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 over a front plane (P22) into which opens at least one housing (201; 301; 401) configured to receive a functional module (200; 300; 400) in the assembled position. Contact pads (36) are arranged at the bottom of each housing set back from the front plane, such that a clearance in the air between each contact pad and the front plane is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V. In the assembled position, each functional module at least partially closes the corresponding housing, such that a creepage distance between each contact pad and the front plane is greater than a class 1 insulation distance under a voltage less than or equal to 690V. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

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 electric circuit breaker, as well as to an electric circuit breaker comprising such a control unit.

[0002] Electrical circuit breakers are known, in particular from EP-0 843 332-A1, comprising a cut-off unit and an electronic control unit. Such a control unit is typically configured to measure in real time an operating state of the circuit breaker and to control the opening of the cut-off unit in the event of a malfunction of the circuit breaker. The control unit is received, reversibly, in a housing provided in the cut-off unit and is located on a 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 cut-off unit from the rest of the electrical installation.

[0003] Depending on the applications, the electrical circuit breaker operates under voltages of several hundred or even thousands of Volts, and under currents of up to several thousand Amperes. The electrical circuit breaker in general, and the control unit in particular, must have sufficient electrical insulation to guarantee the safety of people. For example, the IEC 947-1:2019 standard - tables 13 and 15 - defines insulation classes, which correspond to minimum distances to be respected between electrified points - or likely to be electrified - and the user. The insulation distances depend in particular on the insulation class sought, and the electrical voltage under which the electrical circuit breaker operates.In the context of this description, two electrical voltage intervals are mainly considered, with a first interval corresponding to a voltage less than or equal to 690V, and a second interval corresponding to a voltage strictly greater than 690V. For a voltage greater than 690V, insulation class 1 requires a distance in the air greater than 7 mm, and creepage distances greater than 10 mm. Insulation class 2 doubles these distances. For a voltage less than 690 V, insulation class 2 requires a distance in the air greater than 10 mm. In English, the creepage distance is called "creepage distance", while the distance in the air is called "clearance distance".

[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 received, such as an electronic card, voltage division components, etc. A module A power supply is generally provided to power the control unit when the circuit breaker is energized. A battery is generally provided and housed in a housing provided in the box, in particular to allow the backup of various data when the circuit breaker trips or when the circuit breaker is not energized.

[0005] However, this battery must be changed periodically. With prior art electrical circuit breakers, it is necessary to dismantle the control unit from the cut-off unit, which requires the user to have specific authorization and to interrupt the service of the electrical installation, which makes replacing a battery, a seemingly simple task, a heavy and complex operation. Thus, the aim is to be able to change the battery from the front, without interrupting service, while guaranteeing the safety of people.

[0006] With the evolution of technologies and needs, it is advantageous to offer, if necessary, communication interfaces, wired or wireless, so that the user can transfer data from and / or to the control unit. It is known to connect modules to the control units, however to guarantee the isolation distances, these connections are generally made from the rear of the control units, which requires removing the control unit from the cut-off unit, and / or by means of functional modules which include electrical protection devices and which are then too bulky to fit inside the existing control units.

[0007] It is these needs that the invention more particularly intends to address, by proposing a control unit which allows the installation of functional modules in an easy manner, while guaranteeing the protection of people 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 planar shape and which is geometrically supported by a front plane, the front face being orthogonal to a depth axis and defining a forward direction oriented towards the user when the control unit is in a normal configuration of use, - a case, which is made of an insulating material and in which at least one housing is provided, each housing being provided set back from the front plane and opening onto the front face, - an electronic card, which comprises at least one connection zone, each connection zone comprising one or more electrical contact pads and being associated with a respective housing, - at least one functional module, each housing being associated with a module respective functional module, each functional module comprising an envelope, which is made of an electrically insulating material and which delimits a cavity, each functional module being configured to be received reversibly in the associated housing, the functional module being in an assembled configuration,

[0009] in which, for each accommodation: - each contact pad of the associated connection zone is located set back from the front plane and is distant from the front plane by a distance, measured along the depth axis, greater than a first predetermined threshold, - the first threshold is chosen so that a clearance in the air between each contact pad and the front plane is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V, the clearance in the air and the class 2 insulation distance being according to standard IEC 947-1:2019, and - when the functional module is received in the corresponding housing, the casing at least partially closes the associated housing, so that a creepage distance between each contact pad and the front plane is greater than a class 1 insulation distance under a voltage lower than 690V, the creepage distance being according to standard IEC 947-1:2019.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, various functional modules can be easily installed from the front of the control unit, without having to dismantle the control unit from the cut-off unit. The electrical contact pads are all arranged set back from the front face, which guarantees a sufficient insulation distance, whether the functional modules are present or not. Once installed, the functional modules do not increase the size of the control unit, which thus remains compact.

