Protective device, protective assembly, electrical panel and associated test method

Abstract

Protective device, protective assembly, electrical panel, and associated test method. This protective device (300) includes at least two conduction paths (303) and switching means (310) arranged on each of the conduction paths. The device includes a microcontroller (320), which is configured to measure a differential current in the conduction paths with detection means (312), to evaluate a differential fault, and to send a trip signal to the switching means upon detection of a first-type differential fault. The protective device (300) also includes a test loop (360), which is separate from the detection means.The microcontroller (320) is configured to inject, via the test loop, a first test signal representative of a first type electrical fault into the conduction paths and, simultaneously, to measure, using detection means, the first test signal thus injected into the conduction paths. See Figure 5 for abbreviations.

Description

Title of the invention: Protective device, protective assembly, electrical panel and associated test method

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical protection device, a protection assembly comprising such an electrical protection device, and an electrical panel comprising such a protection device or such a protection assembly. The invention also relates to a method for testing such a protection device.

[0002] This discussion focuses on electrical protection devices capable of detecting differential current faults, such as residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs). Several types of residual current faults exist, which are defined in particular in standard IEC 60755:2017. Specifically, fault types include whether the electrical signal is rectified, whether the signal includes a high-frequency component, and the current rating – for example, 30 mA or 300 mA – etc. RCCBs are generally configured to detect a specific type of residual current fault. During manufacturing, the protection devices are tested at the factory by injecting a test signal representative of the type of fault in question into the conduction paths, in order to verify the proper operation of the RCCB.

[0003] Once the protective device is installed in an electrical installation, for example in an electrical panel, to verify that the circuit breaker is functioning satisfactorily, residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs) are generally equipped with a test button. This button allows a representative current to be injected into the circuit breaker's conduction paths, so as to intentionally trip the breaker. In other words, the detection-tripping chain is verified to be operational, but it is no longer possible to test the circuit breaker with a test signal that corresponds exactly to the type of fault being considered.

[0004] It is these problems that the invention intends to remedy in particular, by proposing a protection device that allows a more precise test of differential faults.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to an electrical protection device, which is configured to connect a power source to an electrical load, the protection device comprising: - at least two conduction paths, including a first path, which is configured to be connected to one phase of the power source, and a second path, which is configured to be connected either to another phase of the power source or to a neutral of the power source, each conduction path comprising: • an incoming terminal, which is configured to be connected to a phase or possibly to the neutral of the power source, • a starting terminal, which is associated with the arrival terminal and configured to be connected to an electrical load terminal, and • switching means that are configured to switch between an armed configuration, in which each incoming terminal is electrically connected to its associated outgoing terminal, and a tripped configuration, in which each incoming terminal is electrically isolated from its associated outgoing terminal, - detection methods, which include measurement loops configured to measure a current flowing in each conduction path, - a microcontroller, which is configured to: • evaluate the differential current measurement of the detection means using a first detection filter, the first detection filter being previously stored in a microcontroller memory and being adapted for the detection of a first type of differential fault, and • Upon detection of a first-type differential fault, send a tripping signal to the switching devices, so as to switch the switching devices from the armed configuration to the tripped configuration,

[0006] in which: - The protection device includes a test loop, which is different from the measurement loop and is configured to inject an electrical signal into the conduction paths, - The microcontroller is configured: • to inject a first test signal into the conduction paths by means of the test loop, the first test signal being an electrical signal representative of the first type of electrical fault and, concurrently, • to measure, using the measurement loop, the first test signal injected into the conduction paths using the test loop.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, differential tripping tests are performed with test signals that meet exactly the same criteria as the detection filters. This makes it possible to fully verify the proper functioning of the detection chain, including measurement, measurement analysis, and tripping of the switching means. Furthermore, the detection chain, through which the measurement is performed, is different from the test chain, through which the test signal is injected into the conduction circuit. This ensures the reliability of both the measurement and the device.

[0008] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a protective device may incorporate one or more of the following features taken individually or in any technically permissible combination: The microcontroller includes a digital-to-analog converter, with one analog output of the digital-to-analog converter connected to the test loop.

