Electronic unit for detecting at least one electrical fault for an electrical protection device having a modular format, and associated electrical protection

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic unit for detecting an electrical fault, comprising: an electronic circuit (6) comprising a first processing module, a second processing module, a trigger module

Description

Title of the invention: Electronic unit for detecting at least one electrical fault for an electrical protection device having a modular format, and associated electrical protection device having a modular format [1] The present invention relates to the field of electronic units for detecting at least one electrical fault for an electrical protection device in modular format and to the field of electrical protection devices in modular format. [2] In the field of electrical devices for the residential sector or for the tertiary sector, electrical protection devices in modular format are known, such as a differential circuit breaker offering protection against an electrical fault of the electric arc fault type and offering protection against overloads, of the RCBO-AFDD type, or not offering protection against overloads, of the RCD-AFD type. [3] In order for a cut-off device to include an additional function for protecting against an electric arc fault, it is notably known, from publication EP 3470856 A1, for a module to be provided for detecting an electric arc fault and a differential fault, which module is added and attached to a cut-off device or is integrated In the casing of the cut-off device. In any event, the assembly that is formed has the disadvantage of having the width of at least two modules, that is, substantially 36 millimeters wide. [4] The aim of the present invention is to overcome at least one of these disadvantages and to propose an alternative solution that is more compact. [5] To this end, the invention relates to an electronic unit for detecting at least one electrical fault for an electrical protection device in modular format, said electronic unit comprising at least: - a toroid for measuring a differential fault configured to be traversed by a first electrical line and a second electrical line; - a toroid for measuring an electric arc fault configured to be preferably traversed only by the first electrical line; - an eiectronic circuit electrically connected, on the one hand, to the toroid for measuring a differential fault and, on the other hand, to the toroid for measuring an electric arc fault; said electronic circuit further comprising a first module for processing a first signal measured by the toroid for measuring a differential fault electrically connected to the toroid for measuring a differential fault, a second module for processing a second signa! measured by the toroid for measuring an electric arc fault electrically connected to the toroid for measuring an electric arc fault, a triggering module configured to be electrically connected to an electromagnetic actuator, and a power supply module; said electronic detection unit is characterized in that said electronic circuit comprises at least: - a first electronic board comprising the first processing module and the triggering module; - a second electronic board comprising the second processing module and being electrically connected to the first electronic board; in that at least the second electronic board is perpendicular to the first electronic board in a norma! direction, and in that the second electronic board extends in the normal direction over a first width that is smaller than a modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, such that the thickness of said electronic unit in a normal direction is less than the modular width of a single module. [6] The invention aiso relates to a second electronic board for said electronic detection unit according to the invention, characterized in that the second electronic board comprises the second processing module and is configured to be electrically connected to the first electronic board, in that at least the second electronic board is configured to be perpendicular to the first electronic board in a normal direction, and in that the second electronic board extends in the normal direction over a first width that is smaller than a modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide. [7] The invention also relates to an electrical protection device in modular format comprising at least: - a casing in modular format; - the first electrical line, preferably a phase line, comprising a pair of contacts, namely, a fixed contact and a movable contact, respectively; - the second electrical line, preferably a neutral line; - a chamber for extinguishing an electric arc; - a control component for controlling the position of the movable contact, connected to the movable contact by means of a mechanical lock able to switch between two stable positions respectively corresponding to the opening and closing of the fixed and movable contacts following an action on the control component, or to switch to an open position of the fixed and movable contacts following a mechanical action of at least one trigger feeding back an electrical fault on said at least one first electrical line; - triggering means comprising at least one magnetic and / or thermal actuator and / or an electronic and / or electromechanical actuator designed to actuate said at least one trigger with a view to triggering the mechanical lock; and - an electronic detection unit; said electrical protection device is characterized in that said electronic detection unit is a unit according to the invention. [8] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to a plurality of preferred embodiments, which are provided by way of non-limiting examples and are explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: [9] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the electronic detection unit according to the invention;

[10] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective and exploded view of the electronic detection unit according to the invention illustrated in figure 1;

[11] [Fig. 3] Figures 3A and 3B each show a perspective view of a first electronic board of the electronic detection unit according to the invention;

[12] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second electronic board of the electronic detection unit according to the invention;

[13] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third electronic board of the electronic detection unit according to the invention;

[14] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the electronic detection unit according to the invention contained in an accommodation compartment of a casing of an electrical protection device;

[15] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the electrical protection device according to the invention showing the electronic detection unit according to the invention contained in the accommodation compartment of the casing and a main electromechanical compartment of the casing;

[16] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the electrical protection device according to the invention showing the electronic detection unit according to the invention contained in the accommodation compartment of the casing; and

[17] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the electrical protection device according to the invention showing the casing in modular format.

