, via which the control 5 is attached to the housing 2 for pivoting. The base 51 is arranged to pass through and close an opening belonging to the front portion 21. In the direction of axis X5, the base 51 advantageously extends on either side of the partition 25. In other words, the control 5 is advantageously centered on the front portion 21 in the direction X1. The control 5 includes a handle 52 carried by the base 51, via which the user can actuate the control 5 to rotate. For ease of access by the user, the handle 52 is arranged on the outside of the housing 2.

[0065] Mechanism 10 advantageously includes a spring 107, referred to as a "control spring," which in Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the spring 107 applies a force to the control 5 by means of support on the housing, which tends to return the control 5 from the closed position to the open position. For example, the spring 107 is a torsion spring, which is housed inside the base 51 about the axis X5, with one arm supported on the control 5 and the other arm supported on the partition 25.

[0066] Mechanism 10 advantageously includes a connecting rod 108, which in Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the connecting rod 108 is arranged, for example, in compartment 27. The connecting rod 108 includes an end 110 attached to the control 5, particularly attached to the base 51. Through this end 110, the connecting rod 108 is pivotable relative to the control 5 about an axis parallel to but not coinciding with axis X5. Therefore, the rotation of the control 5 is associated with the crank motion of the end 110.

[0067] Mechanism 10 advantageously includes latch 112, which in Figures 2 to 6 As can be seen in the image. At least a portion of latch 112 is arranged in the same compartment as connecting rod 108 so as to interact with it (here, compartment 27). At least a portion of latch 112 extends into one or more compartments housing trip devices 6, 7, and 8 so as to interact with them mechanically. Latch 112 is advantageously carried by clamp 101. Latch 112 in Figures 2 to 5 The lock configuration shown and Figure 6 The circuit moves between the unlocking configurations shown. As described below, each tripping device 6, 7, and 8 is configured to directly or indirectly switch latch 112 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration when the tripping device 6, 7, or 8 in question detects an electrical fault of a predetermined type.

[0068] In this example, latch 112 includes an interacting lock 114 and hook 115.

[0069] Hook 115 extends here into compartments 26 and 27 simultaneously, thereby... Figures 2 to 6As can be seen in the diagram. In practice, the hook 115 is configured to extend simultaneously into one or more compartments receiving the trip device so that it can be actuated therein. The hook 115 also extends into the compartment where the lock is located so that it can interact with it. The hook 115 is carried by the clamp 101 and is pivotable relative to the clamp 101 about an axis X115 (referred to as the "hook axis"), where the axis X115 is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis X101. This pivoting occurs when the latch 112 moves between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.

[0070] Here, lock 114 extends into compartment 27, thereby... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the diagram. In practice, lock 114 is configured to extend into the same compartment as connecting rod 108 for interaction with it. Lock 114 is carried by clamp 101 and is pivotable relative to clamp 101 about axis X114 (referred to as the "lock axis"), where axis X115 is parallel to but does not coincide with axis X115. This pivoting occurs in the direction opposite to hook 115 as latch 112 moves between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0071] In the locking configuration, hook 115 is in an orientation called the "holding orientation," in which hook 115 holds lock 114 in an orientation called the "capture orientation." For this purpose, hook 115 includes, for example, a radial arm 116 against which lock 114 is rotatably abutted. In the unlocking configuration, hook 115 is in an orientation called the "disengagement orientation," in which hook 115 allows lock 114 to pivot relative to clamp 101. In this example, in Figure 2 At the angle, hook 115 pivots clockwise to change from a holding orientation to a disengaging orientation. When lock 114 is in the capturing orientation, it allows hook 115 to shift from the disengaging orientation to the holding orientation, and then when hook 115 is in the holding orientation, lock 114 is held in the capturing orientation by hook 115.

[0072] Mechanism 10 advantageously includes a spring 113, referred to as a "latch spring", which in Figure 2 , 4 As can be seen in section 6, spring 113 is disposed in compartment 26. Spring 113 applies a force to latch 112 by means of a support on clamp 101, which tends to return latch 112 from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration. For example, spring 113 is a torsion spring, one arm of which is supported on hook 115 and the other arm of which is supported on clamp 101, such that spring 113 actuates latch 112 via hook 115. Spring 113 tends to return hook 115 from a disengaged orientation to a holding orientation.

