Electric connection cabinet

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical cabinet (100) for supplying power to at least two electrical loads (14) and comprising:-electromechanical units (130) each supplying power to the electrical loads and comprising an analysis device, a controlled switch and a magnetic protection device protecting the electromechanical units and the electrical loads, and-electronic units (30) each supplying power to the electrical loads, comprising an analysis device and a controlled switch and without a magnetic protection device. The electrical cabinet comprises two functional areas, the first functional area receiving at least one electromechanical unit, the second functional area receiving at least two electronic units and a common protection device (60) separate from the electronic units, which protects all the electronic units in the second functional area and electrical loads connected thereto. Furthermore, the first functional area is adapted to accommodate at least two electronic units and a common protection device, and the second functional area is adapted to accommodate at least one electromechanical unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electric connection cabinet. Background Art

[0002] In the field of industrial electrical cabinets, it is known to install one or more control units in the electrical connection cabinet. These control units allow each to connect the electrical cabinet to an item of electrical equipment and control the item of electrical equipment, in particular through a contactor. It is also known to use a magnetic protection device (such as a magnetic circuit breaker) to protect each control unit, each magnetic protection device allowing power to be supplied to the control unit and electrically protecting the control unit and the electrical equipment connected thereto. These magnetic protection devices are usually directly integrated into the control unit. Such protection devices are cheap, so the presence of a magnetic protection device for each control unit does not mean significant additional costs in the manufacture of the electrical cabinet. However, such magnetic protection devices are not very effective, and their cut-off time is relatively long, which may lead to damage to the control unit when they are triggered, such as contactor welding.

[0003] It is also known to use protection devices common to multiple control units in industrial electrical cabinets, which protection devices are not integrated into the control unit, but are arranged outside the control unit. Typically, when the protection device exhibits higher performance than magnetic protection devices, the protection device is used to protect multiple control units simultaneously and therefore has a larger footprint and higher manufacturing costs than magnetic protection devices. An example of such a protection device is a hybrid protection device, which combines the use of semiconductors and electromechanical switching devices. Therefore, the use of a common protection device for multiple control units allows a larger footprint to be accommodated for this type of protection device and reduces the protection costs of each control unit.

[0004] US-A1-2015 / 0103472 and EP-A1-2557643 describe prior art control cabinets and CA-A1-3124942 describes prior art protection devices.

[0005] In known industrial electrical cabinets, there is no architecture that allows a control unit incorporating a magnetic protection device and a control unit protected by a common protection device for a plurality of control units to be arranged in the same electrical cabinet.

[0006] This problem is specifically solved by the present invention, which proposes an electrical connection cabinet capable of housing various control units protected by a magnetic type protection device or by a protection device common to several control units. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the present invention relates to an electrical connection cabinet, which is configured to supply power to at least two electrical loads and control the electrical loads. According to the present invention, the electrical cabinet comprises a plurality of control units, which are selected from:

[0008] - electromechanical units, each configured to supply power to and control an electrical load and comprising an electronic analysis device, a controlled switch configured to allow or interrupt the supply of power to the electrical load and a magnetic type protection device configured to protect the electromechanical unit and the electrical load from electrical faults,

[0009] - electronic units, each configured to supply and control an electrical load and comprising an electronic analysis device, a controlled switch configured to enable or interrupt the supply of power to the electrical load, and no magnetic type protection device.

[0010] Furthermore, the electrical cabinet comprises at least two functional areas, wherein:

[0011] - the first functional area receives at least one electromechanical unit, and

[0012] The second functional area receives at least two electronic units and a common protection device configured to protect all electronic units in the second functional area and the electrical loads connected to them from electrical faults, the common protection device being separate from the electronic units.

[0013] Furthermore, the first functional area can also receive at least two electronic units and a common protection device, and the second functional area can also receive at least one electromechanical unit.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to install electromechanical units protected by magnetic type protection devices, or even electronic units protected by a common protection device for these electronic units, in the same functional area of ​​the electrical cabinet. The electrical cabinet is thus modular and the control unit is selected from electromechanical units and electronic units, depending on the nature of the electrical loads to be powered and controlled.

[0015] According to an advantageous but not mandatory aspect of the invention, the functional module combines one or more of the following features, alone or in any technically permissible combination:

[0016] - the width of each electromechanical unit is strictly greater than the width of each electronic unit, the width being measured between two lateral walls of the control unit, and wherein, in the second functional zone, the common protection device extends over the entire height of the second functional zone and is arranged on one side of the electronic unit according to the longitudinal axis of the electrical cabinet.

[0017] - Each control unit comprises a rear base carrying an electrical input connector configured to supply power to the control unit when the control unit is installed in the electrical cabinet, and an electrical output connector configured to supply power to an electrical load connected to the control unit when the control unit is installed in the electrical cabinet. Furthermore, the rear base of the electromechanical unit is identical to the rear base of the electronic unit, the width of the rear base is identical to the width of the electronic unit, and preferably, each electromechanical unit further comprises an expansion piece arranged on one side of the rear base of the electromechanical unit, such that the sum of the width of the rear base and the width of the expansion piece is equal to the width of the electromechanical unit.

[0018] - Each control unit is a control drawer which can be moved between three main positions in the first or second functional area:

[0019] - an operating position of a control drawer, wherein the control drawer is configured to be connected to an electrical load and wherein the control drawer is connected to a communication module of the electrical cabinet,

[0020] a test position of the control drawer, wherein the control drawer is configured not to be connected to an electrical load and wherein the control drawer is connected to a communication module, and

[0021] - an disconnected position of the control drawer, wherein the control drawer is configured not to be connected to an electrical load and wherein the control drawer is not connected to the communication module.

[0022] - Each control drawer comprises a lateral wall carrying a movable lateral contact configured to allow data exchange between the control drawer and the communication module, the movable lateral contact being fixed relative to the communication module when the control drawer is moved between its operating position and its test position, and wherein the lateral walls and the movable lateral contacts of the electromechanical unit on the one hand and of the electronic unit on the other hand are identical.

[0023] - Each control drawer comprises: a position detector, which is configured to detect whether the control drawer is in an operating position, a test position or a disconnected position; and a locking system, which is configured to lock the control drawer in the operating position or the test position, and wherein the position detectors and the locking mechanisms of the electromechanical unit on the one hand and the electronic unit on the other hand are identical.

[0024] The magnetic type protection device of each electromechanical unit comprises an electromechanical relay configured to cut off the power supply to the controlled switch of the electromechanical unit in the event of a short circuit in an electrical load connected to the electromechanical unit, the cut-off occurring in a time greater than 5 ms.

[0025] - The public protection equipment of the second functional area is of mixed type and includes:

[0026] a semiconductor configured to detect a short circuit occurring in an electrical load connected to one of the electronic units of the second functional area or at one of the electronic units, and

[0027] An electromechanical protection element configured to cut off the power supply to the electronic unit of the second functional area, the cut-off occurring within a time of less than 500 μs after the detection of the short circuit.

[0028] - the front of each electromechanical unit comprises a mechanical switch that controls the switching between the open state and the closed state of the magnetic type protection device of the electromechanical unit, configured to be actuated by a user, and wherein the front face of the common protection device comprises a mechanical switch that controls the switching between the open state and the closed state of the common protection device, configured to be actuated by a user.

