Electrical protection device and switchboard comprising such a protection device

Abstract

An electrical protection device (12) comprises a first movable contact (66), a tripping device (114) and a switching mechanism (150) configured to switch between an armed configuration and a tripped configuration, the first contact being in a conducting position or an isolating position, respectively. The tripping device is configured to cause the switching mechanism to switch to the tripped configuration when the tripping device is actuated by a predetermined type of electrical fault. According to the invention, the protection device comprises: - a slider (262) movable between an armed position and a tripped position, wherein the slider causes the switching mechanism to switch to the tripped configuration, - a slider spring (266) tending to move the slider from the armed position to the tripped position, and - a locking member (264) holding the slider in the armed position in a locked position. The tripping device is configured to cause the locking member to switch from its locked position to an unlocked position when the tripping device is actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical protection device and a distribution panel including such a protection device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical installations in buildings typically include switchboards that link the installations to a central distribution network and include various devices for protecting, controlling, and monitoring the installations. Known electrical protection devices include circuit breakers, which are designed to protect installations or people from electrical faults in the installation's circuitry by disconnecting the circuit. For example, a circuit breaker trips due to an overload, short circuit, or differential electrical fault in the circuit.

[0003] More specifically, this electrical protection device includes a trip unit that detects a predetermined type of electrical fault and, when appropriate, trips the switching mechanism to disconnect the circuit. In the case of differential tripping, the trip unit measures the difference between the phase current and the neutral current of the circuit; if this difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, it trips the switching mechanism. In fact, this difference can reflect current leakage to ground.

[0004] To facilitate the installation of electrical protection devices in distribution panels and to better protect users, these devices are becoming increasingly miniaturized. Each device typically includes a housing that surrounds the switching mechanism and trip unit. This housing is of standard size, designed to be mounted on a fixed rail from one device to another.

[0005] However, miniaturization does have its limitations, especially in meeting certain safety standards. As in the first example, the electrical contacts must close with sufficient force. However, it is difficult to design switching mechanisms and trip units that are very small in size while simultaneously generating high mechanical forces.

[0006] For example, EP-1884976-A1 describes a trip unit that includes a switching mechanism with a movable locking element that allows the lever arm to be changed according to the operating state of the circuit breaker. This mechanism is relatively fragile and complex to manufacture.

[0007] Furthermore, some standards sometimes require electrical protection devices to be energy-independent, meaning that the device ensures its protective function comes solely from electrical energy collected from the monitored wiring, without requiring any other external or internal power source, such as a battery. It is difficult to design an energy-independent trip unit that can generate strong force. Because of this, this type of trip unit typically generates very little force. Adding an external housing, including mechanical aids, to electrical protection devices is a known practice; however, this external housing is bulky and at least partially offsets efforts to miniaturize electrical protection devices. Summary of the Invention

[0008] These are precisely the problems that this invention addresses more specifically by proposing an electrical protection device that is easy to miniaturize while providing good technical performance.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to an electrical protection device, comprising:

[0010] -case,

[0011] - A first conductive path includes a first input terminal, a first output terminal, and a first movable contact, the first movable contact being movable relative to the housing between a conductive position and an isolated position.

[0012] In the conductive position, the first movable contact electrically connects the first input terminal to the first output terminal, and

[0013] In the isolated position, the first input terminal and the first output terminal are electrically isolated from each other;

[0014] - A switching mechanism, housed within a housing and configured to switch between a standby configuration and a trip configuration:

[0015] In the standby configuration, the switching mechanism sets the first contact to the conductive position.

[0016] In the trip configuration, the switching mechanism sets the first contact to the isolated position;

[0017] - A trip unit configured to switch the switching mechanism to trip mode when the trip unit is triggered by a predetermined type of electrical fault.

[0018] According to the present invention, the electrical protection device further includes:

[0019] - A slider that can move relative to the housing between a standby position and a tripped position, in which the slider switches the switching mechanism to the tripped configuration.

[0020] - A slider spring, which applies a tripping force to the slider by means of a support on the housing. This tripping force tends to move the slider from the ready position to the tripped position.

[0021] - A locking element that can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element holds the slider in the ready position. In the unlocked position, the locking element allows the slider to move from the ready position to the tripped position. The trip unit is configured to switch the locking element from its locked position to its unlocked position when the trip unit is activated.

[0022] One principle of this invention is that the switching mechanism is tripped by a slider under the action of a slider spring, rather than by a direct trip unit. Before tripping, the slider, loaded by the slider spring, is held by a locking element. Upon tripping, the locking element releases the slider, which is then pushed back by the slider spring. Therefore, the slider, loaded by the slider spring, trips the switching mechanism with a force greater than that applied solely by the trip unit. Thus, the slider, slider spring, and locking element have a mechanical force amplification function, ensuring that the trip unit can trip the switching mechanism even if it generates a relatively low tripping force. Advantageously, the trip unit can be configured to be particularly compact (which facilitates miniaturization of electrical protection devices) and / or actuated only by energy generated by an electrical fault. This invention is particularly suitable for cases where the trip unit is a differential trip unit.

[0023] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such an electrical protection device may, alone or in any technically permissible combination, combine one or more of the following features:

[0024] - Switching mechanism, including:

[0025] An ο plate, mounted to pivot about a plate axis relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, is configured such that, when the plate switches from its closed position to its open position, the first contact moves from its conductive position to its isolated position.

[0026] A leaf spring applies an opening force to the first leaf, tending to move the first leaf from its closed position to its open position.

[0027] A locking latch, configured to move between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration the locking latch holds the plate in the closed position, and in the unlocking configuration the locking latch allows the plate to pivot from the closed position to the open position.

[0028] A latch spring applies a resisting force to the locking latch; when the locking latch is in the unlocked position, the resisting force tends to return the locking latch to the locked position.

[0029] In order to switch the switching mechanism to the tripped configuration, the slider is configured such that when the slider moves from its standby position to its tripped position, the locking latch switches from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration.

[0030] - A leaf spring is a torsion spring, comprising a first output branch and a second output branch. The first output branch is supported on a housing, and the second output branch is supported on a support belonging to the leaf. When the leaf switches from its closed position to its open position, the distance between the axis of one side of the leaf and the axis of the other side perpendicular to the contact point between the second output branch and the support increases.

[0031] - The displacement of the slider from the ready position to the tripped position is guided in the displacement plane.

[0032] Simultaneously, when the locking element is mounted to pivot relative to the housing about a locking element axis perpendicular to the displacement plane of the slider, the locking element includes a support arm and a blocking arm.

[0033] The electrical protection device includes a locking spring that tends to move the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0034] The slider includes a locking slot, and the blocking arm of the locking member is configured to engage with the locking slot to hold the slider in the ready position.

[0035] When the trip unit is activated, it is configured to drive the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position by applying force to the support arm.

[0036] - The slider spring is a compression spring, and the slider includes a support portion configured to cooperate with the slider spring to push the slider back to its disengaged position. The slider can move translationally relative to the housing along the slider axis.

[0037] -When the moving contact moves from the conductive position to the isolated position:

[0038] The moving contact moves the slider from its tripped position toward the ready position.

[0039] The locking element returns to its locked position under the locking force applied by the locking spring.

[0040] - The electrical protection device includes a reload lever handle, which is mounted to pivot relative to the housing about the lever handle axis between a neutral position and an unlocked position.

[0041] Simultaneously, when the trip unit is triggered by an electrical fault, the trip unit is configured to drive the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position via the re-operation lever handle by driving the lever handle from the neutral position to the unlocked position, and...

[0042] When the moving contact moves from the conductive position to the isolated position and pushes the slider back from its tripped position to its standby position, the slider is configured to restart the trip unit via the lever handle by driving the lever handle from the unlocked position to the reload position outside the neutral position. The neutral position is an intermediate position between the reload position and the unlocked position.

[0043] The protection device also includes a second conductive path electrically isolated from the first conductive path, and includes a second input terminal, a second output terminal, and a second movable contact movable relative to the housing between a conductive position and an isolated position.

[0044] In the conductive position, the second movable contact electrically connects the second input terminal to the second output terminal.

[0045] In the isolated position, the second input terminal and the second output terminal are electrically isolated from each other;

[0046] The trip unit is a differential trip unit, located inside the housing, and includes:

[0047] A differential sensor is configured to be activated when the differential current exceeds a predetermined threshold. The differential current is equal to the difference between the current circulating in the first conductive path and the current circulating in the second conductive path.

[0048] The relay is configured to switch the switching mechanism to the tripping configuration when the differential sensor is activated.

[0049] A differential sensor is configured to generate electrical energy when the differential current is not zero, while a relay is an electromechanical device configured to operate using only the electrical energy generated by the differential sensor.

[0050] The present invention also relates to a distribution panel, including a fixed rail and an electrical protection device fixed on the fixed rail, wherein the electrical protection device is as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of electrical protection devices and distribution panels conforming to its principles, with the accompanying drawings provided by way of example and reference only, wherein:

[0052] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a distribution panel according to the present invention, which includes a plurality of electrical protection devices according to the present invention, all shown in a closed configuration.

[0053] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical protection device according to the present invention, shown in a closed configuration.

[0054] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The electrical protection device, viewed from a first-person perspective, is shown in a closed configuration in a side view, with a portion of the housing of the electrical protection device being covered.

[0055] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and 3 Electrical protection devices according to Figure 3 A partial side view of detail IV.

[0056] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 yes Figures 2 to 4 The electrical protection device, viewed from a second-person perspective, is shown in a closed configuration, with a portion of the housing covered.