[18] The invention relates to an electronic unit for detecting at least one electrical fault for an electrical protection device 1 in modular format, said electronic unit comprises at least:

[19] - a toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault configured to be traversed by a first electrical line 3 and a second electrical line 4;

[20] - a toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault configured to be preferably traversed only by the first electrical line 3;

[21] - an electronic circuit 6 electrically connected, on the one hand, to the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault and, on the other hand, to the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault;

[22] said electronic circuit 6 further comprising a first module for processing a first signal measured by the toroid for measuring a differential fault electrically connected to the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault, a second module for processing a second signal measured by the toroid for measuring an electric arc fault electrically connected to the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault, a triggering module configured to be electrically connected to an electromagnetic actuator 7, and a power supply module.

[23] According to the invention, said electronic detection unit is characterized in that said electronic circuit 6 comprises at least:

[24] - a first electronic board 8 comprising the first processing module and the triggering module; and

[25] - a second electronic board 9 comprising the second processing module and being electrically connected to the first electronic board 8;

[26] in that at least the second electronic board 9 is perpendicular to the first electronic board 8 in a normal direction DN; and

[27] in that the second electronic board 9 extends in the normal direction DN over a first width 11 that is smaller than a modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, such that the thickness of said electronic unit Lu in a norma! direction DN is less than the modular width of a single module.

[28] Advantageously, this arrangement allows an electronic detection unit to be obtained with a compact design, whereby the thickness Lu of the electronic unit does not exceed 17.7 millimeters and preferably is less than or equal to 17 millimeters, and is divided into at least two electronic sub-assemblies comprising at least two electronic boards, namely, the first electronic board 8 and the second electronic board 9. In the illustrated example, this thickness of the electronic unit Lu equals at least approximately the sum of the thickness e1 of the first electronic board 8 and of the first width 11 of the second electronic board 9. This configuration advantageously avoids having a single main electronic board whose size must be increased, either along its length or along its width, in order to integrate both the second processing module and the power supply module therein. This solution also avoids being limited to both sides of a single main electronic board for distributing the various electronic components. Consequently, the electronic detection unit according to the invention can be easily installed in an electrical protection device 1 comprising a casing 20 in modular format, with the width ib of the casing 20 being the width of a module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, and with the length Lb of the casing 20 preferably not exceeding 135 millimeters. In this case, the power supply module can, for example, form part of the first electronic board 8 or can be remote, on another electronic board, called third electronic board 10 hereafter.

[29] Preferably, said electronic detection unit further comprises a third electronic board 10 comprising the power supply module and being electrically connected to the first electronic board 8.

[30] Advantageously, this arrangement allows an electronic detection unit to be obtained with a compact design, whereby the thickness Lu of the electronic unit does not exceed 17.7 millimeters and preferably is less than or equal to 17 millimeters, and is divided into three electronic sub-assemblies comprising three electronic boards, namely, the first electronic board 8 and the second electronic board 9 and the third electronic board 10. In the illustrated example, this width Lu of the electronic unit equals at least approximately the sum of the thickness e1 of the first electronic board 8 and of the first width 11 of the second electronic board 9. This configuration advantageously avoids having a single main electronic board whose size must be increased, either along its length or along its width in order to integrate both the second processing module and the power supply module therein.

[31] Preferably, the third electronic board 10 is perpendicular to the first electronic board 8 in the normal direction DN and the third electronic board 10 extends in the normal direction DN over a second width I2 that is smaller than the modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide.

[32] Advantageously, this configuration further improves compactness because the second electronic board 9 and the third electronic board 10 are both perpendicular to the first electronic board 8 in the same normal direction DN or, in other words, on the same side of the first electronic board 8. Furthermore, the first width 11 of the second electronic board 9 and the second width I2 of the third electronic board 10 are both less than a module, that is, approximately 17.7 millimeters wide, and are equal, for example, to approximately 12 millimeters, thereby obtaining an electronic unit with a compact design and whereby the thickness Lu of the electronic unit does not exceed 17.7 millimeters wide and preferably is less than or equal to 17 millimeters. The thickness Lu of the electronic unit at least approximately equals the maximum value selected from the following list containing the sum at least of the thickness e1 of the first electronic board 8 and the first width 11 of the second electronic board 9, the sum at least of the thickness e1 of the first electronic board 8 and of the second width I2 of the third electronic board 10.

[33] Preferably, the second electronic board 9 and the third electronic board 10 are mounted perpendicularly by their respective edge on the first electronic board 8 and the second electronic board 9 and the third electronic board 10 are separated from each other by a determined inter-board distance di and are perpendicular to each other.

[34] The distance di is preferably equal to 14 millimeters. The distance di is preferably at least equal to 4 millimeters.

[35] Preferably, the first electronic board 8 comprises a first mounting face 11, on which at least one first connector 12 is mounted, and the second electronic board 9 comprises a second connector 13 matching the first connector 12, with the first connector 12 and the second connector 13 being configured to electrically and mechanically connect the second electronic board 9 to the first electronic board 8 perpendicularly in the normal direction DN.

