Distribution assembly and associated electrical panel

Abstract

Distribution assembly and associated electrical panel. This distribution assembly (100), configured to distribute electrical power from a power source to at least one electrical load, includes a power bus (124) comprising several conductor bars (122), each having, at one end, a portion for connection to an output terminal of a main box (200). The power bus defines a connection zone, which extends along a connection plane (P124) and is intended for the connection of at least one feeder box (300) on one front side of the connection plane (P124). The distribution assembly (100) includes a cooling device (400), which includes a contact plate (410) for cooperating with a rear face (231) of the main housing (200), a radiator (420) which extends from a rear side of the connection plane (P124), and at least one heat pipe (430), which connects the contact plate (410) to the radiator (420).Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Distribution assembly and associated electrical panel

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical power distribution assembly, as well as an electrical panel comprising such a distribution assembly.

[0002] The distribution system considered here allows an electrical power source to be connected to at least one electrical load. Distribution devices comprising so-called "static" switching means are known, that is to say, in particular, semiconductor switching means, which allow for rapid, arc-free switching. However, these static switching means are relatively expensive.

[0003] It is known, in particular from GB-2 182 812-A, to connect static switching means to several starting terminals, each starting terminal being respectively associated with mechanical switching means.

[0004] However, static switching devices tend to generate significant heat, particularly when their switching function is activated, which can hinder the proper operation of the entire distribution system, especially when several trips occur in quick succession. It is known that ventilation or even air conditioning can promote heat exchange; however, these solutions are noisy, energy-intensive, and have reduced reliability.

[0005] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a distribution assembly offering improved cooling while remaining relatively compact.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a distribution assembly, configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power source comprising a neutral and at least one phase, in which: - The distribution system includes a power bus, which includes several conductor bars: • which include at least one phase busbar and possibly a neutral busbar, the optional neutral busbar being associated with the neutral of the power source, each phase busbar being respectively associated with a phase of the power source, • which extend parallel to each other along a principal axis of the distribution system and which are aligned along a height axis that is orthogonal to the principal axis, - Each conductor bar comprises: • a power supply portion, which is configured to be connected to an output terminal of a main enclosure in a mounted configuration of the main enclosure, • a connection portion, extending from the same side of the power supply portion, the connection portions being geometrically located on a front side of a connection plane parallel to the main axis and the height axis and together defining a power bus connection zone, the connection zone being configured to receive at least one starter box so that the starter box is connected to the power bus, each starter box being suitable for connection to an electrical load, so as to supply the electrical load with electrical power, - The distribution assembly includes a cooling device, which includes: • a contact plate, which has a contact face extending parallel to the connection plane, the contact face being configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with a rear face of the main housing in the mounted configuration, so as to promote heat transfer between the contact plate and the main housing, • a radiator that extends along the connection area, on one rear side of the connection plane, • at least one heat pipe, which connects the contact plate to the radiator and which is configured to transfer to the radiator some of the heat captured by the contact plate, the radiator being configured to dissipate into the air the heat transferred by each heat pipe.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the volume at the front of the power bus is intended for the connection of other devices, for example, protection devices such as starter boxes, while the volume at the rear of the power bus is essentially reserved for the heat sink, which allows for the efficient dissipation of some of the heat generated by the main unit during operation. Furthermore, the cooling device is passive, meaning it consumes no energy to operate and remains silent. The cooling device does not include a motor or any moving parts, reducing the potential for failure, which contributes to the reliability of the cooling device and, by extension, of the distribution assembly. The arrangement of the distribution assembly is particularly compact, while offering improved cooling capacity.

[0008] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a distribution assembly may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: - The distribution assembly includes the main housing, the main housing being mounted on the rest of the distribution assembly and comprising: • input terminals, which are configured to be connected to the neutral and to each phase and to the optional neutral of the power source, • output terminals, which are connected to the conductive bars, each output terminal being associated with a respective conductive bar and a respective input terminal, • the rear face, which cooperates, notably through complementary shapes, with the contact face. - The main unit includes switching means, including static means, which are switchable between a forward configuration, in which each input terminal is electrically connected to the associated output terminal, the main unit being in a forward configuration, and a switching configuration, in which the passage of an electric current between the input terminal and the associated output terminal is prevented, the main unit being in a switching configuration,

[0009] whereas the main housing includes a rear wall, which is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material and which has the rear face, the rear wall being interposed between the switching means and the contact plate, so that part of the heat generated by the switching means in operation is transferred to the contact plate through the rear wall. - At least one heat pipe is a two-phase heat pipe. - At least one heat pipe is a two-phase capillary-type heat pipe, then that when the distribution assembly is in a normal operating configuration, the main axis is horizontal. - The distribution assembly includes an insulating wall, which is made of an electrically insulating material and is interposed between the power bus and the heat sink, the insulating wall being open towards the front of the contact plate,

[0010] whereas the output terminals of the main box are connecting clamps, each of which is intended for connection to a respective conductor bar, according to a connection movement oriented towards the rear of the distribution assembly, so that, during the connection movement of the output terminals to the conductor bars, the rear face of the main box comes into contact with the contact face. - The distribution assembly includes a rear portion, which provides a cavity for receiving the cooling device, the rear portion being made of an electrically insulating material,

[0011] whereas the rear portion is perforated, so as to promote the cooling, by convection, of the cooling device.

