Modular electrical switching device

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a modular electrical switching device comprising a housing in which the following are housed: - a first line (L) comprising fixed (3) and mobile (4) contacts; - a second line (N); - a trip lock (7) that is able to adopt a first position and a second position, the first phase line (L) comprising a magnetic trip member (10) for switching the trip lock (7) in the event of a short-circuit fault; - an electrical transformer (11) associated with a first electronic circuit (12) that is configured to perform a differential function, for switching the trip lock (7) in the event of a differential fault; - a measurement device (14) comprising a measurement sensor (15) and a second electronic circuit (16) for switching the trip lock (7) in the event of an extended overcurrent fault.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of modular electrical switching devices, preferably of the modular differential circuit breaker type.

[0002] Document EP 0 325 071 B1 describes a modular electrical switching device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] US document 2013 / 329331 A1 describes circuit breakers that wirelessly communicate status and fault information to a master power monitoring module.

[0004] A modular electrical switching device of the residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) type, also known as a residual current circuit breaker with overcurrent protection (RCBO), has a width of one module. This means that the distance between the two sides of the device's housing corresponds to a standardized value called a module. This type of electrical device also includes, as is known, a thermal tripping element, preferably a bimetallic strip, which protects the electrical installation against overcurrent faults; a differential measurement electronic board coupled to an electromagnetic actuator, which protects the electrical installation in the event of a residual current fault; and a magnetic tripping element that protects the electrical installation in the event of a short circuit.It can be useful to add supplementary functions to this type of electrical device. Generally, these supplementary functions are implemented by so-called auxiliary devices, which are not part of the main circuit breaker due to the size of the electrical components that perform these functions. Thus, these auxiliary devices can be in the form of additional modules, mounted, in the same way as the main circuit breaker, on a modular row of the electrical panel, or they can be a separate component attached to the main electrical device, for example, at the label holder.Additional auxiliary modules have the disadvantage of occupying undesirable extra space on the modular row of the electrical panel in which they are housed and also involve a complex and laborious installation requiring the intervention of a specialist installer to carry out the wiring.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a solution allowing the implementation of complementary functions, without impacting the size, either within the electrical switching device or within the electrical panel.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a modular electrical switching device according to claim 1.

[0007] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: there figure 1 schematically illustrates the electrical circuit of the electrical switching device of the invention according to one embodiment, the figure 2 schematically illustrates the electrical circuit of the electrical switching device of the invention according to another preferred embodiment, the figure 3 is a perspective view of the modular electrical switching device according to the invention, the figure 4 is a side view of the modular electrical switching device of the invention according to a preferred embodiment, the side face of which has been partially removed to show the second electronic board, the figure 5 is a side view of the modular electrical switching device of the invention according to the embodiment variant of the figure 4 whose side panel and second electronic board have been partially removed to show the bimetallic thermal triggering device.

[0008] The modular electrical switching device comprises at least one B-type housing in which is housed: a first phase line L between at least a first suitable connection terminal 1 intended to be connected to an electrical distribution source and a second connection terminal 2 intended to be connected to a load, comprising a pair of contacts respectively fixed 3 and movable 4 ( figures 1 And 2 ), a second neutral line N between at least a first suitable connection terminal 5 intended to be connected to an electrical distribution source and a second connection terminal 6 intended to be connected to a load ( figures 1 And 2 ), a release lock 7 comprising an operating member 8 projecting from a front face F1 of the housing B for manually actuating the release lock 7, and comprising a movable contact holder 9 on which the movable contact 4 is mounted, and being configured to adopt a first position P1, in which the fixed contact 3 and the movable contact 4 are in contact, and on the other hand, a second position P2, in which the fixed contact 3 and the movable contact 4 are at a distance from each other ( figures 1 , 2 , 4 And 5 ), the first phase line L comprising at least one suitable magnetic release element 10 intended to actuate the release lock 7 to switch the release lock 7 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the event of a short-circuit type fault ( figures 1 And 2), at least one electrical transformer 11 associated with a first electronic circuit 12 configured to perform a differential function, the first electronic circuit 12 being suitable and intended to be supplied between the first phase line L and the second neutral line N, and electrically connected to a control element 13, to control an electromagnetic actuator 10', which is suitable and intended to actuate the trip lock 7 to switch the trip lock 7 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the event of a differential fault.

