AU2020100774A4 - Modular electrical switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

- 23 Modular electrical switching device The present invention relates to a modular electrical switching device comprising: - a first, phase line comprising fixed and mobile contacts (4), - a second, neutral line comprising fixed and mobile contacts 5 (4), - an electronic circuit powered between the first line and the second line, - a trip latch (8) comprising a maneuvering member (9), - an additional switch (11) disposed between the first line and 10 the electronic circuit, configured to adopt an open position (P1) and a closed position, - an actuation mechanism (12) for actuating the additional switch (11) between the open position (P1) and the closed position, linked to the mobile contact (4) of the first line and/or of the second line by a first 15 end (13) of the actuation mechanism (12), and linked to the additional switch (11) by a second end (14) of the actuation mechanism (12). O21a 2114 is o 28 3 16 11 15 17 19 4b 4 4a FI G. 1 4a

Description

Modular electrical switching device

The present invention relates to the field of electrical switching devices of modular type, such as switches or circuit breakers.

An electrical switching device of modular type comprises, as is known, at least one first, phase line comprising a first connection terminal and a pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts, a second, neutral line also comprising a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal and possibly a pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts, a trip latch, actuated by a maneuvering member and comprising a mobile contactholder on which the mobile contact or contacts are mounted. An electrical device of modular type has, moreover, a width of a module, that is to say the distance between the two lateral faces of the housing of the electrical device corresponds to a standardized value, called module. This type of electrical device can also include an electronic circuit, powered between the first, phase line and the second, neutral line, and an additional switch, disposed between the first, phase line and the electronic circuit, that can adopt a closed position and an open position depending on the position of the trip latch. In particular, on the one hand, in the open position, the fixed contact or contacts and the mobile contact or contacts of the first and/or second lines are at a distance from one another, in a so-called decoupled position, and, on the other hand, in the closed position, the fixed contact or contacts and the mobile contact or contacts of the first and/or second lines are in contact, in a so-called coupled position. Such an additional switch makes it possible to protect the electrical device during dielectric tests and also makes it possible to interrupt the electrical power supply of the electronic circuit if necessary when the fixed contact and the mobile contact are configured in the decoupled position.

Electrical devices of modular type incorporating an additional switch are known from the prior art and, notably, from the publications EP 2 085 998 Al and EP 2 455 961 Al. More particularly, the document EP 2 086 998 Al discloses an electrical breaking device of modular type having a width of two modules and comprising an additional switch actuated by the contact-holder and taking the form of a flexible conductive rod comprising an end fixed to the printed circuit board of the electronic circuit and a free end that can be driven into contact with a conductive pin linked to the electronic circuit when the contacts are closed or opened. This

2020100774 19 May 2020

-2device has the drawback of being bulky and is thus difficult to incorporate in a more compact electrical device and notably a modular electrical device having a width of a module.

The document EP 2 455 961 Al describes a differential circuit breaker comprising an additional switch mounted in series between the actuator of the differential protection device and the first, phase line and taking the form of a spring provided with an end which extends toward the mobile contact, to be in contact with the mobile contact, only when the mobile contact and the fixed contact are coupled. This device has the drawback of impacting on the parameters of the latch, which is not desirable.

The aim of the present invention is to mitigate these drawbacks by proposing a modular electrical switching device, whose design makes it possible to incorporate an additional switch without increasing the bulk of the electrical device and, preferentially, without impacting on the parameters of the trip latch.

To this end, the present invention relates to an electrical switching device of modular type comprising at least:

- one first, phase line comprising at least one first connection terminal and one second connection terminal, and a pair of contacts, respectively fixed and mobile,

- a second, neutral line comprising at least one first connection terminal and one second connection terminal, and, optionally if necessary, a pair of contacts, respectively fixed and mobile,

- an electronic circuit that can and is intended to be powered between the first, phase line and the second, neutral line,

- a trip latch comprising a maneuvering member for manually actuating the trip latch and comprising a mobile contact-holder on which the mobile contact or contacts are mounted,

- an additional switch, disposed between the first, phase line and the electronic circuit, that can and is intended to adopt, on the one hand, an open position, when the fixed contact or contacts and the mobile contact or contacts are at a distance from one another in a decoupled position, and, on the other hand, a closed position, when the fixed contact or contacts and the mobile contact or contacts are in contact in a coupled position, said electrical device being characterized in that it comprises an actuation mechanism of the additional switch, that can and is intended to

2020100774 19 May 2020

-3actuate the additional switch between the open position and the closed position, the actuation mechanism being, on the one hand, linked mechanically to the mobile contact of the first, phase line and/or, optionally if necessary, of the second, neutral line, by a first end of the actuation mechanism and, on the other hand, linked mechanically to the additional switch by a second end of the actuation mechanism, and in that the actuation mechanism is made of insulating material.

