Control unit for an electrical circuit breaker and associated electrical circuit breaker

Abstract

Control unit for an electrical circuit breaker and associated electrical circuit breaker. This control unit (20) has a front face (22) extending onto a front surface (P22) into which opens a connection housing (301) that can be closed by a cover (308) and which is configured to receive a connection module (300) in the assembled position. Contact areas (36) are arranged at the bottom of the housing. The connection module has a front face (311A) with an output connector (316). In the assembled position, the closed cover extends the creepage distance between the output connector and the front surface beyond a Class 1 insulation distance under a voltage less than or equal to 690V. Without the connection module, the closed cover increases the air gap between each contact area and the front surface (P22) beyond a Class 2 insulation distance under a voltage exceeding 690V. See Figure 3 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Control unit for an electrical circuit breaker and associated electrical circuit breaker

[0001] The present invention relates to a control unit for an electrical circuit breaker, as well as an electrical circuit breaker comprising such a control unit.

[0002] Electrical circuit breakers comprising a breaking unit and an electronic control unit are known, notably from EP-0 843 332-A1. Such a control unit is typically configured to measure the operating status of the circuit breaker in real time and to control the opening of the breaking unit in the event of a circuit breaker malfunction. The control unit is reversibly housed in a receptacle provided within the breaking unit and is located on the front face of the circuit breaker, so that a user can read and / or adjust certain operating parameters of the electrical circuit breaker. The control unit is removable, so that a user can replace the control unit in the event of a malfunction without having to disconnect the breaking unit from the rest of the electrical installation.

[0003] Depending on the application, the circuit breaker operates at voltages of several hundred or even thousands of volts, and at currents of up to several thousand amperes. The circuit breaker in general, and the control unit in particular, must have sufficient electrical insulation to ensure the safety of people. For example, IEC 947-1:2019 – Tables 13 and 15 – defines insulation classes, which correspond to minimum distances to be maintained between live parts – or parts likely to become live – and the user. The insulation distances depend in particular on the required insulation class and the voltage at which the circuit breaker operates.For the purposes of this description, we primarily consider two voltage ranges: one corresponding to a voltage less than or equal to 690V, and the other to a voltage strictly greater than 690V. For voltages above 690V, Class 1 insulation requires an air gap greater than 7 mm and creepage distances greater than 10 mm. Class 2 insulation doubles these distances. For voltages below 690V, Class 2 insulation requires an air gap greater than 10 mm.

[0004] EP 3 290 935-A1 describes, for example, a control unit comprising a housing made of an insulating material, in which several components are housed, such as an electronic board, voltage divider components, etc. With the evolution of technologies and needs, it is advantageous to offer, where necessary, a wired connection interface, so that the user can transfer data to and / or from the control unit. A connection interface is connected on one side to the electronic board of the control unit, and on the other side offers the user a connector, for example a connector in USB format, in particular USB-C, or a connector of another format, on which the user can connect an electronic device capable of communicating with the control unit.

[0005] We are interested here in connection interfaces which are modular, that is to say which are part of a connection module which can be connected or disconnected from the control unit.

[0006] It is known to connect a connection module to the control unit, comprising a connecting cable with an input connector and a housing with an output connector. To ensure proper insulation distances, the connecting cable is connected to the control unit from the rear, while the housing is fixed to the front face of the circuit breaker. Such a solution is impractical, as it requires removing the control unit from its housing to make the connection. Furthermore, the housing fixed to the circuit breaker is bulky and susceptible to damage.

[0007] It is these needs that the invention intends to address more particularly, by proposing a control unit which allows the implementation of a connection module without interruption of service, while guaranteeing the protection of persons and remaining compact.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a control unit for an electrical circuit breaker, the control unit comprising a front face, which has a generally flat shape and is geometrically supported by a front plane, the front face being orthogonal to a depth axis and defining a front direction oriented towards the user when the control unit is in a normal operating configuration, the control unit comprising: - a housing, which is made of an insulating material and in which a connection housing is provided, the connection housing being recessed from the front surface and opening onto the front surface, - an electronic board, which includes a connection area associated with the connection housing, the connection area being located in the base of the connection housing and comprising several electrical contact areas, - a connection module, which is configured to be received in the connection housing in an assembled position of the connection module, the control unit then being in an assembled configuration, the connection module comprising: • a body, which is made of an electrically insulating material, and which includes fastening means for holding the connection module in the assembled position, the body comprising a rear face, which is located in looking at the connection area when the control unit is in the assembled configuration, and a front face, which is oriented opposite to the rear face, • an input connector, which opens onto the rear face and is configured to be connected to one or more of the contact areas in the connection zone, • an output connector, which is connected to the input connector and opens onto the front panel of the connection module, the output connector being capable of receiving an additional connector so that a user can exchange data with the control unit,