[0029] -The electrical cabinet comprises at least two functional modules, each of which comprises:

[0030] - at least one electromechanical unit, or at least two electronic units,

[0031] - if the functional module includes an electronic unit, a common protection device,

[0032] - a data bus section, which is connected to all control units of the functional modules,

[0033] - as many connection modules as control units, each connection module being configured to connect an electrical load to the control unit,

[0034] as many input / output modules as control units, each input / output module being configured to connect a data bus section to a control unit and to an electrical load connected to the control unit and to allow an exchange of operating data between the electrical load on the one hand and the control unit and the data bus section on the other hand, and

[0035] - A supporting structure to which each control unit, each data bus section, each connection module, each input / output module and, if applicable, a common protection device are fastened.

[0036] Furthermore, each functional area receives functional modules, the data bus sections of all functional modules being connected to one another and to the communication module of the electrical cabinet, and the data bus sections, connection modules and input / output modules of the functional modules comprising one or more electromechanical units on the one hand and one or more electronic units on the other hand being identical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment of an electrical connection cabinet according to its principles, which description is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical cabinet according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 Belongs to Figure 1 A perspective view of a first functional module of an electrical cabinet;

[0040] Figure 3 Belongs to Figure 2 A perspective view of a drawer of a functional module;

[0041] Figure 4 Seen from different angles Figure 3 A perspective view of the drawer;

[0042] Figure 5 Belongs to Figure 2 A perspective view of a hybrid protection device with functional modules;

[0043] Figure 6 Belongs to Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the structure of a functional module;

[0044] Figure 7 Seen from another angle Figure 1 A perspective view of a second functional module of an electrical cabinet;

[0045] Figure 8 Belongs to Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a third functional module of an electrical cabinet;

[0046] Fig. 9 Belongs to Figure 8 A perspective view of a drawer of a third functional module; and

[0047] Fig.10 Seen from different angles Fig. 9 Perspective view of the drawers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 1. An electrical cabinet 10 is shown. The electrical cabinet is intended to be integrated into a partially shown electrical network. The electrical network comprises, on the one hand, a power supply cable 12, for example from a transformer substation, upstream of the electrical cabinet 10 and, on the other hand, one or more electrical loads 14 downstream of the electrical cabinet.

[0049] The electrical cabinet 10 is a connection cabinet configured to connect an electrical load 14 to a power supply cable 12 .

[0050] The electrical load 14 may be, for example, an electric motor, such as a three-phase motor, a power distribution grid or even a controllable electrical load, such as a battery or a solar panel.

[0051] In the installed configuration of the electrical cabinet 10 , the electrical cabinet rests on a horizontal surface, such as the floor of a building in which the electrical cabinet 10 is installed.

[0052] The longitudinal axis X of the electrical cabinet 10 is defined as the axis of the largest dimension of the electrical cabinet 10, in fact its length, the transverse axis Y is defined as the axis of the smallest dimension of the electrical cabinet 10 and is perpendicular to the X axis, in fact its depth, and the vertical axis Z is defined as the third axis of the orthogonal reference system including the X and Y axes.

[0053] The orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes is fixed to the orientation of the electrical cabinet 10. The orientation of the electrical cabinet 10 described in this discussion corresponds to its installed configuration. It should therefore be understood that when the orientation of the control cabinet 10 changes, the orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes also changes. For example, when the cabinet 10 is not in its installed configuration, such as when it is transported, the Z axis may not be vertical. The terms "upper", "lower", and "vertical" used in the following discussion refer to the Z axis.

[0054] In the mounting configuration described herein, the plane formed by the X and Y axes is horizontal and parallel to the horizontal surface on which the cabinet is placed when in the mounting configuration, while the Z axis is perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The term "horizontal" is used hereinafter to refer to any element contained in a plane parallel to the plane formed by the X and Y axes in the mounting configuration of the electrical cabinet 10. The terms "left" and "right" are used relative to the X axis, and the terms "front" and "rear" are used relative to the Y axis.

[0055] The relative positions of the components and their orientations described below are given as examples only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise expressly stated, they refer to the assembly and installation configuration of the electrical cabinet 10. Therefore, when referring to the orientation of the components relative to the X, Y and / or Z axes, it should be understood to refer to the installation configuration of the cabinet. In other examples, the orientation of the components and their relative positions may change when the cabinet 10 is stored, transported, disassembled or assembled.

[0056] The power supply cable 12 provides the main power supply to the electrical cabinet 10, preferably a 400V three-phase neutral power supply, preferably with a frequency of 50Hz. Advantageously, each phase and the neutral line of the power supply cable 12 are connected to the input of the circuit breaker 16. Alternatively, the power supply cable 12 carries a power supply with a voltage other than 400V, a power supply with a frequency other than 50Hz, a three-phase power supply without a neutral line, or a single-phase power supply. The circuit breaker 16 then has a suitable number of inputs.

[0057] The electrical connection cabinet 10 comprises a busbar 18 comprising a plurality of feeders, four in this example, each connected to the output of the circuit breaker 16. The busbar 18 allows the circuit breaker 16 to distribute the power supply from the power cable 12 to the various elements arranged in the electrical cabinet 10 allowing connection to the electrical loads 14.

[0058] Advantageously, the circuit breaker 16 is arranged in the supply column 10A of the electrical cabinet 10 and allows the elements of the electrical cabinet connected to the electrical loads 14 to be distributed in different connection columns, in this example in two connection columns 10B and 10C. In an alternative not shown, the electrical cabinet 10 comprises a number of connection columns other than two, for example one column or three connection columns.

[0059] The electrical cabinet 10 is controlled by an industrial computer 20. In practice, the industrial computer 20 comprises a computing unit, not shown, which executes software for managing the electrical cabinet 10.

[0060] Alternatively, the industrial computer 20 is replaced by a real-time control and data acquisition system (SCADA) which monitors the operation of the electrical connection cabinet 10, or the computer is integrated into such a system.

[0061] Each connection column 10B, 10C includes a communication module 22. Figure 1 As shown, the communication modules 22 are located near the upper end of each connection column 10B, 10C. In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the communication modules 22 of each connection column are located at the lower end of the column.

[0062] The communication module 22 of the connection train 10B, 10C allows all the information from the connection train to be centralized and controls the connection train.

[0063] The communication module 22 communicates with the industrial computer 20 via a communication cable or a wireless link, and transmits information about the operation of the connection columns 10B, 10C on the one hand, and receives commands from the industrial computer and transmits them to the connection columns on the other hand.

[0064] The communication module 22 of the connection string 10B, 10C thus acts as an intermediary between the industrial computer 22 and the connection string and allows the exchanges between the computer and the string to be centralized.

[0065] Advantageously, all communication modules 22 are connected to a central switch 24, which is preferably arranged in the supply column 10A. This central switch 24 acts as an intermediary between the communication modules 22 and the industrial computer 20, in other words, information (such as commands) from the industrial computer is distributed between the communication modules 22 via the central switch 24, and the information from the communication modules is aggregated by the central switch before being transmitted to the industrial computer. In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the electrical cabinet 10 does not include a central switch 24, and the communication modules 22 are directly connected to the industrial computer 20.

