Power distribution device, outlet module, power distribution assembly, electrical panel and positioning method

Abstract

The power distribution device configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load comprises a power bus through which electrical energy is transmitted and which is configured to accommodate at least two outlet modules, each outlet module being intended to be connected to the power bus and to a respective electrical load. The power distribution device comprises a transmission bus (150) defining a plurality of mounting areas (154) for each outlet module, each mounting area being associated with a unique position along the main axis (A110). For each installation area, the transmission bus includes an identification circuit (160) configured to send, to each egress module, information relating to the location of the installation area in which the egress module is installed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a power distribution device, an outlet module configured to be connected to such a power distribution device, a power distribution assembly including such a power distribution device, and an electrical panel including such a power distribution assembly. The invention also relates to a positioning method. Background Technology

[0002] A power distribution assembly is used to supply electrical energy to one or more electrical loads, where the electrical energy is supplied by a power source. In this context, the focus is on modular power distribution assemblies, i.e., assemblies that can be configured as needed, particularly according to the number or nature of the electrical loads (especially single-phase or multi-phase). Therefore, a power distribution assembly includes a distribution unit comprising a power bus on which one or more outlet modules can be reversibly mounted. Each outlet module is then connected to a corresponding electrical load.

[0003] The power distribution unit includes a transmission bus that allows information to be transmitted to the output modules and / or the electrical energy required for their operation. For operational and / or maintenance purposes, it is necessary to know the location of the output modules installed on the power distribution unit. For example, the output modules may include differential current sensors and be remotely configurable.

[0004] It is known that communication protocols that allow dynamic addressing are used when installing export modules. However, these protocols require the use of bit-sensitive, relatively complex, and long messages, meaning that export modules must be equipped with dedicated communication modules, which are bulky and energy-intensive. Furthermore, the use of such protocols is difficult to securely implement in sensitive applications related to personal security.

[0005] More specifically, the present invention aims to overcome these problems by proposing a power distribution device that is both simple and reliable, while allowing the location of the outlet module to be identified when the outlet module is installed on the power distribution device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a power distribution device configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power source including a neutral line and at least one phase line, the power distribution device comprising:

[0007] - Power bus, which includes multiple buses;

[0008] • Multiple buses include a neutral bar and at least one phase bar, as well as an optional neutral bar, wherein the neutral bar is associated with the neutral line of the power supply, and each phase bar is associated with a phase of the power supply.

[0009] • Multiple buses extend parallel to each other along the main axis of the power distribution unit and are aligned along a height axis orthogonal to the main axis;

[0010] in:

[0011] - The power bus is configured to accommodate at least two output modules, wherein each output module includes:

[0012] • An inlet terminal block reversibly connectable to a busbar and including inlet terminals, wherein each inlet terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar; and

[0013] • An outlet terminal block configured to be connected to an electrical load and including outlet terminals, wherein each outlet terminal is associated with a corresponding inlet terminal;

[0014] - The power distribution unit also includes a transmission bus, which includes:

[0015] • The body is made of an electrically insulating material and has an elongated shape that extends along the power bus and defines multiple mounting areas for each outlet module, wherein the mounting areas are distributed along the main axis and each mounting area is associated with a unique location along the main axis;

[0016] • At least two transmission lines extend along the body and are configured to be electrically connected to each output module when the output module is connected to the power bus near one of the installation areas in the installation area, wherein the output module is located at an installation position on the power distribution unit;

[0017] - The transmission bus includes a position identification circuit configured to send information about the position of the mounting area on which the export module is mounted along the main axis to the export module in the mounting configuration.

[0018] With the help of this invention, when the outlet module is installed on a power distribution unit, its location along the power distribution unit can be determined immediately and definitively by means of an easily manufactured and reliable identification circuit. This avoids the use of more complex protocols that require bulky and / or energy-consuming components.

[0019] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, such a power distribution device may combine one or more of the following features individually or according to any technically permissible combination:

[0020] - For each installation area, the identification circuit includes an identification component selected from a resistor, inductor, Zener diode, voltage reference, or capacitor, such that when the output module is in the installation configuration and is supplied with power, the output module applies a first electrical quantity across the terminals of the identification component and measures a second electrical quantity characteristic of the identification component, wherein the second electrical quantity characteristic is explicitly linked to a unique location in the installation area under consideration.

[0021] - For each installation area, the identification component is a resistor;

[0022] - Each resistor has its own resistance value, which is expressed in ohms and changes gradually as it moves along the main axis;

[0023] -The installation area is evenly distributed along the main axis;

[0024] - The transmission bus includes multiple mounting areas, such as fifteen mounting areas, which are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals (e.g., multiples of 9 mm).

[0025] The present invention also relates to an output module configured to be commonly connected to the power distribution device as defined above, the output module comprising:

[0026] - An entry terminal block, reversibly connectable to the power bus and including entry terminals, wherein each entry terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar; and

[0027] - An outlet terminal block configured to connect to an electrical load and including outlet terminals, wherein each outlet terminal is associated with a corresponding inlet terminal; and

[0028] - Transmission terminal block, which includes:

[0029] • A transmission terminal configured to connect to the transmission bus for electrical connection to the transmission line; and

[0030] • Positioning terminals, configured to be electrically connected to an identification circuit associated with the installation area under consideration.