[0073] Opposite to end 110, connecting rod 108 includes another end 111, which is captured by latch 112, specifically by latch 114, via this end 111 when latch 112 is in the locked configuration, i.e., when lock 114 is in the capture orientation. End 111 is then attached to clamp 101 via latch 112 and is pivotable relative to clamp 101. In the locked configuration of latch 112, the position of control 5 is controlled by the position of clamp 101 via connecting rod 108 and latch 112, and thus by the position of contacts 33 and 43. In this case, when control 5 is placed in the closed position by the user, clamp 101 is placed in the ready position via connecting rod 108, the end of which is captured by latch 112 to actuate clamp 101. Since clamp 101 is in the ready position, it places contacts 33 and 43 in the conductive position via contact springs 103 and 105. In the locking configuration of latch 112, when control 5 is placed in the open position by the user, clamp 101 is placed in the tripped position via connecting rod 108 and spring 109, and end 111 of connecting rod 108 is captured by latch 112 to actuate clamp 101. Since clamp 101 is in the tripped position, it places contacts 33 and 43 in the isolated position via cams 102 and 104.

[0074] When latch 112 is in the locked configuration, clamp 101 is in the ready position and control 5 is in the closed position. Clamp 101 and control 5 are held in place against spring 107, which tends to displace clamp 101 to the trip position, and against spring 109, which tends to displace control 5 to the open position. To achieve this mutual holding of clamp 101 and control 5, it is configured such that when latch 112 is in the locked configuration, clamp 101 is in the ready position and control 5 is in the closed position, so that connecting rod 108 is then in the locked orientation, as... Figure 3 As shown, in this orientation, clamp 101 tends to hold control 5 in the closed position under the action of spring 109, and clamp 101 itself is then held in the ready position via connecting rod 108 through control 5. In this example, connecting rod 108 is in the locked orientation, with end 110 positioned relative to a line in the opposite direction to direction Y1, which is parallel to directions Y1 and Z1 and passes through axis X5 and end 111. When the user actuates control 5 to the open position, end 110 displaces to be closer to the line. When ends 110 and 111 are aligned with axis X5, and when end 110 is positioned relative to the line in direction Y1, connecting rod 108 is no longer in the locked orientation, so that clamp 101 and control 5 are no longer guaranteed to remain in place. Then, under the action of springs 107 and 109, clamp 101 is displaced to the tripped position and control 5 returns to the open position. When clamp 101 is in the tripped position and control 5 is in the open position, they are held in these positions by springs 107 and 109.

[0075] In summary, when latch 112 is in the locked position and control 5 is in the closed position, control 5 places mechanism 10 in the standby position. When latch 112 is in the locked position and control 5 is in the open position, control 5 places mechanism 10 in the tripped position.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, each tripping device 6, 7, and 8 is individually configured to trip the mechanism 10 when it is in a tripping configuration, while the mechanism 10 is in a standby configuration when one of the tripping devices 6, 7, or 8 is triggered by a predetermined type of electrical fault. This results in contacts 33 and 43 being placed in an isolated position via the mechanism 10 in the event of an electrical fault. For this purpose, each tripping device 6, 7, and 8 is designed to trigger latch 112 to switch from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration.

[0077] When latch 112 is in the unlocked configuration, and clamp 101 is in the standby position and control 5 is in the closed position, end 111 of connecting rod 108 is released from clamp 101. At least in this case, latch 112 allows end 111 to displace relative to clamp 101 in a plane parallel to directions Y1 and Z1. Here, by moving, for example, along channel 117 formed by clamp 101, end 111 is allowed to displace relative to clamp 101 along a predetermined linear path (e.g., an arc). In practice, displacement of end 111 along the path is accompanied by pivoting lock 114 away from the capture position, lock 114 taking an orientation corresponding to the current position of end 111 relative to clamp 101. Upon release, connecting rod 108 no longer holds clamp 101 and control 5 in place. Control 5 then returns to the open position under the action of spring 107, and clamp 101 returns to the tripped position under the action of spring 109, clamp 101 then actuates contacts 33 and 43 to the isolated position. Device 1 is designed such that when clamp 101 has reached the trip position and control 5 has reached the open position, connecting rod 108 is in the position where lock 114 is at the end in the capture position. Then, hook 115 returns to the holding position via spring 113, causing latch 112 to automatically return to the locked configuration.

