EP2079091B1 - Voltage trigger case for a circuit breaker, voltage trigger device and assembly method - Google Patents

Abstract

The case has a bottom part (22) and a lid forming a cavity. The cavity has a box (58) including an activation orifice arranged at level of a side wall of the bottom part permitting to place an electromagnetic actuator. The box is adapted to house, in a sealed manner with respect to the cavity, the electromagnetic actuator in a rest position at inside of the case and in an active position, in which the actuator protrudes out from the case by the activation orifice and a recess of the lid. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an electronic module comprising an actuator associated with a connector passing through a passage of the box (2) a triggering device comprising an electronic module with a case integrated to a case of a transformation block (3) a method for assembling a triggering device.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to the triggering of switchgear by means of an electronic processing. The invention relates more particularly to an electronic release that can integrate into existing switchgear and acts on its contacts via an integrated electromagnetic actuator; an electronic module of the trigger can further include the known features, including threshold settings, current measurements, test taking, display and communication.

The invention thus relates to an electronic trigger housing whose design has been optimized for maximum compactness; the invention also relates to the triggering device and its mounting method, which is simplified despite the density of integrated features.

STATE OF THE ART

The document US 4300110 discloses a housing for an electronic module according to the preamble of claim 1.

As illustrated in the document FR 2,696,275 and schematized in figure 1 , a molded case circuit breaker 1 comprises a trigger 2 for timely actuation of the contacts of the cut-off device 3; the size of the circuit breaker 1 is more or less standardized, defined by the range of the cut-off device 3 and, in particular, the trigger 2 is put in place in a housing 4 arranged in the housing of said device 3.

Different trigger blocks are known, in particular with the development of electronic trip units 2 which, compared with magnetic or magnetothermal trip devices, make it possible, for example, to adjust, by suitable means, the current thresholds causing a cut and to undergo checks by means of through a test socket 6.

Typically, an electronic release 2 comprises a housing 7 of insulating material in which is disposed a processing unit of the printed circuit board type which receives signals indicative of the distribution circuit; when the value of the current signals exceeds predetermined thresholds for predefined durations, the processing unit sends a signal to an actuating device 3, such as a solenoid, which separates the contact pairs of the circuit breaker 1.

The triggers 2 are generally removable and mounted in the casing of the circuit breaker 1 only during its installation. It is also customary for the triggers 2 to be interchangeable to satisfy the variety of demand, ranging from the basic protection to the most advanced protection, having multiple adjustment points and / or different measuring functions such as voltage, power and / or energy. What is more, it may be desirable to replace a trigger 2, in case of failure or to add new functions, on an existing switchgear 1. Although the functionalities of a trigger 2 and the parameters to be adjusted can be significant, the dimensioning of the trigger blocks 2 is thus subject to strict criteria related to their housing 4.

Admittedly, the use of microprocessors should make it possible to place all the protection functions in housings 7 of reduced dimensions. However, the size inherent in these functionalities can not be minimized at will, especially in view of the constraints generated by the connections between the different elements ensuring the processing, measurement, parameterization and actuation: the wires, welds or blades of conventional contacts impose a compromise among the functions integrated in the trigger block 2, the others can then be provided by auxiliary blocks, external and coupled by wired links. In particular, the system for actuating the contacts is not part of the electronic trigger 2.

Despite various conceptions, as described for example in the document EP 0 991 095 , Electronic triggers are not optimized and require auxiliaries to connect, thus increasing the procedure for mounting the circuit breaker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among other advantages, the invention aims at overcoming the drawbacks of existing electronic trip blocks, and at proposing a trigger whose design makes it possible to include the various elements necessary to ensure the required functionalities. In particular, the trigger according to the invention conforms to the constraints of space, and can replace a trip unit, in particular magnetic or thermal, in an existing circuit breaker. Furthermore, the trigger according to the invention integrates both the device for electromagnetic actuation of the circuit breaker contacts and the measurement and processing of the different values representative of the current flowing in the distribution circuit, as well as the devices allowing the parameterization of the values of the circuit breaker. trigger threshold by the user. Its assembly is thus facilitated; Moreover, as the architecture is common to the various circuit breakers regardless of their number of poles or their cut-off intensity, assembly and storage of the various components are streamlined.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an electronic trigger device that can be connected to switchgear by connection pads; the invention also relates to the electronic module of such a device and its housing.

The housing of the module thus comprises a bottom portion and a cover which fits over and around the bottom portion to form a cavity, preferably by clipping, cavity in which is housed a printed circuit board. The cover has orifices for operating auxiliaries such as encoder wheel extension members of the electronic card and a test socket; its outer surface may also include a recess for setting up a display screen.

In the bottom part of the housing according to the invention is provided a sleeve for locating therein, sealingly relative to the surrounding cavity, an actuator that can take an inactive position and an active position in which it projects from the housing, orthogonal to the side wall facing the connection pads of the tripping device, to actuate the contacts of the circuit breaker. The sheath leads to side walls of the housing by a passage for the connection of the actuator and by an orifice allowing the actuator to take its active position. Preferably, a movable striker is integral with the cover and driven by the actuator when it moves from the inactive position to the active position. In the module and the trigger according to the invention, the actuator placed in the sleeve is preferably an electromagnetic actuator comprising a sliding pusher outside the sleeve and a connector passing through the connection passage.

The electronic module also preferably comprises an electronic card in the housing cavity, card to which the connector of the actuator is connected, preferably by the wafer, and preferably by a localized connection between the side walls of the lid and the part background. Connections with a transformer block to form an electronic trigger device are preferably also made by the wafer and between the walls of the bottom portion and the housing cover according to the invention. This solution increases the compactness of the device and avoids any maneuver to prevent misplacement and / or deterioration of the connection son. The connection between said transformation unit and the electronic module is preferably made by clipping, to remove any screw or other means perdable.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic module comprises other functionalities than protection by triggering following the analysis of the currents, and the interfaces for activating these functionalities are advantageously developed on an additional printed circuit board. placed in the cavity of its housing. Preferably, each of the additional cards is at least partially superimposed on the main board, and the transfer of information is by orthogonal, non-wired connectors. Advantageously, the connectors between the cards are in the form of spring contacts or gold pistons which make it possible to recover any defects caused by a coplanar stack. In particular, the module may comprise a card having an interface to the outside, the housing then being provided with a suitable arrangement, for example in the form of L.

Advantageously, the electronic module according to the invention comprises a direct processing unit voltage values, and possibly neutral, which it transfers the information to the main electronic card. The card dedicated to this treatment is preferably placed in the cavity of the housing with a dielectric screen molded or overmolded isolating it from the rest of the electronic components. Furthermore, the housing is then arranged to directly take the voltage test. In particular, the bottom portion of the housing can be made in two parts, with a bottom and a double bottom coupled to each other, preferably by welding, to form an isolated space in which can be positioned means allowing the value of the voltages and the neutral. In particular, arrangements of baffle type can define paths in which conductors are placed comprising a first range coupling for example to the connection pads of the transformation unit, and a second range internal to the cavity; a bottom orifice at these second pads allows a contact, preferably a gold piston, to transmit the information to the isolated processing circuit located next.

