Electrical protection device, associated distribution assembly and associated electrical panel

Abstract

The electrical protection device (300) is configured to be reversibly mounted on a distribution device (110) comprising a power bus (124). The device for protecting the incoming terminal (302) is connectable to the power bus, and a switching mechanism (310) having a moving contact (370) and a trip device (372). The protection device comprises a safety mechanism (500), the safety mechanism (500) comprising a support portion (502), the support portion (502) being movable and configured to be pushed back to a retracted position against a return member (504) when the protection device is mounted on the dispensing device. When the protection device is detached, the support portion moves and the safety device activates a trip device (372) such that the switching mechanism switches to an isolated configuration before each incoming terminal is disconnected from the power bus.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electrical installations typically include electrical panels or enclosures that connect the installation to a power distribution network and have various protection, control, and monitoring devices for the installation. In this context, electrical protection devices are considered to include protective devices such as circuit breakers, which include contacts that can be separated by a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is typically manually actuated via a handle and also includes a tripping device (also called a trip lever) configured to switch the switching mechanism to a tripping configuration when the tripping device is activated by a predetermined type of electrical fault. The tripping device is activated, for example, by movement of the tripping device. EP-4 064 317-A1 describes an example of such a protective device.

[0003] To facilitate the installation and maintenance of electrical installations, protective devices are modular, meaning they are mounted on distribution units that include power buses, working together to ensure they are mechanically held in place and supplied with power. Removing a protective device from a distribution unit while current is still flowing poses a risk of arcing and damage to the protective device and / or the distribution unit, which is undesirable.

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these problems more specifically by providing a modular protective device with improved security. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to an electrical protection device, comprising:

[0006] A housing is configured to be reversibly and by means of a mounting movement onto a distribution device, the distribution device comprising a power bus having at least one phase and an optional neutral line, and then the protection device is in a mounting position in which the rear side of the housing is oriented toward the distribution device.

[0007] The first conductive path includes:

[0008] The first input terminal is configured to connect to the power bus.

[0009] The first output terminal is configured to be connected to an electrical load, and

[0010] A first movable contact is movable relative to the housing between a conducting position and an isolated position. In the conducting position, the first movable contact electrically connects the first input terminal to the first output terminal. In the isolated position, the first input terminal and the first output terminal are electrically isolated from each other.

[0011] A switching mechanism, housed within the housing and configured to switch between the following configurations:

[0012] Standby configuration, wherein the switching mechanism places the first movable contact in the ON position, and

[0013] A tripping configuration, wherein the switching mechanism places the first movable contact in the isolated position;

[0014] in:

[0015] The switching mechanism includes a tripping device that is movable between a neutral position and an activated position, the tripping device being configured to switch the switching mechanism to the tripping configuration when the tripping device is in the activated position;

[0016] Electrical protection devices include safety mechanisms, which include:

[0017] The support portion is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The support portion is accessible via a slot provided in the housing and is configured to be pushed back to the retracted position by the dispensing device when the protective device is mounted on the dispensing device by means of the mounting movement.

[0018] A return member, which tends to return the support portion to the forward position.

[0019] The tripping section is movable between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, the tripping section pushes the tripping device back from the neutral position to the activated position. In the retracted position, the tripping section does not push the tripping device back.

[0020] A transmission device connects the support portion to the tripping portion, such that when the support portion is in the retracted position, the tripping portion is in the retracted position and the safety mechanism is in a retracted configuration; and when the support portion is in the forward position, the tripping portion is in the activated position and the safety mechanism is in an activated configuration.

[0021] When the protective device is in the mounting position on the distribution device, the safety mechanism is in the retracted configuration.

[0022] The safety mechanism is configured such that during a disassembly movement opposite to the installation movement, the safety device switches from the retraction configuration of the tripping device to the activation configuration before the input terminal is disconnected from the power bus.

[0023] According to the invention, each conductive circuit is disconnected before the corresponding input terminal is disconnected from the power bus, which prevents any arcing between the input terminal in question and the power bus. Even if the protection device is initially "hot," that is, in a standby configuration and current flows through the conductive path, removal of the protection device is guaranteed. This possibility of "hot" removal is also referred to as "hot switching." When the protection device is removed from the distribution device, the return member holds the safety device in the active configuration; in other words, the tripping device remains in the activated position, preventing the possibility of manually reinstalling the switching mechanism. Therefore, it is impossible to reinstall a protection device already in a standby configuration on the distribution device, which contributes to increased safety during hot installation of the protection device, that is, while the protection device is installed on an already energized power bus.

[0024] According to an advantageous but optional aspect of the invention, such a protective device may include one or more of the following features, either alone or in any technically acceptable combination:

[0025] The slot is located on the back of the housing.

[0026] The housing includes a fastening member configured to cooperate with the dispensing device, particularly by means of a form fit, such that the mounting movement is a rotational movement about a mounting axis positioned near a first edge on the back side, and the slot is located at a distance from the first edge.

[0027] The housing forms an internal volume, and the switching mechanism and the safety mechanism are both received within the internal volume.

[0028] The housing of the protective device is a modular housing, which includes:

[0029] A first housing, which receives the safety mechanism, has a first opening through which an extension of the tripping portion protrudes.

[0030] A second housing, different from the first housing, receives the switching mechanism.

[0031] When the first housing forms a cavity for receiving the second housing, the first housing and the second housing are configured to be connected together to form the housing of the protective device in the assembly configuration of the housings.

[0032] The first housing has a first opening into the cavity, and the safety mechanism includes an extension that can be activated by the tripping portion and extends through the first opening into the cavity. The extension is movable between a first position and a second position as the tripping portion travels between the activated position and the retracted position.

[0033] The second housing has a second hole, which is positioned facing the first hole when the housing is in the assembled configuration.

[0034] And when the housing is in the assembled configuration, the extension extends into the second housing, such that:

[0035] When the tripped portion moves from the retracted position to the activated position, the tripped portion activates the extension portion, which then moves from the first position to the second position.

[0036] The extension pushes the tripping device from the neutral position back to the activated position.

[0037] The first housing includes an auxiliary mechanism, which is a mechanical energy accumulation mechanism. The auxiliary mechanism is switchable between a standby configuration and a trip configuration. When the auxiliary mechanism is in the standby configuration, the extension is in the first position, and when the auxiliary mechanism is in the trip configuration, the extension is in the second position. The auxiliary mechanism is configured to switch from the standby configuration to the trip configuration when the trip portion moves from the retracted position to the activated position. The auxiliary mechanism is also configured to transmit sufficient force to the extension to switch the switching mechanism from the standby configuration to the trip configuration.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a distribution component, comprising:

[0039] Examples of protective devices as described above, and

[0040] A distribution device configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power source including at least one phase and an optional neutral line.

