Modular electrical protection device with control and power modules

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular electrical protection device, comprising at least one power module (5) and one control module (1). In order for the device to be particularly efficient and versatile, while still being able to be modified easily, the power module comprises a mechanical disconnector (53), a static switch (54) and a local control circuit (55), for commanding the static switch (54) into the off state, and the control module (1) comprises a trip mechanism (10), for mechanically tripping a changeover of the mechanical disconnector (53), and a main control circuit (30), for commanding the trip mechanism (10) and communicating with the local control circuit (55).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Modular electrical protection device with control and power modules

[0002] The present invention relates to a control module for an electrical protection apparatus, a power module for this electrical protection apparatus, and the electrical protection apparatus comprising such modules.

[0003] Many electromechanical electrical protection devices, such as air circuit breakers, and in particular miniature circuit breakers (MCBs), are physically designed to trip upon the occurrence of one or more electrical faults with predetermined characteristics. These faults are, for example, a short circuit, an overload or a differential fault.

[0004] To modify the characteristics of the fault detectable by this type of device, it is necessary to physically modify the protection device, for example by replacing an overload detection bimetallic strip, an electromagnetic short-circuit detection actuator, or a differential fault detection toroid.

[0005] In addition, the breaking performance of the device is generally limited by the speed of movement of the separable contacts providing insulation and by the characteristics of the breaking chamber, aimed at extinguishing an electric arc which appears in the air between the separable contacts.

[0006] Since these known protection devices have fixed operating characteristics, it is necessary to provide many different classes of devices, each of which is adapted to a limited field of application. In addition, these known protection devices are difficult to adapt to certain specific applications, where high performance is required and / or the faults to be detected are changing during the use of the device. For example, for a data center, it can be provided that the protection device receives, in normal times, an alternating current power supply, and, in the event of a failure of this power supply, a direct current power supply, for example from backup batteries. In this particular case, the faults to be detected are very different, between an alternating current power supply and a direct current power supply.Furthermore, to protect the installation in the event of an electrical fault occurring while it is supplied with direct current by the electrochemical storage batteries, it is necessary to interrupt high intensity currents with a very short reaction time, for example of the order of a few microseconds. Furthermore, the number of poles to be protected may vary depending on the installations, which may be, for example, single-phase or multi-phase.

[0007] For the sake of compatibility with existing installations, it is also desirable that the protection devices of the invention can be contained in a housing having the same size as the housings of the electromechanical protection devices.

[0008] The invention aims in particular to achieve these objectives and to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a new, particularly efficient and versatile electrical protection device, which can be easily modified to adapt to the number of poles of the installation to be protected and which is particularly suitable for protecting an installation whose characteristics and electrical faults to be detected change during use.

[0009] The subject of the invention is a control module as such, configured to be integrated into a modular electrical protection device also comprising at least one power module, the control module comprising: a control compartment, intended to form a part of a housing belonging to the modular electrical protection device; a trigger, capable of mechanically triggering a switchover of a mechanical disconnector belonging to said at least one power module, from a conduction configuration to a separation configuration; and a main control circuit.The main control circuit is: arranged inside the control compartment, configured to be in communication with a local control circuit, belonging to said at least one power module, the local control circuit being configured to control a static switch belonging to said at least one power module to be placed in a blocking state, and configured to control the trigger to trigger the switching of the mechanical disconnector, when opening conditions are met.

[0010] The invention also relates to a power module as such, configured to be integrated into a modular electrical protection apparatus also comprising a control module, the power module comprising: a power compartment, intended to form a part of a housing belonging to the modular electrical protection apparatus; an input terminal, capable of being connected to an electrical power supply; an output terminal, capable of being connected to a load intended to be electrically powered by the electrical power supply via said at least one power module;a mechanical disconnector, through which the terminals are electrically connected, which comprises separable contacts arranged inside the power compartment, the mechanical disconnector being configured to switch between a conduction configuration, where the separable contacts are in mutual contact to conduct electric current between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a separation configuration, where the separable contacts are separated by an air gap to electrically separate the output terminal from the input terminal, the mechanical disconnector being configured so that a switch from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration can be mechanically triggered by a trigger belonging to the control module;a static switch, through which the terminals are electrically connected, which is connected in series with the mechanical disconnector and which is configured to evolve between an on state, to conduct electric current between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a blocking state, to electrically isolate the output terminal from the input terminal; and a local control circuit, configured to control a setting to the blocking state of the static switch when opening conditions are met and to be in communication with a main control circuit belonging to the control module and controlling the trip unit.;

[0011] The invention also relates to a modular electrical protection device, comprising: a housing; at least one power module as defined above, the power compartment forming a part of the housing; and a control module as defined above, the control compartment forming a part of the housing, the trigger being capable of mechanically triggering the switching of the mechanical disconnector of said at least one power module from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration, the main control circuit being in communication with the local control circuit of said at least one power module.

[0012] In other words, the modular apparatus comprises a housing, a control module and at least one power module, for example one, two, three or four power modules. Each power module comprises: a power compartment, forming a part of the housing; an input terminal, capable of being connected to a power supply; an output terminal, capable of being connected to a load intended to be electrically powered by the power supply via said at least one power module;a mechanical disconnector, through which the terminals are electrically connected, which comprises separable contacts arranged inside the power compartment, the mechanical disconnector being configured to switch between a conduction configuration, where the separable contacts are in mutual contact to conduct electric current between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a separation configuration, where the separable contacts are separated by an air gap to electrically separate the output terminal from the input terminal; a static switch, through which the terminals are electrically connected, which is connected in series with the mechanical disconnector and which is configured to change between an on state, to conduct electric current between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a blocking state, to electrically isolate the output terminal from the input terminal;and a local control circuit, configured to control a setting to the blocking state of the static switch when opening conditions are met. The control module comprises: a control compartment, which forms a part of the housing, the control and power compartments being distinct; a trigger, capable of mechanically triggering a switching of the mechanical disconnector of said at least one power module from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration; and a main control circuit, which is: arranged inside the control compartment, in communication with the local control circuit of said at least one power module, and configured to control the trigger to trigger the switching of the mechanical disconnector, when opening conditions are met.;

[0013] An idea underlying the invention is that the protection device is modular, so that as many power modules as necessary can be provided, corresponding to the number of poles of the installation to be protected, without major modification of the design of the protection device. In particular, the main control circuit is capable of communicating with one or more local control circuits, depending on the number of power modules provided, without modification of design. In particular, the trip unit is capable of switching a single disconnector or several disconnectors, depending on the number of power modules provided. It is therefore not necessary to provide an individual actuator for each power module, to actuate the disconnector(s).In general, each static switch is supplied with its associated local control circuit pre-assembled with the static switch, so it is industrially advantageous to provide a local control circuit for each power module. More generally, it can be provided that the power modules are standard, or even identical to each other. It is therefore particularly easy to modify the protection device to adapt to the installation, in that it is sufficient to modify the number of power modules and possibly to program the control circuits specifically for a given installation, in order to modify the opening conditions as required.

[0014] In addition, the protective device is efficient in that, for each pole, the power module offers both rapid breaking of relatively intense currents, thanks to the static switch, while providing galvanic isolation by forming an air gap using the disconnector. By programming the local control circuit and / or the main control circuit appropriately, opening conditions can be defined which correspond to various electrical faults, specific to the installation, for example for a direct current installation, or which would be difficult to detect with conventional components of electromechanical devices.