[0078] More generally, mechanism 10 is configured, in particular spring 107, to return control 5 to the open position when mechanism 10 is placed in the trip position, whether by the user's action on control 5 itself or by the action of a tripping action performed by one of the tripping devices 6, 7 or 8.

[0079] To change the latch 112 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the tripping device 6, for example, actuates a rocker arm 118 belonging to mechanism 10, which drives the hook 115 to the disengaged position. Here, the rocker arm 118 is attached to the housing 2, for example to the partition 25, and is capable of relative to the housing 2 about an axis parallel to axis X115. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The initial position shown and Figure 6 The lever 118 pivots between the shown switching positions. The tripping device 6 drives the rocker arm 118 from its initial position to the switching position via a displacement core 62, which abuts against the end of the rocker arm 118, in the direction opposite to Z1. The rocker arm 118 has another end that abuts against a limb 119 belonging to the hook 115 in the direction Z1, causing the hook 115 to pivot to a disengaged orientation against the force of the spring 113 as the rocker arm pivots to the switching position.

[0080] Preferably, the core 62 is further configured to actuate the contact 33 by directly driving the contact 33 from the conductive position to the isolated position, with the core 62 abutting against the contact 33.

[0081] Once the electrical fault has ended, core 62 returns to its initial position, allowing rocker arm 118 to return to its initial position as well. Under the action of spring 113, rocker arm 118 then returns to its initial position via hook 115, which itself returns to its holding orientation via spring 113.

[0082] In order to change the latch 112 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the trip device 7 can also be configured to actuate the rocker arm 118 from the initial position to the switching position, here via the link 120, which belongs to the mechanism 10.

[0083] To change the latch 112 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the tripping device 8 actuates the mechanical force amplifier 121, for example, via a moving lever 83. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the image. Amplifier 121 includes, for example, drawer 122, lock 123, spring 124, spring 125, and re-standby leg 127.

[0084] Drawer 122 slides relative to housing 2 between a standby position and a tripped position. In the standby position, drawer 122 allows latch 112 to be in a locked configuration, and in the tripped position, drawer 122 places latch 112 in an unlocked configuration. To place latch 112 in the locked configuration, when drawer 122 is displaced from the standby position to the tripped position, drawer 122 abuts, for example, against a limb 126 belonging to hook 115, thereby driving hook 115 from a holding orientation to a disengaged orientation.

[0085] Spring 124 applies a force to drawer 122, which tends to displace drawer 122 from the standby position to the tripped position. When contact 43 moves from the conductive position to the isolated position, contact 43 returns drawer 122 to the standby position by abutting against drawer 122, resisting the force of spring 124.

[0086] Lock 123 is carried by housing 2. Lock 123 is capable of being positioned relative to housing 2. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The lock 123 pivots between the locked and unlocked positions. The locked position holds the drawer 122 in the ready position against the action of the spring 124. In the unlocked position, the lock 123 allows the drawer 122 to be displaced from the ready position to the tripped position by the spring 124, and to return to the ready position from the tripped position by the contact 43. The pivoting of the lock 123 occurs about an axis preferably parallel to axis X101.

[0087] Spring 125 applies a force to lock 123 by means of support on housing 2, particularly on partition 25. This force tends to return lock 123 from the unlocked position to the locked position. When drawer 122 is in the tripped position, its resistance to the force of spring 125 holds lock 123 in the unlocked orientation. When drawer 122 returns to the standby position, it allows lock 123 to return to the locked position via spring 125.

[0088] The re-standby leg 127 is attached to the housing 2, specifically to the partition 25. In the event of a differential failure, the moving rod 83 is displaced in direction Z1. Under the action of this displacement of the moving rod 83, the re-standby leg 127... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The lever 122 pivots between the first and second positions shown. This pivoting occurs about an axis preferably parallel to axis X101. During this pivoting, leg 127 drives lock 123 from its locked position to the unlocked position against the action of spring 125. With lock 123 in the unlocked position, drawer 122 is allowed to displace from the standby position to the tripped position under the action of spring 124. In doing so, drawer 122 switches latch 112 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. The released clamp 101 switches contacts 33 and 43 from the conductive position to the isolated position, while itself switching from the standby position to the tripped position. During its pivoting to the isolated position, contact 43 abuts against drawer 122 to return drawer 122 to the standby position against the action of spring 124. In doing so, drawer 122 drives leg 127 to the first position. Thus, lever 83 returns to its initial position via leg 127, causing tripped device 8 to be back in standby mode. While drawer 122 is displaced to the standby position, drawer 122 allows lock 123 to return to the locked position via spring 125. In this case, amplifier 121 and trip device 8 return to their original configuration to allow a new trip in the event of a new fault. At this time, clamp 101 is in the trip position, contacts 33 and 43 are in the isolated position, and control 5 is in the open position.

