EP3790034A1 - Auxiliary electronic protection module and associated shut-off device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary electronic protection module, adapted to be connected to a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2) adapted to be connected to an electrical installation and comprising a circuit breaker mechanism adapted to perform at least one main circuit breaker function. , the auxiliary electronic protection module (4) being adapted to perform at least one auxiliary protection function. The magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2) comprises a first lever (16), adapted to be positioned in a first armed position in which the electric current circulates in the electrical installation, and in a second disarmed position in which the circulation of the electric current in the installation is interrupted, following a manual action or tripping of the disconnection mechanism. The auxiliary electronic protection module (4) comprises a second handle (18), which is mechanically linked to the first handle (16) of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2), so that it follows the position of the first handle (16) of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2).

Description

The present invention relates to an auxiliary electronic protection module, adapted to be connected to a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module to form a circuit breaker device, and to an associated circuit breaker device.

The invention lies in the field of the safety of electrical installations, and in particular of the interruption of the electrical power supply, commonly called a disconnection, in the event of the presence of an electrical fault in an installation.

In a known manner, various faults can occur in an electrical installation, supplied by an electricity supply network, and endanger the safety of the equipment connected to the installation, or even in certain cases present a risk of fire or a physical danger to an operator.

To ensure the safety of electrical installations, devices called circuit breakers are used, configured to cut the power supply very quickly following an overload current detection. Conventionally, a circuit breaker comprises fixed and movable contacts, the movable contact being adapted to move between an open position in which it is separated from the fixed contact, and therefore the flow of electric current is cut off, and a closed position in which the moving contact rests against the fixed contact and the flow of electric current is possible. The circuit breaker also comprises an electrical cut-off tripping mechanism which causes the circuit breaker contacts to go into the open position, as well as a reset handle, adapted to be moved from the open position to the closed position of the tripping mechanism. The reset handle is generally accessible to an operator on one side of the box containing the circuit breaker, and can be moved manually between a disarmed position (corresponding to the open position of the contacts) and an armed position (corresponding to the closed position. contacts), and vice versa. The passage of the lever from the armed position to the disarmed position is automatically triggered by the triggering of a power cut, or manually by an operator.

On the one hand, compact magneto-thermal circuit breaker modules are known, also called MCBs for “Miniature Circuit Breaker”. Such modules are particularly compact, and trigger a power cut in the event of a thermal fault, for example due to the presence in the installation of a load in malfunction which overheats, and in the event of a magnetic fault, which occurs for example in the presence of a short-circuit.

Auxiliary protection modules with electronic microcontroller are also known, adapted to be connected to existing magneto-thermal circuit breakers. Such auxiliary electronic protection modules are configured to implement protection, for example, in the event of the appearance of electric arcs liable to occur in defective conductors or connections. In addition, auxiliary modules are configured to implement differential protection, and the electronic microcontroller is adapted to perform such a differential protection function, causing the power supply to be cut off.

Auxiliary protection modules can be sold separately, or in conjunction with thermal-magnetic circuit breaker modules, thus forming complete circuit breakers, suitable for performing circuit breaker functions for multiple causes, and therefore ensuring optimized protection of a Electrical Installation.

However, it is difficult, at the present time, to know the cause of tripping of a circuit breaker of this type. In fact, an operator can see that the reset lever of a circuit breaker is in the contact open position (disarmed position), without however being able to determine whether the lever has been actuated manually or if the change of position. position has been triggered by tripping of the trip mechanism, and if the trip mechanism has been tripped, what is the cause, i.e. tripping for a thermal, magnetic, differential fault or occurrence of an electric arc. However, the corrective actions to be taken in an electrical installation depend on the electrical fault which is the source of the protection tripping. For example, a thermal fault indicates the presence of a malfunctioning electrical load, an electric arc fault indicates a risk of fire, etc.

There is therefore a need to enrich the circuit breaker devices by determining and indicating the origin of the tripping of the circuit breaker mechanism.

To this end, the invention provides an auxiliary electronic protection module, suitable for being connected to a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module suitable for being connected to an electrical installation supplied by an electricity supply network and comprising a circuit breaker mechanism. suitable for performing at least one main disjunction function. The auxiliary electronic protection module comprising an auxiliary tripping mechanism, independent of the mechanism circuit breaker of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module, suitable for performing at least one auxiliary protection function. The magneto-thermal circuit breaker module comprises a first lever, adapted to be positioned in a first armed position in which the electric current circulates in the electrical installation, and in a second disarmed position in which the circulation of the electric current in the installation. is interrupted, following a manual action or a tripping of the disjunction mechanism, the auxiliary electronic protection module comprising a second handle, adapted to be positioned in a first armed position, and in a second disarmed position.