[0011] According to advantageous but not obligatory aspects of the invention, such a control unit may incorporate one or more of the following features taken in isolation or in any technically admissible combination: - The first threshold is greater than or equal to 14 mm. - Each casing comprises a proximal wall, which is generally orthogonal to a main axis, and a peripheral wall, which projects from the proximal wall and has a continuous contour around the main axis, the proximal wall and the peripheral wall together delimiting the cavity of the casing, the cavity emerging from the casing through a distal mouth, which is located opposite the proximal wall along the main axis, whereas, when the functional module is in the assembled configuration: • the main axis is parallel to the depth axis, while the distal mouth is oriented towards the corresponding connection zone, the cavity masking the contact areas along the depth axis, • a creepage distance from each contact pad to the front plane is greater than a second predetermined threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold. - The second threshold is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690 V as defined in the IEC947-1:2019 standard. - The second threshold is equal to 20 mm. - The at least one housing is delimited, on the rear side, by a bottom wall, which is part of the housing, which is arranged set back from the front plane in the front direction and in which openings are provided, the openings opening into the housing, while the contact pads of the connection zone associated with the housing are located on a rear side of the bottom wall and are accessible from the housing through the openings. - Each opening has a profile with an inscribed circle with a diameter strictly less than 4 mm, so as to comply with an IP2x protection index as defined in standard IEC 60529:2013. - The housing comprises an intermediate wall, which is generally parallel to the front plane and which is set back from the front plane, the electronic card being located on a rear side of the intermediate wall, whereas, for the at least one housing, the corresponding bottom wall is a portion of the intermediate wall. - Each functional module comprises at least one complementary contact, which is made of metal, which is partially received in the corresponding cavity and which protrudes outside the cavity, while each complementary contact is configured to be connected, reversibly, to a respective electrical contact pad associated with the corresponding housing when the functional module is in the assembled configuration. - Each functional module is chosen from a list including a battery module, a wireless communication module and a wired connection module. - The control unit comprises three functional modules, each of which is associated with a respective housing, while the three functional modules are different from each other and include a battery module, a wireless communication module, and a wired connection module.

[0012] The invention also relates to an electrical circuit breaker, which comprises: - a cut-off unit, comprising at least one cut-off device and an actuator, the cut-off device being triggerable by means of the actuator, - a copy of the control unit as defined previously,

[0013] in which: - the cut-off unit has a receptacle, which opens onto a front face of the cut-off unit, - the control unit is received in the receptacle of the cut-off unit, so that the front face of the control unit is substantially aligned with the front face of the cut-off unit.

[0014] Advantageously: - the circuit breaker comprises a front plate, which is reversibly fixed to the cut-off unit, which is made of an electrically insulating material, which extends generally along a frontal plane and which defines a portion of the frontal face, - the at least one housing of the control unit includes a border housing, which is arranged at the edge of the front face, while the corresponding functional module casing has a recess, which is located set back from the front plane, - when the control unit is received in the receptacle of the cut-off unit and the faceplate is mounted on the cut-off unit, the faceplate at least partially covers the recess, so as to prevent disassembly of the functional module associated with the border housing.

[0015] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of 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 appended drawings, in which:

[0016] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] 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;

[0017] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the control unit of [Fig.l];

[0018] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a partially exploded perspective view of the unit of control of [Fig.l], the control unit comprising a battery module, a wired connection module and a wireless communication module;

[0019] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents respectively, on three inserts a), b) and c), a view at larger scale of the control unit according to arrow IV in [Fig.3], and the battery module of [Fig.3], the battery module being shown in two different configurations on inserts b) and c);

[0020] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents, on two inserts a) and b), a section of a housing provided in the control unit and configured to receive the battery module, the control unit being shown in two different configurations;

[0021] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents, on two inserts a) and b), a perspective view of the wired connection module of [Fig.3], observed from two different viewing angles;

[0022] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents, on three inserts a), b) and c), a section of a housing provided in the control unit and configured to receive the wired connection module, the control unit being shown in three different configurations;

[0023] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] represents, on two inserts a) and b), a view on a larger scale of the control unit of [Fig.3], some parts being hidden, and a section of the control unit, according to a plane BB at insert a);

[0024] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a section of the control unit according to plan BB, the control unit being shown in two different configurations;

[0025] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] represents respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a view in perspective and a section of the electrical circuit breaker of [Fig.l], certain parts being hidden, and

[0026] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a section, along a plane XI-XI, of the control unit of the [Fig.2],

[0027] An electrical circuit breaker 10 is shown in [Fig.l]. The electrical circuit breaker 10, also simply called circuit breaker 10, is here a multi-pole circuit breaker, in particular a three-pole circuit breaker. The number of poles of the circuit breaker 10 is not limiting. In a known manner, a multi-pole electrical circuit breaker comprises, for each electrical pole, input and output power terminals, which are respectively connected or electrically isolated from each other by a circuit breaker cut-off device. The cut-off device comprises, for example, separable movable contacts, which are received in a cut-off chamber of the electrical circuit breaker 10 and whose movements are controlled by an actuator. Thus, the cut-off device can be triggered by the actuator. The cut-off chambers are here materialized by three grids 12 visible on an upper face of the circuit breaker 10, the other elements of the cut-off device not being shown..

[0028] The electrical circuit breaker 10 is intended to be used within an electrical installation, for example to control the power supply of a machine tool. In a normal configuration of use, the electrical circuit breaker 10 is generally placed within an electrical cabinet, the electrical 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.

[0029] The electrical circuit breaker 10 comprises a cut-off unit 16, which in particular comprises each of the cut-off chambers, as well as the cut-off device and the associated actuator.