[36] In this configuration, the connection between the first connector 12 and the second connector 13 allows both the second electronic board 9 to be electrically connected to the first electronic board 8, but also allows the second electronic board 9 to be mechanically connected to the first electronic board 8 so that the second electronic board 9 is mounted perpendicular to the first mounting face 11 of the first electronic board 8 in the normal direction DN.

[37] Preferably, the first mounting face 11 further comprises a third connector 14 and the third electronic board 10 comprises a fourth connector 15 matching the third connector 14, with the third connector 14 and the fourth connector 15 being configured to electrically and mechanically connect the third electronic board 10 to the first electronic board 8 perpendicularly in the normal direction DN.

[38] In this configuration, the connection between the third connector 14 and the fourth connector 15 allows both the third electronic board 9 to be electricaliy connected to the first electronic board 8, but also allows the third electronic board 10 to be mechanically connected to the first electronic board 8 so that the third electronic board 10 is mounted perpendicular to the first mounting face 11 of the first electronic board 8 in the normal direction DN.

[39] Preferably, the first connector 12 is a female connector and the second connector 13 is a male edge connector.

[40] Advantageously, in this configuration the male edge connector can be inserted into the female connector to electrically and mechanically connect the second electronic board 9 to the first electronic board 8. Similarly, the male edge connector can be removed from the female connector to electrically and mechanically disconnect the second electronic board 9 from the first electronic board 8. This simplifies the electrical and mechanical connection / disconnection of the second electronic board 9 to / from the first electronic board 8, notably when assembling the electronic unit. Furthermore, this second electronic board 9 has the advantage of thus being rendered detachable from the first electronic board 8 and interchangeable, notably if some of the electronic components have to be replaced, for example, in the event of shortages or the evolution of the standards.

[41] Preferably, the third connector 14 is a female connector and the fourth connector 15 is a male edge connector.

[42] Advantageously, in this configuration the male edge connector can be inserted into the female connector to electrically and mechanically connect the third electronic board 10 to the first electronic board 8. Similarly, the male edge connector can be removed from the female connector to electrically and mechanically disconnect the third electronic board 10 from the first electronic board 8. This simplifies the electrical and mechanical connection / disconnection of the third electronic board 10 to / from the first electronic board 8, notably when assembling the electronic unit. Furthermore, this third electronic board 10 has the advantage of thus being rendered detachable from the first electronic board 8 and interchangeable, notably if some of the electronic components have to be replaced, for example, in the event of shortages or the evolution of the standards.

[43] Preferably, the second electronic board 9 comprises a first face 16 supporting a plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module and a second face 17 opposite the first face 16 and the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is mounted on the second face 17.

[44] Advantageously, this arrangement allows the plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module to be protected against electromagnetic radiation from the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault traversed by the first current line 3 and the second current line 4.

[45] Furthermore, in this configuration, and notably if the second connector 13 is a male edge connector, for example, the second electronic board 9 forms an independent module that can be used in other types of electrical protection devices with protection against an electric arc fault. Thus, since the second electronic board 9 already has the advantage of being rendered detachable from the first electronic board 8 and interchangeable, this independent module can be easily updated if some of the electronic components need to be replaced, for example, in the event of shortages or the evolution of the standards.

[46] Preferably, the second face 17 is located opposite the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault.

[47] Advantageously, this arrangement thus allows the plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module to be protected against electromagnetic radiation from the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault traversed by the first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4 and from the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault traversed by the first electrical line 3.

[48] Preferably, the third electronic board 10 comprises a third face 18 supporting a plurality of electronic components forming the power supply module and a fourth face 19 opposite the third face 18.

[49] Preferably, the fourth face 19 is located opposite the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault.

[50] Advantageously, this arrangement thus allows the plurality of electronic components forming the power supply module to be protected against electromagnetic radiation from the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault traversed by the first electrical line 3 and the second current line 4 and from the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault traversed by the first electrical line 3.

[51] Preferably, the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault comprises a first longitudinal axis Al and the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault comprises a second longitudinal axis A2, and the first longitudinal axis A1 and the second longitudinal axis A2 are not parallel to each other, and are preferably perpendicular to each other.

[52] The invention also relates to the second electronic board 9 for said electronic detection unit according to the invention, characterized in that the second electronic board 9 comprises the second processing module and is configured to be electrically connected to the first electronic board 8, in that at least the second electronic board 9 is configured to be perpendicular to the first electronic board 8 in a normal direction DN, and in that the second electronic board 9 extends in the normal direction DN over a first width 11 that is smaller than a modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide.

[53] Preferably, the second electronic board 9 comprises the first face 16 supporting the plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module and the second face 17 opposite the first face 16 and the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is mounted on the second face 17.

[54] Furthermore, preferably, the second electronic board 9 comprises the second connector 13.

[55] Advantageously, the second electronic board 9 forms an independent module that can be used in other types of electrical protection devices with protection against an electric arc fault. The second electronic board 9 has the advantage of being detachable from the first electronic board 8 and interchangeable and this independent module can be easily updated if some of the electronic components need to be replaced, for example, in the event of shortages or the evolution of the standards.