[0015] The protective device can easily be adapted to an installation whose characteristics and for which the electrical faults to be detected are changing during use, in that the control circuits can be pre-programmed to take account of these changes once the device is fitted to the installation. During use, depending on the context, the control circuits take account of circumstantial opening conditions to put the semiconductor switch in the blocking state and / or circumstantial opening conditions to put the disconnector in the separation configuration, even if, for example, the power supply delivers an alternating current then a direct current.

[0016] Preferably, the trigger comprises: a trigger mechanism disposed in the control compartment and configured to switch between an armed configuration and a triggered configuration; and a trigger bar, which projects out of the control compartment to reach said at least one power module, the trigger bar being moved when the trigger mechanism moves from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration, so that the trigger bar mechanically triggers the switching of the mechanical disconnector of the power module, from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration.

[0017] Preferably, the trigger comprises a general manual control, which is carried by the control compartment and which is operable from outside the control compartment to command the trigger to switch the disconnector of said at least one power module from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration.

[0018] Preferably, the trigger comprises an electro-actuator, which is arranged inside the control compartment and which is controlled by the main control circuit, the main control circuit controlling the trigger by controlling the electro-actuator.

[0019] Preferably, the mechanical disconnector comprises a local manual control, carried by the power compartment and operable from outside the power compartment to switch the mechanical disconnector between the conduction configuration and the separation configuration. Preferably, to determine whether the opening conditions are met, the local control circuit comprises a sensor system comprising: a current sensor, measuring the electric current flowing between the terminals; and / or a control sensor, detecting an actuation of the local manual control.

[0020] Preferably, the main control circuit comprises a remote communication interface, for communicating with a remote device separate from the modular electrical protection apparatus.

[0021] Preferably, the main control circuit is supplied with electrical energy by an auxiliary power supply and the local control circuit of said at least one power module is electrically connected to the control module so that said local control circuit is electrically supplied by the auxiliary power supply, via the control module.

[0022] Preferably, the control module comprises an auxiliary power supply unit, which is arranged in the control compartment by being connected to the power supply, the auxiliary power supply unit providing the auxiliary power supply to the main control circuit by converting the power supply.

[0023] Preferably, the auxiliary power supply unit is connected to the power supply by being electrically connected to two power modules of the apparatus, using wired connections, each wired connection being connected to the power module between the input terminal and the output terminal.

[0024] The invention also relates to an installation comprising the aforementioned protection apparatus, a power electrical supply, which is electrically connected to the input terminal of said at least one power module, and a load, which is electrically connected to the output terminal of said at least one power module to be electrically powered by the power electrical supply via the modular electrical protection apparatus.

[0025] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings presented below.

[0026] [FIG 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the protection apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0027] [FIG 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the protective apparatus of Figure 1.

[0028] [FIG 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the protection apparatus of the preceding figures, from another angle, where a part of the housing has been omitted. [FIG 4] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a power module belonging to the protection apparatus of the preceding figures.

[0029] [FIG 5] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the power module of Figure 4, where a power compartment, forming part of the protective apparatus housing, has been omitted.

[0030] [FIG 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the power module of Figures 4 and 5, where part of the power compartment is omitted.

[0031] [FIG 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of a control module belonging to the protection apparatus of the preceding figures.

[0032] [FIG 8] Figure 8 is a side view of the control module of Figure 7, where a portion of a control compartment, forming part of the protective apparatus housing, has been omitted.

[0033] [FIG 9] Figure 9 is a functional diagram of the protective apparatus of the preceding figures.

[0034] [FIG 10] Figure 10 shows three examples of protection devices in accordance with the invention, with a different number of power modules than for the embodiment of the previous figures.

[0035] Figures 1 to 9 illustrate a modular electrical protection device, called a "device", shown in full in Figures 1 and 2, and intended to equip an electrical installation, in order to provide electrical protection. Preferably, the device is a miniature circuit breaker.

[0036] The device is modular in that it comprises several modules, here a control module 1 and three power modules 5, and in that the number and arrangement of the modules can easily be modified, to adapt the device to different applications, in particular to the number of poles of the installation to be protected. At a minimum, a single power module 5 is provided. Preferably, as many power modules 5 are provided as the installation has poles to be protected. In the present case, the device makes it possible to protect three poles, by comprising three modules 5. Figures 3-6 show one of the power modules 5, shown alone. Figures 7-8 show the control module 1, shown alone.

[0037] The device comprises a housing 4 inside which at least some of the components of the device are housed.

[0038] A depth direction X4, a width direction Y4 and a height direction Z4 are defined, which are perpendicular to each other and fixed relative to the housing 4. The housing 4 is preferably made of a rigid and electrically insulating material, such as a thermoformed polymer, for example polyamide PA 6.6. The housing 4 is at least partly formed, or even entirely formed by an assembly of individual housings, forming compartments, each compartment belonging to one of the modules 1 and 5. The control module 1 comprises a compartment 41 called the “control compartment” and each power module 5 comprises a respective compartment 45 called the “power compartment”. Each compartment 41 and 45 is distinct from the other compartments 41 or 45. The compartments 41 and 45 are adjacent to each other, without being nested or contained within each other.The compartments 41 and 45 are fixed to each other, so that the housing 4 forms a solid unit.

[0039] Preferably, each compartment 41 and 45 has similar dimensions, or dimensions derived from multiples of a basic unit, so that it can be interchangeable and give a modular character to the apparatus, while being compatible with existing installations. For example, each compartment 41 and 45 has a width, along the Y4 direction, which is 27 mm. It is provided, for example, that this width is a multiple of 9 mm.

[0040] Each compartment 41 and 45 comprises a front 42 and a back 43, opposite each other along the X4 direction, as well as a side 44 and a side 46, opposite each other along the Y4 direction and connecting the front 42 and the back 43 to each other. The sides 46 are turned in the direction of the Y4 direction and the sides 44 in the opposite direction. The fronts 42 are turned in the direction of the X4 direction and the backs 43 in the opposite direction. The modules 1 and 5 are assembled via their respective compartments 41 and 45, being arranged successively along the Y4 axis. Here, the module 1 is arranged at one end of the device, and is followed by the modules 5 which are arranged successively along the Y4 direction starting from the module 1. However, another order can be adopted. Each module 1 or 5 is assembled, via its side 46, against the adjacent module 1 or 5, via its side 44.For this purpose, the sides 44 and 46 advantageously have additional fixing means, for example snap-on hooks. The sides 44 and 46 of the end modules, left free, form the sides of the housing 4. The fronts 42 of the modules 1 to 5 form the front of the housing 4. The backs 43 of the modules 1 to 5 form the back of the housing 4.

[0041] Preferably, the backs 43 of the modules 1 and 5 together form a fastener to be able to fix the device on a horizontal fixing rail, parallel to the direction Y4. Preferably, the front of the housing 4 is left accessible to a technician when the device is integrated into the installation.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, each power module 5 comprises an input terminal 51 and an output terminal 52, which are opposite in the direction Z4 and which open out of the power compartment 45. The terminal 51 is arranged in the direction Z4 relative to the terminal 52, and opens in the direction Z4. The terminal 52 opens in the opposite direction. Each terminal 51 and 52 is for example in the form of a screw terminal. Each terminal 51 and 52 is capable of being electrically connected to a respective electrical conductor.

[0043] Each input terminal 51 is capable of being electrically connected to one of the poles of a power supply 90 of the installation. This pole may be a phase pole or a neutral pole, if the power supply 90 is an alternating current supply. This pole may also be a positive, negative or neutral pole, if the installation is in direct current. It is also possible to provide for the pole to change function, in particular when the power supply 90 is capable of delivering several types of current during use, for example by switching from an alternating current to a direct current. The power supply 90 may comprise the mains, a backup system with storage batteries and / or an inverter. For example, the power supply 90 delivers an alternating or direct voltage of between 100 and 1000 Volts.