[0009] in which: - the contact areas are located behind the forward plane and are at a distance from the forward plane, measured along the depth axis, greater than a first predetermined threshold, - the first threshold is chosen such that the air gap between each contact area and the front plane is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V, the air gap and the class 2 insulation distance being according to IEC 947-1:2019, - the control unit also includes a cover, which is hinged relative to the rest of the control unit and is movable between a closed position, where the cover blocks the connection housing with one rear face of the cover facing the connection housing, and an open position, where the cover does not prevent access to the connection housing, - when the connection module is in the assembled position: • The output connector is located recessed from the front plane, so that one front face of the cover is substantially aligned with the front plane, with the front face of the cover oriented opposite to the rear face of the cover. • the cover in the closed position prevents access to the output connector, so that a creepage distance between the output connector and the front plane is greater than a class 1 insulation distance under a voltage less than or equal to 690V, the creepage distance being according to IEC947-1:2019.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, when the envisaged operating voltage is less than or equal to 690V, it is possible to equip the control unit with a connection module while ensuring user safety through sufficient isolation distance, both when the connection module is present, the isolation distance being measured from the output connector, and when the connection module is absent, the isolation distance being measured from the contact areas. The module of The connection is mounted from the front, without having to disassemble the control unit, and is received in the control unit housing, which thus remains compact.

[0011] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a control unit may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: - The connection housing is delimited, towards the rear, by a back panel, which is part of the housing, which is set back from the front plane in the forward direction and in which openings are provided, the openings leading into the connection housing, and

[0012] The electrical contact areas are located on one rear side of the bottom wall and are accessible from the connection housing through the openings. - Each opening has a profile that complies with an IP3x protection rating as defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard. - The input connector includes telescopic pins, each telescopic pin being configured to be connected to a respective contact range, whereas in the assembled configuration of the connection module, the rear face of the connection module rests against the back wall. - The housing includes a peripheral wall, which delimits the connection housing radially to the depth axis, while the housing includes a groove, which is hollowed out in the peripheral wall and opens into the connection housing, the groove extending parallel to the depth axis, that the body includes a protrusion, which is configured to be received in the groove when the connection module is in the assembled position, and that the protrusion and the groove cooperate to form a keying device for the control unit. - The control unit includes, in addition to the connection housing, a second housing, which is provided in the casing and opens onto the front face of the control unit, while the groove opens into the second housing, and that the control unit also includes a shim, which is configured to be inserted into the second housing in an inserted position, the shim comprising a second protrusion, preferably a tab, which at least partially closes the groove when the shim is in the inserted position, preventing the assembly of the connection module in the connection housing. - The wedge, once inserted, cannot be removed.

[0013] The wedge is advantageously installed when the intended operating voltage is above 690V; preventing the connection module from being installed in the control unit. User safety is thus ensured by a sufficient isolation distance from the contact areas.

[0014] The invention also relates to an electrical circuit breaker, comprising: - a switching unit, comprising at least one switching device and one actuator, - a copy of the control unit as described above,

[0015] in which: - the switching unit provides a receptacle, which opens onto a front face of the switching unit, - the control unit is received in the receptacle, so that the front face of the control unit is substantially aligned with the front face of the cutting unit.

[0016] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment of a control unit and an electrical circuit breaker, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a view in perspective and a partially exploded perspective view of an electrical circuit breaker according to the invention, the electrical circuit breaker comprising a control unit, also according to the invention;

[0018] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the control unit of [Fig.1];

[0019] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, on two insets a) and b), a perspective view of the control unit of [Fig.2] in two different configurations, the control unit being shown with an insert connection module a) and without the insert connection module b);

[0020] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a view perspective of the connection module of [Fig.3], observed from two opposite directions,

[0021] - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] shows, on three inserts a), b) and c), a cross-section of a housing housed in the control unit and configured to receive the connection module, the control unit being represented in three different configurations;

[0022] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a cross-section of the control unit of [Fig.2] along a plane VI- VI, the connection module being hidden;

[0023] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents, on three insets a), b) and c), a perspective view of the control unit of [Fig. 2] and an element of the control unit, and

[0024] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a view in perspective and a cross-section of the control unit.

