Differential measurement torus for an electrical differential protection apparatus and associated electrical differential protection apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a differential measurement torus comprising a toroidal coil (2) wrapped in a casing (3) comprising a cylindrical passage comprising an inlet (5) and an outlet, a first electri

Description

Title of the invention: Differential measurement torus for an electrical differential protection apparatus and associated electrical differential protection apparatus

[0001] The invention relates to the field of differential measurement toruses for an electrical differential protection apparatus and the field of electrical differential protection apparatus.

[0002] In the field of residential and commercial electrical equipment, electrical differential protection apparatus are known, in particular of the differential circuit breaker or differential switch type, which may, where appropriate, be in modular format and may also optionally have an electric arc detection function. These electrical differential protection apparatus provide protection against leakage currents.

[0003] It is known practice to use a differential measurement torus to detect the presence of a leakage current. This usually consists of a toroidal coil enclosed in a housing comprising a cylindrical passage. A first electrical conductor at phase potential and a second electrical conductor at neutral potential pass through the cylindrical passage. However, the insertion of the first and second electrical conductors, which usually consist of flexible cables or flexible conductive braids, through the cylindrical passage is a major barrier to automation of the method for assembly of the electrical differential protection apparatus or at least to improvement of the manual assembly method.

[0004] This problem is even more critical when the electrical differential protection apparatus is in the modular format of a module. To be specific, the cylindrical passage section of the differential measurement torus is narrow and the current paths which pass through it require a section adapted to the rating of the electrical differential protection apparatus, which means that the assembly of the first and second electrical conductors through the cylindrical passage is a difficult step, especially since this operation is usually carried out manually.

[0005] Furthermore, the differential measurement torus is then usually assembled directly on an electronic board so as to then be placed in a casing of the electrical differential protection apparatus before being soldered to the current paths of the electrical differential protection apparatus, which can cause critical components to heat up and can have a negative impact on quality.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks and to propose a solution which facilitates the automation of or improves the assembly of the electrical differential protection apparatus.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a differential measurement torus for an electrical differential protection apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

[0008] The invention also relates to an electrical differential protection apparatus as claimed in claim 14.

[0009] The invention will be understood more clearly from the following description, which relates to several preferred embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig. 1] figure 1 shows a perspective view of a differential measurement torus according to the invention,

[0011] [Fig. 2] figure 2 shows a top view of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1,

[0012] [Fig. 3] figure 3 shows a top view in section of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1,

[0013] [Fig. 4] figure 4 shows a side view of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1,

[0014] [Fig. 5] figure 5 shows an end-on view of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1,

[0015] [Fig. 6] figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1,

[0016] [Fig. 7] figure 7 shows an exploded top view of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1,

[0017] [Fig. 8] figure 8 shows a partial perspective view of an electrical differential protection apparatus according to the invention comprising the differential measurement torus according to the invention,

[0018] [Fig. 9] figure 9 shows a partial side view of the electrical differential protection apparatus according to the invention shown in figure 8,

[0019] [Fig. 10] figure 10 shows a partial perspective view of the electrical differential protection apparatus according to the invention shown in figure 8,

[0020] [Fig. 11] figure 11 shows an exploded partial perspective view of the electrical differential protection apparatus according to the invention shown in figure 8,

[0021] [Fig. 12] figure 12 shows a partial side view of the electrical differential protection apparatus according to the invention comprising the differential measurement torus according to the invention and an electronic board,

[0022] [Fig. 13] figure 13 shows a partial perspective view of the electrical differential protection apparatus shown in figure 12,

[0023] [Fig. 14] figure 14 shows an exploded partial perspective view of the electrical differential protection apparatus shown in figure 12,

[0024] [Fig. 15] figure 15 shows a partial perspective view of the electrical differential protection apparatus according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig. 16] figure 16 shows a partial view in section of the electrical differential protection apparatus shown in figure 15,

[0026] [Fig. 17] figure 17 shows a view from below and in section of the differential measurement torus shown in figure 1 showing the assembly of the first insulating insertion element and the second insulating insertion element together, and

[0027] [Fig. 18] figure 18 shows a view in section of the assembly of the first insulating insertion element and the second insulating insertion element together.