[0066] Preferably, the internal communication cable connecting the industrial computer 20, the communication module 22 and the central switch 24 is a cable using the Ethernet protocol. Alternatively, the internal communication cable uses another local network protocol, such as MODBUS or PROFINET.

[0067] Generally speaking, the connection columns 10B, 10C can be configured for a variety of different purposes:

[0068] - A first configuration in which the connection train allows the connection of electric motors, for example three-phase motors. The connection train thus allows the supply of power to these electric motors and the control of the motors. In this first configuration, the connection train is called a "motor start train".

[0069] - A second configuration, in which the connection train allows connection to a downstream distribution circuit, such as a switchboard or a switch cabinet. Thus, the connection train allows distribution of the power from the supply cable 12 to a plurality of downstream circuits and protection of these downstream circuits. In this second configuration, the connection train is called a "distribution train".

[0070] - A third configuration in which the connection train allows connection to controllable electrical loads, such as solar panels or batteries. The connection train thus allows powering these circuits and controlling them. In this third configuration, the connection train is called a "load control train".

[0071] In this example, the connection trains 10A and 10B are motor start trains. Some of the elements mentioned below are described in the context of motor start trains, but their application is not limited to their use in motor start trains. Therefore, some of the elements introduced below can also be applied to elements used in distribution trains or load control trains.

[0072] In each connection row 10B, 10C, the electrical cabinet 10 comprises a plurality of vertically juxtaposed functional areas 26 , each housing one or more elements of the electrical cabinet allowing connection to the electrical loads 14 .

[0073] All functional areas 26 of the cabinet 10 have the same size. "H26" represents the height of the functional area 26 measured according to the vertical axis Z, "L26" is the width of the functional area measured according to the longitudinal axis X, and "P26" is the depth of the functional area measured according to the horizontal axis Y.

[0074] In practice, all elements of the functional area 26 are grouped together in functional modules. In the following, a number of functional modules belonging to the electrical cabinet 10 are described. Thus, in this example, these functional modules are modules for connection to an electric motor, in other words, these functional modules are motor starter modules.

[0075] The configuration and architecture of these modules can be transformed into other configurations, for example in the case of a distribution train, where the functional modules correspond to distribution modules allowing the current to be distributed towards one or more downstream circuits and protecting these circuits, or in the case of a load control train, where the functional modules correspond to control modules allowing the supply of power to electrical loads and the control of them. Other uses are also conceivable.

[0076] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the electrical cabinet 10 comprises five functional areas 26, each receiving a functional module. Here, the electrical cabinet thus comprises five functional modules. In practice, the connection column 10B comprises two functional modules and the connection column 10C comprises three functional modules.

[0077] refer to Figure 2 , we will now describe the first functional module 28. In this example, the functional module 28 is arranged in the upper part of the connection column 10C, between the communication module 22 and the other two functional modules of the connection column 10C.

[0078] According to the vertical axis measurement, the height of the functional module 28 is the same as the height of the functional area 26 in which it is installed, in other words, the height is equal to H26. Similarly, the depth of the functional module 28 is equal to P26.

[0079] The functional module 28 comprises four control units 30 which are juxtaposed vertically in the functional module and allow each electrical connection of an electrical load 14 to the electrical cabinet 10 .

[0080] In the example shown, the control unit 30 is a control drawer, which can therefore be simply and quickly installed in and removed from the functional module 28 by a translational movement according to the transverse axis Y. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is not shown, the control unit 30 is a fixed cabinet unit, which is assembled in the functional module 28 during cabinet installation, for example by being screwed to the functional module.

[0081] Advantageously, when the control units 30 are drawers, each of these drawers is movable in the functional module 28 between three positions:

[0082] - Operating position, in which the drawer is fully inserted into the functional module. This position corresponds to the normal operating position of the drawer, in other words, on the one hand, the drawer supplies power to the electrical load 14 connected to it, and on the other hand, the drawer is connected to the communication module 22 of the connection column 10C. Figure 2 , the three lower drawers are in operating position.

[0083] - Test position, in which the drawer is partially inserted into the functional module. This position corresponds to an intermediate position of the drawer operation, in other words, the elements it contains are supplied with power and it is connected to the communication module 22, but the drawer does not supply power to any electrical load 14. Figure 2 , the upper drawer is shown in the test position.

[0084] A disconnected position of the drawer, in which the drawer is partially or completely disconnected from the functional module and no power is supplied to the drawer, the drawer is not connected to the communication module and no power is supplied to the electrical load 14 .

[0085] In general, the control units 30 also allow the electrical loads 14 connected to them to be controlled. This control, also called directing, consists, for example, in directing the motor, in other words starting it, stopping it and possibly controlling its speed, when the electrical load is a motor, or in resupplying the voltage and current required for the correct operation of the distribution network, when the electrical load is a distribution network.

[0086] Furthermore, the control units 30 also allow monitoring of the electrical loads 14 connected to them. For example, such monitoring consists in measuring the voltage and current delivered to the loads 14, or, when the loads 14 are motors, retrieving information from sensors such as position or rotation speed sensors or temperature sensors.

[0087] Therefore, each control unit 30 may have the function of connecting, controlling and monitoring the electrical load 14. However, depending on the type of electrical load connected to the control unit, the control unit may not have the function of directing the load or may not have the function of controlling the load.

[0088] In the example shown, the height of the control unit 30 can take multiple defined values. The base height of the control unit is defined as the unit height, denoted by "U". The height of the control unit can be equal to an integer multiple of the base height, with an upper limit of six times the unit height U.

[0089] Thus, the control unit may occupy a height of 1 U, 2 U, 3 U, 4 U, 5 U or 6 U. Preferably, the unit height U is equal to 50 mm. Thus, a 6U high control unit 138 would be 300 mm high.

[0090] Depending on the height of these control units, each functional module is configured to accommodate any technically permissible combination of control units 30. For example, a functional module may accommodate:

[0091] - Six 1U high control units, such as Figure 1 as shown in the middle functional area of ​​column 10C, or

[0092] - Three 2U high control units, or

[0093] - A 6U high control unit, such as Figure 1 as shown in the lower functional area of ​​column 10B, or

[0094] - A 2U high control unit and a 4U high control unit, such as Figure 1 As shown in the upper functional area of ​​column 10B and the lower functional area of ​​column 10C,

[0095] - Two 2U high control units and two 1U high control units, such as Figure 1 As shown in the upper functional area of ​​column 10C.

[0096] These examples are not limiting. Other distributions of the control units 30 within the functional areas are conceivable.

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the functional module 28 shown, from the control unit 30, two control units 30A with a height H30A equal to 1U and two control units 30B with a height H30B equal to 2U can be seen.

[0098] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 One of the two control units 30A can be seen in more detail.

[0099] The control unit 30A is generally parallelepiped-shaped and comprises a front portion 32 and a rear portion 34 extending parallel to the X-axis, two transverse walls 36 extending parallel to the Y-axis, a bottom portion 38 extending between the front and rear portions and the transverse walls, and a bottom portion 38 extending between the front and rear portions and the transverse walls. Figure 2 Visible in but Figure 3 and 4 In fact, the bottom 38 extends in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical axis Z.