[0012] The invention also relates to an electrical panel, comprising: - a box, delimiting an enclosure and having a bottom, - the distribution assembly as defined above,

[0013] in which the distribution assembly is fixed on the bottom of the box, the main axis being parallel to the bottom of the box, preferably horizontal.

[0014] The invention will be better understood, and other advantages thereof will become more apparent in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a distribution assembly and an electrical panel, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a partially exploded perspective view of a painting electrical according to the invention, the electrical panel comprising a distribution assembly, also according to the invention;

[0016] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partially exploded perspective view of the entire assembly distribution of the [Fig.1];

[0017] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents, respectively, on two inserts a) and b), a view in perspective of the distribution assembly [Fig. 1], some parts being hidden, and a perspective view of a transfer bus of the distribution assembly,

[0018] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a partially exploded perspective view of the entire assembly distribution of [Fig. 1], some pieces being hidden, and

[0019] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the distribution set of the [Fig.l].

[0020] An electrical panel 10, according to the invention, is shown in [Fig. 1]. The electrical panel 10 comprises a box 12, which delimits an enclosure V12 and which has a base 14. The base 14 is generally in a plane orthogonal to an axis of depth A14. The enclosure V12 is advantageously closed by a door, which is not shown.

[0021] The electrical panel 10 includes a distribution assembly 100. The distribution assembly 100 is fixed to the base 14 of the housing 12. 1. The distribution assembly 100 is configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power source comprising a neutral and at least one phase. The power source and the electrical load, which are not shown, are not part of the invention but serve to explain its operating context.

[0022] The distribution assembly 100 comprises a distribution device 110, by which the distribution assembly 100 is fixed to the base 14, a main housing 200, which is assembled to the distribution device 110, preferably reversibly, and to the minus one starter box 300, here seven starter boxes, each starter box 300 being reversibly assembled to the distribution unit 110, in a mounted position of the starter unit 300. It is thus possible to replace, if necessary, the main box 200 in case of malfunction, while retaining the other components of the distribution assembly 100, distribution unit 110 and starter box(es) 300, which is economical. Similarly, it is possible to replace, if necessary, one or more of the starter boxes 300, for example in case of malfunction, while retaining the other components, distribution unit 110 and main box 200, which is economical.

[0023] The distribution device 110 has an elongated shape, extending along a principal axis Al 10. When the distribution assembly 100 is in its normal operating configuration, the principal axis Al 10 is parallel to the bottom 14, that is, orthogonal to the depth axis A14. Preferably, the principal axis Al 10 is horizontal, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. A height axis H110 is defined as an axis orthogonal to both the depth axis A14 and the principal axis Al 10. The description is given with regard to the orientation of the various elements as shown in the figures, bearing in mind that this may be different in reality.

[0024] In the example of [Fig. 1], the main box 200 is located on the left of the distribution assembly 100, the starting boxes 300 being located on the right of the main box 200.

[0025] When the distribution assembly 100 is fixed on the base 14, a rear portion 112 of the distribution device 110 is oriented towards the base 14, in other words, oriented towards a rear direction of the distribution assembly 100. The rear direction is thus parallel to the depth axis A14. A front direction is also defined as a direction opposite to the rear direction.

[0026] The distribution device 110 thus has a mounting face 114, which is generally oriented towards the front and which is intended for the mounting of the main housing 200 and each starting housing 300.

[0027] The rear portion 112 is made of an electrically insulating material, for example, a synthetic polymer. The rear portion 112 has a generally rectangular shape, extending along its longest dimension parallel to the main axis Al 10. The shorter sides of the rectangle are thus parallel to the height axis H110. The distribution device 110 comprises two flanges 116, which are made of an electrically insulating material. The two flanges 116 are assembled to the shorter sides of the rear portion 112 so as to form a basket,

[0028] The distribution device 110 here includes an insulating wall 118, which is made of an electrically insulating material and which is assembled to the rear portion 112 and to the flanges 116, so as to form a cavity V110, as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the distribution device 110 includes a cooling device 400, which is received in the cavity VI10 and which is intended to evacuate part of the heat generated by the main housing 200 when the distribution assembly 100 is in operation. The cooling device 400 is thus located on one rear side of the insulating wall 118, while on one front side of the insulating wall 118, the front side being oriented opposite to the rear side, the insulating wall 118 provides grooves 120 intended to receive several conductive bars 122. The conductive bars 122 together form a power bus 124 of the distribution device 110 and, by extension, of the distribution assembly 100. The rear portion 112 is preferably perforated, so as to promote the cooling, by convection, of the cooling device 400.The distribution device 110 thus forms a cage around the cooling device 400.