[0009] According to the invention, the electrical device is characterized in that it comprises: a measuring device 14 housed in said casing B, comprising a measuring sensor 15, 15', suitable and intended to measure at least the value of the current intensity flowing only through the first phase line L and a second electronic circuit 16, electrically connected to said measuring sensor 15, 15', suitable and intended to be powered between the first phase line L and the second neutral line N, and configured to determine a tripping threshold, by comparing the measured current intensity value to a predetermined threshold current intensity value, for which the control member 13 is suitable and intended to control the electromagnetic actuator 10', which is suitable and intended to actuate the trip lock 7 to switch the trip lock 7 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the event of a prolonged overcurrent type fault ( figures 1 , 2 , 4 And 5 ).

[0010] Advantageously, providing a measuring device 14 housed within said casing B allows for a modular electrical switching device with a complementary electronic measuring function without impacting the modular format of the electrical device and without requiring an additional auxiliary module. This avoids undesirable use of modular space or wiring area within the electrical panel where the electrical switching device according to the invention is intended to be installed. It also reduces overall installation time, since no additional wiring is required. The result is significantly simpler installation and operation, far superior to any known prior art products. Installation of the electrical device according to the invention is possible without tools and in just a few minutes.Advantageously, the measuring device 14, via the measuring sensor 15, 15', measures the current intensity flowing through the first phase line L. This measuring sensor 15, 15' is also electrically connected to a second electronic circuit 16, which processes the data relating to the measured current intensity, and in particular compares this data to a predetermined threshold current intensity value to determine a tripping threshold. More specifically, as long as the measured current intensity value is lower than the predetermined threshold current intensity value, the tripping threshold is not reached, and in this case, the control element 13 does not activate the electromagnetic actuator 10', and the tripping lock 7 remains in the first position P1.Conversely, when the measured current intensity is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold current intensity, i.e., in the case of a prolonged overcurrent, the tripping threshold is exceeded. In this case, the control element 13 activates the electromagnetic actuator 10', which in turn actuates the trip lock 7, thus switching the trip lock 7 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This measuring device 14 is preferably configured to comply with IEC 61009-1. For example, the predetermined threshold current intensity can be between 1.13 times the rated current intensity and 9 times the rated current intensity. Thus, the measuring device 14 provides an electronic function for detecting prolonged overcurrent.Advantageously, in this configuration it is possible to do without the use of a thermal triggering device of the bimetallic type to detect prolonged overcurrent type faults, which is usually used to detect such faults.

[0011] The present invention therefore advantageously extends to an electrical switching device, as defined above, comprising only the measuring device 14, as defined in the present invention, for performing the function of detecting prolonged overcurrent. In this case, no thermal tripping device is provided.

[0012] Preferably, the electrical switching device of the present invention is a differential circuit breaker of which only the first line L of phase is protected against faults.

[0013] Preferably, the second neutral line N may include a pair of contacts respectively fixed 3' and movable 4' between the first connection terminal 5 and the second connection terminal 6 ( figures 1 And 2 Preferably, the fixed contacts 3' and movable contacts 4' are also mounted on the movable contact holder 9. Thus, the fixed contacts 3' and movable contacts 4' are actuated simultaneously with the fixed contacts 3 and movable contacts 4 between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0014] The electrical switching device according to the invention is modular, as illustrated by the figure 3 , and thus has a width of one module, that is to say that the distance between the two lateral faces F2 of the housing B of the electrical switching device corresponds to a standardized value, called module.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figure 2 The measuring sensor is a Joule effect sensor 15'. According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the Joule effect sensor 15' can be a shunt. Preferably, in this case, the first phase line L includes the Joule effect sensor 15' in series.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figure 1 , the measuring sensor is an electrical transformer 15.

[0017] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical transformer 15 may include a torus or a Rogowski winding through which only the first line L passes.

[0018] Advantageously, a 15' Joule effect measurement sensor of the shunt type has the advantage of being compact, particularly more compact and thinner than a toroid or a Rogowski coil. For example, a shunt can have dimensions of 15 millimeters x 5 millimeters x 1 millimeter, while a toroid typically has a diameter of around 1.5 centimeters and a thickness of 5 millimeters.

[0019] The present invention also extends to a measuring device 14 according to the invention in which the measuring sensor is a measuring sensor excluding an electrical transformer.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring device 14 further comprises a voltage measuring sensor (not shown), suitable and intended to measure the value of the electrical voltage of the current between the first phase line L and the second neutral line N, and being electrically connected to the second electronic circuit 16.