[0025] An electrical circuit breaker 10 is shown in [Fig. 1]. The electrical circuit breaker 10, also simply called circuit breaker 10, is here a multipole circuit breaker, in particular a three-pole circuit breaker. The number of poles of the circuit breaker 10 is not limited. As is known, a multipole electrical circuit breaker has, for each electrical pole, input and output power terminals, which are respectively connected or electrically isolated from each other by a circuit breaker breaking device. The breaking device includes, for example, separable moving contacts, which are received in a breaking chamber of the electrical circuit breaker 10 and whose movements are controlled by an actuator. Thus, the breaking device is tripped by the actuator. The breaking chambers are here represented by three grids 12 visible on an upper face of the circuit breaker 10; the other elements of the breaking device are not shown..

[0026] The circuit breaker 10 is intended for use within an electrical installation, for example, to control the power supply to a machine tool. In a normal operating configuration, the circuit breaker 10 is generally housed within an electrical cabinet, the circuit breaker 10 having a front face 14, which is oriented towards the user standing in front of the electrical cabinet. The electrical cabinet is not shown.

[0027] The electrical circuit breaker 10 includes a breaking unit 16, which in particular comprises each of the breaking chambers, as well as the breaking device and the associated actuator.

[0028] The electrical circuit breaker 10 advantageously comprises a faceplate 18, which is removable from the breaking unit 16. The faceplate 18 is made of an electrically insulating material and extends generally along a front plane P14, which defines a portion of the front face 14 of the electrical circuit breaker 10, and by extension, of the breaking unit 16. The faceplate 18 thus serves to protect the user of the circuit breaker 10. In [Fig. 1 a), the faceplate 18 is shown assembled with the breaking unit 16, which corresponds to a normal operating configuration of the circuit breaker 10. In [Fig. 1 b), the faceplate 18 is removed from the breaking unit 16, this configuration being found, for example, during maintenance of the breaking unit 16.

[0029] The electrical circuit breaker 10 also includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured to analyze states of the breaking unit 16 and is configured to trigger the actuator according to the results of these analyses, thus separating the separable contacts.

[0030] The control unit 20 comprising a front face 22. The front face 22 has a generally planar shape and is geometrically supported by a front plane P22, which is orthogonal to a depth axis A22 of the control unit 20. The front face 22 is Oriented towards the user when the control unit 20 is in its normal operating configuration. The front face 22 thus defines a forward direction D22, which is parallel to the depth axis A22. The forward direction D22 is represented by an arrow. The notions of directions such as "forward," "backward," "up," "down," etc., are defined in relation to the elements as shown in the drawings, bearing in mind that this may differ in reality.

[0031] The front panel 18 includes a window 19 through which the front face 22 of the cutting unit 20 is visible. The window 19 is preferably closed by a transparent flap. The flap is not shown.

[0032] The control unit 20 is assembled to the switching unit 16 in a reversible manner. In the example of figures 1a) and 1b), the control unit 20 is shown in the configuration assembled to the switching unit 16. The control unit 20 is shown in isolation in [Fig.2].

[0033] The cutting unit 16 provides a receptacle, which opens onto a front face 14 of the cutting unit 16 and in which the control unit 20 is received, so that the front face 22 of the control unit 20 is substantially aligned with the front face 14 of the cutting unit 16, as illustrated in particular in [Fig.1] a). The receptacle is not shown.

[0034] The control unit 20 is now described, with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0035] The control unit 20 comprises a housing 30, which is made of an insulating material and which forms a receiving volume for various components of the control unit 20. The housing 30 notably houses an electronic board 32, which is partially visible in [Fig. 3]. The electronic board 32 comprises a printed circuit board and several electronic components such as a microprocessor, a light-emitting diode, etc.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the electronic board 32 comprises several portions, which are connected to each other by communication buses. The communication buses are not shown. Optionally, one or more portions of the electronic board 32 are flexible. Alternatively, the electronic board 32 includes several portions that are not connected to each other by communication buses. Alternatively, the electronic board 32 is a single piece.