[0044] Each output terminal 52 is capable of being electrically connected to one of the poles of a load 91, which is intended to be electrically powered by the power supply 90 via the device. For each module 5, the pole of the load 91 to be connected to the terminal 52 corresponds to the pole of the power supply, connected to the terminal 51. For example, the load is constituted by a computer server installation, or an electrical network of a building, tertiary or residential.

[0045] The device of Figures 1 and 2 is suitable for the protection of three poles of the installation, in that three power modules 5 are provided, each corresponding to one of the poles. However, as illustrated in Figure 10, it is possible to provide for the device to be monopolar, with a single module 5 as shown in case A of Figure 10, for the device to be bipolar, with two modules 5 as shown in case B of Figure 10, or for the device to be quadripolar, as shown in case C of Figure 10. For this, as many power modules 5 are installed as there are poles to be protected. In all cases, a single control module 1 is advantageously installed.

[0046] As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, and as shown functionally in Figure 9, each power module 5 comprises a mechanical disconnector 53 and a static switch 54 and a local control circuit 55. In Figure 9, only one of the power modules 5 is shown, but the others have a similar structure.

[0047] The mechanical disconnector 53 and the static switch 54 electrically connect the terminal 51 to the terminal 52 by being connected in series. In particular, the disconnector 53 connects the terminal 51 to the switch 54, and the switch 54 connects the disconnector 53 to the terminal 52. The mechanical disconnector 53 comprises separable contacts, namely a fixed contact 60 and a movable contact 61 and a tripping mechanism 62. The contacts

[0048] 60 and 61 and the mechanism 62 are entirely arranged inside the power compartment 45. The fixed contact 60 is fixed relative to the compartment 45, being here integral with the switch 54. The movable contact 61 is movable relative to the compartment 45, being actuated by the mechanism 62, and is electrically connected to the terminal 51 by an electrical conductor 68.

[0049] The mechanical disconnector 53 is configured to switch between a conduction configuration, shown in Figures 5 and 6, where the contacts 60 and 61 are in mutual contact to conduct electrical current between the terminals 51 and 52, and a separation configuration, where the contacts 60 and 61 are separated by an air gap 63, as shown in detail 5A of Figure 5, to electrically separate the terminals 51 and 52 from each other at the air gap 63.

[0050] To switch between these two configurations, the mechanism 62 actuates the contact

[0051] 61 between a position where the contact 61 is in abutment against the contact 60, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and a position where the contact 61 is moved away from the contact 60 so as to no longer be in contact with the contact 60 and thus be separated from it by the air gap 63. Preferably, the movable contact 61 includes a conductive part, by means of which the movable contact 61 comes into contact with the fixed contact 60 to conduct the passage of the electric current, and a contact carrier, carrying the conductive part and by means of which the contact 61 is actuated by the mechanism 62.

[0052] The mechanism 62 evolves between an armed configuration and a triggered configuration. The mechanism 62 advantageously comprises a spring 64, a locking system 65 and a pivoting plate 66.

[0053] The pivoting plate 66 is pivotally mounted relative to the compartment 45. The rotational position of the plate 66 is subject to, or at least controls, that of the contact 61. For this, the plate 66 actuates the contact holder of the contact 61.

[0054] The spring 64 exerts a force on the plate 66 tending to pivot the plate 66 in a direction where it separates the contact 61 from the contact 60. For this, the spring 64 advantageously bears against a wall of the compartment 45.

[0055] The locking system 65, for example carried by the plate 66, allows, when it is locked and the mechanism is in the armed configuration, to maintain the plate 66 in an orientation where the contacts 60 and 61 are in mutual support.

[0056] Preferably, the locking system 65 comprises a hook 69 and a trigger 67. The trigger 67 preferably comprises a trigger bar 67A and a bar detection part 67B, which are integral. The bar 67A and the part 67B are rotated opposite each other, parallel to the direction Y4.

[0057] The hook 69 is mounted on the plate 66 by being pivotable relative to the plate 66. The trigger 67 is mounted on the plate 66 by being pivotable relative to the plate 66. The pivoting of the hook 69 and the trigger 67 is subjected to the force of a latch spring, tending to return the hook 69 and the trigger 67 to the locked configuration of the locking system 65. The hook 69 and the trigger 67 can each be actuated against the force of the latch spring, to put the locking system 65 in the release configuration.

[0058] In the conduction configuration, the mechanism 62 is in the armed configuration, where the mechanism keeps the contacts 60 and 61 in mutual contact. In this armed configuration, the spring 64 is tensioned to constitute a reserve of mechanical potential energy, being retained by the locked configuration of the locking system 65. To switch the mechanism 62 to the triggered configuration, the locking system 65 is put in the released configuration. This allows the plate 66 to be pivoted under the action of the spring 64. As a result, the spring 64 pivots the plate 66, which moves the contact 61 until it separates from the contact 60 to obtain the air gap 63. The mechanism 62 has then reached the triggered configuration and the disconnector 53 is in the separation configuration.

[0059] To return the mechanism 62 from the triggered configuration to the armed configuration, the mechanism 62 is actuated, for example by means of the locking system 65 or the plate 66, against the force of the spring 64, which re-tensions the spring 64 for future triggering. The plate 66 being pivoted in the opposite direction, the plate moves the contact 61 until said contact 61 presses against the contact 60. Once the armed configuration is reached, the locking system 65 reaches the locking configuration, under the action of its latch spring, to again oppose the spring 64 from tilting the mechanism 62 to the triggered configuration. In the armed configuration, the mechanism 62 self-maintains in the armed configuration, until the locking system 65 is again put in the released configuration.

[0060] It is also provided that the mechanical disconnector 53 comprises a control 70, called “local manual control”, which is a mechanical control. The control 70 is carried by the front 42 of the power compartment 45, so that it can be manually actuated by the technician during use of the device, from outside the housing 4. The control 70 is operable to switch the mechanical disconnector 53 between the conduction configuration and the separation configuration. For example, the control 70 comprises a tilting lever 71, which projects towards the outside of the compartment 45, from the front 42, to be manually actuated by the technician. For example, the control 70 also includes a connecting rod 72, visible in figures 3 and 6, to mechanically link the mechanism 62 to the lever 71. Preferably, the connecting rod 72 is linked to the plate 66, passing through the hook 69 to be able to unlock the locking system 65 by actuating the hook 69.The lever 71 is movable between a closing orientation, shown in the figures, corresponding to the conduction configuration of the disconnector 53, and an opening position, corresponding to the separation configuration of the disconnector 53.

[0061] When the disconnector 53 is in the conduction configuration and the lever 71 is moved to the open position, from the closed position, the lever 71 unlocks the locking system 65 via the connecting rod 72. Once the spring 64 has put the mechanism 62 in the triggered configuration, the mechanism, by passing into the triggered configuration, has driven the lever 71 to the open position via the connecting rod 72, itself driven by the locking system 65 and / or the plate 66.

[0062] When the disconnector 53 is in the separation configuration and the lever 71 is moved to the closed position, from the open position, the lever 71 drives the mechanism 62, via the connecting rod 72 actuating the plate 66, to the armed configuration, against the force of the spring 64, thus tensioning the spring 64, until reaching the conduction configuration.

[0063] Other examples of mechanisms suitable for the invention are for example described in EP 2975628 B1 and EP 1542253 B1.

