Improved data interface for circuit breaker and system having such circuit breaker

Abstract

Disclosed is a circuit breaker (1a to 1e). The circuit breaker comprises a housing (2), switch contacts (S1, S2), a trigger unit (3) acting on the switch contacts (S1, S2), a circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and a circuit breaker memory (5), and an optical circuit breaker data interface (DI1) connected to a data input and / or output of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or to a data input and / or output of the circuit breaker memory (5). Furthermore, a system having such a circuit breaker (1a-1e) is disclosed, which system additionally comprises an interface unit (9) and / or a computer (16) connected to the circuit breaker (1a-1e).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a circuit breaker, comprising a circuit breaker housing, switch contacts and metal main power terminals, wherein the switch contacts are located in the circuit breaker housing, and the metal main power terminals are conductively connected to the switch contacts and extend through the circuit breaker housing. In addition, the circuit breaker comprises a trigger unit, a circuit breaker microcontroller and a circuit breaker memory, and a circuit breaker data interface, wherein the trigger unit acts on the switch contacts, the circuit breaker microcontroller and the circuit breaker memory are located in the circuit breaker housing, and the circuit breaker data interface is connected to a data input and / or output of the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or to a data input and / or output of the circuit breaker memory.

[0002] In addition, the present invention relates to a system comprising a circuit breaker of the above type and

[0003] an interface unit designed to communicate with a circuit breaker microcontroller and / or a circuit breaker memory of the circuit breaker via a circuit breaker data interface, or

[0004] - a computer designed to communicate with a circuit breaker microcontroller and / or a circuit breaker memory of the circuit breaker via a circuit breaker data interface, or

[0005] - A computer having an interface unit designed to communicate with a circuit breaker microcontroller and / or a circuit breaker memory of the circuit breaker via a circuit breaker data interface. Background Art

[0006] Such a circuit breaker and such a system are generally known in the prior art. Switching contacts are provided to interrupt the current path between the main power supply terminals. For example, in the event of an overcurrent or upon manual actuation, the switching contacts can disconnect the main power supply terminals or interrupt the current path, respectively, by means of a trigger unit. In addition, data and commands can be exchanged between the circuit breaker and an interface unit or a computer via a circuit breaker data interface. For example, measured values ​​of the current flowing through the switching contacts or measured values ​​of the voltage of the current path can be sent from the circuit breaker to the interface unit or the computer. Furthermore, tripping characteristics for setting the tripping unit can be sent from the interface unit or the computer to the circuit breaker.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known solutions is that they do not adequately address the dangers arising from voltages at which the switch contacts and current paths rise to and can rise to the kilovolt range and even higher. In harsh environments, the electrical energy from the main power terminals of the grid connection may damage the interface unit or the computer connected to the circuit breaker and is therefore also a risk for personnel working with such equipment. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved circuit breaker and an improved system having such a circuit breaker. In particular, a solution will be provided which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages and which is safe if the circuit breaker is used in a low voltage network, even in the case of a circuit breaker used in a medium voltage and a high voltage network.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by a circuit breaker as disclosed in the opening paragraph, wherein the circuit breaker data interface is an optical interface.

[0010] Furthermore, the objects of the invention are achieved by a system disclosed in the opening paragraph, which system comprises a circuit breaker of the kind described above.

[0011] By means of the measures of the invention, a computer or an interface unit connected to the circuit breaker is electrically isolated from components of the circuit breaker at high voltage, even protected against dangerous creepage voltages. As a result, neither the equipment connected to the circuit breaker nor the personnel operating the equipment are exposed to risks or dangers of electric shock originating from the power grid connected to the main power supply terminals of the circuit breaker.

[0012] Specifically, data sent from the circuit breaker to the interface unit or computer can be encoded in the circuit breaker microcontroller and converted into modulated light pulses in the circuit breaker data interface. Similarly, data received from the interface unit or computer is converted into electrical signals in the circuit breaker data interface and can be decoded in the circuit breaker microcontroller.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the claims and the description as well as in the drawings.

[0014] Advantageously, the optical circuit breaker data interface comprises

[0015] an optical breaker output transmitter connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of a breaker microcontroller and / or a breaker memory and arranged in the breaker housing, and a breaker output light guide optically coupled to the optical breaker output transmitter and protruding through the breaker housing or being part of the breaker housing, and / or

[0016] - an optical circuit breaker input receiver and a circuit breaker input optical guide, wherein the optical circuit breaker input receiver is connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of a circuit breaker microcontroller and / or a circuit breaker memory and is arranged in the circuit breaker housing, and the circuit breaker input optical guide is optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker input receiver and extends through the circuit breaker housing or is part of the circuit breaker housing.

[0017] In this way, modulated light pulses representing the data to be transmitted can be guided out of the circuit breaker housing from the optical circuit breaker output transmitter or can be guided into the circuit breaker housing towards the optical circuit breaker input receiver. By using the proposed measures, very good electrical insulation and safety against electric shocks originating from the power grid connected to the main power supply terminals of the circuit breaker are obtained. In this embodiment, the modulated light pulses representing the data to be transmitted are received and / or sent by the interface unit or the computer. To this end, the optical interface unit output receiver can be optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker output transmitter and / or the optical interface unit input transmitter can be optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker input receiver.

[0018] Therefore, it is beneficial that the interface unit comprises an optical interface unit data interface, a metal interface unit data terminal, an interface unit microcontroller and an interface unit memory, wherein the metal interface unit data terminal is connected to the interface unit microcontroller, and wherein the optical interface unit data interface comprises

[0019] - an optical interface unit input transmitter connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of an interface unit microcontroller and / or an interface unit memory and designed to be optically coupled to an optical breaker input receiver of a breaker, and / or

[0020] - An optical interface unit output receiver connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of the interface unit microcontroller and / or the interface unit memory and designed to be optically coupled to an optical breaker output transmitter of the breaker.