The housing and the electronic module according to the invention may comprise other functionalities. For example, a sliding device can be placed between the bottom and the double bottom of the housing to communicate a thrust to the outside. Non-contacting connection means may also be provided, with an optical passage arranged in the housing, preferably at the level of securing means with another apparatus also provided with optical communication means: during the joining of said apparatus, for example by interlocking on a rail, the communication means can transmit their information through said optical passage.

The housing and the electronic module according to the invention are suitable for tripping devices of any size, and any number of poles, in particular three or four. The triggering device can be placed in the housing of a switchgear, also object of the invention, to trigger the spacing of its contacts. To this end, the triggering device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is associated with an alignment of breakable screw type comb so that the establishment in a circuit breaker arrangement is achieved by coupling each of the screws of the comb on the connection pads, screwing, and section of the screws whose remaining part remains coupled to a set of consequent size. This facilitates the assembly by standardizing and guaranteeing the tightening torques.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the method of assembling an electronic trigger device whose geometry is optimized to incorporate all functions, including actuation. A bottom portion of the housing of the electronic module comprises a cavity in which there is a sleeve opening through an orifice on two opposite side walls. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion is made by welding a bottom to a double bottom, locating between the two conductors allowing a voltage and / or neutral and even other push-type elements . An actuator, preferably electromagnetic, is placed in the sheath of the bottom part, with its connector passing through one of the orifices and the sliding member of the actuator being able to project through the other orifice.

The method according to the invention is continued by securing, preferably by clipping, the bottom portion on the transformation block of the triggering device. In particular, in order to reduce the heating, the primary conductor of the transformation block is composed of only two parts, welded or otherwise secured by one end at a loop passing twice in the magnetic circuit. To allow the passage of each conductor portion in the center of the magnetic circuit, at least one of the parts is not fully folded at its end; in particular, the last angle between two sides of the loop is obtuse, and it is closed at 90 ° once set up around the housing of the transformation element so as to cooperate with one end of the other part to be welded.

Then the electronic circuit boards are installed in the cavity, with partial stacking and direct connection thanks to orthogonal contacts advantageously springing; the connectors of the actuator and the transformation unit are secured to the main electronic board by soldering, preferably on a wafer. The cavity is closed by a cover which is put in place parallel to the main electronic card, preferably by clipping. Actuators for the card are coupled to the lid, preferably by clipping after the lid has closed the cavity; other elements such as a display screen can also be assembled. The trigger device thus assembled can be mounted in a switchgear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La figure 1, déjà décrite, représente un appareillage de coupure dans lequel peut être mis en place un déclencheur selon l'invention.
• Les figures 2A à 2H montrent les étapes successives d'assemblage d'un déclencheur électronique selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.
• Les figures 3A, 3B et 3C représentent le montage d'une carte de prise de tension utilisée dans un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.
• La figure 4 illustre un autre mode de réalisation d'un déclencheur selon l'invention, ainsi que le procédé de montage par peigne séparé.
• La figure 5 montre l'assemblage du conducteur primaire d'un élément de transformation selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustration and in no way limiting, represented in the appended figures.

• The figure 1 , already described, represents a switchgear in which can be implemented a trigger according to the invention.
• The Figures 2A to 2H show the successive steps of assembling an electronic trigger according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• The FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C represent the mounting of a voltage test card used in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of a trigger according to the invention, as well as the separate comb mounting method.
• The figure 5 shows the assembly of the primary conductor of a transformation element according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention will be described hereinafter according to a preferred embodiment including trigger options 200 that may possibly be omitted; the alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the various components listed should not be understood as indispensable to the object for which protection is sought.

To lighten the figures, some of these elements, optional for the object of the invention, will not be included in all graphics.

Moreover, the trigger according to the invention can be adapted to the different "molded-case" cut-off devices existing, operating in particular between 16 and 630 A, whatever the number of poles concerned, even if the embodiment presented concerns an electronic trip unit for a tripolar circuit breaker 1 as illustrated in figure 1 , i.e. comprising three pairs of contacts to interrupt the current in each of the three phases.

Finally, for the sake of simplifying the presentation of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the trigger 200 will be described in relation to the assembly / mounting position in which the circuit breaker 1 is laid flat, with the recess 4 of the housing facing upwards, that is to say that the surface of the trigger 200 accessible to the user and provided with adjusting members is at the top, substantially horizontal. The use of relative positional terms, such as "lateral", "superior", "background", etc., should not be construed as a limiting factor.

As usual, a trigger 200 defines an outer envelope which fits into a recess 4 of the casing of the circuit breaker 1 and whose upper (outer) face is provided with adjustment and viewing elements accessible to the user. According to the invention, the envelope of the trigger 200 is delimited by the assembly of an electronic processing module with a current transformation block 10, which may be of conventional design. In particular, as illustrated in figure 2E , the transformer unit 10 comprises a housing 12, of a shape adapted to the recess 4 of the cut-off device 3 and / or the circuit breaker 1 where it will be placed. The housing 12 of the transformation unit 10 contains a conductor for each phase of the distribution circuit associated with a mixed current sensor, as for example described in FIG. FR 2,870,350 ; the information obtained by the sensor and a supply current are transmitted to the electronic processing module by a suitable connector 14. Preferably, according to the invention, given the compactness of the trigger, the connectors 14 are flexible and associated very short wired type connection means 15; advantageously, the connectors 14 are adapted to a wafer connection of an electronic card, as for example described in the document FR 2 913 143 .

In particular, the transformation unit 10 comprises a plurality of transformation elements 10 _i each with a primary conductor 17 intended to be connected to the supply line by one end 18 and to be connected to a switchgear 3 by means of a other end 16, the two tracks being preferably parallel to each other. The magnetic circuit of the preferred transformation elements 10 _i is of rectangular shape to facilitate assemblies with the cut-off device 3 and the electronic module 200. The magnetic circuit and the secondary winding are placed in an insulating casing 12 of shape adapted, substantially rectangular parallelepiped, provided with a passage through which the primary conductor 17 passes. In order to obtain a signal representative of the current after transformation, the primary conductor 17 preferably passes through the magnetic circuit twice, forming a substantially rectangular loop with two portions that are coplanar in the passage and separated by sufficient space to provide insulation or to position an additional insulating screen; moreover, the conductor 17 is rigid over its entire length to maintain the position of the loop around the magnetic circuit, which involves the formation of the conductor 17 in parts that it is recommended to weld.