[0030] The electrical circuit breaker 10 advantageously comprises a faceplate 18, which is reversibly fixed to the cut-off 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 cut-off unit 16. The faceplate 18 thus serves to protect the user of the circuit breaker 10. In [Fig.l] a), the faceplate 18 is shown assembled to the cut-off unit 16, which corresponds to a normal usage configuration of the circuit breaker 10. In [Fig.l] b), the faceplate 18 is distant from the cut-off unit 16, this configuration being found for example during maintenance of the cut-off unit 16. The faceplate 18 comprises a window 19, through which the front face 22 of the cut-off unit 16 is opened. cut 20 is visible. Window 19 is preferably closed by a transparent flap. The flap is not shown.

[0031] The electrical circuit breaker 10 also comprises a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured to analyze states of the cut-off unit 16 and is configured to trigger the actuator according to the results of these analyses, thus separating the separable contacts.

[0032] The control unit 20 comprising a front face 22. The front face 22 has a generally planar shape and is geometrically carried 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 a normal configuration of use. The front face 22 thus defines a front direction D22, which is parallel to the depth axis A22. The front direction D22 is represented by an arrow. The concepts of directions such as “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, etc., are defined in relation to the elements as represented in the drawings, knowing that it may be otherwise in reality.

[0033] The front panel 18 comprises 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.

[0034] The control unit 20 is assembled to the cut-off 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 cut-off unit 16. The control unit 20 is shown in isolation in [Fig.2].

[0035] The cut-off unit 16 provides a receptacle, which opens onto a front face 14 of the cut-off 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.l] a). The receptacle is not shown.

[0036] The control unit 20 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0037] The control unit 20 comprises a housing 30, which is made of an insulating material and which forms a volume for receiving various components of the control unit 20. The housing 30 houses in particular an electronic card 32, which is partially visible in [Fig. 3]. The electronic card 32 comprises a printed circuit and several electronic components such as a microprocessor, a light-emitting diode, etc.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the electronic card 32 comprises several portions, which are here connected to each other by communication buses. The communication buses are not shown. Optionally, one or more portions of the electronic card 32 are flexible. Alternatively, the electronic card 32 includes several portions which are not connected to each other by communication buses. Alternatively, the electronic card 32 is in one piece.

[0039] 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 planar, which has a front side 102A and a rear side 102B opposite the front side 102A. The central portion 102 is here configured to receive at least one human-machine interface element 104. The front side 102A of the central portion 102 is preferably oriented in the front direction D22. A human-machine interface is also designated by its acronym HMI, or MHI 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 observed, and four buttons 104C.These examples are not limiting, the type, number and arrangement of the HMI elements 104 can be changed during the design of the front subassembly 100.

[0040] The front subassembly 100 is assembled to the rest of the control unit 20, in particular to the housing 30, in a reversible manner. It is thus possible to replace the front subassembly 100 in the event of a malfunction. The central portion 102 thus forms a portion of the front face 22 of the control unit 120.

[0041] The housing 30 comprises at least one housing 98, here three housings, each housing being arranged set back from the front plane P22 and opening onto the front face 22.

[0042] The control unit 20 also comprises at least one functional module 99, here three functional modules 99, each housing being associated with a respective functional module. Each functional module 99 is thus configured to be received in a reversible in the associated housing, the functional module 99 considered being in an assembled configuration.

[0043] Preferably, the control unit 20 comprises several functional modules 99. In the illustrated example, the control unit 20 comprises three functional modules 99, which are different from each other and which include a first module 200, which is here a battery module, a second module 300, which is here a wired connection module, and a third module 400, which is here a wireless communication module. Each functional module 99 is associated with a respective housing 98. Each functional module 99 is configured to be reversibly received in the associated housing 98, the functional module 99 then being in an assembled configuration.In the illustrated example, each functional module 99 is configured to be inserted into the corresponding housing 98 according to an insertion movement, which is a translation movement parallel to the depth axis A22 and oriented in a rear direction, that is to say in a direction opposite to the front direction D22.

[0044] In [Fig. 3], the control unit 20 is shown in partially exploded perspective, the first battery module 200, the second connection module 300 and the third communication module 400 being shown distant from the housing. The first battery module 200 is thus associated with a battery housing 201, while the second connection module 300 is associated with a connection housing 301, and the third communication module 400 is associated with a housing arranged at the edge of the front face 22 and called the border housing 401. In the illustrated example, the control unit 20 comprises a cover 308, which is hinged relative to the housing 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].

[0045] The first battery module 200 and the associated battery housing 201 are now described.

[0046] With reference to [Fig.4] a), the battery housing 201 has a substantially cylindrical shape along an axis parallel to the depth axis A22. The battery housing 201 is here delimited by a peripheral wall 202 and by a bottom wall 204. The bottom wall 204 delimits the battery housing 201 on the rear side and is part of the housing 30. The bottom wall 204 is thus arranged set back from the front plane P22 along the front direction D22, and opens onto the front plane P22.

[0047] The battery housing 201 comprises openings 206, which are provided in the bottom wall 204 and which open into the battery housing 201. A portion of the electronic card 32 is located on the rear side of the bottom wall and comprises a first connection zone 34A, the first connection zone 34A comprising at least one contact pad 36. Each contact pad 36 comprises a substantially flat conductive element located on the surface of the electronic card 32, each pad contact area 36 being able to be electrically connected to a respective complementary connector 220 belonging to the functional module 99 associated with the housing 98 considered, i.e. here the first battery module 200, each complementary connector 220 coming to bear on the corresponding contact pad 36. Advantageously, the contact pads 36 are part of the printed circuit of the electronic card 32, in other words are manufactured at the same time as the electronic card 32.