[0041] in:

[0042] The distribution device includes a power bus comprising multiple conductor strips, each conductor strip including at least one phase strip and an optional neutral strip, the neutral strip being associated with the neutral line of the power supply, and each phase strip being associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply.

[0043] The protective device is installed on the distribution device, and the support part is pushed back to the retracted position by the distribution device. Each incoming terminal is connected to the corresponding conductor bar.

[0044] Advantageously, the conductor strips extend parallel to each other along the main axis of the dispensing device, and the conductor strips are configured to simultaneously install multiple examples of protective devices aligned side by side along the main axis.

[0045] The present invention also relates to an electrical panel, comprising:

[0046] The outer casing defines an outer cover and has end walls.

[0047] As described above, the allocation component

[0048] The dispensing device is fastened to the end wall of the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The invention will be better understood from the following description of two embodiments of a protective device, a distribution assembly, and an electrical panel according to the principles of the invention, and further advantages of the invention will become more apparent. This description is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an electrical panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the electrical panel including a distribution component also according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective of the allocated components;

[0052] Figure 3 The illustrations are shown in two figures, a) and b) respectively. Figure 1 A perspective view of the allocation component, in which some parts are hidden, and a perspective view of the transfer bus of the allocation component;

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective of the assigned components, where some parts are hidden;

[0054] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the component allocation in the middle;

[0055] Figure 6 The two illustrations a) and b) show Figure 1 A perspective view and cross-section of the dispensing device, in which some components are hidden, the dispensing device is shown in a first configuration;

[0056] Figure 7 shows a similar illustration with two insets a) and b). Figure 6 b) shows the distribution device in two other different configurations;

[0057] Figure 8 Two illustrations, a) and b), show a similar Figure 6 b) shows the distribution device in two other different configurations;

[0058] Figure 9Two illustrations, a) and b), show a protective device belonging to a dispensing assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is shown in perspective and side view, respectively.

[0059] Figure 10 The illustrations are shown in two figures, a) and b) respectively. Figure 9 The two components of the protective device; and

[0060] Figure 11 and Figure 9 A side view of the components of the protective device, with some parts hidden. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 An electrical panel 10 according to the invention is shown. The electrical panel 10 includes a housing 12 that defines an outer casing V12 and has an end wall 14. The end wall 14 generally extends in a plane orthogonal to the depth axis A14. The outer casing V12 is advantageously closed by a door (not shown).

[0062] Electrical panel 10 includes a distribution assembly 100. The distribution assembly 100 is fastened to an end wall 14 of housing 12. The distribution assembly 100 is 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. 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 one phase. According to another variant, the power source includes three phases and no neutral line. The power source and electrical load not shown are not part of the invention but are used to explain its operational context.

[0063] The distribution assembly 100 includes a distribution device 110, a main housing 200, and at least one protective device 300. The distribution assembly 100 is fastened to the end wall 14 via the distribution device 110, and the main housing 200 is preferably reversibly engaged to the distribution device 110. In the example shown, the distribution assembly 100 includes seven protective devices 300, in which case the protective devices 300 are exit housings. The remaining description is given with regard to the case where the protective devices 300 are exit housings; the principles of the invention can be adapted to other types of protective devices. Each protective device 300 is reversibly engaged to the distribution device 110 at the mounting position of the exit device 300. Therefore, the main housing 200 can be replaced as needed in the event of a failure, while retaining the other components of the distribution assembly 100, the distribution device 110, and the exit housing 300, which is economical. Similarly, one or more protective devices 300 can be replaced as needed, for example, in the event of a failure, while retaining the other components, the distribution device 110, and the main housing 200, which is also economical.

[0064] The dispensing device 110 has an elongated shape extending along the main axis A110. When the dispensing assembly 100 is in normal operating configuration, the main axis A110 is parallel to the end wall 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. The description is given with respect to the orientation of the various elements shown in the figure, although it may differ in reality.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In the example, the main housing 200 is located on the left side of the distribution assembly 100, and the protective device 300 is located on the right side of the main housing 200.

[0066] When the dispensing assembly 100 is fastened to the end wall 14, the rear portion 112 of the dispensing device 110 is oriented toward the end wall 14, in other words, oriented in the rearward direction of the dispensing assembly 100. Therefore, the rearward direction is parallel to the depth axis A14. The forward direction is also defined as the direction opposite to the rearward direction.

[0067] Therefore, the dispensing device 110 has a mounting surface 114 that is generally oriented forward and is provided for mounting the main housing 200 and each protective device 300.

[0068] The rear portion 112 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a synthetic polymer. In this case, the rear portion 112 has a rectangular overall shape, which extends parallel to the main axis A110 along its longest dimension. The short side of the rectangle is therefore parallel to the height axis H110. In this case, the dispensing device 110 includes two flanges 116 made of an electrically insulating material. The two flanges 116 engage with the short side of the rear portion 112 to form a basket shape.

[0069] In this configuration, the dispensing device 110 includes an insulating wall 118 made of an electrically insulating material and joined to the rear portion 112 and the flange 116 to form a cavity V110, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the distribution device 110 advantageously includes a cooling device 400, which is received in cavity V110 and provided for dissipating a portion of the heat generated by the main housing 200 during operation of the distribution assembly 100. Thus, the cooling device 400 is located on the rear side of the insulating wall 118, while on the front side of the insulating wall 118, oriented away from the rear side, the insulating wall 118 forms a recess 120, which is configured to receive a plurality of conductor strips 122, in this case four conductor strips 122. The conductor strips 122 collectively form the power bus 124 of the distribution device 110, and extend to form the power bus 124 of the distribution assembly 100. Therefore, the distribution device 110 is a power distribution device. The rear portion 112 is preferably perforated to facilitate cooling of the cooling device 400 by convection. The distribution device 110 thus forms a cage surrounding the cooling device 400. The rear portion 112 is configured to ensure a protection rating of IP20, as defined by standard CEI 60529 (incorporated into standard EP 60529:1992), that is, to prevent any direct contact between the user and the heat-prone parts of the cooling device 400.

[0071] Conductor strips 122 extend parallel to each other along the main axis A110 of the distribution assembly 100 and are aligned along the height axis H110. The conductor strips 122 collectively 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 generally parallel to the connecting plane P124.

[0072] The cooling device 400 includes a contact plate 410, a radiator 420, and at least one heat pipe 430. The contact plate 410 is configured to capture a portion of the heat released by the main housing 200, the radiator 420 is configured 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 radiator 420 and are configured to transfer a portion of the heat captured by the contact plate 410 to the radiator 420.

[0073] In this configuration, the contact plate 410 has a parallelepiped shape and a contact surface 412 extending parallel to the connecting plane P124. The contact surface 412 is configured to mate with the back surface 230 of the main housing 200 in a configuration mounted on the dispensing device 110, particularly by means of a form fit, in order to facilitate heat transfer between the contact plate 410 and the main housing 200.