Advantageously, in order to reduce the heating due to the high strength of a weld and as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 each conductor 17 of the block 10 is manufactured in two parts 17 ₁ , 17 ₂ each comprising one of the end lands 16, 18; reducing the number of solder points is also advantageous in terms of time and cost of manufacture, while increasing reliability. Although rigid, at least one of the parts 17 ₁ of conductor is not shaped according to its final form before insertion into the passage; however, to allow a "deformation" of a rigid conductor around a housing 12 of molded plastic, each of the parts 17 _i is made of metal folded substantially in the final form. In particular, as illustrated in figure 5 , only the terminal portion at the junction point 19 of the first portion 17 ₁ deviates from its final position with an opening angle greater than 90 ° recommended for the loop, so that it is possible to insert said portion 17 ₁ in the passage. Clamping clamping means then exert pressure on the insufficiently folded portion to close the loop, changing the angle concerned to achieve the final conformation. In particular, the transformer block 10 of a trigger according to the invention is as described in the patent application FR 08 00131 .

In certain configurations, in particular for positioning the junction point 19 at the most suitable place for the fitter and / or if the terminal output area 16 can not pass through the passage of the housing 12, it is possible for each of the two parts 17 _i is not performed in its final configuration and that two deformations by closing the terminal angle between two portions are performed around the housing 12 of the magnetic circuit.

The three conductors of the three-pole transformation unit 10 open on a lateral face of the housing 12 by three connection pads 16 ₁ , 16 ₂ , 16 ₃ forming substantially a plane and provided with connection orifices, which will be connected to the three terminal strips of current supply of the breaking device 3 of the circuit breaker 1. On the opposite side face of the housing 12, each conductor opens through an end plate 18 for connection to the external circuit. The presence of transformers for measurement and supply of the transformation block 10 imposes a significant bulk: this element thus occupies a large part, incompressible, of the recess 4 of the casing of the circuit breaker 1.

The electronic processing module of the trigger 200 according to the invention must therefore integrate into the residual space of the recess 4 of the circuit breaker. In particular, for a 3-pole circuit breaker 1 of 100 A, respectively 630 A, the size of the trip device 200 (length × width × depth in the mounting position of the circuit breaker 1) is of the order of 100 × 25 × 48 mm ³ , respectively 130 × 45 × 65 mm ³ ; for a four-pole circuit breaker, often only one dimension is increased, for a respective length of 135 and 175 mm. The transformation block 10 conventionally occupies 60% of the depth, leaving less than 20 or 30 mm to the housing 20 of the electronic processing module.

The electronic module of a trigger 200 comprises a housing 20 according to the invention containing the various elements necessary for the processing of the information of triggering; its shape is adapted to the recess 4 to be filled, and its lower surface can be juxtaposed on the substantially rectangular upper surface of the housing 12 of the transformation block 10. The housing 20 of the electronic module is formed by a first bottom portion 22 on which are positioned the various elements making up the module and which is put in place on the transformation unit 10, and a second part forming a cover 24 which protects the various components of the module ( figure 2G ). Preferably, in order to simplify the assembly, the bottom portion 22 comprises lateral walls 26 substantially orthogonal to the first surface of the casing 20 affixed to the transformation block 10, thus defining a cavity 28 in which the various components are mounted ( 2D figure ), and the cover 24 also includes side walls 26 ', defining a cavity 28' of larger size than the bottom portion 22: there is thus interlocking of the cover 24 on the bottom portion 22.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and as illustrated in the figures 2 , in addition to the part extending the processing unit 10 and allowing the processing of information derived therefrom, the housing 20 of the electronic module comprises an additional compartment, notably allowing outward communications and additional connections. Preferably, the additional compartment is offset relative to the main part overhanging the transformation block 10, so that the electronic module comprises a substantially L-shaped housing 20; the additional compartment is formed continuously with the remainder of the housing, with the bottom portion 22, just like the L-shaped lid 24, with a substantially rectangular main cavity 28A extended by an orthogonal cavity 28B, which may not communicate between them only through a restricted passage.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to the value of the current communicated by the connectors 14 of the transformation unit 10, the electronic trip unit 200 makes use of the value of the voltage flowing in each phase of the electrical circuit. This type of measurement of the voltage per phase involves isolation constraints of the means 30 used which, according to the invention, are therefore integrated in the electronic module, or more exactly in the bottom part 22 of its housing 20. The part of bottom 22 is for this purpose composed of a double bottom 32 and a bottom 34 which are secured to one another and between which are positioned the conductors 30 associated with the voltage measuring function ( Figure 2C ).

The voltage-conducting conductors 30 ₁ , 30 ₂ , 30 ₃ have a first end 36 ₁ , 36 ₂ , 36 ₃ designed to cooperate with the connection pads of the switchgear 3 and / or the connection pads 16 ₁ 16 ₂ , 16 ₃ of the processing unit 10, being in contact or directly above them in the assembled position, and a second end range 38 ₁ , 38 ₂ , 38 ₃ allowing the connection of the measuring means of FIG. voltage.

As illustrated in Figure 2A , a double bottom 32 of molded plastic, of shape identified by the bottom portion 22 of the electronic module, comprises on its upper surface arrangements 32 _{i, i = 1 to 3} delimiting passages for the conductors 30 _i voltage tap. These baffles 32 _i make it possible to provide a coding of each conductor 30 while avoiding any assembly error, while guaranteeing the electrical isolation of the different voltage taps between them. The double bottom 32 is also arranged to allow the connecting pads 36 _i to be located outside the bottom portion 22 once assembled, while the connection pads 38 _i are accessible from inside the cavity main 28A of the bottom portion 22. Preferably, the baffles 32 _i are arranged so that the connection pads 38 _i are aligned along a width of the double bottom 32 to facilitate the processing of data; the shape of the conductors 30 _i , preferably flexible, between the two ends 36 _i , 38 _i is thus given by the baffles 32 _i of the double bottom 32.

The arrangements 32 _i of the double bottom 32 preferably form true insulating ducts accepting raw cutting conductors 30 _i which makes it possible to reduce the costs. The conductors 30 may be made of stainless steel, with a voltage tap at the second end 38 made through spring-loaded gold contacts ( figures 3 ). These choices guarantee continuity of contact for the currents and low-level voltages of the signal conveyed, while eliminating the galvanic risks and ensuring electrochemical compatibility with the conductors 17 of the transformation unit 10 and / or the circuit. In addition, the use of a thin stainless steel strip 30 does not require any specific coating to prevent corrosion, and its mechanical properties, associated with specially designed supports on the surface of the double bottom 32, allow to guarantee several assemblies and disassemblies, by screwing the connection pads 36 on the processing unit 10 at recommended torques, without the parts deteriorating from a functional point of view, as much as from an aesthetic point of view for the first end 36 remaining visible outside the housing 20.

