ADDITIONAL MODULE FOR DETECTING AN ELECTRICAL FAULT AND ELECTRICAL PROTECTION ARRANGEMENT WITH SUCH AN ADDITIONAL MODULE FOR DETECTING AN ELECTRICAL FAULT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of additional modules for detecting an electrical fault and the field of electrical protection assemblies comprising such an additional module for detecting an electrical fault and electrical protection equipment.

[0002] Publication EP3470856A1 already discloses a module for detecting an electrical fault which notably comprises a housing, a first measuring core arranged around a first line conductor and a second line conductor to measure a differential current flowing between these first and second line conductors and a second measuring core arranged around the first line conductor to detect an electric arc signal flowing in this conductor, an electromechanical trigger relay and an electronic processing circuit connected to the first and second measuring cores and which comprises at least one electronic card for switching the relay as a function of the current measured by the measuring cores.

[0003] This detection module has the particularity that the first and second measuring cores are aligned with each other in such a way that their respective longitudinal axes are parallel and offset by a distance of less than 10 millimeters. Such a configuration aims to provide a detection module which is capable of detecting electrical faults of different nature by using components housed in a compact housing, which reduces the size of the protection assembly.

[0004] However, such a configuration has the disadvantage that the dissipated power is high due to the arrangement of the first and second measuring cores and the first line conductor and the second line conductor in the housing. Indeed, the dissipated power is high due to the length of the first line conductor and the second line conductor, which is significant. In addition, if electrical protection equipment of the circuit breaker type is associated with the additional module for detecting an electrical fault, the electromagnetic radiation of the cores can disturb the movement of the electric arc in the breaking chamber.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of these drawbacks and to propose a solution aimed in particular at minimizing the dissipated power and, where appropriate, at limiting the disturbances in the breaking chamber caused by electromagnetic radiation.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an additional module for detecting an electrical fault configured to be added to an electrical protection device comprising at least: a modular format housing, a first output connection terminal, a second output connection terminal, a first electrical line comprising a first connection end which is connected to the first output connection terminal and a second connection end intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection apparatus or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus, a second electrical line comprising a third connection end which is connected to the second output connection terminal and a fourth connection end intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection apparatus or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus, a toroid for measuring a differential fault crossed by the first electrical line and the second electrical line,optionally a torus for measuring an electric arc fault crossed preferably only by the first electrical line, an electronic unit electrically connected on the one hand to the torus for measuring a differential fault and where appropriate to the torus for measuring an electric arc fault configured at least to process on the one hand a first signal measured by the torus for measuring a differential fault and where appropriate on the other hand a second signal measured by the torus for measuring an electric arc fault, , the housing comprising a connection compartment accommodating the first output connection terminal and the second output connection terminal, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault is characterized in that the measuring core of a differential fault is contained in the connection compartment and in that the electronic unit and, where appropriate, the measuring core of an electric arc fault are arranged in the housing outside the connection compartment.

[0007] The invention relates to an electrical protection assembly comprising electrical protection equipment and an additional module for detecting an electrical fault configured to be added to electrical protection equipment to control the triggering of said electrical protection equipment, said electrical protection assembly is characterized in that the additional module for detecting an electrical fault is according to the invention.

[0008] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 represents a perspective view of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to a first example of the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 represents a side and partial view of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault illustrated in the figure 1 showing an electronic unit and a trigger unit, [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 represents a side and partial view of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault illustrated in the figure 1 showing in particular an electronic unit, a trigger unit, a differential fault measurement core and an electric arc fault measurement core, [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 represents a side and partial view of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault illustrated in the figure 1 showing in particular the electronic unit, a trigger unit, the measuring core of a differential fault and the measuring core of an electric arc fault, [ Fig. 5 ] there Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a second part of a housing of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to the invention, [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 represents a perspective view of the second part of the housing of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to the invention showing the electronic unit, [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7represents a perspective view of the second part of the housing of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to the invention showing the electronic unit, the core for measuring a differential fault and the core for measuring an electric arc fault, [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 represents a side and partial view of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to a second example showing in particular an electronic unit, a triggering unit and a core for measuring a differential fault, [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 represents a perspective view of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to the first example of the invention, [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 represents a perspective view of the measuring core of a differential fault of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to the invention, [ Fig. 11 ] there figure 11represents a perspective view of the torus for measuring an electric arc fault of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault according to the invention.