[0021] Advantageously, the measuring device 14 also allows, using the voltage sensor, the measurement of the electrical voltage between the first phase line L and the second neutral line N. As a result, it is possible to perform consumption measurements using the measuring device 14.

[0022] In this case, the second electronic circuit 16 of the measuring device 14 can be configured to provide an overvoltage detection function and / or an undervoltage detection function. The second electronic circuit 16 is then configured to determine at least one tripping threshold, by comparing the measured voltage value to at least one predetermined threshold voltage value, for which the control element 13 is suitable and intended to control the electromagnetic actuator 10', which is suitable and intended to actuate the trip lock 7 to switch the trip lock 7 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, in the event of an overvoltage or undervoltage fault.

[0023] A first predetermined threshold voltage value can determine a tripping threshold in case of undervoltage. In this case, if the measured voltage value is lower than the first predetermined threshold voltage value, an undervoltage threshold is crossed. The first predetermined threshold voltage value could, for example, be 80 volts. A second predetermined threshold voltage value can determine a tripping threshold in case of overvoltage. In this case, if the measured voltage value is higher than the first predetermined threshold voltage value, an overvoltage threshold is crossed. The second predetermined threshold voltage value could, for example, be 285 volts.

[0024] For example, the voltage measurement sensor may consist of a voltage divider bridge.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 1 And 2, the first phase line L includes in series at least one thermal release element 17 suitable and intended to actuate the release lock 7 to switch the release lock 7 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the event of a prolonged overcurrent type fault.

[0026] Advantageously, the thermal trip device 17 ensures safety in the event of a power failure to supply the second electronic circuit 16 of the measuring device 14 or a malfunction of the second electronic circuit 16. Thus, by retaining a thermal trip device 17, the opening of the first protected phase line L is guaranteed at all times in the event of a prolonged overcurrent. As a result, safety is enhanced through dual overcurrent monitoring due to the combination of the thermal trip device 17 and the measuring device 14, which performs an electronic measurement.

[0027] According to this preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the figure 5 , the thermal triggering element 17 can consist of a bimetallic strip connected or not to the moving contact 4 by a flexible conductor 17' and suitable and intended to actuate the triggering lock 7 under the effect of a deformation of the bimetallic strip.

[0028] Advantageously, the bimetallic strip is deformed by direct or indirect heating of the flexible conductor 17'.

[0029] Preferably the flexible conductor 17' is a conductive braid.

[0030] In this configuration, the bimetallic strip can be more compact than those typically used in prior art modular electrical switching devices, since lower sensitivity is required. Indeed, the bimetallic strip only provides backup to the measuring device 14 in the event of a lack of voltage to power the second electronic circuit 16 of the measuring device 14 or a malfunction of the second electronic circuit 16.

[0031] The second electronic circuit 16 of the measuring device 14 further includes a communication module 18 for receiving data relating to the parameterization of the second electronic circuit 16 and relating at least to the predetermined threshold current intensity value.

[0032] Advantageously, the addition of a communication module 18 allows for the remote configuration or reconfiguration of the second electronic circuit 16. For example, it is possible to remotely set, via the communication module 18, the predetermined threshold current intensity value or other parameters from the second electronic circuit 16. Consequently, the communication module 18 enables the remote setting of the measuring device 14.

[0033] Preferably, the communication module 18 is configured to transmit data relating to the values ​​measured by the measuring sensor 15, 15'.

[0034] In addition, this communication module 18 allows obtaining data relating to the value of the current intensity measured by the measuring sensor 15, 15' and where applicable, data relating to the value of the electrical voltage measured by the voltage measuring sensor, as well as any other data processed by the second electronic circuit 16.

[0035] This communication module 18, preferably radio frequency, can therefore include an antenna.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the second electronic circuit 16 of the measuring device 14 is configured to perform an electric arc detection function by means of the electrical transformer 11 and the measuring sensor 15, 15' associated with the second electronic circuit 16.