[0100] The main width of the control unit 30A, referenced as “ L30 ”, is measured along the X-axis between the two transverse walls 36 .

[0101] The control unit 30A is configured so that it can be moved between its operating, test and disconnected positions by means of a handle 40 which is provided in its front portion 32 and which is arranged to be manipulated by an operator.

[0102] On its rear part 34, the control unit 30A comprises a rear base 42, which carries an input electrical connector 44, an output electrical connector 46, and preferably, a ventilation hole 48 arranged between the input electrical connector and the output electrical connector. In this example, the control unit 30A comprises four electrical input connectors and four electrical output connectors. The width L42 of the rear base 42 is the same as the width L30 of the control unit 30A.

[0103] When the control unit 30A is in the operating position, in other words when it is installed in the electrical cabinet 10, the electrical input connector 44 is arranged to be electrically connected to the busbar 18 to supply power to the control unit, and the electrical output connector 46 is arranged to supply power to the electrical load 14 connected to the control unit.

[0104] Advantageously, the control unit 30A comprises a movable transverse contact 50 arranged on one of the two transverse walls 36. The movable transverse contact connects the control unit 30A to the communication module 22 of the connection column 10C, in other words, it allows the exchange of data between the control unit and the communication module, or the supply of an auxiliary voltage transmitted by the communication module to the control unit. In practice, the movable transverse contact is mounted in a movable manner on one of the two transverse walls 36, so that when the control unit is moved between its test and operating positions, the movable transverse contact moves relative to the control unit according to the Y axis and is fixed relative to the communication module, thus allowing the connection between the control unit and the communication module to be maintained during the movement of the control unit.

[0105] Advantageously, the control unit 30A comprises a position detector 52 arranged on one of the two transverse walls 36, which allows detecting whether the control unit is in the operating position, in the test position or in the disconnected position. The position detector 52 comprises, for example, an actuator which cooperates with the structure of the functional module 28 to actuate a switch or a sensor when the control unit is in the test position or in the operating position.

[0106] Advantageously, the control unit 30A comprises a locking system 54 arranged on one of the two transverse walls 36, which allows the control unit to be locked in the test position or in the locked position, for example by means of an electromagnetic lock. Thanks to the locking system 54, for example, a user can be prevented from switching the control unit 30A from its operating position to its test position if the electrical load 14 is powered by the control unit, or from its test position to its operating position if the electrical load 14 connected to the control unit is not in an operating state compatible with its activation.

[0107] The control unit 30A includes a controlled switch 56, Figure 3 and 4 Schematically shown in FIG. The controlled switch is arranged to allow or interrupt the supply of power to the electrical load 14 connected to the control unit 30A by electrically connecting or electrically isolating the electrical output connector 46 to the electrical input connector 44. The controlled switch 56 is, for example, a contactor. Therefore, the state of the controlled switch 56 determines whether the electrical load connected to the control unit is running or stopped.

[0108] The control unit 30A comprises an electronic analysis device 58, which in this example is an electronic card. In practice, the electronic analysis device 58 is connected to the communication module 22 of the connection column 10C via a movable transverse contact 50. The device controls the state of the controlled switch 56 according to commands from the communication module 22.

[0109] Advantageously, the electronic analysis device 58 also performs the function of monitoring the operation of the control unit 30A and the electrical load 14 connected thereto, for example by monitoring the intensity of the current delivered to the electrical load 14. The data from these monitoring functions are transmitted to the communication module 22 of the connection column 10C.

[0110] Advantageously, the electronic analysis device 58 also ensures thermal protection of the control unit 30A. In other words, the electronic analysis device 58 acts as a thermal protection device. Preferably, this thermal protection is implemented electronically, the electronic analysis device 58 incorporating a current sensor per phase and a microprocessor executing an algorithm that analyses the measured currents to detect signals representative of the presence of a thermal fault, such as an increase in current or an imbalance in the currents measured between the phases. The electronic analysis device 58 is therefore also referred to as an electronic thermal analysis and protection device.

[0111] In practice, the control unit 30B differs from the control unit 30A described above in that their height H30B is different, thereby allowing a controlled switch 56 with larger dimensions to be accommodated. Thus, the control unit 30B comprises the same rear part, two transverse walls and bottom as the control unit 30A described above. The control unit 30B also comprises a front part with a handle. The height of this front part is equal to the height H30B. Thus, it is very easy to adjust the height of the control unit, since only the cover and the front part need to be modified. Being able to simply adjust the height of the control unit is particularly advantageous, since this allows a simple modification of the size of the controlled switch 56, in particular according to the electrical power consumed by the electrical load 14 connected to the control unit, since the size of the controlled switch depends on the power of the current flowing through the controlled switch.

[0112] In order to ensure the electrical protection of the control units 30, in particular in the event of a fault in the electrical loads connected to them, such as a short circuit, the functional module 28 also comprises a protection device 60, which Figure 5 The protection device 60 is separate from the control unit 30 , in other words it is located outside the control unit it protects, within the same functional module 28 .

[0113] Advantageously, the protection device 60 extends over the entire height of the functional module 28. In other words, the height of the protection device 60 is equal to H26. In fact, the protection device 60 is called "common" because it is configured to electrically protect all the control units 30 of the functional module 28, in other words, the two units 30A and the two units 30B, as well as the electrical loads 14 connected to these control units. Therefore, although the protection device 60 is capable of protecting a single control unit, it is particularly capable of protecting at least two control units. Moreover, according to the longitudinal axis X, the protection device 60 is arranged on one side of the control unit, at Figure 2 Thus, when the functional module 28 is assembled, the lateral wall 61 of the protection device 60 faces the control unit 30 .

[0114] In practice, the protection device 60 is electrically inserted between the busbar 18 and the controlled switches 56 of the control unit 30. In other words, the protection device 60 is electrically connected to the busbar on the one hand and to the controlled switches of each control unit on the other hand. The protection device 60 can be switched between an open state, in which the controlled switches 56 of the control unit 30 are not powered, and a closed state, in which the controlled switches of the control unit are powered. The connection of the protection device to the busbar is not described in detail here, but can be realized, for example, using cables, busbars or suitable connectors.

[0115] The protection device 60 comprises a plurality of electrical output connectors 62 grouped in groups, indicated at 64. In this example, each group 64 comprises four electrical output connectors, and the protection device 60 comprises six groups 64. Each group 64 of electrical output connectors 62 is arranged to be connected to an electrical input connector 44 of a control unit 30, thereby allowing an electrical connection between the protection device and the control unit.

[0116] In this example, since the functional module 28 comprises four control units 30 , four of the six groups 64 are connected to the electrical input connectors 44 of the control units 30 , while the other two groups 64 are not used.

[0117] In practice, depending on the combination of control units 30 installed in the functional module 28 , the group 64 is used or not used.

[0118] An electrical output connector 62 extends from a transverse wall 61 of the protection device 60 and is arranged at the rear of the protection device.