[0009] An additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 configured to be added to an electrical protection device comprises at least: a modular format housing 3, a first output connection terminal 4, a second output connection terminal 5, a first electrical line 6 comprising a first connection end 7 which is connected to the first output connection terminal 4 and a second connection end 8 intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection apparatus or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus, a second electrical line 9 comprising a third connection end which is connected to the second output connection terminal 5 and a fourth connection end 11 intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection apparatus or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus, a differential fault measurement toroid 12 crossed by the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9,optionally an electric arc fault measurement torus 13 preferably crossed only by the first electrical line 6, an electronic unit 14 electrically connected on the one hand to the differential fault measurement torus 12 and where appropriate to the electric arc fault measurement torus 13 configured at least to process on the one hand a first signal measured by the differential fault measurement torus 12 and where appropriate on the other hand a second signal measured by the electric arc fault measurement torus 13, ,

[0010] the housing 3 comprising a connection compartment 15 accommodating the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5.

[0011] According to the invention, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 is characterized in that the differential fault measuring toroid 12 is contained in the connection compartment 15 and the electronic unit 14 and, where appropriate, the electric arc fault measuring toroid 13 are arranged in the housing 3 outside the connection compartment 15 ( figure 3 ).

[0012] Advantageously, thanks to this configuration it is possible to connect the measuring core of a differential fault 12 as close as possible to the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5 ( figures 4 , 7 And 8). As a result, the first and second lengths L1, L2 respectively of the first electrical line 6 and of the second electrical line 9 can be reduced relative to the known prior art, which thus advantageously makes it possible to reduce the Joule losses and therefore the dissipated powers. If an electrical protection device of the circuit breaker type is attached or associated with the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1, this advantageous arrangement also makes it possible to limit the electromagnetic radiation which could disturb the movement of the electric arc in the breaking chamber. Consequently, this solution makes it possible to propose differential protection coupled, where appropriate, with protection against electric arcs by minimizing the dissipated powers.

[0013] Preferably, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 comprises the toroid for measuring an electric arc fault 13 which is arranged in the housing 3 outside the connection compartment 15 above and next to the toroid for measuring a differential fault 12 ( figures 4 And 7 ).

[0014] Advantageously, thanks to this configuration it is possible to connect the measuring toroid of a differential fault 12 and the measuring toroid of an electric arc fault 13 as close as possible to the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5 ( figures 4 And 7 ). As a result, the first and second lengths L1, L2 respectively of the first electrical line 6 and of the second electrical line 9 can be reduced relative to the known prior art, which thus advantageously makes it possible to further reduce the dissipated powers.

[0015] Preferably, the differential fault measurement torus 12 comprises a first longitudinal axis A1 and the electric arc fault measurement torus 13 comprises a second longitudinal axis A2 and the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are not parallel to each other ( figure 3 ).

[0016] Preferably, the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are perpendicular to each other ( figure 3 ).

[0017] Preferably, the first electrical line 6 comprises two electrical conductors connected to each other, namely a first electrical conductor 34 which passes through the differential fault measurement torus 12 and a second electrical conductor 35 which passes through the electric arc fault measurement torus 13. The orthogonality of the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 makes it possible to facilitate and allow the connection, preferably by welding, of the first electrical conductor 34 to the second electrical conductor 35.

[0018] According to an alternative not shown, the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are parallel to each other.

[0019] This configuration makes it easier to pass the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9 through the differential fault measurement toroid 12 and to pass the first electrical line 6 through an electric arc fault measurement toroid 13.

[0020] Preferably, the housing 3 in modular format comprises a first housing part 16 called fixed ( figures 1 to 4 And 8 ) and a second part of the housing 17 called mobile ( figures 1 to 8 ) configured to be slidably mounted in the first housing part 16 in a mounted state S1 ( figures 1 to 4 And 8 ). The first housing part 16 comprises at least one trigger unit 18 and preferably the lock 31 and in a disassembled state S2 ( figures 5 to 7) of the first housing part 16 relative to the second housing part 17, the second housing part 17 comprises at least the first output connection terminal 4, the second output connection terminal 5, the first electrical line 6, the second electrical line 9, the differential fault measurement toroid 12, optionally the electric arc fault measurement toroid 13, the electronic unit 14 and the connection compartment 15.