The second handle of the auxiliary electronic protection module is mechanically linked to the first handle of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module, so that said second handle follows the position of the first handle of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module.

Advantageously, the auxiliary electronic protection module according to the invention comprises a handle which is linked to the handle of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module and follows the movement of the latter.

The auxiliary protection module according to the invention can have one or more of the characteristics below, taken independently or in any acceptable combination.

The mechanical connection comprises a support and a return spring, arranged so that the passage of the first lever in the first armed position causes the passage of the second lever in the first armed position, and the passage of the first lever in the second disarmed position automatically switching the second lever to the second disarmed position under the effect of the return spring.

The mechanical link includes a bidirectional mechanical link between the first joystick and the second joystick.

The auxiliary electronic protection module comprises an electrical circuit for determining the position of the second lever, said circuit being closed when the second lever is in the first position and open when the second lever is in the second position.

The circuit is supplied with a known reference voltage, at a supply point electrically connected to a connection point associated with the second handle.

The circuit comprises a reservoir capacitor connected between a converter supplying the reference voltage and said connection point.

The auxiliary electronic protection module further comprises a processing unit, said connection point being connected to an input of said processing unit.

The auxiliary electronic protection module further comprises a voltage shaping module supplying an image of the voltage of the supply network at the input of said processing unit.

The processing unit is configured to compare said image of the voltage of the power supply network with a voltage representative of the position of the second handle, and to determine, as a function of the comparison, whether the first handle has moved to the second position.

The auxiliary electronic protection module also comprises an electric current sensor circulating in the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module, and a current shaping module, connected to the output of the current sensor and providing an image of the current measured at the input. of the processing unit, said processing unit being configured to store current values measured over a sliding time window of predetermined duration.

The processing unit is configured to compare at least one current value, measured before passing to the second position of the second handle, with a threshold current value, and to determine, as a function of the result of the comparison, a cause of said change to second position among a manual operation and triggering of the circuit breaker mechanism of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker.

The processing unit is configured to analyze current values measured before switching to the second position of the second handle, and depending on an analysis result, to determine whether the tripping of the trip mechanism is due to a thermal fault or to a magnetic fault.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a circuit breaker device comprising a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module and an auxiliary electronic protection module connected, in which the auxiliary electronic protection module is of the type described briefly above.

• [Fig 1] la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif de disjonction selon l'invention, formé d'un module de disjonction et d'un module auxiliaire de protection associés, dans un premier état fermé;
• [Fig 2] la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif de disjonction selon l'invention, formé d'un module de disjonction et d'un module auxiliaire de protection associés, dans un deuxième état ouvert;
• [Fig 3] la figure 3 est la vue du mécanisme d'un module électronique auxiliaire de protection selon un mode de réalisation, dans un premier état fermé;
• [Fig 4] la figure 4 est la vue du mécanisme d'un module électronique auxiliaire de protection selon un mode de réalisation, dans un deuxième état ouvert;
• [Fig 5] la figure 5 représente schématiquement un dispositif de disjonction, formé d'un module de disjonction et d'un module auxiliaire de protection associés selon un mode de réalisation ;
• [Fig 6] la figure 6 est un synoptique des principales étapes d'un procédé mis en œuvre par un module électronique auxiliaire de protection selon un mode de réalisation ;
• [Fig 7] la figure 7 illustre schématiquement des courbes de mesure de tension en fonction du temps dans un premier cas d'utilisation d'un dispositif de disjonction ;
• [Fig 8] la figure 8 illustre schématiquement des courbes de mesure de tension en fonction du temps dans un deuxième cas d'utilisation d'un dispositif de disjonction ;
• [Fig 9] la figure 9 illustre schématiquement des courbes de mesure de tension en fonction du temps dans un troisième cas d'utilisation d'un dispositif de disjonction ;
• [Fig 10] la figure 10 illustre schématiquement des courbes de mesure de tension en fonction du temps dans un quatrième cas d'utilisation d'un dispositif de disjonction.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which is given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• [ Fig 1 ] the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a circuit breaker device according to the invention, formed of a circuit breaker module and an associated auxiliary protection module, in a first closed state;
• [ Fig 2 ] the figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a circuit breaker device according to the invention, formed of a circuit breaker module and an associated auxiliary protection module, in a second open state;
• [ Fig 3 ] the figure 3 is the view of the mechanism of an auxiliary electronic protection module according to one embodiment, in a first closed state;
• [ Fig 4 ] the figure 4 is the view of the mechanism of an auxiliary electronic protection module according to one embodiment, in a second open state;
• [ Fig 5 ] the figure 5 schematically shows a circuit breaker, formed of a circuit breaker module and an associated auxiliary protection module according to one embodiment;
• [ Fig 6 ] the figure 6 is a block diagram of the main steps of a method implemented by an auxiliary electronic protection module according to one embodiment;
• [ Fig 7 ] the figure 7 schematically illustrates voltage measurement curves as a function of time in a first case of using a circuit breaker device;
• [ Fig 8 ] the figure 8 schematically illustrates voltage measurement curves as a function of time in a second case of using a circuit breaker device;
• [ Fig 9 ] the figure 9 schematically illustrates voltage measurement curves as a function of time in a third case of using a circuit breaker device;
• [ Fig 10 ] the figure 10 schematically illustrates voltage measurement curves as a function of time in a fourth case of use of a circuit breaker.