[0064] In the separation configuration, the disconnector 53 ensures galvanic separation of the terminals 51 and 52 from each other, and preferably, galvanic separation of the terminal 51 from the switch 54. It is advantageously not necessary to provide that the mechanical disconnector 53 comprises means making it possible to ensure dissipation of an electric arc, such as an extinguishing chamber, the breaking capacity being ensured by the switch 54, as explained below.

[0065] If several power modules 5 are provided, it is advantageously provided that their mechanical disconnectors 53 are mechanically coupled so that, when one of the disconnectors 53 switches between the conduction configuration and the separation configuration, the other disconnectors 53 also switch to reach the same configuration. Preferably, it is provided that each disconnector 53 is mechanically coupled with the disconnector 53 of the module(s) 5 which are adjacent to it. In the present example, it is provided that the disconnectors 53 are mutually coupled via their respective mechanism 62. In particular, it is provided that, for each pair of adjacent modules 5, the trip bar 67A of the first module 5 actuates the locking system 65 of the second adjacent module 5, by mechanically cooperating with the bar detection part 67B of this second module 5.For this, for example, the trigger bar 67A mechanically connects the two adjacent mechanisms 62, by passing through a notch provided through the side 46 of the first module 5 and a notch provided through the side 44 of the second adjacent module 5. To cooperate mechanically, the bar 67A is received in a notch of the detection part 67B. It follows that the locking systems 65 of the adjacent modules 5 are synchronized, or even integral, via their triggers 67. At the very least, the bar 67A of the first module 5 bears against the part 67B of the second module 5, so that the tilting of the locking system 65 of the first module 5 causes the tilting of the locking system 65 of the second module 5. Gradually, all the locking systems 65, and therefore all the mechanisms 62, of the device, are thus mechanically synchronized via the triggers 67.

[0066] If several modules 5 are provided, it is advantageously provided that their controls 70 are mechanically coupled so that, when one of the controls 70 is actuated, the other controls 70 are actuated in the same way. For this, preferably, it is provided for example that each lever 71 of a first of the modules 5 is mechanically integral with the lever(s) 71 belonging to the module 5 or to the modules 5 which is (are) adjacent to this first module 5. To be integral, it is provided for example that the adjacent levers 71 are connected to each other by a connecting piece 73, or are complementary. Gradually, all the levers 71, and therefore all the controls 70 of the device, are integral with each other and synchronized.

[0067] The switch 54 is configured to move between an on state, to conduct electric current between the terminals 51 and 52, and a blocking state, to electrically isolate the terminals 51 and 52 from each other. The switch 54 is configured to interrupt an electric current between the terminals 51 and 52, including when the installation is under load.

[0068] The switch 54 is “static”, that is to say that, unlike a mechanical switch, it does not have separable contacts to move between the on state and the off state. To this end, the switch 54 comprises breaking components based on semiconductor materials, such as power transistors, which are electronically controlled. The switch 54 does not have an arc chute. Preferably, the switch 54 is received in a dedicated housing of the compartment 45. Even more preferably, when the compartment 45 is of the same type (or even identical) to a standard housing of an electromechanical protection device, said housing corresponds to the space normally occupied by the arc chute as well as by means for detecting an electrical fault (for example, of the so-called “thermal” and “magnetic” type), such as, respectively, a bimetallic strip and a coil.This allows the architecture of existing circuit breakers to be preserved and ensures compatibility with existing installations.

[0069] Since the switch 54 and the disconnector 53 are connected in series, the module 5 can move between an open state (called "OFF"), where the switch 54 is in the blocking state and the disconnector 53 is in the separation configuration, an intermediate state (called "STANDBY"), where the switch is in the blocking state and the disconnector is in the conduction configuration, and a closed state (called "ON"), where the switch 54 is in the conducting state and the disconnector 53 is in the conduction configuration. In the closed state, the terminals 51 and 52 are electrically connected. In the other states, the terminals 51 and 52 are electrically isolated. In the open state, the terminals 51 and 52 are electrically isolated with galvanic isolation.

[0070] In the illustrated example, the static switch 54 comprises two power switches 81 and 82, which are electrically connected in series. The switch 81 is here connected to the disconnector 53 and to the switch 82, while the switch 82 is connected to the switch 81 and to the terminal 52. Each power switch can, in practice, be implemented by several components, such as transistors, connected in parallel depending on the protection rating that is desired.

[0071] For example, for a rating of sixteen amperes, two pairs of transistors connected in series can be used, with the transistors in each pair connected in parallel. For a higher rating, for example thirty-two amperes, a larger number of transistors connected in parallel can be used.

[0072] Each power switch 81 and 82 is switchable between an electrically blocking state and an electronically conducting state. For example, the power switches 81 and 82 are power transistors, such as field effect transistors, for example MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). This type of transistor is preferred because it has a low resistance in the conducting state, but also because it remains in the blocked state when it is at rest, for example when no control signal is sent to the control electrode. Other semiconductor technologies may however be considered depending on the rating of the circuit breaker, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), or thyristors, or integrated gate switching thyristors (IGCT), or other technologies. Alternatively, the power switches 81 and 82 may be JFET (Junction Field Effect Transistor) transistors.In this case, the operation of the control circuit 55 may need to be modified, to take into account the fact that such JFET transistors are in the on state when they are at rest.

[0073] A diode is advantageously present in parallel with each of the power switches 81 and 82, as illustrated in Figure 9. Generally, this is a parasitic diode inherent in the construction of the power switch.

[0074] The local control circuit 55 is coupled with the static switch 54 to control it. In other words, the electronic control circuit 55 makes it possible to control the switch 54. In the example, the circuit 55 is coupled with each switch 81 and 82. Physically, it is advantageous to provide that the control circuit is arranged between the switches 81 and 82 in the direction Y4, as shown in FIG. 5, which facilitates the interconnections.

[0075] Advantageously, the switch 54 may comprise one or more overvoltage protection components 83, connected in parallel with the power switch(es) 81 and 82, in order to protect the power switches 81 and 82 against overvoltages, in particular in the event of the occurrence of an electric arc. This makes it possible in particular to protect the switches 81 and 82 from voltage during the cut-off in cases where the installation comprises inductive circuits. For example, as a protection component, a MOV (for “Metal Oxide Varistor”) type varistor or a Transil diode (TVS, for “Transient Voltage Suppression”) is provided.

[0076] Preferably, the control circuit 55 comprises a processor, such as a programmable microcontroller or a microprocessor. The processor is advantageously coupled to a computer memory, or to any computer-readable data storage medium, which comprises a program, i.e., executable instructions and / or software code. According to variants not described in detail, the control circuit 55 may comprise a signal processing processor (DSP), or a reprogrammable logic component (FPGA), or a specialized integrated circuit (ASIC), or any equivalent element, or any combination of these elements.

[0077] When the program is executed by the processor or the other aforementioned components, it implements a method in which the control circuit 55 commands a switching of the switch 54 from the passing state to the blocking state and vice versa. In particular, the method is provided so that the circuit 55 switches the switch 54 from the passing state to the blocking state when opening conditions are met. By "opening conditions" is meant one or more conditions which, when considered as fulfilled by the control circuit 55, cause the circuit 55 to order the switch 54 to switch.To determine whether these conditions are met, the circuit 55 takes into account, for example, information from a sensor system, defined below, and / or information from the control module 1, and executes a method or an algorithm to determine whether, in view of this information, the opening conditions are met and that the switch 54 must be switched. Preferably, these opening conditions are met in the event of detection of an electrical fault, in particular for the pole to which the power module 5 is connected, but also preferably for the poles to which the other power modules 5 are connected. Preferably, the circuit 55 can also detect an actuation of the control 70, which constitutes another form of opening condition.Preferably, the circuit 55 can also control a switch to the blocking state of the switch 54, when the circuit 55 receives a tripping order from the control module 1 or from another power module 5, which constitutes another form of opening condition.