[0119] The protection device 60 is of hybrid type, in other words, it exhibits enhanced performance compared to a magnetic protection device, or it includes more functions than a magnetic protection device. In this example, the hybrid protection device 60 includes an electromechanical protection element associated with a semiconductor, the semiconductor being connected in parallel with the electromechanical protection element, and the hybrid protection device also includes a short circuit detection element. The hybrid protection device is configured to cut off the power supply to all control units 30 in the event of a short circuit in an electrical load 14 connected to one of the control units, in other words, to switch the protection device to an off state. Cutting off the power supply to the control units thus cuts off the power supply to the electrical loads 14 connected to them, and allows the interruption of electrical faults, thereby protecting the control units and the electrical loads. Under normal circumstances, the power supply to the control unit 30 is passed through the electromechanical protection element, not through the semiconductor.

[0120] In fact, in this example, the short circuit detection element is able to detect the short circuit in less than 50 μs after the short circuit occurs. When a short circuit occurs on the electrical load, the short circuit detection element detects the short circuit and causes the electromechanical protection element to disconnect, which disconnection occurs in less than 500 μs after the short circuit is detected. The power supply of the control unit 30 then passes through the semiconductor. The semiconductor then interrupts the power supply, and its cut-off voltage is higher than the cut-off voltage of the electromechanical protection element, for example twice as high. This higher cut-off voltage allows the power supply of the control unit 30 to be interrupted more quickly.

[0121] Due to the combined use of electromechanical protection elements, semiconductors and short-circuit detection elements, this disconnection occurs in less than 500 μs after the short circuit is detected, in particular because semiconductors allow a rapid disconnection of the power supply. This rapid disconnection allows limiting the damage caused by the electrical fault. In particular, when the electrical fault is a short circuit, the heat energy generated by the short circuit is minimized, which allows minimizing the heating of the control unit 30.

[0122] Furthermore, once the power supply to the control unit has been interrupted, the semiconductors of the protection device 60 are able to detect the source of the electrical fault, in other words, to which control unit 30 the faulty electrical load 14 is connected, and then to isolate that control unit in order to restore the power supply to the control units connected to the faulty and non-defective electrical loads. In other words, after the power supply to all control units has been interrupted, the protection device 60 only keeps the power supply to the faulty electrical load interrupted, which is particularly advantageous for limiting the interruption of the operation of the other electrical loads connected to the control unit of the functional module 28. The protection device 60 is thus able to be in a partially open or partially closed state, in other words, open for some control units 30 of the functional module 28 and closed for other control units. Advantageously, the time between the initial switching to the open state associated with the detection of a fault on the electrical load and the switching to the partially closed state to restore the power supply to the other electrical loads connected to the same functional module is sufficiently short, of the order of 100 ms, so that the operation of the other electrical loads is not interrupted.

[0123] The protection device 60 further comprises a mechanical switch 66 arranged on a front panel 68 of the protection device. The mechanical switch 66 is arranged to be actuated by a user and allows the protection device 60 to be switched between its open and closed states.

[0124] Functional module 28 includes Figure 6 The support structure 70 is partially visible in the figure. Here, the support structure 70 comprises a bottom 72 and transverse walls 74, and preferably comprises a lower plate and an upper plate, which are horizontal and not shown in the figure. When assembling the functional module 28, the protection device 60 is fixed to the support structure 70, in particular the bottom 72, and the transverse walls 74 of the support structure 70 are parallel to the transverse walls 61 of the protection device.

[0125] Advantageously, the width L72 of the bottom 72 is equal to the width L26 of the functional area 26. Thus, the supporting structure 70 can be received in the functional area.

[0126] Advantageously, the opening 75 is arranged in the bottom 72. When the control units 30 are mounted in the functional module 28, the ventilation holes 48 in the rear base 42 of each control unit 30 face the opening 75, allowing ventilation of the interior of the control unit.

[0127] The functional module 28 also comprises rails 76A and 76B, preferably six rails 76A and six rails 76B, which extend according to a transverse axis Y. The rails 76A are arranged on the transverse wall 61 of the protection device 60 and the rails 76B are arranged on the transverse wall 74 of the support structure 70, so that one rail 76B is arranged facing each rail 76A. The rails 76A and 76B thus form pairs of rails, six pairs of rails in this example.

[0128] exist Figure 5 , the upper rail 76A and the lower rail 76A are shown in an exploded view, in other words, these rails are removed from the transverse wall 61. Similarly, in Figure 6 , the upper rail 76B and the lower rail 76B are shown in an exploded view.

[0129] The rails 76A and 76B allow the control units 30 to be mounted in the functional module 28 and, advantageously, when the control units are drawers, allow them to be moved in the functional module between their operating, test and disconnected positions.

[0130] Advantageously, the functional module 28 includes a vertically extending data bus portion 80. The data bus portion is located at Figure 2 The middle part is visible. Figure 7 A similar data module portion 80 can be more clearly seen in FIG. 8 , which represents another functional module described below.

[0131] When the electrical cabinet 10 is assembled, the data bus parts 80 of all the functional modules of the connection column are connected to each other, and the data bus part of the uppermost functional module is additionally connected to the communication module 22 of the connection column, thereby allowing data exchange between each functional module and the communication module. In other words, a functional module is connected to the communication module of its connection column through the data bus part of the functional module.

[0132] Furthermore, preferably, the data bus portion 80 of the connection train also allows the functional modules of the connection train to be supplied with an auxiliary voltage transmitted by the communication module 22 of the connection train. The auxiliary voltage is, for example, a DC or AC voltage of 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 110 V or 230 V. The auxiliary voltage allows the functional modules 28 to operate, for example by powering the electronic card 58 of each control unit 30 or the locking system 54.

[0133] In fact, the auxiliary voltage is supplied to the functional module 28 and its control unit 30, regardless of the state of the protection device 60, in other words, regardless of whether the protection device is in the open state or the closed state. Therefore, even if the power supply to the control unit 30 and therefore to the electrical load 14 is cut off by the protection device, the control unit (for example the electronic card 58 or the locking system 54) still remains operational.

[0134] Advantageously, the functional module 28 comprises input / output modules 82 , in fact as many as there are control units 30 , in other words four in this example. In fact, each input / output module 82 is associated with a control unit 30 .

[0135] Each input / output module 82 comprises a connection interface, not visible in the figure, which is connected to a movable transverse contact 50 of the control unit when the control unit associated with the input / output module is mounted in the operating module 28 .

[0136] Each input / output module 82 also includes a connector, not visible in the figure, which is connected to the data bus portion 80 when the functional module 28 is assembled.

[0137] Thus, an input / output module associated with the control unit 30 allows the control unit to be connected to the data bus portion via a communication interface and connector. This connection allows data to be exchanged between the control unit and the communication module and / or to provide the control unit with an auxiliary voltage supplied by the communication module.

[0138] Advantageously, each control unit 30 also comprises a first wireless communication card (not shown) which communicates with a second wireless communication card (also not shown) belonging to an input / output module 82 associated with the control unit when the control unit is installed in the functional module 28. The first and second wireless communication cards allow data exchange between the control unit and the input / output module. When such wireless communication cards are used, the movable transverse contact 50 is preferably used only to supply the control unit with the auxiliary voltage transmitted by the communication module.