The voltage-conducting conductors 30 are thus housed in an integration space of the bottom portion 22 formed by the assembly of the two walls 32, 34. It is possible to use this space to also integrate in the module housing 20 electronic other functional elements, for example a control member 40 for an auxiliary module. In fact, if mechanical transmissions from the trip unit 200 to other devices than the cut-off device 3 of the circuit breaker 1 are possible, it is possible to provide the means necessary for this type of operation as soon as the trigger 200 is assembled. In particular, a double-bottom arrangement 32 may be provided for a part 40 transmitting a thrust on a security module located outside the electronic release, in particular a differential protection block as described in the document FR 2 701 335 ; advantageously, the pusher 40 is made of filled thermoplastic material and its shape provides rigidity allowing it optimized transmission of effort. Preferably, the shape of the housing for the thrust actuator 40 guides it sliding without risk of jamming, and ensures accurate and quality points of support. The mounting of the actuating member 40 is fast, without risk of errors and requires no specific tools; it may be preferred to implement this option for all triggers 200, including without some use of the mechanical actuation 40 available.

In an electronic module, the quality of the connections between conductive metal parts and electronic boards depends in part on the level of the seal. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the double bottom 32 is secured to the bottom 34 of the first part 22 of the housing 20 by ultrasonic welding; this solution also guarantees the mechanical strength of the voltage-conducting conductors 30. The same advantages of protection against the polluting environment and post-cut projections are offered to the additional actuating members 40.

To enable precise voltage measurement and a reliable determination of the power and energy balance of the switchgear 1, the introduction into the electronics of a real value of the neutral voltage is recommended. In the case of the three-pole circuit breaker 1, it is thus advantageous to integrate in the bottom portion 22 an additional conductor 42 which comprises a connector 46 at one end in order to be connected to a wiring coming from the neutral of the installation 1; the neutral conductor 42 may be a wire in a heat-shrinkable sheath crimped at the other end to a connection pad 48, such as a stainless steel blade. Advantageously, as illustrated in Figure 2B , this neutral wire 42 is put in place in suitable arrangements made on the lower surface of the bottom 34 of the electronic module: the assembly of the neutral wire 42 is facilitated, especially since it is possible to block it in baffles to maintain it during the "turning over" of the bottom 34 for its assembly on the double bottom 32.

As illustrated in Figure 2C , the bottom 34 and the double bottom 32 are thus preferably molded in thermoplastic material, and their external surfaces do not include any opening on the critical isolation path, with the exception of an access 49 to the end plates 38, 48 of the The bottom 34 and the double bottom 32 are then welded together to hold the elements 30, 40, any external contamination; the dielectric isolation is also ensured, so that the risks of nuisance tripping of the circuit breaker 1 are minimized, and the functional responsiveness of the trigger is guaranteed.

The bottom portion 22 of the housing 20 of the electronic module is thus in the form of an L, with a cavity 28 comprising a substantially rectangular main portion 28A and a substantially orthogonal extension 28B. In the lower face of the bottom portion 22 are integrated an operating member 40 (not illustrated here - see Figure 2A ) as well as voltage-conducting conductors 30 and a neutral wire 42 of which only the ends 36, 38, 46, 48 are accessible, each of these elements having been mounted in a safe and simple manner, without specific tools. In addition, some of the elements 30, 40 may be common to different ranges of circuit breaker 1, which rationalizes the management of the components.

It should be noted, however, that these assembly steps of the bottom portion 22 illustrated in FIG. FIGS. 2A to 2C are not essential: in particular, for four-pole circuit breakers and trip units, there is no neutral wiring 42. The additional auxiliary pusher 40 and / or the plug-in conductors 30 can also be omitted. The bottom portion 22 can then be unitary; it is also possible, especially if a seal around the integrated elements is not required, that the bottom portion 22 is composed of two walls 32, 34 simply contiguous and secured by any other means (clips, screws, ...) .

According to the invention, the actuator 50 of the contacts of the cut-off device 3 is integrated with the trigger 200, and more particularly with the electronic module, in order to increase its reactivity. Advantageously and even if other alternatives such as a piezoelectric trigger device are possible, a small electromagnetic trigger 50, for example as described in the document FR 2 893 445 , is used. This type of actuating device 50 illustrated in 2D figure comprises a magnetic yoke 52 surrounding a mobile armature extended by a pusher 54 which can take a rest position, in which it is kept close to the cylinder head 52 by a spring ( figure 2E ), and an actuating position in which it is projecting. The movement of the movable member is caused by a magnetic force within the yoke 52, generated by a current signal from a connector 56.

The actuator 50 of the contacts must be electrically isolated from the electronic components of the module; it is thus put in place in the first bottom portion 22 within a sleeve 58 hermetic with respect to the cavity 28 intended to further receive the electronic processing unit. Alternatively, the sleeve 58 as such may comprise orifices open on the cavity 28, orifices cooperating with the actuating device 50 (for example by a set of pins not shown on the cylinder head 52 and the walls of the sleeve 58). so that the assembly mounted actuator 50 / sleeve 58 is sealed with respect to said cavity 28. Moreover, and in particular for an electromagnetic actuator 50, positioning and movement along the axis of the member 54, important for reliability, are ensured by a suitable shape and size of the scabbard 58, which is secured to the walls 26. Advantageously, given the compactness of the electronic module according to the invention and the limited space available in the cavity 28, the sleeve 58 is integrally molded in the bottom portion 22, one of its walls being formed by the lower surface of the housing 20; the axial positioning accuracy is thus ensured at the time of manufacture of the bottom portion 22, the sleeve 58 being centered on a predefined reference frame. The absence of intermediate parts also allows a short and optimized chain of odds.

The sleeve 58 is of parallelepipedal general shape; its upper face, opposite and parallel to the bottom of the cavity 28A, preferably leaves the side walls 26 to be able to position and guide an electronic card on this surface. The sheath 58 comprises an orifice 60 at the level of a side wall 26 of the bottom portion 22 enabling the device 50 to be placed in position, and which advantageously serves as a passage for the actuating member 54. Preferably, the actuator 50 acts between two connection pads 36 _i , 36 _{i + 1} . The sleeve 58 further comprises passage means for the connector 56 of said actuator 50, preferably a second orifice 62 on the wall opposite to the mounting and actuating orifice 60. Thus, the actuating device 50 takes a rest position and can protrude from the sleeve 58 when its connector 56 transmits the information necessary for triggering. Given the location of the card 64 above the actuator 50, the connection of the connector 56 can be flexible and short, and preferably, the connector 56 is coupled to the card 64 by the wafer, as described in particular in FR 2,907,265 .

The size of the sleeve 58 is adapted to ensure the holding, the support and the mechanical guidance of its movable member 54; it is possible to also implement a keying, for example a raised obstacle placed asymmetrically in the sleeve 58 cooperating with the actuator 50, to avoid assembly errors and degradation of the elements in the presence. Preferably, to improve the functional clamping of the device 50 as well as its resistance to shocks and vibrations generated by the transformation block 10 and resulting from the triggering, the inner walls of the sleeve 58 comprise clips, avoiding the use of inserts; this advantage may especially be useful when assembling the module and before mounting it in the casing of the circuit breaker 1, to avoid any accidental "loss" of the electromagnetic device 50. This solution allows a simple assembly and disassembly of the actuator 50, without specific tools, despite the constraints of low play on the housing.