[0021] In this way, modulated light pulses representing the transmission data can be received in the optical interface unit output receiver and converted into electrical signals in the optical interface unit output receiver. The electrical signals are then decoded in the interface unit microcontroller and the decoded data can be provided to a computer connected to the interface unit via the metal interface unit data terminals. Similarly, data can be sent from the computer to the interface unit via the metal interface unit data terminals, the data can be encoded in the interface unit microcontroller and converted into modulated light pulses in the optical interface unit input transmitter.

[0022] At this point it should be noted that the terms "input" and "output" are always related from the perspective of the circuit breaker (strictly speaking, from the perspective of the circuit breaker's circuit breaker microcontroller and / or circuit breaker memory). This means that data output from the optical interface unit input transmitter is input to the circuit breaker, and data output from the circuit breaker is input to the optical interface unit output receiver. In other words, the terms "input" and "output" have diametrically opposite meanings for the interface unit and the computer.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0024] a) an optical breaker data interface comprising an optical breaker output transmitter connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of a breaker microcontroller and / or a breaker memory and an optical breaker output receiver optically coupled to the optical breaker output transmitter, wherein both the optical breaker output transmitter and the optical breaker output receiver are disposed within a breaker housing, and

[0025] - the circuit breaker comprises a metallic circuit breaker data output terminal connected to the optical circuit breaker output receiver and protruding through the circuit breaker housing, or

[0026] - the optical breaker output receiver is connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of an interface microcontroller of the circuit breaker, and the circuit breaker comprises a metallic breaker data output terminal or a combined breaker data input / output terminal connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of the interface microcontroller and extending through the circuit breaker housing, and / or

[0027] b) the optical breaker data interface comprises an optical breaker input receiver connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of a breaker microcontroller and / or a breaker memory and an optical breaker input transmitter optically coupled to the optical breaker input receiver, wherein both the optical breaker input transmitter and the optical breaker input receiver are arranged within the breaker housing, and

[0028] - the circuit breaker comprises a metallic circuit breaker data input terminal connected to the optical circuit breaker input transmitter and protruding through the circuit breaker housing, or

[0029] -The optical circuit breaker input transmitter is connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of an interface microcontroller of the circuit breaker, and the circuit breaker includes a metal circuit breaker data input terminal or a combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal, which is connected to the data input or the combined data input / output of the interface microcontroller and extends through the circuit breaker housing.

[0030] In a first embodiment, the metal breaker data output terminal of the circuit breaker is connected to an optical breaker output receiver and the metal breaker data input terminal is connected to an optical breaker input transmitter. Thus, the encoding of the data sent to the circuit breaker and the decoding of the data received from the circuit breaker are performed in the interface unit or computer. In a second embodiment, the circuit breaker comprises an interface microcontroller, which can take over the encoding and decoding of the data exchanged between the circuit breaker and the interface unit or computer. Thus, the data transmission between the circuit breaker and the interface unit or computer can be simplified.

[0031] Advantageously, the circuit breaker comprises a battery located inside the circuit breaker housing, which battery is connected to the power supply pins of the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory. In this way, the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory can be powered internally without the need to transmit power to the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory from outside the circuit breaker. Thus, very good electrical insulation and safety against electric shock originating from the power grid connected to the main power supply terminals of the circuit breaker can be provided.

[0032] Alternatively, the circuit breaker may include a circuit breaker power supply interface coupled to a power supply pin of the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory. In this way, the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory may be powered from outside the circuit breaker. Thus, no measures have to be taken to ensure that the battery used to power the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory has a specific power level.

[0033] Advantageously, the circuit breaker power supply interface may be a contactless interface. As such, in this way, a galvanic separation may be provided between the power supply for powering the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory and the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory. Thus, very good electrical insulation and safety against electric shock originating from the power grid connected to the main power supply terminals of the circuit breaker may be provided.

[0034] Advantageously, the circuit breaker power interface may comprise an electromagnetic receiver arranged in the circuit breaker housing. In this way, power may be electromagnetically transmitted to the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory. No power supply terminals for powering the circuit breaker microcontroller and / or the circuit breaker memory are required on or in the circuit breaker. Thus, very good electrical insulation and safety against electric shock originating from the power grid connected to the main power supply terminals of the circuit breaker may be provided.

[0035] In another advantageous embodiment,

[0036] - the circuit breaker power interface comprises an electromagnetic receiver and an electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter electromagnetically coupled to each other, wherein both the electromagnetic receiver and the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter are arranged within the circuit breaker housing, and

[0037] The circuit breaker comprises a metallic circuit breaker auxiliary power supply terminal which is arranged to supply power to the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter and which protrudes through the circuit breaker housing.

[0038] In this embodiment, both the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver are part of the circuit breaker. The galvanic separation is accomplished through the circuit breaker power interface, which is fully integrated in the circuit breaker. Therefore, the interface unit, computer or power supply unit for the circuit breaker does not need to have a contactless power interface, but can be electrically connected to the circuit breaker.

[0039] In a further advantageous embodiment, the circuit breaker comprises a circuit breaker power stage having a circuit breaker switching transistor, the circuit breaker power stage

[0040] - connected to the circuit breaker power interface (specifically to the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter),

[0041] - controlled by the circuit breaker's interface microcontroller, and

[0042] - The auxiliary power terminals are powered via metal circuit breaker.

[0043] By these measures, an interface unit, a computer or a power supply unit for the circuit breaker does not need to supply an AC voltage to the circuit breaker. Instead, it is sufficient to supply a DC voltage. This DC voltage is supplied to the circuit breaker switching transistor and converted into an AC voltage in the circuit breaker switching transistor. For example, the circuit breaker switching transistor can form a half-bridge, which is connected to an electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter of the circuit breaker. The control of the circuit breaker switching transistor or the half-bridge is done by the interface microcontroller.