[0009] whereas each test signal is recorded as a digital test signal in the microcontroller's memory,

[0010] and that each test signal in digital form is transformed, by the digital-to-analog converter, into an analog signal of the test loop, the analog signal of the test loop being the first test signal. The microcontroller is configured to detect differential faults of several different types, including the first type,

[0011] whereas each type of differential fault corresponds to a respective detection filter, the detection filter associated with each type of differential fault being previously stored in the microcontroller's memory,

[0012] and that the protection device includes communication means, which are configured to receive configuration information from a device remote from the protection device, so as to specify the type or types of differential faults for which, in the event of detection of the corresponding differential fault, the microcontroller sends the tripping signal to the switching means. The various types of differential faults include at least one type of differential fault defined by the IEC 60755:2017 standard. Each type of differential fault corresponds to a respective test signal, the test signal associated with each type of differential fault being previously stored in the microcontroller's memory.

[0013] whereas for each type of differential fault considered among the several types In the event of a differential fault, the microcontroller is configured to inject, into the conduction paths, a corresponding test signal, the corresponding test signal being an electrical signal representative of the electrical fault of the type considered. The protection device includes, in addition to the arrival and departure terminals, transfer terminals, which are intended to be connected to a transfer bus, the transfer bus being different from the power bus, so as to supply the microcontroller with electrical energy independently of the configuration, armed or triggered, of the switching mechanism. - The means of communication are configured to receive configuration information via the transfer terminals and the transfer bus.

[0014] The invention also relates to a distribution set, which includes: - a copy of the protective device as defined above, - a distribution device with a power bus,

[0015] wherein the protection device is mounted reversibly on the distribution device, the input terminals being electrically connected to the power bus.

[0016] The invention also relates to an electrical panel, which includes: - an enclosure with a back panel, - the protection device as defined above, or the distribution assembly as defined above,

[0017] in which the protection device or distribution assembly is fixed to the bottom of the enclosure.

[0018] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a test method for an electrical protection device as defined above, the test method including: - the injection, into the conduction paths and using the test loop, of a first test signal representative of a differential fault of a first predetermined type, the characteristics of the differential fault of the first type being previously recorded in a memory of the microcontroller, - during the injection of the first test signal, the measurement, in the conduction paths and using the measurement loop, of a differential current between the conduction paths, - the comparison of the differential current measurement to a first detection filter characteristic of the differential fault of the same type as the first test signal, the first detection filter being previously stored in a microcontroller memory, then - as a result of the comparison, the determination of a differential fault corresponding to the type of differential fault considered, then if the result of the determination is positive, the sending by the microcontroller of a trigger signal of the cutting means.

[0019] This test method induces the same advantages as those mentioned above concerning the protection device of the invention.

[0020] Advantageously, the test method includes: - prior to injecting the first test signal into the conduction paths, configuration information is received, using the transmission means, in order to specify a type of differential fault among several types of differential faults previously stored in the microcontroller's memory, for which, in the event of detection of the corresponding differential fault, the microcontroller sends the trigger signal to the switching means, - then, when the first test signal is injected into the conduction paths, the first test signal corresponds to the type of differential fault specified by the configuration information, - then, when comparing the differential current measurement, the detection filter corresponds to the specified type of differential fault.

[0021] 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 protection device, a distribution assembly, an electrical panel and a test method, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - [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 with at least one protection device, also according to the invention;

[0023] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partially exploded perspective view of the entire assembly distribution of the [Fig.1];

[0024] - [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,

[0025] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a partially exploded perspective view of the entire assembly distribution of [Fig.1], some pieces being hidden;

[0026] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the distribution set of the [Fig. 1], and

[0027] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a diagram illustrating a test method for the device protection of the [Fig.l].

[0028] 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 extends globally in a plane orthogonal to an axis of depth A14. The enclosure V12 is advantageously closed by a door, which is not shown.