[0030] The conductor bars 122 include at least one phase bar and, optionally, one neutral bar, the neutral bar being associated with the neutral of the power source, each phase bar being associated with a respective phase of the power source. In the illustrated example, the power bus 124 comprises four conductor bars 122, the power source being a three-phase source with a neutral. The distribution assembly 100 here has a so-called "3P+N" configuration, or simply 3PN.

[0031] In an alternative configuration not shown, the power source is three-phase, with or without a neutral, while the distribution assembly does not include a busbar associated with the neutral. In other words, the distribution assembly comprises only three phase busbars, each associated with a respective phase of the power source. The distribution assembly is then in a so-called 3P configuration.

[0032] The principles of the invention are applicable regardless of the number of phases in the power source. According to another, unillustrated, embodiment, the power source is single-phase, that is, it comprises only the neutral and a single phase. The busbars then include a single phase busbar and the neutral busbar. The distribution system is then in a configuration known as P+N, or simply PN. Regardless of the configuration, there are always several busbars, which include at least one phase busbar and possibly a neutral busbar.

[0033] The conductive bars 122 extend parallel to each other along the main axis Al 10 of the distribution assembly 100 and are aligned along the height axis H100. The conductive bars 122 together define a connection plane P124, which is a plane orthogonal to the depth axis A14, in other words parallel to the height axis H110 and to the main axis Al 10. The mounting face 114 is globally parallel to the connection plane P124.

[0034] The cooling device 400 includes a contact plate 410, which is intended to capture some of the heat emitted by the main housing 200, a radiator 420, which is intended to dissipate heat into the ambient air, and at least one heat pipe 430, here three heat pipes, which connects the contact plate 410 to the radiator 420 and which is configured to transfer to the radiator 420 some of the heat captured by the contact plate 410.

[0035] The contact plate 410 here has a parallelepiped shape and has a contact face 412, which extends parallel to the connection plane P124. The contact face 412 is configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with a rear face 230 of the main housing 200 in the configuration mounted on the distribution device 110, so as to promote heat transfer between the contact plate 410 and the main housing 200.

[0036] The radiator 420 is formed here of a set of metal fins, which are positioned so as not to obstruct the passage of air. The metal fins are positioned parallel to each other and are aligned along the main axis Al 10. The heat pipes 430 connect the fins to the contact plate 410.

[0037] Generally, a heat pipe is a device designed to transport heat by means of heat transfer, for example by thermal conduction, convection of a fluid, or phase transition of a fluid. For example, heat pipes 430 are metal rods, for example, copper rods. Preferably, heat pipes 430 are two-phase heat pipes. In the illustrated example, the heat pipes 430 are two-phase capillary-type heat pipes. Generally, a two-phase capillary-type heat pipe comprises two coaxial tubes arranged to facilitate the circulation of a heat transfer fluid that changes phase, liquid or gas, depending on its temperature. Preferably, the two-phase capillary heat pipes 430 are straight and arranged horizontally when the distribution assembly 100 is in a normal operating configuration.In other words, the main axis Al 10 is preferably horizontal. As an alternative not shown, the two-phase 430 heat pipes are "gravity-driven" type, which are preferably arranged vertically. In other words, in this case the main axis Al 10 is preferably vertical.

[0038] Thus, the heat sink 420 extends along the connection area of ​​the power bus 124, on one rear side of the connection plane P124. In particular, the heat sink 420 is located on the rear side of the insulating wall 118, the heat sink 420 being received in the cavity V110, while the insulating wall 118 is open towards the front of the contact plate 410. In other words, the insulating wall 118 is interposed between the power bus 124 and the heat sink 420. The portion of the insulating wall 118 serving as a support for the bars conductive 122 is preferably continuous, so as to reduce the risk of electric arcing between the conductive bars 122 and the radiator 420.

[0039] The conductor bars 122 include a neutral bar and at least one phase bar, the neutral bar being associated with the neutral of the power source, each phase bar being associated with a respective phase of the power source. In the illustrated example, the power bus 124 comprises four conductor bars 122, the power source being a three-phase source. The principles of the invention are applicable regardless of the number of phases of the power source, in particular if the power source is single-phase, i.e., comprises only the neutral and a single phase.