The bottom portion 22 equipped with the actuator 50 (which itself can be mounted in the bottom 34 before its assembly on the double bottom 32) can be assembled on the transformation block 10, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2E ; this assembly could be performed earlier, but at the expense of the ease of insertion of the electromagnetic actuator 50, or later, but with the constraints caused by the presence of printed circuits 64 in the space 28. Advantageously, the fastening is carried out by suitable shapes of the housing 12 of the transformer block 10 and the bottom portion 22 of the electronic module, by clipping the two elements 12, 22 one on the other, although other means such as screwing This solution allows a fast and direct assembly, while allowing disassembly with the appropriate tools. An optimization of the geometries of the clashes, with clips "working" along perpendicular axes, also makes it possible to guarantee the resistance to the stresses of the assembly. In addition, the complementarity of the forms, with guiding or foolproofing, is adapted so as to ensure alignment between the connection pads 16 _i and the connection pads 36 _i of the voltage taps 30 _i .

According to one option, in order to limit the pollution that can reach the trigger block 200, a membrane can be interposed between the breaking block 10 and the trigger 200. In fact, especially for three- and four-phase cut-off devices, certain interruptions to high voltage can generate particles escaping from the bulbs of the cut-off device 3 and could be deposited at the voltage taps 30, under the double bottom 32. The establishment of a piece (not shown) matching the shapes the cut-off block 10 then prevents pollution back in the connection area of the trigger 200, while participating in its resistance during shocks and vibrations. For example, a molded silicone screen whose flexible material further allows adjustment and blocking of the transformation elements 10 _i , is particularly suitable because it can also increase the dielectric strength between active parts.

It should be noted that, because of the integration of the components already mounted in the bottom portion 22 (conductors 30, 42 for taking voltage and neutral, actuating members 40, 50, ...), and the smallness of the connection means 14, 56 protruding, no risk of jamming son is to be feared. Moreover, it is possible that, whatever the final options of the trigger chosen by the user, all the elements described in the assembly resulting from the step illustrated in FIG. figure 2E are present: some elements remain unused. It is also possible to omit certain assembly steps, including the removal of some superfluous components.

The assembly of a trigger according to the invention is continued by the establishment of the electronic processing unit, comprising one or more printed circuit boards providing the various functions required: figure 2F . In the preferred and detailed embodiment, three cards are set up, but it is clear that the different functions can be separated into a larger or smaller number of cards, or that only the main card 64 of the processing unit is present. To rationalize the manufacture of the triggers, it is advantageous for the interfaces specific to each optional functionality to correspond to a card, and a main card 64 of the processing unit to resume the circuits corresponding to the processing of the various functions.

According to the invention, although very compact and integrating the actuating device 50, the electronic module can perform many functions. To satisfy this density, the electronic cards relating to the different functionalities are stacked in the module housing 20, and the communications are carried out directly, via non-wired contacts 66, of the spacer type, preferably having a spring function. to compensate for the hyperstatism of coplanar card stacking so that information transfers are reliable in all cases. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-wired flexible communication means 66 are of the piston type adapted stroke, to absorb shock and vibration without causing stress on the cards; an optimization of races and the integration of springs to this type of connector 66, also allows to absorb the dimensional variations of the different levels, ensuring a permanent contact. To transmit very weak current signals (of the order of 5 mA) associated with voltages close to 0 V as present in an electronic release, the contacts 66 are coated on the surface with a suitable material, including gold.

For information transmissions to be direct, it is preferred that each additional card be at least partially placed face-to-face with the main processing card 64 which provides the triggering functionality. The central card 64 is preferably of a size corresponding to the main portion 28A of the cavity 28, that is to say that it substantially resumes the size of the housing 12 of the transformation block 10: for the sake of simplification of manufacture , and rationalization of supplies and storage, it is preferred that it does not form the complete L. The main board 64 preferably comprises the printed circuit providing the triggering functions including all the options of a trigger 200 according to the invention, including in particular the parameterization means, such as coding wheels, as well as connection pads, preferably on the sides, for the connectors 14, 56 of the transformation unit 10 and the bottom part of the housing 20; contacts 66 for transfers within the processing unit are formed on the other cards that will be backed to it.

The assembly of the cards of the processing unit may be performed prior to the establishment of the assembly secured in the cavity 28, for example by clipping by suitable means. Another option, illustrated in figure 2F , consists in superimposing the cards one after the other in the cavity 28 of the housing; alignment means may be provided on the cards and the bottom portion 22, type studs and orifices, and clips ensuring the holding of the stacks. Whatever option is chosen, the assembly of the electronic unit is made in a simple manner, without specific tools, and reversibly, disassembly does not degrade the connections.

In particular, as specified above, the preferred embodiment comprises a client interface located at the base 28B of the L, for example to enable it to perform communication with external means and / or connect son. In this portion 28B of the housing 20 and partially encroaching on the central portion 28A is placed an interface card 70, with on its upper face the contacts 66 to the main board 64 and the means 72 of interface with the user .

In the preferred embodiment of the invention and as specified above, the circuit voltage is measured by the conductors 30 and its value is processed: to ensure the safety of the user, a normative isolation must be achieved, in particular with a lowering of the measured voltage before it is transferred to the main circuit board 64. For this purpose, a specific card 74, called a voltage card, is put in place, preferably in the residual space next to the sleeve 58 of the actuating device 50, and facing the end plates 38 (and 48) of the voltage-conducting conductors 30 (and of the neutral conductors 42): drop-down resistors of the circuit make it possible to reduce by a factor of about one thousand the voltage of origin before communicating the information to the processing unit 64, which guarantees the normative holding on the front of the module and the safety of the users. As mentioned above and illustrated in figure 3A , the transfer of information from the voltage take-up conductors 30 to the card 74 is made at their second end 38 through the orifice 49 adapted, preferably orthogonal to the bottom by means of gilded pins 76; advantageously, to compensate for possible gaps and increase manufacturing tolerances, the contacts 76 are also in the form of pistons, advantageously mounted on the voltage card 74.

The voltage card 74 is put in place with an insulating thermoplastic screen 78 which can be integrated in the cavity 28 of the housing 20 without any specific tool, and whose holding and precise positioning are ensured by shape details and clips: Like the isolation of the voltage conductors 30, a strict electrical separation of the voltage board 74, with the exception of the connectors 66 to the main board 64, ensures proper operation of the trip unit 200. illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C , preferably, the insulating screen 78 is manufactured so that the card 74 forms with it an integral assembly before insertion into the cavity 28 of the housing 20, keyed guiding grooves may be present for easy assembly of the printed circuit 74 in the screen 78. Advantageously, to verify, even late in the assembly of the trigger 200 according to the invention, the presence of the voltage card 74 and its screen 78, the latter may include a pin 80 visible opposite before, which can be detected by any means, including an automatic camera-type means.