[0078] For its operation, the circuit 55 is electrically powered by an auxiliary power supply. Advantageously, this auxiliary power supply is provided by the control module 1, as explained below, or by an external source.

[0079] The control module 1, illustrated individually in figures 7 and 8, comprises a trigger 10 and a control circuit 30, called “main”.

[0080] In the present example, the trigger 10 comprises a trigger mechanism 11, an electro-actuator 12 and a manual control 20, called “general”.

[0081] The trigger 10 has the function of mechanically triggering a switching of the mechanical disconnectors 53 of the modules 5, between the conduction configuration and the separation configuration, on command of the control circuit 30 or by being actuated by the command of the general manual control 20. For the trigger 10 to actuate the disconnectors 53, it is advantageously provided that the trigger 10 is mechanically coupled with the mechanical disconnector 53 of the module 5 which is adjacent to the module 1, to switch this disconnector 53 between the conduction and separation configurations. If there are several modules 5, the other disconnectors 53 are actuated in the same way step by step while being synchronized, preferably using the triggers 67 described above, each actuating the bar detection part 67B of the adjacent module 5.Thanks to these provisions, the fact that module 1 actuates the disconnector 53 of the module 5 adjacent to it, automatically causes the other disconnectors 53, if any, belonging to the other modules 5, if any. A single trip unit 10 is therefore necessary, regardless of the number of modules 5 equipped to form the device. It is easy to add or remove a module 5, since it is not necessary to modify the trip unit 10 or module 1 so that all the disconnectors 53 are actuated one after the other, regardless of their number. Thanks to the trip unit 10, module 1 can centrally and synchronisedly control the disconnectors 53 of any module 5 equipping the device.

[0082] The trigger mechanism 11 is configured to switch between an armed configuration, corresponding to the conduction configuration of the disconnectors 53, and a triggered configuration, corresponding to the separation configuration of the disconnectors 53. The trigger mechanism 11 preferably has a similar operation to the trigger mechanism 62 of the power module 5, except that the mechanism 11 is advantageously not caused to directly actuate separable contacts, since the control module 1 is advantageously not provided with them.

[0083] The mechanism 11 advantageously comprises a spring 14, a lock 15, a pivoting plate 16, a trigger bar 17 and a hook 19.

[0084] The plate 16 is pivotally mounted relative to the compartment 41. The spring 14 exerts a force on the plate 16 tending to pivot the plate 16.

[0085] The latch 15 and the hook 19 form a locking system for the mechanism 11, carried by the plate 16. Preferably, the latch 15 is pivotally mounted on the plate 16 and the hook 19 is pivotally mounted on the plate 16, being subjected to the force of a locking spring, tending to return the hook 19 and the latch 15 to the locking configuration. This locking system makes it possible, when it is locked and the mechanism 11 is in the armed configuration, to maintain the plate 16 in an armed orientation. This locking system makes it possible, when it is released by actuation of the latch 15 or the hook 19 against the force of the locking spring, to allow the pivoting of the plate

[0086] 16 under the action of the spring 14. In doing so, the spring 14 switches the mechanism 11 from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration. The hook 19 and the latch 15 can each be independently actuated against the force of the latch spring, to put the locking system in the release configuration.

[0087] The trigger bar 17 is here pivotally mounted relative to the compartment 41. The trigger bar 17 is driven by the plate 16, when the mechanism 11 passes from the triggered configuration to the armed configuration. The trigger bar

[0088] 17 can also drive the latch 15 to trigger the mechanism 11, when the bar 17 is actuated by the mechanism 62 of the adjacent module 5, as explained below. Under the force of the locking spring, the latch 15 drives the bar 17 in the opposite direction when the mechanism 11 moves from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration. Thus, the position of the trigger bar 17 is different when the mechanism 11 is in the armed configuration and in the triggered configuration.

[0089] Except for one end of the bar 17 visible in FIG. 7, the mechanism 11 is entirely received inside the control compartment 41.

[0090] In the present example, it is provided that the trip device 10 and the disconnector 53 of the adjacent module 5 are mutually coupled via their respective mechanisms 11 and 62. In particular, it is provided that the bar 17 mechanically connects the two adjacent mechanisms 11 and 62, by passing through a notch provided through the side 46 of the module 1 and a notch provided through the side 44 of the adjacent module 5. The bar 17 is coupled with the bar detection part 67B of the adjacent module 5. In the case where the adjacent modules 1 and 5 are reversed, or in the case where the module 1 is arranged between two modules 5 which are adjacent to it, it can be provided that the bar 17 comprises a notch to receive the bar 67A of the adjacent module 5, the bar 67A of this module 5 passing through a notch provided through the side 44 of the module 1 and a notch provided through the side 46 of this adjacent module 5.

[0091] In any event, the trigger bars 17 and 67A of all the modules are coupled, by mechanically cooperating, by bearing against each other and / or by being mechanically integral. Thus, when the mechanism 11 passes from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration, the bar 17 drives the trigger 67 of the adjacent module(s) 5, so that the mechanisms 62 also pass from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration, causing the disconnectors 53 to switch from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration. Under the action of the trigger 10, then step by step, all the locking systems 65, and therefore all the mechanisms 62, of the device, are thus mechanically triggered by the bar 17 of the trigger 10 and by synchronization via the trigger bars 67A.

[0092] Preferably, conversely, when the adjacent mechanism 62 passes from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration, the bar 67A or the part 67B drives the bar 17 via its bar 67A or its part 67B, to switch the mechanism 11 from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration. The bar 17 thus driven by the adjacent module 5 actuates the lock 15, which triggers the switching of the mechanism 11.

[0093] When the mechanism 11 is in the armed configuration, the spring 14 is tensioned to constitute a reserve of mechanical potential energy, being retained by the locked configuration of the latch 15 and the hook 19. To tilt the mechanism 11 towards the triggered configuration, the latch 15 is moved, under the action of the bar 17 or the actuator 12 described below, or the hook 19, under the action of the general manual control 20 described below, which allows the pivoting of the plate 16. Then, the spring 14 pivots the plate 16, carrying with it the latch 15 and the hook 19. In this movement, the latch 15 carries the bar 17. The bar 17 is then moved relative to the housing 4, tilting the disconnector 53 of the adjacent module 5 into the separation configuration.

[0094] To return the mechanism 11 from the triggered configuration to the armed configuration, the mechanism 11 is actuated, for example, by means of the hook 19 under the action of the general manual control 20 or of the plate 16 under the action of the bar 17, against the force of the spring 14, which re-tensions the spring 14 for future triggering. When this return to the armed configuration has been carried out by actuation of the hook 19, the bar 17 returns the adjacent disconnector 53 to the conduction configuration, returning the mechanism 62 to the armed configuration. Once the armed configuration has been reached by the mechanism 11, the latch 15 and the hook again reach the locking configuration, under the action of its locking spring, to again prevent the spring 14 from tilting the mechanism 11 to the triggered configuration.In the armed configuration, the mechanism 11 self-maintains in the armed configuration, until the lock 15 and the hook 19 are again put in the released configuration.