[0139] Each input / output module 82 also includes connection terminals (not shown) for the functional modules 28. Figure 72 and 3. Similar connection terminals for the second functional module can be seen in FIG. 3, which are denoted by reference numeral 84. The connection terminals allow an input / output module 82 associated with the control unit 30 to be connected to an electrical load 14, which is connected to the control unit. In practice, the connection terminals are arranged to transmit an auxiliary voltage supplied by the communication module 22 to the electrical load 14, which auxiliary voltage is used, for example, to supply auxiliary functions of the electrical load, such as operating sensors. The connection terminals are also arranged to allow data to be exchanged between the electrical load 14 on the one hand and the data bus portion 80 and the control unit 30 on the other hand, which data may be, for example, signals from operating sensors or an emergency stop signal.

[0140] Preferably, the input / output module 82 partially extends to the outside of the functional area 26 where the functional module 28 is installed, so as to facilitate the connection of the cable to the connection terminal inside the connection column 10C.

[0141] Advantageously, the functional module 28 comprises connection modules 86 , in fact as many connection modules as there are control units 30 , in other words, four connection modules in this example. In fact, each connection module 86 is associated with a control unit 30 .

[0142] Each connection module 86 is connected on the one hand to its associated control unit 30 and on the other hand to an electrical load 14 associated with the control unit. In other words, each connection module 86 allows an electrical load 14 to be connected to the control unit 30 and powered thereby.

[0143] Each connection module 86 comprises an electrical connector 88, in this example four electrical connectors 88. These electrical connectors are complementary to the electrical output connectors 46 of the control unit 30. Thus, the electrical connectors 88 of a connection module 86 are arranged to be connected to the electrical output connector 46 of the control unit 30 associated with the connection module, thereby allowing an electrical connection between the connection module and the control unit.

[0144] Each connection module 86 comprises internal conductors, not visible in the figure, which connect the electrical connector 88 to the cables 89 which in fact allow the connection module to be connected to the electrical load 14. In practice, the size of these internal conductors depends on the electrical power consumed by the electrical load 14 and therefore on the size of the control unit 30 to which it is connected. The size of the connection module 86 is therefore adapted to the height of the associated control unit 30. In this example, each connection module 86 of the functional module 28 is selected from three connection modules of different sizes, with a height of 1U, 2U or 3U.

[0145] Preferably, the connection module 86 partially extends to the outside of the functional area 26 where the functional module 28 is installed, so as to facilitate the connection of the cable 89 inside the connection column 10C.

[0146] Thus, the electrical load 14 is supplied with power via the circuit breaker 16 , the busbar 18 , the protection device 60 , the control unit 30 and the connection module 86 associated with the control unit.

[0147] Figure 7 , a second functional module 90 is shown. This functional module 90 also belongs to the connection column 10C. It is arranged in the functional area 26 at the bottom of the connection column 10C, below the other two functional areas of the connection column.

[0148] The functional module 90 differs from the functional module 28 described above in that it comprises two control units 30 instead of four control units. Of the two units, the height H30C of the control unit 30B is 2U and the height H30C of the control unit 30C is equal to 4U.

[0149] The functional module 90 thus comprises two input / output modules 82 , each associated with one of the two control units, and two connection modules 86 , each associated with one of the two control units.

[0150] The protective device 60 , the support structure 70 , the data bus portion 80 , the input / output module 82 and the connection module 86 of the functional module 90 operate in the same manner as the same elements of the functional module 28 .

[0151] exist Figure 8 , another functional module is partially shown, which is marked with 100. This functional module 100 also belongs to the connection column 10C. In this example, it is arranged between the functional modules 28 and 90, in other words, in the middle functional area of ​​the column.

[0152] The functional module 100 includes a plurality of control units 130, Figure 8 Only one of them is shown in Fig. 9 and 10 This unit is also represented separately in .

[0153] Like the control unit 30, the control unit 130 here is a control drawer which can be moved in the functional module 100 between an operating position, a test position and a disconnected position. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the control unit 10 is in the operating position.

[0154] The control unit 130 has the same functions as the control unit 30 of the functional modules 28 and 90 , namely allowing an electrical connection of the electrical load 14 to the control cabinet 10 and controlling and / or monitoring the electrical load.

[0155] Thus, the control unit 130 comprises, in a manner similar to the control unit 30 , a front portion 132 , a rear portion 134 , a transverse wall 136 , a bottom 138 and a cover (not shown).

[0156] In practice, the transverse wall 136 is identical to the transverse wall 36 of the control unit 30. In particular, the control unit 130 comprises a movable transverse contact, a position detector and a locking system, not shown in the figures, identical to those of the control unit 30.

[0157] The control unit 130 further comprises a controlled switch 156 and an electronic analysis device 158 , which function in the same manner as the controlled switch 56 and the electronic analysis device 58 .

[0158] In this example, the height H130 of each control unit 130 is equal to 1U, in other words, equal to the height H30A of the control unit 30A. In practice, the height of the control unit 130 is adapted to the size of the controlled switch 156 and may occupy a height of 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, 5U or 6U.

[0159] In order to ensure electrical protection of the control unit 130 , in particular in the event of a fault (eg a short circuit) of the electrical load 14 connected thereto, the control unit 130 further comprises a protection device 160 .

[0160] The protection device 160 is internal to the control unit 130, in other words, integrated therein. The control units 130 are identical. Therefore, within the functional module 100, all control units 130 contain a protection device 160. In other words, unlike the protection device 60 which protects all control units 30 of the functional module 28 or 90 in a common manner, in the functional module 100, each control unit 130 has its own dedicated electrical protection in the form of a protection device 160. Therefore, each control unit 130 of the functional module 100 is independent.

[0161] The protection device 160 is arranged to switch between an open state, in which the controlled switch 156 is not supplied with power, and a closed state, in which the controlled switch is supplied with power. Thus, the protection device 160 is connected to an input of the controlled switch 156.

[0162] The protection device 160 is of the magnetic type, in other words, it is a magnetic protection device comprising mechanical components configured to cut off the power supply to the controlled switch 156 of the control unit 130 in the event of a short circuit in the electrical load connected to the control unit. These mechanical components are for example electromechanical cutting devices, such as an electromechanical relay comprising an electromagnet equipped with a moving part mechanically connected to a switch allowing cutting off the power supply to the controlled switch 156. In practice, after detecting a short circuit, the magnetic type protection device cuts off the current in a time greater than 5 ms, in other words, the cutting time of the magnetic type protection device is at most ten times longer than that of the hybrid type protection device.

[0163] It can therefore be understood that the functional module 100 does not include a protection device separate from the control unit 130 .

[0164] In order to accommodate the presence of the protection device 160, the main width of the control unit 130, referenced L130 and measured according to the X axis between the two transverse walls 136, is strictly greater than the main width L30 of the control unit 30. In fact, since the control unit 130 comprises the same elements as the control unit 30 and also integrates the protection device 160, its dimensions must be larger so that there is enough space inside the control unit 130 for installing the protection device 160. Therefore, the front part 132 is longer than the front part 32 and the rear part 134 is also longer than the rear part 34. In fact, the front part 132 and the rear part 134 can be lengthened compared to the front part 32 and the rear part 34, since the space occupied by the protection device 60 in the functional modules 28 and 90 is freed in the functional module 100 and can therefore be used for the control unit 130, into which the protection device 160 is integrated.