• traite les données du courant reçues depuis le circuit de distribution par l'intermédiaire des connecteurs 14 du bloc de transformation 10 afin de déterminer si les conditions de fonctionnement nécessitent ou non un déclenchement ;
• reçoit par des connecteurs non filaires 66 des informations de mesure de la tension traitées depuis la carte de tension 74, qui les prend des conducteurs d'amenée de courant 16 via les conducteurs 30 de prise de tension (et éventuellement de neutre 42) ;
• envoie des informations à l'actionneur 50 via son interface 56 ;
• envoie des informations à la carte de l'interface utilisateur 70.

The assembly of the electronic module continues with the installation of the processing card 64 in the main part of the cavity 28, above the other 70, 74 and the sleeve 58 of the electromagnetic actuator 50. The processing card main 64:

• processes the current data received from the distribution circuit through the connectors 14 of the transformation block 10 to determine whether or not the operating conditions require tripping;
• receives, via non-wired connectors 66, voltage measurement information processed from the voltage board 74, which takes them from the current supply conductors 16 via the voltage-conducting (and possibly neutral 42) conductors;
• sends information to the actuator 50 via its interface 56;
• sends information to the map of the user interface 70.

Once the cards 64, 70, 74 are put into place in the cavity 28 of the bottom portion 22 of the casing 20, the connections from the transformation unit 10 to the actuating device 50 are ensured, in particular by brazing the connectors. 14, 56 on the map 64, preferably on its edge.

With the choice of soft direct contacts 66, the restricted space does not interfere with the number of information transfer means. Moreover, the connectors 14, 56 can be housed in the available space; it is advantageous to reduce the wire length 15 of the connectors 14, 56, and in particular to limit it so that the flexible parts are pressed along the side wall 26 of the bottom portion 22 of the housing 20 during connection.

Before completing the assembly of the housing 20 by closing the bottom portion 22 by the cover 24, a striker 84 is positioned opposite the outlet orifice 60 of the movable pusher 54 of the actuator 50, to ensure the interface between the actuator 50 and the cut-off device 3. In addition to the different mechanical qualities between these two elements 54, 84 justifying the presence of the striker 84, it is in fact frequent that the integration of an actuating device electromagnetic 50 in the electronic module 200 implies the presence of an intermediate element 84 capable of offsetting the triggering force: conceptually, the axes of the emitter bodies 54 and receiver may not be in the extension of one another. The striker 84 is thus designed in a form allowing this transfer of the thrust axis. In addition, the design of the striker 84 is optimized for rapid assembly and undeceived by asymmetrical shapes; in particular, it is mounted on guides 86 of the side wall 26 of the bottom portion 22 of the housing 20, the mounting sets are optimized to ensure accurate support. It is advantageous, to avoid any risk of loss of striker 84 during the mounting steps, that its axial positioning is completed only when closing the bottom portion 22 by the cover 24: for example, while the striker 84 is engaged in a "vertical" position on its guides 86 and folded before closing by the cover 24, a flexible tab 88 of the cover 24 then polarizes it to the operating position.

The assembly can be closed by the second portion 24 of the housing 20 of the electronic module forming a cover, which cooperates with the bottom portion 22, and comprises a passage facing the orifice 60 of the sleeve 58 allowing the actuator 50 to be displaced. and firing pin 84 outward. As mentioned above, for reasons of sealing, the cover 24 is preferably provided with side walls 26 'forming a cavity 28' into which the whole of the bottom portion 22 and previously assembled components , except for the firing pin 84, which is however held in place by the cover 24, and connection pads 16, 36. The connectors 14, 56 to the main electronic card 64 are thus protected from the environment, being located between the side walls 26, 26 'of the two parts of the housing 20 ( figure 2G ).

It is possible to leave also an optical passage 90, advantageously arranged to maintain the sealing of the cavity 28 by correspondence of shapes. In fact, in addition to the mechanical actuator 40 mentioned earlier, the electronic module according to the invention preferably also comprises additional means for communicating with a remote auxiliary, such as a ground fault detection device. Because of the restricted space and the optional aspect of this type of additional function, the communication means integrated in the trigger according to the invention do not include a wire connector but are based on an optical link 90 implemented on the unit. processing 64 of the electronic module according to the invention. This type of connection is reliable and insensitive to pollution, with no physical contact between connection points which excludes the risk of wear due to friction resulting from vibration.

Thus, the housing 20 is designed with additional assembly means for an auxiliary module, in particular a mounting rail 92 on a side wall 26 'of the cover 24, for example of the dovetail type, so that the assemblies and disassembling an auxiliary module (not shown) that would be coupled there are easy while keeping the mechanical resistance to shock and vibration when games are optimized. Blocking of the auxiliary module on the trigger can be achieved by a clip-type element. The mounting rail 92 of the auxiliary module is further provided to allow an optical link 90 between the main electronic board 64 and the module mounted on the rail 92; for example, an orifice in the rail 92 on the walls 26, 26 'of the housing 20 cooperates with a diode mounted under the card 64, preferably by sealing the cavity 28A even in the absence of auxiliary module. The auxiliary module is also provided with a diode, coming opposite that of the trigger 200 in its mounted position; the two means can exchange their information through the optical path 90, 90 'arranged in the walls 26, 26' and that of the housing of the auxiliary module. Preferably, the optical link means comprise red emission / reception light emitting diodes, wavelength representing the best compromise between functionality and cost.

Advantageously, when this optical link option 90 is not used, a protection element 94 ( figure 2H ) is put in place on the assembly means 92, in order to preserve the tightness around the main board 64 by obscuring the optical link. This type of shutter 94 can be made, for example by choosing an appropriate color, to further allow the immediate identification of the presence of such an optical link 90; Moreover, the choice of the material, for example by the use of a transparent (but preferably colored) protection element 94, can also make it possible to hold it in place to test the reliability of the optical link in the absence of auxiliary block. In particular, a device as described in FR 2 910 174 can be associated with the trigger according to the invention by such a mixed connection 90, 92, this association can be achieved by leaving the electronic module under tension, that is to say while the circuit breaker is in function.

Preferably, the sealing of the cavity 28 comprising the electronic unit of the module is completed by clipping the lid 24 on the bottom 22, a simple and fast process, while remaining reversible ( figure 2G ); the upper surface of the cover 24, however, includes the orifices 96, 96 ', 96 "necessary for the operation and parameterization of the trigger 200. The cover portion 24 is advantageously made integrally of molded plastic. most of the interfaces relating to the operation of the trip unit after the trip unit has been assembled and the electronic module protected, and inserts enabling the assembly of external auxiliaries, such as means for setting up a display or a locking push-button keyboard 98 ', however, can be integrated in the one-piece cover 24 before clipping on the first portion 22 of the housing 20 of the electronic module 200.

Once the housing 20 is closed, buttons 100 allowing the setting of the trip thresholds, and a preferred embodiment of which is described in FIG. FR 2 913 143 , can be placed in orifices 96 adapted to cooperate with coding wheels of the processing card 64; other alternatives are possible, in particular the mounting of the actuating members 100 on the card 64 before the lid 24 is put in place. An information label 102 and a protective plastron 104, preferably a transparent visor, are positioned at the level of the setting means 100 and test socket 96 'to protect them from external aggression. Advantageously, the device 94 for protecting the optical link is also put in place, for example by pinching on the rail 92.