[0031] Advantageously, the export module also includes a microcontroller configured such that when the export module is in a configuration in which it is mounted on one of the installation areas and supplied with power, the export module applies a first electrical quantity across the terminals of the identification component by means of the microcontroller and measures a second electrical quantity characteristic of the identification component, wherein the second electrical quantity characteristic is explicitly linked to a unique location in the installation area under consideration.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a power distribution assembly, comprising:

[0033] - The power distribution equipment as defined above; and

[0034] - A copy of the export module as defined above; and / or

[0035] - Main module, configured to be installed on the power distribution unit and including:

[0036] • Input terminals, wherein each input terminal is configured to be connected to a corresponding phase and optionally to the neutral line of the power supply;

[0037] • Output terminals configured to connect to the busbar, wherein each output terminal is associated with a corresponding busbar and a corresponding input terminal;

[0038] in:

[0039] - The transmission bus also includes a connection area for connecting to an additional terminal block of the main module at the installation location, so that the main module is electrically connected to the transmission line;

[0040] - The main module is configured to receive information about the position of the installation area along the main axis via a transmission line and for each output module in the installation position, wherein the output module in question is installed in the installation area.

[0041] - The export module and / or main module are each in their respective configurations installed on the power distribution unit.

[0042] The present invention also relates to an electrical panel, comprising:

[0043] - A box, which defines an outer shell and has a base;

[0044] - Power distribution components as defined above;

[0045] The power distribution assembly is fixed to the base of the box.

[0046] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for positioning an outlet module installed on a power distribution device, the positioning method comprising:

[0047] - Provide the power distribution equipment and output modules as specified above;

[0048] - Install the export module on one of the installation areas, such that:

[0049] • The transmission terminal block is electrically connected to the transmission bus to supply power to the microcontroller of the output module;

[0050] • The transmission terminal block is electrically connected to the identification circuit;

[0051] -Then, use the powered microcontroller:

[0052] • A first electrical charge is applied across the terminals of the identification component via the transmission terminal block, and a second electrical charge characteristic of the identification component is measured; then

[0053] • Using a mapping table pre-stored in the microcontroller's memory, the unique location along the transmission bus of the mounting area on which the output module is mounted is derived, explicitly linking the interval of the second characteristic electrical quantity to the unique location along the transmission bus.

[0054] This method provides the same advantages as those mentioned above regarding the power distribution device of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Based on the principles of the invention provided only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention will be better understood from the following description of embodiments of a power distribution device, an outlet module, a power distribution component, an electrical panel, and a positioning method, and further advantages of the invention will become more apparent, wherein:

[0056] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an electrical panel according to the invention, which includes power distribution components also according to the invention;

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective view of the power distribution components;

[0058] Figure 3 The illustrations are shown in two figures, a) and b) respectively. Figure 1 A perspective view of the power distribution components, some of which are hidden, and a perspective view of the power distribution component's transmission bus.

[0059] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective view of the power distribution components, with some parts hidden;

[0060] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the power distribution components; and

[0061] Figure 6 The illustrations a) and b) show the view from two relative angles. Figure 3 It is part of the transmission bus. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Figure 1 An electrical panel 10 according to the invention is shown. The electrical panel 10 includes a housing 12 that defines a housing V12 and has a base 14. The base 14 is generally in a plane orthogonal to the depth axis A14. The housing V12 is advantageously closed by a door (not shown).

[0063] Electrical panel 10 includes a power distribution assembly 100. The power distribution assembly 100 is fixed to a base 14 of box 12. The power distribution assembly 100 is configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load. In the example shown, the power source is a three-phase source, including a neutral line and three phases. In a variant not shown, the power source is single-phase, including a neutral line and a single phase. According to another variant, the power source includes three phases and no neutral line.

[0064] The power supply and electrical load not shown are not part of this invention, but are used to explain the operational context.

[0065] The power distribution assembly 100 includes a power distribution device 110, a main module 200, and at least one outlet module 300. The power distribution assembly 100 is fixed to the base 14 via the power distribution device 110. The main module 200 is preferably reversibly assembled onto the power distribution device 110. In this case, there are seven outlet modules, each of which is reversibly assembled onto the power distribution device 110 at the mounting position of the socket device 300. For this purpose, each outlet module 300 includes mechanical mounting devices configured to engage with complementary devices of the power distribution device 110 to hold the outlet module 300 in the mounting position. The mechanical devices and complementary devices are not described in this specification.

[0066] Therefore, in the event of a failure of the main module 200, the main module 200 can be replaced as needed, while retaining other components of the power distribution assembly 100, the power distribution device 110, and one or more outlet modules 300, which is economical. Similarly, one or more of the outlet modules 300 can be replaced as needed, for example, in the event of a failure, while retaining other components, the power distribution device 110, and the main module 200, which is also economical.

[0067] The power distribution unit 110 has an elongated shape extending along the main axis A110. When the power distribution unit 100 is in normal operating configuration, the main axis A110 is parallel to the base 14, in other words, orthogonal to the depth axis A14. Preferably, the main axis A110 is horizontal, as... Figure 1 As shown. The height axis H110 is defined as an axis orthogonal to both the depth axis A14 and the main axis A110. As shown, a description of the orientation of various components is provided; it should be understood that this may differ in reality.

[0068] exist Figure 1 In the example, the main module 200 is located to the left of the power distribution component 100, and the outlet module 300 is located to the right of the main module 200.

[0069] When the power distribution assembly 100 is fixed to the base 14, the rear portion 112 of the power distribution device 110 is oriented opposite to the base 14; in other words, it is oriented toward the rear of the power distribution assembly 100. The rearward direction is therefore parallel to the depth axis A14. The forward direction is also defined as the direction opposite to the rearward direction.