[0165] In fact, the control unit 130 comprises at its rear part 134 a rear base 142 which is identical to the rear base 42 of the control unit 30. Thus, the rear base 142 carries an electrical input connector 144, an electrical output connector 146, and preferably a vent 148, which functions similarly to the electrical connectors 44 and 46 and the vent 48.

[0166] In the control unit 130 , the input electrical connector 144 is connected to the input of the protection device 160 , and the output electrical connector 146 is connected to the output of the controlled switch 156 .

[0167] Advantageously, the control unit 130 also comprises, at its rear 134, an expansion piece 102 arranged on one side of the rear base 134 according to the longitudinal axis X. The expansion piece 102 is arranged such that the sum of its width L102 and the width L142 of the rear base is equal to the width L130 of the control unit.

[0168] In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, control unit 130 does not include amplifying member 102 and rear base 142 differs from rear base 42 in that its width L142 is increased relative to the width of rear base 42 so as to be equal to width L130.

[0169] At its front part 132 , the control unit 130 further comprises a mechanical switch 166 , which is arranged to be actuated by a user and allows the protection device 160 to be switched between its open and closed states.

[0170] Functional module 100 further comprises a support structure 170. The support structure comprises a bottom 172 and a first transverse wall 174 identical to the bottom 72 and transverse wall 74 of support structure 70, and further comprises a second transverse wall 104 extending parallel to the first transverse wall 174. In particular, a width L172 of bottom 172 is equal to a width L72 of bottom 72.

[0171] The functional module 100 further comprises a first rail and a second rail, preferably six first rails and six second rails, which extend according to a horizontal axis Y and are arranged at Figure 8 100. The first track is similar to the track 76A of the functional module 28, and the second track is similar to the track 76B of the functional module 28. The first track is arranged on the second transverse wall 104 of the support structure 170, and the second track is arranged on the first transverse wall 174 of the support structure 170, so that the second track is arranged facing each first track. Thus, the first and second tracks form pairs of tracks, six pairs of tracks in this example, and allow the control unit 130 to be installed and moved in the functional module 100.

[0172] It will also be appreciated that, compared to the functional modules 28 and 90 , the functional module 100 makes it possible to compensate for the absence of the protection device 60 , the control unit 130 being enlarged and the support structure 170 being completed with the second transverse wall 104 so that the first track can be arranged there.

[0173] Furthermore, the support structure 170 carries electrical connectors 162, which are arranged to be connected to the electrical input connectors 144 of the control unit 130. In practice, the support structure 170 carries a plurality of sets of electrical connectors 162, six in this example, so that each set allows connection to an electrical input connector of a control unit. The electrical connectors 162 are also connected to the busbars 18 of the electrical cabinet 10 by means not shown, such as cables, busbars or suitable connectors.

[0174] Thus, the protection device 160 is powered by the busbar 18 through the electrical connector 162 .

[0175] Functional module 100 also includes a data bus part and as many input / output modules and connection modules as control unit 130, which are not shown in FIG. Figure 8 8 and are identical to the data bus section 80 , the input / output module 82 and the connection module 86 of the functional modules 28 and 90 .

[0176] Thus, only the presence or absence of the protective device 60 , the control unit and parts of the supporting structure of the functional module differ between the functional module 100 on the one hand and the functional module 28 or 90 on the other hand.

[0177] In fact, the dimensions of the functional module 100 are similar to those of the functional modules 28 and 90, so that each module can be installed in all the functional areas 26 of the connection columns 10B and 10C, because all functional areas have the same dimensions. In other words, the height of the functional module 100 is equal to H26, and the depth of the functional module 100 is equal to P26.

[0178] Thus, it is possible to choose within the electrical cabinet 10 how many functional modules comprise a protection device 60 common to all the control units 30 of these functional modules, and how many functional modules comprise a control unit 130 each embedding its own protection device 160 .

[0179] In the example shown, the connection column 10B, 10C comprises up to five functional areas 26, and therefore up to five functional modules, each of which can accommodate between one and six control units 30 or 130, in other words, one connection column comprises up to thirty control units 30 or 130, thus allowing the connection of up to thirty electrical loads 14. The connection column 10B, 10C is modular, in other words, a plurality of functional modules and control units can be installed as required.

[0180] Alternatively, the connection column 10B, 10C may include more than five functional areas and five functional modules, for example if the height of the functional areas and functional modules is reduced, or if the height of the connection column is increased.

[0181] In the case of the functional modules 28 and 90, the control unit 30 does not include the magnetic protection and disconnection functions ensured by the protection device 60. These control units 30 then only incorporate elements for controlling the electrical load 14, namely the controlled switch 56, and the evaluation electronics, namely the electronic board 58. The control unit 30 is therefore also referred to as an “electronic unit”.

[0182] In the case of the functional module 100 , the control unit 130 also incorporates magnetic protection and disconnection functions ensured by the incorporated protection device 160 and is therefore also referred to as an “electromechanical unit”, since the protection device 160 operates mechanically.

[0183] Having electronic and electromechanical units in the same control cabinet 10 is advantageous because these two types of units do not have the same advantages and disadvantages.

[0184] In particular, an electronic unit combined with a hybrid protection device has the advantage of being particularly effective in ensuring the reliable operation of the electrical loads connected thereto. In fact, the very short disconnection times of the hybrid protection device eliminate the risk of damaging the electronic units, in particular their controlled switches and the electrical loads. However, hybrid protection devices are generally expensive. Therefore, an electronic unit combined with a hybrid protection device is preferably used to supply power to and protect electrical loads, which are themselves expensive or whose correct operation is crucial in order to reduce the risk of electrical load failure. In addition, it is particularly advantageous to commonize the protection of the hybrid protection device to a plurality of control units, in this example, up to six units, in order to reduce the protection costs per unit.

[0185] Electromechanical units, in contrast, have the advantage of being cheaper to manufacture, but the tripping time of magnetic type protection devices 160 means that these protection devices provide less protection than hybrid type protection devices. Electromechanical units are therefore preferably used to supply and protect low cost electrical loads or loads whose correct operation is not critical.

[0186] Due to the modularity of the electrical cabinet 10 , the number of electromechanical and electronic units installed in the functional area 26 is easily adjusted according to the precise requirements of the electrical installation in which the electrical cabinet is integrated, in particular the number and type of electrical loads 14 .

[0187] Furthermore, the functional modules 28, 90 on the one hand and the functional module 100 on the other hand share a large number of identical components, namely the base and the first transverse wall of the support structure, the data bus part and the input / output and connection modules. This common use of identical parts is particularly advantageous for reducing the manufacturing costs of the functional modules and therefore the manufacturing costs of the control cabinet 10.

[0188] Similarly, the control unit 30 and the control unit 130 also use a large number of identical components, namely their base, their transverse walls, the various systems carried by their transverse walls, such as movable transverse contacts, position detectors and locking systems, and preferably, their electronic cards and their controlled switches. This use of identical components is particularly advantageous for reducing the manufacturing costs of the control unit, and therefore the manufacturing costs of the electrical cabinet 10.

[0189] In an alternative of the invention not shown, the functional modules 28, 90 and / or 100 do not comprise a connection module. In this alternative, the connection of the electrical load 14 to the control unit 30, 130 takes place directly at the control unit, for example using a cable.