[0029] The electrical panel 10 includes a distribution assembly 100. The distribution assembly 100 is fixed to the bottom 14 of the housing 12. 1. The distribution assembly 100 is configured to distribute electrical energy from a power source S to at least one electrical load M, for example, a motor. The source The power source S and the electric load M, which are schematically represented in [Fig. 5], are not part of the invention but serve to explain its operating context. The power source S comprises a neutral and at least one phase. In the illustrated example, the power source S is a three-phase source, comprising a neutral and three phases. In a variant not shown, the power source S is single-phase, comprising a neutral and a single phase. According to another variant, the power source comprises three phases and no neutral.

[0030] The distribution assembly 100 advantageously 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 at least one protection device 300, here seven protection devices, each protection device 300 being assembled to the distribution device 110 reversibly, in a mounted position of the protection device 300. The protection devices 300 are here starting housings, the principles of the invention being of course transposable to protection devices of a different type. It is thus possible to replace, if necessary, the main housing 200 in the event of a malfunction of the main housing 200, while retaining the other elements of the distribution assembly 100, distribution device 110 and starting housing(s) 300, which is economical.Similarly, it is possible to replace, if necessary, one or more of the 300 protection devices, for example in case of malfunction, while retaining the other elements, distribution device 110 and main box 200, which is economical.

[0031] 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 otherwise in reality.

[0032] In the example of [Fig.1], the main box 200 is located on the left of the distribution assembly 100, the protection devices 300 being located on the right of the main box 200.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 protection device 300.

[0035] 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,

[0036] 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].

[0037] In the illustrated example, the distribution device 110 advantageously includes a cooling device 400, which is housed in cavity VI10 and is designed to dissipate some 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 designed to receive several conductive bars 122, here four 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 distribution device 110 is thus a power distribution device.

[0038] 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 H110. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The contact plate 410 here has a parallelepiped shape and a contact face 412, which extends parallel to the connection plane P124. The face contact plate 412 is configured to cooperate, in particular by complementary shapes, with a rear face 230 of the main housing 200 in configuration mounted on the distribution device 110, so as to promote heat transfer between the contact plate 410 and the main housing 200.

[0041] 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 S, each phase bar being associated with a respective phase of the power source S. In the illustrated example, the power bus 124 comprises four conductor bars 122, the power source S being a three-phase source with a neutral. The distribution assembly 100 here has a so-called "3P+N" configuration, or simply 3PN.

[0042] In an alternative not shown, the power source S 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 power bus 124—and by extension the distribution assembly 110—comprises only three phase busbars, each associated with a respective phase of the power source S. The distribution assembly is then in a so-called 3P configuration. More generally, the power bus 124 is configured to be connected to the power source S.

[0043] The principles of the invention are applicable regardless of the number of phases in the power source S. According to another, unillustrated, embodiment, the power source S 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The main housing 200 comprises input terminals 202, which are configured to be connected to the neutral and to each phase of the power source S, 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 oriented towards the rear of the distribution assembly 100. Thus, during the movement to connect the output terminals 204 to the conductive bars 122, the rear face of the main housing 200 comes to rest against the contact face 412.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The main box 200 includes main switching means 210, which are switchable between a forward configuration, in which each input terminal 202 associated with a phase of the power source S 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.

[0048] In the preferred example shown, the main switching means 210 are static switching means, i.e., power switches based on semiconductor components, preferably insulated-gate field-effect transistors, known as JFETs or MOSFETs, and are thus called "static" in contrast to switching means with moving contacts. 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. In an alternative not shown, the main switching means 210 are electromechanical switching means with separable contacts.

[0049] During operation, the switching means 210 release heat, on the order of a few tens of watts. The switching means 210 are advantageously arranged to promote the transfer of at least some of the heat released to the cooling device 400.

[0050] 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 is present, for example, when the main housing 200 is removable from the contact plate 410. 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.

[0051] The rear wall 231 is made of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material. In the illustrated example, the rear wall 231 is formed from an assembly of an electrically insulating insulating element 232 made of a material synthetic polymer, and a copper plate 233, which provides rigidity to the assembly while promoting thermal conductivity, the copper plate 233 protecting the rear face 230 and bearing against the contact plate 410 when the main housing 200 is mounted on the distribution device 110. In an alternative not shown, the copper plate 233 is omitted, so the rear face 230 is directly formed by the insulating element 232.