[0074] In this configuration, the radiator 420 is formed of a set of metal fins positioned parallel to each other and aligned along the main axis A110. A heat pipe 430 connects the fins to the contact plate 410. Preferably, the heat pipe 430 is a two-phase heat pipe. For example, the two-phase heat pipe 430 comprises two coaxial tubes arranged to facilitate the circulation of a heat transfer fluid (liquid or gas) that changes phase according to its temperature within them. Preferably, when the distribution assembly 100 is in normal operating configuration, the heat pipe 430 is straight and horizontally arranged. In other words, the main axis A110 is preferably horizontal.

[0075] Therefore, the radiator 420 extends along the connection area of ​​the power bus 124 on the rear side of the connection plane P124. Specifically, the radiator 420 is located on the rear side of the insulating wall 118, which is received in the cavity V110, while the insulating wall 118 opens towards the front of the contact plate 410. In other words, the insulating wall 118 is located between the power bus 124 and the radiator 420. The portion of the insulating wall 118 that serves as a support for the conductor strip 122 is preferably continuous to reduce the risk of arcing between the conductor strip 122 and the radiator 420.

[0076] Conductor strip 122 includes at least one phase strip and an optional neutral strip, the neutral strip being associated with the neutral line of the power supply, and each phase strip being associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply. In the example shown, power bus 124 includes four conductor strips 122, and the power supply is a three-phase source with a neutral line. In this case, distribution assembly 100 has a so-called "3P+N" or simply 3PN configuration.

[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 conductor strip associated with the neutral line. In other words, the distribution assembly consists of only three phase strips, each associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply. The distribution assembly is then in a so-called 3P configuration.

[0078] Regardless of the number of phases in the power supply, the principle of this invention is interchangeable. According to another variation, not shown, the power supply is single-phase, meaning it includes only a neutral line and one phase. The conductor strips then include one phase strip and a neutral strip. The distribution assembly is then in a so-called P+N, or simply PN, configuration. Regardless of the configuration, multiple conductor strips still exist, each including at least one phase strip and an optional neutral strip.

[0079] The main housing 200 will now be described, with particular reference to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 .exist Figure 5 The diagram shows a single-phase circuit. According to known convention, three phases are represented by three parallel lines passing through the circuit.

[0080] The main housing 200 includes input terminals 202 and output terminals 204. The input terminals 202 are configured to connect to the neutral and each phase of the power supply, and the output terminals 204 are configured to connect to conductor bars. Each output terminal is associated with a corresponding conductor bar and a corresponding input terminal. In this case, the input terminals 202 are screw terminals. Advantageously, the output terminals 204 are connecting clips, each configured for reversible connection to a corresponding conductor bar 122 via a connecting movement oriented toward the rear of the dispensing assembly 100. Therefore, during movement to connect the output terminals 204 to the conductor bars 122, the rear surface of the main housing 200 abuts against the contact surface 412.

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

[0082] The main housing 200 includes a static switching device 210 that can be switched 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, and the main housing 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, and the main housing 200 is in the off configuration.

[0083] The static switching device 210 is a power switch based on semiconductor elements, preferably insulated-gate field-effect transistors, called JFETs or MOSFETs; therefore, it is called "static" in contrast to moving-contact switching devices. The static switching device 210 is connected in series between the input line 203 and the associated output line 205. The static switching device 210 in... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The image is depicted schematically.

[0084] During operation, the switching device 210 releases heat in the order of tens of watts. The switching device 210 is advantageously configured to facilitate the transfer of at least part 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 housing 200, preferably in contact with the surface of the rear wall 231. For example, the rear wall 231 is present when the main housing 200 can be removed from the contact plate 410. The rear wall 231 forms a rear surface 230, which is oriented away from the switching device 210. Thus, when the main housing 200 is mounted on the dispensing device 110, the rear wall 231 is positioned between the switching device 210 and the contact plate 410, such that a portion of the heat generated by the switching device 210 during operation is 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 an assembly of an insulating element 232 and a copper plate 233. The insulating element 232 is electrically insulating and made of a synthetic polymer material, and the copper plate 233 provides rigidity to the assembly while promoting thermal conductivity. The copper plate 233 forms the back surface 230 and abuts against the contact plate 410 when the main housing 200 is mounted on the dispensing device 110. In a variant not shown, the copper plate 233 is omitted, and therefore the back surface 230 is formed directly from the insulating element 232.

[0087] The main housing 200 includes a main detection device 212 configured to measure electrical quantity at an output terminal and detect electrical faults based on the measured value. In this case, the main detection device 212 is schematically depicted by a measurement circuit arranged on the output line 205. This schematic depiction of the main detection device does not limit the types of electrical faults that the main detection device 212 can detect.

[0088] The main housing 200 is configured to switch from an on configuration to an off configuration when the main detection device 212 detects a first electrical fault (especially a short circuit).

[0089] The main housing 200 includes an electronic control unit 214 or ECU configured to control a static switching device 210, that is, toggle the static switching device 210 between an on and off configuration. The control unit 214 is also configured to analyze 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 use of a predefined standard is schematically depicted by the presence of a so-called "master" filter 222, which is inserted between the master detection device 212 and the control unit 214.

[0090] Therefore, the main detection device 212 is configured to detect electrical faults of the short-circuit type. For example, the main detection device 212 includes current sensors, specifically one current sensor per phase, while the control unit 214 is configured to analyze the measurements taken by the current sensors and detect short circuits.

[0091] Preferably, the main detection device 212 further includes a differential current detection device. Several types of differential faults exist, specifically defined in standard IEC 60755:2017. In particular, types of electrical faults include the following facts: the electrical signal is rectified, the signal includes high-frequency components, additional values ​​(e.g., 30mA or 300mA), etc. It should be understood that the main filter 222 defines the criteria for detecting electrical faults by the control unit 214 of the main housing 200. Preferably, the main filter 222 defines the criteria for detecting predetermined differential fault types, selected from faults defined in standard IEC 60755:2017.

[0092] The following description corresponds to the preferred case where the electrical fault discussed is a short circuit; the principles of the invention can be adapted to other types of electrical faults. The shutdown time ΔC is defined as the time between the detection of the electrical fault and the entry into the shutdown configuration. Therefore, the shutdown time ΔC includes the time required to analyze the measurements performed by the main detection device, the time required to send a disconnect command to the static switching device 210, and the switching time of the static switching device 210 once the disconnect command is sent. The switching time of the static switching device 210 depends on the structure of the static switching device and is less than 1 microsecond (μs). Therefore, the shutdown time ΔC is substantially related to the operation of the control unit 210. Typically, the shutdown time ΔC is in the range of microseconds or tens of microseconds, for example, between 5 μs and 500 μs.