[0028] A differential measurement torus for an electrical differential protection apparatus 1 comprises at least:

[0029] - a toroidal coil 2 enclosed in a housing 3 comprising a cylindrical passage 4 comprising an inlet 5 at a first end and an outlet 6 at a second end,

[0030] - a first electrical conductor 7 comprising a first connection end 8 and a second connection end 9,

[0031] - a second electrical conductor 10 comprising a third connection end 11 and a fourth connection end 12,

[0032] the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 being configured to pass through the cylindrical passage 4 such that the first connection end 8 and the third connection end 11 emerge from said inlet 5 and the second connection end 9 and the fourth connection end 12 emerge from the outlet 6.

[0033] According to the invention, the differential measurement torus is characterized in that it further comprises:

[0034] - a first insulating insertion element 13 which is configured to be inserted by shape complementarity and with play on a first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 via said inlet 5 and comprising at least a first insulating guide 14 configured to guide the first electrical conductor 7 and,

[0035] - a second insulating insertion element 15 which is configured to be inserted by shape complementarity and with play on a second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 via said outlet 6 and comprising at least a second insulating guide 16 configured to guide the second electrical conductor 10,

[0036] the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 being configured to be assembled together in the cylindrical passage 4,

[0037] the first insulating guide 14 comprising a first insulating wall 17 configured to insulate and separate the first electrical conductor 7 from the second electrical conductor 10 on the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4,

[0038] the second insulating guide 16 comprising a second insulating wall 18 configured to insulate and separate the second electrical conductor 10 from the first electrical conductor 7 on the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4, the first insulating wall 17 being in the extension of the second insulating wall 18 in such a way as to form an overall insulating wall in a median plane of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0039] Advantageously, as shown in figures 1 to 7, in this configuration the differential measurement torus may be in the form of a preassembled subassembly comprising at least the first insulating insertion element 13 assembled with the first electrical conductor 7 inserted by shape complementarity on the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and the second insulating insertion element 15 assembled with the second electrical conductor 10 inserted by shape complementarity on a second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4. Thus, the housing 3 is flanked on the side of the inlet 5 by the first insulating insertion element 13 and on the side of the outlet 6 by the second insulating insertion element 15. The differential measurement torus in the form of this preassembled subassembly has the advantage of facilitating automation or manual assembly during the method for assembly of the electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0040] The first insulating insertion element 13 has at least the function of guiding and holding the first electrical conductor 7 by means of the first insulating guide 14, but also of insulating the first electrical conductor 7 from the second electrical conductor 10 on the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 by virtue of the first insulating wall 17.

[0041] Likewise, the second insulating insertion element 15 has at least the function of guiding and holding the second electrical conductor 10 by means of the second insulating guide 16, but also of insulating the second electrical conductor 10 from the first electrical conductor 7 on the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 by virtue of the second insulating wall 18.

[0042] The overall insulating wall thus makes it possible to form a median insulating barrier between the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 over the entire height of the cylindrical passage 4, which makes it possible to divide the cylindrical passage 4 into a first half-cylinder containing at least in part the first electrical conductor 7 and into a second half-cylinder containing at least in part the second electrical conductor 10. By virtue of the assembly by shape complementarity and with play, the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 are not secured to the housing 3, such that slight mechanical jiggling of the first and second electrical conductors 7, 10 in the cylindrical passage 4 is permitted, for it to be considered that these two elements will not fall within the same kinematic class.

[0043] Figures 1 to 5 show in particular the differential measurement torus according to the invention in the form of the preassembled subassembly.

[0044] Preferably, the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 are assembled together for example by clamping, in other words by plastic deformation or the like, as shown in figures 17 and 18.

[0045] The advantage of this invention is that the passage of current paths of suitable section is guaranteed by this preassembled subassembly, which eliminates the need to pass the two first / second electrical conductors 7, 10 through the differential measurement torus as is the case in the prior art. Indeed, the problem with an electrical differential protection apparatus in modular format with a width of one module, or approximately 17.7 mm, in which high-intensity nominal currents flow, and therefore in which the sections of the first / second electrical conductors 7, 10 are large, is that it involves passing two first / second electrical conductors 7, 10 having opposite polarities through an extremely narrow space. The very advantage of this solution lies in the fact that it offers a small self-supporting subassembly which does not require delicate handling / manipulation by an operator or an automaton, and which, because it is a subassembly made up of preferably rigid parts, is easily compatible with an automatic soldering / assembly method.

[0046] Preferably and as shown in particular in figures 6 and 7, the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 are two identical parts.

[0047] As a result, it is possible to create the differential measurement torus from a small number of different components.