[56] The invention also relates to an electrical protection device 1 in modular format comprising at least:

[57] - a casing 20 in modular format;

[58] - the first electrical line 3, preferably a phase line, comprising a pair of contacts, namely, a fixed contact 21 and a movable contact 22, respectively;

[59] - the second electrical line 4, preferably a neutral line;

[60] - a chamber 23 for extinguishing an electric arc;

[61] - a control component 24 for controlling the position of the movable contact 22, connected to the movable contact 22 by means of a mechanical lock 25 able to switch between two stable positions respectively corresponding to the opening and closing of the fixed and movable contacts 21,22 following an action on the control component 24, or to switch to an open position of the fixed and movable contacts 21, 22 following a mechanical action of at least one trigger feeding back an electrica! fault on said at least one first electrical line;

[62] - triggering means comprising at least one magnetic 27 and / or thermal 28 actuator and / or an electronic and / or electromechanical actuator 7 designed to actuate said at least one trigger with a view to triggering the mechanical lock 25; and

[63] - an electronic detection unit.

[64] According to the invention, said electrical protection device 1 is characterized in that said electronic detection unit is a unit according to the described invention.

[65] Advantageously, the electronic detection unit can be integrated into the electrical protection device 1 with limited bulk, as explained above.

[66] Preferably, the casing 20 in modular format assumes a generally parallelepiped shape with two main faces, namely, a left main face 40 and a right main face 41, respectively, and lateral faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely, a rear face 42, a front face 43, a lower face 44 and an upper face 45, with the width lb of the casing 20 corresponding to the distance between the left main face 40 and the right main face 41 and being that of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, and the casing 20 contains said electronic detection unit.

[67] Advantageously, the electrical protection device 1 has a modular format, preferably with the width lb of the casing 20 being that of a module, that is, approximately 17.7 millimeters wide, which allows the bulk to be limited, notably in an electrical panel where it is intended to be installed.

[68] The electronic detection unit according to the invention that is illustrated in figures 1 to 8 allows, on the one hand, an electrical fault of the differential fault type to be detected without depending on the voltage of the network, i.e., the presence of a residual current on an electrical line of an installation and allows the triggering of the electrical protection device 1 to be consecutively controlled, notably using the electromagnetic actuator 7, and allows, on the other hand, an electrical fault of the electric arc fault type to be detected by depending on the voltage of the network, i.e., the presence of an electric arc on an electrical line of the installation and allows the triggering of the electrical protection device 1 to be consecutively controlled, notably using the electromagnetic actuator 7.

[69] The figures show that the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault and the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault each comprise a toroidal coil wrapped in a toroidal casing comprising a cylindrical passage.

[70] Preferably, the toroid 2 for measuring a differentia! fault and the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault have a diameter ranging between 10 and 16,5 millimeters and that is therefore less than the modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, and the internal width of the casing 20, that is, substantially 17 millimeters wide.

[71] The toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault has a diameter that is preferably equal to 16.2 millimeters and has a diameter that is less than the entire internal width of the casing 20, that is, substantially 17 millimeters wide. The depth between the faces of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is 6 millimeters, for example.

[72] The toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault can, for example, assume a generally cuboid shape with 12 millimeter sides.

[73] The cylindrical passage of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is configured to allow the passage of the first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4, as illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[74] The cylindrical passage of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is configured to allow through only the first electrical line 3, the second electrical line 4 does not pass through the cylindrical passage, as illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[75] The first longitudinal axis A1 corresponds to the axial direction of the cylindrical passage of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault and the second longitudinal axis A2 corresponds to the axial direction of the cylindrical passage of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault.

[76] The toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault allows an imbalance to be measured for electric current flowing in the first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4.

[77] The toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is preferably mounted on the first electronic board 8, but this example is non-limiting.

[78] The toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault allows a signal to be measured that characterizes the presence of an electric arc in the electric current flowing in the first electrical line 3.

[79] The toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is preferably mounted on the second electronic board 9, but this example is non-limiting.

[80] The electronic circuit 6 at least allows processing, on the one hand, of a first signal measured by the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault using the first processing module and, on the other hand, of a second signal measured by the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault using the second processing module.

[81] The first processing module does not need to be powered by the voltage of the network through the power supply module.

[82] The second processing module is connected and powered by the power supply module.

[83] The triggering module is connected, on the one hand, to the first processing module and, on the other hand, to the second processing module.

[84] The triggering module is thus configured to control the electromagnetic actuator 7 from the signals processed by the first processing module and by the second processing module.

[85] The electromagnetic actuator 7 is preferably secured to the first electronic board 8. The electromagnetic actuator 7 can be mounted, for example, on the first mounting face 11, or the second mounting face 37, of the first electronic board 8, preferably in the vicinity of the edge. In one exampie, not shown, the electromagnetic actuator 7 also can be remote from the first electronic board 8.