[0070] Therefore, the power distribution unit 110 has a mounting surface 114, which is generally oriented forward and is configured for mounting the main module 200 and each outlet module 300.

[0071] The rear portion 112 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a synthetic polymer. The rear portion 112 in this case has a generally rectangular shape, with its maximum dimension extending parallel to the main axis A110. The shorter side of the rectangle is therefore parallel to the height axis H110. In this case, the distribution unit 110 includes two flanges 116 made of an electrically insulating material. The two flanges 116 are assembled on the shorter side of the rear portion 112 to form a basket shape.

[0072] In this configuration, the power distribution unit 110 includes an insulating wall 118 made of an electrically insulating material and assembled onto the rear portion 112 and the flange 116 to form a cavity V110, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0073] In the example shown, the power distribution unit 110 advantageously includes a cooling device 400 housed within cavity V110 and provided to dissipate some of the heat generated by the main module 200 during operation of the power distribution assembly 100. Thus, the cooling device 400 is located on the rear side of the insulating wall 118, and on the front side of the insulating wall 118, with the front and rear sides oriented opposite each other. The insulating wall 118 has a recess 120 designed to accommodate a plurality of busbars 122, in this case four busbars 122. The busbars 122 together form the power bus 124 of the power distribution unit 110, and extend to form the power bus 124 of the power distribution assembly 100. Therefore, the power distribution unit 110 is a power distribution device. The rear portion 112 is preferably perforated to facilitate convective cooling of the cooling device 400. The power distribution unit 110 thus forms a cage surrounding the cooling device 400.

[0074] Busbars 122 extend parallel to each other along the main axis A110 of the power distribution assembly 100 and are aligned along the height axis H100. Together, the busbars 122 define a connecting plane P124, which is orthogonal to the depth axis A14, in other words, parallel to the height axis H110 and the main axis A110. Mounting surface 114 is substantially parallel to the connecting plane P124.

[0075] The cooling device 400 includes a contact plate 410, a heat sink 420, and at least one heat pipe 430. The contact plate 410 is designed to capture some of the heat released by the main module 200, the heat sink 420 is designed to dissipate the heat into the ambient air, and the at least one heat pipe 430 is, in this case, three heat pipes. The heat pipes 430 connect the contact plate 410 to the heat sink 420 and are configured to transfer some of the heat captured by the contact plate 410 to the heat sink 420.

[0076] Busbar 122 includes at least one phase bar and optionally a neutral bar, wherein the neutral bar is associated with the neutral line of the power supply, and each phase bar is associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply. In the example shown, power bus 124 includes four busbars 122, wherein the power supply is a three-phase power supply with a neutral line. In this case, the power distribution assembly 100 is in a configuration referred to as “3P+N” or simply 3PN.

[0077] In a variant not shown, the power supply is three-phase, with or without a neutral line, and the distribution assembly does not include a busbar associated with the neutral line. In other words, the distribution assembly consists of only three phase bars, each associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply. The distribution assembly is then in a "3P" configuration.

[0078] Regardless of the number of phases in the power supply, the principles of this invention are transferable. According to another variation (not shown), the power supply is single-phase, i.e., it consists only of a neutral line and a single phase. The busbars then consist of a single-phase busbar and a neutral busbar. The distribution assembly is then in a configuration called P+N or simply PN. Regardless of the configuration, there are always several busbars, each consisting of at least one phase busbar and an optional neutral busbar.

[0079] Now will be of particular reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Describe the main module 200. Figure 5 A single-phase circuit is shown, which illustrates three phases according to known convention, as three parallel lines across the circuit.

[0080] The main module 200 includes input terminals 202 and output terminals 204. The input terminals 202 are configured to connect to the neutral line and each phase of the power supply, and the output terminals 204 are configured to connect to busbars. Each output terminal is associated with a corresponding busbar and a corresponding input terminal. In this case, the input terminals 202 are screw terminals. Advantageously, the output terminals 204 are clips, each designed to reversibly connect to a corresponding busbar 122 following a connection movement oriented towards the rear of the distribution assembly 100. Therefore, during the movement of connecting the output terminals 204 to the busbar 122, the rear of the main module 200 abuts against the contact surface 412.

[0081] For each input terminal 202, the main module includes a corresponding input line 203 connected to the corresponding input terminal 202 and an output line 205 connected to the associated output terminal 204.

[0082] The main module 200 includes a static switching device 210 that can switch between an on configuration and an off configuration. In the on configuration, each input terminal 202 associated with a power supply is electrically connected to an associated output terminal 204, wherein the main module 200 is in the on configuration. In the off configuration, current is prevented from flowing between the input terminals 202 and the associated output terminals 204, wherein the main module 200 is in the off configuration.

[0083] The static switching device 210 is a power switch based on semiconductor components, preferably insulated-gate field-effect transistors or MOSFETs, and is therefore referred to as "static" in contrast to a moving-contact switching device. The static shut-off device 210 is connected in series between the input line 203 and the associated output line 205. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0084] During operation, the switching device 210 releases heat in the order of tens of watts. The switching device 210 is advantageously arranged to facilitate the transfer of at least some of the released heat to the cooling device 400.