The figures 1 and 2 are schematic perspective views of a circuit breaker device 1, comprising two coupled modules, which are respectively a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2, and an auxiliary electronic protection module 4, referred to simply as an auxiliary protection module hereinafter.

The magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2 implements circuit breaker functions, due to thermal or magnetic fault, called main circuit breaker functions.

The auxiliary electronic protection module 4 implements protection functions, due to differential fault or electric arc detection, or another protection function, for example protection against overvoltages, called auxiliary protection functions. The mechanism of the electronic module auxiliary protection 4 is independent of the circuit breaker mechanism of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2.

Each module 2, 4 comprises an external box 6, 8. These modules are coupled to form the disconnection device 1, via an electrical and mechanical connection means, which is not shown in these figures. Preferably, the shapes of the external housings 6, 8 are correlated, in particular the dimensions are chosen so as to achieve easy mechanical interlocking.

According to a variant, the modules 2, 4 are integrated in a one-piece housing which forms the housing of the disconnection device, with no electrical connection of position information other than the current flow line supplying the loads downstream of the disconnection module.

Each box 6, 8 has a face 10, 12, called the front face, intended to be easily accessible to an operator after installation of the disconnection device.

On the respective front faces 10, 12, each module 2, 4 comprises connectors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, intended to receive electrical conductors.

In addition, a first reset lever 16 is placed on the front face 10 of the box 6 of the circuit breaker module 2, and a second reset lever 18 is placed on the front face 12 of the box 8 of the auxiliary protection module 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, each lever 16, 18 is adapted to pivot about an axis, between a first position and a second position described in more detail below.

The second handle 18 of the auxiliary protection module 4 is mechanically linked or polarized to the first handle 16 of the circuit breaker module 2.

According to one embodiment, the lever 18 is linked by a unidirectional support on the lever 16, and biased by a return spring. The closing of the handle 16 causes the closing of the handle 18 by the action of the unidirectional pressure on the handle 18. The opening of the handle 16 causes the automatic opening of the handle 18 under the effect of the return spring.

Another embodiment consists in mechanically connecting the two handles 16 and 18, the opening and closing of the handle 16 causing the handle 18 in the same positions. The mechanical link is in this case made by any suitable bidirectional mechanical link.

In the embodiment of the figure 1 the disconnection device 1 is in a first state which is the so-called “closed” state, that is to say that the electric current supplied by an electricity supply network (not shown) can circulate in a protected electrical installation (not shown). In this first state, the levers 16 and 18 are in a first position (armed position, also called the closed position).

In the embodiment of the figure 2 the disconnection device 1 is in a second state which is the so-called “open” state, in which the flow of electric current is cut off. In this second state, the levers 16 and 18 are in a second position (disarmed position, also called the open position).

The change from the first state to the second state is for example triggered by the triggering of the protection mechanism of the disjunction module 2, which causes the opening of the contacts of the disjunction module and a modification of the position of the handle 16. As a variant , the passage from the first state to the second state is triggered by manual manipulation by an operator.

By virtue of the mechanical servo-control described above, the pivoting of the lever 16 between the first position and the second position causes the analogous pivoting of the lever 18.

The figures 3 and 4 are views of the mechanism of an auxiliary protection module 4, respectively in a first state (lever 18 in first position) in the figure 3 , and in a second state (lever 18 in second position) in the figure 4 .

Various elements of the mechanism of the auxiliary protection module 4 visible in this view are known elements, which will not be described in detail here. Only a few elements intervening more particularly in the implementation of the invention are described below.

The auxiliary protection module 4 comprises a trigger mechanism 54 which comprises a plate 20 which is associated, via connecting pieces 22, 24 and an arm 26 which is adapted to move in connection with the pivoting of the lever 18 between the first position ( figure 3 ) and the second position ( figure 4 ).