The invention will be better understood, from the following description which relates to a number of preferred embodiments, given as nonlimiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

- figures 1 and 2 are respectively side and perspective views of a trip latch of an electrical device according to the invention in a first variant embodiment, the enclosure of which has been partially removed, which incorporates an additional switch configured in open position,

- figure 3 is a side view of the trip latch of an electrical device according to the invention in the first variant embodiment, the enclosure of which has been partially removed, which incorporates an additional switch configured in closed position,

- figures 4 and 5 are respectively side and perspective views of a trip latch of an electrical device according to the invention in a second variant embodiment, the enclosure of which has been partially removed, which incorporates an additional switch configured in open position,

- figures 6 and 7 are views similar to the views of figures 4 and 5 in which a fourth conductive element interacting with a test pushbutton is represented,

- figure 8 is a perspective view of the trip latch of an electrical device according to the invention in the second variant embodiment which incorporates an additional switch configured in open position and is covered by its enclosure,

- figure 9 is a side view of the trip latch of an electrical device according to the invention in the second variant embodiment, the enclosure of which has been partially removed, which incorporates an additional switch configured in closed position,

- figure 10 is a view of an electrical circuit diagram of the electrical device according to the invention of differential circuit breaker type.

2020100774 19 May 2020

-4An electrical switching device of modular type comprises at least:

- one first, phase line L comprising at least one first connection terminal 1 and one second connection terminal 2, and a pair of respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4 contacts (figure 10),

- a second, neutral line N comprising at least one first connection terminal 5 and one second connection terminal 6, and, optionally if necessary, a pair of respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4 contacts (figure 10),

- an electronic circuit 7 that can and is intended to be powered between the first, phase line L and the second, neutral line N (figure 10),

- a trip latch 8 comprising a maneuvering member 9 for manually actuating the trip latch 8 and comprising a mobile contact-holder 10 on which the mobile contact or contacts 4 are mounted (figures 1 to 9),

- an additional switch 11, disposed between the first, phase line N and the electronic circuit 7, that can and is intended to adopt, on the one hand, an open position Pl, when the fixed contact or contacts 3 and the mobile contact or contacts 4 are at a distance from one another in a decoupled position, and, on the other hand, a closed position P2 when the fixed contact or contacts 3 and the mobile contact or contacts 4 are in contact in a coupled position (figures 1 to 9),

According to the invention, the electrical device is characterized in that it comprises an actuation mechanism 12 for the additional switch 11, that can and is intended to actuate the additional switch 11 between the open position Pl (figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) and the closed position P2 (figures 3 and 9), the actuation mechanism 12 being, on the one hand, linked mechanically to the mobile contact 4 of the first, phase line L and/or, optionally if necessary, of the second, neutral line N, by a first end 13 of the actuation mechanism 12 and, on the other hand, linked mechanically to the additional switch 11 by a second end 14 of the actuation mechanism 12, and in that the actuation mechanism 12 is made of insulating material (figures 1 to 9).

Advantageously, the actuation mechanism 12 makes it possible to transmit the movement of the mobile contact 4 to the additional switch 11. Since the actuation mechanism 12 is made of insulating material, preferentially of plastic material, of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyoxymethylene (POM) or polycaprolactam (PA6) type, the latter does

2020100774 19 May 2020

-5not conduct electricity, only a transmission of movements by mechanical coupling thus being possible. Moreover, the addition of this actuation mechanism 12 makes it possible to resite the additional switch 11 in a part of the enclosure of the electrical device or of the enclosure of the trip latch 18 which is relatively distant from the mobile contact 4. This arrangement thus contributes to the compactness of the electrical device according to the invention and notably makes it possible to incorporate the additional switch 11 in an electrical device of modular type having the width of a module, as detailed hereinbelow.

Thus, when the mobile contact 4 is in contact with the fixed contact 3, the additional switch 11 is disposed in the closed position P2, by virtue of the actuation mechanism 12, and when the mobile contact 4 is at a distance from the fixed contact 3, the additional switch 11 is disposed in the open position Pl, by virtue of the actuation mechanism 12. The result thereof is thus that, in the coupled position of the trip latch 8, and therefore in the closed position P2 of the additional switch 11, the electronic circuit 7 is advantageously powered, whereas, in the decoupled position of the trip latch 8, and therefore in the open position Pl of the additional switch 11, the electronic circuit 7 is not powered.