[0021] Advantageously, this configuration of the housing 3 in two parts with a second housing part 17 forming a drawer makes it possible to facilitate the assembly phase of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 and therefore to facilitate the manufacturing process of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1. In addition, this configuration allows backward compatibility with existing electrical protection devices 2.

[0022] This so-called drawer configuration makes it possible to obtain a sub-assembly arranged and isolated in the second part of the housing 17 on which it is possible to carry out tests, for example a dielectric test or a test of the electronic unit 14.

[0023] Preferably, the electronic unit 14 comprises a diagnostic connector (not shown). Preferably, this diagnostic connector is configured to be accessible from the outside of the second housing part 17 through one or more, for example eight, openings 36 provided in the second housing part 17 in the disassembled state S2, and to be inaccessible in the assembled state S1 because the diagnostic connector and the openings 36 are covered by a portion of the first housing part 16. This configuration makes it possible to avoid having to use a cover-type insert to cover the diagnostic connector.

[0024] Preferably, the modular format housing 3 has a generally parallelepiped shape with two main faces, respectively a first left main face 19 and a first right main face 20, and first lateral faces extending from one to the other of the main faces, namely a first rear face 21, a first front face 22, a first lower face 23 and a first upper face 24, the width of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 corresponding to the modular distance dm between the first left main face 19 and the first right main face 20, corresponds to a multiple of a standardized value, called module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters, the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5 preferably emerging from a portion of the first front face 22 located on the side of the first lower face 23 ( figure 1 ).

[0025] Advantageously, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 has a modular format, preferably with a modular distance dm, preferably equal to one module, i.e. approximately 18 millimeters, which makes it possible to limit the size, particularly in an electrical panel in which it is intended to be installed.

[0026] Preferably, the connection compartment 15 is delimited by the first lower face 23, by a part of the first front face 22 located on the side of the first lower face 23 from which the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5 open, by a part of the first rear face 21 located on the side of the first lower face 23, by a part of the first left main face 19 located on the side of the first lower face 23 and by a part of the first right main face 20 located on the side of the first lower face 23 and the differential fault measurement toroid 12 is arranged at the rear of the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5, between the latter and said part of the first rear face 21.

[0027] Advantageously, the connection compartment 15 is located at the lower end of the housing 3 and, where appropriate, at the lower end of the second housing part 17.

[0028] Preferably, the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5 each comprise a screw cage 25, 26 comprising a cage 25 and a screw 26 and the differential fault measurement core 12 is arranged between the two cages 25, 26 and said part of the first rear face 21.

[0029] Preferably, the first electrical line 6 comprises at least the first electrical conductor 34 connected where appropriate to the second electrical conductor 35 which have a first length L1 of between 68 millimeters and 115 millimeters. The second electrical line 9 comprises at least a third electrical conductor and which has a second length L2 of between 77 millimeters and 94 millimeters.

[0030] As a result, the first and second lengths L1, L2 respectively of the first electrical line 6 and of the second electrical line 9 can be reduced relative to the known prior art, which thus advantageously makes it possible to further reduce the dissipated powers.

[0031] Preferably, the connection compartment 15 comprises a separating wall 27 arranged at the rear of the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5, between the latter and the differential fault measurement core 12.

[0032] Advantageously, the separating wall 27 allows electrical insulation between the differential fault measurement core 12 and, on the one hand, the first output connection terminal 4 and, on the other hand, the second output connection terminal 5 ( figures 3 to 4 And 6 à 8 ).

[0033] Preferably, the electronic unit 14 comprises a single folded electronic card comprising a plurality of panels made of rigid material connected by flexible zones made of flexible material.

[0034] This advantageous configuration makes it possible to integrate the electronic components while minimizing the loss of space that would result from the use of inter-card connectors in the case (not shown) in which the electronic unit 14 would comprise several electronic cards.