[0089] The mechanism 10 described herein and its tripping modes via tripping devices 6, 7 and 8 are given only as illustrative examples.

[0090] Test system 14, its structure and operation are as follows: Figure 7 , 8More detailed descriptions are provided in section 9, which are designed to test the tripping device 8. The test system 14 includes a test circuit 141, a test control 142, and a return spring 144.

[0091] Test control 142 is advantageously supported by the front portion 21 so that it can be actuated by the user to test the trip device 8. Here, control 142 takes the form of a button, which passes through the front portion 21 and can be operated along axis Y142 relative to the housing 2 (here parallel to direction Y1). Figures 1 to 6 The stationary position shown in Figure 8 and Figure 7 The device slides between the test positions shown. Therefore, axis Y142 is orthogonal to the rod axis X5, that is, perpendicular to the radius originating from the rod axis X5. Preferably, the rest position is in the direction Y1 relative to the test position, such that the user must press control 142 to move it to the test position and release control 142 to allow it to return to the rest position.

[0092] Control 142 includes an external actuation end 143 at the front 21, thereby enabling... Figure 1 As can be seen, the user can actuate the test control 142 via this end 143. Here, the control 5 has been chosen to be arranged adjacent to the control 142 in the Z1 direction relative to the control 142. Therefore, when the control 5 moves from the closed position to the open position, the handle 52 is closer to the end 143 of the control 142. In the open position, the handle 52 is closer to the end 143 of the control 142 than in the closed position (e.g., ...). Figure 1 , 2 (As shown in 3 and 6) closer to control 142 (as shown in 3 and 6) Figure 4 , 5 (as shown in Figure 8).

[0093] This arrangement of controls 5 and 142 advantageously allows the housing 2 to include a label wall 19, which belongs to the front portion 21, has a considerable area, and is arranged adjacent to controls 5 in the Z1 direction. Any technical symbols and text can be provided on this label wall 19 to help the user identify and characterize the operation of device 1.

[0094] The control 142 also includes an inner end 145, which is disposed within the housing 2 and extends beyond the front portion 21. For this purpose, the actuating end 143 is arranged relative to the inner end 145 in the direction Y1. The ends 143 and 145 are preferably aligned along the axis Y142.

[0095] Spring 144 is arranged inside housing 2, for example, in compartment 26. Preferably, spring 144 is supported on contact 33, particularly via contact carrier 36. For any position of contact 33, return spring 144 applies a return force F144 to control 142 by being supported on contact 33 via contact carrier 36 and on control 142, here against an end stop formed by inner end 145. Force F144 tends to return control 142 from test position to rest position. When user actuates control 142 to test position, it resists force F144. When user releases control 142, force F144 returns control 142 to rest position.

[0096] In this example, spring 144 is a torsion spring, which includes a support arm 151, via which spring 144 is supported on contact 33. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the diagram, a portion of the support arm 151 is shown in dashed lines. At this portion of the support arm 151, the support arm 151 is located within a guide belonging to the contact 33, and particularly to the contact carrier 36, so as to be able to support the contact 33. The spring 144 also includes a support arm 152, via which the spring 144 is supported on the control 142. In the case where the spring 144 is a helical spring, the spring 144 includes an elastic winding 153, which in... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in the middle section, the winding 153 connects and actuates the arms 151 and 152. At least, the elastic portion connects and actuates the arms 151 and 152 to each other.

[0097] As described below, when the test control 142 is in the rest position, it places the test circuit 141 in a static configuration where no electrical fault occurs. When the test control 142 is in the test position, it places the test circuit 141 in a test configuration where a differential electrical fault occurs, i.e., the trip device 8 is designed to be triggered by the electrical fault and, via mechanism 10, to place contacts 33 and 43 in the aforementioned isolated position. Therefore, when the user actuates the control 142 to the test position (control 5 is in the closed position, and contacts 33 and 43 are in the conductive position), the trip device 8 is triggered by the differential fault generated by circuit 141, thereby allowing mechanism 10, in particular spring 107, to drive control 5 from the closed position in the direction of the open position. In this case, handle 52 is displaced in the direction of control 142.