The electrical switching device according to the invention is of the modular type, and thus has a width of a module, that is to say that the distance between the two lateral faces (not represented) of the enclosure of the electrical device (not represented) corresponds to a standardized value, called module. Furthermore, the width of the two lateral faces of the enclosure of the trip latch 18 is slightly less than the value of a module to be able to be incorporated in the enclosure of the device (figure 8), and is for example equal to 15.5 millimeters. According to a first variant embodiment according to the invention illustrated in figures 1, 2, 3 and 10, the additional switch 11 comprises first conductive elastic return means 15 mounted to pivot by a pivot link 16 about a first post 17 protruding from an enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, the first elastic return means 15 comprising a first end 19 linked electrically to the first, phase line L via a first conductive element 20 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18 and a second end 21 that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the electronic circuit 7 at at least one first contact interface 22 in the closed position P2 via a second conductive element 23

2020100774 19 May 2020

-6protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the second conductive element 23, in the open position Pl.

In this configuration, the first conductive elastic return means 15 can pivot by virtue of the pivot link 16 about the first post 17 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18. Moreover, the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 can be deformed, to allow the displacement thereof and thus switch the additional switch 11 from the first position Pl to the second position P2 and vice-versa. Thus, on the one hand, in the open position Pl, the first end 19 is in permanent contact with the first conductive element 20, and the second end 21 and the second conductive element 23 are at a distance from one another, so the electronic circuit 7 is not linked electrically to the first, phase line L and is not therefore powered (figures 1 and 2). Also, in the closed position P2, the first end 19 is in permanent contact with the first conductive element 20, and the first contact interface 22 of the second end 21 and the second conductive element 23 are in contact, so that, in this case, the electronic circuit 7 is linked electrically to the first, phase line L and is powered (figure 3). The result thereof is that the second conductive element 23 and the second end 21 forms a pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts of the additional switch 11.

According to a nonlimiting particular feature of the first variant embodiment, the second end 14 of the actuation mechanism 12 is linked mechanically to the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 to drive the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 toward the second conductive element 23, when the respectively mobile 4 and fixed 3 contacts switch from a decoupled position to a coupled position or to separate the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 from the second conductive element 23, when the respectively mobile and fixed 3 contacts switch from a coupled position to a decoupled position.

Thus, the movement of the mobile contact 4 drives the movement of the actuation mechanism 12, which, being linked mechanically by its second end 14 to the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15, drives the movement of the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 by deformation thereof, such that it comes into contact with the second conductive element 23 or, on the contrary, that it separates from the second conductive element 23. The result thereof, in this

2020100774 19 May 2020

-7configuration, is that the additional switch has no impact on the parameters of the trip latch 8, that is to say that it does not impact on the opening distance between the mobile 4 and fixed 3 contacts of the first and/or second lines L, N, nor the contact force, nor the breaking performances.

Preferentially according to the first embodiment, the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 can be able and intended to be connected electrically to the second conductive element 23 at said first contact interface 22 and also at a second contact interface 24 that the second end 21 includes, in the closed position P2.

Advantageously, the fact of providing a first contact interface 22 and a second contact interface 24 at the second end 21 makes it possible to avoid premature deterioration of the second end 21 of the first elastic return means 15 and the second conductive element 23 at a single point, following repeated opening and closing cycles of the additional switch 11. The result thereof is a better endurance of the electrical switching device according to the invention, compared to the electrical devices of the prior art.

Preferentially according to the first variant embodiment, the first contact interface 22 and the second contact interface 24 of the second end 21 can be disposed relative to one another so as to successively establish the electrical connection/disconnection with the second conductive element 23.

Advantageously, in this configuration, the closed position P2 and the open position Pl are established in two stages and in a desynchronized manner. Upon the switch from the open position Pl to the closed position P2, the first contact interface 22 comes into contact with the second conductive element 23, then the second contact interface 24 comes into contact with the second conductive element 23. Upon the switch from the closed position P2 to the open position Pl, first of all, the second contact interface 24 moves away from the second conductive element 23, then the first contact interface 22 moves away from the second conductive element 23.

Preferentially according to the first variant embodiment, the second end 21 can take the form of a hook having a first portion 21a, extending parallel to the interior wall 18' of the enclosure of the device or of the enclosure of the trip latch 18, to which the second end 14 of the actuation mechanism 12 is mechanically linked, and a second, deformable

2020100774 19 May 2020

-8inclined portion 21b, extending transversely to the interior wall 18' of the enclosure of the device or of the enclosure of the latch 18, bearing the first contact interface 22 and the second contact interface 24.