[0040] The main housing 200 is now described, in particular with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In [Fig.5], the single-phase circuit is shown, the three phases being represented, according to a known convention, by three parallel lines across the circuit.

[0041] The main housing 200 comprises input terminals 202, which are configured to be connected to the neutral and each phase of the power source, and output terminals 204, which are configured to be connected to the busbars, each output terminal being associated with a respective busbar and an input terminal. The input terminals 202 are screw terminals. Advantageously, the output terminals 204 are connecting clamps, each of which is designed for reversible connection to a respective busbar 122, according to a connection movement directed towards the rear of the distribution assembly 100. Thus, during the movement to connect the output terminals 204 to the busbars 122, the rear face of the main housing 200 comes into contact with the contact face 412.

[0042] For each input terminal 202, the main housing has a corresponding input line 203, which is connected to the corresponding input terminal 202, and an output line 205, which is connected to the associated output terminal 204.

[0043] The main box 200 includes static switching means 210, which are switchable between a forward configuration, in which each input terminal 202 associated with a phase of the power source is electrically connected to the associated output terminal 204, the main box 200 being in a forward configuration, and a cut-off configuration, in which the passage of an electric current between the input terminal 202 and the associated output terminal 204 is prevented, the main box 200 being in a cut-off configuration.

[0044] The static switching means 210 are power switches based on semiconductor components, preferably insulated-gate field-effect transistors, or MOSFETs, and are thus called "static" as opposed to the means of Moving contact switching. The static switching means 210 are connected in series between the input line 203 and the associated output line 205. The static switching means 210 are shown schematically in Figures 4 and 5.

[0045] During operation, the switching means 210 release heat, on the order of a few tens of watts each. The switching means 210 are advantageously arranged to facilitate the transfer of at least some of the heat released to the cooling device 400.

[0046] In particular, the switching means 210 are advantageously arranged against a rear wall 231 of the main housing 200, preferably in surface contact with the rear wall 231. The rear wall 231 protects the rear face 230, the rear face 230 being oriented opposite to the switching means 210. The rear wall 231 is thus interposed between the switching means 210 and the contact plate 410 when the main housing 200 is mounted on the distribution device 110, so that part of the heat generated by the switching means 210 in operation is transferred to the contact plate 410 through the rear wall.

[0047] The rear wall 231 is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material. In the illustrated example, the rear wall 231 is formed of an assembly of an electrically insulating plate, made of synthetic polymer material, and a copper plate, which provides rigidity to the assembly while promoting thermal conduction, the copper plate protecting the rear face 230 and bearing against the contact plate 410 when the main housing 200 is mounted on the distribution device 110.

[0048] The main housing 200 includes main detection means 212, which are configured to measure electrical quantities at the output terminals and to detect an electrical fault based on the measured values. The main detection means 212 are represented here by measuring loops, which are arranged on the output lines 205. Preferably, the main detection means 212 include a differential current detection device.

[0049] The main box 200 is configured to switch from the pass-through configuration to the cut-off configuration when the main detection means 212 detect a first electrical fault.

[0050] The main housing 200 includes a control unit 214, or ECU for Electronic Control Unit, which is configured to control the static switching means 210, that is, to switch the static switching means 210 between the conducting and breaking configurations. The control unit 214 is also configured to analyze the values ​​measured by the main sensing means 212 and to determine, based on predefined criteria corresponding to a predetermined type of electrical fault, the presence of a fault electrical faults of a predetermined type. In [Fig. 5], the use of predefined criteria is schematically represented by the presence of a so-called "primary" filter 222, the primary filter 222 being interposed between the main detection means 212 and the control unit 214. There are several types of differential faults, which are defined in particular in standard IEC 60755:2017. In particular, the types of electrical faults include whether the electrical signal is rectified, whether the signal includes a high-frequency component, the current rating - for example 30 mA or 300 mA -... It is understood that the primary filter 222 defines criteria for the detection of electrical faults by the control unit 214 of the main housing 200. Preferably, the primary filter 222 defines detection criteria for a predetermined type of differential fault, the preferred predetermined fault being chosen from among the faults defined in standard IEC 60755:2017.

[0051] An AC breakout delay is defined as a time interval between the moment of electrical fault detection and the switchover to the breakout configuration. The AC breakout delay thus includes the time required to analyze the measurements taken by the main detection means, the time required to send an opening command to the static breakout means 210, and the breakout time of the static breakout means 210 once the opening command is sent. Typically, the breakout time of the static breakout means 210 depends on the structure of the static breakout means and is less than 1 microsecond (1 / 20 ...