[0085] Specifically, the switching device 210 is advantageously arranged against the rear wall 231 of the main module 200, preferably in surface contact with the rear wall 231. The rear wall 231 forms a rear surface 230, which is oriented relative to the switching device 210. Therefore, when the main module 200 is mounted on the power distribution unit 110, the rear wall 231 is positioned between the switching device 210 and the contact plate 410, allowing some of the heat generated by the switching device 210 during operation to be transferred to the contact plate 410 through the rear wall.

[0086] The rear wall 231 is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material. In the example shown, the rear wall 231 is formed by assembling an electrically insulating plate made of a synthetic polymer material and a copper plate, which imparts rigidity to the component while promoting thermal conductivity. The copper plate forms the rear 230 and abuts the contact plate 410 when the main module 200 is mounted on the power distribution unit 110.

[0087] The main module 200 includes a main detection device 212 configured to measure the electrical quantity at the output terminal and detect electrical faults based on the measured values. In this case, the main detection device 212 is represented by a measurement loop, which is arranged on the output line 205. Preferably, the main detection device 212 includes a differential current detection device.

[0088] The main module 200 is configured to switch from an on configuration to an off configuration when the main detection device 212 detects a first electrical fault.

[0089] The main module 200 includes a control unit 214 or ECU (electronic control unit) configured to control the static shut-off device 210, that is, to switch the static shut-off device 210 between an on configuration and a shut-off configuration. The control unit 214 is also configured to analyze the values ​​measured by the main detection device 212 and determine the presence of a predetermined type of electrical fault based on predetermined criteria corresponding to a predetermined type of electrical fault. Figure 5 The illustration schematically shows the use of a predefined standard through the presence of a "main" filter 222, which is inserted between the main detection device 212 and the control unit 214. Several types of differential faults exist, specifically defined in the standard IEC 60755:2017. In particular, the types of electrical faults include the fact that the electrical signal is rectified, the signal includes high-frequency components, and the rated value is, for example, 30mA or 300mA. It should be understood that the main filter 222 defines the standard for detecting electrical faults by the control unit 214 of the main module 200. Preferably, the main filter 222 defines the standard for detecting a predetermined type of differential fault, wherein the preferred predetermined faults are selected from the faults defined in the standard IEC 60755:2017.

[0090] The cut-off time ΔC is defined as the time interval between the detection of an electrical fault and the transition to the cut-off configuration. Therefore, the cut-off time ΔC includes the time required to analyze the measurements performed by the main detection device, the time required to send an open command to the static cut-off device 210, and the cut-off time of the static cut-off device 210 once the open command has been sent. Typically, the cut-off time of the static cut-off device 210 depends on the structure of the static cut-off device and is less than 1 microsecond (μs). Thus, the cut-off time ΔC is essentially linked to the operation of the control unit 210. Typically, the cut-off time ΔC is on the order of microseconds or tens of microseconds, for example, ranging from 5 μs to 500 μs.

[0091] Preferably, for each input terminal 202, the main module 202 also includes a universal disconnect device 216, which is a disconnect device with separable contacts, in this case, an isolator. The universal disconnect device 216 is controlled by an electronic control unit 214 and allows for electrical disconnection of the power supply from the distribution unit 100, for example, in the event of a failure of the static disconnect device 210. The universal disconnect device 216 is located between each input terminal 202 and the static switching device 210.

[0092] Advantageously, the power distribution unit 110, and further comprising the transmission bus 150 via the extension power distribution assembly 100, is also included. Figure 3 Shown separately in b) and Figure 6The transmission bus 150, shown in a larger scale in the middle section, is provided in this case for supplying energy to each outlet module 300 in its installed position (i.e., connected to bus 122). Therefore, in this case, the transmission bus 150 is an energy transmission bus, in other words, a power supply bus, which is separate from the power bus 124. According to the illustrative example, the transmission bus 150 operates at a voltage of tens of volts (e.g., 50V DC), while the power bus 124 operates at a voltage of 400V (three-phase AC). In this case, the transmission bus 150 is a separate component that is assembled into the rest of the power distribution unit 110. Therefore, the transmission bus 150 is easy to manufacture and easy to replace if needed.

[0093] The transmission bus 150 includes a body 152, which is made of an electrically insulating material and has an elongated shape extending along the power bus 124. The transmission bus 150 thus extends along the main axis A110.

[0094] The transmission bus 150 defines a plurality of mounting areas 154, which are designed to connect to each outlet module at a mounting location. The mounting areas 154 are preferably evenly distributed along the main axis A110, and each mounting area 154 is associated with a unique location along the main axis A110. The transmission bus 150 includes a plurality of mounting areas 154, preferably fifteen, which are spaced apart from each other at constant intervals. In this case, the mounting areas 154 are spaced apart by 18 mm. Of course, other intervals are also possible. In a variation not shown, the mounting areas 154 are spaced apart by 9 mm. Typically, the mounting areas 154 are spaced apart at regular intervals, preferably integer multiples of 9 mm.

[0095] The transmission bus 150 includes at least two transmission lines 156 that extend along the body 152 and are configured to be electrically connected to each outlet module 300 at the mounting location. In this case, the transmission lines 156 are power lines.

[0096] The transmission bus 150 also includes a connection area 158 designed for connecting the main module 200 to a mounting location on the power distribution unit 110. For example, the main module 200 includes an additional terminal block 250 configured to engage with the connection area 158, thereby electrically connecting the main module to the transmission line 156. In a preferred example shown, the main module 200 draws the electrical energy required to power the transmission bus 150 from the neutral and phase lines of the power supply between the static disconnect device 210 and the general disconnect device 216, wherein the electrical energy thus supplied can be used by the output module 300 for its operation.