Preferentially in this case, the second end 14 of the actuation mechanism 12 comprises a protruding guiding element 50 and a terminal abutment 51 between which the first portion 21a is disposed bearing in the open position Pl (figures 1 and 2), the guiding element 50 comprising a top face and an inclined face, the inclined face being able and intended to guide the first portion 21a bearing toward the top face, upon the switch from the first position Pl to the second position P2 to displace the first contact interface 22 and the second contact interface 24 along the second conductive element 23.

Advantageously, upon the switch from the open position Pl to the open position P2, the first portion 21a slides on the inclined face in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the actuation mechanism 12, which makes it possible to progressively raise the first portion 21a relative to its initial position in the open position Pl, until it rests bearing on the top face (figure 3). Upon this switch, the first contact interface 22 and the second contact interface 24 are in contact with the second conductive element 23, and the first contact interface 22 and the second contact interface 24 are translationally displaced along the second conductive element 23. This particularly advantageous configuration makes it possible to scrape the surface of the second conductive element 23, in particular at the points where the latter is in contact with the first contact interface 22 and the second contact interface 24, to clean the second conductive element 23. The result thereof is a better endurance of the electrical switching device according to the invention, compared to the electrical devices of the prior art.

Preferentially according to the first variant embodiment, the first elastic return means 15 consist of a spring comprising a plurality of turns 25 wound around the first protruding post 17, the plurality of wound turns 25 forming the pivot link 16.

Preferentially according to the first embodiment, the electrical device can comprise a test pushbutton 26 which is mobile between a pressed position and an initial position and configured to actuate second conductive elastic return means 27 mounted to pivot by a pivot link 27' about a second post 28 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical

2020100774 19 May 2020

-9device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, the second elastic return means 27 comprising a first end 29 linked electrically to the electronic circuit 7 via the second conductive element 23 and a second end 30 that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the electronic circuit 7 in the pressed position via a third conductive element 31 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18 and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the third conductive element 31 in the initial position.

This pushbutton 26 makes it possible to test the differential function, when the electrical device according to the invention is a differential switch or a differential circuit breaker, as described hereinbelow, by causing a test current to pass into the electronic circuit 7 which would be substantially identical to that which would pass through the electronic circuit 7 in the case of a differential fault. For this, the pushbutton 26 is actuated to displace it from the initial position to the pressed position and allow the circulation of this current in the electronic circuit 7.

According to a second variant embodiment according to the invention illustrated in figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the additional switch 11 comprises a conductive switching element 32 mounted to pivot by a pivot link 33 about a first post 34 protruding from an enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, the pivot link 33 being also linked electrically to the electronic circuit 7 via a first conductive element 35 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, the switching element 32 comprising a first end 36 that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the first, phase line L at a first contact interface 37 in the closed position P2 via a second conductive element 38 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18 and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the second conductive element 38 in the open position Pl.

In this configuration, the switching element 32 can pivot by virtue of the pivot link 33 about the first post 34 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, to switch the additional switch 11 from the first position Pl to the second position P2, and vice-versa, and more particularly to displace the first end 36 without deformation thereof. Thus, on the one hand, in the open position Pl, the pivot link 33 is permanently linked electrically to the first

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 10conductive element 35 and the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 are at a distance from one another, so that the electronic circuit 7 is not linked to the first, phase line L and is not therefore powered (figures 4, 5, 6 and 7). Also, in the closed position P2, the pivot link 33 is permanently linked electrically to the first conductive element 35, and the first contact interface 37 of the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 are in contact, so that, in this case, the electronic circuit 7 is linked to the first, phase line L and is powered (figure 9). The result thereof is that the first conductive element 35 and the first end 36 form a pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts of the additional switch 11.

According to a non-limiting particular feature of the second variant embodiment, the switching element 32 comprises a second end 39 that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the first, phase line L at a second contact interface 40 in the closed position P2 via a third conductive element 41 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18 linked electrically to the second conductive element 38 and, on the other hand, to be disconnected electrically from the third conductive element 41 in the open position Pl.

Thus, on the one hand, in the open position Pl, the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 are at a distance from one another, and likewise, the second end 39 and the third conductive element 41 are at a distance from one another, so that the electronic circuit 7 is not linked to the first, phase line L and is not therefore powered (figures 4, 5, 6 and 7). Also, in the closed position P2, the first contact interface 37 of the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 are in contact, and likewise, the second contact interface 40 of the second end 39 and the third conductive element 41 are in contact, so that, in this case, the electronic circuit 7 is linked to the first, phase line L and is powered (figure 9). The first conductive element 35 and the first end 36 form a first pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts of the additional switch 11 and the second conductive element 38 and the second end 39 form a second pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts of the additional switch 11. In this configuration, the additional switch 11 can comprise two contact zones that are separate and distinct from one another, since they are located at two distinct and separate conductive elements 38, 41, that are only linked electrically to one another. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 11 premature deterioration of the contact interfaces 37, 40, following repeated opening and closing cycles of the additional switch 11. The result thereof is a better endurance of the electrical switching device according to the invention, compared to the electrical devices of the prior art.