[0098] The test system 14 includes a holding mechanism 16, which in Figure 7 and Figure 8As can be seen, mechanism 16 is housed in housing 2, near the front 21, specifically in compartment 26. Generally, when control 142 is placed in the test position, retaining mechanism 16 is configured to hold control 5 in the retaining position, such as... Figure 7 As shown. In the holding position, control 5 is oriented between the closed and open positions, approximately midway through its travel. In other words, the holding position is between the closed and open positions. Therefore, when the user actuates control 142, and mechanism 10 returns control 5 in the direction of the open position, control 5 is displaced from the closed position to... Figure 7 The control 5 is held in the indicated position, without reaching an open position beyond that position. Specifically, the retaining mechanism 16 resists the action of the spring 107 to hold the control 5 in the retaining position. In this retaining position, the handle 52 is held at a considerable distance from the control 142, and there is no risk of impacting the user who is pressing the control 142 into the test position at that time.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, the retaining mechanism 16 is configured to allow the control 5 to return to the open position via the mechanism 10, specifically under the action of the spring 107, when the control 142 is released by the user back to the rest position. Therefore, when the user releases or has already released the control 142, the control 5 travels from the retaining position to the open position. At this point, the risk of the handle 52 striking the user is lower because the user has at least partially removed their hand from the control 142, and the control itself is positioned in direction Y1 relative to the test position. Furthermore, for this portion of the movement of the control 5, the spring 107 (which is more relaxed) can advantageously exert a smaller force on the control 5 than when the control 5 is in the closed position. Therefore, even if the control 5 strikes the user while traveling from the retaining position to the open position, the impact force will be relatively weak.

[0100] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A preferred example of the retaining mechanism 16 is shown, wherein the retaining mechanism includes a lever 161. The lever 161 is fully housed within the housing 2.

[0101] The lever 161 includes end 162 at its midpoint between end 142 and end 145. Lever 161 is attached to control 142 via end 162 so as to pivot relative to control 142 about an axis X162 called the "connecting axis". For this purpose, as shown, end 162 includes, for example, an orifice that receives a pivot pin belonging to control 142 to form a pivoting link about axis X162. Axis X162 is fixed relative to control 142, i.e., moves with control 142 relative to housing 2. End 162 is centered on axis X162. In other words, it is configured such that lever 161 and control 142 are connected relative to each other with respect to any radial direction relative to connecting axis X162. In other words, lever 161 is attached to control 142 so as to be displaceable in directions Y1 and Z1. Here, axis X162 is perpendicular to axis Y142. Here, axis X162 is parallel to axis X5.

[0102] The lever 161 also includes an end 163 opposite to the end 162.

[0103] Lever 161 is also connected to housing 2 at a midpoint between ends 162 and 163. At least, lever 161 is connected to housing 2 so that it can pivot relative to housing 2 about an axis X161, referred to as the “switching axis,” which is parallel to axis X162. Axis X161 is fixed relative to housing 2. For this purpose, as shown, lever 161 includes, for example, an orifice that receives a pivot pin belonging to housing 2 (e.g., belonging to partition 25). Preferably, lever 161 is slidable relative to housing 2 along a sliding axis R161, which connects axes X161 and X162 and extends perpendicular to these axes. Axis R161 is fixed relative to lever 161. To allow this sliding, the orifice connecting lever 161 to housing 2 is preferably elliptical along axis R161.

[0104] With the aid of these arrangements, control 142 drives lever 161 relative to housing 2 about axis X161 in the release position (e.g. Figure 8 As shown, when control 142 is in a stationary position) and locked position (as shown) Figure 7 As shown, when control 142 is in the test position, it rotates between the two positions.

[0105] In the locked position, control 5, during its rotation from the closed position to the open position under the return of spring 107, rotates against end 163 of lever 161. Therefore, when control 5 returns to the open position via mechanism 10 after tripping the tripping device 8, control 5 does not reach the open position, but rather... Figure 7The indicated holding position interrupts its travel, in which the control 5 is held by the lever 161. For this purpose, the base 51 of the control 5 preferably includes radial teeth 53, which, when the lever 161 is in the locked position, the control 5 is held against the end 163 of the lever 151 via the radial teeth 52.