[0093] Preferably, for each input terminal 202, the main housing 202 also includes a general-purpose switching device 216, which is a switching device with separable contacts, in this case, an isolating switch. The general-purpose switching device 216 is controlled by an electronic control unit 214 and enables the power supply to be electrically disconnected from the distribution assembly 100, for example, in the event of a failure of the static switching device 210. The general-purpose switching device 216 is located between each input terminal 202 and the static switching device 210.

[0094] Advantageously, the distribution device 100, and further extending to the distribution assembly 100, also includes a transmission bus 150. Figure 3 The transmission bus 150, depicted separately in b), is provided for operation to supply energy to each protection device 300 in its installation position (i.e., when connected to conductor bar 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 an illustrative example, the transmission bus 150 operates at a voltage of tens of volts, such as 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 coupled to the rest of the distribution device 110.

[0095] The transmission bus 150 includes a body 152 made of an electrically insulating material, the body 152 having an elongated shape extending along the power bus 124. Thus, the transmission bus 150 extends along the main axis A110.

[0096] The power bus 150 defines a plurality of mounting areas 154, which are configured to connect to each protection device at a mounting location. The mounting areas 154 are preferably regularly distributed along the main axis A110, and each mounting area 154 is associated with a single location along the main axis A110. The transmission bus 150 preferably includes fifteen mounting areas 154, in which case the mounting areas 154 are spaced apart from each other at 18 mm intervals. Of course, other intervals are also possible. In a variant not shown, the mounting areas 154 are spaced apart from each other at a 9 mm interval.

[0097] 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 protection device 300 at the mounting location. The transmission lines 156 are power lines in this case.

[0098] The transmission bus 150 also includes a connection region 158 configured to connect the main housing 200 to a mounting position on the distribution device 110. For example, the main housing 200 includes a complementary terminal block 250 configured to cooperate with the connection region 158, such that the main housing is electrically connected to the transmission line 156. In the preferred embodiment shown, the main housing 200 draws the power required for the transmission bus 150 from the neutral and phase lines of the power supply between the static switching device 210 and the general-purpose switching device 216, thereby supplying power that can be used for the operation of the protection device 300.

[0099] The transmission bus 150 is formed here by a printed circuit board, the transmission line 156 is a conductor trace formed on the surface of the circuit board, and the mounting area 154 and the connection area 158 are terminals formed in the circuit board substrate. In the example shown, the transmission bus 150 advantageously includes a communication bus between the main housing 200 and each protection device 300.

[0100] The protective device 300 will now be described.

[0101] Therefore, each protection device 300 includes an input terminal block reversibly connectable to conductor strip 122 and includes at least two input terminals 302, each configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding conductor strip 122. For each protection device 300, the input terminals 302 include a neutral input terminal configured to be electrically connected to a neutral strip, and one of three other input terminals each configured to be connected to a corresponding phase strip. Each protection device 300 is configured to be reversibly mounted on the power bus 114 such that each input terminal 302 is electrically connected to a corresponding conductor strip 122.

[0102] Each protection device 300 also includes an output terminal block configured to connect to an electrical load and including output terminals 304, each output terminal 304 being associated with a corresponding input terminal 302. The output terminals 304 are located in... Figure 5 The image is depicted schematically.

[0103] In the non-limiting example shown, the protective device 300 has a different width, measured along the main axis A110. Therefore, in this case, the protective devices 300 are distributed in two subgroups corresponding to two different widths: a thin protective device 300 and a wide protective device 300, which is essentially three times wider than the thin protective device 300. Of course, other widths of protective devices 300 are conceivable. The width of the protective device 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 protective device 300 has a width that is a multiple of 9 mm.

[0104] In the example shown, the protection device 300 configured to supply power to a single-phase electrical load advantageously has a width of 18 mm, while the protection device 300 configured to supply power to a three-phase electrical load has three times the width of 18 mm, i.e., 54 mm.

[0105] The thinnest protection device 300 is configured to connect to two conductor bars 122, including a neutral bar and a phase bar, while the wide protection device 300 is configured to connect to four conductor bars 122. The principles of the invention apply regardless of the number of phases connected to each of the protection devices 300.

[0106] Preferably, the dispensing device 110 is provided to receive five protection devices 300, each protection device 300 including four input terminals; in other words, five wide protection devices 300. According to an example not shown, the dispensing assembly 100 includes five protection devices 300, each protection device 300 including four input terminals 302. Therefore, the dispensing device 110 is also configured to receive fifteen thin protection devices 300, each thin protection device 300 including two input terminals 302.

[0107] Each conductor bar 122 includes:

[0108] - Power supply section 126, configured to be connected in the mounting configuration of the main housing 200 to the associated output terminal 204, and

[0109] - Connection portion 128 extends on the same side as power supply portion 126. Connection portion 128 is geometrically located on the front side of connection plane P124 and together defines the connection area of ​​power bus 124.

[0110] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, only the power supply portion 126 of conductor strip 122 is visible, while the connection portion 128 is hidden. The connection area is configured to receive at least one protection device 300, such that the protection device is connected to the power bus 124. The protection device 300 can then be connected to an electrical load to supply power to the load.

[0111] Each protection device 300 includes a switching mechanism 310. In this case, the switching mechanism is an electromechanical mechanism, similar to the switching mechanism described in EP-4 064 317-A1. Each switching mechanism 310 is located between each incoming terminal 302 and the corresponding outgoing terminal 304. See below for reference. Figures 6 to 8 Describe the switching mechanism 310.

[0112] Each protection device 300 includes a secondary detection device 312 configured to measure the electrical quantity at a 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 schematically depicted by a measurement circuit arranged on the wire connecting the input terminal 302 to the output terminal 304. The schematic depiction of the secondary detection device 312 does not limit the types of electrical faults that the secondary detection device can detect. Therefore, the secondary detection device 312 is configured to detect short-circuit type electrical faults.

[0113] For example, the secondary detection device 312 includes a current sensor, particularly one current sensor per phase, while the protection device 300 includes a microcontroller 320 that receives measurement results from the current sensor and is able to determine whether one or more measured currents exceed a short-circuit threshold.

[0114] The microcontroller 320 is powered via the transmission bus 150. For this purpose, each protection device 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 supply terminal block. The transmission terminals are different from the input terminal 302 or the output terminal 304.

[0115] Preferably, the secondary detection device 312 further includes a differential current detection device. Preferably, the microcontroller 320 is also configured to evaluate the differential current measurement by means of a so-called "secondary" filter 322, which is pre-stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320 of the protection device 300 and is designed to detect differential faults.

[0116] It should be understood that the secondary filter 322 defines the detection criteria for electrical faults detected by the microcontroller 320 of the protection device 300. Preferably, the secondary filter 322 defines the detection criteria for a predetermined differential fault type, which is selected from the faults defined in standard IEC 60755:2017.