[0035] The electronic card preferably comprises four panels comprising the electronic components and which are connected by three flexible zones. The four panels comprise at least a first electronic card portion 28 and a second electronic card portion 29 parallel to each other and connected to each other by an intermediate portion and a lower portion 37 ( figures 2 to 7 ).

[0036] As illustrated by the Figure 5, the first portion of electronic card 28, the second portion of electronic card 29 and the intermediate portion are connected to each other by the lower portion 37 which is orthogonal to these and to which the torus for measuring an electric arc fault 13 is preferably connected.

[0037] The invention also relates to an additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 configured to be added to an electrical protection device comprising at least: a modular format housing 3, a first output connection terminal 4, a second output connection terminal 5, a first electrical line 6 comprising a first connection end 7 which is connected to the first output connection terminal 4 and a second connection end 8 intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection apparatus or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus, a second electrical line 9 comprising a third connection end which is connected to the second output connection terminal 5 and a fourth connection end 11 intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection apparatus or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus, a single toroid for measuring an electric arc fault 13 preferably crossed only by the first electrical line 6,an electronic unit 14 electrically connected to the electric arc fault measurement core 13 configured in particular to process a second signal measured by the electric arc fault measurement core 13, the housing 3 comprising a connection compartment 15 accommodating the first output connection terminal 4 and the second output connection terminal 5, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 is characterized in that the electric arc fault measurement core 13 is contained in the connection compartment 15 and in that the electronic unit 14 is arranged in the housing 3 outside the connection compartment 15.,

[0038] Advantageously, in this variant not shown, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 does not include a core for measuring a differential fault 12.

[0039] The invention also relates to an electrical protection assembly comprising electrical protection equipment and an additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 configured to be added to electrical protection equipment to control the triggering of said electrical protection equipment, said electrical protection assembly is characterized in that the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 is according to the invention.

[0040] The additional electrical fault detection module 1 according to the invention makes it possible to detect electrical faults and in particular one or preferably two electrical faults.

[0041] THE figures 1 to 7 And 9illustrate a first example of an additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 which comprises the differential fault measuring toroid 12 and the electric arc fault measuring toroid 13. This differential fault measuring toroid 12 is arranged in the connection compartment 15. The electronic unit 14 and the electric arc fault measuring toroid 13 are arranged in the housing 3, outside the connection compartment 15 as well as the triggering unit 18 and the lock 31 described below.

[0042] In the first example illustrated in the figures 1 to 7 And 9, the electrical fault detection module 1 makes it possible on the one hand to detect an electrical fault of the differential fault type without depending on the network voltage, i.e. the presence of a residual current on an electrical line of an installation and to subsequently control the triggering of the electrical protection apparatus (not shown) using in particular the triggering unit 18 and the lock 31 and on the other hand to detect an electrical fault of the electric arc fault type depending on the network voltage, i.e. the presence of an electric arc on an electrical line of the installation and to subsequently control the triggering of the electrical protection apparatus using in particular the triggering unit 18 and the lock 31.

[0043] The electrical protection apparatus which is not shown comprises a cut-off unit comprising at least one pair of fixed and movable contacts which can adopt an open position in which the current no longer flows in the electrical line of the installation and a closed position in which the current can flow in the electrical line of the installation. Preferably, the electrical protection apparatus is a circuit breaker and in this case, the cut-off unit further comprises an arc chute. The switching from the closed position to the open position is carried out following a trip command from the trip unit 18 of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1.

[0044] Preferably, the electrical protection equipment is contained in an additional box which is in modular format. The width of this additional box is preferably equal to one module, i.e. approximately 18 millimeters, or to two modules, i.e. approximately 36 millimeters.

[0045] In the first example illustrated in particular in the figures 1 to 7 And 9 , the additional electrical fault detection module 1 and the electrical protection equipment are two distinct and separate entities, each delimited by a modular format box of their own and are arranged side by side when connected.

[0046] Alternatively and according to an example not shown, the additional electrical fault detection module 1 and the electrical protection equipment are a single entity delimited by a single modular format box.

[0047] The electrical protection assembly according to the invention is thus in modular format and the width of the electrical protection assembly is preferably equal to two modules, i.e. approximately 36 millimeters in the example illustrated.