[0106] In the released position, lever 161 is oriented such that end 163 is arranged away from the path traveled by teeth 53 during rotation of control 5. Therefore, lever 161 does not resist control 5 switching from the closed position to the open position. Preferably, the pivoting of lever 161 from the locked position to the released position is configured to occur in the opposite direction to the pivoting of control 5 from the closed position to the open position, such that control 142 can easily return to the resting position when lever 161 holds control 5 in the holding position.

[0107] The test circuit 141 is completely housed inside the casing 2. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in order to selectively generate differential electrical faults, the test circuit 141 preferably includes a resistor 171, which in... Figure 4 , 6 Also seen in 7 and 8, there are two switches, one formed by the arm 151 of spring 144 and the other by the arm 152 of spring 144. For this purpose, spring 144 is made of conductive material.

[0108] When control 142 is in the test position, the switch formed by support arm 152 is in a position referred to as the "closed position". Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown, control 142 is positioned to hold the support arm 152 of spring 144 in the closed position, in which the support arm 152 is in contact with one of the terminals of resistor 171. When control 142 is in the rest position, the switch is in a position referred to as the "open position". For this purpose, control 142 is positioned to hold the support arm 152 in the open position, in which the support arm 152 is positioned away from the terminals of resistor 171 for electrical isolation.

[0109] When contact 33 is in the conductive position, the switch formed by the support arm 151 is in electrical contact with the conductive end 35 of contact 33. When contact 33 is in the isolated position, the support arm 151 is positioned to be electrically isolated from the conductive end 35, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. In both positions, the support arm 151 is mechanically held by the contact carrier 36 to apply a force F144 to the control 142. As the contact 33 displaces between the isolated position and the conductive position, the support arm 151 advantageously slides relative to the contact 33 within a guide belonging to the contact 33 in which the support arm 151 is held. The support arm 151 slides relative to the contact 33 between a position in which the support arm 151 is electrically isolated from the conductive end 35 and a position in which the support arm 151 is electrically connected to the conductive end 35.

[0110] These arrangements allow the two switches of circuit 141 to be connected in series, and when both are in the closed position, the first terminal of the resistor is electrically connected at the conductive end 35 of the moving contact 33 to the upstream path 3 of the trip device 7 and the differential sensor 81. Additionally, resistor 171 has a second terminal, via which the resistor is permanently electrically connected to path 4 at a point located between the output terminal 42 and the differential sensor 81 of the trip device 8.

[0111] When contact 33 is in the conductive position and test control 142 is in the closed position, both switches of circuit 141 are closed, causing the first terminal of resistor 171 to be electrically connected to the upstream path 3 of sensor 81, and the second terminal of resistor 171 to be electrically connected to the downstream path 4 of sensor 81. Therefore, a current leakage occurs between paths 3 and 4, flowing through resistor 171 between paths 3 and 4, which constitutes a differential electrical fault that may trigger sensor 81, thereby tripping the tripping device 8.

[0112] When contact 33 is in the isolated position, test circuit 141 does not generate differential fault because the first terminal of resistor 171 is electrically isolated from path 3, and the switch formed by arm 151 is in the open position.

[0113] When control 142 is in the stationary position, test circuit 141 does not generate differential fault because the first terminal of resistor 171 is electrically isolated from path 3, and the switch formed by support arm 152 is in the open position.

[0114] As an alternative to or addition to the test system 14, the test system may be configured to have a holding mechanism and a test circuit that generates a predetermined type of electrical fault when the test control of the test system is activated, which readily triggers another tripping device, such as tripping device 6 or tripping device 7.

[0115] To the extent technically feasible, any feature specifically described above for one embodiment or variant may be implemented in the other embodiments and variants described above.