[0044] Similar considerations can be made for the interface unit, which may include

[0045] i) Metal auxiliary interface unit power terminals,

[0046] ii) an interface unit power interface having an electromagnetic interface unit transmitter designed to electromagnetically couple to an electromagnetic receiver of the circuit breaker, and

[0047] iii) an interface unit power stage having an interface unit switching transistor, the interface unit power stage

[0048] - connected to the interface unit power interface (specifically to the electromagnetic interface unit transmitter connected to the interface unit power interface),

[0049] - is controlled by the interface unit microcontroller of the interface unit, and

[0050] - Power is supplied via the metal auxiliary interface unit power terminals.

[0051] In this embodiment, the conversion from DC voltage to AC voltage is done in a dedicated interface unit. Therefore, the computer does not need to provide AC voltage to the circuit breaker. Instead, it is sufficient to provide DC voltage to the interface unit. This DC voltage is provided to the interface unit switching transistor and converted into AC voltage in the interface unit switching transistor. For example, the interface unit switching transistor can form a half bridge, which is connected to the electromagnetic interface unit transmitter of the interface unit. The control of the interface unit switching transistor or half bridge is done by the interface unit microcontroller.

[0052] Advantageously, the metal breaker data terminals and / or the metal auxiliary power supply terminals are part of the USB socket. In this way, the interface unit or the computer can be connected to the breaker in the usual way. The same is true for the metal interface unit data terminals and / or the metal auxiliary interface unit power supply terminals of the interface unit, which can also be part of the USB socket.

[0053] Advantageously, the circuit breaker microcontroller is functionally coupled to the trigger unit and is designed to

[0054] - receiving a tripping characteristic or a tripping characteristic selection of a tripping unit (for example in the form of tripping curves B, C, D) via the circuit breaker data interface, and / or

[0055] - receiving a command to run a self-test via the circuit breaker data interface and transmitting the result of the self-test.

[0056] In this way, data can be sent to the circuit breaker to set the trip unit. For example, data representing the trip characteristics in the form of trip curves B, C, D can be sent to the circuit breaker. If multiple trip characteristics are stored in the circuit breaker microcontroller or the trip unit, it is sufficient to send a selection to set the trip unit. In an alternative embodiment, a self-test can be run in the circuit breaker, for example to test the internal functions of the circuit breaker. After the test, the results of the test can be sent back to the interface unit or the computer.

[0057] In yet another advantageous embodiment, the circuit breaker comprises

[0058] a current sensor connected to the circuit breaker microcontroller, wherein the circuit breaker microcontroller is designed to transmit via the circuit breaker data interface a measurement value measured by the current sensor or a parameter derived therefrom (e.g. a harmonic distortion of the course of the current), and / or

[0059] - A voltage sensor connected to the circuit breaker microcontroller, wherein the circuit breaker microcontroller is designed to transmit via the circuit breaker data interface a measurement value measured by the voltage sensor or a parameter derived therefrom (eg a harmonic distortion of the voltage process).

[0060] In this embodiment, actual and historical data related to the current flowing through the switch contacts or main power terminals and / or the voltage at the switch contacts or main power terminals can be measured and read out via the interface unit or computer. In addition, parameters derived from the current and / or voltage can be calculated in the circuit breaker microcontroller and can be sent to the interface unit or computer, for example, harmonic distortion of the current and / or voltage. The circuit breaker microcontroller can also be designed to calculate the electrical power, electrical energy and / or phase shift between the voltage and the current based on the measured values, and send the calculated values ​​via the circuit breaker data interface.

[0061] It should be noted that in this application, the term "transmitter" can be used synonymously with "transmitter". Thus, an "optical transmitter" can also be expressed as an "optical transmitter", and an "electromagnetic transmitter" can also be expressed as an "electromagnetic transmitter". The same is true for the verb "send", which can use the term "transmit" instead. This applies to both "data transmission" and "power transmission". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The present invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first example of a system having a circuit breaker, an optically coupled interface unit, and a computer is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a second example of a system having a circuit breaker with an optocoupler and a computer connected to the optocoupler;

[0065] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 1 A system similar to the system of , but including an additional contactless power interface located between the circuit breaker and the interface unit;

[0066] Figure 4 A system having a circuit breaker having an optocoupler and a contactless power transmitter is shown; and

[0067] Figure 5 Shown with Figure 2 A system similar to the , but includes an external power supply unit connected to the circuit breaker. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Generally, identical or similar components are indicated by the same / similar names and reference numerals. The features disclosed in the specification apply to components having the same / similar names and reference numerals, respectively. Indications of orientation and relative positions relate to the associated drawings, and indications of directions and / or relative positions must be modified in different drawings as appropriate.

[0069] Figure 1 A circuit breaker 1a is shown, which comprises a circuit breaker housing 2, switch contacts S1, S2 located in the circuit breaker housing 2, metal main power terminals M1 to M4 conductively connected to the switch contacts S1, S2 and protruding through the circuit breaker housing 2, and a trigger unit 3 acting on the switch contacts S1, S2. In addition, the circuit breaker 1a comprises a circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and a circuit breaker memory 5, which form a circuit breaker control unit 6 and are arranged in the circuit breaker housing 2. In this example, the circuit breaker 1a comprises a battery BT located in the circuit breaker housing 2, which is connected to the power pins of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the circuit breaker memory 5. In addition, the circuit breaker 1a comprises an optional current sensor A and an optional voltage sensor V, which are connected to the circuit breaker microcontroller 4.