Preferentially according to a specific aspect of this particular feature according to the second variant embodiment, the second end 14 of the actuation mechanism 12 is linked mechanically to the first end 36 and to the second end 39 of the switching element 32 to respectively drive the first end 36 of the switching element 32 toward the second conductive element 38 and the second end 39 of the switching element 32 toward the third conductive element 41, when the respectively mobile 4 and fixed 3 contacts switch from a decoupled position to a coupled position or to separate respectively the first end 36 from the second conductive element 38 and the second end 39 from the third conductive element 41, when the respectively mobile 4 and fixed 3 contacts switch from a coupled position to a decoupled position.

Thus, the movement of the mobile contact 4 drives the movement of the actuation mechanism 12, which, being linked mechanically by its second end 14 to the first end 36 and to the second end 39 of the switching element 32, drives the simultaneous movement of the first end 36 and of the second end 39 of the switching element 32, by virtue of the pivot link 33, such that they come into contact respectively with the second conductive element 38 and the third conductive element 41 or, on the contrary, that they separate from the second conductive element 38 and from the third conductive element 41.

Preferentially according to the second variant embodiment of the invention, in open position Pl, the distance between the first interface 37 of the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 is less than the distance between the second interface 40 of the second end 39 and the third conductive element 41 to successively establish the electrical connection with the second conductive element 38, then with the third conductive element 41, or disconnection with the third conductive element 41, then with the second conductive element 38.

Advantageously, upon the switch from the open position Pl to the closed position P2, the first contact interface 37 of the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 first establish a contact between them, then the second contact interface 40 of the second end 39 and the third

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 12conductive element 41 establish a contact between them. Upon the switch from the closed position P2 to the open position Pl, the first contact interface 37 of the first end 36 and the second conductive element 38 first break the contact between them, then the second contact interface 40 of the second end 39 and the third conductive element 41 in turn break the contact between them. Since the second contact interface 40 of the second end 39 and the third conductive element 41 connect and disconnect last, they are not damaged, because no electrical arc is established. That arrangement makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the second contact interface 40 and of the third conductive element 41.

Preferentially according to the second variant embodiment of the invention, the first contact interface 37 and/or the second contact interface 40 consists of a boss or a conductive rivet, preferentially made of silver or of copper alloy.

Preferentially according to the second variant embodiment of the invention, the switching element 32 consists of a leafspring that is bent back so that the first end 36 and the second end 39 are substantially facing one another.

Preferentially according to the second variant embodiment of the invention, the electrical device can comprise a test pushbutton 42 that is mobile between a pressed position and an initial position and configured to actuate conductive elastic return means 43 mounted to pivot by a pivot link 43' about a second post 44 protruding from an enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18, the elastic return means 43 comprising a first end 45 linked electrically to the electronic circuit 7 via the first conductive element 35 and a second end 46 that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the electronic circuit 7 in the pressed position via a fourth conductive element 49 protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch 18 and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the fourth conductive element 49 in the initial position.

This pushbutton 42 makes it possible to test the differential function of the electronic circuit 7, when the electrical device according to the invention is a differential switch or a differential circuit breaker as described hereinbelow, by passing a test current into the electronic circuit 7 which would be substantially identical to that which would pass through the electronic circuit 7 in the event of a differential fault. For that, the

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 13 pushbutton 42 is actuated to displace it from the initial position to the pressed position.

Preferentially, according to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment, the enclosure of the electrical device or the enclosure of the trip latch 18 comprises translational guiding means 47 for the actuation mechanism 12 of the additional switch 11 mounted to slide with a guiding member of the actuation mechanism 12.

Advantageously, in this configuration, the actuation mechanism 12 is guided along the enclosure of the electrical device or the enclosure of the trip latch 18.

Preferentially, these translational guiding means 47 for the actuation mechanism 12 consist of a groove, through (figures 1 to 7 and 9) or not, in which a protruding post (not represented) forming said guiding member of the actuation mechanism 12 is mounted to slide.

Preferentially, according to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment illustrated in figure 8, said trip latch 8 and the additional switch 11 are contained in said enclosure of the trip latch 18 to form a compact subassembly of the electrical device.

The result thereof is, advantageously, that the additional switch 11 can be easily incorporated in the production of the electrical switching device. Indeed, in this configuration, the trip latch 8 and the additional switch 11 form a single-piece subassembly. In this case this subassembly is all the easier to incorporate in an electrical device of modular type that is the width of a module.