[0117] Each microcontroller 320 is powered via transmission bus 150 for operation, independent of the configuration, standby, or tripping of the switching mechanism 310 of the transmission housing 300.

[0118] In this configuration, each protection device 300 includes an actuator 324 configured to move the switching mechanism 310 to the open position when the actuator receives a trip signal, and the microcontroller 320 configured to send a trip signal to the actuator 324 during the detection of an electrical fault, particularly a short-circuit or differential fault. More generally, each protection device 300 is configured to switch from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the secondary detection device 312—and consequently the microcontroller 320—detects an electrical fault.

[0119] The operation of the protection component 100 under short-circuit conditions is described, which can be converted to other types of electrical faults, particularly differential faults. The disconnection time ΔO is defined as the time between the microcontroller 320 detecting the electrical fault and the time between the moving contact of the switching mechanism 310 beginning to move from the closed position to the open position. In the illustrated example, the disconnection time ΔO therefore includes the time it takes for the microcontroller 320 to send a switching command to the actuator 324. Typically, the disconnection time ΔO is in the millisecond range, for example, from 2 ms to 9 ms.

[0120] In the minimum configuration of the distribution assembly 100, the distribution assembly includes a distribution device 110, a main housing 200, and a protection device 300 mounted on the distribution device 110. It is assumed that the distribution assembly 100 is connected to a power source via input terminal 202, and the electrical load is connected to output terminal 304.

[0121] In normal operating configuration, the main housing 200 is initially in the ON configuration, while the protection device 300 is initially in the OFF configuration. Therefore, each output terminal 304 is electrically connected to its corresponding output terminal 204 via an associated conductor strip 122. In the event of an electrical fault, such as a short circuit associated with a fault in the electrical load, the electrical fault can be detected either by the main housing 200 using the main detection device 212 or by the protection device 300 using the secondary detection device 312.

[0122] In other words, the standard used by the main housing 200 for detecting electrical faults is the same as the standard used by the protective device 300 in question for detecting electrical faults.

[0123] Many types of electrical faults can be considered. For illustration, in the case of a short circuit, the short-circuit current can be several times the nominal operating current, for example, five times. Other examples of electrical faults include overcurrent, differential current faults, etc. Compared to a short circuit, the current involved in an overcurrent or differential fault is much lower, for example, less than 1.2 times the nominal operating current.

[0124] In the example shown, the detection criterion is defined by detection filters, specifically, in this case, a main filter 222 for the main housing 200 and a secondary filter 322 for the protection device 300. Assuming that the main filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 functionally define the same detection criterion, this means that the main filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 are functionally identical, such that the main housing 200 and the protection device 300 are configured to detect electrical short circuits according to the same criterion. Therefore, the main housing 200 and the auxiliary housing 300 are naturally synchronized in terms of electrical short circuit detection.

[0125] The distribution component 100 is configured such that when an electrical fault corresponding to the standard of the primary filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 occurs:

[0126] - The protection device 300 detects electrical faults by means of a secondary detection device 312, and then the microcontroller 320 of the protection device commands the switching mechanism 310 to enter the disconnect position.

[0127] When the main housing 200 detects the same electrical fault through the main detection device 212, the control unit 214 of the main housing 200 then commands the switching device 210 to enter the cut-off configuration.

[0128] Given the proximity of the main housing 200 and the protection device 300, the detection of the same electrical fault by the main housing 200 and the protection device 300 is considered to be simultaneous.

[0129] The distribution assembly 100 is configured such that the main housing 200 enters the cut-off configuration before the first housing enters the open configuration from the closed configuration. In other words, the switching time ΔC is less than the opening time ΔO, such that no current flows in the power bus 114 when the moving contact of the switching mechanism 310 begins to move from the closed position to the open position. The moving contact of the switching mechanism 310 opens without generating an electric arc, thereby reducing wear on the moving contact and contributing to the durability of the protection device 300. With the help of this invention, in the event of an electrical fault, especially a short circuit, the protection device 300 is protected by the main housing 200. Therefore, the protection device 300, especially the switching mechanism 310, does not need to be designed to withstand short-circuit interruptions, which involve the highest energy of the various types of electrical faults considered. Therefore, a cheaper protection device 300 can be manufactured, and the protection device 300 is also easy to modify due to the modular structure of the distribution assembly 100.

[0130] In a variant not shown, the main housing 200 includes autonomous protection against overcurrent and / or differential type electrical faults. For example, an overcurrent threshold defined at the main housing is equal to the sum of the nominal current intensities of each slave device.

[0131] Once the protection device 300 is in the off configuration, the main housing 200 is configured to switch from the off configuration to the on configuration after a predetermined waiting time ΔW, where the waiting time ΔW is greater than the off time.

[0132] Consider a distribution assembly comprising two or more protection devices 300, each protection device 300 comprising a first housing and a second housing, both of which are connected to conductor strip 122. In other words, two protection devices 300 are mounted on the same distribution device 110. During normal operation of the distribution assembly 100, the main housing 200 is initially in an on configuration, while the first housing 300 and the second housing 300 are each initially in a closed configuration. Assume that the first housing 300 and the second housing 300 are each connected to a corresponding electrical load.

[0133] When an electrical fault occurs at the output terminal 304 of the first housing 300, for example, after a fault occurs in the electrical load connected to the first housing 300, the first output housing 300 detects the electrical fault via its secondary detection device 312, and simultaneously, the main housing 200 also detects the electrical fault via its main detection device 212. As previously described, the main housing 200 enters the disconnected configuration before the first housing 300 enters the open configuration, while the second housing 300 remains in the closed configuration.

[0134] Next, the main housing 200 transitions from an off configuration to an on configuration after a waiting time ΔW, while the second housing 300 remains in a closed configuration. The waiting time ΔW is short enough that a power interruption experienced by the electrical load associated with the second housing 300 does not have a negative impact. In practice, the waiting time ΔW is less than 20 ms, preferably less than 15 ms, and more preferably less than 10 ms.

[0135] In the example shown, each protection device 300 includes a microcontroller 320 that analyzes measurements from the secondary sensing device 312 and determines the presence of an electrical fault (particularly a differential fault). This requires the microcontroller to be powered by electrical energy, in this case via a transmission bus 150. The principle of the invention can be transposed to a case where the protection device 300 does not include a microcontroller, and the actuator 324 is powered, for example, directly by the current difference measured by the secondary sensing device 312.

[0136] In the example shown, the transmission bus 150 is a power bus configured to supply operating energy to each protection device 300, and in particular to the microcontroller 320 of each protection device 300. In a variant not shown, the transmission bus 150 is also used to transmit data between each microcontroller 320 and the control unit of the main housing 200. For example, information transmission is via the same transmission line 156 used for power transmission. In an alternative not shown, the transmission bus 150 includes additional information transmission lines, which are different from transmission line 156 and are provided on the transmission bus 150.