[0048] The width of the electrical protection assembly can, in another example not shown, be equal to three modules, or approximately 54 millimeters.

[0049] In all cases and as illustrated in particular by the figures 1 to 9, the housing 3 makes it possible to contain and protect at least the components of the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1, namely at least the first output connection terminal 4, the second output connection terminal 5, the first electrical line 6, the second electrical line 9, the differential fault measurement toroid 12, optionally the electric arc fault measurement toroid 13, the electronic unit 14 and preferably the trigger unit 18 and the lock 31. For this purpose, the housing 3 is preferably made of a rigid electrical insulating material such as polymer, for example plastic, and can be obtained by molding or injection.

[0050] The first output connection terminal 4 and second output connection terminal 5 allow connection to the electrical installation located downstream.

[0051] The first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9 allow the circulation within the additional electrical fault detection module 1 of the electrical current coming from an upstream electrical installation then passing through the electrical protection equipment. The first electrical line 6 is preferably connected to a phase potential and the second electrical line 9 is preferably connected to a neutral potential.

[0052] In the first example illustrated in the figures 1 to 7 And 9 , the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9 are only contained in the additional electrical fault detection module 1 because the additional electrical fault detection module 1 and the electrical protection apparatus are two separate entities.

[0053] Alternatively and according to an example not shown, the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9 are contained both in the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 and in the electrical protection apparatus in the case where the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 and the electrical protection apparatus form a single entity.

[0054] There figure 4 shows in particular that the first connection end 7 of the first electrical line 6 allows the electrical connection to the first output connection terminal 4. Similarly, the third connection end of the second electrical line 9 allows the electrical connection to the second output connection terminal 5.

[0055] In the first example illustrated and as shown in particular by the figure 9, the fourth connection end 11 of the second electrical line 9 and the second connection end 8 of the first electrical line 6 each allow electrical connection to the protective electrical apparatus via two output connection terminals of the protective electrical apparatus.

[0056] Alternatively and according to an example not illustrated, in the case where the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 and the electrical protection apparatus form a single entity and therefore if the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9 are contained both in the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 and the electrical protection apparatus, then the fourth connection end 11 of the second electrical line 9 and the second connection end 8 of the first electrical line 6 each allow electrical connection to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection apparatus via a first input connection terminal and a second input connection terminal of the electrical protection apparatus.

[0057] In the first example illustrated, the first electrical line 6 comprises a first electrical conductor, for example a copper wire or cable, and the second electrical line 9 comprises a second electrical conductor, for example a copper wire or cable.

[0058] THE figures 3 , 4 , 7 , 10 And 11 illustrate that the differential fault measuring toroid 12 and the electric arc fault measuring toroid 13 each comprise a toroidal coil wrapped in a toroidal housing with a cylindrical passage.

[0059] The differential fault measuring core 12 preferably has a first core length It1 which is between 13 millimeters and 15 millimeters and preferably equal to 14.6 millimeters. The first core length It1 corresponds to a distance measured parallel to the first longitudinal axis A1.

[0060] The differential fault measuring core 12 preferably has a first core diameter dt1 which is between 13 millimeters and 16 millimeters and preferably equal to 15.1 millimeters. The first core diameter dt1 corresponds to the distance measured at the periphery of the toroidal housing.

[0061] The arc fault measuring core 13 preferably has a second core length It2 which is between 9.5 millimeters and 11.5 millimeters and preferably equal to 10.6 millimeters. The second core length It2 corresponds to a distance measured parallel to the second longitudinal axis A2.

[0062] The arc fault measuring torus 13 preferably has a second torus diameter dt2 which is between 10 millimeters and 13 millimeters and preferably equal to 11.9 millimeters. The second torus diameter dt2 corresponds to the distance measured at the periphery of the toroidal housing.

[0063] The cylindrical passage of the differential fault measuring torus 12 comprises two cylindrical channels C which are configured to allow the passage respectively of the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9 ( figure 10 ).

[0064] The cylindrical passage of the arc fault measuring torus 13 comprises a single channel which is configured to allow the passage of only the first electrical line 6, the second electrical line 9 does not pass through the cylindrical passage ( figure 11 ).