[0095] The general manual control 20 is a mechanical control. The control 20 is carried by the front 42 of the control compartment 41, so that it can be manually actuated by the technician during use of the device, from outside the housing 4. The control 20 can be actuated to switch the mechanism 11 of the trigger 10 between the armed configuration and the triggered configuration. Therefore, by actuating the control 20, the technician can actuate all the disconnectors 53 at the same time, by controlling the trigger 10, and switch them between the conduction and separation configurations.

[0096] For example, the control 20 comprises a tilting lever 21, which projects outward from the compartment 41, from the front 42, to be manually actuated by the technician. For example, the control 20 also comprises a connecting rod 22, to mechanically connect the mechanism 11 to the lever 21. The connecting rod 22 is here attached to the hook 19. The lever 21 is movable between a closing orientation, shown in the figures, corresponding to the conduction configuration of the disconnectors 53 and to the armed configuration of the mechanism 11, and an opening position, corresponding to the separation configuration of the disconnector 53 and to the tripped configuration of the mechanism 11. When the mechanism 11 is in the armed configuration and the lever 21 is moved to the open position, from the closed position, the lever 21 unlocks the lock 15 via the connecting rod 22, actuating the hook 19.Once the spring 14 has put the mechanism 11 into the triggered configuration, the mechanism 11, by passing into the triggered configuration, has driven the lever 21 to the open position by means of the connecting rod 22, itself driven by the hook 19.

[0097] When the mechanism 11 is in the triggered configuration and the lever 21 is moved to the closed position, from the open position, the lever 21 drives the mechanism 11, via the connecting rod 22 actuating the hook 19, to the armed configuration, against the force of the spring 14, thus tensioning the spring 14, until reaching the armed configuration.

[0098] If the module(s) 5 comprise a control 70 as described above, it is advantageously provided that the control 70 of the module 5 adjacent to the module 1 is mechanically coupled to the control 20 so that, when one of the controls 20 or 70 is actuated, the other control 20 or 70 is actuated in the same way. For this, preferably, it is provided for example that the lever 21 and the lever 71 are mechanically integral. To be integral, it is provided for example that the levers 21 and 71 are connected to each other by a connecting piece, or are complementary. Gradually, all the levers 21 and 71, and therefore all the controls 20 and 70 of the device, are integral with each other and synchronized.

[0099] Alternatively, it is provided that the modules 5 are devoid of the control 70, since the control 20 of the module 1 may be sufficient to actuate the disconnectors 53 of the modules 5. However, it is possible to provide that the modules 5 are still equipped with the control 70, which makes it possible to use the modules 5 for other uses where their control 70 would be essential, in particular to use the modules 5 without the module 1, separately from the context of the device presented here.

[0100] The electro-actuator 12 is arranged inside the control compartment 41. The electro-actuator 12 has the function of actuating the trigger 10, via the mechanism 11, on command from the main control circuit 30. It is via the electro-actuator 12 that the control circuit 30 can control the trigger 10.

[0101] In practice, the electro-actuator 12 comprises a fixed part 13 and a movable part 18, here a movable finger. The electro-actuator 12 is here in the form of a low-energy relay. The electro-actuator 12 is coupled to the control circuit 30, that is to say it controls the electro-actuator 12. When the control circuit 30 commands the electro-actuator 12 to actuate the trigger, the movable part 18 is moved relative to the fixed part 13, to actuate the lock 15 and put it in the released configuration. The mechanism 11 then passes from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration under the action of the spring 14.

[0102] The main control circuit 30 is disposed within the control compartment 41. Preferably, the control circuit 30 comprises a processor, such as a programmable microcontroller or a microprocessor. The processor is advantageously coupled to a computer memory, or to any computer-readable data storage medium, which comprises a program, i.e., executable instructions and / or software code. According to variants not described in detail, the control circuit 30 may comprise a signal processing processor (DSP), or a reprogrammable logic component (FPGA), or a specialized integrated circuit (ASIC), or any equivalent element, or any combination of these elements.

[0103] The control circuit 30 is in communication with all the control circuits 55 equipping the power modules 5 respectively. For this, the circuit 30 is connected to each circuit 55 by a respective wired connection 59, for example a ribbon cable. Preferably, each circuit 55 is connected to the circuit 30 by a respective wired connection 59, which passes through the sides 44 and 46 of the different compartments 41 and 45, to connect the compartment 41 to the compartment 45 of the module 5 to be connected. The connections 59 are entirely received inside the housing 4. Alternatively, the connections 59 may be wireless, or made according to other communication interconnections than those described here.

[0104] By executing the program, the control circuit 30 commands the trigger 10 to trigger the switching of the disconnectors 53 of the modules 5, when opening conditions are met. By "opening conditions", we mean one or more conditions which, when considered as fulfilled by the control circuit 30, cause the circuit 30 to command the trigger 10 to trigger the switching of the disconnectors 53 of the modules 5. To determine whether these conditions are met, the circuit 30 takes into account information from the sensor system defined below and / or information from the power modules 5, and executes a method or an algorithm to determine whether, in view of this information, the opening conditions are met and that the trigger 10 must be switched.The control circuit 30 can also command the control circuits 55 to switch the switches 54 between the on and off states, by sending a tripping order to the circuits 55 concerned via the connections 59. The tripping order emanating from the control circuit 30 then constitutes an opening condition which, for the local control circuit 55, is fulfilled.

[0105] The opening conditions for switching the trigger 10 are not necessarily the same as those for switching the switches 54. Therefore, it is possible to provide first opening conditions for the circuits 55 and second opening conditions for the circuit 30.

[0106] Preferably, the control circuit 30 comprises a remote communication interface 39. This communication interface 39 is for example formed by an electronic component or a suitable communication card, interconnected with the processor and / or the other aforementioned components of the circuit 30. The communication interface 39 is here configured to communicate with a remote device 92, such as a human-machine interface or a mobile or fixed terminal, so that a person or a machine can control the installation, via the device. Preferably, this communication is carried out by wired connection between the communication interface 39 and between the user's interface or terminal, via a connection terminal 31 belonging to the control module 1. For example, the terminal 31 opens outside the housing 4, in particular outside the compartment 41, here on the underside of the compartment 41.The remote device 92 is separate from the device itself. The connection terminal 31 is here in the form of a data connector.

[0107] The remote device 92 can for example send an order to put the device in open, intermediate or closed configuration, via the communication interface. Receiving this order, provided that other conditions are possibly fulfilled, the control circuit 30 acts accordingly on the disconnectors 53, via the trigger 10, and / or on the switches 54, via the circuits 55 of the power modules 5. When the circuit 30 is ordered via the communication interface 39 to put the disconnectors 53 in separation configuration, it is considered by the circuit 30 that the opening conditions are fulfilled.

[0108] The program executed by the local circuit 55 makes it possible to detect an electrical fault such as an overload current fault, a short-circuit fault, a differential current fault, a series (or differential) arc presence fault on the pole to be protected, but also overvoltages or undervoltages. For this, the circuit 55 advantageously comprises the aforementioned sensor system, provided within the power compartment 45 of the same power module 5. In the present example, the sensor system comprises a sensor 84, which is a current sensor, measuring the electric current flowing between the terminals 51 and 52, in particular between the disconnector 53 and the switch 54. However, it can be provided that the sensor system comprises more sensors for detecting electrical faults, such as other current sensors, a voltage sensor or a temperature sensor, arranged within the power compartment 45 of the same module 5.It can also be provided that, to detect an electrical fault, the local circuit 55 uses information from sensor systems of other power modules 5, from the control module 1 and / or from sensors equipping the power supply 90 and / or the load 91. It can also be provided that the program executed by the main circuit 30 makes it possible to detect an electrical fault such as those mentioned above, using the information provided by one or more circuits 55, themselves based on information from the sensor systems embedded within the modules 5.