[0070] Furthermore, the circuit breaker 1a comprises an optical circuit breaker data interface DI1, which is connected to both the data input and the data output of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or to both the data input and the data output of the circuit breaker memory 5, respectively. In this example, the optical circuit breaker data interface DI1 comprises an optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1, which is connected to the data output or the combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5 and is arranged in the circuit breaker housing 2. Furthermore, the optical circuit breaker data interface DI1 in this example comprises an optional circuit breaker output light guide 7, which is optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1 and protrudes through the circuit breaker housing 2 or is part of the circuit breaker housing. Furthermore, the optical circuit breaker data interface DI1 comprises an optical circuit breaker input receiver P1, which is connected to the data input or the combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5 and is arranged in the circuit breaker housing 2. In addition, the optical breaker data interface DI1 comprises an optional breaker input light guide 8 which is optically coupled to the optical breaker input receiver P1 and which protrudes through the breaker housing 2 or is part of the breaker housing.

[0071] also, Figure 1An interface unit 9 is shown, which comprises an interface unit housing 10, an optical interface unit data interface DI2 located in the interface unit housing 10, a metallic interface unit data terminal DT', an interface unit microcontroller 11' and an interface unit memory 12', which form an interface unit control unit 13' and are arranged in the interface unit housing 10. The metallic interface unit data terminal DT' protrudes through the interface unit housing 10 and is connected to the interface unit microcontroller 11'.

[0072] The optical interface unit data interface DI2 comprises an optical interface unit output receiver P2', which is connected to the data input or combined data input / output of the interface unit microcontroller 11' and / or the interface unit memory 12' and is designed to be optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1 of the circuit breaker 1a. To this end, the optical interface unit data interface DI2 comprises an optional interface unit output light guide 14, which is optically coupled to the optical interface unit output receiver P2' and protrudes through the interface unit housing 10 or is part of the interface unit housing.

[0073] In addition, the optical interface unit data interface DI2 comprises an optical interface unit input transmitter D2', which is connected to the data output or combined data input / output of the interface unit microcontroller 11' and / or the interface unit memory 12' and is designed to be optically coupled to the optical breaker input receiver P1 of the circuit breaker 1a. To this end, the optical interface unit data interface DI2 comprises an optional interface unit input light guide 15, which is optically coupled to the optical interface unit input transmitter D2' and protrudes through the interface unit housing 10 or is also part of the interface unit housing.

[0074] at last, Figure 1 A computer 16 is shown, which is connected to the interface unit 9 via its metal interface unit data terminal DT'. In general, Figure 1 A system comprising a circuit breaker 1 a , an interface unit 9 and a computer 16 is shown.

[0075] It should be noted again that the terms "input" and "output" are always related to the perspective of the circuit breaker (strictly speaking, to the perspective of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5 of the circuit breaker), and that the terms "input" and "output" have completely opposite meanings for the interface unit 9 and the computer 16.

[0076] Now Figure 1 The functions of the system shown in are as follows:

[0077] The switch contacts S1, S2 are arranged to disconnect the first main power terminal M1 from the second main power terminal M2, and to disconnect the third main power terminal M3 from the fourth main power terminal M4. In other words, the switch contacts S1, S2 are arranged to cut off a first current path between the first main power terminal M1 and the second main power terminal M2, and to cut off a second current path between the third main power terminal M3 and the fourth main power terminal M4. In this example, the switch contacts S1, S2 are separated from each other by means of the trigger unit 3, for example in the event of an overcurrent or upon manual actuation. It should be noted that although in Figure 1 A double-pole circuit breaker 1a with two switching contacts S1, S2 is shown in FIG, but the technical teaching is equally applicable to any number of poles or switching contacts S1, S2, for example, to single-pole circuit breakers, three-pole circuit breakers and four-pole circuit breakers. The switching function of the circuit breaker 1a itself is known in principle and is therefore not explained in more detail at this point.

[0078] Furthermore, the current through the first current path between the first main supply terminal M1 and the second main supply terminal M2 is measured by an optional current sensor A, and the voltage between the first main supply terminal M1 and the third main supply terminal M3 is measured by an optional voltage sensor V.

[0079] The circuit breaker microcontroller 4 to which the current sensor A is connected can be designed to send a measurement value measured by the current sensor A or a parameter derived from the measurement value via the circuit breaker data interface DI1. The parameter derived from the measurement value can be, for example, the harmonic distortion of the current. In addition, the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 to which the voltage sensor V is connected can be designed to also send a measurement value measured by the voltage sensor V or a parameter derived from the measurement value via the circuit breaker data interface DI1. The parameter derived from the measurement value can be, for example, the harmonic distortion of the voltage. Specifically, the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 can be configured to encode the measurement value or parameter before sending the measurement value or parameter via the circuit breaker data interface DI1. Other parameters that can be calculated by the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 are electrical power, electrical energy and / or phase shift between voltage and current based on the measurement value.

[0080] In detail, the measured value or parameter is transmitted by means of the optical breaker output transmitter D1 to the interface unit 9. Here, the optical breaker output transmitter D1 is directly connected to the breaker control unit 6. However, a driver stage may be arranged between the breaker control unit 6 and the optical breaker output transmitter D1 as possible.

[0081] The modulated light pulses generated by the optical chopper output transmitter D1 and representing the data to be transmitted are transmitted through the chopper output light guide 7 and the interface unit output light guide 14 before reaching the optical interface unit output receiver P2', where they are converted back into electrical signals again. These electrical signals are received by the interface unit microcontroller 11', decoded therein and provided to the computer 16 at the interface unit data terminal DT'. For example, the interface unit data terminal DT' can be part of a USB socket ("Universal Serial Bus"). Thus, the measured values ​​or parameters measured by the current sensor A or the voltage sensor V can be provided to the computer 16 according to the USB standard.

[0082] In this example, Figure 1 The system shown in FIG. 1 is designed not only to transmit measured values ​​or parameters derived therefrom from the circuit breaker 1 a to the computer 16 via the interface unit 9 , but also to transmit data from the computer 16 to the circuit breaker 1 a via the interface unit 9 .