[86] The electronic unit can further comprise an antenna 39. Preferably, the antenna is mounted on the first electronic board 8.

[87] Figures 1 to 3B and 6 to 8 illustrate the first electronic board 8 according to one example. The first electronic board 8 is preferably a printed circuit with the assembled electronic components being of the PCBA type.

[88] The normal direction DN corresponds to a vector normal to the surface of the first mounting face 11 of the first electronic board 8.

[89] The first electronic board 8 preferably comprises the first mounting face 11, on which the first connector 12 and the third connector 14 are mounted, which are preferably of the female connector type. A varistor 29 and the electromagnetic actuator 7 are also mounted on this first mounting face 11. The first mounting face 11 also corresponds to the face of the first electronic board 8, where the first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4 are intended to be routed, as is particularly illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[90] Preferably, the first connector 12, the third connector 14, the varistor 29 and the electromagnetic actuator 7 each have a height that ranges between 5 and 12 millimeters and that is therefore less than the modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide.

[91] Preferably, the first connector 12 and the third connector 14 each have a height that ranges between 4 and 6 millimeters and that is preferably 5 millimeters.

[92] Preferably, the height of the electromagnetic actuator 7 ranges between 10 and 12 millimeters and is preferably 12 millimeters. Preferably, the height of the electromagnetic actuator 7 substantially corresponds to the height available between the first mounting face 11 and the inner surface of the right main face 41 of the casing 20.

[93] Preferably, the first connector 12 and the third connector 14 each comprise a slot 30 that is provided with a plurality of contacts 31 and that extends heightwise in the normal direction DN.

[94] Preferably, the first connector 12 and the third connector 14 are perpendicular to each other.

[95] The first electronic board 8 preferably comprises a second mounting face 37, illustrated in figure 3B, that is opposite the first mounting face 11 and that comprises the electronic components that form the first processing module and the triggering module. The electronic components that form the first processing module and the triggering module preferably notably comprise a microprocessor 38. The second mounting face 37 can also comprise the antenna 39, as illustrated in figure 3B.

[96] This arrangement thus allows the electronic components that form the first processing module and the triggering module to be protected against electromagnetic radiation resulting from the passage of the first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4.

[97] The first electronic board 8 preferably has a thickness e1 that ranges between 1 millimeter and 1.6 millimeters and is 1.2 millimeters, for example.

[98] The first electronic board 8 preferably has a width i that ranges between 54 millimeters and 55 millimeters and is 54.4 millimeters, for example.

[99] The first electronic board 8 preferably has a length L that ranges between 57.8 millimeters and 58.8 millimeters.

[100] The first electronic board 8 preferably has a mounting hole 32 traversed by the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault. Thus, the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault protrudes from the first mounting face 11 over a first height hi, that is equal to 12 millimeters, for example, and from the second mounting face over a second height h2 that is equal to 3 millimeters, for example. This mounting hole 32 preferably assumes a rectangular shape. This mounting hole 32 is disposed facing the first connector 12 so that the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is disposed opposite the first connector 12.

[101] Furthermore, preferably, the first longitudinal axis A1 is parallel to the first and second mounting faces 11, 37. The cylindrical passage of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is preferably located on the side of the first mounting face 11. In this way, the first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4 can be easily passed through the cylindrical passage of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault on the side of the first mounting face 11. The electromagnetic radiation on the side of the second mounting face 37 is thereby avoided.

[102] The second electronic board 9 is illustrated in figures 1, 2, 4 and 6 to 8 and is preferably a printed circuit with the assembled electronic components being of the PCBA type.

[103] The second electronic board 9 preferably is as wide as the first width 11, which ranges between 11.6 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

[104] The second electronic board 9 preferably has a length L1 that ranges between 26.6 millimeters and 27 millimeters.

[105] The second electronic board 9 preferably comprises the first face 16 that supports the plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module.

[106] The first face 16 thus also corresponds to the face of the second electronic board 9 where the portion of the first electrical line 3 downstream of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is intended to be routed, as illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[107] In order to electrically insulate the first face 16 from the passage of this portion of the first electrical line 3, a first insulating wall 33 can be introduced, as shown in figure 8, which wall is disposed substantially parallel to and in front of the first face 16, between this first face and the portion of the first electrical line 3 downstream of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault. This arrangement ensures that there is a certain distance between the second electronic board 9 and the first electrical line 3, the range of the insulation distance is normative, but is generally greater than 4 millimeters.

[108] The first insulating wall 33 can extend so as to also insulate the area of the second face 17 that is devoid of electronic components, as described hereafter.

[109] The second electronic board 9 preferably comprises the second face 17, from which the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault protrudes. In the illustrated example, the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault only protrudes from the second face 17 over a third height h3, which preferably is equal to 12 millimeters and which therefore is less than the modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide. The toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is preferably soldered to the second face 17. Preferably, the second face 17 is devoid of other electronic components and includes an area devoid of electronic components disposed opposite the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault.