[0048] Advantageously, under these conditions, the preassembled subassembly may comprise the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 inserted in the cylindrical passage 4 symmetrically, preferably with central symmetry.

[0049] Preferably and as shown in particular in figures 6 and 7, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 are two identical parts.

[0050] As a result, it is possible to create the differential measurement torus from a small number of different components.

[0051] Advantageously, under these conditions, the preassembled subassembly may comprise the first insulating insertion element 13 with at least the first electrical conductor 7 and the second insulating insertion element 15 with at least the second electrical conductor 10 inserted in the cylindrical passage 4 symmetrically, preferably with central symmetry.

[0052] Preferably and as shown in particular in figure 3, the first insulating guide 14 comprises a first internal part 19 which extends diametrically over a first half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage 4 in the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and the second insulating guide 16 comprises a second internal part 20 which extends diametrically over a second half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage 4 in the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0053] Advantageously, the first internal part 19 has the function of guiding and holding the first electrical conductor 7 in the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and on the first half-cylinder. Likewise, the second internal part 20 has the function of guiding and holding the second electrical conductor 10 in the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and on the second half-cylinder.

[0054] Preferably and as shown in particular in figure 6, the first internal part 19 and the second internal part 20 each have the shape of a semi-open rectilinear conduit or channel similar to a gutter.

[0055] In this way, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 are guided rectilinearly inside the cylindrical passage 4. Furthermore, the assembly of the first electrical conductor 7 with the first internal part 19 is facilitated because the first electrical conductor 7 fits easily into the gutter rather than having to be slid in. Likewise, the assembly of the second electrical conductor 10 with the second internal part 20 is facilitated because the second electrical conductor 10 fits easily into the gutter rather than having to be slid in.

[0056] Preferably and as shown in particular in figures 1 to 7, the first insulating guide 14 comprises a first external part (21) which protrudes from said inlet 5 of the cylindrical passage 4 and the second insulating guide 16 comprises a second external part (22) which protrudes from the outlet 6 of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0057] Advantageously, the first external part (21) has the function of guiding and holding the first electrical conductor 7 outside the cylindrical passage 4 near the inlet 5. Likewise, the second external part (22) has the function of guiding and holding the second electrical conductor 10 outside the cylindrical passage 4 near the outlet 6.

[0058] Preferably and as shown in particular in figure 6, the first external part (21) and the second external part (22) each have the shape of a semi-open bent conduit or channel similar to a gutter.

[0059] In this way, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 are guided in a curved manner outside the cylindrical passage 4. Furthermore, the assembly of the first electrical conductor 7 with the first external part (21) is facilitated because the first electrical conductor 7 fits easily into the gutter rather than having to be slid in. Likewise, the assembly of the second electrical conductor 10 with the second external part (22) is facilitated because the second electrical conductor 10 fits easily into the gutter rather than having to be slid in.

[0060] Preferably and as shown in particular in figure 6, the first insulating insertion element 13 further comprises a third insulating guide 23 for guiding the second electrical conductor 10, which is adjacent to the first insulating guide 14 and separated from the latter by the first insulating wall 17, and the second insulating insertion element 15 further comprises a fourth insulating guide 24 for guiding the first electrical conductor 7, which is adjacent to the second insulating guide 16 and separated from the latter by the second insulating wall 18.

[0061] Advantageously, the first insulating insertion element 13 has the function in particular of guiding and holding the first electrical conductor 7 by means of the first insulating guide 14 but also the second electrical conductor 10 by means of the third insulating guide 23. Likewise, the second insulating insertion element 15 has the function of guiding and holding the second electrical conductor 10 by means of the second insulating guide 16, but also the first electrical conductor 7 by means of the fourth insulating guide 24.

[0062] Preferably and as shown in particular in figure 6, the third insulating guide 23 comprises a third internal part 25 which extends diametrically over a second halfcylinder of the cylindrical passage 4 in the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and the fourth insulating guide 24 comprises a fourth internal part 26 which extends diametrically over a first half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage 4 in the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0063] Advantageously, the third internal part 25 has the function of guiding and holding the second electrical conductor 10 in the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and on the second half-cylinder. Likewise, the fourth internal part 26 has the function of guiding and holding the first electrical conductor 7 in the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4 and on the first half-cylinder.

[0064] Preferably and as shown in particular in figure 6, the third insulating guide 23 and the fourth insulating guide 24 each have the shape of a semi-open rectilinear conduit or channel similar to a gutter.