[0052] Preferably, the main housing 202 also includes, for each input terminal 202, a main disconnect device 216, which is a disconnect device with separable contacts, here a disconnect switch. The main disconnect device 216 is controlled by the electronic control unit 214 and allows the power source to be electrically disconnected from the distribution assembly 100, for example in the event of a malfunction of the static disconnecting means 210. The main disconnect device 216 is interposed between each input terminal 202 and the static disconnecting means 210.

[0053] Advantageously, the distribution device 110, and by extension the distribution assembly 100, also includes a transfer bus 150. The transfer bus 150, which is shown separately in [Fig. 3] b), is designed to supply power to each starter box 300 in the mounted position, i.e., connected to the conductor bars 122. The transfer bus 150 is therefore a power transfer bus, in other words, a supply bus, which is separate from the power bus 124. By way of illustration, the transfer bus 150 operates at a voltage of a few tens of volts, for example 50 V DC, while the bus Power unit 124 operates at 400 V three-phase AC. The transfer bus 150 is a separate component, which is assembled to the rest of the distribution unit 110.

[0054] The transfer bus 150 includes a body 152, which is made of an electrically insulating material, which has an elongated shape extending along the power bus 124. Thus the transfer bus 150 extends along the main axis Al 10.

[0055] The transfer bus 150 defines several mounting zones 154, which are intended to be connected to each starter box in the mounted position. The mounting zones 154 are distributed, preferably regularly, along the main axis Al 10 and each is associated with a unique position along the main axis Al 10. The transfer bus 150 preferably comprises fifteen mounting zones, which are spaced 18 mm apart. Other spacings are, of course, possible. In an alternative configuration not shown, the mounting zones 154 are spaced 9 mm apart.

[0056] The transfer bus 150 comprises at least two transfer lines 156, which extend along the body 152 and are configured to be electrically connected to each starter box 300 in the mounted position. The transfer lines 156 are here power lines, the transfer bus 150 thus being a power bus, which is configured to provide operating power to each starter box 300, in particular to power the microcontroller 320 of each starter box 300. In an alternative not shown, the transfer bus 150 also serves for data transfer between each microcontroller 320 and the control unit of the main box 200. For example, information transfer occurs via the same transfer lines 156 used for power transfer.As an alternative not shown, transfer bus 150 includes specific information transfer lines, different from transfer lines 156, which are managed on transfer bus 150. According to another alternative, transfer lines 156 serve both for power transmission and information transmission.

[0057] The transfer bus 150 also includes a connection zone 158, which is intended for connecting the main box 200 in the mounted position on the distribution assembly 110. For example, the main box 200 includes an additional terminal block 250, which is configured to cooperate with the connection zone 158, so that the main box is electrically connected to the transfer lines 156. In the preferred example shown, the main box 200 draws electrical energy necessary to supply the transfer bus 150 from the neutral and phases of the power source, between the static switching means 210 and the main switching device 216, the electrical energy thus supplied being available to the starting boxes 300 for their operation.

[0058] The transfer bus 150 is here implemented by a printed circuit board, the transfer lines 156 being conductive tracks made on the surface of the board, while the mounting areas 154 and the connection area 158 are tabs made in the substrate of the board.

[0059] The starting boxes 300 are now described.

[0060] Each starting box 300 thus comprises an incoming box that is reversibly connectable to the conductor bars 122 and that includes at least two incoming terminals 302, each incoming terminal 302 being configured to be electrically connected to a respective conductor bar 122. For each starting box 300, the incoming terminals 302 include a neutral incoming terminal, which is configured to be electrically connected to the neutral bar, and between one and three other incoming terminals, each of which is configured to be connected to a respective phase bar. Each starting box 300 is configured to be mounted reversibly on the power bus 114, so that each incoming terminal 302 is electrically connected to the corresponding conductor bar 122.

[0061] Each starter box 300 also includes a starter terminal block, which is configured to be connected to an electrical load and which includes starter terminals 304, each starter terminal 304 being respectively associated with a respective input terminal 302. The starter terminals 304 are shown schematically in [Fig. 5].

[0062] In the illustrated, non-limiting example, the 300 starter boxes have different widths, the width being measured along the main axis Al 10. Thus, the 300 starter boxes are divided into two subgroups, corresponding to two different widths: narrow 300 starter boxes and wide 300 starter boxes, which are approximately three times wider than the narrow 300 starter boxes. Other widths of 300 starter boxes are, of course, possible. The width of the 300 starter boxes is preferably a multiple of the pitch between each mounting zone 154 of the transfer bus 150, i.e., 18 mm here. In an alternative not shown, the 300 starter boxes have a width equal to a multiple of 9 mm.