[0057] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 yes Figures 2 to 5 The electrical protection device, viewed from a first-person perspective, is shown in an open configuration, with a portion of the housing covered.

[0058] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 yes Figures 2 to 6 The electrical protection device, viewed from a second perspective, is shown in an open configuration, with part of the device's housing and part of the arc-extinguishing chamber covered.

[0059] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 yes Figures 2 to 7 The electrical protection device, viewed from a first-person perspective in a side view, is shown in a closed configuration, with a portion of the housing covered.

[0060] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 yes Figures 2 to 8 The electrical protection device is shown in a second-perspective side view as being configured during operation, with a portion of the device housing and a portion of the arc-extinguishing chamber concealed.

[0061] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 yes Figures 2 to 9 A partial perspective view of the electrical protection device, showing a closed configuration, in which part of the device housing and part of the switching mechanism are covered.

[0062] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 The above is viewed from a second perspective. Figures 2 to 10 A side view of a portion of the electrical protection device, shown in a closed configuration.

[0063] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 The above is viewed from a second perspective. Figures 2 to 10 A side view of a portion of the electrical protection device, shown in an open configuration.

[0064] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 Two inset diagrams, a) and b), represent those belonging to the aforementioned category. Figures 2 to 10 The slider of the electrical protection device is viewed from two perspectives at different angles. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1 A distribution panel 10 according to the present invention is shown. The distribution panel 10 is configured to be integrated into electrical facilities, such as being installed in a building.

[0066] In this example, the distribution panel 10 is in the form of a modular row. Advantageously, this modular row can be associated with other modular rows.

[0067] The distribution panel 10 accommodates multiple electrical protection devices. The distribution panel 10 is modular, meaning that it is equipped with a variable number of electrical protection devices, depending on the needs of the electrical facilities incorporated into it, and the electrical protection devices can be of multiple types.

[0068] exist Figure 1 The example shown illustrates a first type of electrical protection device 12 and a second type of electrical protection device 14.

[0069] The distribution panel 10 also includes a fixed rail 16, on which electrical protection devices 12 and 14 are mounted.

[0070] The fixed track 16 extends along the width axis X10 of the distribution panel 10. Therefore, the electrical protection devices 12 and 14 are juxtaposed along the width axis X10.

[0071] The depth axis Y10 and height axis Z10 of the distribution panel 10 are also defined, which are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the width axis X10. Preferably, when the distribution panel 10 is incorporated into the electrical installation, the height axis Z10 is vertical and points upward.

[0072] The distribution panel 10 also includes a power comb 18 extending along the width axis X10, which is linked to all electrical protection devices 12 and 14 and supplies power to the electrical protection devices via connector 20.

[0073] In practice, in the power comb 18, the connectors 20 are divided into multiple groups, with all connectors in the same group electrically connected to each other and electrically isolated from connectors in other groups. In the example shown, the power comb 18 includes four groups of connectors 20.

[0074] Preferably, in the four sets of connectors 20, three sets are connected to the power phase of the distribution panel 10, and one set is connected to the neutral conductor of the distribution panel.

[0075] As a variant, the power comb 18 includes a different number of connector sets 20, such as two sets of connectors, which are linked to the power phase and the neutral conductor respectively.

[0076] The power comb 18 is arranged on the height axis Z10 of the distribution panel above the fixed track 16.

[0077] Figures 2 to 12 One of the electrical protection devices 12 according to the present invention is shown.

[0078] The device 12 includes a housing 30. The width direction X30, the depth direction Y30, and the height direction Z30 of the housing 30 are defined, which are perpendicular to each other and fixed relative to the housing 30.

[0079] The housing 30 constitutes a substantially enclosed and electrically isolated enclosure. The housing 30 advantageously includes a front panel 32 and a rear portion 34 distributed in the depth direction Y30, with the front panel 32 relative to the rear portion 34 in the Y30 direction.

[0080] For integration into the distribution panel 10, the device 12 is advantageously designed to be secured to the fixed rail 16 via the housing 30. To this end, the device 12 advantageously includes any suitable securing device 12, such as a snap-fit ​​clip 36, on its rear 34, by which the device 12 can be securely attached to the rail 16, preferably by hand without tools. When the device 12 is secured to the rail 16, direction X30 is parallel to the rail 16 and axis X10, direction Y30 is parallel to axis Y10, and direction Z30 is parallel to axis Z10.

[0081] Therefore, in the installation configuration on the distribution panel 10, the rear part 34 of the housing 30 of the electrical protection device 12 points towards the rail 16, while the front panel 32 is opposite to the rail 16.

[0082] The housing 30 advantageously includes a bottom end 38 and a top end 40 distributed along the direction Z30, with the top end 40 positioned relative to the bottom end 38 in the direction Z30. In the mounting configuration of the device 12 on the distribution panel 10, the top end 40 is arranged above the bottom end 38.

[0083] The housing 30 advantageously includes a right side panel 42 and a left side panel 44, which are preferably flat and parallel to each other, distributed along direction X30, wherein the left side panel 44 is positioned relative to the right side panel in direction X30, and in the mounting configuration of the device 12 on the distribution panel 10, the left side panel 44 is arranged to the left of the right side panel 42.

[0084] Preferably, the width of the device 12, measured in direction X30 between the left side panel 44 and the right side panel 42, is between 15 mm and 25 mm, more preferably equal to 18 mm.

[0085] The front panel 32 and rear panel 34, as well as the left panel 44 and right panel 42, connect end 38 to end 40 along direction Z30. The front panel 32 and rear panel 34 connect the right panel to the left panel along direction X30. Each side panel connects the rear panel 34 to the front panel 32 along direction Y30.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, when the two devices 12 are placed side by side in the distribution panel 10, as Figure 1 As shown, the left side panel 44 of the first device 12 rests against the right side panel 42 of the second device 12.

[0087] Preferably, the housing 30 includes Figures 3 to 10 The visible internal partition 46 extends parallel to directions Y30 and Z30 and divides the internal volume of the housing 30 into a right compartment 48, as shown in the image. Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 7, and the left compartment 50, as... Figure 3 , 4 It can be seen in 6, 8 and 10.

[0088] Right compartment 48 and left compartment 50 are distributed along direction X30. Right compartment 48 is defined in direction X30 by partition 46 and right side panel 42, in direction Z30 by end panels 38 and 40, and in direction Y30 by front panel 32 and rear panel 34. Left compartment 50 is defined in direction X30 by partition 46 and left side panel 44, in direction Z30 by end panels 38 and 40, and in direction Y30 by front panel 32 and rear panel 34.

[0089] The electrical protection device 12 is a bipolar device because it includes two conductive paths.

[0090] Each conductive path is specified to include an input terminal, an output terminal, a moving contact, and a fixed contact.

[0091] Therefore, the first conductive path 60 includes an input terminal 62, an output terminal 64, a moving contact 66, and a fixed contact 68. Figure 3 , 6 As can be seen in Figure 8, the second conductive path 70 includes an input terminal 72, an output terminal 74, a moving contact 76, and a fixed contact 78. Figure 5 , 7 As seen in 9.

[0092] Preferably, conductive paths 60 and 70 are electrically isolated from each other. For this purpose, preferably, each conductive path is substantially (if not completely) arranged in one of the corresponding compartments 48 or 50 of the housing 30. Here, the first conductive path 60 is arranged in the left compartment 50 and the second conductive path 70 is arranged in the right compartment 48. An internal partition 46 is inserted between paths 60 and 70 to ensure their electrical isolation from each other.

[0093] Input terminals 62 and 72 are arranged at the top 40 of housing 30 so that they can be electrically connected to connector 20 of power comb 18 belonging to the distribution panel.

[0094] For example, input terminal 62 is linked to first connector 20, which belongs to the first group of connectors of power comb 18, while second input terminal 72 is linked to second connector 20, which belongs to the second group of connectors of power comb 18.

[0095] In practice, to link input terminals 62 and 72 to connector 20, connector 20 is inserted into the input terminals. For this purpose, each input terminal 62 and 72 includes a cavity 80 and a screw 82, the cavity 80 being configured to receive connector 20 and the screw 82 being configured to tension connector 20 on the corresponding input terminal, thereby establishing electrical continuity between connector 20 and the corresponding input terminal.

[0096] Device 12 is thus simply connected to power comb 18 by inserting connector 20 into the comb in input terminals 62 and 72 and then tightening screw 82.

[0097] In this example, input terminals 62 and 72 and output terminals 64 and 74 are screw terminals. As a variant, input terminals 62 and 72 and / or output terminals 64 and 74 are automatic terminals, also known as plug-in terminals or quick-connect terminals.

[0098] Each conductive path 60 or 70 constitutes a separate pole of device 12. Preferably, path 60 constitutes the neutral pole, and path 70 constitutes the phase pole. Thus, path 60 is linked to the neutral conductor of the distribution panel via connector 20, and path 70 is linked to the power phase of the distribution panel via connector 20. In other words, each conductive path is designed to be brought to a separate potential. Preferably, device 12 is designed for use at low voltages, that is, between 100V and 600V (e.g., 230V).

[0099] As a variant, the two conductive paths are phase conductive paths.

[0100] Output terminals 64 and 74 are preferably located at the bottom 38 of housing 30 to allow electrical connection to circuits supplying power to receiving loads, such as household appliances or lights in the case of a building. These electrical loads are then supplied with power to input terminals 62 and 72 via device 12 by connector 20 of power comb 18.