[0037] Advantageously, in this configuration, the measuring device 14 provides specific protection against arc faults by means of the electrical transformer 11 associated with the first electronic circuit 12 and the measuring sensor 15, 15' associated with the second electronic circuit 16. Thus, the measuring device 14 can actuate the trip lock 7 to switch it from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when a dangerous arc is detected. Indeed, the second electronic circuit 16 is configured to distinguish between dangerous arcs and other arcs, thereby preventing nuisance tripping of the circuit breaker.More specifically, the second electronic circuit 16 is configured to monitor and analyze the shape of the electrical current signal measured by the electrical transformer 11 and the measuring sensor 15, 15' to detect abnormal electrical current signal shapes indicative of a dangerous electrical arc. Advantageously, this additional arc detection function improves the safety of the electrical installation protected by the electrical disconnect device according to the invention, particularly against fires.

[0038] According to a preferred configuration, the measuring device 14 is arranged in a housing 19 of the box B located between the second connection terminal 2 of the first phase line L and the moving contact 4.

[0039] Advantageously, the measuring device 14 is located in the housing B of the electrical device according to the invention, in the position originally intended to house a thermal triggering element. In this case, the housing 19 is devoid of thermal triggering elements. This configuration advantageously optimizes the space within the housing B of the electrical device according to the invention and maintains maximum compactness.

[0040] According to another preferred configuration illustrated in figures 4 And 5 , the measuring device 14 is disposed in a housing 19 of the housing B located between the second connection terminal 2 of the first line L and the moving contact 4, which housing 19 further includes the thermal triggering element 17.

[0041] Advantageously, the measuring device 14 is located in the housing B of the device in the same location provided for the thermal triggering element 17. This configuration advantageously allows for optimization of space within the housing B of the electrical device according to the invention and maintains maximum compactness.

[0042] Preferably, the electrical device according to the invention may include a first electronic board 20 comprising a power supply circuit, to supply the first electronic circuit 12 and the second electronic circuit 16 between the first phase line L and the second neutral line N and a second electronic board 21 comprising the first electronic circuit 12 and the second electronic circuit 16.

[0043] Advantageously, the second electronic card 21 combines, on the one hand, the differential function and, on the other hand, the electronic function for detecting prolonged overcurrent, and where applicable, other additional functions described previously.

[0044] More specifically, the second electronic board 21 may include at least one microcontroller 22, one electronic measurement component 23, and one antenna forming the communication module 18. The electronic measurement component 23 is electrically connected to the measurement sensor 15, 15', and, where applicable, to the voltage measurement sensor. This electronic measurement component 23 converts the analog data from the measurement sensor 15, 15', and, where applicable, from the voltage measurement sensor, into digital data that can be processed by the microcontroller 22.

[0045] The microcontroller 22 is electrically connected to the electronic measuring component 23 to collect and process data relating to the current intensity value measured by the measuring sensor 15, 15', and, where applicable, to the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring sensor. The microcontroller 22 is also electrically connected to said antenna to enable bidirectional communication, that is, on the one hand, to communicate the data collected by the measuring sensor 15, 15' and / or the voltage measuring sensor to a remote communication unit (not shown) and, on the other hand, to receive data relating to a configuration of the microcontroller 22 from a remote communication unit.

[0046] The remote communication unit can consist of a computer equipped with dedicated software, a smartphone equipped with a dedicated application, or something similar.

[0047] The second electronic card 21 is preferentially housed in the housing 19, described previously.

[0048] Preferably, the control element 13 can be an electronic control element, of the thyristor type, or alternatively, a release relay. Thus, when the first electronic circuit 12 or the second electronic circuit 16 supplies power to the control element 13, the electromagnetic actuator 10' is actuated and can act on the release lock 7 to trigger the transition from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This control element 13 is electrically connected to both the first electronic circuit 12 and the second electronic circuit 16. When the first electronic circuit 12 and the second electronic circuit 16 are located on the second electronic board 21, then the control element 13 is electrically connected to the second electronic board 21.

[0049] Preferably, the magnetic release member 10 comprises a coil surrounding a movable core capable of actuating the release lock 7.

[0050] Preferably, the electrical transformer 11 comprises a primary winding through which the first phase line L and the second neutral line N pass, and a secondary winding electrically connected to the first electronic circuit 12.

[0051] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the attached drawings.