[0063] In the illustrated example, a 300 starter box configured to supply a single-phase electrical load advantageously has a width of 18 mm, while a 300 starter box configured to supply a three-phase electrical load has a width of three times 18 mm, i.e. 54 mm.

[0064] The thinner 300 starter boxes are configured to be connected to two conductor bars 122, including a neutral bar and a phase bar, while the wider 300 starter boxes are configured to be connected to four conductor bars 122. The principles of the invention are applicable regardless of the number of phases to which each of the 300 starter boxes is connected.

[0065] Preferably, the distribution device 110 is designed to receive five outgoing boxes 300, each comprising four incoming terminals, i.e., five wide outgoing boxes 300. According to an example not shown, the distribution assembly 100 comprises five outgoing boxes 300, each comprising four incoming terminals 302. As a corollary, the distribution device 110 is also designed to receive fifteen narrow outgoing boxes 300, each comprising two incoming terminals 302. The conductor bars 122 each comprise: - a power supply portion 126, which is configured to be connected to an associated output terminal 204 of the main enclosure 200 in a mounted configuration of the main enclosure, and - a connection portion 128, which extends on the same side of the power supply portion 126. The connection portions 128 are geometrically located on one front side of the connection plane P124 and together define a connection area of ​​the power bus 124.

[0066] In [Fig.4], only the power supply portions 126 of the conductive bars 122 are visible, the connection portions 128 being hidden. The connection area is configured to receive at least one starter box 300, so that the starter box is connected to the power bus 129. The starter box 300 is then ready to be connected to an electrical load, so as to supply the electrical load with electrical power.

[0067] Each starting box 300 includes electromechanical switching means 310, which are interposed between each incoming terminal 302 and the corresponding outgoing terminal 304. The electromechanical switching means 310 include separable contacts, which are movable between a closed position, in which each incoming terminal 302 is electrically connected to the associated outgoing terminal 304, the relevant starting box 300 being in a closed configuration, and an open position, in which the passage of an electric current between the incoming terminal 302 and the associated outgoing terminal 304 is prevented, the relevant starting box 300 being in an open configuration.

[0068] Each starting box 300 includes secondary detection means 312, which are configured to measure electrical quantities at the corresponding starting terminals and to detect at least one electrical fault of a predetermined type, i.e., corresponding to predetermined detection criteria. The secondary detection means 312 are schematically represented here by measuring loops, which are arranged on the wires connecting the incoming terminals 302 to the starting terminals 304. The schematic representation of the secondary detection means 312 does not limit the type of electrical faults that the secondary detection means are capable of detecting. Thus, the secondary detection means 312 are configured to detect electrical faults of the short-circuit type.

[0069] For example, the secondary sensing means 312 include current sensors, in particular a current sensor per phase, while the starting box 300 includes a microcontroller 320, which receives the measurements from the current sensors and is capable of determining whether the measured current(s) exceed a short-circuit threshold.

[0070] Alternatively or in addition, the secondary detection means 312 include a differential current detection device. Preferably, the starting unit 300 includes a microcontroller 320, which is configured to evaluate the differential current measurement using a so-called "secondary" filter 322, the secondary filter 322 being previously stored in a memory of the microcontroller 320 of the starting unit 300 and being adapted for the detection of a differential fault.

[0071] The microcontroller 320 is powered via the transfer bus 150. For this purpose, each starting unit 300 includes a transfer terminal block 350, which comprises transfer terminals (not shown). The transfer terminal block 350 is configured to be connected to the transfer bus 150 so that each transfer terminal is electrically connected to a respective transfer line 156. The transfer terminal block 350 is therefore a power supply terminal block. The transfer terminals are distinct from the input terminals 302 or the output terminals 304.

[0072] It is understood that the secondary filter 322 defines the criteria for detecting electrical faults detected by the microcontroller 320 of the starting box 300. Preferably, the secondary filter 322 defines criteria for detecting a predetermined type of differential fault, which is chosen from among the faults defined in the IEC 60755:2017 standard.

[0073] Each microcontroller 320 is supplied with operating electrical energy via the transfer bus 150, regardless of the configuration, armed or disengaged, of the switching mechanism, here the electromechanical switching means 310, of the starting box 300.

[0074] Each starter box 300 here includes an actuator 324, which is configured to move the electromechanical switching means 310 to the open position when the actuator receives a trip signal. The microcontroller 320 is configured to send the trip signal to the actuator 324 upon detection of an electrical fault, in particular a short-circuit fault or a differential fault. More generally, each starter box 300 is configured to switch from the closed to the open position when the secondary detection means 312—and by extension the microcontroller 320—detect an electrical fault.