[0101] As a variant, the input terminal 62 of the conductive path linking to the neutral conductor of the distribution panel is located at the bottom 38 of the housing 30, i.e., near the output terminals 64 and 74, and the conductive path 60 forms a loop within the housing. Therefore, in this variant, three terminals are located at the bottom 38 of the housing, and only the input terminal 72 is located at the top 40 of the housing. Advantageously, in this variant, one of the three terminals is replaced by an insert clip or by a wire extending out of the housing 30.

[0102] Here, the fixed contact 68 is fixed relative to the housing 30 and is electrically connected to the input terminal 62. Here, the movable contact 66 is electrically connected to the output terminal 64. The fixed contact 68 is arranged relative to the movable contact 66 along the Z30 direction.

[0103] like Figure 3 , 6 As can be seen in Figure 8, the movable contact 66 preferably includes a conductive end 90, which ensures electrical contact functionality and is electrically connected to the output terminal 64. The movable contact 66 also includes a contact holder 92 supporting the end 90. The movable contact 66 is pivotable relative to the housing 30 via the contact holder 92 about a movable contact axis X66 parallel to the direction X30. This pivoting occurs in… Figure 3 and 8 The conductive positions shown are Figure 6 This is done between the isolation locations shown.

[0104] In the conductive position of the movable contact 66, the conductive end 90 is in electrical contact with the fixed contact 68, which electrically connects the input terminal 62 to the output terminal 64. In the isolated position, the end 90 of the movable contact 66 is separated from the fixed contact 68 for electrical isolation, which disconnects the electrical connection between terminals 62 and 64, thus electrically isolating terminals 62 and 64 from each other.

[0105] Fixed contact 78 is fixed relative to housing 30 and electrically connected to input terminal 72. Movable contact 76 is electrically connected to output terminal 74. Fixed contact 78 is arranged relative to housing 76 along direction Z30.

[0106] like Figure 7 and 9 As can be seen, the movable contact 76 preferably includes a conductive end 94, which ensures electrical contact and is electrically connected to the output terminal 74. The movable contact 76 also includes a contact holder 96 supporting the end 94. The movable contact 76 is pivotable relative to the housing 30 about a movable contact axis via the contact holder 96. In this example, the respective movable contact axes of movable contacts 66 and 76 coincide, that is, movable contact 76 is pivotable about the same axis as movable contact 66, in other words, about axis X66.

[0107] As a variation, the moving contact axes of contacts 66 and 76 are parallel to each other, do not coincide, and are both parallel to direction X30.

[0108] This pivoting of contact 76 is in Figure 5 The conductive positions shown are Figure 7 This is done between the isolation locations shown.

[0109] The movable contacts 66 and 76 are advantageously pivotable independently relative to the housing. As they move from their respective conductive positions to their respective isolated positions, the movable contacts 66 and 76 advantageously rotate in the same direction about their respective movable contact axes, in this example about axis X66. Specifically, the contact ends 90 and 94 are then displaced in the opposite direction to Z30, i.e., toward the output terminals 64 and 74, i.e., toward the bottom end 38 of the housing 30.

[0110] In the conductive position of the movable contact 76, the conductive end 94 is in electrical contact with the fixed contact 78, which electrically connects the input terminal 72 to the output terminal 74. In the isolated position, the end 94 of the movable contact 76 is separated from the fixed contact 78 for electrical isolation, which disconnects the electrical connection between terminals 72 and 74, thus electrically isolating terminals 72 and 74 from each other.

[0111] exist Figure 9 In this diagram, the movable contact 76 is shown in an intermediate position between a conductive position and an isolated position, meaning that the conductive end 94 is separated from the fixed contact 78, but the movable contact 76 is not in the isolated position. This intermediate position occurs during the transition of the movable contact 76 from its conductive position to its isolated position.

[0112] Electrical protection device 12 includes arc-extinguishing chamber 100, which in Figure 5 The full text is shown in the middle. Figure 7 and Figure 9 The middle section is open to reveal its contents.

[0113] The purpose of the arc-extinguishing chamber 100 is to give the device 12 arc-extinguishing capability by dissipating any arc that may occur when the moving contact 76 switches from the conductive position to the isolated position (that is, when it moves away from the fixed contact 78).

[0114] In practice, when the movable contact 76 switches from the conductive position to the isolated position, its conductive end 94 is located in the arc-extinguishing chamber 100.

[0115] The arc-extinguishing chamber 100 is advantageously arranged in the right compartment 48, between the input terminal 72 and the fixed contact 78, along the rear portion 34 of the housing 30. The arc-extinguishing chamber 100 comprises, for example, a stack of metal plates 102, sometimes referred to as fins or separators, stacked at a distance from each other, here in the direction Y30, to extend and thus extinguish any potential arc. The arc-extinguishing chamber 100 advantageously includes insulating cheek plates (not shown), with plates 102 arranged between the insulating cheek plates.

[0116] Plate 102 is held, for example, between the internal partition 46 and the right-hand edge 42 of the housing 30. Input terminal 72 is inserted between the arc-extinguishing chamber 100 and the top 40 of the housing.

[0117] The fixed contact 78 is preferably extended by an arc angle 104, which bends backward toward the stack of metal plates 102 in the arc extinguishing chamber 100.

[0118] The arc-extinguishing chamber advantageously includes an arc-extinguishing angle 105 electrically connected between the moving contact 76 and the output terminal 74 to the conductive path 70. The arc-extinguishing angle 105 is arranged to face the arc-extinguishing angle 104.

[0119] Therefore, when the movable contact 76 switches to the isolated position, any possible arc is guided to the metal plate 102 via the arc-inducing angles 104 and 105, thereby breaking up and extinguishing it within the arc-extinguishing chamber 100.

[0120] The electrical protection device 12 also includes at least one trip unit. In the example shown, the protection device includes three trip units 110, 112 and 114, each trip unit configured to be triggered by a predetermined individual type of electrical fault and to switch moving contacts 66 and 76 to the isolated position when they are triggered.

[0121] exist Figure 5 , 7 The trip unit 110, as seen in Figure 9, is configured to be triggered by an electrical fault of the type of short circuit, which is prone to occur, for example, between conductive paths 60 and 70 or between conductive path 70 and ground. Therefore, the trip unit 110 is specifically triggered by a short circuit that may occur downstream of output terminals 64 and 74, on a circuit powered by device 12, or on one of its loads. In this case, it is a phase-neutral or phase-to-ground short circuit.

[0122] Here, the trip unit 110 is arranged in the right-hand compartment 48 and connected in series on the conductive path 70. In direction Z30, the trip unit 110 is arranged between the input terminal 72 and the fixed contact 78. In direction Y30, the trip unit 110 is arranged between the arc-extinguishing chamber 100 and the front panel 32 of the housing 30. In direction X30, the trip unit 110 is arranged between the right side panel 42 of the housing and the internal partition 46 of the housing.

[0123] The trip unit 110 is sometimes referred to as a magnetic trip unit. Specifically, the trip unit 110 takes the form of a magnetic actuator, which herein includes an electromagnetic winding 120 and a movable core 122. The core 122 is only... Figure 9 As can be seen, input terminal 72 is electrically connected to stationary terminal 78 via trip unit 110, particularly electromagnetic winding 120. When a short circuit occurs between conductive paths 60 and 70, particularly downstream of output terminals 64 and 74, the current intensity circulating in winding 120 suddenly becomes very high, generating an electromagnetic force sufficient to move the moving core 122 relative to housing 30. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The indicated free position is moved to Figure 9 The tripped position is shown. Here, the displacement of the core 122 from the idle position to the tripped position occurs in the opposite direction to direction Z30, i.e., toward the bottom end 38 of the housing. Once the fault ends, the strength of the circulation in the winding 120 is no longer high enough to hold the core 122 in the tripped position, allowing the core 122 to advantageously return to the idle position, for example by a spring (not shown) belonging to the trip unit 110.

[0124] When the core 122 moves to the tripped position, it drives the moving contacts 66 and 76 to rotate from their conductive positions to their isolated positions, thereby interrupting the current circulation between the input terminals 62 and 72 and the output terminals 64 and 74.

[0125] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the diagram, electrical protection device 12 is shown in the configuration where trip unit 110 is tripping, that is, when core 122 is in the tripped position. In these figures, moving contact 76 is no longer in a conductive position and has not yet reached... Figure 7 The isolation position is shown, and the moving contact 66 has not yet left its conductive position.

[0126] Figure 5 , 7 The trip unit 112, as seen in Figure 9, is configured to be triggered by another predetermined type of electrical fault, namely, an overload-type electrical fault that is prone to occur between conductive paths 60 and 70. Therefore, the trip unit 112 is specifically triggered by an overload that may occur downstream of output terminals 64 and 74, on the circuit powered by device 12, 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.

[0127] Here, the trip unit 112 is arranged in the right-hand compartment 48 and connected in series on the conductive path 70. In direction Z30, the trip unit 112 is arranged between the output terminal 74 and the moving contact 76. In direction Y30, the trip unit 112 is located between the rear part 34 of the housing 30 and the front panel 32. In direction X30, the trip unit 112 is located between the right side panel 42 of the housing and the internal partition 46 of the housing.