[0037] The housing 30 includes a front subassembly 100. By extension, the subassembly 100 belongs to the control unit 20. The front subassembly 100 comprises a central portion 102, which is generally flat, and which has a front side 102A and a rear side 102B opposite the front side 102A. The central portion 102 is configured here to receive at least one human-machine interface element 104. The front side 102A of the central portion 102 is preferably oriented along the front direction D22. A human-machine interface is also designated by its acronym HMI, or HMI in English. The human-machine interface elements 104 are also simply referred to as "HMI elements" 104. In the illustrated example, the central portion 102 comprises several HMI elements 104. The HMI elements 104 here include three indicator lights 104A, a transparent portion 104B through which a screen can be viewed, and four buttons 104C. These examples are not exhaustive; the type, number, and arrangement of the HMI elements 104 can be changed during the design of the subassembly before 100.

[0038] The front subassembly 100 is reversibly assembled to the rest of the control unit 20, in particular to the housing 30. This makes it possible to replace the front subassembly 100 in case of malfunction. The central portion 102 thus forms part of the front face 22 of the control unit 120.

[0039] The control unit 20 includes a connection module 300, which is received in a connection slot 301 provided in the rest of the control unit 20, in an assembled position of the connection module 300. By extension, the control unit 20 is in an assembled configuration. The connection slot 301 is recessed from the front surface P22 and opens onto the front face 22.

[0040] The connection module 300 is configured to be received reversibly in the connection housing 301, the connection module 300 being configured to be inserted into the connection housing 301 according to an insertion movement, which is a translational movement parallel to the depth axis A22 and oriented in a rear direction, i.e. in a direction opposite to the front direction D22.

[0041] The control unit 20 includes a cover 308, which is hinged relative to the housing 30 and which closes the connection housing 301. The cover 308 is shown in a closed position in [Fig.2], and in an open position in [Fig.3], revealing the connection housing 301. In [Fig.3] a), the connection module 300 is shown in the connection housing 301, while in [Fig.3] b), the connection module is absent, revealing the connection housing 301.

[0042] The cover 308 is here pivoted rotationally relative to the housing 30 about a hinge axis A308 parallel to the front plane P22. The cover 208 is thus captive. The cover 308 has a generally flat shape and comprises a front face 309A and a rear face 309B, which is oriented opposite to the front face 309A. When the cover 308 is in the closed position, the front face 309A is oriented along the front direction D22, while the rear face 309B is oriented towards the bottom wall 304.

[0043] The connection module 300 and the associated connection housing 301 are now described. The connection housing 301 is shown in perspective in [Fig. 3] b) and in section in [Fig. 5]. The second connection module 300 is shown in isolation in [Fig. 4] and in assembled configuration in Figures 5 b) and 5 c).

[0044] The connection housing 301 has a substantially cylindrical shape along an axis parallel to the depth axis A22. The connection housing 301 is delimited by a peripheral wall 302, which delimits the connection housing 301 radially to the depth axis A22. In the illustrated example, the connection housing 301 also includes a bottom wall 304, which delimits the connection housing 301 from the rear. In an alternative not shown, the bottom wall is absent. The peripheral wall 302 and the bottom wall 304 are therefore part of the housing 30. The bottom wall 304 is set back from the front plane P22 along the front direction D22 and opens onto the front plane P22.

[0045] A portion of the electronic board 32 is located behind the connection housing 301, here on the rear side of the bottom wall, and comprises a connection area 34, the connection area 34 comprising at least one contact area 36. Each contact area 36 comprises a substantially flat conductive element located on the surface of the electronic board 32, each contact area 36 being suitable for electrical connection to a respective complementary connector belonging to the connection module 300, each complementary connector bearing against the corresponding contact area 36. Advantageously, the contact areas 36 are part of the printed circuit board of the electronic board 32, that is to say, are manufactured at the same time as the electronic board 32. In the illustrated example, the connection area 34 comprises five contact areas 36.