[0065] In this way, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 are guided rectilinearly at least inside the cylindrical passage 4.

[0066] Preferably, the housing 3 comprises at least one locating member 27 which extends in a vertical direction DV which is orthogonal to the axial direction DA of the cylindrical passage 4, said locating member 27 comprising a free end 28 configured to come to face an internal wall 49 of a lower shell 43 of a casing 36 of said electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0067] Preferably, the housing 3 comprises four conductive protrusions 29 extending in the vertical direction DV in a direction away from the free end 28 so as to be inserted in a hole in an electronic board 46 of said electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0068] Preferably, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 are each made of a rigid electrically conductive material, for example enameled copper as shown in figures 1 to 7, or a flexible conductive braid comprising a conductive core, for example made of copper, covered by an insulating sheath according to an alternative example not shown.

[0069] Advantageously, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10, each of which is made of a rigid electrically conductive material, are easy to handle and assemble.

[0070] The cylindrical passage 4 has a circular section.

[0071] The first half-portion corresponds substantially to one half of the cylindrical passage 4 divided along the diameter, the base of which corresponds to the inlet 5.

[0072] The second half-portion corresponds substantially to one half of the cylindrical passage 4 divided along the diameter, the base of which corresponds to the outlet 6.

[0073] The first half-cylinder corresponds substantially to one half of the cylindrical passage 4 divided along the height, which is intended to have the first electrical conductor 7 passing through it.

[0074] The second half-cylinder corresponds substantially to one half of the cylindrical passage 4 divided along the height, which is intended to have the second electrical conductor 10 passing through it.

[0075] The median plane or the overall insulating wall delimits the first half-cylinder from the second half-cylinder.

[0076] The toroidal coil 2 is preferably a copper winding.

[0077] Preferably, the housing 3 is made of an insulating material such as plastic or equivalent.

[0078] Preferably, the housing 3 has a substantially toroidal shape surrounding the toroidal coil 2.

[0079] Preferably, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 each have a circular section.

[0080] Preferably and as shown in particular in figures 6 and 7, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second electrical conductor 10 each have an L shape.

[0081] More specifically and preferably as shown in particular in figures 6 and 7, the first electrical conductor 7 is rigid and has a first rectilinear segment starting from the first connection end 8 which is extended by a second rectilinear segment at 90 degrees to the first rectilinear segment by a first bent portion, the second rectilinear segment ending at the second connection end 9. The first rectilinear segment is shorter than the second rectilinear segment.

[0082] Likewise and preferably as shown in particular in figures 6 and 7, the second electrical conductor 10 is rigid and has a third rectilinear segment starting from the fourth connection end 12 which is extended by a fourth rectilinear segment at 90 degrees to the third rectilinear segment by a second bent portion, the third rectilinear segment ending at the third connection end 11.

[0083] As shown in figures 8, 9 and 11, the first connection end 8 is preferably intended to be connected to a first phase current path portion 30 of the electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0084] As shown in figures 8, 9 and 16, the second connection end 9 is preferably intended to be connected to a second phase current path portion 32 of the electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0085] As shown in figures 8 to 11 and 13 to 14, the third connection end 11 is preferably intended to be connected to a first neutral current path portion 31 of the electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0086] As shown in figures 8 to 11 and 13 to 14 and 16, the fourth connection end 12 is preferably intended to be connected to a second neutral current path portion 33 of the electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0087] Preferably, the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 are each made of an insulating material such as plastic or equivalent.

[0088] Preferably, the first insulating guide 14 has a section substantially complementary to that of the first electrical conductor 7 and the second insulating guide 16 has a section substantially complementary to that of the second electrical conductor 10.

[0089] The first insulating guide 14 comprises the first internal part 19 and the first external part 21.

[0090] Preferably, the rectilinear channel of the first internal part 19 has a part of the second rectilinear segment of the first electrical conductor 7 passing through it and the bent channel of the first external part (21) has the first bent portion of the first electrical conductor 7 passing through it.

[0091] The second insulating guide 16 comprises the second internal part 20 and the second external part 22.

[0092] Preferably, the rectilinear channel of the second internal part 20 has a part of the fourth rectilinear segment of the second electrical conductor 10 passing through it and the bent channel of the second external part (22) has the second bent portion of the second electrical conductor 10 passing through it.