[0128] The trip unit 112 is sometimes referred to as a thermal trip unit. Specifically, the trip unit 112 takes the form of a thermal actuator, which is here formed of a conductive and thermally deformable bimetallic strip. When current passes through the bimetallic strip, the strip heats up and deforms due to the Joule effect. The moving contact 76 is electrically connected to the output terminal 74 via the trip unit 112, that is, here via the bimetallic strip. Preferably, a flexible braid 124 electrically links the moving contact 76 to the trip unit 112. When an overload occurs, particularly downstream of the output terminals 64 and 74, the current intensity circulating in the bimetallic strip forming the trip unit 112 raises the temperature of the bimetallic strip, causing it to deform. Once the fault ends, the bimetallic strip cools down and returns to its initial shape. The bimetallic strip is thus able to move between an initial configuration and a deformed configuration.

[0129] When the bimetallic strip is in a deformable configuration, it drives the moving contacts 66 and 76 to rotate from their conductive positions to their isolated positions, thereby interrupting the current circulation between the input terminals 62 and 72 and the output terminals 64 and 74.

[0130] The trip unit 114 is configured to be triggered by another predetermined type of electrical fault, namely, a differential electrical fault that is prone to occur between conductive path 70 and ground. The trip unit 114 is therefore particularly susceptible to triggering by current leakage to ground, which may occur downstream of output terminals 64 and 74, resulting in a difference between the current intensity value circulating in conductive path 70 and the current intensity value circulating in the opposite direction in conductive path 60. In other words, the differential sensor 126 detects a differential current equal to the difference between the current circulating in the first conductive path 60 and the current circulating in the second conductive path 70.

[0131] Here, the trip unit 114 extends through the internal partition 46 into both compartments 48 and 50. In the direction Z30, the trip unit 114 is advantageously arranged between the output terminals 64 and 74 on one side and the fixed contacts 68 and 78 and the movable contacts 66 and 76 on the other side.

[0132] The trip unit 114 is sometimes referred to as a differential trip unit. Preferably, the trip unit 114 includes a differential sensor 126 extending into both compartments 48 and 50 via a arrangement along the rear portion 34 of the housing 30. Figure 3 , 6 As can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the trip unit 114 preferably also includes a relay 128 that extends only into the left compartment 50 by means of a arrangement between the front panel 32 and the differential sensor 126.

[0133] Based on an example, in Figure 6 and 8 In this context, relay 128 is indicated as open to display its contents. Relay 128 here includes a small plate 129, which pushes back the movable lever 130 when relay 128 is actuated by differential sensor 126.

[0134] The differential sensor 126 includes, for example, a ferromagnetic toroidal surface supporting two electromagnetic windings, one formed by conductive path 60 and the other by conductive path 70. The electromagnetic winding of conductive path 60 is advantageously formed by a portion of path 60 between the moving contact 66 and the output terminal 64. The electromagnetic coil of path 70 is advantageously formed by a portion of path 70 linking the moving contact 76 to the output terminal 74, more precisely, by a portion of path 70 between the trip unit 112 and the output terminal 74.

[0135] For example, the windings of the differential sensor 126, which connects the movable contact 66 and the conductive path 60, are electrically linked using a braid (not shown). When the strength difference established between paths 60 and 70 exceeds a certain threshold, an electromagnetic field is generated in the toroidal surface of the differential sensor 126. In other words, the differential sensor 126 is configured to generate electrical energy when the differential current is not zero.

[0136] Relay 128 is configured to be activated when electrical energy exceeds a threshold, which includes a release plate 129 that actuates a movable rod 130 belonging to relay 128 relative to housing 30 from... Figure 3 , 6 The effect of moving the movable rod 130 from the idle position shown in Figure 8 to the tripped position, which is not visible in the figure. Here, the displacement of the movable rod 130 from the idle position to the tripped position occurs in the direction Z30, i.e. towards the top 40 of the housing 30.

[0137] exist Figure 6 In the middle, the movable lever 130 indicates that it is in the standby position, where the lever 130 is pushed back beyond the idle position. The lever 130 pushes the small plate 129 back to restart the relay 128. The relay 128 can move the lever 130 from its idle position to its tripped position again, as long as a sufficiently large differential current occurs.

[0138] Once the movable lever 130 has reached the tripped position, it should return to the idle position to restart the relay 128, thereby allowing the relay 128 to actuate the lever 130 again in the event of a differential fault, as described below.

[0139] When the movable lever 130 moves from its idle position to its tripped position, it drives the movable contacts 66 and 76 to rotate from their conductive positions to their isolated positions, thereby interrupting the current circulation between the input terminals 62 and 72 and the output terminals 64 and 74.

[0140] The electrical protection device 12 also includes a switching mechanism 150.

[0141] The switching mechanism 150 is housed in the housing 30, and partially housed in compartments 48 and 50. The switching mechanism 150 is configured to... Figures 3 to 5 The standby configuration shown in Figure 10 is the same as... Figure 6 and 7 The switch mechanism 150 switches between the shown tripping configurations. In the standby configuration, the mechanism 150 places the moving contacts 66 and 76 in the conductive position, and in the tripping configuration, the switch mechanism 150 places the moving contacts 66 and 76 in the isolated position.

[0142] In this example, the switching mechanism 150 includes a stirrup 152, in Figures 3 to 10As can be seen, the stirrup 152 is pivotable relative to the housing 30 about a stirrup axis X152 parallel to the moving contact axis X66. The stirrup 152 extends into both compartments 48 and 50 by being supported by and spanning an internal partition 46.

[0143] When mechanism 150 is in the standby configuration, stirrup 152 is in a first orientation relative to housing 30 about axis X152, referred to as the "standby position". When mechanism 150 is in the trip configuration, stirrup 152 is in a second orientation about axis X152, referred to as the "trip position". Mechanism 150 actuates moving contacts 66 and 76 via stirrup 152.

[0144] In practice, the stirrup 152 includes a plate 154 arranged in the left compartment 50 and an opposing plate 156 arranged in the right compartment 48. Plates 154 and 156 are thus arranged on either side of the internal partition 46 and each is pivotable about the stirrup axis X152. Furthermore, plates 154 and 156 are fixedly linked by a connecting rod shaft 158, such that any rotational movement of plate 154 about the stirrup axis X152 drives the same rotational movement of the opposing plate 156 about the stirrup axis X152, and vice versa. By extension, the stirrup axis X152 is also the plate axis 154, about which plate 154 pivots. When the stirrup 152 is in the ready position or the disengaged position, plate 154 is referred to as being in the open or closed position.

[0145] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10, the plate 154 of the stirrup 152 includes, for example, a cam 160 disposed in the left compartment 50. When the stirrup 152 pivots from the ready position to the tripped position, the stirrup 152 drives the movable contact 66 of the first conductive path 60 from the conductive position to the isolated position via the cam 160. To drive the movable contact 66 to rotate in this direction, the cam 160 abuts against the contact retainer 92 of the movable contact 66. In other words, the plate 154 is configured to move the first contact 66 from its conductive position to its isolated position when the plate 154 switches from its closed position to its open position.

[0146] The switching mechanism 150 advantageously includes a spring 162, referred to as a "contact spring," arranged in the left compartment 50, supported both on the plate 154 of the stirrup 152 and on the moving contact 66, more precisely, on the contact retainer 92. Thus, when the stirrup 152 pivots from the tripped position to the ready position, the stirrup 152 drives the contact 66 from the isolated position to the conductive position via the spring 162.

[0147] Spring 162, supported on plate 154 and preferably on cam 160, applies force to contact 66, which tends to press the moving contact 66 against the fixed contact 68 when stirrup 152 is in the ready position. This force ensures satisfactory contact pressure between the moving contact 66 and the fixed contact 68.

[0148] like Figure 5 , 7 As shown in Figure 9, the opposing plate 156 of the stirrup 152 includes, for example, a cam 164 disposed in the right compartment 48. When the stirrup 152 pivots from the ready position to the tripped position, the stirrup 152 drives the movable contact 76 of the second conductive path 70 from the conductive position to the disconnected position via the cam 164. To drive the movable contact 76 to rotate in this direction, the cam 164 abuts against the contact holder 96 of the movable contact 76.

[0149] The switching mechanism 150 advantageously includes a spring 166, referred to as a "contact spring," arranged in the right compartment 48, supported both on the opposing plate 156 of the stirrup 152 and on the moving contact 76, more precisely, on the contact retainer 96. Thus, when the stirrup 152 pivots from the tripped position to the ready position, the stirrup 152 drives the contact 76 from the disconnected position to the conductive position via the spring 166.

[0150] The contact spring 166, supported on the opposing plate 156, preferably on the cam 164, applies a force to the contact 76, which tends to press the moving contact 76 against the fixed contact 78 when the stirrup 152 is in the ready position. This force ensures satisfactory contact pressure between the moving contact 76 and the fixed contact 78.

[0151] For example, contact springs 162 and 166 are torsion springs, which are respectively mounted on moving contact 66 and moving contact 76. Their first branches are supported on moving contact 66 and moving contact 76, respectively, and their second branches are supported on cam 160 and cam 164, respectively.

[0152] It should be understood that cams 160 and 164, as well as contact springs 162 and 166, transmit the rotational motion of the stirrup 152 to the rotational motion of the moving contacts 66 and 76, and the rotation direction of the moving contacts 66 and 76 is opposite to the rotation direction of the stirrup 152. For example, when the stirrup switches from the ready position to the tripped position, it... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The viewpoint rotates clockwise, driving the moving contacts 66 and 76 to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The perspective rotates counterclockwise.

[0153] The switching mechanism 150 also includes a spring 170, referred to as a "stirrup spring", in Figure 3 , 4 It can be seen in 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12, and in Figure 11 and 12 It is shown together with its own plate 154. The stirrup spring 170 is arranged here in the left compartment 50 of the housing 30.