Claims

1. Modular electrical circuit-breaker apparatus comprising at least one housing (B) within which the following are accommodated: - a first phase line (L) between at least a first connection terminal (1) able and intended to be connected to an electrical distribution source and a second connection terminal (2) intended to be connected to a load, comprising a pair of contacts which are respectively fixed (3) and mobile (4), - a second neutral line (N) between at least a first connection terminal (5) able and intended to be connected to an electrical distribution source and a second connection terminal (6) intended to be connected to a load, - a triggering lock (7) comprising an operating mechanism (8) protruding from a front face (F1) of the housing (B) for manually actuating the triggering lock (7), and comprising a mobile contact carrier (9) on which the mobile contact (4) is installed, and configured to adopt a first position (P1), in which the fixed contact (3) and the mobile contact (4) are in contact, and, on the other hand, a second position (P2), in which the fixed contact (3) and the mobile contact (4) are separated from one another, the first phase line (L) comprising at least one magnetic triggering mechanism (10) able and intended to actuate the triggering lock (7) in order to switch the triggering lock (7) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) in the case of a fault of the short-circuit type, - at least one electrical transformer (11) associated with a first electronic circuit (12) configured for carrying out a differential function, the first electronic circuit (12) being able and intended to be supplied between the first phase line (L) and the second neutral line (N), and electrically connected to a control mechanism (13) for controlling an electromagnetic actuator (10'), which is able and intended to actuate the triggering lock (7) in order to switch the triggering lock (7) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) in the case of a differential fault, which electrical apparatus is characterized in that it comprises: - a measurement device (14) accommodated within said housing (B), comprising a measurement sensor (15) able and intended to measure at least the value of the intensity of the current flowing only in the first phase line (L) and a second electronic circuit (16), electrically connected to said measurement sensor (15), able and intended to be supplied between the first phase line (L) and the second neutral line (N), and configured for determining a triggering threshold, by comparison of the measured current intensity value with a predetermined threshold current intensity value, for which the control mechanism (13) is able and intended to control the electromagnetic actuator (10'), which is able and intended to actuate the triggering lock (7) in order to switch the triggering lock (7) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) in the case of a fault of the prolonged overcurrent type, - in that the second electronic circuit (16) of the measurement device (14) further comprises a communication module (18) configured for receiving data relating to the parameterization of the second electronic circuit (16) and relating at least to the predetermined threshold current intensity value, and - in that the communication module (18) is configured to allow the configuration or reconfiguration of the second electronic circuit (16) remotely by remotely parameterizing, via the communication module (18), at least the predetermined threshold current intensity value.

2. Electrical apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the measurement sensor is a resistive heating measurement sensor.

3. Electrical apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the measurement sensor (15) is an electrical transformer.

4. Electrical apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the resistive heating measurement sensor is a shunt.

5. Electrical apparatus according to Claim 3, characterized in that the electrical transformer comprises a Rogowski coil through which only the first line (L) passes.

6. Electrical apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measurement device (14) furthermore comprises a voltage measurement sensor, able and intended to measure the value of the voltage from the current between the first phase line (L) and the second neutral line (N), and electrically connected to the second electronic circuit (16).

7. Electrical apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first phase line (L) comprises, in series, at least one thermal triggering mechanism (17) able and intended to actuate the triggering lock (7) in order to switch the triggering lock (7) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) in the case of a fault of the prolonged overcurrent type.

8. Electrical apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that the thermal triggering mechanism (17) consists of a bimetallic strip connected or not connected to the mobile contact (4) via a flexible conductor (17') and able and intended to actuate the triggering lock (7) under the effect of a deformation of the bimetallic strip.

9. Electrical apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second electronic circuit (16) of the measurement device (14) is configured for carrying out a function for detection of electrical arcs by means of the electrical transformer (11) and of the measurement sensor (15, 15') which are associated with the second electronic circuit (16).

10. Electrical apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the measurement device (14) is disposed within an accommodation (19) of the housing (B) situated between the second connection terminal (2) of the first phase line (L) and the mobile contact (4).

11. Electrical apparatus according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the measurement device (14) is disposed within an accommodation (19) of the housing (B) situated between the second connection terminal (2) of the first phase line (L) and the mobile contact (4), which accommodation (19) furthermore comprises the thermal triggering mechanism (17).

12. Electrical apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a first electronic board (20) comprising a power supply circuit, for supplying power to the first electronic circuit (12) and the second electronic circuit (16) between the first phase line (L) and the second neutral line (N), and a second electronic board (21) comprising the first electronic circuit (12) and the second electronic circuit (16).

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