Preferentially, according to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment, the first end 13 of the actuation mechanism 12 is linked mechanically to the mobile contact 4 of the first, phase line L and/or, optionally if necessary, of the second, neutral line N, by a mechanical link of pivot type 48.

Preferentially, when the second, neutral line N also comprises a pair of respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4 contacts, and the trip latch 8 comprises the mobile contact 4, then, the actuation mechanism 12 is preferentially linked mechanically to the mobile contact 4 of the second, neutral line N (figures 2, 5, 7 and 8). Preferably, the respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4 contacts of the second, neutral line N are also mounted on the mobile contact-holder 10. Thus, the respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 14contacts of the first, phase line L are actuated simultaneously with the contacts, respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4, of the second, neutral line N.

Preferentially and alternatively (not represented), when the second, neutral line N does not comprise a pair of respectively fixed and mobile contacts, but is formed by a simple cable and only the first, phase line L comprises a pair of respectively fixed 3 and mobile 4 contacts, then, the actuation mechanism 12 is preferentially linked mechanically to the mobile contact 4 of the first, phase line L.

Preferentially, the mobile contact 4 comprises a metal insert 4a, a portion of which is covered by an insulating overmolding 4b. In this case, the actuation mechanism 12 is preferentially linked mechanically to the mobile contact 4 at the insulating overmolding 4b (figures 1 to 9).

According to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment according to the invention, the connection terminals 1, 2, 5, 6 can consist of a metal cage or of a cable.

Preferentially, on the one hand, the first connection terminal 1 of the first, phase line L can and is intended to be linked to a load (not represented) and the second connection terminal 2 of the first, phase line L can and is intended to be linked to an electrical distribution source (not represented) and, on the other hand, the first connection terminal 5 of the first, neutral line N can and is intended to be linked to a load and the second connection terminal 6 of the first, neutral line N can and is intended to be linked to an electrical distribution source. In this case, and as figure 10 illustrates, the electronic circuit 7 is connected upstream of the fixed and mobile contacts 3, 4, that is to say on the side of the connection to the electrical distribution source. More particularly, the electronic circuit 7 is connected, on the one hand, to the first, phase line L between the second connection terminal 2 and the fixed contact 3 and, on the other hand, to the second, neutral line N between the second connection terminal 6 and the fixed contact 3.

However, according to an alternative variant that is not represented, the first connection terminal 1 of the first, phase line L can and is intended to be linked to an electrical distribution source and the second connection terminal 2 of the first, phase line L can and is intended to be linked to a load and, on the other hand, the first connection terminal 5 of the first, neutral line N can and is intended to be linked to an electrical distribution source and the second connection terminal 6 of the first, neutral

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 15 line N can and is intended to be linked to a load. In this case, the electronic circuit 7 is connected downstream of the fixed and mobile contacts 3, 4, that is to say on the side opposite the connection to the electrical distribution source. More particularly, the electronic circuit 7 is connected, on the one hand, to the first, phase line L between the second connection terminal 2 and the fixed contact 3 and, on the other hand, to the second, neutral line N between the second connection terminal 6 and the fixed contact 3.

According to another variant alternative that is not represented, the first connection terminal 1 of the first, phase line L can and is intended to be linked to a load and the second connection terminal 2 of the first, phase line L can and is intended to be linked to an electrical distribution source and, on the other hand, the first connection terminal 5 of the first, neutral line N can and is intended to be linked to a load and the second connection terminal 6 of the first, neutral line N can and is intended to be linked to an electrical distribution source. In this case, the electronic circuit 7 is connected downstream of the fixed and mobile contacts 3, 4, that is to say on the side of the connection to the electrical distribution source. More particularly, the electronic circuit 7 is connected, on the one hand, to the first, phase line L between the first connection terminal 1 and the mobile contact 4 and, on the other hand to the second, neutral line N between the first connection terminal 5 and the mobile contact 4.

According to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment according to the invention, the electrical device according to the invention can comprise an electronic circuit board which comprises the electronic circuit 7.

According to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment according to the invention, the conductive elements 23, 31, 35, 38, 41, 49 can each consist of a metal rod.

The electrical switching device according to the invention can consist of a switch.

Preferentially, according to the first variant embodiment and the second variant embodiment, the electronic circuit 7 can be configured to perform a differential function and the electrical breaking device is, in this case, a differential switch or a differential circuit breaker, of which only the first, phase line L is protected against differential-type faults.

When the electrical switching device according to the invention is a differential switch, the latter comprises an electrical transformer 54

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 16associated with the electronic circuit 7 configured to perform a differential function, the first electronic circuit 7 being linked electrically to a control member (not represented), to control an electromagnetic actuator 55, which can and is intended to actuate the trip latch 8 to switch the trip latch 8 from the coupled position to the decoupled position, in the event of a differential fault.