[0154] The stirrup spring 170 applies force to the plate 154 of the stirrup 152 by being supported on the housing 30, which tends to move the stirrup 152 from the standby position to the tripped position.

[0155] In the example shown, the stirrup spring 170 is a helical torsion spring mounted on the internal partition 46, with its first output branch 172 supported on the housing 30 and its second output branch 174 supported on the support 176 belonging to the plate 154.

[0156] Therefore, the first branch 172 applies a force F to the housing 30 and the second branch 174 applies a force to the support 176 of the plate 154.

[0157] The force F applied to the support 176 by the stirrup spring 170 generates a torque M on the plate 154, which drives the stirrup to rotate around the stirrup axis X152 through a lever arm phenomenon.

[0158] In practice, the force F applied by the second branch 174 to the support 176 points to the straight line represented by D176, which is perpendicular to the contact surface between the second branch and the support and lies in a plane perpendicular to the direction X152.

[0159] Furthermore, during the rotation of the stirrup from the ready position to the tripped position, the position of the contact surface changes in the plane, causing the orientation of the straight line D176 to change during the rotation of the stirrup.

[0160] The strength of the torque M generated by the stirrup spring 170 on the plate 154 depends on the strength of the force F applied by the second branch 174 to the support 176, and also on the distance between the stirrup axis X152 and the straight line D176, denoted by D. This distance is measured along an axis perpendicular to the straight line D176 and passing through the stirrup axis X152. In fact, the larger the distance D, the greater the torque M generated by the lever arm effect from the force F, because the torque M is equal to the product of the force F and the distance D.

[0161] The stirrup 152 is configured such that when the stirrup 152 is in the standby position, the distance D has a minimum value but is not zero, that is, the strength of the torque M has a minimum value but is not zero, and when the stirrup 152 pivots from the standby position to the tripped position, the distance D increases, that is, the strength of the torque M increases.

[0162] When the stirrup 152 pivots from the ready position to the released position, the decrease in the strength of the force F when the stirrup spring 170 relaxes is proportional to the increase in distance D (which is relatively large). As a result, the strength of the torque M increases.

[0163] Increasing the torque M that drives the stirrup 152 to pivot is advantageous because it increases the switching speed of the moving contacts 66 and 76 between their conductive and isolated positions.

[0164] The electrical protection device 12 also includes a switch handle 190.

[0165] The switch handle 190 is capable of rotating relative to the housing 30 around a handle axis X190 parallel to axis X30. Figures 3 to 5 The closing positions shown in 8 to 10 are... Figure 6 and 7 It pivots between the shown open positions.

[0166] The switch handle 190 includes a base 192 through which the handle is pivotally attached to the housing 30. The base 192 is arranged to pass through and close a hole belonging to the front panel 32. The switch handle 190 is thus supported by the front panel 32. In the direction of axis X190, the base 192 advantageously extends on either side of the internal partition 46. In other words, the handle 190 is advantageously centered on the front panel 32 in the direction X30. The switch handle 190 includes a crank 194 supported by the base 192, through which the user can actuate the handle 190 to rotate. For user convenience, the crank 194 is arranged on the outside of the housing 30.

[0167] The switching mechanism 150 advantageously includes a spring 196, referred to as a "handle spring," in... Figure 3 , 4 See in 6, 8, and 10. The handle spring 196 applies a force to the handle 190 by being supported on the housing 30, which tends to return the handle from the closed position to the open position. For example, the handle spring 196 is a helical torsion spring, housed in the base 192 about the handle axis X190, with one branch supported on the handle 190 and the other branch supported on the internal partition 46.

[0168] The switching mechanism 150 advantageously includes a linking rod 200, in Figure 3 , 4Seen in 6, 8, and 10. Link 200 is, for example, arranged in the left compartment 50. Link 200 includes a first end 202 attached to the handle 190, particularly to the base 192. Through the first end 202, link 200 is pivotable relative to the handle 190 about an axis parallel to and not coincident with the handle axis X190. Therefore, rotation of the handle 190 is associated with crank motion of the first end 202 of link 200.

[0169] In practice, during the rotation of the handle 190, the first end 202 of the link 200 describes an arc centered on the handle axis X190.

[0170] The link 200 includes a second end 204 opposite to the first end 202, which interacts in particular with the stirrup 152, as described below.

[0171] The second end 204 is guided in the groove 206 formed in the plate 154, that is, in a plane parallel to the directions Y30 and Z30.

[0172] The switching mechanism 150 advantageously includes a locking latch 210, in Figure 3 , 4 See in 6, 8 and 10. At least a portion of the locking latch 210 is arranged in the same compartment as the link 200 to cooperate with it, in this case, the left compartment 50.

[0173] At least a portion of the locking latch 210 extends into the compartments housing the trip units 110, 112, and 114 for mechanical engagement with them, in this case, compartments 48 and 50. The latch 210 is advantageously supported by a stirrup 152. The latch 210 in... Figures 3 to 5 The locking configuration shown in Figure 10 and Figures 6 to 9 Move between the unlock configurations shown.

[0174] As explained below, each trip unit 110, 112, and 114 is configured to switch the latch 210 directly or indirectly from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration when the trip unit 110, 112, or 114 of interest detects a voltage of a predetermined type for that trip unit.

[0175] In this example, latch 210 includes locking element 212 and hook 214 that cooperate with each other.

[0176] Hook 214 extends equally into compartments 48 and 50, so as to Figures 3 to 10As can be seen, hook 214 is actually configured to extend equally into the compartment receiving the trip unit so as to be actuated therein. Hook 214 also extends into the compartment containing the locking member 212 to engage with it. Hook 214 is supported by stirrup 152 and is pivotable relative to stirrup 152 about an axis X214 referred to as the "hook axis," which is parallel to and does not coincide with the stirrup axis X152. This pivoting occurs when the latch 210 moves between the locked and unlocked configurations.

[0177] In this example, hook 214 includes a first portion 216 arranged in the same compartment as locking member 212 and a second portion 218 arranged in another compartment. The first portion 216 and the second portion 218 are fixedly linked to each other, preferably by means of insertion such that any movement of the first portion 216 drives the same movement of the second portion 218, and vice versa.

[0178] Here, the locking element 212 extends into the left compartment 50, so as to... Figure 3 , 4 See in 6, 8, and 10. In fact, locking member 212 is configured to extend into the same compartment as linking rod 200 for engagement with it. Locking member 212 is supported by stirrup 152 and is pivotable relative to stirrup 152 about an axis X212 referred to as the "locking member axis," which is parallel to and does not coincide with axis X152. In this example, locking member axis X212 is carried by link shaft 158 ​​that links plate 154 to the opposite plate 156.

[0179] In addition, a through hole 213 is formed in the locking member 212.

[0180] In the locking configuration, hook 214 is in an orientation referred to as the "holding orientation," where hook 214 holds the locking member 212 in an orientation referred to as the "capture orientation." For this purpose, the first portion 216 of hook 214 includes, for example, a radial arm 220, against which the locking member 212 rotatably abuts. In the unlocking configuration, hook 214 is in an orientation referred to as the "unlocking orientation," where hook 214 allows the locking member 212 to pivot relative to the stirrup member 152. In this example, in Figure 3 From the perspective of the viewpoint, hook 214 pivots clockwise to change from a holding orientation to an unlocking orientation. When hook 214 moves from the unlocking orientation to the holding orientation, it causes locking member 212 to return and remain in the capturing orientation.

[0181] In other words, in the locking configuration of latch 210, hook 214 contacts locking member 212, such that hook 214 prevents locking member 212 from rotating about locking member axis X212, while in the unlocking configuration, hook 214 does not contact locking member 212, such that hook 214 does not prevent locking member 212 from pivoting about locking member axis X212.

[0182] The minimum torque M is advantageous when the stirrup 152 is in the ready position because the force generated on the surfaces of the contacting hook 214 and locking member 212 is also minimal. In particular, the force applied to the hook 214 necessary to move it from its holding orientation to its unlocking orientation is minimal. In other words, the latch 210 is particularly sensitive.

[0183] The switching mechanism 150 advantageously includes a spring 222, referred to as a "latch spring," in... Figure 5 , 7 As can be seen in section 9, here, the latch spring 222 is disposed in the right compartment 48. By means of the opposing plate 156 supported on the stirrup 152, the spring 222 applies a force to the locking latch 210, which tends to return the locking latch 210 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

[0184] For example, spring 222 is a helical torsion spring, with one branch supported on the opposing plate 156 and the other branch supported on the second part 218 of hook 214, such that spring 222 actuates latch 210 via hook 214. Latch spring 222 tends to return hook 214 from the release orientation to the holding orientation.

[0185] When the latch 210 is in the locked configuration, specifically when the locking member 212 is in the captured position, the second end 204 of the link 200 is captured by the locking latch 210, and more specifically by the locking member 212. Specifically, the second end 204 of the link is disposed in the through-hole 213 of the locking member 212. Then, via the latch 210, the second end 204 is attached to the stirrup 152 and is pivotable relative to the stirrup 152.

[0186] In fact, when the latch 210 is in the locked configuration, the second end 204 of the link 200 is clamped between the wall of the groove 206 in the plate 154 and the wall of the through hole 213 of the locking member 212, and therefore cannot move relative to the plate 154 of the stirrup 152 or relative to the locking member 212.

[0187] When the latch 210 is in the unlocked configuration, the second end 204 of the link 200 moves freely in the groove 206 in the plate 154, and this displacement causes the locking member 212 to rotate about the locking member axis X212.