[0052] 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 schematically represented here by measuring loops, which are arranged on the output lines 205. The schematic representation of the main detection means does not limit the type of electrical faults that the main detection means 212 are capable of detecting.

[0053] 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, for example a differential fault or a short-circuit fault.

[0054] 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, in other words, 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 an electrical fault of that 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 sensing means 212 and the control unit 214.

[0055] Thus, the main detection means 212 are configured to detect electrical faults of the short-circuit type. For example, the main detection means 212 include current sensors, in particular one current sensor per phase, while the control unit 214 is configured to analyze the measurements taken by the current sensors and to detect a short circuit.

[0056] Preferably, the main detection means 212 also include a differential current detection device. There are several types of differential faults, which are defined in particular in IEC 60755:2017. In particular, electrical fault types include whether the electrical signal is rectified, whether the signal includes a high-frequency component, and 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 box 200. Preferably, the primary filter 222 defines criteria for the detection of a predetermined type of differential fault, the predetermined preferred fault being chosen from among the faults defined in the standard IEC 60755:2017.

[0057] 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 S 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.

[0058] 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 protective device 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 power bus 124 operates at a voltage of 400 V AC three-phase. The transfer bus 150 is a separate component, which is assembled to the rest of the distribution device 110.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The transfer bus 150 defines several mounting zones 154, which are intended to be connected to each protective device 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 154, 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.

[0061] 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 300 protection device in the mounted position. The 156 transfer lines therefore include power supply lines.

[0062] 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 device 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 S, between the static switching means 210 and the main switching device 216, the electrical energy thus supplied being available to the protection devices 300 for their operation, as described later.

[0063] The transfer bus 150 is implemented here by a printed circuit board, the transfer lines 156 being conductive tracks formed on the surface of the board, while the mounting areas 154 and the connection area 158 are pins formed in the substrate of the board. In the illustrated example, the transfer bus 150 advantageously incorporates a communication bus between the main housing 200 and each protection device 300.

[0064] The protection devices 300 are now described.

[0065] Each protective device 300 thus comprises an incoming terminal block that is reversibly connectable to the busbars 122 and includes at least two incoming terminals 302, each incoming terminal 302 being configured to be electrically connected to a respective busbar 122. For each protective device 300, the incoming terminals 302 include a neutral incoming terminal, which is configured to be electrically connected to the neutral busbar, and between one and three other incoming terminals, each of which is configured to be connected to a respective phase busbar. Each protective device 300 is configured to be reversibly mounted on the power bus 114, so that each incoming terminal 302 is electrically connected to the corresponding busbar 122.

[0066] Each protection device 300 also includes a starting terminal block, which is configured to be connected to a respective electrical load M and which includes starting terminals 304, each starting terminal 304 being respectively associated with a respective input terminal 302 and being connected to this input terminal 302 by a conduction path 303. The starting terminals 304 are shown schematically in [Fig.5].

[0067] In the non-limiting example shown, the protective devices 300 have different widths, the width being measured along the main axis Al 10. Thus the The 300 protective devices are divided here into two subgroups, corresponding to two different widths: narrow 300 protective devices and wide 300 protective devices, the latter being approximately three times wider than the narrow 300 protective devices. Other widths of 300 protective devices are, of course, possible. The width of the 300 protective devices is preferably a multiple of the spacing between each mounting zone 154 of the transfer bus 150, i.e., 18 mm in this case. As an alternative not shown, the 300 protective devices have a width equal to a multiple of 9 mm.

[0068] In the illustrated example, a protection device 300 configured to supply a single-phase electrical load advantageously has a width of 18 mm, while a protection device 300 configured to supply a three-phase electrical load has a width of three times 18 mm, i.e. 54 mm.

[0069] The thinnest protective devices 300 are configured to be connected to two conductor bars 122, including a neutral bar and a phase bar, while the widest protective devices 300 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 protective devices 300 is connected.