[0065] The first longitudinal axis A1 corresponds to the axial direction of the cylindrical passage of the differential fault measuring torus 12 and the second longitudinal axis A2 corresponds to the axial direction of the cylindrical passage of the electric arc fault measuring torus 13.

[0066] The differential fault measuring core 12 makes it possible to measure an imbalance of electrical current flowing in the first electrical line 6 and the second electrical line 9.

[0067] The electric arc fault measuring core 13 makes it possible to measure a signal characteristic of the presence of an electric arc in the electric current flowing in the first electric line 6.

[0068] The electronic unit 14 makes it possible to process on the one hand a first signal measured by the differential fault measurement core 12 and, if necessary, on the other hand a second signal measured by the electric arc fault measurement core 13 and is powered by the network voltage.

[0069] The electronic unit 14 thus comprises a module for processing the first signal measured by the differential fault measurement core 12 connected to the differential fault measurement core 12, a trigger module connected to the trigger unit 18 described below, optionally a power supply module and a module for processing the second signal measured by the electric arc fault measurement core 13 connected to the electric arc fault measurement core 13.

[0070] The module for processing the first signal measured by the differential fault measurement core 12 does not need to be powered by the network voltage via the power supply module.

[0071] The module for processing the second signal measured by the measuring core of an electric arc fault 13 is connected and powered by the power supply module.

[0072] The trigger module is connected on the one hand to the processing module of the first signal measured by the differential fault measurement core 12 and on the other hand to the processing module of the second signal measured by the electric arc fault measurement core 13.

[0073] The trigger module is configured to trigger the trigger unit 18 from the signals processed by the processing module of the first signal measured by the differential fault measurement core 12 and, where appropriate, by the processing module of the second signal measured by the electric arc fault measurement core 13.

[0074] THE figures 2 to 7 illustrate that the electronic unit 14 comprises a single electronic card folded into three sections and made of flexible material which comprises the first portion of electronic card 28 and the second portion of electronic card 29 connected to each other by the intermediate portion.

[0075] In addition, the figures 3 And 4 show that the measuring core of a differential fault 12 is not mounted on the electronic card alone.

[0076] In addition, the figures 3 And 4 show that the torus for measuring an electric arc fault 13 is arranged in a cutout 33 made in the second portion of the electronic card 29.

[0077] The first portion of electronic card 28 and the second portion of electronic card 29 are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance dc of between 6 millimeters and 12 millimeters. The first portion of electronic card 28 and the second portion of electronic card 29 are parallel to the first left main face 19 and to the first right main face 20 of the housing 3.

[0078] The flexible PCB, known as a flex / rigid PCB, can be advantageously bent. The flexible areas are made of layers of copper and polyimide. The rigid material sections are made of the materials commonly used to manufacture electronic boards.

[0079] Alternatively, the electronic unit 14 may comprise several electronic cards which are connected to each other by inter-card connectors.

[0080] The first portion of the electronic card 28 preferably allows the network voltage to be converted into 3 Volts and includes the electronic components for differential triggering and connection with the relay 30.

[0081] The second portion of electronic card 29 preferably comprises a microcontroller, a JTAG interface allowing connection to the additional module for detecting an electrical fault after assembly during calibration of the measurement chains, a light indicator of the RGB LED type for generating light signals of variable colors depending on the type of fault allowing the user to be notified of the type of fault, a radiofrequency antenna to allow connection with a remote device, for example a telephone or equipment designated by its Anglicism "tracebox" which allows the recording of signals to improve the algorithm for protecting against an electric arc fault and the diagnostic connector.

[0082] The intermediate portion allows the conditioning of signals or in other words their digitization.

[0083] The lower portion 37 preferably allows connection with the measuring core of an electric arc fault 13.

[0084] THE figures 2 to 4 show that the trigger unit 18 comprises a relay 30. The relay 30 is electrically connected to the electronic unit 14 which in particular makes it possible to control the relay 30 from the signals measured on the one hand by the measuring core of a differential fault 12 and optionally by the measuring core of an electric arc fault 13. The relay 30 also makes it possible to mechanically actuate a lock 31.

[0085] The lock 31 comprises an operating member 38 and a transmission member 39.

[0086] The operating member 38 may be in the form of a lever and is at least partly protruding from the housing 3, preferably from the first front face 22.