[0109] Preferably, when one of the circuits 55 detects an electrical fault, it communicates this information to the circuit 30, which gives a tripping order to all the circuits 55, so that all the switches 54 are put in the blocking state. Once the switches 54 have been put in the blocking state, the circuit 30 controls the trip device 10 to put the disconnectors 53 in the separation configuration. Alternatively, it can be provided that the circuit 55 which detected the electrical fault directly considers that the opening conditions are met and directly commands the switch 54 to go to the blocking state, while communicating to the control circuit 30 to give the tripping order to the other circuits 55.

[0110] When the electrical fault has disappeared, and possibly on command from a user via the communication interface, the circuit 30 commands the trip device 10 to switch the disconnectors 53 into the conduction configuration, then commands all the circuits 55 to put the switches 54 into the on state. Alternatively, the disconnectors 53 can be switched into the conduction configuration manually by the user using the commands 20 and / or 70, before the circuit 30 commands the circuits 55 to put the switches 54 into the on state. Concerning the disconnectors 53, it can optionally be provided that a person must use the manual command 20 and / or 70 to switch the disconnectors 53 into the conduction configuration, which makes it possible to provide a less powerful electro-actuator 12 and / or one powered by its own current.

[0111] The program executed by the local circuit 55 advantageously makes it possible to detect an action on the control 70. For this, the sensor system advantageously comprises a control sensor 85, provided within the power compartment 45 of the same power module 5. The control sensor 85 is designed to detect a switching of the control 70 between the closed position and the open position. For this, the sensor 85 detects for example the movement of a part of the mechanism such as the plate 66 or the locking system 65. For example, the sensor 85 is a mechanical sensor such as a push button, or a remote sensor such as an optical or magnetic sensor. It is expected that the control sensor 85 makes it possible to detect that the control 70 has been actuated before the disconnector 53 has actually switched to the separation configuration, and even before the contacts 60 and 61 have been separated.

[0112] Preferably, when one of the circuits 55 detects an action on the control 70, it communicates this information to the circuit 30, which gives a tripping order to all the circuits 55, so that all the switches 54 are put in the blocking state before the control 70 has switched the disconnectors 53 into the separation configuration. This prevents the formation of an electric arc between the contacts 60 and 61 if the installation is under load. Once the switches 54 have been put in the blocking state, the circuit 30 controls the trip device 10 to put the disconnectors 53 in the separation configuration. Alternatively, it can be provided that the circuit 55 which detected the action on the command 70 directly considers that the opening conditions are met and directly commands the switch 54 to switch to the blocking state, while communicating to the control circuit 30 to give the disconnection order to the other circuits 55.

[0113] The program executed by the main circuit 30 advantageously makes it possible to detect an action on the control 20. For this, the sensor system advantageously comprises a control sensor 25, provided within the power compartment 45 of the same power module 5. The control sensor 85 is designed to detect a switchover of the control 70 between the closed position and the open position. For this, the sensor 85 detects, for example, the movement of a part of the mechanism such as the plate 16 or the lock 15. For example, the sensor 25 is a mechanical sensor such as a push button, or a remote sensor such as an optical or magnetic sensor.

[0114] Preferably, when the circuit 30 detects an action on the control 20, it gives a tripping order to all the circuits 55, so that all the switches 54 are put in the blocking state before the control 20 has switched the disconnectors 53 into the separation configuration by action on the trigger 10. This prevents the formation of an electric arc between the contacts 60 and 61 if the installation is under load. Since the switching to the blocking state of the switches 54 is very rapid, the separation of the contacts 60 and 61 under the mechanical action of the trigger 10 occurs afterwards.

[0115] Preferably, the control module 1 comprises an auxiliary power supply unit 34, configured to electrically power the main control circuit 30, for its operation. As such, the unit 34 provides an auxiliary power supply for the control circuit 30, by being electrically connected to the circuit 30. This power supply allows the operation of the circuit 30, but also of the trigger 10. Preferably, the trigger 10 is powered by the auxiliary power supply via the circuit 30, otherwise directly by the unit 34. Preferably, the auxiliary unit 34 is entirely arranged inside the compartment 41.

[0116] Preferably, each local control circuit 55 is electrically powered by the auxiliary power supply via the main control circuit 30. Advantageously, each local control circuit 55 is provided to power the switch 54 of the same module 5 with the auxiliary power supply for its operation.

[0117] In order for the circuit 30 to power the circuits 55, it is provided, for example, that each control circuit 55 is directly connected to the circuit 30 for the transmission of this auxiliary power supply. Preferably, specific conductors are provided within the wire connections 59 to ensure this auxiliary power supply for the circuits 55. When these connections 59 are ribbon cables, connecting the circuits 55 to the circuit 30 ensures both the communication of the circuits 55 and 30 and the auxiliary power supply for the circuits 55 from the circuit 30. Alternatively, each circuit 55 is powered directly by the unit 34, by being connected to the unit 34, in a similar manner.

[0118] Whichever solution is adopted, the number of connections to an auxiliary power supply for the operation of the circuits 55 is reduced, since only one auxiliary power supply is provided in the control module 1, and is distributed to the circuits 30 and 55. This also makes it easy to modify the number of power modules 5 installed on the device, since the disconnection of one of these modules 5 leaves the other modules 5 connected by their own wired connection 59.

[0119] As illustrated in Figure 9, to provide the auxiliary electrical power supply, the unit 34 is advantageously connected to the poles of the installation so that the electrical energy comes from the power electrical power supply 90. The unit 34 is for example connected to the poles within two of the separate power modules 5. This arrangement has the advantage that the auxiliary electrical power supply is said to be “own-voltage”, that is to say that it does not require any other source than that provided by the power electrical power supply 90 itself.

[0120] In this case, for example, the unit 34 advantageously comprises two wired connections 35 which connect the unit 34 to two respective poles. The first wired connection 35 electrically connects the unit 34 to a first module 5, being connected for example between the disconnector 53 and the static switch 54. The second wired connection 35 electrically connects the unit 34 to a second module 5, being connected for example between the disconnector 53 and the static switch 54. Alternatively, the unit 34 advantageously comprises two wired connections 36, shown in the same figure 9, which connect the unit 34 to two respective poles, but downstream of the static switches 54.

[0121] When the wired connections 36 are provided, it is provided that the first wired connection 36 electrically connects the unit 34 to a first module 5, for example by being connected between the static switch 54 and the terminal 52, and that the second wired connection 36 electrically connects the unit 34 to a second module 5, for example by being connected between the static switch 54 and the terminal 52.

[0122] In Figure 9, the connections 35 and 36 are shown with a single module 5 for the sake of simplification, since only one power module 5 is shown. In practice, these connections 35 and 36 are in fact connected to two separate modules 5 as explained above. In practice, it is expected that the device comprises either the connections 35, or alternatively the connections 36, depending on the characteristics of the installation and the electrical faults which are likely to occur.

[0123] Alternatively, it may be provided that the apparatus includes both connections 35 and connections 36, so that the apparatus is suitable for all situations.