[0070] Preferably, the distribution device 110 is designed to receive five protection devices 300, each comprising four inlet terminals, i.e., five wide protection devices 300. According to an example not shown, the distribution assembly 100 comprises five protection devices 300, each comprising four inlet terminals 302. As a corollary, the distribution device 110 is also designed to receive fifteen narrow protection devices 300, each comprising two inlet terminals 302.

[0071] The conductive 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.

[0072] In [Fig. 4], only the power supply portions 126 of the conductor bars 122 are visible, the connection portions 128 being hidden. The connection area is configured to receive at least one protection device 300, so that the protection device is connected to the power bus 129. The protection device 300 is then suitable for being connected to an electrical load, so as to supply the electrical load with electrical power.

[0073] Each protective device 300 comprises switching means 310, which are interposed between each incoming terminal 302 and the corresponding outgoing terminal 304. The switching means 310 are configured to switch between an armed configuration, in which each incoming terminal is electrically connected to the associated outgoing terminal, and a tripped configuration, in which the incoming terminal is electrically isolated from the associated outgoing terminal. The switching means 310 are here formed by an electromechanical mechanism with separable contacts. The armed configuration of the switching means 310 therefore corresponds to a closed position of the moving contacts, the protective device 300 in question being in a closed configuration, while the tripped configuration of the switching means 310 corresponds to an open position of the separable contacts, the protective device 300 in question being in an open configuration.In an alternative not shown, the breaking means 310 of the protection device 300 are static breaking means.

[0074] Each protection device 300 includes secondary detection means 312, which are configured to measure electrical quantities at the corresponding output terminals and to detect at least one electrical fault of a predetermined type, i.e., corresponding to predetermined detection criteria. In particular, the secondary detection means 312 are configured to measure an electric current flowing in each conduction path 303. The secondary detection means 312 are schematically represented here by measuring loops, which are arranged on the conduction paths 303 connecting the input terminals 302 to the output 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 differential-type electrical faults and, optionally, short-circuit-type faults.

[0075] For example, the secondary detection means 312 include current sensors, in particular a current sensor per phase, while the protection device 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.

[0076] The microcontroller 320 is powered via the transfer bus 150. For this purpose, each protection device 300 includes a transfer terminal block 350, which includes transfer terminals - not shown -, the transfer terminal block 350 being configured to be connected to the transfer bus 150 so that each transfer terminal is electrically connected to a respective transfer line 156. The The transfer terminal block 350 is therefore a power supply terminal block. Transfer terminals are different from the input terminals 302 or the output terminals 304. The protection device 300 advantageously includes a first power supply unit 352, also called a "Power Supply Unit" or PSU, which is configured to receive electrical power from the transfer bus 150, in particular from the transfer lines 156 dedicated to supplying operating power, and to supply the microcontroller 320 with operating power. By extension, the first power supply unit 352 is also configured to supply operating power to the secondary detection means 312.

[0077] Advantageously, the transfer bus 150 also serves for data transfer between each microcontroller 320 and the control unit 214 of the main package 200. For example, information transfer occurs via the same transfer lines 156 used for power transfer. As an alternative (not shown), the transfer bus 150 includes specific information transfer lines, different from the power transfer lines 156. The information transfer lines are preferentially managed on the transfer bus 150.

[0078] The protection device 300 advantageously includes communication means 354, which are configured for receiving information from a device remote from the protection device 300. In the illustrated example, the communication means 354 are separate from the microcontroller 320. In an alternative not illustrated, the communication means 354 are integrated into the microcontroller 320.

[0079] The communication means 354 are advantageously configured to receive information via the transfer terminals 350 and the transfer bus 150. In the preferred example shown, the protection device 300 is configured to receive information from the main box 200, which constitutes a first example of a remote device. In the example shown, the main box 200 includes main communication means 254, which are represented here by an RJ45 connector and are intended to allow a user to configure the main box 200 and, more generally, the distribution assembly 100. According to an advantageous example of use, for each type of electrical load connected to the outgoing terminals 304, the configuration of the protection device 300 is adapted accordingly, so as to provide the most suitable protection against differential faults.