[0190] In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the functional modules 28, 90 and / or 100 comprise neither an input / output module nor a data bus section. In this alternative embodiment, the connection between the control unit 30, 130 on the one hand and the communication module 22 and the electrical load 14 on the other hand, for data exchange and / or auxiliary voltage supply, is performed directly at the control unit via a cable.

[0191] In an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the functional modules 28 , 90 and / or 100 do not include a supporting structure 70 , 170 , and other elements of the functional modules, such as rails, hybrid protection devices, data bus parts and input / output and connection modules, are fixed directly to the frame of the electrical cabinet 10 .

[0192] In an alternative of the invention (not shown), the electrical cabinet 10 does not comprise functional modules and the electronic or electromechanical units associated with the hybrid protection device are mounted directly in the functional zones 26 , each receiving an electronic or electromechanical unit.

[0193] To the extent technically feasible, any feature described above with respect to one embodiment or alternative may be implemented with respect to other embodiments and alternatives described above.

Claims

1. An electrical connection cabinet (10), the electrical cabinet being configured to supply power to at least two electrical loads (14) and control the electrical loads, characterized in that: The electrical cabinet (10) comprises a plurality of control units (30, 130), the control units being selected from: o electromechanical units (130), each configured to supply power to an electrical load (14) and to control the electrical load, and comprising an electronic analysis device (158), a controlled switch (156) configured to allow or interrupt the supply of power to the electrical load, and a magnetic type protection device (160) configured to protect the electromechanical unit and the electrical load from electrical faults, and o electronic units (30), each configured to supply power to and control an electrical load (14) and comprising an electronic analysis device (58), a controlled switch (56) configured to allow or interrupt the supply of power to said electrical load, and no magnetic type protection device, - The electrical cabinet (10) comprises at least two functional areas (26), wherein: o the first functional area accommodates at least one electromechanical unit (130), and o the second functional area accommodates at least two electronic units (30) and a common protection device (60) configured to protect all electronic units (30) in the second functional area and the electrical loads connected thereto from electrical faults, the common protection device being separate from the electronic units, - Furthermore, said first functional area is suitable for housing at least two electronic units and a common protection device, and - Furthermore, said second functional area is suitable for housing at least one electromechanical unit.

2. An electrical connection cabinet (10) according to claim 1, wherein the width (L130) of each electromechanical unit (130) is strictly greater than the width (L30) of each electronic unit (30), the width (L130, L30) being measured between two transverse walls (36, 136) of the control unit (30, 130), and wherein, In the second functional area, the common protection device (60) extends over the entire height (H26) of the second functional area and is arranged on one side of the electronic unit (30) according to the longitudinal axis (X) of the control cabinet (10).

3. The electrical connection cabinet (10) according to claim 2, wherein: - each control unit (30, 130) comprises a rear base (42, 142) carrying an electrical input connector (44, 144) configured to supply electrical power to the control unit when the control unit is installed in the electrical cabinet (10) and an electrical output connector (46, 146) configured to supply electrical power to an electrical load (14) connected to the control unit when the control unit is installed in the electrical cabinet, - the rear base (142) of the electromechanical unit (130) is identical to the rear base (42) of the electronic unit (30), - the width (L42, L142) of the rear base (42, 142) is the same as the width (L30) of the electronic unit (30), and -Preferably, each electromechanical unit (130) further comprises an expansion piece (102) arranged on one side of a rear base (142) of the electromechanical unit, such that the sum of a width (L142) of the rear base and a width (L102) of the expansion piece is equal to a width (L130) of the electromechanical unit (130).

4. The electrical connection cabinet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each control unit (30, 130) is a control drawer, which can be moved between three main positions in the first or second functional area (26): - an operating position of a control drawer, wherein the control drawer is configured to be connected to the electrical load (14), and wherein the control drawer is connected to a communication module (22) of the control cabinet (10), a test position of a control drawer, wherein the control drawer is configured not to be connected to the electrical load and wherein the control drawer is connected to the communication module, and - an off position of the control drawer, wherein the control drawer is configured not to be connected to the electrical load and wherein the control drawer is not connected to the communication module.

5. An electrical connection cabinet (10) according to claim 4, wherein each control drawer (30, 130) includes a transverse wall (36) carrying a movable transverse contact (50), the movable transverse contact being configured to allow data exchange between the control drawer and the communication module (22), the movable transverse contact being fixed relative to the communication module when the control drawer is moved between its operating position and its test position, and wherein the transverse walls and the movable transverse contacts of the electromechanical unit (130) on the one hand and of the electronic unit (30) on the other hand are identical.

6. The electrical connection cabinet (10) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein each control drawer (30, 130) comprises: a position detector (52) configured to detect whether the control drawer is in the operating position, the test position or the disconnected position; and a locking system (54) configured to lock the control drawer in the operating position or the test position, wherein the position detectors and locking mechanisms of the electromechanical unit (130) on the one hand and the electronic unit (30) on the other hand are identical.

7. An electrical connection cabinet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the magnetic protection device (160) of each electromechanical unit (130) includes an electromechanical relay, which is configured to cut off the power supply to the controlled switch (156) of the electromechanical unit in the event of a short circuit in the electrical load (14) connected to the electromechanical unit, and the cut-off occurs within a time greater than 5ms.

8. The electrical connection cabinet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the common protection device (60) of the second functional area (26) is of a mixed type and comprises: a semiconductor configured to detect a short circuit occurring at an electrical load (14) connected to one of the electronic units (30) of the second functional area or at one of the electronic units, and An electromechanical protection element configured to cut off the power supply to the electronic unit of said second functional area, said cut-off occurring within a time less than 500 μs after the detection of a short circuit.

9. An electrical connection cabinet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the front part (132) of each electromechanical unit (130) comprises a mechanical switch (166), the mechanical switch (166) controlling the switching between the open state and the closed state of the magnetic type protection device (160) of the electromechanical unit, the mechanical switch (166) being configured to be actuated by a user, and wherein, The front face (68) of the common protection device (60) includes a mechanical switch (66) which controls switching between an open state and a closed state of the common protection device, and the mechanical switch (66) is configured to be actuated by a user.

10. The electrical connection cabinet (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrical connection cabinet (10) comprises at least two functional modules (28, 90, 100), each functional module comprising: - at least one electromechanical unit (130), or at least two electronic units (30), - if the functional module comprises an electronic unit (30), a common protection device (60), - a data bus section (80) connected to all control units of said functional modules, - connection modules (86), as many as the control units, each connection module being configured to connect an electrical load (14) to the control unit, - as many input / output modules (82) as control units, each of which is configured to connect the data bus portion to a control unit and to an electrical load connected to the control unit and to allow the exchange of operating data between the electrical load on the one hand and the control unit and the data bus portion on the other hand, and a supporting structure (70, 170) to which each control unit, the data bus section, each connection module, each input / output module and, if applicable, the common protection device are fastened, Each functional area (26) contains a functional module. wherein the data bus parts of all functional modules are connected to each other and to the communication module (22) of the electrical cabinet (10), and The data bus parts, connection modules and input / output modules of a functional module (100) comprising one or more electromechanical units (130) on the one hand and a functional module (28, 90) comprising one or more electronic units (30) on the other hand are identical.

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