[110] Furthermore, preferably, the second longitudinal axis A2 of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is parallel to the first and second faces 16, 17. The cylindrical passage of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is preferably located on the side of the second face 17. In this way, the first electrical line 3 can be easily passed through the cylindrical passage of the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault, on the side of the first mounting face 11, as illustrated in figures 6 to 8. The second face 17 thus also corresponds to the face of the second electronic board 9 where the portion of the first electrical line 3 passing through the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault is intended to be routed, as illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[111] Preferably, the second connector 13 is of the male edge connector type, also commonly referred to as “board edge” connector. This male edge connector comprises a plurality of tracks 34, which are disposed on a peripheral portion 35 of the second electronic board 9 both on the first face 16 and the second face 17. The peripheral portion 35 assumes a shape that is configured to be inserted into the slot 30 of the first connector 12. Preferably, the male edge connector comprises six tracks 34 on the side of the first face 16 and six tracks 34 on the side of the second face 17.

[112] The third electronic board 10 is illustrated in figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 to 8 and preferably is a printed circuit, with the assembled electronic components being of the PC BA type.

[113] The third electronic board 10 preferably is as wide as the second width I2, which ranges between 11.6 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

[114] The third electronic board 10 preferably has a second length L2 that ranges between 30.8 millimeters and 31.2 millimeters.

[115] The third electronic board 10 preferably comprises the third face 18 that supports the plurality of electronic components forming the power supply module.

[116] The third face 18 also corresponds to the face of the third electronic board 10 where neither the first electrical line 3 nor the second electrical line 4 pass, as illustrated in figures 6 to 8.

[117] The third electronic board 10 preferably comprises the fourth face 19, which is devoid of electronic components.

[118] As shown in figures 6 to 8, the fourth face 19 thus also corresponds to the face of the third electronic board 10 where the portion of the first electrical line 3 passing through the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault downstream of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is intended to be routed and where the portion of the second electrical line 4 downstream of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is intended to be routed. The portion of the second electrical line 4 downstream of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault is preferably intended to be routed directly opposite the fourth face 19.

[119] In order to electrically insulate the fourth face 19 from the passage of this portion of the second electrical line 4, a second insulating wall 34 can be introduced, as shown in figure 8, which wall is disposed substantially parallel to and in front of the fourth face 19, between this fourth face and the portion of the second electrical line 4 downstream of the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault. This arrangement ensures that there is a certain distance between the third electronic board 10 and the fourth electrical line 4, the range of the insulation distance is normative, but is generally greater than 4 millimeters.

[120] Preferably, the second insulating wall 36 is perpendicular to the first insulating wall 33.

[121] Preferably, the second insulating wall 36 and the first insulating wall 33 are joined by a joining wall 36a.

[122] Preferably, the fourth connector 15 is of the male edge connector type, also commonly referred to as “board edge” connector. This male edge connector comprises a plurality of tracks 34, which are disposed on a peripheral portion 35 of the third electronic board 10 only on the third face 18. The peripheral portion 35 assumes a shape that is configured to be inserted into the slot 30 of the third connector 14. Preferably, the male edge connector comprises six tracks 34 on the side of the third face 18.

[123] Preferably, the electrical protection device 1 is a differential circuit breaker with protection against an electric fault of the electric arc fault type with overload protection, of the RCBO-AFDD type, as illustrated in figures 7 to 9, or without overload protection, of the RCD-AFD type, according to one example, not shown.

[124] The first electrical line 3 and the second electrical line 4 allow electrical current from an upstream electrical installation to flow through the electrical protection device. The first electrical line 3 is preferably connected to a phase potential and the second electrical line 4 is preferably connected to a neutral potential.

[125] Preferably, the first electrical line 3 comprises a first input connection terminal 48 upstream and comprises a first output connection terminal 49 downstream.

[126] Preferably, the second electrical line 4 optionally comprises a second input connection terminal 48’ upstream and, if necessary, a second output connection terminal 50 downstream.

[127] The first input connection terminal 48, and optionally the second input connection terminal 48’, preferably emerge from the upper face 45.

[128] The first output connection terminal 49 and the second output connection terminal 50 preferably emerge from the lower face 44.

[129] The casing 20 in modular format allows the various components of the electrical protection device 1 to be contained and notably its electronic detection unit according to the invention.

[130] Preferably, the first electronic board 8 is parallel to the left main face 40 and to the right main face 41 of the casing 20 in modular format

[131] Preferably, the second electronic board 9 is perpendicular to the left main face 40 and the right main face 41 of the casing 20 in modular format,

[132] Preferably, the third electronic board 10 is perpendicular to the left main face 40 and the right main face 41 of the casing 20 in modular format.

[133] Preferably, the first insulating wail 33 and the second insulating wall 36 form part of the right main face 41 and protrude perpendicular thereto toward the inside of the casing 20.

[134] The casing 20 in modular format preferably has an accommodation compartment 46 for accommodating the electronic detection unit according to the invention, and a main electromechanical compartment 47.