[0093] Preferably and as shown in figure 3, the overall wall which is formed by the first insulating wall 17 and the second insulating wall 18 has a length which is substantially equal to or greater than the height of the cylindrical passage 4 and has a height substantially less than the diameter of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0094] Preferably, the third insulating guide 23 has a section substantially complementary to that of the second electrical conductor 10 and the fourth insulating guide 24 has a section substantially complementary to that of the first electrical conductor 7.

[0095] The third insulating guide 23 comprises at least the third internal part 25.

[0096] Preferably, the rectilinear channel of the third internal part 25 has another part of the fourth rectilinear segment of the second electrical conductor 10 passing through it.

[0097] The fourth insulating guide 24 comprises at least the fourth internal part 26.

[0098] Preferably, the rectilinear channel of the fourth internal part 26 has another part of the second rectilinear segment of the second electrical conductor 10 passing through it.

[0099] Preferably, the rectilinear channel of the first internal part 19 or of the second internal part 20 extends longitudinally parallel to the axial direction DA of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0100] Preferably, the bent channel of the first external part (21) or of the second external part (22) forms an angle of 90 degrees relative to the axial direction DA of the cylindrical passage 4.

[0101] Preferably, the aforementioned rectilinear or bent channels have a semicircular section.

[0102] Preferably, the housing 3 comprises two locating members 27 in the form of two fins.

[0103] Preferably, the housing 3 comprises two pairs of conductive protrusions 29, each pair of conductive protrusions 29 being in the extension of two cylindrical lugs 50 forming part of the housing 3 with an axis parallel to the vertical direction DV.

[0104] The conductive protrusions 29 are preferably made of metal and the cylindrical lugs 50 are preferably made of the same material as the housing 3.

[0105] Preferably, the first insulating insertion element 13 comprises a first end which is intended to be inserted by shape complementarity and with play on the first halfportion of the cylindrical passage 4 through said inlet 5 and which comprises at least one first assembly member 51.

[0106] Preferably, the second insulating insertion element 15 comprises a second end intended to be inserted by shape complementarity and with play on a second halfportion of the cylindrical passage through said outlet 6 and which comprises at least one second assembly member 52.

[0107] The first assembly member 51 of the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second assembly member 52 of the second insulating insertion element 15 are assembled together for example by clamping, that is to say by plastic deformation or the like, as shown in figures 17 and 18.

[0108] The first assembly member 51 of the first insulating insertion element 13 and the second assembly member 52 of the second insulating insertion element 15 have complementary shapes.

[0109] The invention also relates to an electrical differential protection apparatus 1 comprising said differential measurement torus. In accordance with the invention, said differential measurement torus is characterized in that it is according to the invention and as described above.

[0110] Preferably, said electrical differential protection apparatus 1 comprises at least one neutral line comprising at least one input neutral connection terminal and one output neutral connection terminal 34 and one phase line comprising at least one input phase connection terminal and one output phase connection terminal 35, and a casing 36.

[0111] The phase line or phase current path comprises in particular the first phase current path portion 30, the first electrical conductor 7 and the second phase current path portion 32. The first phase current path portion 30 is arranged upstream of the differential measurement torus, while the second phase current path portion 32 is arranged downstream of the differential measurement torus.

[0112] The neutral line or neutral current path comprises in particular the first neutral current path portion 31, the second electrical conductor 10 and the second neutral current path portion 33. The first neutral current path portion 31 is arranged upstream of the differential measurement torus, while the second neutral current path portion 33 is arranged downstream of the differential measurement torus.

[0113] Preferably and as shown in particular in figures 8 and 9, the differential measurement torus according to the invention has a part of the phase line passing through it via the first electrical conductor 7 which is connected on the one hand to the first phase current path portion 30 by the first connection end 8 and to the second phase current path portion 32 by the second connection end 9.

[0114] Preferably and as shown in particular in figures 8 and 9, the differential measurement torus according to the invention has a part of the neutral line passing through it via the second electrical conductor 10 which is connected on the one hand to the first neutral current path portion 31 by the third connection end 11 and to the second neutral current path portion 33 by the fourth connection end 12.

[0115] Preferably and as shown in figures 15 and 16, said electrical differential protection apparatus 1 is in modular format and comprises said casing 36 which has a generally parallelepiped shape with two main faces, respectively a first main face 37 and a second main face 38, and first lateral faces extending from one of the main faces to the other, namely a first rear face 39, a first front face 40, a left face 41 and a right face 42.