[0080] In an alternative variant not shown, the communication means 354 of the protection device 300 include a connection socket, for example an RJ45 socket, for receiving information. In this case, the information does not pass through the transfer bus 150. According to another alternative variant not shown, the means of communications 354 of the protection device 300 and / or the main means of communication 254 of the main box 200 are wireless means.

[0081] In the illustrated example, the protection device 300 advantageously comprises a supervisory circuit 500 and a second power supply unit 356. The supervisory circuit 500 is intended to monitor the proper operation of the microcontroller 320. The second power supply unit 356 differs from the first power supply unit 352 and is intended to receive electrical power from the transfer bus 150 and to supply operating power to the supervisory circuit 500. These aspects are not described in further detail within the scope of this description.

[0082] The secondary detection means 312 include a differential current detection device, for example a measuring loop, configured to measure a differential current. The microcontroller 320 is thus configured to evaluate the differential current measurement using a detection filter 322, the detection filter 322 being previously stored in a memory of the microcontroller 320 of the protection device 300 and being adapted for the detection of a first type of differential fault.

[0083] It is understood that the secondary filter 322 defines the detection criteria for electrical faults detected by the microcontroller 320 of the protection device 300. Each type of electrical fault therefore corresponds to a specific secondary filter 322. Preferably, the secondary filter 322 defines detection criteria for a predetermined type of differential fault, which is chosen from among the faults defined in IEC 60755:2017.

[0084] Each microcontroller 320 is supplied with operating electrical energy via the transfer bus 150, regardless of the configuration, armed or disengaged, of the switching means 310.

[0085] Each protection device 300 here includes an actuator 324, which is configured to move the electromechanical switching means 310 to the open position when the actuator 324 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 protection device 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.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the protection device 300 comprises a test loop 360, which is different from the measurement loop of the secondary detection means 312 and which is intended to inject an electrical signal into the paths of Conduction 303. In the illustrated example, the microcontroller 320 is configured to inject, via the test loop 360, a first test signal into the conduction paths 303, the first test signal being an electrical signal representative of a type I electrical fault. Simultaneously, the microcontroller 320 is configured to measure, via the measurement loop 312, the first test signal injected into the conduction paths 303 by means of the test loop 360.

[0087] Thus, it is possible to inject a test signal representing a specific type of differential electrical fault into the conduction circuits 303 using the test loop 360, and to verify that the detection of this specific injected electrical fault is indeed carried out by means of the measurement loop 312, combined with the detection filter 322 and the microcontroller 320. The entire detection chain of the protection device 300 is thus verified, specifically for the type of differential fault considered. This verification is possible when no electrical load is connected to the protection device 300 in question.

[0088] Preferably, each first test signal is stored as a digital test signal in the memory of the microcontroller 320, while the first test signal injected by the test loop 360 is an analog signal. The microcontroller 320 thus includes a digital-to-analog converter 362, which is configured to convert each digital test signal into an analog signal of the test loop. In the schematic example shown, the digital-to-analog converter 362 is separate from the microcontroller 320 and is interposed between the microcontroller 320 and the test loop 360. It includes a digital input, which is connected to an output of the microcontroller 320, and an analog output, which is connected to the test loop 360. In an alternative not shown, the digital-to-analog converter 362 is integrated into the rest of the microcontroller 360, for example, in the same integrated circuit or on the same circuit board.

[0089] Advantageously, the microcontroller 320 is configured to detect differential faults of several different types. Each type of differential fault corresponds to a respective detection filter 322, the detection filter 322 associated with each type of differential fault being previously stored in the memory of the microcontroller 320.

[0090] The communication means 354 of the protection device 300 are advantageously configured to receive configuration information from a device remote from the protection device, so as to specify the type(s) of differential fault(s) for which, in the event of detection of the corresponding differential fault, the microcontroller sends the trip signal to the actuator. In other words, the microcontroller 320 is remotely configurable, the configuration information including the type of electrical fault against which the The protection device 300 must protect. Therefore, the configuration information is used to specify the particular detection filter 322 that should be implemented for the detection of a specific differential fault. Depending on the case, several detection filters 322 are pre-registered in the microcontroller's memory 320, and the configuration information specifies which of the detection filters 322 should be activated for electrical fault detection. Alternatively, only one detection filter 322 is registered in the microcontroller's memory 320, and the configuration information contains the new detection filter, which is registered in place of the previous detection filter.