[0087] The transmission member 39 may be in the form of a projection and is at least partly projecting from the housing 3, preferably from the first left main face 19 which is suitable and intended to be attached to a face of the housing of the electrical protection apparatus as illustrated in figure 9 .

[0088] The transmission member 39 makes it possible to transmit the movement of the relay 30 to the cut-off unit of the electrical protection apparatus. Indeed, the relay 30 is configured to unlock the lock 31, the transmission member 39 which is part of the lock 31 allows the triggering of the electrical protection apparatus and in this case the operating member 38 will move to the OFF position.

[0089] THE figures 1 And 5 show that the connection compartment 15 has a modular width Ic which is equal to one module, or approximately 18 millimeters.

[0090] As illustrated by the figures 1, 5 And 9, the second housing part 17 of the housing 3 may comprise a connection zone 32 located in the extension of the connection compartment 15 and which extends perpendicular to the left main face 19 over a zone width Iz equal to one module, i.e. approximately 18 millimeters, but which may be equal to two modules according to an example not illustrated. The connection zone 32 comprises a connection interface 32a with said electrical protection apparatus from which the fourth connection end 11 of the second electrical line 9 and the second connection end 8 of the first electrical line 6 emerge. Preferably, the connection interface 32a comprises a flat face which is perpendicular to the left main face 19. The fourth connection end 11 of the second electrical line 9 and the second connection end 8 of the first electrical line 6 are preferably projecting from the flat face and perpendicular to it.The fourth connection end 11 of the second electrical line 9 and the second connection end 8 of the first electrical line 6 are preferably rigid to facilitate the connection.

[0091] The screw cage 25, 26 of the first output connection terminal 4 and the screw cage 25, 26 of the second output connection terminal 5 are side by side.

[0092] The separating wall 27 is preferably made of a rigid electrically insulating material such as polymer.

[0093] The first longitudinal axis A1 is preferably perpendicular to the first lower face 23 and / or to the first upper face 24.

[0094] The second longitudinal axis A2 is preferably perpendicular to the first rear face 21 and / or to the first front face 22.

[0095] There figure 8illustrates a second example of an additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 which only comprises a core for measuring a differential fault 12. This additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 does not comprise a core for measuring an electric arc fault 13. This core for measuring a differential fault 12 is arranged in the connection compartment 15. The electronic unit 14 is arranged in the housing 3 outside the connection compartment 15 as well as the trigger unit 18 and the lock 31.

[0096] This second example differs from the first example illustrated in figures 1 to 7 And 9essentially by these characteristics. In this case, the electrical fault detection module 1 only makes it possible to detect an electrical fault of the differential fault type, i.e. the presence of a residual current on an electrical line of an installation and to subsequently control the triggering of the electrical protection equipment (not shown) using in particular the triggering unit 18 and the lock 31.

[0097] According to another example not shown, the additional module for detecting an electrical fault 1 only comprises a toroid for measuring an electric arc fault 13. This toroid for measuring an electric arc fault 13 is arranged in the connection compartment 15. The electronic unit 14 is arranged in the housing 3 outside the connection compartment 15 as well as the trigger unit 18 and the lock 31.

[0098] This last example is distinguished from the first example illustrated in figures 1 to 7 And 9 essentially by these characteristics. In this case, the electrical fault detection module 1 only makes it possible to detect an electrical fault of the electric arc fault type, i.e. the presence of an electric arc on an electrical line of the installation and to subsequently control the triggering of the electrical protection equipment using in particular the triggering unit 18 and the lock 31.

[0099] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the attached drawings.