[0097] In this case, the transmission bus 150 is implemented by a printed circuit board, wherein the transmission line 156 is a conductive trace disposed on the surface of the board, and the mounting area 154 and the connection area 158 are tabs disposed in the substrate of the board.

[0098] Each outlet module 300 in its installation position occupies one or more juxtaposed installation areas 154, preventing other outlet modules 300 from being installed on the one or more such occupied installation areas 154. Preferably, an outlet module 300 intended for connecting a single-phase electrical load occupies a single installation area 154, while an outlet module 300 intended for connecting a three-phase electrical load occupies three juxtaposed installation areas 154. Thus, the position of each outlet module 300 along the power distribution unit 110 is clearly defined by the one or more installation areas 154 occupied by the outlet module 300 in question. Preferably, when an outlet module 300 occupies multiple juxtaposed installation areas 154, its position along the power distribution unit 110 is defined by the position of the installation area 154 so closely adjacent to the connection area 158.

[0099] The export module 300 will now be described.

[0100] Therefore, each exit module 300 includes an inlet terminal block reversibly connectable to busbar 122 and includes at least two inlet terminals 302, each configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar 122. For each exit module 300, the inlet terminal 302 includes a neutral inlet terminal configured to be electrically connected to a neutral bar, and between one and three other inlet terminals, each inlet terminal is configured to be connected to a corresponding phase bar. Each exit module 300 is configured to be reversibly mounted on the power bus 114 such that each inlet terminal 302 is electrically connected to a corresponding busbar 122.

[0101] Each outlet module 300 also includes an outlet terminal block configured to connect to an electrical load and including outlet terminals 304, wherein each outlet terminal 304 is associated with a corresponding inlet terminal 302. The outlet terminals 304 are located in... Figure 5 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0102] In the example shown, the outlet module 300 has a different width, which is measured along the main axis A110. Therefore, the outlet module 300 is divided into two subgroups corresponding to two different widths: a thin outlet module 300 and a wide outlet module 300, the wide outlet module 300 being approximately three times wider than the thin outlet module 300. Of course, other widths of the outlet module 300 can be considered. The width of the outlet module 300 is preferably a multiple of the spacing between each mounting area 154 of the transmission bus 150, i.e., 18 mm in this case. In a variant not shown, the outlet module 300 has a width that is a multiple of 9 mm.

[0103] The thinnest outlet module 300 is configured to connect to two busbars 122, including a neutral bar and a phase bar, while the wide outlet module 300 is configured to connect to four busbars 122. The principles of the invention apply regardless of the number of phases connected to each of the outlet modules 300.

[0104] Preferably, the power distribution unit 110 is designed to accommodate five outlet modules 300, each outlet module including four inlet terminals; in other words, five wide outlet modules 300. According to an example not shown, the power distribution assembly 100 includes five outlet modules 300, each outlet module including four inlet terminals 302. By extension, the power distribution unit 110 is also designed to accommodate fifteen thin outlet modules 300, each thin outlet module including two inlet terminals 302.

[0105] Each of the busbars 122 includes:

[0106] - Power supply section 126, configured to be connected to the associated output terminal 204 of main module 200 in the main module mounting configuration; and

[0107] - A connection portion 128 extends from the same side of the power supply portion 126. The connection portion 128 is geometrically located on the front side of the connection plane P124 and together defines the connection area of ​​the power bus 124.

[0108] Figure 4 Only the power supply portion 126 of busbar 122 is shown, while the connection portion 128 is hidden. The connection area is configured to accommodate at least one output module 300, such that the output module is connected to the power bus 129. The output module 300 can then be connected to an electrical load to supply power to the electrical load.

[0109] Each outlet module 300 includes an electromechanical switching device 310 located between each inlet terminal 302 and a corresponding outlet terminal 304. The electromechanical switching device 310 includes a separable contact movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, each inlet terminal 302 is electrically connected to the associated outlet terminal 304, wherein the associated outlet module 300 is in a closed configuration. In the open position, current flow between the inlet terminal 302 and the associated outlet terminal 304 is blocked, wherein the associated outlet module 300 is in an open configuration.

[0110] Each output module 300 includes a secondary detection device 312 configured to measure electrical quantity across the corresponding output terminal and detect at least one electrical fault of a predetermined type (i.e., corresponding to a predetermined detection criterion). In this case, the secondary detection device 312 is represented by a measurement circuit arranged on the wire connecting the input terminal 302 to the output terminal 304.

[0111] Preferably, the secondary detection device 312 includes a differential current detection device. Preferably, the output module 300 includes a microcontroller 320 configured to evaluate differential current measurements using a "secondary" filter 322, wherein the secondary filter 322 is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320 of the output module 300 and is adapted to detect differential faults.

[0112] The microcontroller 320 is powered via a transmission bus 150. For this purpose, each output module 300 includes a transmission terminal block 350, which includes transmission terminals (not shown). The transmission terminal block 350 is configured to connect to the transmission bus 150 such that each transmission terminal is electrically connected to a corresponding transmission line 156. Therefore, in this case, the transmission terminal block 350 is a power terminal block. The transmission terminals are different from the inlet terminal 302 or the outlet terminal 304. Thus, each output module 300 in its mounting location on the power distribution unit 110 is commonly connected to the power bus 124 via the inlet terminal 302 and commonly connected to the transmission bus 150 via the transmission terminals. Figure 5 The transmission terminal block 350 is schematically shown in the figure.