[0116] The width of said electrical differential protection apparatus 1 corresponds to the modular distance between the first main face 37 and the second main face 38 which corresponds to a multiple of a standardized value, known as a module, the value of which is substantially equal to 18 millimeters. Preferably, the width of said electrical differential protection apparatus 1 is equal to one module.

[0117] Preferably, said electrical differential protection apparatus 1 is a differential circuit breaker or a differential switch, which may or may not be in modular format.

[0118] The example shown in figures 15 and 16 relates to a differential circuit breaker in modular format, the width of which is equal to one module.

[0119] Preferably, the casing 36 comprises two shells, namely a lower shell 43 and an upper shell 44, adapted to be assembled together by assembly means 45.

[0120] Preferably, the first phase current path portion 30, the first neutral current path portion 31, the second phase current path portion 32 and the second neutral current path portion 33 are mounted in the lower shell 43, as shown in figures 8 to 11.

[0121] The first phase current path portion 30, the first neutral current path portion 31, the second phase current path portion 32 and the second neutral current path portion 33 are preferably made of metal and are rigid.

[0122] Preferably, said electrical differential protection apparatus 1 further comprises an electronic board 46 which is electrically connected to the differential measurement torus according to the invention, preferably by soldering.

[0123] The electronic board 46 is preferably a printed circuit.

[0124] The electronic board 46 preferably comprises an opening 47 configured to have the housing 3 of the differential measurement torus passing through it and four holes 48 which allow the insertion of said four conductive protrusions 29.

[0125] In the example shown in particular in figure 12, the electronic board 46 comprises an opening 47 of substantially rectangular shape and two pairs of holes 48 which are respectively located near the two small sides of the opening 47.

[0126] The invention also relates to a method for assembly of the differential measurement torus.

[0127] In accordance with the invention, said differential measurement torus is according to the invention and the method comprises at least:

[0128] - a step of assembling the first insulating insertion element 13, during which the first insulating insertion element 13 is assembled with the first electrical conductor 7,

[0129] - a step of inserting the first insulating element 13, during which the first insulating insertion element 13 assembled with the first electrical conductor 7 is inserted by shape complementarity on the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4,

[0130] - a step of assembling the second insulating insertion element 15, during which the second insulating insertion element 15 is assembled with the second electrical conductor 10,

[0131] - a step of inserting the second insulating insertion element 15, during which the second insulating insertion element 15 assembled with the second electrical conductor 10 is inserted by shape complementarity on a second half-portion of the cylindrical passage 4,

[0132] - a step of assembling the first insulating element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 together, during which the first insulating element 13 and the second insulating insertion element 15 are assembled together, preferably by clamping.

[0133] This method advantageously makes it possible to obtain a differential measurement torus in the form of this preassembled subassembly which has the advantage of facilitating automation or manual assembly during the method for assembly of the electrical differential protection apparatus 1 described below.

[0134] The invention also relates to a method for assembly of the differential measurement torus in said electrical differential protection apparatus 1.

[0135] In accordance with the invention, said differential measurement torus is according to the invention and the method comprises at least:

[0136] - a step of putting in place the current paths, during which at least the first phase current path portion 30, the first neutral current path portion 31, the second phase current path portion 32 and the second neutral current path portion 33 are arranged in the lower shell 43 on the internal wall 49 side thereof,

[0137] - a step of putting in place the differential measurement torus, during which the differential measurement torus according to the invention is preferably moved according to a linear movement in a direction of movement X substantially perpendicular to the internal wall 49, then deposited in the lower shell 43 with preferably said at least one locating member 27 facing the lower shell 43 (figure 11),

[0138] - a first soldering step, during which the first phase current path portion 30 and the first connection end 8 are soldered together, the first neutral current path portion 31 and the third connection end 11 are soldered together, the second phase current path portion 32 and the second connection end 9 are soldered together and the second neutral current path portion 33 and the fourth connection end 12 are soldered together,

[0139] - a step of putting in place the electronic board 46, during which the electronic board 46 is preferably moved according to a linear movement in the direction of movement X and then placed above the first phase current path portion 30, the first neutral current path portion 31, the second phase current path portion 32 and the second neutral current path portion 33 in such a way as to have the housing 3 passing through it at said opening 47 and to have said four conductive protrusions 29 passing through it at the four holes 48 (figure 14),

[0140] - a second soldering step, during which said four conductive protrusions 29 are soldered to the electronic board 46, preferably by wave soldering,

[0141] - a step of putting in place the upper shell 44, during which the upper shell 44 is preferably moved according to a linear movement in the direction of movement X then assembled with the lower shell 43 via the assembly means 45 in such a way as to form said casing 36 (figure 15).