[0046] The connection housing 301 here includes openings 306, which are provided in the bottom wall 304 and which open into the battery housing 301. The connection area 34 and the associated contact areas 36 are located on one rear side of the bottom wall 304 and are accessible from the connection housing 301 through the openings 306. The five contact areas 36, and by extension the second connection area 34B, are thus associated with the second connection housing 301.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the second connection area 34B comprises five contact areas 36, which are located on one rear side of the bottom wall 304 and are accessible from the connection housing 301 through the openings 306.

[0048] Each opening 306 has a profile with an inscribed circle of a diameter strictly less than 2.5 mm, preferably less than 2.0 mm, so as to comply with an IP3x protection rating as defined in IEC 60529:2013. In the illustrated example, for each of the openings 306, the diameter of the inscribed circle is 1.9 mm. This reduces the risk of objects being accidentally inserted through the openings, thereby reducing the risk of electrical accidents. Each of the openings 36 is preferably circular.

[0049] Each contact area 36 of the second connection area 34B is located behind the front plane P22 and is separated from the front plane P22 by a distance such that, When the cover 308 is in the closed position, the air gap between each contact area 36 and the surface 22 exceeds a predetermined first SI threshold. The first SI threshold is chosen such that the air gap between each contact area 36 and the front surface P22 exceeds a Class 2 insulation distance under a voltage exceeding 690 V, with the air gap and the Class 2 insulation distance being defined according to IEC 947-L2019. The air gap is called the "clearance distance." The first SI threshold is advantageously chosen to be greater than or equal to 14 mm.

[0050] The connection module 300 is now described. The connection module 300 comprises a body 310, which is made of an electrically insulating material. The body 310 is generally parallelepiped in shape and includes a front side 31 IA, which faces the user when the connection module 300 is in the assembled position, and a rear side 31 IB, which faces away from the front side, i.e., is located opposite the second connection area 34B when the control unit 20 is in the assembled configuration. The body 310 also includes two lateral faces 31 IC, which face in opposite directions and connect the front face 31 IA to the rear face 31 IB. The body 310 also includes an upper face 311D and a lower face 311E, which are oriented in opposite directions and which connect, on the one hand, the front face 31 IA to the rear face 31 IB and, on the other hand, the side faces 31 IC to each other.

[0051] The body 310 includes fastening means 312 for holding the connection module 300 in the assembled position. The fastening means 312 are two elastic clips extending from each of the lateral faces 311C. The fastening means 312 are advantageously reversible, so that a user can remove the connection module 300 from the connection housing 301, for example, to replace the connection module 300 in case of malfunction.

[0052] The connection module 300 also includes an input connector 314, which opens onto the rear side 31 IB and is configured to be connected to one or more of the contact ranges 36 of the second connection area 34B.

[0053] The input connector 314 advantageously comprises pins 315, preferably telescopic pins—also known as "pogo pins"—each pin 315 being configured to be connected to a respective contact area 36 by means of a translational movement. Each pin 315 is thus a complementary connector to the connection module 300, configured to be connected to a respective contact area 36. In the assembled configuration of the connection module 300, the rear face 31 IB is preferably in contact with the bottom wall 304. The telescopic pins 315 allow for dimensional clearances when the connection module 300 is in the assembled position. This reduces the overall size of the unit. control 20, while ensuring good electrical contact between the input connector 314 and the associated contact areas 36.

[0054] The connection module 300 also includes an output connector 316. The output connector 316 is connected to the input connector 314 through the body 310 and opens onto the front panel. The output connector 316 is designed to receive an additional connector so that a user can exchange data with the control unit 20. The additional connector is not shown. The connection module 300 is therefore a wired connection module. In the illustrated example, the output connector is advantageously in the so-called USB Type-C format. Other types of connectors are of course possible, provided that the size constraints are met.

[0055] When the connection module 300 is in the assembled position, the cover 308 in the closed position prevents access to the output connector 316, the rear face 309B of the cover 308 being located opposite the output connector 316.

[0056] The output connector 316 is recessed from the front plane P22, so that when the cover 308 is in the closed position, the front face 309A is geometrically supported by the front plane P22. The creepage distance between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is greater than a Class 1 insulation distance under a voltage of 690V or less, the creepage distance being in accordance with IEC947-1:2019. The creepage distance is called the "creepage distance." The creepage distance between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is thus greater than 10 mm. When cover 308 is closed, the air gap between output connector 316 and front plane P22 is greater than a Class 1 insulation distance under a voltage less than or equal to 690V, the air gap being in accordance with IEC947-1:2019.The distance in the air between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is therefore greater than 8 mm.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the creeping line distance between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is equal to 11.5 mm, with the cover 308 closed, while the distance in air is equal to 11.5 mm.