[0091] Symmetrically, each type of differential fault corresponds to a specific test signal. When a new detection filter 322 is specified by the configuration information, a new test signal corresponding to the same type of electrical fault as the new detection filter must also be specified. For each type of differential fault considered among the several types of differential faults, the microcontroller 320 is configured to inject, into the conduction paths 303, a corresponding test signal, which is an electrical signal representative of the electrical fault of the type considered.

[0092] Depending on the application, several test signals are pre-recorded in digital form in the memory of the microcontroller 320, and the configuration information specifies which of the test signals should be activated to verify the proper functioning of the detection chain, in particular to verify that the correct detection filter 322 is activated. Alternatively, a single test signal is recorded in the memory of the microcontroller 320, and the configuration information contains the new test signal, which is recorded in place of the previous test signal.

[0093] Thus, the protection device 300 as described above is configured to implement a test method which includes: - a step 611 of injection, into the conduction paths 303 and using the test loop 360, of a first test signal representative of a differential fault of a first predetermined type, the characteristics of the differential fault of the first type being previously recorded in a memory of the microcontroller, - during the injection of the first test signal, a measurement step 612, in the conduction paths 303 and using the measurement loop 312, of a differential current between the conduction paths 303, - a step 613 comparing the differential current measurement to a first detection filter 322 characteristic of the differential fault of the same type as the first test signal, the first detection filter being previously stored in a memory of the microcontroller 320, then - as a result of the comparison step 613, a step 614 of determining a differential fault corresponding to the type of differential fault considered.

[0094] For example, if the result of the determination step 614 is positive, the microcontroller 320 sends a trigger signal to the actuator 324 for the switching means 310.

[0095] Advantageously, prior to the injection of the first test signal into the conduction pathways, the test method includes: - a step 610 for receiving configuration information, using transmission means 354, so as to specify a type of differential fault from among several types of differential faults previously stored in the microcontroller's memory, for which, in the event of detection of the corresponding differential fault, the microcontroller sends a trigger signal to the switching means 310 – here, to the actuator 324.

[0096] Then, during step 611 of injecting the first test signal into the conduction paths, the first test signal corresponds to the type of differential fault previously specified by the configuration information during step 610 of receiving configuration information.

[0097] During step 613 of comparing the differential current measurement, the detection filter corresponds to the type of differential fault previously specified by the configuration information during step 610 of receiving configuration information.

[0098] Advantageously, the test results are transmitted to the user, for example the results are transmitted to the main box 200, via the transfer bus 150. It is thus possible to test individually each of the protection devices 300 which are mounted on the distribution device 110.

[0099] The embodiments and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. Demands Electrical protection device (300), configured to connect a power source (S) to an electrical load (M), the protection device (300) comprising: • at least two conduction paths (303), including a first path, which is configured to be connected to one phase of the power source (S), and a second path, which is configured to be connected either to another phase of the power source (S) or to a neutral of the power source (S), each conduction path (303) comprising: • an incoming terminal (302), which is configured to be connected to a phase or possibly to the neutral of the power source (S), • a starting terminal (304), which is associated with the arrival terminal (302) and which is configured to be connected to a terminal of the electrical load (M), and • switching means (310), which are configured to switch between an armed configuration, in which each incoming terminal (302) is electrically connected to the associated outgoing terminal (304), and a tripped configuration, in which each incoming terminal (302) is electrically isolated from the associated outgoing terminal (304), • detection means (312), which include measurement loops configured to measure a current flowing in each conduction path (303), • a microcontroller (320), which is configured to: • evaluate the differential current measurement of the detection means (312) using a first detection filter (322), the first detection filter (322) being previously stored in a memory of the microcontroller (320) and being adapted for the detection of a first type of differential fault, and • Upon detection of a first-type differential fault, send a tripping signal to the switching means (310) so as to switch the switching means (310) from the armed configuration to the tripped configuration, in which: • The protection device (300) includes a test loop (360), which is different from the measurement loop and is configured to inject an electrical signal into the conduction paths (303), • The microcontroller (320) is configured: • to inject a first test signal into the conduction paths (303) by means of the test loop (360), the first test signal being an electrical signal representative of the first type of electrical fault and, concurrently, • to measure, using the measurement loop (312), the first test signal injected into the conduction paths (303) using the test loop.