[0048] In the example illustrated, the first connection zone 34A comprises two contact pads 36, which are located on a rear side of the bottom wall 204 and which are accessible from the battery housing 201 through the openings 206. The two contact pads 36, and by first extension the connection zone 34A, are thus associated with the first battery housing 201.

[0049] Each opening 206 has a profile with an inscribed circle of diameter strictly less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3.9 mm, so as to comply with an IP2x protection index. The IP protection indices are defined in the IEC 60529:2013 standard. This reduces the risks of accidental introduction of objects through the openings, reducing the risks of electrical accidents.

[0050] Each contact pad 36 of the associated first connection zone 34A is located set back from the front plane P22 and is distant from the front plane P22 by a distance, measured along the depth axis A22, greater than a first predetermined threshold SI. The first threshold SI is chosen so that a distance in the air between each contact pad 36 and the front plane P22 is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V, the distance in the air and the class 2 insulation distance being according to the standard IEC947-1:2019. Schematically, the distance in the air between two points is the shortest path between these two points, while bypassing any obstacles.

[0051] Preferably, the first threshold SI is greater than or equal to 14 mm. Preferably, a distance in the air between the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and the front plane P22 is greater than the first threshold SL. This guarantees a minimum distance between all the electrified elements located on the rear side of the bottom wall 204 and the front face 22 of the control unit 20, which improves safety of use.

[0052] The first battery module 200 will now be described, in particular with reference to FIGS. 4 b) and 4 c). The first module 200 comprises an envelope 210, which is made of an electrically insulating material and which delimits a cavity 211. The cavity 211 is configured to receive an electric battery 212 having two electric poles. The electric battery 212 is here a cylindrical battery, the two electric poles of which are located on opposite faces.

[0053] The envelope 210 comprises a proximal wall 214, which is generally orthogonal to a main axis A214, and a peripheral wall 216, which extends projectingly from the proximal wall and which has a continuous contour around the main axis A214, the proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 together delimiting the cavity 211. Once the first battery module 200 is received in the battery housing 201 in the assembled configuration, the main axis A214 is substantially parallel to the depth axis A22, as illustrated in [Fig.5] b). The cavity 211 opens from the casing 210 through a distal mouth 218, which is located opposite the proximal wall 214 along the main axis A214.

[0054] When the first battery module 200 is received in the battery housing 201, the casing 210 at least partially closes the battery housing 201, so that a creepage distance between each contact pad 36 and the front plane P22 is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V, the creepage distance being according to the IEC 947-1:2019 standard.

[0055] When the first battery module 200 is in the assembled configuration, the distal mouth 218 is advantageously oriented towards the corresponding first connection zone 34A, the cavity 211 masking, towards the front, the contact pads 36, so that a creepage distance from each electrical pad 36 to the front plane P22 is greater than a second predetermined threshold S2, the second threshold S2 being greater than the first threshold SL. In simplified manner, the creepage distance between two points is the minimum distance between these two points across the surface of the material, the gaps in the air less than 1.5 mm can nevertheless be crossed in the air. Advantageously, the second threshold S2 is greater than a class 2 insulation distance as defined in the IE C947-1:2019 standard. Preferably, the second threshold S2 is equal to 20 mm.

[0056] The first battery module 200 comprises, in addition to the insulating casing 210, at least one complementary contact 220, which is made of an electrically conductive material such as a metal, which is partially received in the cavity 211 and which protrudes outside the casing 210 through the distal mouth 218. Each complementary contact 220 being configured to be connected, reversibly, to a respective contact pad 36 of the corresponding housing when the first module 200 is in the assembled configuration. Thus, the presence of the electrical contacts, and more generally of any other electrical or electronic device received in the cavity, has no impact on the level of protection in terms of air distance or creepage lines.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the first battery module 200 comprises two complementary contacts 220, which connect the poles of the battery 212 to the contact pads 36 associated with the first battery housing 201. Advantageously, the first battery module 200 also comprises a cover 222, which is movable relative to the casing 210 between an open position and a closed position, in which the cover 222 at least partially closes the cavity 211, the cover 222 in the closed position being configured to hold the electric battery 212 in the cavity, the first battery module 200 then being in a closed configuration.

[0058] The complementary contacts 220 include here a first conductive element 220A and a second conductive element 220B, which are formed by cutting and bending a metal sheet. The first conductive element 220A is here carried by the cover 222, while the second conductive element 220B is carried by the casing 210.

[0059] The two conductive elements 220A and 220B each comprise an input tab, which is configured to be connected to a respective pole of the battery 212, and an output tab 226, which is configured to be connected to a respective electrical contact pad 36 of the battery housing when the battery module is in the closed configuration and is received in the corresponding housing, in an assembled configuration of the battery module to the control unit, as shown in [Fig.5] b). The input tab is not shown in the present description. The output tab 226 here comprises a terminal portion 227 here having the shape of a rectilinear blade, which advantageously ends in a spoon-shaped terminal bulge, configured to bear on the corresponding contact pad 36.The terminal portion 227 of each output tab 226 is advantageously elastically deformable, so as to ensure sufficient contact pressure between the curved end of the output tab 226 and the corresponding contact area 36.