[0058] When the connection module 300 is absent, a distance in the air between the contact areas 36 of the second connection area 34B and the front plane P22 is greater than 14 mm, while a creepage line distance between the contact areas 36 of the second connection area 34B and the front plane P22 is greater than 20 mm, the cover 308 being in the closed position.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the connection housing 301 is delimited by the bottom wall 304, while the electronic card 32 is located on one rear side of the bottom wall 304.

[0060] More generally, and with reference to [Fig. 6], the housing 30 includes avanta An intermediate wall 38, which is generally parallel to the front plane P22 and set back from the front plane P22, is advantageously provided by the electronic board 32, located on one rear side of the intermediate wall 38. The bottom wall 304 delimiting the connection housing 301 is advantageously a portion of the intermediate wall 38. When it is necessary to provide an opening through a portion of the intermediate wall 38 to connect another functional module, different from the connection module 300, to another connection area provided on the electronic board 32, this portion of the intermediate wall 38 is preferably set back from the front plane P22 and is located away from the front plane P22 by a distance, measured along the depth axis A22, greater than the first threshold SL. This ensures a sufficient isolation distance between the connection area and the user.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the housing 30 advantageously includes a groove 320, which is hollowed out in the peripheral wall 302 and which opens into the connection housing, the groove 320 extending parallel to the depth axis A22.

[0062] The body 310 of the connection module 300 includes a protrusion 322, for example a tab, which is configured to be received in the groove 320 when the connection module is in the assembled position, as illustrated in [Fig.3] a). The protrusion 322 extends outward on the body 310, here on the upper face 311D of the body 310. The protrusion 322 and the groove 320 cooperate to form a keying member of the control unit 20, the keying member being configured to allow the connection module 300 to be inserted into the connection housing 301 in only one position.

[0063] Advantageously, the control unit 20 includes, in addition to the connection housing 301, a second housing 324, which is recessed in the housing 30 from the front face P22 and opens onto the front face 22 of the control unit 20. The groove 320 also opens into the second housing 324. In other words, the groove 320 forms a passage between the connection housing 301 and the second housing. The control unit 20 also includes a shim 340, which is configured to be received in the second housing 324 in an inserted position.

[0064] The wedge 340 comprising a second protrusion 342, preferably a tab, which at least partially closes the groove 320 when the wedge is in the inserted position, so as to prevent the assembly of the connection module 300 in the connection housing 300 when the wedge 340 is previously received in the second housing 324.

[0065] When the wedge 340 is in the inserted position, the wedge 340 is advantageously non-removable, i.e., it is not possible to remove the wedge 340 from the second housing 324 without damaging the wedge 340 or without removing the control unit 20 from its receptacle in the cutting unit 16, to then disassemble the control unit. For this purpose, the wedge 340 includes clipping elements 344, here two elastic tabs, which cooperate with recesses 326 formed in the second housing 324. Insertion of the wedge 340 into the second housing 324 is advantageously done by hand and without tools.

[0066] Thus, when the control unit 20 is intended to operate under voltages above 690 V, the prior placement of the wedge 340 in the second housing 324 prevents any subsequent attempt to place the connection module 300 in the connection housing 301, which could expose the user to a risk since the distances and / or insulation classes would no longer be respected.