[0083] For example, the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 can be functionally coupled to the trigger unit 3 and can be designed to receive the tripping characteristic or tripping characteristic selection of the trip unit 3 via the circuit breaker data interface DI1 and / or receive a command for running a self-test via the circuit breaker data interface DI1 and send the result of the self-test. For example, the tripping characteristic can be defined by tripping curves B, C and D providing different (fast, medium, slow) time / current behaviors of the circuit breaker 1a. For example, a self-test can be provided to test the normal function of the trip unit 3.

[0084] If data or commands are to be transmitted to the circuit breaker 1a, they are sent from the computer 16 to the interface unit 9 via the interface unit data terminal DT' (which can likewise be part of a USB socket) and are received in the interface unit microcontroller 11'. Here, the data or commands are prepared to be sent via the circuit breaker data interface DI1. In detail, the data or commands are transmitted to the circuit breaker 1a by means of an optical interface unit input transmitter D2', which converts the electrical signal into modulated light pulses. Here, the optical interface unit input transmitter D2' is directly connected to the interface unit microcontroller 11'. However, a driver stage can be arranged between the interface unit microcontroller 11' and the optical interface unit input transmitter D2', as the case may be.

[0085] The modulated light pulses representing the data to be transmitted pass through the interface unit input light guide 15 and the circuit breaker input light guide 8 before reaching the optical circuit breaker input receiver P1 where they are converted back into electrical signals again. These electrical signals are received by the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 where they are decoded and used to change the tripping characteristics of the trigger unit 3 or, for example, to initiate a self-test in the trigger unit.

[0086] Of course, the functions of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the interface unit microcontroller 11' are not limited to the above functions, but the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the interface unit microcontroller 11' can also take over other functions. The circuit breaker memory 5 and the interface unit memory 12' can be used to store both data and executable code. Figure 1 In the example shown in , the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the circuit breaker memory 5 are components of the circuit breaker control unit 6. This is not a necessary condition, and the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the circuit breaker memory 5 can also be provided as separate devices. The same is true for the interface unit control unit 13' of which the interface unit microcontroller 11' and the interface unit memory 12' are components. Likewise, the interface unit microcontroller 11' and the interface unit memory 12' can also be provided as separate devices.

[0087] It should also be noted that data may be directed to or read from the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5. Similarly, data may be directed to or read from the interface unit microcontroller 11' and / or the interface unit memory 12'.

[0088] The optical chopper output transmitter D1 and the optical interface unit input transmitter D2' are each implemented as a light emitting diode. This is a beneficial solution, however, it is possible to use other optional transmitters. The same is true for the optical chopper input receiver P1 and the optical interface unit output receiver P2', each of which is implemented as a phototransistor. Although this is a beneficial solution, it is possible to use other optical receivers.

[0089] The use of breaker output light guides 7, breaker input light guides 8, interface unit output light guides 14 and interface unit input light guides 15 is advantageous but not necessary, since the optical coupling of the optical breaker data interface DI1 and the optical interface unit data interface DI2 can also be accomplished in another way.

[0090] Furthermore, the optical breaker data interface DI1 and the optical interface unit data interface DI2 do not necessarily support bidirectional data transmission. Instead, it may only be possible to send data from the breaker 1a to the interface unit 9 or from the interface unit 9 to the breaker 1a.

[0091] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 The system shown in the second embodiment is similar to the system shown in the second embodiment. Figure 2 The system does not include the interface unit 9. Instead, the computer 16 is directly connected to the Figure 2 Circuit breaker 1b.

[0092] Another difference is that the circuit breaker data interface DI1 is essentially formed as an optical coupler and comprises both an optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1 and an optical circuit breaker output receiver P2 optically coupled thereto, and both an optical circuit breaker input transmitter D2 and an optical circuit breaker input receiver P1 optically coupled thereto. In detail, the optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1 is connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5. Both the optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1 and the optical circuit breaker output receiver P2 are arranged inside the circuit breaker housing 2, wherein the circuit breaker 1b comprises a metal circuit breaker data output terminal DT1, which is connected to the optical circuit breaker output receiver P2 and protrudes through the circuit breaker housing 2. In addition, the optical circuit breaker input receiver P1 is connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5. Both the optical breaker input transmitter D2 and the optical breaker input receiver P1 are arranged in the breaker housing 2, wherein the breaker 1b comprises a metal breaker data input terminal DT2 connected to the optical breaker input transmitter D2 and extending through the breaker housing 2. The optical breaker input transmitter D2 can be implemented as a light emitting diode, and the optical breaker output receiver P2 can be implemented as a phototransistor. The metal breaker data terminals DT1, DT2 can be part of a USB socket.

[0093] Figure 2 The functionality of the system shown in is partially equivalent to Figure 1 The functionality of the system shown in , takes into account in detail the switching contacts S1, S2, the main power terminals M1 to M4, the trigger unit 3, the optional current sensor A, the optional voltage sensor V, the circuit breaker microcontroller 4, the circuit breaker memory 5, the circuit breaker control unit 6, the optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1, the optical circuit breaker input receiver P1 and the data and commands exchanged between the circuit breaker 1b and the computer 16.

[0094] The modulated light pulses representing the data to be transmitted arrive at the optical breaker output receiver P2, where they are converted back into electrical signals again. These electrical signals are received in the computer 16 and decoded therein. The data or commands to be transmitted to the breaker 1a are encoded by the computer 16 and converted into modulated light pulses in the optical breaker input transmitter D2. These modulated light pulses arrive at the optical breaker input receiver P1, where they are converted back into electrical signals again. These electrical signals are received by the breaker microcontroller 4 and decoded therein, as already described according to Figure 1 This is explained by the example shown in .