When the electrical switching device according to the invention is a differential circuit breaker and as figure 10 illustrates, the latter comprises, in additional to the electrical transformer 54 described previously, a magnetic trip member 56 that can and is intended to actuate the trip latch 8 to switch the trip latch 8 from the coupled position to the decoupled position, in the event of a fault of short-circuit type, and a thermal trip member 57 that can and is intended to actuate the trip latch 8 to switch the trip latch 8 from the coupled position to the decoupled position, in the event of a fault of prolonged overcurrent type. In this case, the first, phase line L comprises the magnetic trip member 56 and the thermal trip member 57.

Preferentially, the magnetic trip member 56 comprises a coil surrounding a mobile core that can actuate the trip latch 8.

The thermal trip member 57 can consist of a bimetallic strip linked or not to the mobile contact 4 by a flexible conductor (not represented) such as a conductive braid, and that can and is intended to actuate the trip latch 8 under the effect of a deformation of the bimetallic strip.

Advantageously, the bimetallic strip is deformed by direct or indirect heating of the flexible conductor.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and represented in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, notably from the point of view of the construction of the various elements or by substituting equivalent techniques, without in any way departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS:

1. An electrical switching device of modular type comprising at least:

- one first, phase line (L) comprising at least one first connection terminal (1) and one second connection terminal (2), and a pair of contacts, respectively fixed (3) and mobile (4),

- one second, neutral line (N) comprising at least one first connection terminal (5) and one second connection terminal (6), and, optionally if necessary, a pair of contacts, respectively fixed (3) and mobile (4),

- an electronic circuit (7) that can and is intended to be powered between the first, phase line (L) and the second, neutral line (N),

- a trip latch (8) comprising a maneuvering member (9) for manually actuating the trip latch (8) and comprising a mobile contactholder (10) on which the mobile contact or contacts (4) are mounted,

- an additional switch (11), disposed between the first, phase line (N) and the electronic circuit (7), that can and is intended to adopt, on the one hand, an open position (Pl), when the fixed contact or contacts (3) and the mobile contact or contacts (4) are at a distance from one another in a decoupled position, and, on the other hand, a closed position (P2), when the fixed contact or contacts (3) and the mobile contact or contacts (4) are in contact in a coupled position, said electrical device being characterized in that it comprises an actuation mechanism (12) for the additional switch (11), that can and is intended to actuate the additional switch (11) between the open position (Pl) and the closed position (P2), the actuation mechanism (12) being, on the one hand, linked mechanically to the mobile contact (4) of the first, phase line (L) and/or, optionally if necessary, of the second, neutral line (N), by a first end (13) of the actuation mechanism (12) and, on the other hand, linked mechanically to the additional switch (11) by a second end (14) of the actuation mechanism (12), and in that the actuation mechanism (12) is made of insulating material.

2. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the additional switch (11) comprises first conductive elastic return means (15) mounted to pivot by a pivot link (16) about a first post (17)

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 18protruding from an enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), the first elastic return means (15) comprising a first end (19) linked electrically to the first, phase line (L) via a first conductive element (20) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18) and a second end (21) that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the electronic circuit (7) at at least one first contact interface (22) in the closed position (P2) via a second conductive element (23) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the second conductive element (23), in the open position (Pl).

3. The electrical device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the second end (14) of the actuation mechanism (12) is linked mechanically to the second end (21) of the first elastic return means (15) to drive the second end (21) of the first elastic return means (15) toward the second conductive element (23), when the respectively mobile (4) and fixed (3) contacts switch from a decoupled position to a coupled position or to separate the second end (21) of the first elastic return means (15) from the second conductive element (23), when the respectively mobile (4) and fixed (3) contacts switch from a coupled position to a decoupled position.

4. The electrical device as claimed in either one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the second end (21) of the first elastic return means (15) can and is intended to be connected electrically to the second conductive element (23) at said first contact interface (22) and, also, at a second contact interface (24) that the second end (21) includes, in the closed position (P2).

5 21. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

5. The electrical device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the first contact interface (22) and the second contact interface (24) of the second end (21) are disposed relative to one another so as to successively establish the electrical connection/disconnection with the second conductive element (23).

6. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the second end (21) takes the form of a hook having a first portion (21a), extending parallel to the interior wall (18') of the enclosure of the device or of the enclosure of the trip latch (18), to which the second end (14) of the actuation mechanism (12) is mechanically linked and a second, deformable inclined portion (21b), extending transversely to

2020100774 19 May 2020

- 19the interior wall (18') of the enclosure of the device or of the enclosure of the latch (18), bearing the first contact interface (22) and the second contact interface (24).