Claims

1. An electrical protection device (1), comprising: Outer shell (2); The first conductive path (3) includes a first movable contact (33) that moves relative to the housing (2) between: In a conductive position, the first movable contact (33) electrically connects the first input terminal (31) to the first output terminal (32) belonging to the first conductive path (3), and In the isolated position, the first input terminal (31) and the first output terminal (32) are electrically isolated from each other; The switching mechanism (10) is configured to switch between the following: In the standby configuration, the switching mechanism (10) places the first movable contact (33) in the conductive position, and In the trip configuration, the switching mechanism (10) places the first moving contact (33) in the isolation position; The toggle control (5) can be activated by the user between the following: The closed position is used to place the switching mechanism (10) in the standby configuration, and The switch mechanism (10) is set to the trip configuration, and the switch mechanism (10) is configured to return the switch control (5) to the open position when the switch mechanism (10) is in the trip configuration. A tripping device (8) is configured to switch the switching mechanism (10) to the tripping configuration when the tripping device (8) is triggered by a predetermined type of electrical fault. as well as The test system (14) includes: The test circuit (141) is configured to switch between the following: In the test configuration, the test circuit (141) generates a predetermined type of electrical fault, and In a static configuration, the test circuit (141) does not produce any electrical faults, and The test control (142) can be actuated by the user between the following: A stationary position for placing the test circuit (141) in the stationary configuration, and A test position for placing the test circuit (141) in the test configuration; The test system (14) is characterized in that it includes a holding mechanism (16) configured as follows: When the test control (142) is placed in the test position, the toggle control (5) is held in a holding position, which is between the closed position and the open position. When the test control (142) is in the stationary position, the switching control (5) is allowed to return to the open position via the switching mechanism (10).

2. The electrical protection device (1) as described in claim 1, wherein, The holding mechanism (16) includes a lever (161), which the test control (142) drives to rotate relative to the housing (2) about a switching axis (X161) between the following: Release position: When the test control (142) is in the rest position, in the release position, the lever (161) does not oppose the switching control (5) switching from the closed position to the open position; as well as In the locked position, when the test control (142) is in the test position, the switch control (5) is close to the lever (161) when the switch control (5) returns to the open position, so as to be held in the held position by the lever (161).

3. The electrical protection device (1) as described in claim 2, wherein: The lever (161) and the test control (142) are pivotable relative to each other about a connecting axis (X162), which is fixed relative to the test control (142); and The lever (161) and the housing (2) are slidable relative to each other along a sliding axis (R161) which intersects the switching axis (X161) and the connecting axis (X162), and the switching axis (X161) is fixed relative to the housing (2).

4. The electrical protection device (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein: The test control (142) is formed by a button and slides relative to the housing (2) along the first axis (Y142) between the rest position and the test position; and The switching control (5) is formed by a lever that is pivotable relative to the housing (2) about a second axis (X5) between the open position and the closed position, the first axis (Y142) being orthogonal to the second axis (X5).

5. The electrical protection device (1) as described in claim 4, wherein: The switching control (5) includes a handle (52), via which the user can actuate the switching control (5); and When the switching control (5) is in the open position, the handle (52) is closer to the test control (142) than when the switching control (5) is in the closed position.

6. The electrical protection device (1) as described in claim 5, wherein, The switching control (5) includes radial teeth (53), through which the switching control (5) is held by the holding mechanism (16) when the test control (142) is placed in the test position.

7. The electrical protection device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 6, wherein, The test system (14) includes a return spring (144) that applies a return force (F144) to the test control (142) when the test control (142) is in the test position. The return force tends to return the test control (142) to the rest position.

8. The electrical protection device (1) as described in claim 7, wherein: The electrical protection device (1) includes a second conductive path (4), the second conductive path including a second movable contact (43), the second movable contact being movable relative to the housing (2) between: In a conductive position, the second movable contact (43) electrically connects the second input terminal (41) to the second output terminal (42) belonging to the second conductive path (4), and In the isolated position, the second input terminal (41) and the second output terminal (42) are electrically isolated from each other. When the switching mechanism (10) is in the standby configuration, the switching mechanism (10) places the second moving contact (43) in the conductive position, and when the switching mechanism (10) is in the trip configuration, the switching mechanism places the second moving contact in the isolation position. The test circuit (141) includes: The switch can be displaced between the following: The open position when the test control (142) is in the stationary position, and The closed position when the test control (142) is in the test position; and A resistor (171) is used to electrically connect the first conductive path (3) to the second conductive path (4) to generate a predetermined type of electrical fault when the switch is in the closed position.

9. The electrical protection device (1) as described in claim 8, wherein, The return spring (144) includes an arm that abuts against the test control (142) to apply the return force (F144) to the test control (142), and the arm constitutes the switch of the test circuit (141) by being displaced by the test control (142) between the open position when the test control (142) is in the rest position and the closed position when the test control (142) is in the test position.

10. The electrical protection device (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The tripping device (8) and the test circuit (141) are configured such that the predetermined type of electrical fault is a differential electrical fault occurring between the first conductive path (3) and the second conductive path (4).

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