[0188] In the locking configuration of latch 210, the position of switch handle 190 is restricted by the position of stirrup 152 via link 200 and locking latch 210, and therefore restricted by the position of moving contacts 66 and 76.

[0189] In this configuration, when the user actuates the switch handle 190 from the open position to the closed position, the stirrup 152 enters the standby position via the connecting rod 200, and the second end 204 of the connecting rod is captured by the latch 210 to actuate the stirrup 152. With the stirrup 152 in the standby position, it positions the moving contacts 66 and 76 in the conductive position via contact springs 162 and 166.

[0190] In the locking configuration of latch 210, when the user places switch handle 190 in the open position, stirrup 152 is placed in the tripped position via link 200, and the second end 204 of link 200 is captured by locking latch 210 to actuate stirrup 152. Since the stirrup is in the tripped position, it places contacts 66 and 76 in the isolated position via plate 154 and cams 160 and 164 opposite plate 156.

[0191] When the locking latch 210 is in the locked configuration, the stirrup 152 is in the standby position and the switch handle 190 is in the closed position. The stirrup 152 and the switch handle 190 are held in place against the stirrup spring 170 and the handle spring 196. The stirrup spring tends to move the stirrup 152 to the tripped position, and the handle spring tends to move the switch handle 190 to the open position.

[0192] Therefore, in order to achieve mutual retention between the stirrup 152 and the switch handle 190, it is stipulated that when the locking latch 210 is in the locked configuration, the stirrup 152 is in the ready position and the handle 190 is in the closed position, with the connecting rod 200 in the locking orientation, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the stirrup 152 tends to hold the handle 190 in the closed position under the action of the stirrup spring 170, and then the stirrup 152 itself is held in the standby position by the switch handle 190 via the connecting rod 200.

[0193] When the first end 202 is positioned relative to a straight line in a direction opposite to the direction Y30, the link 200 is in a locked orientation, the straight line being parallel to directions Y30 and Z30 and passing through the handle axis X190 and the second end 204.

[0194] In fact, the rotation of the switch handle 190 from the closed position to the open position drives the first end 202 to move in a plane parallel to directions Y30 and Z30, which describes an arc centered on the handle axis X190. When the connecting rod 200 is in the locked orientation, this arc movement causes the first end 202 to move in the opposite direction to direction Z30, i.e., toward the bottom end 38 of the housing. Then, when the connecting rod 200 is no longer in the locked orientation, i.e., when the first end is positioned in direction Y30 relative to the straight line parallel to directions Y30 and Z30 and passing through the handle axis X190 and the second end 204, this causes the first end 202 to displace in direction Z30.

[0195] Now, the displacement of the first end 202 in the direction opposite to direction Z30 drives the displacement of the second end 204 in the same direction. Therefore, the second end 204 exerts a force on the wall of the groove 206 in the plate 154 and on the wall of the through hole 213 of the locking member 212. This force on the locking member 212 tends to cause the locking member 212 to rotate clockwise about the locking member axis X212. Figure 3 and 4 The angle of view tends to keep the locking latch 210 in the locked configuration. Therefore, as long as the switch handle 190 is in the closed position, the link 200 keeps the locking latch 210 in the locked configuration.

[0196] Furthermore, this force on plate 154 tends to be... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The stirrup 152 rotates counterclockwise from the perspective of the plate 154, but this rotation is prevented by the stirrup spring 170, which exerts a greater force on the plate 154, tending to make the stirrup 152 rotate clockwise.

[0197] Then, the locking member 212 and the stirrup member 152 are prevented from rotating, which prevents the second end 204 from shifting in the opposite direction to the direction Z30, and which prevents the first end 202 from shifting.

[0198] Therefore, as long as the latch 210 is in the locked configuration and the link 200 is in the locked position, the switch handle 190 is prevented from rotating.

[0199] Similarly, due to the position of the second end 204 relative to the stirrup axis X152, the rotation of the stirrup 152 from the ready position to the released position causes the ends 202 and 204 of the connecting rod 200 to shift in the direction Z30. Now, when the connecting rod 200 is in the locked position, given the position of the first end 202 relative to the handle axis X190, the movement of the first end 202 in the direction Z30 causes the switch handle 190 to rotate clockwise. Figure 3 and 4The angle of view thus tends to keep the lever in the closed position. Then, displacement of the first end 202 is prevented, thereby preventing the stirrup 152 from rotating from the ready position to the tripped position.

[0200] Therefore, as long as the latch 210 is in the locked configuration and the link 200 is in the locked position, the stirrup 152 is prevented from rotating.

[0201] In summary, when the latch 210 is in the locked configuration and the link 200 is in the locked orientation, the switch handle 190 and the stirrup 152 are held in the closed and ready positions respectively by the link 200.

[0202] When the user actuates the switch handle 190 and pivots it to the open position, the connecting rod first displaces in the direction opposite to direction Z30. As described above, the actuating force provided by the user causes a force to be applied to the plate 154, which is sufficient to drive the stirrup 152. Figure 3 and 4 The perspective rotates counterclockwise, resisting the force applied by the stirrup spring 170.

[0203] Therefore, due to the user's actuation force, the link 200 is displaced from its locked orientation until the first end 202 is positioned relative to a straight line in direction Y30, which is parallel to directions Y30 and Z30 and passes through the handle axis X190 and the second end 204.

[0204] When the first end 202 is located on the straight line, and when the first end 202 is positioned relative to the straight line along direction Y30, the connecting rod 200 is no longer in a locked orientation, thus no longer ensuring the relative positional stability between the stirrup 152 and the switch handle 190. Then, under the action of the stirrup spring 170, the stirrup 152 moves to the tripped position, and under the action of the handle spring 196, the switch handle 190 returns to the open position. When the stirrup 152 is in the tripped position and the rod 190 is in the open position, they are held in these positions by the stirrup spring 170 and the handle spring 196.

[0205] Therefore, when the user actuates the switch handle 190 toward the switch position, the locking latch releases the stirrup 152, causing the stirrup to switch to the trip position.

[0206] In summary, when the locking latch 210 is in the locked position and the switch handle 190 is in the closed position, the handle 190 places the switch mechanism 150 in the standby position. When the locking latch 210 is in the locked position and the handle 190 is in the open position, the handle 190 places the switch mechanism 150 in the tripped position.

[0207] It should also be understood that the rotation direction of the switch handle 190 is the same as the rotation direction of the stirrup 152. For example, when the switch handle 190 is actuated toward the open position, that is, the handle rotates around the handle axis X190. Figure 3 and 4 The perspective rotates clockwise, then around the stirrup axis X152. Figure 3 and 4 Rotate the view clockwise to switch the stirrup to the tripped position.

[0208] Each trip unit 110, 112, and 114 is individually configured to trigger the switching mechanism 150 to a trip configuration when, while the switching mechanism 150 was in a standby configuration, the trip unit 110, 112, or 114 is triggered by an electrical fault of a predetermined type for that trip unit 110, 112, or 114. When an electrical fault occurs, this causes the moving contacts 66 and 76 to be placed in an isolated position by the switching mechanism 150. For this purpose, each trip unit 110, 112, and 114 is designed to trigger the switching of the locking latch 210 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration.

[0209] When the locking latch 210 is in the locked position, the stirrup 152 is in the ready position, and the switch handle 190 is in the closed position, the second end 204 of the connecting rod 200 moves freely in the groove 206 in the plate 154 of the stirrup 152. Specifically, when the locking latch 210 is in the unlocked position, the locking member 212 can rotate freely about the locking member axis X212, and the second end is no longer clamped between the groove 206 and the through hole 213 of the locking member 212.

[0210] Here, the groove 206 in plate 154 forms a circular path, allowing the second end 204 of the connecting rod 200 to move along the circular path.

[0211] Therefore, upon release, the connecting rod 200 no longer holds the stirrup 152 and the switch handle 190 in place. The handle 190 then returns to the open position under the action of the handle spring 196, while the stirrup 152 returns to the tripped position under the action of the stirrup spring 170. The stirrup 152 then drives the moving contacts 66 and 76 into the isolated position.

[0212] More generally, when the switch mechanism 150 is in the tripped configuration, the switch mechanism 150, in particular the handle spring 196, returns the switch handle 190 to the open position, whether by the user's action on the switch handle 190 itself or by the tripping action performed by one of the trip units 110, 112 or 114.

[0213] To change the locking latch 210 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the magnetic trip unit 110 actuates, for example, a rocker arm 240 belonging to the switch mechanism 150, which drives the hook 214 to the unlocked position. Figure 5 , 7 As seen in 9.

[0214] Here, the rocker arm 240 is attached to the housing 30, for example, to the internal partition 46, and is capable of rotating relative to the housing 30 around a rocker arm axis X240 parallel to the stirrup axis X152. Figure 5 and 7 The initial position shown and Figure 9 Pivot between the tilted positions shown.

[0215] Here, in the direction opposite to Z30, the magnetic release 110 drives the rocker arm 240 from its initial position to its tilted position by moving the movable core 122 supported on the first end 242 of the rocker arm 240. The rocker arm 240 has a second end 244, which is supported in the direction Z30 on a leg 246 belonging to the second part 218 of the hook 214, such that the hook 214 pivots against the force of the latch spring 222 to the release orientation during the pivoting action of the rocker arm 240 to the tilted position.