[135] In the illustrated example, the accommodation compartment 46 for accommodating the electronic detection unit is located in the lower part of the casing 20 and is disposed on the lower face 44 side and notably comprises the electronic detection unit according to the invention, the first output connection terminal 49 and the second output connection terminal 50. The main electromechanical compartment 47 is located in the upper part of the casing 20 and is disposed on the upper face 45 side and notably comprises the fixed contact 21, the movable contact 22, the chamber 23 for extinguishing an electric arc, the mechanical lock 25, the trigger, the magnetic 27 and / or thermal 28 actuator, the first input connection terminal 48 and optionally the second input connection terminal 48’.

[136] This arrangement allows subsequent differentiation of the electrical protection device 1, notably as a function of the content of the accommodation compartment 46 for accommodating the electronic detection unit.

[137] The length Lb of the casing 20 corresponds to the distance between the upper face 45 and the lower face 44 and is substantially equal to 135 millimeters.

[138] The electrical protection device 1 comprises a cut-off unit comprising at least the pair of fixed 21 and movable 22 contacts, which can assume an open position, in which the current no longer flows through the electrical line of the installation, and a closed position, in which the current can flow through the electrical line of the installation. The switch from the closed position to the open position occurs following a triggering command, for example, originating from the electronic detection unit according to the invention.

[139] The electromagnetic actuator 7 is electrically connected to the electronic detection unit according to the invention, which notably allows the electromagnetic actuator 7 to be controlled from the signals measured, on the one hand, by the toroid 2 for measuring a differential fault and, on the other hand, by the toroid 5 for measuring an electric arc fault. The electromagnetic actuator 7 also allows the trigger to be mechanically activated that will act on the mechanical lock 25.

[140] The control component 24 can be in the form of a handle and at least partly protrudes from the casing 20, preferably from the front face 43.

[141] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are still possible, notably in terms of the constitution of the various elements or by replacing technical equivalents, yet without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. An electronic unit for detecting at least one electrical fault for an electrical protection device (1) in modular format, said electronic unit comprising at least:- a toroid (2) for measuring a differential fault configured to be traversed by a first electrical line (3) and a second electrical line (4);- a toroid (5) for measuring an electric arc fault configured to be preferably traversed only by the first electrical line (3);- an electronic circuit (6) electrically connected, on the one hand, to the toroid (2) for measuring a differential fault and, on the other hand, to the toroid (5) for measuring an electric arc fault;said electronic circuit (6) further comprising a first module for processing a first signal measured by the toroid for measuring a differential fault electrically connected to the toroid (2) for measuring a differential fault, a second module for processing a second signal measured by the toroid for measuring an electric arc fault electrically connected to the toroid (5) for measuring an electric arc fault, a triggering module configured to be electrically connected to an electromagnetic actuator (7), and a power supply module;said electronic detection unit is characterized in that said electronic circuit (6) comprises at least:- a first electronic board (8) comprising the first processing module and the triggering module;- a second electronic board (9) comprising the second processing module and being electrically connected to the first electronic board (8);in that at least the second electronic board (9) is perpendicular to the first electronic board (8) in a normal direction (DN), and in that the second electronic board (9) extends in the normal direction (DN) over a first width (11) that is smaller than a modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, such that the thickness of said electronic unit (Lu) in a normal direction (DN) is less than the modular width of a single module.

2. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a third electronic board (10) having the power supply module and being electrically connected to the first electronic board (8).

3. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the third electronic board (10) is perpendicular to the first electronic board (8) in the normal direction (DN) and in that the third electronic board (10) extends in the normal direction (DN) over a second width (I2) that is smaller than the modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide.

4. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the second electronic board (9) and the third electronic board (10) are mounted perpendicularly by their respective edge on the first electronic board (8) and in that the second electronic board (9) and the third electronic board (10) are separated from each other by a determined inter-board distance di and are perpendicular to each other.

5. The electronic detection unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first electronic board (8) comprises a first mounting face (11), on which at least one first connector (12) is mounted, and in that the second electronic board (9) comprises a second connector (13) matching the first connector (12), with the first connector (12) and the second connector (13) being configured to electrically and mechanically connect the second electronic board (9) to the first electronic board (8) perpendicularly in the normal direction (DN).

6. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claims 3 and 5, characterized in that the first mounting face (11) further comprises a third connector (14) and in that the third electronic board (10) comprises a fourth connector (15) matching the third connector (14), with the third connector (14) and the fourth connector (15) being configured to electrically and mechanically connect the third electronic board (10) to the first electronic board (8) perpendicularly in the normal direction (DN).

7. The electronic detection unit as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the first connector (12) is a female connector and in that the second connector (13) is a male edge connector.

8. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 6 or 7 as dependent on claim 6, characterized in that the third connector (14) is a female connector and in that the fourth connector (15) is a male edge connector.

9. The electronic detection unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second electronic board (9) comprises a first face (16) supporting a plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module and a second face (17) opposite the first face (16) and in that the toroid (5) for measuring an electric arc fault is mounted on the second face (17).

10. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the second face (17) is located opposite the toroid (2) for measuring a differential fault.

11. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 2 or as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 10 as dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the third electronic board (10) comprises a third face (18) supporting a plurality of electronic components forming the power supply module and a fourth face (19) opposite the third face (18).

12. The electronic detection unit as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the fourth face (19) is located opposite the toroid (2) for measuring a differential fault.

13. The electronic detection unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the toroid (2) for measuring a differential fault comprises a first longitudinal axis (A1) and the toroid (5) for measuring an electric arc fault comprises a second longitudinal axis (A2) and in that the first longitudinal axis (A1) and the second longitudinal axis (A2) are not parallel to each other, and are preferably perpendicular to each other.

14. A second electronic board (9) for said electronic detection unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second electronic board (9) comprises the second processing module and is configured to be electrically connected to the first electronic board (8), in that at least the second electronic board (9) is configured to be perpendicular to the first electronic board (8) in a normal direction (DN), and in that the second electronic board (9) extends in the normal direction (DN) over a first width (11) that is smaller than a modular width of a single module, that is, substantially 17.7 millimeters wide.

15. The second electronic board (9) as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a first face (16) supporting the plurality of electronic components forming the second processing module and a second face (17) opposite the firstface (16) and in that the toroid (5) for measuring an electric arc fault is mounted on the second face (17) and preferably the second electronic board (9) comprises a second connector (13).

16. An electrical protection device (1) in modular format comprising at least:- a casing (20) in modular format;- the first electrical line (3), preferably a phase line, comprising a pair of contacts, namely, a fixed contact (21) and a movable contact (22), respectively;- the second electrical line (4), preferably a neutral line;- a chamber (23) for extinguishing an electric arc;- a control component (24) for controlling the position of the movable contact (22), connected to the movable contact (22) by means of a mechanical lock (25) able to switch between two stable positions respectively corresponding to the opening and closing of the fixed and movable contacts (21, 22) following an action on the control component (24), or to switch to an open position of the fixed and movable contacts (21,22) following a mechanical action of at least one trigger feeding back an eiectrical fault on said at least one first electrical line;- triggering means comprising at least one magnetic (27) and / or thermal (28) actuator and / or an electronic and / or electromechanical actuator (7) designed to actuate said at least one trigger with a view to triggering the mechanical lock (25); and- an electronic detection unit;said electrical protection device is characterized in that said electronic detection unit is a unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. The electrical protection device as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that the casing (20) in modular format assumes a generally parallelepiped shape with two main faces, namely, a left main face (40) and a right main face (41), respectively, and lateral faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely, a rear face (42), a front face (43), a lower face (44) and an upper face (45), with the width (lb) of the casing (20) corresponding to the distance between the left main face (40) and the right main face (41) and of a single module, that is,substantially 17.7 millimeters wide, and in that the casing (20) contains said electronic detection unit.INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT / EP2024 / 056578A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER H01H9 / 02(2006.01)1; H01H83 / 22(2006.01)1 According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) H01H Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) EPO-Intemal C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. A EP 3470856 Al (SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS [FR]) 17 April 2019 (2019-04-17) cited in the application paragraphs [0015] - [0097]; figures 1-17 A US 2017110281 Al (LATHROP TODD MATTHEW [US] ET AL) 20 April 2017 (2017-04-20) paragraphs [0034] - [0044]; figures 1 A US 6239962 Bl (SEYMOUR RAYMOND KELSEY [US] ET AL) 29 May 2001 (2001-05-29) column 2, line 16 - column 5, line 6; figures 1 | | Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. | f | See patent family annex. * Special categories of cited documents: “A” document defining the general state of the art which is not considered to be of particular relevance “E” earlier application or patent but published on or after the international filing date “L” document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) “O” document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other means “P” document published prior to the international filing date but later than the priority date claimed “T” later document published after the international filing date or priority date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention “X” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone “Y” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the ait document member of the same patent family Date of the actual completion of the international search Date of mailing of the international search report 31 May 2024 18 June 2024 Name and mailing address of the ISA / EP Authorized officer European Patent Office p.b. 5818, Patentlaan 2,2280 HV Rijswijk Netherlands (Kingdom of the) Telephone No. (+31-70)340-2040 Facsimile No. (+31-70)340-3016 Findeli, Luc Telephone No.INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Information on patent family membersInternational application No.PCT / EP2024 / 056578Patent document cited in search report Publication date (day / month / year) Patent family member)s) Publication date (day / month / year) EP 3470856 Al 17 April 2019 DK 3470856 T3 14 November 2022 EP 3470856 Al 17 April 2019 FR 3072179 Al 12 April 2019 US 2019108962 Al 11 April 2019 US 2017110281 Al 20 April 2017 CA 2938493 Al 19 April 2017 US 2017110281 Al 20 April 2017 US 2020365359 Al 19 November 2020 US 6239962 Bl 29 May 2001 NONE

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