[0095] The optical circuit breaker data interface DI1 does not necessarily support bidirectional data transmission. Instead, it may only be possible to send data from the circuit breaker 1b to the computer 16 or from the computer 16 to the circuit breaker 1b.

[0096] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 1 The system shown in FIG. 1 is similar to the system of the third embodiment. In contrast, Figure 3 The system does not include a battery BT, but rather a circuit breaker power interface PI1, which is coupled to the power pins of the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5. In detail, the circuit breaker power interface PI1 is a contactless interface and includes an electromagnetic receiver L1 arranged in the circuit breaker housing 2. Here, the electromagnetic receiver L1 is implemented as a coil and is connected in series with the first circuit breaker capacitor C1. Downstream of this series connection there is a bridge rectifier BR, which supplies the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the circuit breaker memory 5, wherein power fluctuations are suppressed by the third circuit breaker capacitor C3.

[0097] and Figure 1 Another difference of the system shown in is that the interface unit 9 comprises

[0098] i)-Metal auxiliary interface unit power terminal PT',

[0099] ii) an interface unit power interface PI2 having an electromagnetic interface unit transmitter L2' designed to be electromagnetically coupled to an electromagnetic receiver L1 of the circuit breaker 1c, and

[0100] iii) an interface unit power stage PS' having interface unit switching transistors T1' to T4', which is connected to the interface unit power interface PI2 (specifically to the electromagnetic interface unit transmitter L2'), controlled by the interface unit microcontroller 11' of the interface unit 9 and powered via the metal auxiliary interface unit power terminal PT'.

[0101] In detail, the electromagnetic interface unit transmitter L2' is implemented as a coil and is connected in series with the interface unit capacitor C2'. The interface unit switching transistors T1' to T4' form a half bridge, wherein the first half bridge is formed by the first interface unit switching transistor T1' and the second interface unit switching transistor T2', and wherein the second half bridge is formed by the third interface unit switching transistor T3' and the fourth interface unit switching transistor T4'. The first half bridge is connected to the first end of the series connection of the electromagnetic interface unit transmitter L2' and the interface unit capacitor C1, and the second half bridge is connected to the second end of the series connection. Power is supplied from the computer 16 to the transistors T1' to T4' via the metal auxiliary interface device power terminal PT'. Specifically, the metal auxiliary interface unit power terminal PT' can be part of a USB socket.

[0102] Figure 3 The functionality of the system shown in is partially equivalent to Figure 1 The functionality of the system shown in the diagram takes into account in detail the switch contacts S1, S2, the main power terminals M1 to M4, the trigger unit 3, the optional current sensor A, the optional voltage sensor V, the circuit breaker microcontroller 4, the circuit breaker memory 5, the circuit breaker control unit 6, the optical circuit breaker output transmitter D1, the optical circuit breaker input receiver P1, the optical interface unit input transmitter D2', the optical interface unit output receiver P2', the interface unit microcontroller 11', the interface unit memory 12', the interface unit control unit 13' and the data and commands exchanged between the circuit breaker 1c and the computer 16. Figure 3 The system does not include light guides 7, 8, 14, 15, but the system may include these light guides as possible.

[0103] However, the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the circuit breaker memory 5 are powered in a different manner. In detail, the half-bridge is controlled by the interface unit microcontroller 11 ′ in such a way that the DC power originating from the computer 16 is converted into AC power, which is transmitted contactlessly from the electromagnetic interface unit transmitter L2 ′ of the interface unit 9 to the electromagnetic receiver L1 of the circuit breaker 1 c and converted back into DC power by the bridge rectifier BR before being transmitted to the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and the circuit breaker memory 5.

[0104] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the system is shown, which is Figure 3 In contrast, Figure 4 The system does not include the interface unit 9. Instead, the computer 16 is directly connected to the Figure 4 Circuit breaker 1d.

[0105] As in Figure 2In the embodiment of the present invention, the breaker data interface DI1 forms an optical coupler with an optical breaker output transmitter D1, an optical breaker output receiver P2, an optical breaker input transmitter D2 and an optical breaker input receiver P1. Figure 2 The technical teachings related to the circuit breaker data interface DI1 shown in FIG. 1 are similarly applicable to Figure 4 The only difference is that the optical breaker output receiver P2 and the optical breaker input transmitter D2 are coupled to an interface microcontroller 11 and an interface memory 12, which form an interface control unit 13 and are part of the circuit breaker 1d. Figure 1 A similar structure is shown in the embodiment of , where the optical interface unit input transmitter D2 'and the optical interface unit output receiver P2 'are connected to the interface unit microcontroller 11 'and the interface unit memory 12 '. In other words, Figure 1 The output of the optical interface unit receiver P2' becomes Figure 4 The optical breaker output receiver P2, the optical interface unit input transmitter D2' becomes the optical breaker input transmitter D2, the interface unit microcontroller 11' becomes the interface microcontroller 11, and the interface unit memory 12' becomes the interface memory 12. This is why with Figure 1 The technical teachings relating to the connection of the circuit breaker data interface DI1 to the interface unit control unit 13' shown in FIG. 1 are similarly applicable to Figure 4 Circuit breaker 1d.

[0106] also, Figure 4 The power transfer from the computer 16 to the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or circuit breaker memory 5 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 3 The power transmission from the computer 16 to the circuit breaker microcontroller 4 and / or the circuit breaker memory 5 is shown in FIG. The only difference is that Figure 3 The components and functions of the circuit breaker power interface PI1 and the interface unit power interface PI2 are integrated into Figure 4 In other words, Figure 3 The electromagnetic interface unit transmitter L2' becomes Figure 4 The electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter L2, the interface unit capacitor C2' becomes the second circuit breaker capacitor C2, the interface unit transistors T1' to T4' become circuit breaker transistors T1 to T4, and the interface unit power stage PS' becomes the circuit breaker power stage PS. This is why with Figure 3 The technical teachings of the relevant power transmission are equally applicable to Figure 4 In this embodiment, both the electromagnetic receiver L1 and the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter L2 electromagnetically coupled to the electromagnetic receiver L1 are arranged inside the circuit breaker housing 2 .