[0113] It should be understood that the secondary filter 322 defines the criteria for detecting electrical faults detected by the microcontroller 320 of the output module 300. Preferably, the secondary filter 322 defines the detection criteria for a predetermined type of differential fault, selected from faults defined in standard IEC 60755:2017.

[0114] Each microcontroller 320 is supplied with operating power via the transmission bus 150, regardless of the configuration of the switching mechanism (in this case, the electromechanical disconnect device 310) of the output module 300, i.e., activation or tripping.

[0115] In this configuration, each outlet module 300 includes an actuator 324 configured to move the electromechanical disconnect device 310 to the disconnect position when the actuator receives a trip signal, wherein the microcontroller 320 is configured to send a trip signal to the actuator 324 when a differential fault is detected.

[0116] Each output module 300 is configured to switch from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the secondary detection device 312 detects an electrical fault.

[0117] The disconnection time ΔO is defined as the time interval between the moment an electrical fault is detected and the moment when the separable contact of the electromechanical disconnect device 310 begins to move from the closed position to the open position. In the example shown, the disconnection time includes the time it takes for the microcontroller 320 to process the measured value and the time it takes for the microcontroller 320 to send a disconnection command to the actuator 324. Typically, the disconnection time ΔO is in the millisecond range, for example, from 1 ms to 9 ms.

[0118] In the minimum configuration of the power distribution assembly 100, the power distribution assembly includes a power distribution unit 110, a main module 200, and a single output module 300 mounted on the power distribution unit 110. It is assumed that the power distribution assembly 100 is connected to a power source via input terminal 204, and the electrical load is connected to output terminal 304.

[0119] In normal operating configuration, the main module 200 is initially in the ON configuration, while the output module 300 is initially in the OFF configuration. Therefore, each input terminal 304 is electrically connected to its corresponding output terminal 204 via an associated busbar 122. In the event of an electrical fault, such as an electrical load failure, the fault can be detected by the main module 200 using the main detection device 212, and by the output module 300 using the secondary detection device 312.

[0120] In other words, the electrical fault detection criteria used by the main module 200 are the same as those used by the considered output module 300. In the example shown, the detection criteria are defined by detection filters, in this case, a main filter 222 for the main module 200 and a secondary filter 322 for the output module 300. Assuming they functionally define the same detection criteria—that is, the main filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 are functionally identical—the main module 200 and the output module 300 are configured to detect electrical faults according to the same criteria.

[0121] The power distribution assembly 100 is configured such that when an electrical fault corresponding to the standard of the main filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 occurs:

[0122] - The output module 300 detects electrical faults through the secondary detection device 312, and then the microcontroller 320 of the output module commands the electromechanical disconnect device 310 to switch to the disconnect position;

[0123] When the main module 200 detects the same electrical fault by means of the main detection device 212, the control unit 214 of the main module 200 commands the switching device 210 to switch to the off configuration.

[0124] Given that the main module 300 is close to the output module 300, the detection of the same electrical fault by the main module 200 and the output module 300 is considered to be simultaneous.

[0125] The power distribution assembly 100 is configured such that the main module 200 transitions to the off configuration before the first module transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In other words, the off-time ΔC is less than the off-time ΔO, such that no current flows through the power bus 114 when the separable contact of the electromechanical switching device 310 begins to move from the closed position to the open position. The separable contact of the electromechanical switching device 310 opens without generating an electric arc, which reduces wear on the separable contact and contributes to the durability of the outlet module 300.

[0126] Once the export module 300 is in the disconnected configuration, the main module 200 is configured to switch from the disconnected configuration to the connected configuration after a predetermined waiting time ΔW, where the waiting time ΔW is greater than the disconnected time.

[0127] Consider now the case where the power distribution assembly includes two or more outlet modules 300, where the two outlet modules 300 include a first module and a second module, which are jointly connected to busbar 122. In other words, the two outlet modules 300 are mounted on the same power distribution unit 110. During normal operation of the power distribution assembly 100, the main module 200 is initially in the ON configuration, while the first module 300 and the second module 300 are each initially in the OFF configuration. Assume that the first module 300 and the second module 300 are each connected to a corresponding electrical load.

[0128] When an electrical fault occurs at the output terminal 300 of the first module 300, for example as a result of a fault in the electrical load connected to the first module 300, the first output module 300 detects the electrical fault by means of its secondary detection device 312, and simultaneously, the main module 200 also detects the electrical fault by means of its main detection device 212. As previously described, the main module 200 transitions to the disconnected configuration before the first module 300 transitions from the closed configuration to the open configuration, while the second module 300 remains in the closed configuration.

[0129] Then, the main module 200 transitions from a disconnected configuration to a connected configuration at the end of the waiting time ΔW, while the second module 300 remains in a closed configuration. The waiting time ΔW is short enough that the power interruption experienced by the electrical load associated with the second module 300 has no negative impact. In practice, the waiting time ΔW is less than 20 ms, preferably less than 15 ms, and even more preferably less than 10 ms.

[0130] According to another aspect of the invention, when each outlet module 300 is installed on the power distribution unit 110, each outlet module 300 in its installed position can identify its position along the transmission bus 150, and by extension, can identify its position along the power distribution unit 110. For this purpose, the transmission bus 150 includes a position identification circuit 160 for each installation area 154. Embodiments of the identification circuit 160 are described in... Figure 6 As shown in a). Each identification circuit 160 is configured to transmit information to the exit module 300 in the mounting configuration, the information relating to the position of the mounting area 154 on which the exit module 300 is mounted along the main axis.