[0216] Once the electrical fault has ended, the moving core 122 returns to its initial position, allowing the rocker arm 240 to return to its initial position as well, thus allowing the hook 214 to return to the holding orientation. Under the action of the latch spring 222, the rocker arm 240 then returns to its initial position via the leg 246 of the second part 218 of the hook 214, while the hook 214 itself returns to the holding orientation via the latch spring 222.

[0217] Furthermore, to allow the movable contact 76 to switch from its conductive position to its isolated position more quickly, the movable core 122 also impacts the contact retainer 96 of the movable contact 76 when it moves from its idle position to its tripped position. Therefore, under the impact of the movable core 122, the movable contact 76 moves directly to the isolated position without waiting for the stirrup 152 to pivot. In fact, the switching of the movable contact 76 to the isolated position is faster than the switching of the locking latch 210 to the unlocked position, and faster than the switching of the stirrup 152 to the tripped position. Thus, when the stirrup switches to the tripped position, it only drives the movable contact 76 to switch to the isolated position. Additionally, the cam 164 can hold the movable contact 76 in the isolated position.

[0218] This rapid switching of the moving contact 76 is in Figure 8 and 9 As shown, the electrical protection device 12 is shown from two different perspectives during the same step of tripping the magnetic trip unit 110. In fact, Figure 8This shows the moving contact making contact with the fixed contact 68, while Figure 9 The movable contact 76 is not in contact with the fixed contact 78.

[0219] In order to change the locking latch 210 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the thermal trip unit 112 can also actuate the rocker arm 240 from its initial position to a tilted position via the link 250, which belongs to the switch mechanism 150.

[0220] In this example, the link 250 includes a first end fixed to a bimetallic strip forming the trip unit 112 and a second end fastened to a first end 242 of a rocker arm 240, the first end being translated into a pocket 252 formed in an internal partition 46 of the housing 30. Therefore, deformation of the bimetallic strip under the influence of an electrical fault causes the link 250 to shift in the direction opposite to Z30, thereby driving the rocker arm 240 from its initial position to an inclined position, such as when the moving core 122 of the magnetic trip unit 120 is supported on the first end 242 of the rocker arm 240.

[0221] To change the locking latch 210 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the differential trip unit 114 actuates, for example, a mechanical force amplifier 260 via a moving lever 130. Figure 3 , 4 It can be seen in 6 and 8.

[0222] Amplifier 260 includes, for example, slider 262, locking element 264, slider spring 266, locking element spring 268, and rearming lever handle 270.

[0223] exist Figure 13 The visible slider 262 includes a body 280 that extends on a sliding plane P280 perpendicular to the direction X30 when the protective device 12 is assembled. When the slider 262 is assembled with the housing 30, the sliding plane P280 is perpendicular to the width direction X30, and the movement of the slider 262 is guided in the sliding plane P280.

[0224] In the illustrated example, slider 262 is translated relative to housing 30. For this purpose, body 280 includes two elongated holes 282 and 284 extending along guide axes A282 and A284, respectively, which are adjacent to each other. Each of elongated holes 282 and 284 receives a rod belonging to housing 30, which is here linked to internal partition 46 to guide slider 262 along one of guide axes A282 or A284. In other words, slider 262 is translatably movable relative to housing 30 along one of guide axes A282 or A284.

[0225] The slider spring 266 is a compression spring here. The body 280 includes a support portion 286 configured to cooperate with the slider spring 266 to push the slider back to its disengaged position. The support portion 286 here includes a distal face 288 and a centering pin 290. The distal face 288 is geometrically supported by a plane orthogonal to the guide axis X284, while the centering pin 290 is formed to protrude from the central portion of the distal face 288 and serves to keep the slider spring 266 centered and supported on the distal face 288.

[0226] The slider spring 266 is configured to remain compressed regardless of the position of the slider 262, thus remaining supported on the distal end face 288, which contributes to the proper operation of the mechanical force amplifier.

[0227] The main body 280 also includes a locking slot 292, a release support 294, a first load-bearing support 296, and a second load-bearing support 298.

[0228] The locking slot 292 is configured to engage with the locking member 264 to hold the slider 262 in the standby position against the slider spring 266.

[0229] The trip support 294 includes a thrust surface 295, which is opposite to the distal surface 288 and is configured to push back the leg 272 of the first portion 216 of the hook 214 when the slider 262 moves from the standby position to the tripped position.

[0230] The first support 296 is configured to engage with the protrusion 297 of the contact holder 92 belonging to the first conductive path 60. Thus, when the movable contact 66 moves from the conductive position to the isolated position, the protrusion 297 rests on the first support 296 and pushes the slider 262 from its disengaged position back to its ready position.

[0231] The second reloading support 298 is in the form of a cylinder with a circular cross-section centered on an axis perpendicular to the sliding plane P280. When the slider 262 is pushed back from its disengaged position to its ready position, the second reloading support 298 is configured to push the lever handle 270 back to a reloading position beyond the ready position, which is an intermediate position between the reloading position and the disengaged position.

[0232] Therefore, when the moving contact 66 moves from the conductive position to the isolated position and pushes the slider 262 from its tripped position back to the reloaded position, the slider 262 is configured to restart the trip unit 114 via the lever handle 270.

[0233] Slider 262 is movable relative to housing 30 between a standby position and a tripped position. In the standby position, slider 262 allows latch 210 to be in a locked configuration, and in the tripped position, slider 262 sets latch 210 to an unlocked configuration. In other words, in the tripped position, slider 262 triggers switch mechanism 150 to switch to the tripped configuration.

[0234] The slider 262 slides relative to the housing 30 between the slider 262 allowing the latch 210 to be in a ready position in a locked configuration and the slider 262 placing the latch 210 in a tripped position in an unlocked configuration.

[0235] Therefore, when slider 262 moves from the ready position to the released position, the release support 294 of slider 262 rests against, for example, the leg 272 belonging to hook 214, thereby driving hook 214 from holding orientation to releasing orientation. Slider spring 266 applies a release force to slider 262, which tends to move slider from the ready position to the released position. When moving contact 66 moves from the conductive position to the isolated position, moving contact 66 returns slider 262 to the ready position by resisting the force of slider spring 266 against slider 262.

[0236] The locking element 264 here is generally L-shaped, with a support arm 265A and a blocking arm 265B. The support arm 265A is configured to be pushed back by the reload lever handle 270. When the locking slot 292 engages with the locking element 264, the blocking arm 265B is engaged in the locking slot 292 and prevents the slider 262 from moving from the ready position to the released position.

[0237] Locking member 264 is mounted here relative to housing 30 about locking member axis X264 parallel to the width direction X30. Figure 3 , 4 The slider 262 pivots between the locked position shown in Figures 6 and 8 and the unlocked position which is not visible in the figure. In the locked position, the locking member 264 is aligned with the locking slot 292 of the slider 262. In the unlocked position, the locking member 264 allows the slider 262 to move from the standby position to the tripped position via the slider spring 266 and return from the tripped position to the standby position via the moving contact 66.

[0238] exist Figure 3 , 4 In step 8, the locking element 264 abuts against the locking slot and holds the slider 262 in the ready position to resist the action of the slider spring 266, while... Figure 6In the middle position, locking member 264 faces locking slot 292, and locking member 264 does not contact locking slot 292 because slider 262 is in its reloaded position. If slider 262 moves from reloaded position to standby position (which occurs when the user moves contacts 66 and 76 to conductive position via actuation switch handle 190), plate 154 moves from open position to closed position, and slider 262 loaded by sliding spring 266 contacts locking member 264, then holds slider in standby position.

[0239] The locking spring 268 applies a locking force to the locking member 264 by means of support on the internal partition 46 of the housing 30, which tends to return the locking member 264 from the unlocked position to the locked position. The reload lever handle 270 is carried by the housing 30, particularly by the internal partition 46, and extends between the locking member 264 and the movable lever 130 of the trip unit 114.

[0240] During certain operational phases of the electrical protection device 12, the re-energizing lever handle 270 is used to transmit force between the movable lever 130 on one side and the locking element 264 or slider 262 on the other side. The re-energizing lever handle 270 is made, for example, of a metal blade, which is preferably flexible, to ensure the restart of the relay 128 by absorbing positional changes in all internal components of the relay 128.

[0241] Here, the reloading lever handle 270 is mounted relative to the housing 30 in a first position, referred to as the "reloading position," about the lever handle axis X270 parallel to the width direction X30. Figure 6 The lever 130 pivots between a first position (shown) and a second position (not visible), referred to as the "unlocked position." In the first position, the reload lever handle 270 is pushed back by the slider 262, transmitting force to the lever 130. In the second position, the lever handle 270 transmits force from the lever 130 to the locking member 264, actuating the locking member 264 to its unlocked position. When the lever handle 270 is in the reloaded position, the lever 130 pushes back the small plate 129 to restart the relay 128.

[0242] exist Figure 3 , 4 In 8, the lever handle 270 is in a so-called "neutral" position, between the reloaded position and the unlocked position, in which the lever handle 270 does not transmit force to the lever 130 or the locking member 264.

[0243] When a differential fault occurs, the movable lever 130 is displaced, specifically in the direction Z30. Under the action of this displacement, the reloading lever handle 270... Figure 3 , 4The hook 214 pivots between the neutral position shown in Figures 6 and 8 and the unlocked position (not visible in the figure). During this pivoting, leg 270, against the action of locking spring 268, drives locking member 264 from its locked position to the unlocked position. With locking member 264 in the unlocked position, slider 262 is allowed to move from the ready position to the released position under the action of slider spring 266 and rest on leg 272 of hook 214, thereby pivoting hook 214 from the holding orientation direction to the release direction.