[0107] Figure 5 Finally, it is shown that Figure 2 The only difference is that Figure 5 The system does not include a battery BT, but includes a separate external power supply unit 17, which is electrically connected to the circuit breaker power interface PI1, which is implemented similar to Figure 4 In contrast, the power supply unit 17 of this embodiment is considered to provide AC power, which is contactlessly transmitted to the breaker microcontroller 4 and the breaker memory 5 by using the breaker power interface PI1. In detail, the power supply unit 17 is connected to the series connection of the electromagnetic breaker transmitter L2 and the second breaker capacitor C2 via the auxiliary breaker power terminals PT1, PT2.

[0108] By means of the measures of the invention, the computer 16 or the interface unit 9 connected to the circuit breakers 1a to 1e is electrically isolated from the components of the circuit breakers 1a to 1e at high voltage, even protected against dangerous creepage voltages. As a result, neither the equipment connected to the circuit breakers 1a to 1e nor the personnel operating the equipment are exposed to risks or dangers of electric shock originating from the power grid connected to the main power supply terminals M1 to M4 of the circuit breakers 1a to 1e.

[0109] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above, but a combination of different variants is possible. In fact, the system may have more or fewer components than those shown in the drawings. In addition, the description may include the subject matter of other independent inventions.

[0110] It should also be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the use of the article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Elements described in connection with different embodiments may also be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0111] Reference numerals list

[0112] 1a to 1e circuit breakers

[0113] 2 Circuit breaker housing

[0114] 3 Trigger unit

[0115] 4 Circuit Breaker Microcontroller

[0116] 5 Circuit breaker memory

[0117] 6 Circuit breaker control unit

[0118] 7 Circuit breaker output light guide

[0119] 8 Circuit breaker input light guide

[0120] 9 Interface unit

[0121] 10 Interface unit housing

[0122] 11-port microcontroller

[0123] 12 Interface Memory

[0124] 13 Interface control unit

[0125] 11' Interface Unit Microcontroller

[0126] 12' Interface unit memory

[0127] 13' Interface unit control unit

[0128] 14 Interface unit output light guide

[0129] 15 Interface unit input light guide

[0130] 16 Computer

[0131] 17 Power supply unit

[0132] BT Battery

[0133] BR Bridge Rectifier

[0134] C1 to C3 Circuit breaker capacitors

[0135] C2' Interface unit capacitor

[0136] D1 LED / Optical Breaker Output Transmitter

[0137] D2 LED / Optical Breaker Input Transmitter

[0138] D2' LED / IOU input transmitter

[0139] DI1 Optical circuit breaker data interface

[0140] DI2 Optical interface unit data interface

[0141] DT1 circuit breaker data output terminal

[0142] DT2 circuit breaker data input terminal

[0143] DT combination circuit breaker data input / output terminal

[0144] DT' Combination interface unit data input / output terminal

[0145] L1 Secondary coil / electromagnetic receiver

[0146] L2 Main coil / electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter

[0147] L2' Main Coil / EMI Transmitter

[0148] M1 to M4 Main power terminals

[0149] P1 Phototransistor / Optical Breaker Input Receiver

[0150] P2 Phototransistor / Optical Breaker Output Receiver

[0151] P2' Phototransistor / Optical Interface Unit Output Receiver

[0152] PI1 circuit breaker power interface

[0153] PI2 interface unit power supply interface

[0154] PS circuit breaker power level

[0155] PS' Interface Unit Power Stage

[0156] PT, PT1, PT2 auxiliary circuit breaker power supply terminals

[0157] PT' Auxiliary interface unit power supply terminal

[0158] S1, S2 switch contacts

[0159] T1 to T4 Circuit breaker transistors

[0160] T1' to T4' interface unit transistors.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker (1a to 1e), comprising - circuit breaker housing (2), - switch contacts (S1, S2), located inside the circuit breaker housing (2), - metallic main power terminals (M1 to M4) conductively connected to the switching contacts (S1, S2) and projecting through the circuit breaker housing (2), - a trigger unit (3) acting on the switch contacts (S1, S2), - a circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and a circuit breaker memory (5), located in said circuit breaker housing (2), and - a circuit breaker data interface (DI1) connected to a data input and / or output of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or to a data input and / or output of the circuit breaker memory (5), in, - The circuit breaker data interface (DI1) is an optical interface.

2. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to claim 1, characterized in that The optical circuit breaker data interface (DI1) comprises - an optical circuit breaker output transmitter (D1) and a circuit breaker output optical guide (7), the optical circuit breaker output transmitter being connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5), and the optical circuit breaker output transmitter being arranged in the circuit breaker housing (2), the circuit breaker output optical guide being optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker output transmitter (D1), and the circuit breaker output optical guide protruding through the circuit breaker housing (2) or being a part of the circuit breaker housing, and / or - an optical circuit breaker input receiver (P1) and a circuit breaker input optical guide (8), wherein the optical circuit breaker input receiver is connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5), and the optical circuit breaker input receiver is arranged in the circuit breaker housing (2), the circuit breaker input optical guide is optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker input receiver (P1), and the circuit breaker input optical guide extends through the circuit breaker housing (2) or is a part of the circuit breaker housing.

3. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: a) the optical circuit breaker data interface (DI1) comprises an optical circuit breaker output transmitter (D1) and an optical circuit breaker output receiver (P2), the optical circuit breaker output transmitter being connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5), the optical circuit breaker output receiver being optically coupled to the optical circuit breaker output transmitter (D1), wherein both the optical circuit breaker output transmitter (D1) and the optical circuit breaker output receiver (P2) are arranged in the circuit breaker housing (2), and - the circuit breaker (1a to 1e) comprises a metal circuit breaker data output terminal (DT1) which is connected to the optical circuit breaker output receiver (P2) and which protrudes through the circuit breaker housing (2), or - the optical circuit breaker output receiver (P2) is connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of an interface microcontroller (11) of the circuit breaker (1a to 1e), and the circuit breaker (1a to 1e) comprises a metal circuit breaker data output terminal (DT1) or a combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal (DT), the metal circuit breaker data output terminal or the combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal being connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of the interface microcontroller (11), and the metal circuit breaker data output terminal or the combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal protruding through the circuit breaker housing (2), and / or b) the optical breaker data interface (DI1) comprises an optical breaker input receiver (P1) and an optical breaker input transmitter (D2), the optical breaker input receiver being connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of the breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the breaker memory (5), the optical breaker input transmitter being optically coupled to the optical breaker input receiver (P1), wherein both the optical breaker input transmitter (D2) and the optical breaker input receiver (P1) are arranged inside the breaker housing (2), and - the circuit breaker (1a to 1e) comprises a metal circuit breaker data input terminal (DT2) which is connected to the optical circuit breaker input transmitter (D2) and which protrudes through the circuit breaker housing (2), or -The optical circuit breaker input transmitter (D2) is connected to the data output or combined data input / output of the interface microcontroller (11) of the circuit breaker (1a to 1e), and the circuit breaker (1a to 1e) includes a metal circuit breaker data input terminal (DT2) or a combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal (DT), the metal circuit breaker data input terminal or the combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal is connected to the data input or combined data input / output of the interface microcontroller (4), and the metal circuit breaker data input terminal or the combined circuit breaker data input / output terminal extends through the circuit breaker housing (2).

4. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A battery (BT) is located inside the circuit breaker housing (2), the battery being connected to the power pins of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5).

5. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A circuit breaker power interface (PI1) is coupled to power pins of the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5).

6. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to claim 5, characterized in that The circuit breaker power interface (PI1) is a contactless interface.

7. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that: The circuit breaker power interface (PI1) comprises an electromagnetic receiver (L1) arranged in the circuit breaker housing (2).

8. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that: - the circuit breaker power interface (PI1) comprises an electromagnetic receiver (L1) and an electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter (L2), the electromagnetic receiver and the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter are electromagnetically coupled to each other and both are arranged in the circuit breaker housing (2), and - The circuit breakers (1a to 1e) include metal circuit breaker auxiliary power terminals (PT, PT1, PT2), which are arranged to supply power to the electromagnetic circuit breaker transmitter (L2) and extend through the circuit breaker housing (2).

9. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to claim 8, characterized in that A circuit breaker power stage (PS) having circuit breaker switching transistors (T1 to T4), the circuit breaker power stage - connected to the circuit breaker power interface (PI1), - controlled by an interface microcontroller (11) of said circuit breakers (1a to 1e), and - Power is supplied via the metal circuit breaker auxiliary power terminals (PT, PT1, PT2).

10. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that: The metal circuit breaker data terminals (DT1, DT2) and / or the metal auxiliary power terminals (PT, PT1, PT2) are part of a USB socket.

11. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The circuit breaker microcontroller (4) is functionally coupled to the trigger unit (3) and is designed to - receiving a tripping characteristic or a tripping characteristic selection for a tripping unit (3) via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1), and / or - receiving a command for running a self-test via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1) and transmitting the result of the self-test.

12. The circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: a current sensor (A) connected to the circuit breaker microcontroller (4), wherein the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) is designed to transmit via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1) a measurement value measured by the current sensor (A) or a parameter derived from the measurement value, and / or - a voltage sensor (V) connected to the circuit breaker microcontroller (4), wherein the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) is designed to transmit via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1) parameters derived by or from the measured values ​​measured by the voltage sensor (V).

13. A system comprising a circuit breaker (1a to 1e) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: - an interface unit (9) designed to communicate with the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5) of the circuit breaker (1a to 1e) via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1), or - a computer (16) designed to communicate with the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5) of the circuit breaker (1a to 1e) via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1), or A computer (16) having an interface unit (9) designed to communicate with the circuit breaker microcontroller (4) and / or the circuit breaker memory (5) of the circuit breakers (1a to 1e) via the circuit breaker data interface (DI1).

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that The interface unit (9) comprises an optical interface unit data interface (DI2), a metal interface unit data terminal (DT'), an interface unit microcontroller (11') and an interface unit memory (12'), wherein the metal interface unit data terminal (DT') is connected to the interface unit microcontroller (11'), and wherein the optical interface unit data interface (DI2) comprises an optical interface unit input transmitter (D2') connected to a data output or a combined data input / output of said interface unit microcontroller (11') and / or said interface unit memory (12'), and said optical interface unit input transmitter being designed to be optically coupled to an optical breaker input receiver (P1) of said breaker (1a to 1e), and / or - an optical interface unit output receiver (P2') connected to a data input or a combined data input / output of the interface unit microcontroller (11') and / or the interface unit memory (12'), and the optical interface unit output receiver is designed to be optically coupled to an optical circuit breaker output transmitter (D1) of the circuit breaker (1a to 1e).

15. The system according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The interface unit (9) comprises i) Metal auxiliary interface unit power terminal (PT'), ii) an interface unit power interface (PI2) having an electromagnetic interface unit transmitter (L2') designed to be electromagnetically coupled to an electromagnetic receiver (L1) of said circuit breaker (1a to 1e), and iii) an interface unit power stage (PS') having interface unit switching transistors (T1' to T4'), the interface unit power stage - connected to the interface unit power interface (PI2), - controlled by an interface unit microcontroller (11') of said interface unit (9), and - powered via the metal auxiliary interface unit power terminal (PT').

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