[0131] Each outlet module 300 advantageously includes a positioning terminal configured to be electrically connected to an identification circuit 160 associated with the installation area 154 under consideration. In this case, the positioning terminal (not shown) forms part of a transmission terminal block 150. In other words, the transmission terminal block 150 is advantageously configured to be connected together to the transmission line 156 and the identification circuit 160.

[0132] According to a preferred embodiment, the identification circuit 160 includes an identification component 162 selected from a list including resistors, inductors, Zener diodes, voltage references, or capacitors, such that when the outlet module 300 is in an installed configuration and supplied with power for operation, the outlet module 300 applies a first electrical quantity across the terminals of the identification component 162 and measures a second electrical quantity characteristic of the identification component 162, wherein the second electrical quantity characteristic is explicitly (preferably double-firing) linked to a unique location in the considered installation area. Thus, the outlet module 300 identifies its own location, for example, by measuring the second electrical quantity characteristic and comparing the measured value with a predetermined correspondence table, wherein each interval is explicitly, preferably double-firing, associated with a location along the power distribution device 110. The correspondence table explicitly, preferably double-firing, links the intervals of the second electrical quantity characteristic to unique locations along the transmission bus 150. Preferably, the correspondence table is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320.

[0133] Preferably, the identification circuit 160 includes only a single identification component 162 selected from a resistor, inductor, Zener diode, voltage reference, or capacitor. As an alternative not shown, several identification components 162 are combined within the identification circuit 160.

[0134] The identification component 162 is preferably a resistor, as shown in the example. In the example shown, the output module 300 injects a current with a predetermined value into the identification component 162 and measures the voltage across the terminals of the identification component. In a variant not shown, when the transmission bus 150 includes power lines, the voltage is measured directly across the terminals of the identification component 162 without the need for the output module to inject current into the identification component.

[0135] The identification circuit 160 is therefore particularly simple and reliable to implement. Each mounting region 154 is associated with a resistor having a value expressed in ohms, which is unique and sufficiently different from the other resistors associated with other mounting regions 154, such that the voltage measured across the terminals of each identification element 162 is sufficiently different from the other measured voltages. Preferably, each identification element 162 (in this case, a resistor) has its own resistance value, expressed in ohms, which changes gradually as it moves along the main axis.

[0136] In the non-limiting example shown, each exit module 300 is configured to apply a 3V voltage across the terminals of the identification circuit 160. R1 represents the internal resistor of the exit module 300, and R2 represents the resistance value of the identification component 162. The transmission bus 150 includes 15 mounting areas 154. The 3V is distributed across the 15 intervals, preferably evenly: thus there are 15 intervals and 16 “pillars” separating the intervals, representing an interval of 3V / 16 = 0.1875V. For each position n between 1 and 15, the corresponding R2 value is calculated using the formula 3V = n × 0.1875 × (R1 + R2) / R2. Of course, other methods are also possible, particularly depending on the nature of the identification component 162 used, etc.

[0137] In the example shown, each outlet module 300 is powered for operation via a transmission line 156 supported by a transmission bus 150. Alternatively, not shown, each outlet module 300 includes an energy storage device, such as a battery or advantageously a capacitor, which does not require replacement during the lifespan of the outlet module 300.

[0138] Regardless of the power type of the export module 300, the location of each export module 300 can be known as soon as it is installed on the power distribution device 110.

[0139] The power distribution assembly 100 of the present invention allows for the implementation of a method for positioning each outlet module 300 during installation of the outlet module. Initially, copies of the power distribution device 110 as defined above and copies of the outlet module 300 as defined above are provided.

[0140] Then, the output module 300 is installed near a free mounting area 154 on the power distribution unit 110, such that the transmission terminal block 350 is electrically connected to the transmission bus 150 to provide power to the microcontroller 320 of the output module 300, while the positioning contacts are electrically connected to the identification circuit 160.

[0141] Then, using the powered microcontroller 320, a first electrical charge is applied across the terminals of the identification component 162 via positioning contacts, and a second electrical charge characteristic of the identification component 162 is measured.

[0142] Then, by means of a correspondence table pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320, the unique location of the mounting area 154 of the mounting outlet module 300 along the transmission bus is derived, which explicitly and preferably bijectively associates the interval of the second characteristic electrical quantity with the unique location along the transmission bus 150.

[0143] Advantageously, each export module 300 then transmits information relating to the unique location of the export module 300 to the main module 200 via the transmission bus 150. According to a preferred example, the transmission bus 150 is configured to provide a data transmission bus for communication between the export module 300 and the main module 200, referred to as a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, as defined in standard ISO 11898-2:20 24. When the export module 300 is first installed on the power distribution unit 110, once its unique location has been determined by the microcontroller 320, the export module also determines its CAN number and transmits this number to the main module 200 via the CAN bus. The CAN number is determined, for example, by a table pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320 that links the unique location to the CAN number. The main module 200 then uses this CAN address to send specific commands to the corresponding export module 300, such as disconnect commands, close commands, configuration commands, etc. The transmission bus 150 is also advantageously used to transmit diagnostic information from the output module 300 to the main module 200, such as information related to the status of the output module 300, the cause of any triggers, etc.