[0075] The operation of the protection assembly 100 in the event of a short-circuit fault is described, and this operation can be applied to other types of electrical faults, particularly differential faults. An opening delay AO is defined as a time interval between the detection of the electrical fault and the start of the movement of the separable contacts of the electromechanical switching means 310 from the closed position to the open position. In the illustrated example, the opening delay includes the processing time of the measurements by the microcontroller 320, as well as the time for the microcontroller 320 to send the switching command to the actuator 324. Typically, the opening delay AO is on the order of milliseconds, for example, from 1 ms to 9 ms.

[0076] In a minimal configuration of the distribution assembly 100, the distribution assembly includes the distribution device 110, on which are mounted the main box 200 and a single starting box 300. It is assumed that the distribution assembly 100 is connected to a power source, via the input terminals 202, while an electrical load is connected to the starting terminals 304.

[0077] In a normal operating configuration, the main unit 200 is initially in the conducting configuration, while the starting unit 300 is initially in the closed configuration. Thus, the starting terminals 304 are each electrically connected to a respective output terminal 204 via the associated conductor busbar 122. When an electrical fault occurs, for example due to a failure of the electrical load, the electrical fault is detectable both by the main unit 200, by means of the primary detection means 212, and by the starting unit 300, by means of the secondary detection means 312.

[0078] In other words, the electrical fault detection criteria used by the main box 200 are identical to the electrical fault detection criteria used by the starting box 300 under consideration.

[0079] Many types of electrical faults are possible. For example, in the case of a short circuit, a short-circuit current can reach several times, for example, 5 times, the value of a rated operating current. Other examples of electrical faults include overcurrents, differential current faults, etc. Compared to short-circuit faults, the electrical currents involved in overcurrents or differential faults are much lower, for example, less than 1.2 times the value of the rated operating current.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the detection criteria are defined by the detection filters, namely the primary filter 222 for the main unit 200, and the secondary filter 322 for the starting unit 300. In the case of a short-circuit fault, it is assumed that the primary filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 functionally define the same detection criteria, in other words, that the primary filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 are functionally identical to each other, so that the main box 200 and the starting box 300 are configured to detect electrical faults according to the same criteria.

[0081] The distribution assembly 100 is configured so that, when an electrical fault corresponding to the criteria of the primary filter 222 and the secondary filter 322 occurs: - the starting box 300 detects the electrical fault by means of the secondary detection means 312, then the microcontroller 320 of the starting box commands the switching to the open position of the electromechanical switching means 310, - while the main box 200 detects the same electrical fault by means of the main detection means 212, then the control unit 214 of the main box 200 commands the switching means 210 to the switching configuration.

[0082] Given the proximity of the main box 300 to the starting box 300, the detection of the same electrical fault by the main box 200 and by the starting box 300 is considered to be simultaneous.

[0083] The distribution assembly 100 is configured so that the main box 200 enters the breaking configuration before the first box moves from the closed to the open configuration. In other words, the AC breaking delay is shorter than the AO opening delay, so that when the separable contacts of the electromechanical breaking means 310 begin to move from the closed to the open position, no current flows in the power bus 114. The separable contacts of the electromechanical breaking means 310 open without generating an electric arc, which reduces wear on the separable contacts and contributes to the durability of the starter boxes 300.

[0084] Once the starting box 300 is in open configuration, the main box 200 is configured to switch from the cut-off configuration to the pass-through configuration after a predetermined wait time AW, the wait time AW being greater than the opening delay.

[0085] Consider the case where the distribution assembly comprises two or more starting boxes 300, the two starting boxes 300 including a first box and a second box, which are jointly connected to the conductor bars 122. In other words, the two starting boxes 300 are mounted on the same distribution device 110. In normal operation of the distribution assembly 100, the main box 200 is initially in the conducting configuration, while the first box 300 and the second box 300 are each initially in the closed configuration. It is assumed that the first box 300 and the second box 300 are each connected to a respective electrical load.

[0086] When an electrical fault occurs at the starting terminals 300 of the first box 300, for example following a failure of the electrical load connected to the first box 300, the first starting box 300 detects this electrical fault by means of the secondary detection means 312 of the first box 300 and, simultaneously, the main box 200 also detects this electrical fault by means of the main detection means 212. As before, the main box 200 goes into the cut-off configuration before the first box 300 goes from the closed configuration to the open configuration, while the second box 300 remains in the closed configuration.

[0087] Next, the main unit 200 switches from the closed configuration to the open configuration after the waiting time AW, while the second unit 300 remains in the closed configuration. The waiting time AW is sufficiently short so that the power interruption experienced by the electrical load associated with the second unit 300 does not have a negative impact. In practice, the waiting time AW is less than 20 ms, preferably less than 15 ms, and even more preferably less than 10 ms.