[0060] When the first battery module 200 is in the closed configuration, the two terminal portions 227 open out of the cavity 211 through passages 228, which are provided in the cover 222. In the example illustrated, the two terminal portions 227 extend parallel to the main axis A214, the two terminal portions 227 being offset from each other along a transverse axis T214, which is orthogonal to the main axis A214.

[0061] As illustrated in [Fig.4] c), the cover 222 is advantageously articulated in rotation relative to the casing 210 around a hinge axis A222, between the open position and the closed position. The hinge axis A222 is here an axis parallel to the transverse axis T214. The cover 222 is thus considered captive. When mounting the first battery module 200, the operator inserts the battery 212 into the cavity 211 of the casing 201, of course respecting the direction of the poles if necessary, then moves the cover 222 to the closed position, ensuring contact between each input tab and the corresponding pole of the battery 212.

[0062] The proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 together form a continuous portion of the envelope 210, the continuous portion extending to a minimum distance from the proximal wall 214, the minimum distance being measured along the axis main and being equal to 14 mm. In other words, the proximal wall 214 and the peripheral wall 216 do not have any opening, which is located less than 14 mm along the main axis A214, connecting the cavity 211 to the outside of the envelope.

[0063] In the example illustrated, the casing 210 has a notch 230, which is formed in the peripheral wall 216 and which delimits a portion of the distal mouth 218, as shown in [Fig.4] b). The notch 230 is used here when mounting the second conductive element 220B in the casing 210. A bottom of the notch here forms the location, through which the cavity 211 opens out of the casing 210, closest to the proximal wall 214. A distance L230, measured parallel to the main axis A214, is defined between the bottom of the notch 230 and the proximal wall 214. The distance L230 is greater than 14 mm. The distance L230 is here equal to 20.8 mm.

[0064] The second connection module 300, which is in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, is now described. In the alternative embodiments of the invention, elements similar to those of the other embodiments bear the same references and operate in the same way. In the following, the differences between each embodiment and the previous one(s) are mainly described.

[0065] The connection housing 301 is shown in perspective in [Fig.4] a) and in section in [Fig.7]. The second connection module 300 is shown in isolation in [Fig.6] and in assembled configuration in figures 7 b) and 7 c).

[0066] The connection housing 301 has a substantially cylindrical shape along an axis parallel to the depth axis A22. The connection housing 301 is here delimited by a peripheral wall 302 and by a bottom wall 304. The peripheral wall 302 delimits the connection housing 301 radially to the depth axis A22, while the bottom wall 304 delimits the connection housing 301 from the rear. The peripheral wall 302 and the bottom wall 304 are therefore here part of the housing 30. The bottom wall 304 is thus arranged set back from the front plane P22 along the front direction D22, and opens onto the front plane P22.

[0067] The connection housing 301 comprises openings 306, which are arranged in the bottom wall 304 and which open into the battery housing 301. A portion of the electronic card 32 is located on the rear side of the bottom wall 304 and comprises a second connection zone 34B, the second connection zone 34B comprising at least one contact pad 36. The contact pads 36 of the second connection zone 34B are similar, or even identical, to the contact pads 36 of the first connection zone 34A.

[0068] In the example illustrated, the second connection zone 34B comprises five contact pads 36, which are located on a rear side of the bottom wall 304 and which are accessible from the connection housing 301 through the openings 306. The five contact pads 36, and by extension the second connection zone 34B, are thus associated with the second connection housing 301.

[0069] Each opening 306 has a profile with an inscribed circle of diameter strictly less than 4 mm, preferably less than 3.9 mm, so as to comply with an IP2x protection index according to the IEC 60529:2013 standard. In the example illustrated, for each of the openings 306, the diameter of the inscribed circle is substantially equal to 1.9 mm, even complying with an IP3x protection index. This reduces the risks of accidental introduction of objects through the openings, reducing the risks of electrical accidents.

[0070] The control unit 20 also comprises a cover 308, which is hinged relative to the rest of the control unit 20 and which is movable between a closed position, where the cover 308 closes the connection housing 301, and an open position, where the cover 308 does not close the connection housing 301. The cover 308 is here hinged in rotation relative to the housing 30 around a hinge axis A308 parallel to the front plane P22. The cover 208 is thus captive. The cover 308 has a generally planar shape and comprises a front face 309A and a rear face 309B, which is oriented opposite the front face 309A. When the cover 308 is in the closed position, the front face 309A is oriented in the front direction D22, while the rear face 309B is oriented towards the bottom wall 304.

[0071] Each contact pad 36 of the second connection zone 34B is located set back from the front plane P22 and is spaced from the front plane P22 by a distance such that, when the cover 308 is in the closed position, a distance in the air between each contact pad 36 and the plane 22 is greater than the first predetermined threshold SL

[0072] The second connection module 300 is now described, with reference to [Fig. 6].