[0124] In this case also, the unit 34 advantageously comprises means for electrically converting the voltage recovered from the power supply 90 into a voltage suitable for supplying the circuits 30 and 55, these means including for example a transformer, a rectifier, an inverter and / or any suitable conversion and protection component. For example, the auxiliary power supply provided by the unit 34 is a direct voltage at less than 100 V, for example at 24 or 48 V. The unit 34 can also incorporate electrical energy storage means, such as a storage battery, to be able to continue to provide the auxiliary power supply to the circuits 30 and 55 even when the power supply 90 has been cut off. In this case of a self-powered supply, it is particularly advantageous for the electro-actuator 12 to be constituted by a low-energy relay.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally, the unit 34 may be electrically connected to a specific external auxiliary power supply, separate from the power power supply 90. For example, the unit 34 may be electrically connected thereto via the connection terminal 31, or via another external terminal. In this case also, it may be provided that the unit 34 comprises means for converting and / or storing auxiliary electrical energy, in the event that a cut-off of the auxiliary power supply occurs. The external auxiliary power supply is particularly suitable for the case where the electro-actuator requires relatively high power to operate.For example, this makes it possible to provide that the electro-actuator is a linear electro-actuator, with a wound stator and a mobile core actuated in translation by the stator, being received within the stator, the mobile core actuating the mechanism 11, in particular the lock 15. This type of electro-actuator makes it possible to facilitate remote control of the device, since it can be sufficiently powerful to switch the mechanism 11 from the triggered configuration to the armed configuration, which is not always possible with a low-energy relay.

[0126] Preferably, the power module 5 does not have an individual auxiliary power supply, which avoids hardware redundancy with the auxiliary power supply provided for the module 1. However, as a variant, it may be provided that the module 5 still has an auxiliary power supply unit, which directly supplies the circuit 55, independently of the unit 34 mentioned above. In this case, for example, the auxiliary power supply unit has a structure and operation similar to the unit 34 described above, except that it supplies the circuit 55 and that it is arranged in the power compartment 45.

[0127] Preferably, the power module 5 does not have an electro-actuator to actuate the disconnector 53, which avoids redundancy with the trigger 10 of the module 1. Preferably, provision is made for the disconnector 53 to be actuated only by actuating the control 70 or the control 20, or when the circuit 30 actuates the disconnector 53 via the trigger 10.

[0128] Preferably, the control module 1 does not have any power terminals, power switches or power disconnectors, since these are provided exclusively within the power modules 5. This avoids redundancy.

[0129] An advantage of providing that the opening conditions are recorded within circuits 30 and / or 55 is to provide the possibility of reprogramming circuits 30 and / or 55 of the device, so that the device is specifically adapted to modify these conditions. This modification of the opening conditions can be carried out either at the time of manufacture or throughout the lifetime of the device or module 1 or 5 concerned. It is thus possible to adapt the opening conditions to new standards, to a new installation, or to a modification of the device, in particular concerning the number of power modules 5 installed.

[0130] Any feature described above for one embodiment or variant applies to other embodiments and variants, as far as technically possible.

Claims

CLAIMS Control module (1), configured to be integrated into a modular electrical protection device also comprising at least one power module (5), the control module (1) comprising: a control compartment (41), intended to form part of a housing (4) belonging to the modular electrical protection device; a trip unit (10), capable of mechanically tripping a mechanical disconnector (53) belonging to said at least one power module (5), from a conduction configuration to a separation configuration; and a main control circuit (30), which is: • located inside the control compartment (41), • configured to communicate with a local control circuit (55), belonging to said at least one power module (5), the local control circuit (55) being configured to command a blocking state of a static switch (54) belonging to said at least one power module (5), and • configured to command the trigger (10) to trigger the switching of the mechanical disconnector (53), when opening conditions are met. Control module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the trigger (10) comprises: a triggering mechanism (11) disposed in the control compartment (41) and configured to switch between an armed configuration and a triggered configuration; and a trigger bar (17), which protrudes out of the control compartment (41) to reach said at least one power module (5), the trigger bar (17) being moved when the triggering mechanism (11) changes from the armed configuration to the triggered configuration, so that the trigger bar (17) mechanically triggers the switching of the mechanical disconnector (53) of the power module (5), from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration.Control module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trigger (10) includes a general manual control (20), which is carried by the control compartment (41) and which is actuable from outside the control compartment (41) to control the trigger (10). to switch the disconnector (53) of said at least one power module (5) from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration. Control module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trip unit (10) comprises an electro-actuator (12), which is disposed inside the control compartment (41) and which is controlled by the main control circuit (30), the main control circuit (30) controlling the trip unit (10) by controlling the electro-actuator (12). Power module (5), configured to be integrated into a modular electrical protection device also comprising a control module (1), the power module (5) comprising: a power compartment (45), intended to form part of a housing (4) belonging to the modular electrical protection device; an input terminal (51), suitable for connection to a power supply (90);an output terminal (52), suitable for connection to a load (91) intended to be electrically powered by the power supply (90) through said at least one power module (5); a mechanical disconnector (53), through which the terminals (51, 52) are electrically connected, which includes separable contacts (60, 61) arranged inside the power compartment (45), the mechanical disconnector (53) being configured to switch between a conduction configuration, where the separable contacts (60, 61) are in mutual contact to conduct electric current between the input terminal (51) and the output terminal (52), and a separation configuration, where the separable contacts (60, 61) are separated by an air gap (63) to electrically separate the output terminal; (52) of the input terminal (51), the mechanical disconnector (53) being configured so that a switch from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration can be mechanically triggered by a trip (10) belonging to the control module (1); a static switch (54), through which the terminals (51, 52) are electrically connected, which is connected in series with the mechanical disconnector (53) and which is configured to transition between a conducting state, to conduct electric current between the input terminal (51) and the output terminal (52), and a blocking state, to electrically isolate the output terminal (52) from the input terminal (51); and a local control circuit (55), configured to command a blocking state of the static switch (54) when opening conditions are met and to be in communication with a main control circuit (30) belonging to the control module (1) and controlling the trigger (10). 6.- Power module (5) according to claim 5, in which the mechanical disconnector (53) includes a local manual control (70), carried by the power compartment (45) and operable from outside the power compartment (45) to switch the mechanical disconnector (53) between the conduction configuration and the separation configuration. 7.- Power module (5) according to claim 6, wherein, in order to determine whether the opening conditions are met, the local control circuit (55) includes a sensor system (84, 85) comprising: a current sensor (84), measuring the electric current flowing between the terminals (51, 52); and / or a control sensor (85), detecting an actuation of the local manual control (70). 8.- Modular electrical protection device, comprising: a housing (4); at least one power module (5) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the power compartment (45) forming part of the housing (4); and a control module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the control compartment (41) forming part of the housing (4), the trip unit (10) being capable of mechanically triggering the switching of the mechanical disconnector (53) of said at least one power module (5) from the conduction configuration to the separation configuration, the main control circuit (30) being in communication with the local control circuit (55) of said at least one power module (5). 9.- Electrical protection device according to claim 8, in which the main control circuit (30) includes a remote communication interface (39), for communicating with a remote device (92) separate from the modular electrical protection device.

10. An electrical protection device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein: the main control circuit (30) is supplied with electrical energy by an auxiliary power supply; and The local control circuit (55) of said at least one power module (5) is electrically connected to the control module (1) so that said local control circuit (55) is electrically powered by the auxiliary power supply, via the control module (1).

11. Electrical protection device according to claim 10, in which the control module (1) comprises an auxiliary power supply unit (34), which is disposed in the control compartment (41) by being connected to the power supply (90), the auxiliary power supply unit (34) providing the auxiliary power supply to the main control circuit (30) by conversion of the power supply (90). 12.- Electrical protection device according to claim 11, in which the auxiliary power supply unit (34) is connected to the power supply (90) by being electrically connected to two power modules (5) of the device, using wired connections (35; 36), each wired connection (35; 36) being connected to the power module (5) between the input terminal (51) and the output terminal (52).

Images