[0144] The foregoing embodiments and variations can be combined to produce new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power distribution device (110) configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power distribution device (110) comprising: Power bus (124), which includes multiple busbars (122): • Multiple busbars include at least one phase bar and an optional neutral bar, wherein the neutral bar is associated with the neutral line of the power supply, and each phase bar is associated with a phase of the power supply, respectively. • Multiple busbars extend parallel to each other along the main axis (A110) of the power distribution unit (110); in: The power bus (124) is configured to accommodate at least two output modules (300), wherein each output module includes: • An inlet terminal block reversibly connectable to the busbar (122) and including inlet terminals (302), wherein each inlet terminal (302) is configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar (122); and • An outlet terminal block configured to be connected to an electrical load and including outlet terminals (304), wherein each outlet terminal (304) is associated with a corresponding inlet terminal (302); The power distribution unit (110) also includes a transmission bus (150), which includes: • A body (152) made of an electrically insulating material has an elongated shape extending along the power bus (124) and defines a plurality of mounting areas (154) for each outlet module (300), wherein the mounting areas are distributed along the main axis (A110) and each mounting area is associated with a unique location along the main axis (A110). • At least two transmission lines (156) extend along the body (152) and are configured to be electrically connected to each output module (300) when the output module (300) is connected to the power bus (124) near one of the mounting areas (154), wherein the output module (300) is located on the power distribution unit (110). For each installation area (154), the transmission bus (150) includes a position identification circuit (160) configured to send information relating to the position of the installation area (154) where the exit module (300) is installed along the main axis (A110) to the exit module (300) in the installation configuration.

2. The power distribution device (110) according to claim 1, wherein: For each mounting area (154), the identification circuit (160) includes an identification component (162) selected from resistors, inductors, Zener diodes, voltage references, or capacitors, such that when the output module (300) is in the mounting configuration and is supplied with power, the output module (300) applies a first electrical quantity across the terminals of the identification component (162) and measures a second electrical quantity characteristic of the identification component (162), wherein the second electrical quantity characteristic is explicitly linked to a unique location in the mounting area (154) under consideration.

3. The power distribution device (110) according to claim 2, wherein: For each mounting area (154), the identification component (162) is a resistor.

4. The power distribution device (110) according to claim 3, wherein: Each resistor has its own resistance value, expressed in ohms, which changes gradually as it moves along the main axis (A110).

5. The power distribution device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The installation area (154) is evenly distributed along the main axis (A110).

6. The power distribution device (110) according to claim 5, wherein: The transmission bus (150) includes multiple mounting areas (154), such as fifteen mounting areas (154), which are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals, such as multiples of 9 mm.

7. An outlet module (300) configured to be commonly connected to a power distribution device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the socket terminal block comprising: An entry terminal block, reversibly connectable to the power bus (124), includes entry terminals (302), each entry terminal (302) configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding busbar (122); and An outlet terminal block configured to be connected to an electrical load and including outlet terminals (304), wherein each outlet terminal is associated with a corresponding inlet terminal (302); Transmission terminal block (350), the transmission terminal block comprising: • Transmission terminal, configured to be connected to the transmission bus (150) so as to be electrically connected to the transmission line (156). and • Positioning terminals configured to be electrically connected to an identification circuit (160) associated with the considered installation area (154).

8. The export module (300) according to claim 7, wherein: The export module also includes a microcontroller (320) configured such that when the export module is in a configuration in which it is mounted on one of the mounting areas (154) and supplied with power, the export module (300) applies a first electrical quantity across the terminals of the identification component (162) by means of the microcontroller (320) and measures a second electrical quantity characteristic of the identification component (162), wherein the second electrical quantity characteristic is specifically associated with a unique location of the mounting area (154) under consideration.

9. A power distribution assembly (100), comprising: The power distribution device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A copy of the export module (300) according to any one of claims 7 or 8; and / or Main module (200), configured to be installed on the power distribution unit (110) and comprising: • Input terminals (202), wherein each input terminal (202) is configured to be connected to a corresponding phase and optionally to the neutral line of the power supply; • Output terminals (204) configured to be connected to the busbar (122), wherein each output terminal (204) is associated with a corresponding busbar (122) and a corresponding input terminal (202); in: - The transmission bus (150) also includes a connection area (158) which is intended to connect to an additional terminal block (250) of the main module (200) in the mounting position, such that the main module (200) is electrically connected to the transmission line (156). - The main module (200) is configured to receive, via the transmission line (156) and for each outlet module (300) in the installation position, information relating to the position of the installation area (154) where the considered outlet module (300) is installed along the main axis (A110); The export module (300) and / or the main module are each configured to be mounted on the power distribution unit (110).

10. An electrical panel (10), comprising: Box (12), which defines the outer shell (V12) and has a base (14); The power distribution assembly (10) according to claim 9; in: The power distribution components are fixed to the base (14) of the box (12).

11. A method for locating an outlet module (300) installed on a power distribution unit (110), the locating method comprising: Provide a power distribution device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and an outlet module (300) according to any one of claims 7 or 8. The outlet module (300) is installed on one of the installation areas (154) such that: • The transmission terminal block (350) is electrically connected to the transmission bus (105) to supply power to the microcontroller (320) of the output module (300); • The transmission terminal block (350) is electrically connected to the identification circuit (160); Then, the powered microcontroller (320) is used: • A first electrical charge is applied across the terminals of the identification component (162) via the transmission terminal block (350), and a second electrical charge characteristic of the identification component (162) is measured; then • Using a correspondence table pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320), the unique location of the mounting area (154) where the output module (300) is installed is derived along the transmission bus (150), and the interval of the second characteristic electrical quantity is explicitly linked to the unique location along the transmission bus (150).

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