[0137] Now refer to Figures 6 to 8 The description covers the installation of the protection device 300 on the distribution device 110 and its removal from the distribution device 110. A protection device 300 according to a first embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings. The information provided regarding this protection device 300 can be applied to other protection devices 300 or other electrical protection devices, particularly those with different widths or including different numbers of incoming terminals 254.

[0138] The protective device 300 includes a housing 360 configured to be reversibly mounted on the dispensing device 110 by means of a mounting movement. The protective device 300 is then in the mounted position, with the rear face 361 of the housing 360 oriented toward the dispensing device 110, as... Figure 6 As shown. The input terminal 302 protrudes through the back surface 361 and is electrically connected to the conductor strip 122.

[0139] Along the first edge 362 of the back surface 361, the housing 360 includes a fastening member 364, in which case the fastening member 364 includes a curved portion 365, preferably in the form of an arc. The fastening member 364 is configured, in particular, to cooperate with the dispensing device 110 through a form fit, such that the mounting movement of the protective device 300 is a rotational movement about a mounting axis A362 positioned near the first edge 362, close to the back surface 361 of the protective device 300 near the dispensing device 110. In the example shown, the fastening member 364 is in the form of an arc with a substantially constant curvature, and the mounting axis A362 is substantially located at the center of curvature of the fastening member. Of course, other arrangements are also possible. The mounting axis A362 is preferably parallel to the main axis A110. Preferably, when the protective assembly 100 is in the normal use configuration, the mounting axis A362 is located at the bottom of the dispensing device 110, fastened to the bottom 14 of the electrical panel 10.

[0140] Advantageously, the fastening member 364 also includes a retaining member 366, in this case a stud, which is spring-loaded and located at a distance from the first edge 362. In this case, the stud is positioned near the second edge 368 of the back surface 361, which is positioned away from the first edge 362. The retaining member 366 is configured to cooperate with the dispensing device 110, particularly by form-fitting, to hold the protective device 300 in the installed position. The retaining member 366 is advantageously operated manually and without tools in reverse, allowing the user to easily remove the protective device 300 from the dispensing device 110. Starting from the installed position of the protective device 300, the removal movement is the opposite of the installation movement, that is, a rotational movement about the mounting axis A362, moving the back surface 361 of the protective device 300 away from the dispensing device 110.

[0141] exist Figures 6 to 8 In the figures, the housing 360 is partially omitted to reveal the interior of the protection device 300, particularly the switching mechanism 310. Each input terminal 302 is connected to a corresponding output terminal 304 via a conductive path 305. One conductive path 305 is shown in the figures, and the principles of the invention described with respect to this conductive path 305 can, of course, be applied to other conductive paths of the protection device 300.

[0142] Therefore, for at least one conductive path 305 of the protection device 300, the switching mechanism 310 includes a movable contact 370 located between the input terminal 302 and the output terminal 304 corresponding to the conductive path 305. By extension, the movable contact 370 forms a portion of the conductive path 305, and thus constitutes a part of the conductive path 305.

[0143] The movable contact 370 is movable relative to the housing 360 between a conductive position and an isolated position. In the conductive position, the first movable contact 362 electrically connects the input terminal 302 to the corresponding output terminal 304. In the isolated position, the input terminal 302 and the output terminal 304 are electrically isolated from each other. When the movable contact 370 is in the conductive position, the protection device 300 is in a closed configuration, and when the movable contact 370 is in the isolated position, the protection device 300 is in an open configuration.

[0144] Switching mechanism 310 is configured to switch between the following:

[0145] - Standby configuration, wherein the switching mechanism 310 places the moving contact 370 in the ON position, and

[0146] - Tripping configuration, wherein the switching mechanism 310 places the moving contact 370 in the isolated position.

[0147] In a known manner, such as as particularly described in EP-4 064 317-A1, the switching mechanism 310 includes a tripping device 372 movable between a neutral position and an activated position, the tripping device 372 being configured to switch the switching mechanism to a tripped configuration when the tripping device is in the activated position. Figure 6 In b), the switching mechanism 310 is depicted as being in a standby configuration and the tripping device 372 is in a neutral position.

[0148] The switching mechanism 310 advantageously includes a handle 374 configured to allow a user to manually trip the switching mechanism 310, that is, to switch the switching mechanism 310 from a standby configuration to a tripped configuration. The handle 374 also allows the switching mechanism 310 to be put back into standby mode, that is, to switch the switching mechanism 310 from the tripped configuration to the standby position. When the tripping device 372 is in the activated position, re-equipping of the switching mechanism 310 is prevented.

[0149] The protective device 300 includes a safety mechanism 500, which includes:

[0150] - Support portion 502, movable between a retracted position and an advanced position, accessible via a slot 376 provided in the housing 360, and configured to be pushed back to the retracted position by the dispensing device 110 when the protective device 300 is mounted on the dispensing device 110 by means of an installation movement.

[0151] - Return component 504, which tends to return support portion 502 to the forward position.

[0152] - A tripping portion 506 is movable between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, the tripping portion 506 pushes the tripping device 372 from the neutral position back to the activated position. In the retracted position, the tripping portion 506 does not push the tripping device back.

[0153] - Transmission device 508 connects support portion 502 to release portion 506 such that when support portion 502 is in the retracted position, release portion 506 is in the retracted position and safety mechanism 500 is in the retracted configuration, and when support portion 502 is in the forward position, release portion 506 is in the activated position and safety mechanism 500 is in the activated configuration.

[0154] When the protection device 300 is in the mounting position on the distribution device 110, the safety mechanism 500 is in a retracted configuration. The safety mechanism 500 is configured such that during the disassembly movement of the protection device 300, before the input terminal 302 is disconnected from the power bus 124, the safety device 500 switches from the retracted configuration to the activated configuration. In other words, if the switching mechanism 310 is initially in a standby configuration, the safety device 500 switches the switching mechanism 310 to a tripped configuration via the tripping device 372 before the input terminal 302 is disconnected from the power bus 124. Therefore, before the input terminal 302 is disconnected from the power bus 124, the corresponding conductive circuit 305 is disconnected, thereby preventing any arcing between the input terminal 302 and the power bus 124. Thus, the disassembly of the protection device 300 is protected even if the protection device 300 is initially "hot," that is, in a standby configuration and current flows through the conductive path 305. This possibility of "hot" disassembly is also referred to as "hot switching."

[0155] In the example shown, the slot 376 is advantageously located in the back 361 of the housing 360, such that when the protective device 300 is mounted on the dispensing device 110 or during installation or removal, the user cannot interfere with the safety mechanism 500.