[0088] In the illustrated example, each starting box 300 includes a microcontroller 320, which analyzes the measurements from the secondary detection means 312 and determines the presence of an electrical fault, in particular a differential fault. This requires that the microcontroller be powered by an electrical power source, here via the transfer bus 150. The principles of the invention can be applied to cases where the starting boxes 300 do not include a microcontroller, the actuator 324 being, for example, directly powered by the current differential measured by the secondary detection means 312.

[0089] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Distribution assembly (100), configured to distribute electrical power from a power source to at least one electrical load, the power source comprising a neutral and at least one phase, in which: • The distribution assembly (100) includes a power bus (124), which includes several conductive bars (122): • which include at least one phase busbar and possibly a neutral busbar, the optional neutral busbar being associated with the neutral of the power source, each phase busbar being respectively associated with a phase of the power source, • which extend parallel to each other along a principal axis (Al 10) of the distribution set (100) and which are aligned along a height axis (H110) which is orthogonal to the principal axis (Al 10), • The conductive bars (122) each comprise: • a power supply portion (126), which is configured to be connected to an output terminal (204) of a main box (200) in a mounted configuration of the main box (200), • a connection portion (128), extending from one side of the power supply portion (126), the connection portions (128) being geometrically located on one front side of a connection plane (P124) parallel to the main axis (Al 10) and the height axis (H110) and together defining a connection zone for the power bus (124), the connection zone being configured to receive at least one starter box (300) such that the starter box (300) is connected to the power bus (124), each starter box (300) being suitable for connection to a respective electrical load, in such a way to supply the electrical load with electrical power, • The distribution assembly (100) includes a cooling device (400), which includes: • a contact plate (410), which has a contact face (412) which extends parallel to the connection plane (P 124), the contact face (412) being configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with a rear face (231) of the main housing (200) in mounted configuration, so as to promote heat transfer between the contact plate (410) and the main housing (200), • a radiator (420) which extends along the connection area, on one rear side of the connection plane (P124), • at least one heat pipe (430), which connects the contact plate (410) to the radiator (420) and which is configured to transfer to the radiator (420) a portion of the heat captured by the contact plate (410), the radiator (420) being configured to dissipate into the air the heat transferred by each heat pipe (430).

2. Distribution assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The distribution assembly (100) includes the main housing (200), the main housing (200) being mounted on the rest of the distribution assembly (100) and comprising: • input terminals (202), which are configured to be connected to each phase and the optional neutral of the power source, • output terminals (204), which are connected to the conductive bars (122), each output terminal (204) being associated with a respective conductive bar (122) and a respective input terminal (202), • the rear face (231), which cooperates, in particular by complementarity of shapes, with the contact face (412).

3. Distribution assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein: • the main housing (200) comprises switching means, in particular static means, which are switchable between a conducting configuration, in which each input terminal is electrically connected to the associated output terminal (204), the main housing (200) being in a conducting configuration, and a cutting configuration, in which the passage of an electric current between the input terminal and the associated output terminal (204) is prevented, the main housing (200) being in a cutting configuration, • the main housing (200) comprises a rear wall, which is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material and which includes the rear face (231), the rear wall being interposed between the switching means and the contact plate (410),so that part of the heat generated by the switching means in operation is transferred to the contact plate (410) through the rear wall.

4. Distribution assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one heat pipe (430) is a two-phase heat pipe (430).

5. Distribution assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein: • at least one heat pipe (430) is a two-phase capillary-type heat pipe, • when the distribution assembly (100) is in a normal operating configuration, the main axis (Al 10) is horizontal.

6. Distribution assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: • the distribution assembly (100) comprises an insulating wall (118), which is made of an electrically insulating material and which is interposed between the bus of power (124) and the radiator (420), the insulating wall (118) being open towards the front of the contact plate (410), • the output terminals (204) of the main housing (200) are connecting clamps, which are each provided for connection to a respective conductive bar (122), according to a connection movement oriented towards the rear of the distribution assembly (100), so that, during the connection movement of the output terminals (204) to the conductive bars (122), the rear face (231) of the main housing (200) comes to rest against the contact face (412).

7. Distribution assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: • the distribution assembly (100) comprises a rear portion (112), which provides a cavity (VI10) for receiving the cooling device (400), the rear portion (112) being made of an electrically insulating material, • the rear portion (112) is perforated, so as to promote the cooling, by convection, of the cooling device (400).

8. Electrical panel (10), comprising: • a box (12), delimiting an enclosure (V12) and having a bottom (14), • the distribution assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distribution assembly (100) is fixed to the bottom (14) of the box, the main axis (Al 10) being parallel to the bottom of the box, preferably horizontal.

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