[0073] The connection module 300 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 comprises a hollow body, which provides an envelope delimiting a cavity 311. The envelope 310 is made of an electrically insulating material.The casing 310 here has a generally parallelepiped shape and comprises a front side 31 IA, which is oriented towards the user when the connection module 300 is in the assembled position, and a rear side 31 IB, which is oriented opposite the side, in other words which is located opposite the second connection zone 34B when the control unit 20 is in the assembled configuration. The casing 310 also comprises two lateral faces 31 IC, which are oriented opposite one another and which connect the front face 31 IA to the rear face 31 IB. The casing 310 also comprises an upper face 311D and a lower face 311E, which are oriented opposite each other 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.

[0074] The casing 310 comprises attachment means 312 for holding the connection module 300 in the assembled position. The attachment means 312 are here two elastic clips, which extend from each of the lateral faces 311C. The attachment means 312 are advantageously reversible, so that a user can extract the connection module 300 from the connection housing 301, for example to replace the connection module 300 in the event of malfunction.

[0075] The connection module 300 also comprises an input connector 314, which opens onto the rear side 31 1B and which is configured to be connected to one or more of the contact pads 36 of the second connection zone 34B.

[0076] The input connector 314 advantageously comprises pins 315, preferably telescopic pins - also called "pogo-pin" in English -, each pin 315 being configured to be connected to a respective contact pad 36 according to a translational movement. The pins 315, and by extension the input connector 314, are an example of embodiment of complementary contacts configured to be connected to a respective contact pad 36. Thus the input connector 314, and the pins 315 in particular, protrude from the cavity 311. In the assembled configuration of the connection module 300, the rear face 311B is preferably in abutment against the bottom wall 304. The telescopic pins 315 make it possible to accommodate dimensional clearances when the connection module 300 is in the assembled position.This reduces the size of the control unit 20, while ensuring good electrical contact between the input connector 314 and the associated contact pads 36. The pins 315 are an example of complementary contact, which are received in the cavity 311.

[0077] The connection module 300 also comprises an output connector 316. The output connector 316 is connected to the input connector 314 through the casing 310 and opens onto the front face of the casing 310, the output connector 316 being able to receive a complementary connector so that a user can exchange data with the control unit 20. In the example illustrated, the output connector is advantageously in the so-called USB Type-C format. Other types of connectors are of course possible, provided that the space constraints are respected.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The output connector 316 is located set back from the front plane P22, so that when the cover 308 is in the closed position, the front face 309A is geometrically carried by the front plane P22. 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 according to the standard IEC 947-1:2019. The creepage distance between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is thus greater than 10mm. When the cover 308 is closed, a clearance in the air 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 clearance in the air being according to the standard IEC 947-1:2019. The clearance in the air between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is thus greater than 8mm.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the creepage distance between the output connector 316 and the front plane P22 is equal to 10 mm, the cover 308 being closed, while the distance in the air is equal to 10 mm.

[0081] When the second connection module 300 is absent, a distance in the air between the contact pads 36 of the second connection zone 34B and the front plane P22 is greater than 14 mm, while a creepage distance between the contact pads 36 of the second connection zone 34B and the front plane P22 is greater than 20 mm, the cover 308 being in the closed position.

[0082] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, the third communication module 400 is now described, which is in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0083] The housing 30 delimits the communication housing 401, which is arranged set back from the front plane P22 and which opens onto the front face 22. In other words, the communication housing 401 is open in the front direction D22. In the illustrated example, the communication housing 401 is arranged at the edge of the front face 22, that is to say that the communication housing 401 is also open in a direction radial to the front direction D22. In the illustrated example, the communication housing 401 is open towards the top of the control unit 20. The communication housing 401 is thus called a “border housing”.

[0084] The electronic card 32 comprises a third connection zone 34C, which comprises several juxtaposed electrical contact pads 36. The third connection zone 34C here comprises five aligned contact pads 36. The third connection zone 34C is located in the connection housing 401, the electronic card 32 here forming a bottom of the connection housing 401.

[0085] Each contact pad 36 of the connection zone 34C is located set back from the front plane P22 and is distant from the front plane P22 by a distance, measured along the depth axis, greater than the first threshold SL

[0086] The third communication module 400 is now described.

[0087] The communication module 400 is configured to be received in the communication housing 401 in an assembled position of the communication module 400, the control unit 20 then being in an assembled configuration. The communication module 400 comprises a body 410, which is made of an elec- strictly insulating.

[0088] The body 410 is shown in isolation in [Fig. 3], and in the assembled configuration in [Fig. 2]. With reference to [Fig. 9] where the body 410 is visible in section, the body 410 comprises a main portion delimiting a cavity 411, which is open in a rear direction of the body 410, the rear direction being opposite the front direction D22 when the communication module 400 is assembled to the housing 30. The body 410 here has a constant section and extends parallel to the transverse axis T214. The body 410 thus comprises a front wall 41 IA, which is located on the user side when the connection module 300 is in the assembled position, two side walls 41 IC, which extend orthogonally to the transverse axis T214 and which are connected to each other by the front wall 41 IA.The body 410 thus comprises an upper wall 411D and a lower wall 411E, which are parallel to each other and which are connected to each other, on the one hand, by the front wall 41 IA and, on the other hand, by the side walls 411D. The front wall 41 IA, the side walls 41 IC, the upper wall 411D and the lower wall 411E together form an envelope which delimits the cavity 411. The front wall 41 IA forms a proximal wall of this envelope, while the side walls 41 IC, the upper wall 411D and the lower wall 411E together form a peripheral wall of the envelope. The cavity 411 opens out of the envelope of the third communication module 400 via a distal opening 418.