[0156] In the first embodiment, the housing 360 forms an internal volume V360, in which the switching mechanism 310 and the safety mechanism 500 are jointly received.

[0157] The support portion 502 is, in this case, a rod, which is advantageously made of an insulating material, such as a polymer. The rod is guided to translate relative to the housing 360 and extended through a slot 376 onto the back surface 361. In the forward position, the first end 502A of the rod protrudes through the back surface 361, as... Figure 7b) , 8As shown in 8) and 8b). In this case, the return member 504 is a spring that applies a force on the second end 502B of the bar that tends to return the bar to the forward position. Therefore, the retracted position and the forward position of the support portion 502 are two axial positions in this case. The slot 376 is advantageously provided at a distance from the first edge 362 to increase the range of axial movement of the support portion 502. The movement of the tripping portion 506 itself is also increased, so that the tripping switch mechanism 310 can be tripped before the incoming terminal 302 disconnects from the conductor bar 122.

[0158] In this case, the transmission device 508 is a rod, pivotally mounted relative to the housing 360 about a pivot axis A508, which is in this case an axis parallel to the main axis A110. The transmission device 508 includes a first end 508A and a second end 508B. The transmission device is connected to the support portion 502 via the first end 508A, and the second end 508B is located at the end opposite to the first end 508A relative to the pivot axis A508. In this case, the second end 508B is in the form of a hook forming a release portion 506. Therefore, in this case, the activated position and the neutral position of the release portion 506 are the two angular positions of the second end 508B of the transmission device 508 about the pivot axis A508.

[0159] The operation of Security Agency 500 will now be described.

[0160] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, the protection device 300 is mounted on the distribution device 110. Each input terminal 302 is connected to the corresponding conductor strip 122. The switching mechanism 310 is in a closed configuration. The support portion 502 has been pushed back to the retracted position, and the safety mechanism 500 is also in a neutral configuration and does not interfere with the operation of the switching mechanism 310, especially if the user wishes to manually disengage the switching mechanism 310 using the handle 374.

[0161] In this way, component 100 is allocated and then placed in... Figure 7a The configuration of the switch mechanism 310 is in the tripped configuration. The safety mechanism 500 is in the neutral configuration and does not interfere with the operation of the switch mechanism 310, especially if the user wishes to manually reassemble the switch mechanism 310 by means of the handle 374—provided that this is possible in the absence of an electrical fault.

[0162] If from Figure 6Upon starting the disassembly process, the operator initiates the disassembly motion. While the switching mechanism 310 remains in the standby configuration, during the disassembly motion, the support portion 502 gradually moves from the retracted position to the forward position, and the tripping portion 506 gradually moves from the retracted position to the activated position, causing the tripping device 372 to return from the neutral position to the activated position, resulting in the tripping of the switching mechanism 310. Then, the distribution assembly 100 is in... Figure 7b The configuration in which the switching mechanism 300 has tripped, while the input terminal 302 remains connected to the power bus 124.

[0163] As disassembly continues, the protective device 300 is in [position]. Figure 8 The configuration in a) is as follows. From this configuration onwards, the safety mechanism 500 remains in the active configuration, pushing the tripping device 372 back to the activated position. Therefore, it is not possible to reconfigure the switching mechanism 310, as... Figure 8 As shown in b), the movable contact 370 is in the isolated position, even though the user keeps the handle 374 in the closed position.

[0164] Therefore, unless the safety mechanism is interfered with, it is impossible to reinstall the protection device 300, which is already in standby configuration, on the distribution device 100, thereby contributing to improved safety during the hot installation of the protection device 300 (that is, during the installation of the protection device 300 on the already energized power bus 124).

[0165] exist Figures 9 to 11 The diagram illustrates a protective device 300' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, elements similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals and function in the same manner. The differences between the first and second embodiments are described primarily below. Where reference numerals are mentioned in the specification but not indicated in the drawings, or where reference numerals are not mentioned in the specification but are not referred to in the specification, they indicate the same element as the element having the same reference numerals in the first embodiment.

[0166] One of the main differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, the housing 360 of the protective device 300' is a modular housing, which includes:

[0167] - First housing 360A, which receives security mechanism 500, and

[0168] - A second housing 360B, which is different from the first housing 360A and receives the switching mechanism.

[0169] The first housing 360A forms a cavity V361 for receiving the second housing 360B. The first housing 360A and the second housing 360B are configured to be connected to each other so as to form a housing 360 of the protective device 300' in the assembled configuration of the housings 360, such as Figure 9 As shown. The rear wall 361 of the housing 360 is advantageously part of the first housing 360A. Preferably, the fastening member 364 and the retaining member 366 are also carried by the first housing 360A.

[0170] The protective device 300' is depicted in the disassembled position, with only one end of the support portion 502 visible from the outside of the first housing 360A, while the rest of the safety mechanism 500 is hidden inside the first housing 360A.

[0171] The first casing 360A is in Figure 10 Shown separately in a), while the second housing 360B is in Figure 10 Shown separately in b). The second housing 360B is, for example, part of a protection device such as a differential circuit breaker, which is advantageously capable of operating independently of the first housing 360A, in other words, without a safety mechanism. As explained below, the modularity of housing 360 allows for the complete safety of adding a "hot-release" function to a differential circuit breaker that did not initially have such a function.

[0172] The first housing 360A has a first hole 381 leading to the cavity V361, and the safety mechanism includes an extension 510 that can be activated by a tripping portion 506, which protrudes through the first hole 381 into the cavity V361. In this case, the first hole 381 has an elongated and curved shape. The extension 510, also referred to as a "needle" or "finger" in this case, has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Therefore, when the tripping portion 506 moves between a retracted position and an activated position within the first housing 360A, the extension 510 travels through the first hole 381 into the cavity between the first and second positions.

[0173] The second housing 360B has a second hole 382, ​​which is positioned facing the first hole 381 when the housing is in the assembled configuration. Figure 10 As shown in a), the second hole 382 advantageously has a shape similar to (if not identical to) the first hole 381. When the housing 360 is in the assembled configuration, the extension 510 passes through both the first hole 381 and the second hole 382 and enters the second housing 360B. In other words, the extension 510 extends within the second housing 360B such that when the tripping portion 506 located within the first housing 360A moves from the retracted position to the activated position, the extension 510 moves from the first position to the second position and pushes the tripping device 372 located within the second housing 360B from the neutral position back to the activated position.

[0174] The first housing 360A includes an auxiliary mechanism 310B, which is a mechanical energy accumulation mechanism, including, for example, a spring, located between the safety mechanism 500 and the extension 510. The auxiliary mechanism 310B is switchable between a standby configuration and a tripped position, in which the extension 510 is in a first position and in the tripped position, the extension 510 is in a second position.