Claims

1. Additional electrical-fault-detection module (1) configured to be attached to an electrical protection device comprising at least: - a housing (3) in modular format, - a first output connection terminal (4), - a second output connection terminal (5), - a first electrical line (6) comprising a first connection end (7) which is connected to the first output connection terminal (4) and a second connection end (8) intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection device or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection device, - a second electrical line (9) comprising a third connection end which is connected to the second output connection terminal (5) and a fourth connection end (11) intended to be electrically connected to said electrical protection device or to an electrical installation upstream of the electrical protection device, - a differential-fault measurement toroid (12) traversed by the first electrical line (6) and the second electrical line (9), - optionally an electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13), preferably traversed only by the first electrical line (6), - an electronic unit (14) electrically connected on the one hand to the differential-fault measurement toroid (12) and where applicable to the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13) configured at least to process on the one hand a first signal measured by the differential-fault measurement toroid (12) and where applicable on the other hand a second signal measured by the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13), the housing (3) comprising a connection compartment (15) accommodating the first output connection terminal (4) and the second output connection terminal (5), the additional electrical-fault-detection module (1) is characterized in that the differential-fault measurement toroid (12) is contained in the connection compartment (15) and in that the electronic unit (14) and where applicable the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13) are arranged in the housing (3) outside the connection compartment (15).

2. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to Claim 1, characterized in that the additional electrical-fault-detection module (1) comprises the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13) which is arranged in the housing (3) outside the connection compartment (15) above and beside the differential-fault measurement toroid (12).

3. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the additional electrical-fault-detection module comprises the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13), in that the differential-fault measurement toroid (12) comprises a first longitudinal axis (A1) and the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13) comprises a second longitudinal axis (A2), and in that the first longitudinal axis (A1) and the second longitudinal axis (A2) are not parallel to each other.

4. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first longitudinal axis (A1) and the second longitudinal axis (A2) are perpendicular to each other.

5. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing (3) in modular format comprises a fixed first housing part (16) and a moveable second housing part (17) that is configured to be slidingly mounted in the first housing part (16) in an assembled state (S1), the first housing part (16) comprising at least one trip unit (18) and, with the first housing part (16) in a disassembled state (S2) relative to the second housing part (17), the second housing part (17) comprising at least the first output connection terminal (4), the second output connection terminal (5), the first electrical line (6), the second electrical line (9), the differential-fault measurement toroid (12), the electrical-arc-fault measurement toroid (13), the electronic unit (14) and the connection compartment (15).

6. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (3) in modular format has a generally parallelepiped shape with two main faces, respectively a first left main face (19) and a first right main face (20), and first side faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely a first rear face (21), a first front face (22), a first lower face (23) and a first upper face (24), the width of the additional electrical-fault-detection module (1) corresponding to the modular distance (dm) between the first left main face (19) and the first right main face (20) is a multiple of a standard module value substantially equal to 18 millimetres, the first output connection terminal (4) and the second output connection terminal (5) preferably opening into a portion of the first front face (22) located towards the first lower face (23).

7. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to Claim 6, characterized in that the connection compartment (15) is delimited by the first lower face (23), by a part of the first front face (22) located towards the first lower face (23) from which the first output connection terminal (4) and the second output connection terminal (5) open, by a part of the first rear face (21) located towards the first lower face (23), by a part of the first left main face (19) located towards the first lower face (23) and by a part of the first right main face (20) located towards the first lower face (23) and in that the differential-fault measurement toroid (12) is arranged behind the first output connection terminal (4) and the second output connection terminal (5), between these latter and said part of the first rear face (21).

8. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to Claim 7, characterized in that the first output connection terminal (4) and the second output connection terminal (5) each include a screw cage (25, 26) comprising a cage (25) and a screw (26) and in that the differential-fault measurement toroid (12) is arranged between the two cages (25, 26) and said part of the first rear face (21).

9. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first electrical line (6) comprises at least one first electrical conductor (34) which has a first length (L1) of between 68 millimetres and 115 millimetres and in that the second electrical line (9) comprises at least one third electrical conductor and which has a second length (L2) of between 77 millimetres and 94 millimetres.

10. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connection compartment (15) comprises a partition wall (27) arranged behind the first output connection terminal (4) and the second output connection terminal (5), between these latter and the differential-fault measurement toroid (12).

11. Additional electrical-fault-detection module according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the electronic unit (14) comprises a single folded electronic card comprising a plurality of panels of rigid material connected by flexible zones of flexible material.

12. Electrical protection assembly comprising an electrical protection device and an additional electrical-fault-detection module (1) configured to be attached to an electrical protection device to control the tripping of said electrical protection device, said electrical protection assembly is characterized in that the additional electrical-fault-detection module (1) is according to any one of Claims 1 to 11.