[0089] The body 410 also comprises attachment means 412 for holding the communication module 400 in the assembled position. The attachment means 412 are here two elastic clips, which here extend rearwardly from each of the lateral faces 41 IC. The attachment means 412 are advantageously reversible, so that a user can extract the communication module 400 from the communication housing 401, for example to replace the communication module 400 in the event of malfunction.

[0090] Advantageously, the front wall 41 1A is located set back from the front plane P22, while the body 410 also comprises a projection 413A, which extends from the front wall 411A in the front direction D22, the front wall 411A and the projection together delimiting a recess 413B of the body 410, and by extension of the third communication module 400. The recess 413B is thus located set back from the front plane.

[0091] The projection 413A here has, in cross-section, a continuous L-shaped profile. The projection 413A is located at a distance from a junction edge between the front wall 41 1A and the upper wall 411D, so that the recess 413B is open both towards the front and towards the top of the control unit 20 when the body 410 is in the assembled position.

[0092] When the control unit 20 is received in the receptacle of the cutting unit 16 and that the faceplate 18 is mounted on the cut-off unit, the faceplate covers 18 the recess 413B, so as to prevent the disassembly of the communication module, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. More precisely, an edge 19A of the window 19 of the faceplate 18 cooperates with the recess 413B, so as to limit the movements of the body 410 relative to the housing 30 of the control unit, in particular the translational movements forward or upward. The communication module 400 is thus kept assembled to the housing 30.

[0093] It is thus understood that when the control unit 20 is received in the receptacle of the cut-off unit 16, as long as the faceplate 18 is assembled to the cut-off unit 16, the faceplate prevents both the disassembly of the communication module 400 from the control unit 20, and the disassembly of the control unit 20 from the cut-off unit 16.

[0094] The cavity 411 is configured to receive a communication card 414. With reference to [Fig. 3], the communication card 414 comprises an antenna 416, and several examples of the complementary contacts 220. The complementary contacts 220 are here pins 415, preferably telescopic pins - also called "pogo-pin" in English -, each pin 415 being configured to be connected to a respective contact pad 36 according to a translational movement.

[0095] The telescopic pins 315 make it possible to accommodate dimensional clearances when the communication module 400 is in the assembled position. This reduces the size of the control unit 20, while ensuring good electrical contact between the input connector 314 and the associated contact pads 36.

[0096] When the communication card 414 is received in the cavity 411, the antenna 416 is advantageously located opposite the front wall 41 1A.

[0097] When the functional module is received in the corresponding housing, the casing at least partially closes the associated housing, so that a creepage distance between each contact pad and the front plane is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690V, the creepage distance being according to the IE C947-1:2019 standard. The class 2 insulation distance is obtained both when the communication card is present and when the communication card is absent. It is thus possible to add the communication card, according to the user's needs, even after the control module 20 and the circuit breaker 10 have been put into service, without changing the safety level of the circuit breaker 10.

[0098] In the illustrated example, the battery housing 201 is delimited by the bottom wall 204, while the electronic card 32 is located on a rear side of the bottom wall 204. Similarly, the connection housing 301 is delimited by the corresponding bottom wall 304, the electronic card 32 also being located on a rear side of the bottom wall 304 delimiting the connection housing 301.

[0099] More generally, the housing 30 advantageously comprises an intermediate wall 38, which is generally parallel to the front plane P22 and which is set back from the front plane P22, the electronic card 32 being located on a rear side of the intermediate wall 38. The bottom wall 204 delimiting the battery housing 201 and the bottom wall 304 delimiting the connection housing 301 are advantageously portions of the intermediate wall 38. When it is necessary to provide an opening through a portion of the intermediate wall 38 to connect a functional module to a connection zone provided on the electronic card, this portion of the intermediate wall 38 is preferably set back from the front plane P22 and is distant from the front plane by a distance, measured along the depth axis, greater than the first predetermined threshold. This guarantees a sufficient isolation distance between the connection zone and the user.

[0100] In the illustrated example, the control unit 20 comprises three functional modules 99, which include the wired connection module 200, the battery module 300, and the wireless communication module 400. The principles of the invention can naturally be transposed to other types of functional modules 99, which are each associated with a respective housing. Each functional module is preferably chosen from a list including a battery module, a wireless communication module and a wired connection module.