[0175] The auxiliary mechanism 310B includes an auxiliary handle 375 configured to transfer the auxiliary mechanism 310B from a tripped configuration to a standby configuration. Preferably, the auxiliary handle 375 and the handle 374 are fixed to each other such that the switching mechanism 310 and the auxiliary mechanism 310B jointly transition from a standby configuration to a tripped configuration and vice versa. In the example shown, the auxiliary handle 375 and the handle 374 are fixed by a pin 377.

[0176] The auxiliary mechanism is configured to switch from a standby configuration to a trip configuration when the tripping portion 506 moves from the retracted position to the activated position. The auxiliary mechanism 310B is configured to transmit sufficient force to the extension 510 to switch the switching mechanism 310 from the standby configuration to the trip configuration.

[0177] The embodiments and variations mentioned above can be combined with each other to create new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrical protection device (300, 300'), comprising: A housing (360) is configured to be reversibly and by means of a mounting movement mounted on a distribution device (110), the distribution device (110) including a power bus (124) having at least one phase and an optional neutral line, the protection device (300; 300') then being in a mounting position in which the rear side (361) of the housing (360) is oriented toward the distribution device (110). The first conductive path (305) includes: The first input terminal (302) is configured to be connected to the power bus (124). The first output terminal (304) is configured to be connected to an electrical load, and A first movable contact (370) is movable relative to the housing between an on position and an off position. In the on position, the first movable contact (370) electrically connects the first input terminal (302) to the first output terminal (304). In the off position, the first input terminal (302) and the first output terminal (304) are electrically isolated from each other. A switching mechanism (310), received in the housing and configured to switch between the following configurations: Standby configuration, wherein the switching mechanism (310) places the first movable contact (370) in the on position, and Tripping configuration, wherein the switching mechanism (310) places the first movable contact (370) in the isolated position; in: The switching mechanism (310) includes a tripping device (372) movable between a neutral position and an activated position, the tripping device (372) being configured to switch the switching mechanism (310) to the tripping configuration when the tripping device (372) is in the activated position; The electrical protection device (300, 300') includes a safety mechanism (500), which includes: A support portion (502) movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the support portion (502) being accessible via a slot (376) provided in the housing (360) and configured to be pushed back into the retracted position by the dispensing device (110) when the protective device (300, 300') is mounted on the dispensing device (110) by means of an installation movement. A return member (504) tends to return the support portion (502) to the forward position. The tripping portion (506) is movable between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, the tripping portion (506) pushes the tripping device (372) back from the neutral position to the activated position. In the retracted position, the tripping portion (506) does not push the tripping device (372) back. A transmission device (508) connects the support portion (502) to the tripping portion (506) such that when the support portion (502) is in the retracted position, the tripping portion (506) is in the retracted position and the safety mechanism (500) is in the retracted configuration; and when the support portion (502) is in the forward position, the tripping portion (506) is in the activated position and the safety mechanism (500) is in the activated configuration. When the protective devices (300, 300') are in the mounting position on the distribution device (110), the safety mechanism (500) is in the retracted configuration. The safety mechanism (500) is configured such that during a disassembly movement opposite to the installation movement, the safety device switches from the retraction configuration of the tripping device (372) to the activation configuration before the input terminal (302) is disconnected from the power bus (124).

2. The protection device (300; 300') according to claim 1, wherein: The slot (376) is provided in the back (361) of the housing (360).

3. The protection device (300; 300') according to claim 2, wherein: The housing (360) includes fastening members (364) configured to specifically cooperate with the dispensing device (110) through a form fit, such that the mounting movement is a rotational movement about a mounting axis (A362) positioned near a first edge (362) on the rear surface (361). The slot (376) is located at a certain distance from the first edge (362).

4. The protective device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The housing (360) forms an internal volume (V360), The switching mechanism (310) and the safety mechanism (500) are both received in the internal volume (V360).

5. The protective device (300') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing (360) of the protective device (300') is a modular housing, comprising: A first housing (360A) receives the safety mechanism (500) and has a first hole through which an extension of the tripping portion (506) protrudes. A second housing (360B), which is different from the first housing (360A) and receives the switching mechanism (310), The first housing (360A) forms a cavity (V361) for receiving the second housing (360B), and the first housing (360A) and the second housing (360B) are configured to join together to form the housing (360) of the protective device (300') in the assembled configuration of the housings. The first housing (360A) has a first hole (381) leading to the cavity (V361), and the safety mechanism (500) includes an extension (510) that can be activated by the tripping portion (506) and extends through the first hole (381) into the cavity (V361). When the tripping portion (506) travels between the activated position and the retracted position, the extension (510) is movable between a first position and a second position. The second housing (360B) has a second hole (382), which is positioned to face the first hole (381) when the housing (360) is in the assembled configuration. When the housing (360) is in the assembled configuration, the extension (510) extends into the second housing (360) such that: When the tripping portion (506) moves from the retracted position to the activated position, the tripping portion (506) activates the extension portion (510), and the extension portion (510) moves from the first position to the second position. The extension pushes the tripping device (372) from the neutral position back to the activated position.

6. The protection device (300') according to claim 5, wherein: The first housing (360A) includes an auxiliary mechanism (310B), which is a mechanical energy accumulation mechanism. The auxiliary mechanism (310B) is switchable between a standby configuration and a trip configuration. The extension (510) is in the first position when the auxiliary mechanism (310B) is in the standby configuration and in the second position when the auxiliary mechanism is in the trip configuration. The auxiliary mechanism (310B) is configured to switch from the standby configuration to the trip configuration when the tripping portion (506) moves from the retracted position to the activated position. The auxiliary mechanism (310B) is configured to transmit sufficient force to the extension (510) to switch the switching mechanism (310) from the standby configuration to the trip configuration.

7. An allocation component (100), comprising: Examples of the protective devices (300, 300') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and A distribution device (110) configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power source including at least one phase and optionally a neutral line. in: The distribution device (110) includes a power bus (124), which includes a plurality of conductor strips (122), each conductor strip (122) including at least one phase strip and an optional neutral strip, the neutral strip being associated with the neutral line of the power supply, and each phase strip being associated with a corresponding phase of the power supply. The protective devices (300, 300') are mounted on the distribution device (110), the support portion (502) is pushed back to the retracted position by the distribution device (110), and each input terminal (302) is connected to the corresponding conductor strip (122).

8. The distribution component (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The conductor strips (122) extend parallel to each other along the main axis (A110) of the dispensing device (110). The conductor strip (122) is provided for the simultaneous installation of multiple examples of protective devices (300, 300') aligned side by side with each other along the main axis (A110).

9. An electrical panel (10), comprising: The outer casing (12) defines the outer cover (V12) and has end walls (14). The dispensing component (100) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, in, The dispensing device (110) is fastened to the end wall of the housing (12).

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