[0142] Advantageously, the design of the various parts of the electrical protection apparatus 1 has been optimized for this assembly method which uses a unidirectional movement in the direction of movement X to put in place in particular the differential measurement torus, the electronic board 46 and possibly also the upper shell 44.

[0143] The differential measurement torus according to the invention is suitable for automation but also represents an improvement for manual assembly, in particular because most of its components are rigid, because the use of cables or braids which are usually used in the prior art to pass through the cylindrical passage 4 is no longer necessary and because it may optionally include at least one locating member 27.

[0144] Furthermore, the fact that the differential measurement torus is not delivered assembled directly on the electronic board 46 means that the electrical soldering performed does not have an impact on the electronic board (heating up of critical components, contamination of the flux), which affords an improvement in quality.

[0145] Alternatively, the second soldering step is replaced by a step referred to as press-fit, which has the advantage of not requiring any addition of material in order to electrically connect the differential measurement torus to the electronic board 46. The electrical connection is provided by mechanical deformation of a pin ensuring sealed contact in a metallized hole of the electronic board 46.

[0146] The possible use of what is referred to as a press-fit solution for inserting the differential measurement torus on the electronic board 46 may replace a partial wave soldering operation, which may afford an advantage in terms of saving time and of efficiency when assembling the electrical differential protection apparatus 1, and improve the quality of the electrical contact between the press-fit pin and the electronic board 46, because this solution is considered to be gas-tight and is characterized by good conductivity.

[0147] Preferably, one or more of the aforementioned steps of putting in place are carried out manually or by an automaton.

[0148] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted in the attached drawings. Modifications are possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A differential measurement torus for an electrical differential protection apparatus (1) comprising at least:- a toroidal coil (2) enclosed in a housing (3) comprising a cylindrical passage (4) comprising an inlet (5) at a first end and an outlet (6) at a second end,- a first electrical conductor (7) comprising a first connection end (8) and a second connection end (9),- a second electrical conductor (10) comprising a third connection end (11) and a fourth connection end (12),the first electrical conductor (7) and the second electrical conductor (10) being configured to pass through the cylindrical passage (4) such that the first connection end (8) and the third connection end (11) emerge from said inlet (5) and the second connection end (9) and the fourth connection end (12) emerge from the outlet (6),the differential measurement torus is characterized in that it further comprises:- a first insulating insertion element (13) which is configured to be inserted by shape complementarity and with play on a first half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4) via said inlet (5) and comprising at least a first insulating guide (14) configured to guide the first electrical conductor (7) and,- a second insulating insertion element (15) which is configured to be inserted by shape complementarity and with play on a second halfportion of the cylindrical passage (4) via said outlet (6) and comprising at least a second insulating guide (16) configured to guide the second electrical conductor (10),the first insulating insertion element (13) and the second insulating insertion element (15) being configured to be assembled together in the cylindrical passage (4),- the first insulating guide (14) comprising a first insulating wall (17) configured to insulate and separate the first electrical conductor (7) fromthe second electrical conductor (10) on the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4),- the second insulating guide (16) comprising a second insulating wall (18) configured to insulate and separate the second electrical conductor (10) from the first electrical conductor (7) on the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4), the first insulating wall (17) being in the extension of the second insulating wall (18) in such a way as to form an overall insulating wall in a median plane of the cylindrical passage (4).

2. The differential measurement torus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first insulating insertion element (13) and the second insulating insertion element (15) are two identical parts.

3. The differential measurement torus as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first electrical conductor (7) and the second electrical conductor (10) are two identical parts.

4. The differential measurement torus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first insulating guide (14) comprises a first internal part (19) which extends diametrically over a first half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage (4) in the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4) and in that the second insulating guide (16) comprises a second internal part (20) which extends diametrically over a second half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage (4) in the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4).

5. The differential measurement torus as claimed in claim 4. characterized in that the first internal part (19) and the second internal part (20) each have the shape of a semi-open rectilinear conduit or channel similar to a gutter.

6. The differential measurement torus as claimed in either of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the first insulating guide (14) comprises a first external part (21) which protrudes from said inlet (5) of the cylindrical passage (4) and in that the second insulating guide (16) comprises a second external part (22) which protrudes from the outlet (6) of the cylindrical passage (4).