[0101] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A 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 which is geometrically supported by a front plane (P22), the front face (22) being orthogonal to a depth axis (A22) and defining a front direction (D22) oriented towards the user when the control unit (20) is in a normal configuration of use, • a housing (30), which is made of an insulating material and in which at least one housing (201; 301; 401) is provided, each housing being provided set back from the front plane (P22) and opening onto the front face (22), • an electronic card (32), which comprises at least one connection zone (34A; 34B; 34C), each connection zone comprising one or more electrical contact pads (36) and being associated with a respective housing (201; 301; 401), • at least one functional module (200; 300; 400), each housing (201; 301; 401) being associated with a respective functional module, each functional module comprising an envelope (210; 310; 410), which is made of an electrically insulating material and which delimits a cavity (211; 311; 411), each functional module (200; 300; 400) being configured to be received reversibly in the associated housing (201; 301; 401), the functional module being in an assembled configuration, in which, for each accommodation (201; 301; 401): • each contact pad (36) of the associated connection zone (34A; 34B; 34C) is located set back from the front plane (P22) and is distant from the front plane (P22) by a distance, measured along the depth axis (A22), greater than a first predetermined threshold (SI), • the first threshold (SI) is chosen so that a distance in the air between each contact pad (36) and the front plane (P22) is greater than a class 2 clearance distance under a voltage exceeding 690V, the clearance in air and the class 2 clearance distance being according to IEC947-l:2019, and • when the functional module (200; 300; 400) is received in the corresponding housing (201; 301; 401), the casing (210; 310; 410) at least partially closes the associated housing, so that a creepage distance between each contact pad (36) and the front plane (P22) is greater than a class 1 insulation distance under a voltage lower than 690V, the creepage distance being according to standard IEC947-1:2019.

2. Control unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein: • the first threshold (SI) is greater than or equal to 14 mm.

3. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: • each casing (210; 410) comprises a proximal wall (214; 411 A), which is generally orthogonal to a main axis (A214), and a peripheral wall (216; 411 C, 411 D, 411 E), which projects from the proximal wall and which has a continuous contour around the main axis (A214), the proximal wall and the peripheral wall together delimiting the cavity (211; 411) of the casing, the cavity (211; 411) emerging from the casing via a distal mouth (218; 418), which is located opposite the proximal wall along the main axis (A214), • when the functional module (200; 400) is in assembled configuration: • the main axis (A214) is parallel to the depth axis (A22), while the distal mouth (218; 418) is oriented towards the corresponding connection zone (34A; 34C), the cavity (211; 411) masking the contact pads (36) along the depth axis (A22), • a creepage distance from each contact pad (36) to the front plane (P22) is greater than a second predetermined threshold (S2), the second threshold (S2) being greater than the first threshold (SI).

4. Control unit (20) according to claim 3, in which: • the second threshold (S2) is greater than a class 2 insulation distance under a voltage greater than 690 V as defined in standard IEC 947-1:2019.

5. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, in which: • the second threshold (S2) is equal to 20 mm.

6. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which: • the at least one housing (201; 301) is delimited, on the rear side, by a bottom wall (204; 304), which is part of the housing (30), which is arranged set back from the front plane (P22) in the front direction (D22) and in which openings (206; 306) are provided, the openings opening into the housing (204; 304), • the contact pads (36) of the connection zone (34A; 34B) associated with the housing (201; 301) are located on a rear side of the bottom wall (204; 304) and are accessible from the housing (201; 301) through the openings (206; 306).

7. Control unit (20) according to claim 6, in which: • each opening (206; 306) has a profile with an inscribed circle of diameter strictly less than 4 mm, so as to comply with an IP2x protection index as defined in standard IEC 60529:2013.

8. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, in which: • the housing (30) comprises an intermediate wall (38), which is generally parallel to the front plane (P22) and which is set back from the front plane (P22), the electronic card (32) being located on a rear side of the intermediate wall, • for the at least one housing (201; 301), the corresponding bottom wall (204; 304) is a portion of the intermediate wall (38).

9. Control unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: • each functional module (200; 300; 400) comprises at least one complementary contact (220; 314), which is made of metal, which is partially received in the corresponding cavity (211; 311; 411) and which protrudes outside the cavity, • each complementary contact is configured to be connected, reversibly, to a respective electrical contact pad (36) associated with the corresponding housing (201; 301; 401) when the functional module is in the assembled configuration.

10. Control unit (20) according to claim 9, in which: • each functional module (200; 300; 400) is chosen from a list including a battery module (200), a wireless communication module (400) and a wired connection module (300).

11. Control unit (20) according to claim 10, wherein: • the control unit (20) comprises three functional modules (200; 300; 400), which are each associated with a respective housing (201; 301; 401), • the three functional modules are different from each other and include a battery module, a wireless communication module, and a wired connection module.

12. Electrical circuit breaker (10), comprising: • a cut-off unit (16), comprising at least one cut-off device and an actuator, the cut-off device being triggerable by means of the actuator, • an example of the control unit (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which: • the cut-off unit (16) provides a receptacle, which opens onto a front face (14) of the cut-off unit (16), • the control unit (20) is received in the receptacle of the cut-off unit, so that the front face (22) of the control unit (20) is substantially aligned with the front face (14) of the cut-off unit (16).

13. An electrical circuit breaker (10) according to claim 12, wherein: • the circuit breaker (10) comprises a faceplate (18), which is reversibly fixed to the cut-off unit (16), which is made of an electrically insulating material, which extends generally along a front plane (P 14) and which defines a portion of the front face (14), • the at least one housing of the control unit (20) includes a border housing (401), which is arranged at the edge of the front face (22), while the corresponding functional module (400) casing (410) has a recess (413B), which is located set back from the front plane (P22), • when the control unit (20) is received in the receptacle of the cut-off unit (16) and the faceplate (18) is mounted on the cut-off unit (16), the faceplate (18) at least partially covers the recess (413B), so as to prevent the disassembly of the functional module (400) associated with the border housing (401).

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