[0067] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Control unit (20) for an electrical circuit breaker (10), the control unit (20) comprising a front face (22), which has a generally planar shape and is geometrically supported by a front plane (P22), the front face (22) being orthogonal to a depth axis (A22) and defining a front direction oriented towards the user when the control unit (20) is in a normal operating configuration, the control unit (20) comprising: a housing (30), which is made of an insulating material and in which a connection housing (301) is provided, the connection housing (301) being recessed from the front plane (P22) and opening onto the front plane (P22), an electronic card (32), which includes a connection area (32) associated with the connection housing (301), the connection area (32) being located in a base of the connection housing (301) and comprising several electrical contact areas (36), a connection module (300), which is configured to be received in the connection housing (301) in an assembled position of the connection module (300), the control unit (20) then being in an assembled configuration, the connection module (300) comprising: • a body (310), which is made of an electrically insulating material, and which includes fastening means (312) for holding the connection module (300) in the assembled position, the body (310) comprising a rear face (311B), which is located opposite the connection area (32) when the control unit (20) is in the assembled configuration, and a front face (311A), which is oriented opposite the rear face (311B), • an input connector (314), which opens onto the rear face (31 IB) and which is configured to be connected to one or more of the contact ranges (36) of the connection area (32), • an output connector (316), which is connected to the input connector (314) and which opens onto the face before (311 A) of the connection module (300), the output connector (314) being suitable for receiving an additional connector so that a user can exchange data with the control unit (20), in which: • the contact areas (36) are located behind the forward plane (P22) and are at a distance from the forward plane (P22), measured along the depth axis (A22), greater than a predetermined first threshold (SI), • the first threshold (SI) is chosen such that an air gap between each contact area (36) and the front plane (P22) is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V, the air gap and the class 2 insulation distance being according to IEC 947-1:2019, • The control unit (20) also includes a cover (308), which is hinged relative to the rest of the control unit (20) and is movable between a closed position, where the cover (308) blocks the connection slot (301) with a rear face (309B) of the cover facing the connection slot (301), and an open position, where the cover (308) does not obstruct access to the connection slot (301), • when the connection module (300) is in the assembled position: • the output connector (316) is located recessed from the front plane (P22), so that a front face (309A) of the cover (308) is substantially aligned with the front plane (P22), the front face (309A) of the cover (308) being oriented opposite to the rear face (311B) of the cover (308), • the cover (308) in the closed position prevents access to the output connector (316), so that a creepage distance between the output connector (316) and the front plane (P22) is greater than a class 1 insulation distance under a voltage less than or equal to 690V, the creepage distance being in accordance with IEC947-1:2019.

2. Control unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein: • the connection housing (301) is delimited, towards the rear, by a bottom wall (304), which is part of the housing (30), which is arranged in recess relative to the front plane (P22) along the front direction (D22) and in which openings (306) are provided, the openings leading into the connection housing (301), • the electrical contact areas (36) are located on a rear side of the bottom wall (304) and are accessible from the connection housing (301) through the openings (306).

3. Control unit (20) according to claim 2, wherein: • each opening (306) has a profile complying with an IP3x protection index as defined in IEC 60529:2013.

4. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein: • the input connector (314) comprises telescopic pins (315), each telescopic pin being configured to be connected to a respective contact range (36), • in the assembled configuration of the connection module (300), the rear face (31 IB) of the connection module (300) is in contact with the bottom wall (304).

5. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: • the housing (30) comprises a peripheral wall (302), which delimits the connection housing (301) radially to the depth axis (A22), • the housing (30) comprises a groove (320), which is formed in the peripheral wall (302) and which opens into the connection housing (301), the groove (320) extending parallel to the depth axis (A22), • the body (310) includes a protrusion (322), which is configured to be received in the groove (320) when the connection module (300) is in the assembled position, • the protrusion (322) and the groove (322) cooperate to form a keying element of the control unit (20).

6. Control unit (20) according to claim 5, wherein: • the control unit (20) comprises, in addition to the connection housing (301), a second housing (324), which is provided in the housing (30) and which opens onto the front face (22) of the control unit (20), • the groove opens (320) into the second housing (324), • the control unit (20) also comprises a shim (340), which is configured to be inserted into the second housing (340) in an inserted position, the shim (340) comprising a second protrusion (342), preferably a tab, which at least partially closes the groove (320) when the shim (340) is in the inserted position, preventing the assembly of the connection module (300) in the connection housing (301).

7. Control unit (20) according to claim 6, wherein: • the wedge (340) in the inserted position is non-removable.

8. An electrical circuit breaker (10), comprising: • a breaking unit (16), comprising at least one breaking device and an actuator, • a representative of the control unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: • the breaking unit (16) provides a receptacle, which opens onto a front face (14) of the breaking unit, • the control unit (20) is received in the receptacle, such that the front face (22) of the control unit (20) is substantially aligned with the front face (14) of the unit cut (16).

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