[0244] Thus, slider 262 switches the locking latch 210 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. Upon release, stirrup 152 switches moving contacts 66 and 76 from the conductive position to the isolated position, while simultaneously switching itself from the standby position to the tripped position. During its pivot to the isolated position, contact retainer 92 of contact 66 abuts against slider 262 against the action of slider spring 266, causing slider 262 to return to the standby position. Thus, slider 262 drives reload lever handle 270 to the first position. Movable lever 130 thus returns to its reloaded position via leg 270, causing differential trip 114 to reload.

[0245] While slider 262 is moving to the standby position, slider 262 allows locking member 264 to return to the locked position via locking member spring 268, so that locking member 264 faces the locking slot of slider 262.

[0246] In this configuration, the mechanical amplifier 260 and the differential trip unit 114 return to their original configuration to allow for a new trip in the event of a new fault. At this time, the stirrup 152 is in the tripped position, the moving contacts 66 and 76 are in the isolated position, and the switch handle 190 is in the open position.

[0247] The switching mechanism 150 described herein, and the manner in which it is tripped by trip units 110, 112, and 114, are given only as illustrative examples.

[0248] Advantageously, the magnetic trip unit 110 and the thermal trip unit 112 can be considered as a single trip unit, and are then referred to as a “magnetic-thermal trip unit”, which switches the switching mechanism 150 to the trip configuration by acting on the rocker arm 240 when a short-circuit or overload electrical fault occurs.

[0249] Advantageously, the fact that the stirrup 152 rotates in the opposite direction to the moving contacts 66 and 76 allows the magnetic trip unit 110 to be positioned on the upper part of the housing 30, practically as close as possible to the top 40 of the housing. In fact, the positioning of the magnetic trip unit is constrained by the rotational direction of the moving contact 76, because the output direction of the moving core 122 of the magnetic trip unit must correspond to the displacement direction of the moving contact 76, which is driven by the moving core 122 when the magnetic trip unit 110 is triggered by an electrical fault.

[0250] As a variation, the trip unit 114 is replaced by another functional component, which is a trip unit configured to be triggered by a predetermined type of electrical fault other than the electrical faults described above (e.g., an arc occurring on a facility connected to output terminals 64 and 74), or a trip unit configured to be controlled by a communication system, for example, triggered when a disconnect signal is transmitted.

[0251] As a variation, the trip unit 114 is replaced by another functional component, which is a monitoring system. This monitoring system is essentially a tracking system configured to measure physical quantities representing the operation of the protective device and / or detect the operational status of the protective device, and can be configured to transmit information to a remote information system. For example, such a monitoring system can calculate the number of switching operations of the stirrup 152 from the standby position to the tripped position.

[0252] In the example shown, slider 262 can be translated relative to housing 30 in sliding plane P280, and slider 262 is pushed back to its tripped position by slider spring 266, which acts as a compression spring.

[0253] In a variant not shown, slider spring 266 is a tension spring that pulls slider 262 back to its tripped position.

[0254] According to another variant not shown, the slider can rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis parallel to the width axis X30. Here, the slider also moves in a displacement plane orthogonal to the width axis X30. Depending on the designer's choice and the available space in the electrical protection device housing, the slider spring can be selected as a compression spring, a tension spring, or even a torsion spring.

[0255] In this example, the locking element 264 is mounted to pivot relative to the housing 30. In a variant not shown, the locking element 264 is supported by a slider 262.

[0256] In the illustrated embodiment, the power amplifier is functionally positioned between the differential trip unit and the switching mechanism. The principle of the power amplifier can be adapted to other types of trip units, particularly thermal or magnetic trip units.

[0257] Any feature described above with respect to the embodiments or variations can be used in other embodiments and variations described above, provided that it is technically feasible.

Claims

1. An electrical protection device (12), comprising: Shell (30), The first conductive path (60) includes a first input terminal (62), a first output terminal (64), and a first movable contact (66), which is movable relative to the housing between a conductive position and an isolated position. In the conductive position, the first movable contact electrically connects the first input terminal to the first output terminal. In the isolated position, the first input terminal and the first output terminal are electrically isolated from each other. The switching mechanism (150), housed in the housing and configured to switch between a standby configuration and a trip configuration, is as follows: In the standby configuration, the switching mechanism sets the first contact to the conductive position. In the trip configuration, the switching mechanism sets the first contact to the isolated position; The trip unit (114) is configured to switch the switching mechanism to the tripping configuration when the trip unit is triggered by an electrical fault of a predetermined type. The electrical protection device (12) is characterized in that it further includes: The slider (262) is movable relative to the housing (30) between a standby position and a tripped position, in which the slider switches the switching mechanism (150) to the tripped configuration. The slider spring (266) applies a tripping force to the slider by means of a support on the housing. The tripping force tends to move the slider from the ready position to the tripped position. The locking element (264) is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the locking element holds the slider in a ready position, and in the unlocked position, the locking element allows the slider to move from the ready position to the released position. Furthermore, the trip unit (114) is configured to switch the locking member from its locked position to its unlocked position when the trip unit is activated.

2. The electrical protection device (12) according to claim 1, wherein: The switching mechanism (150) includes: Plate (154), which is mounted to pivot relative to housing (30) about plate axis (X152) between a closed position and an open position, is configured to move first contact (66) from its conductive position to its isolated position when the plate switches from its closed position to its open position. A leaf spring (170) applies an opening force to the first plate, tending to move the first plate from its closed position to its open position. A locking latch (210) is configured to move between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration. In the locking configuration, the locking latch holds the plate (154) in the closed position, and in the unlocking configuration, the locking latch allows the plate to pivot from the closed position to the open position. A latch spring (222) applies a locking force to the locking latch, which tends to return the locking latch to the locked position when the locking latch is in the unlocked configuration. In order to switch the switching mechanism to the tripped configuration, the slider (262) is configured to switch the locking latch from its locked configuration to its unlocked configuration when the slider moves from its standby position to its tripped position.

3. The electrical protection device (12) according to claim 2, wherein: The leaf spring (170) is a torsion spring, comprising a first output branch (172) and a second output branch (174), the first output branch being supported on the housing (30), and the second output branch being supported on a support (176) belonging to the plate (154), and When the board switches from its closed position to its open position, the distance (D) between the board axis (X152) on one hand and the axis (D176) on the other hand, which is orthogonal to the contact point between the second output branch and the support (176), increases.

4. The electrical protection device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The displacement of the slider (262) from its ready position to its tripped position is guided in the displacement plane (P280). The locking element (264) is mounted to pivot relative to the housing (30) about a locking element axis (X264) orthogonal to the displacement plane of the slider, and includes a support arm (265A) and a blocking arm (265B). The electrical protection device (12) includes a locking spring (268) that tends to move the locking member (264) from the unlocked position to the locked position. The slider includes a locking slot (292), and the blocking arm (265B) of the locking member (264) is configured to engage with the locking slot to hold the slider in the ready position. When the trip unit (114) is activated, the trip unit is configured to drive the locking member (264) from the locked position to the unlocked position by applying force to the support arm (265A).

5. The electrical protection device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The slider spring (266) is a compression spring. The slider (262) includes a support portion (286) configured to cooperate with a slider spring to push the slider back to its disengaged position. The slider can be translated relative to the housing (30) along the slider axis (A284, A286).

6. The electrical protection device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the movable contact (66) moves from the conductive position to the isolated position: Moving the contact from the tripped position toward the standby position moves the slider (262) to the reload position. The locking element (264) returns to its locked position under the locking force applied by the locking element spring (268).

7. The electrical protection device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The electrical protection device (12) includes a reload lever handle (270) mounted to pivot relative to the housing (30) about the lever handle axis (X270) between a neutral position and an unlocked position. When the trip unit (114) is triggered by an electrical fault, the trip unit (114) is configured to drive the locking element (264) from the locked position to the unlocked position via the reload lever handle by driving the lever handle from the neutral position to the unlocked position. When the movable contact (66) moves from the conductive position to the isolated position and pushes the slider (262) from its tripped position back to its standby position via the lever handle (270), the slider is configured to reload the trip unit (114) via the lever handle (270) by driving the lever handle from the unlocked position to the reloaded position, which is outside the neutral position. The neutral position is an intermediate position between the reloaded position and the unlocked position.

8. The electrical protection device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The protection device also includes a second conductive path (70) electrically isolated from the first conductive path (60) and including a second input terminal (72), a second output terminal (74), and a second movable contact (76) movable relative to the housing (30) between a conductive position and an isolated position. In the conductive position, the second movable contact electrically connects the second input terminal to the second output terminal. In the isolated position, the second input terminal and the second output terminal are electrically isolated from each other. The trip unit (114) is a differential trip unit, housed within the housing (30) and comprising: The differential sensor (126) is configured to be activated when the differential current exceeds a predetermined threshold. The differential current is equal to the difference between the current circulating in the first conductive path and the current circulating in the second conductive path. The relay (128) is configured to switch the switching mechanism (150) to the trip configuration when the differential sensor is activated.

9. The electrical protection device (12) according to claim 8, wherein, The differential sensor (126) is configured to generate electrical energy when the differential current is not zero, and the relay (128) is an electromagnetic device configured to operate using only the electrical energy generated by the differential sensor.

10. A distribution panel (10) comprising a fixed rail (16) and an electrical protection device (12), wherein, The electrical protection device is the electrical protection device according to any one of the preceding claims, and is fixed to the track via the housing (30).

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