Information from the electronic circuits can also be displayed on the upper surface of the housing 20 by LED-type elements. In particular, it is possible to use remanent display devices, in particular according to the cholesteric bistable technology: the information is thus reported even in case of power failure, by a color change of one (or more) pixel (s) a light of a few mm ² taking two typical colors of the state, for example red and green.

According to a preferred embodiment, a portion of the upper surface of the housing 20 is dedicated to the establishment of a flat display module 106, communicating directly with the tracks 108 of the underlying processing card 64 via vertical contacts passing through a recess 96 "adapted to the cover portion 24, advantageously, to compensate for the hyperstatism, here again piston contacts 108 are used, preferably the display 106, for example having a drop-down menu, is mounted simply, and reversibly, by two connection points, for example a fixed hook / orifice cooperation 110, 110 'on one side and a screw 112 cooperating with the insert 98 of the cover 24 and mount captive on the display 106 on the opposite side, the mechanical strength nevertheless meets the normative requirements, in particular if the insert 98 is metallic, for example made of ultrasonically mounted brass. IP4 type and protect the electronic module 106 dielectric breakdowns, a recess 114 in the upper face of the cover 24 is formed so that the display 106 forms a flat surface with the remainder of the cover 24 / plastron 104 while being isolated from the electric circuit. In fact, the electronic card 64 is inaccessible with the exception of the contacts 108, so that the electronic trigger of the invention is protected, including actions on the display 106, which can be performed while keeping possibly the electronic module under tension.

A locking of the upper part of the cover 24 can be associated with these last assembly steps, for example by a switch 116 preventing the modification of the programming, in order to guarantee the inviolability of the electronic module. In particular, after programming, the keyboard is protected by folding a visor which solicits the switch 116 by the arrangement 98 ', then the whole is sealed; if access is desired, it will be necessary to deliberately operate the switch 116.

The tripolar trip device 200 according to the invention, also illustrated in FIG. figure 4 in its quadrupole version 200q, is compact, preferably L-shaped on its upper part but parallelepiped on its lower part. A side wall of the lower part 10, 10q (transformation block) of the release 200, 200q has three or four contact pads 18, 18q facing recesses 118, 118q of the housing 20, 20q of the electronic module and intended for a circuit breaker connection 1. The side wall opposite, integrated in the casing of the circuit breaker 1, also comprises three or four current arrivals 16, 16q, preferably associated with the arrival ranges of 36, 36q socket for connection with the device 3 breaker circuit breaker 1.

During assembly, the orifices of the connection pads 16, 16q of the release 200, 200q and of the cut-off device 3 are placed facing each other and secured by means of a rod-type element 130. . In order to simplify and accelerate the assembly of these two components, advantageously, the trigger 200q according to the invention is provided with a connecting comb 132: as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 the four connecting rods 130 are part of breakable screws 134, for example of the type described in the documents FR 2,881,485 or FR 2 840 373 , whose upper end 136 is coupled to a longitudinal bar 138. The comb 132 thus formed comprises a screw alignment 134 which can be directly positioned in the connecting ports. Each screw 134 is tightened and a shear of a specific section of the screws 134 occurs when the tightening torque is sufficient: the lower portion 130 of the screws 134 provides the connection and isolation, while the end 136 remains coupled on the 138. Once the mounting of the trigger 200q in the circuit breaker made, it remains only to recover the residual comb 132: this option also allows to avoid the loss of small parts in distribution cabinets. It is possible that the screw alignment bar 134 is integrated in the cover 24 of the release, the additional parts 136, 138 then being recoverable or not after separation of the connecting rods 130.

• la même architecture peut être utilisée pour toute la gamme de déclencheurs 200, c'est-à-dire notamment pour des disjoncteurs 1 fonctionnant de 16 à 630 A ;
• l'interfaçage des cartes électroniques 64, 70, 74 et de leurs connexions électriques 66 permet l'intégration de multiples fonctions dans un espace environnemental déterminé ;
• la mesure de tension est intégrée au volume existant par décomposition du boîtier 20 en sous-ensembles électroniques ;
• les valeurs de la tension et du courant sont amenées de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur de l'ensemble électronique ; elles sont traitées en toute sécurité des utilisateurs, par l'intégration d'un transformateur et d'une carte 74 diminuant leur intensité ;
• pour les appareils tripolaires, une prise de la tension de neutre 42 est intégrée, permettant de mesurer les valeurs réelles du neutre de l'installation ;
• la fonction de déclenchement électromagnétique 50 est intégrée dans l'espace 20 dédié à l'électronique, grâce à un fourreau 58 hermétique et à la densité des autres fonctions, de façon à augmenter sa réactivité ;
• un module d'affichage 106 démontable est intégré dans l'espace environnemental existant, ce qui permet de respecter le profil mis en oeuvre dans le tableau, sans forme en saillie ;
• la connectique et le raccordement client 72 sont intégrés au déclencheur 200, même pour les petits calibres ;
• un organe de commande 40 pour un auxiliaire de type fonction de sécurité est intégré ;
• des moyens de communication à distance 90 avec un module déporté sont prévus pour tous les calibres ;
• un assemblage facile entre les différents éléments composant le déclencheur 200 est prévu, dont certaines étapes sont réversibles, et ce de préférence sans vis susceptible de s'égarer et/ou d'être mal serrée ;
• un système 132 supportant des vis de raccordement 134 pour le client est prévu afin de garantir un couple de serrage précis du déclencheur 200 dans le disjoncteur 1 tout en permettant la récupération des éléments sécables.

The invention therefore proposes an optimized electronic trigger architecture 200, which can replace existing triggers while offering a large range of functionalities, as well as a simplified assembly method of such a trigger. Thanks to the solutions chosen according to the invention, a compact electronic control and communication release 200 integrates into a small and predefined volume 4, while being able to meet the following specifications:

• the same architecture can be used for the entire range of triggers 200, that is to say in particular for circuit breakers 1 operating from 16 to 630 A;
• interfacing the electronic cards 64, 70, 74 and their electrical connections 66 allows the integration of multiple functions in a specific environmental space;
• the voltage measurement is integrated into the existing volume by decomposition of the housing 20 into electronic subassemblies;
• the values of the voltage and the current are brought from the outside towards the inside of the electronic assembly; they are treated safely by the users, by the integration of a transformer and a card 74 decreasing their intensity;
• for three-pole devices, a neutral voltage tap 42 is integrated, making it possible to measure the actual values of the neutral of the installation;
• the electromagnetic trip function 50 is integrated in the space 20 dedicated to the electronics, thanks to a sealed sleeve 58 and the density of the other functions, so as to increase its reactivity;
• a removable display module 106 is integrated into the existing environmental space, which makes it possible to respect the profile implemented in the table, without protruding form;
• the connection and the customer connection 72 are integrated in the trigger 200, even for small calibres;
• a controller 40 for a safety function auxiliary is integrated;
• remote communication means 90 with a remote module are provided for all calibres;
• an easy assembly between the various elements making up the trigger 200 is provided, some of which steps are reversible, and this preferably without screws likely to go astray and / or be poorly tightened;
• a system 132 supporting connection screws 134 for the customer is provided to ensure a precise tightening torque of the trigger 200 in the circuit breaker 1 while allowing recovery of the breakable elements.