7. The electrical device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the second end (14) of the actuation mechanism (12) comprises a protruding guiding element (50) and a terminal abutment (51) between which the first portion (21a) is disposed bearing in the open position (Pl), the guiding element (50) comprising a top face and an inclined face, the inclined face being able and intended to guide the first portion (21 a) which is bearing toward the top face, upon the switch from the first position (Pl) to the second position (P2) to translationally displace the first contact interface (22) and the second contact interface (24) along the second conductive element (23).

8. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first elastic return means (15) consist of a spring comprising a plurality of turns (25) wound around the first protruding post (17), the plurality of wound turns (25) forming the pivot link (16).

9. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a test pushbutton (26) which is mobile between a pressed position and an initial position and configured to actuate second conductive elastic return means (27) mounted to pivot by a pivot link (27') about a second post (28) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), the second elastic return means (27) comprising a first end (29) linked electrically to the electronic circuit (7) via the second conductive element (23) and a second end (30) that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the electronic circuit (7) in the pressed position via a third conductive element (31) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18) and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the third conductive element (31) in the initial position.

10. The electrical device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the additional switch (11) comprises a conductive switching element (32) mounted to pivot by a pivot link (33) about a first post (34) protruding from an enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), the pivot link (33) being also linked electrically to the electronic circuit (7) via a first conductive element (35) protruding from the enclosure

2020100774 19 May 2020

-20of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), the switching element (32) comprising a first end (36) that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the first, phase line (L) at a first contact interface (37) in the closed position (P2) via a second conductive element (38) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18) and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the second conductive element (38) in the open position (Pl).

11. The electrical device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the switching element (32) comprises a second end (39) that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the first, phase line (L) at a second contact interface (40) in the closed position (P2) via a third conductive element (41) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), linked electrically to the second conductive element (38) and, on the other hand, to be disconnected electrically from the third conductive element (41) in the open position (Pl).

12. The electrical device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the second end (14) of the actuation mechanism (12) is linked mechanically to the first end (36) and to the second end (39) of the switching element (32) to respectively drive the first end (36) of the switching element (32) toward the second conductive element (38) and the second end (39) of the switching element (32) toward the third conductive element (41), when the respectively mobile (4) and fixed (3) contacts switch from a decoupled position to a coupled position, or to separate respectively the first end (36) from the second conductive element (38) and the second end (39) from the third conductive element (41), when the respectively mobile (4) and fixed (3) contacts switch from a coupled position to a decoupled position.

13. The electrical device as claimed in either one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that, in the open position (Pl), the distance between the first interface (37) of the first end (36) and the second conductive element (38) is less than the distance between the second interface (40) of the second end (39) and the third conductive element (41) to successively establish the electrical connection with the second conductive element (38) then with the third conductive element (41) or the disconnection with the

2020100774 19 May 2020

-21 third conductive element (41) then with the second conductive element (38).

14. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the first contact interface (37) and/or the second contact interface (40) consists of a boss or a conductive rivet, preferentially made of silver or of copper alloy.

15. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the switching element (32) consists of a leafspring that is bent back so that the first end (36) and the second end (39) are substantially facing one another.

16. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a test pushbutton (42) that is mobile between a pressed position and an initial position and configured to actuate conductive elastic return means (43) mounted to pivot by a pivot link (43') about a second post (44) protruding from an enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18), the elastic return means (43) comprising a first end (45) linked electrically to the electronic circuit (7) via the first conductive element (35) and a second end (46) that can and is intended to be, on the one hand, connected electrically to the electronic circuit (7) in the pressed position via a fourth conductive element (49) protruding from the enclosure of the electrical device or from the enclosure of the trip latch (18) and, on the other hand, disconnected electrically from the fourth conductive element (49) in the initial position.

17. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the enclosure of the electrical device or the enclosure of the trip latch (18) comprises translational guiding means (47) for the actuation mechanism (12) of the additional switch (11) mounted to slide with a guiding member of the actuation mechanism (12).

18. The electrical device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that translational guiding means (47) for the actuation mechanism (12) consist of a groove, through or not, in which a protruding post forming said guiding member of the actuation mechanism (12) is mounted to slide.

19. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that said trip latch (8) and the additional switch (11) are contained in said enclosure of the trip latch (18) to form a compact subassembly of the electrical device.

2020100774 19 May 2020

20. The electrical device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the first end (13) of the actuation mechanism (12) is linked mechanically to the mobile contact by a mechanical link of pivot type (48).

20, characterized in that the electronic circuit (7) is configured to perform a differential function.