7. The differential measurement torus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the first external part (21) and the second external part (22) each have the shape of a semi-open bent conduit or channel similar to a gutter.

8. The differential measurement torus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first insulating insertion element (13) further comprises a third insulating guide (23) for guiding the second electrical conductor (10), which is adjacent to the first insulating guide (14) and separated from the latter by the first insulating wall (17), and in that the second insulating insertion element (15) further comprises a fourth insulating guide (24) for guiding the first electrical conductor (7), which is adjacent to the second insulating guide (16) and separated from the latter by the second insulating wall (18).

9. The differential measurement torus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the third insulating guide (23) comprises a third internal part (25) which extends diametrically over a second half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage (4) in the first half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4) and in that the fourth insulating guide (24) comprises a fourth internal part (26) which extends diametrically over a first half-cylinder of the cylindrical passage (4) in the second half-portion of the cylindrical passage (4).

10. The differential measurement torus as claimed in either of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the third insulating guide (23) and the fourth insulating guide (24) each have the shape of a semi-open rectilinear conduit or channel similar to a gutter.

11. The differential measurement torus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the housing (3) comprises at least one locating member (27) which extends in a vertical direction (DV) which is orthogonal to the axial direction (DA) of the cylindrical passage 4, said locating member (27) comprising a free end (28) configured to come to face an internal wall (49) of a lower shell (43) of a casing (36) of said electrical differential protection apparatus (1).

12. The differential measurement torus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the housing (3) comprises four conductive protrusions (29) extending in the vertical direction (DV) in a direction away from the free end (28) so as to be inserted in a hole in an electronic board (46) of said electrical differential protection apparatus (1).

13. The differential measurement torus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first electrical conductor (7) and the second electrical conductor (10) are each made of a rigid electrically conductive material, for example enameled copper, or a flexible conductive braid comprising a conductive core, for example made of copper, covered by an insulating sheath.

14. An electrical differential protection apparatus comprising said differential measurement torus, characterized in that the differential measurement torus is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13.1INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT / FR2022 / 000131A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER H01F38 / 30(200601)1; H02H3 / 32(200601)1; H01F27 / 30(200601)1; H01H83 / 14(200601)1; G01R 31 / 52(202001)1; H01F27 / 02(200601)1; H01F27 / 06(200601)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) H01F; H02H; H01H; G01R 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, WPI Data C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. X Y DE 102011075456 Al (SIEMENS AG [DE]) 08 November 2012 (2012-11-08) abstract paragraph [0037] - paragraph [0039]; claims 1,9; figures 1, 3A-3C, 4A-4D 1-10,13,14 11,12 Y A DE 10013143 Al (AEG NIEDERSPANNUNGSTECH GMBH [DE]) 04 October 2001 (2001-10-04) abstract paragraph [0025]; figures 1,2,6 DE 202019105268 UI (LEM IP SA [CH]) 27 November 2019 (2019-11-27) abstract paragraph [0032] - paragraph [0035]; claim 1; figure 5 11,12 1-14 A EP 0531554 Al (SIEMENS AG [DE]) 17 March 1993 (1993-03-17) abstract claim 1; figures 1,2 1-14 | | Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. | | 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 *4L” 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 art document member of the same patent family Date of the actual completion of the international search 21 June 2023 Date of mailing of the international search report 05 July 2023 Name and mailing address of the ISA / EP European Patent Office p.b. 5818, Patentlaan 2,2280 HV Rijswijk Netherlands Telephone No. (+31-70)340-2040 Facsimile No. (+31-70)340-3016 Authorized officer Warneck, Nicolas Telephone No.INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT Information on patent family membersInternational application No.PCT / FR2022 / 000131Patent document cited in search report Publication date (day / month / year) Patent family member) s) Publication date (day / month / year) DE 102011075456 Al 08 November 2012 NONE DE 10013143 Al 04 October 2001 AT 279732 T 15 October 2004 CN 1418313 A 14 May 2003 DE 10013143 Al 04 October 2001 EP 1266231 A2 18 December 2002 ES 2248297 T3 16 March 2006 PL 364497 Al 13 December 2004 PT 1266231 E 31 December 2004 WO 0169271 A2 20 September 2001 DE 202019105268 UI 27 November 2019 CN 210894464 U 30 June 2020 DE 202019105268 UI 27 November 2019 EP 0531554 Al 17 March 1993 AT El 15332 T1 15 December 1994 EP 0531554 Al 17 March 1993 ES 2066301 T3 01 March 1995

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