In addition, the trigger 200 according to the invention can be tested for all its functions, at 100%, including the quality of the welds (by checking the establishment of connections), even when assembled. Indeed, an injection of voltage and current on each phase 18 of the electronic module, for example by clamps, can be detected by via the test plug 96 'on the front panel; despite the compactness of the assembly, this socket 96 'can include up to fourteen test points, to compare with the seven usual points available to the customer. The various tests and calibrations can be carried out at the end of the assembly line, preserving the internal tightness of the assembly, all the connections to be made with the test means being external to the housing 20 of the release 200. Moreover, the optical link 90 can also be verified.

Although the invention has been described with reference to an electronic triggering system of an electric switchgear, it is not limited thereto: other elements may be concerned by the invention. In particular, the electrical connections between several layers and at different voltage and current levels according to the invention can be found in any type of apparatus.

Claims (18)

1. A case (20) for an electronic module of a trip device (200) of a switchgear unit (1), said trip device (200) comprising connecting strips (16) designed to operate in conjunction with said switchgear unit (1), the case (20) comprising:

   - a bottom part (22) presenting a first surface and side panels (26); and

   - a cover (24) presenting a second surface provided with through-holes (96) for operation of the electronic module (20) and side panels (26') forming a cavity (28') in which the bottom part (22) can be housed;

   - the bottom part (22) and the cover (24) cooperating to form a cavity (28) able to tightly house a printed circuit board (64) in a direction parallel to the second surface;

   characterized in that the cavity (28) comprises a sheath (58) such that:

   - the sheath (58) opens out via a connecting passage (62) on a side panel (26) of the bottom part (22) and via an actuation hole (60) on a side panel (26) of the bottom part (22) designed to be facing the connecting strips (16) of the trip device (200), the cover (24) being hollowed to leave a passage facing said actuation hole (60); and

   - the sheath (58) is designed to house an actuator (50) tightly with respect to said cavity (28), said actuator being able to take a first rest position inside the case (20) and a second active position in which it is protruding from the case (20) via said hole (60) and said recess of the cover (24).
2. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a mobile striker (84) securedly affixed to the side panel (26) of the bottom part (22) facing the actuation hole (60) and able to move to transmit the position of the actuator (50) to the outside of the case (20).
3. The case according to one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the cover (24) is securedly affixed to the bottom part (22) by clipping.
4. The case according to one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bottom part (22) comprises a bottom (34) and a double bottom (32) fixedly secured to one another defining a space, and wherein the space between the bottom (34) and the double bottom (32) comprises conductors (30) extending between a first connecting strip (36) opening out from said space to be able to be superposed on a connecting strip (16) of the trip device (200) and a second connecting strip (38) located in the space between the bottom (34) and the double bottom (32), the bottom (34) comprising means (49) for accessing the second connecting strip (38) of the conductors (30).
5. The case according to claim 4 designed for a trip device of a three-phase switchgear unit wherein the space between the bottom (34) and the double bottom (32) comprises three conductors (30) the first connecting strip (36) whereof is able to be superposed on each of the three connecting strips (16) of the trip device (200), and further comprising a neutral conductor (42) which opens out from said space via connecting means (46), the bottom (34) comprising means (49) for accessing a second connecting strip (48) of the neutral conductor (42).
6. The case according to one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising adjustment means (100) operating in conjunction with through-holes (96) of the second surface and a test connector (96') on the second surface of the cover (24).
7. The case according to one of claims 1 to 6 further comprising display means (106) fitted in a recess (114) of the second surface of the cover (24).
8. An electronic module of a trip device (200) of a switchgear unit (1) comprising a case according to one of claims 1 to 7 and an actuator (50) fitted in the sheath (58), which actuator (50) being associated with a connector (56) passing through the passage (62) of the sheath (58).
9. The module according to claim 8 further comprising a main printed circuit board (64) located in the cavity (28) of the bottom part (22) and connected to the actuator (50) by its connector (56).
10. The module according to claim 9 wherein connection between the actuator (50) and the main board (64) is performed on the edge of said board (64), and the connector (56) is located between the side panels (26, 26') of the bottom part (22) and of the cover (24).
11. The module according to one of claims 9 or 10 further comprising at least a second printed circuit board, each second board (70, 74) being located between the first surface of the bottom part (22) and the main board (64), and each second board (70, 74) communicating with the main board via at least one contact (66).
12. The module according to claim 11 wherein the case (20) is defined according to one of claims 4 or 5, and wherein a second printed circuit board (74) with contacts (76) for connection with the terminal strips (38) of the conductors (30) is fitted in the cavity (28) with a shield (78) between the second board and the printed circuit board (64).
13. The module according to one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the main board (64) is provided with optic communication means, the case (20) being provided with a passage (90) located facing the optic communication means to enable optic connection with another associated device.
14. A trip device (200) of a switchgear unit (1) comprising an electronic module according to one of claims 8 to 13 and a transformer unit (10) comprising a case (12) housing at least one conductor accessible via a first input terminal strip (16) and a second connecting strip (18), the case (20) of the electronic module being secured to the case (12) of the transformer unit (10) by clipping.
15. A switchgear unit (1) comprising a case provided with a recess (4) in which an electronic trip device (200) according to claim 22 is fitted, said trip device (200) being able to actuate separation of at least two contacts of the switchgear unit (1) movable with respect to one another by means of its actuator (50).
16. An assembly method of an electronic trip device (200) comprising an electronic module and a transformer unit (10), said method comprising the successive steps of:

    a. providing a first bottom part (22) of a case of the electronic module comprising a cavity (28) defined by side panels (26), in which cavity a sheath (58) is located opening out via a hole (60, 62) onto two opposite side panels;

    b. fitting an actuator (50) in said sheath (58) via one of the holes (60), a connector (56) of said actuator (50) passing through the other hole (62);

    c. securing the bottom part (22) on the case of the transformer unit (10);

    d. positioning the main printed circuit board (64) in the cavity (28) of the case of the electronic module;

    e. connecting the connectors (56, 14) of the actuator (50) and of the transformer unit (10) on the main board (64);

    f. closing the cavity by a cover (24).
17. The method according to claim 16 previously comprising formation of the bottom part (22) of the case by welding between a bottom (34) and a double bottom (32), the bottom and double bottom defining a cavity in which components (30, 40, 42) are fitted.
18. The method according to one of claims 16 or 17 wherein fitting of the bottom part (22) on the transformer unit (10) and/or closing of the cavity (28) by the cover (24) and/or fitting actuating means (100) of rotary components are performed by clipping.

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