2. Protective device (300) according to claim 1, wherein: • The microcontroller (320) includes a digital-to-analog converter (362), an analog output of the digital-to-analog converter being connected to the test loop (360), • Each test signal is recorded as a digital test signal in the microcontroller's memory (320), • Each test signal in digital form is transformed, by the digital-to-analog converter (362), into an analog signal of the test loop, the analog signal of the test loop being the first test signal.

3. Protective device (300) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: • The microcontroller (320) is configured to detect differential faults of several different types, the several types including the first type, • each type of differential fault corresponds to a respective detection filter (322), the detection filter (322) associated with each type of differential fault being previously stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320), • the protection device (300) includes communication means (354), which are configured to receive configuration information from a remote device (200) of the protection device (300), so as to specify the type(s) of differential fault(s) for which, in the event of detection of the corresponding differential fault, the microcontroller (320) sends the trip signal to the switching means (310).

4. Protective device (300) according to claim 3, wherein: • the several types of differential faults include at least one type of differential fault defined by IEC 60755:2017.

5. A protection device (300) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein: • each type of differential fault corresponds to a respective test signal, the test signal associated with each type of differential fault being previously stored in the memory of the microcontroller (320), • for each type of differential fault considered among the several types of differential fault, the microcontroller (320) is configured to inject, into the conduction paths (303), a corresponding test signal, the corresponding test signal being an electrical signal representative of the electrical fault of the type considered.

6. A protection device (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: • the protection device (300) comprises, in addition to the input (302) and output terminals, transfer terminals (350), which are intended to be connected to a transfer bus (150), so as to supply the microcontroller (320) with electrical energy independently of the configuration, armed or triggered, of the switching mechanism (310).

7. A protection device (300) according to claim 6, wherein: • the communication means (354) are configured to receive configuration information via the transfer terminals (350) and the transfer bus (150).

8. Distribution assembly (100), comprising: • one example of the protection device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, • a distribution device (110) with a power bus (124), in which: • the protection device (300) is mounted on the distribution device (110) in a reversible manner, the input terminals (302) being electrically connected to the power bus (124).

9. Electrical panel (10), comprising: • an enclosure (12) having a base (14), • the protection device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or the distribution assembly according to claim 8, in which: • the protection device (300) or the distribution assembly (110) is fixed to the base of the enclosure.

10. A test method for an electrical protective device (300), the protective device (300) conforming to any one of claims 1 to 7, the test method comprising: • the injection (611), into the conduction paths (303) and using the test loop, of a first test signal representative of a differential fault of a first predetermined type, and of the characteristics of the differential fault of the first type being previously recorded in a memory of the microcontroller (320), • during the injection of the first test signal, the measurement (612), in the conduction paths (303) and using the measurement loop, of a differential current between the conduction paths (303), • the comparison (613) of the differential current measurement to a first detection filter (122) characteristic of the differential fault of the same type as the first test signal, the first detection filter being previously stored in a memory of the microcontroller (320), then • as a result of the comparison, the determination (614) of a differential fault corresponding to the type of differential fault considered, then if the result of the determination is positive, the sending by the microcontroller (320) of a trigger signal of the switching means (310).

11. Test method according to claim 10, including: prior to the injection (611) of the first test signal into the conduction paths (303), the reception (610) of configuration information, using the transmission means (354), so as to specify a type of differential fault among several types of differential faults previously recorded in the memory of the microcontroller (320), for which, in case of detection of the corresponding differential fault, the microcontroller (320) sends the trigger signal to the switching means (310), then, during the injection (611) of the first test signal into the conduction paths (303), the first test signal corresponds to the type of differential fault specified by the configuration information, then, during the comparison (612) of the differential current measurement, the detection filter (122) corresponds to the specified type of differential fault.

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