Furthermore, according to the invention, a circuit 30 for determining the position of the second lever 18 is added. This circuit is supplied at a first supply point 32 by a known reference voltage, and comprises an electrical connection wire 34.

As shown in figure 3 , when the handle 18 is in the first position, the electrical connection wire 34 is in contact with the first supply point 32. The wire 34 is connected to a second connection point 36. When the handle 18 is in the first position, the electric current flows in circuit 30, and the voltage reference is read at the second connection point 36. The second connection point 36 is also connected to the input of a processing unit, for example a microcontroller of the auxiliary protection module 4 as described in more detail below.

As shown in figure 4 , when the lever 18 is in the second position, the wire 34 for the electrical connection of the circuit 30 for determining the position of the lever is no longer in contact with the first supply point 32, this wire being driven by the plate 20 Thus, when the handle is in the second position, the circuit 30 for determining the position of the handle is open, and the voltage at the second connection point 36 is zero.

Advantageously, with a small additional bulk, and without calling into question the design of an auxiliary protection module, the position of the reset lever 18 is determined by reading the voltage at the second connection point 36.

Advantageously, thanks to the mechanical slaving of the handle 18 of the auxiliary protection module to the handle 16 of the circuit breaker module 2, the position of the reset lever 16 of the circuit breaker module 2 is determined by means of the circuit 30, without modifying the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2.

The figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a system 40 for determining the cause of an electrical fault causing an outage by a circuit breaker 1 as described with reference to figures 1 and 2 , implemented in an auxiliary protection module 4.

The auxiliary protection module 4 comprises a processing unit 42, for example a microcontroller (MCU), which is an electronic component suitable for performing calculations on the basis of voltage and current measurements received at the input.

The auxiliary protection module 4 also comprises a current sensor 44, suitable for measuring the current flowing in the circuit breaker module 2, the current sensor 44 being connected to a current shaping module 46. The module 46 is adapted to generate an image of the measured current compatible with the specifications of the processing unit 42, and an output of the current shaping module 46 is connected to a first input 45A of the processing unit 42 .

The auxiliary protection module 4 further comprises a voltage shaping module 48, which receives as input a voltage measurement supplied by the power supply network, and performs a voltage shaping compatible with the specifications of the voltage. the processing unit 42. For example, in one embodiment, the module 48 implements a voltage divider bridge. The release of voltage shaping module 48 supplies an image of the network voltage to a second input 45B of the processing unit 42.

The circuit 30 for determining the position of the handle, which forms part of the auxiliary protection module 4, comprises a voltage converter 50, suitable for converting an alternating voltage into direct voltage, in order to supply a direct reference supply voltage ( Vcc), and a reservoir capacitor 52, which is connected to the trigger mechanism 54 of the lever. One of the terminals of the reservoir capacitor 52 is connected to ground (GND notation in the figure).

The position of the handle 18 of the auxiliary protection module 4 is shown schematically by a switch 56, which can be closed (position 55), or open (position 57). The reservoir capacitor 52 is connected to the switch 56 via the conductor 34, and the switch 56 is also connected to a third input 45C of the processing unit 42.

The voltage read on the third input 45C of the processing unit 42 is equal to 0V if the switch 56 is open or if there is a loss of electrical supply inducing a loss of reference voltage.

Advantageously, thanks to the addition of a reservoir capacitor 52, it is possible to distinguish between these two cases, or in other words, to determine whether the voltage loss at the level of the third input of the microcontroller is due to an opening of the switch 56 (that is to say a change in the position of the handle) or to a loss of voltage supply. For example, it is possible that the auxiliary protection module is no longer powered if a cut has occurred upstream of the power supply network, without the circuit breaker 1 having tripped.

According to one variant, the reservoir capacitor 52 is replaced by a battery, rechargeable or not, or by an external power supply, for example a 24V power supply, or by any other means of supplying a continuous reference power supply voltage.

The processing unit 42 stores the voltage and current values received on the first, second and third inputs over sliding time windows of predetermined durations, for example of duration between 0 and 80 ms, i.e. 8 half-cycles per day. 50 Hz mains frequency.

The processing unit 42 is configured to implement a method for determining the cause of triggering of the trip mechanism, an embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. figure 6 .

During a first step 60, it is determined whether the lever of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module has moved to the “disarmed” position because of a circuit opening by the tripping mechanism of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2.

For this, the processing unit 42 determines whether the voltage value received on the third input, issuing from the circuit 30, is equal to 0V, and notes the time instant T _C when this voltage changes to 0V.

• Cas 1 : le module auxiliaire de protection 4 est alimenté via le module de disjonction magnéto-thermique 2, appelé également « alimentation amont » ;
• Cas 2 : le module de protection 4 est alimenté directement par le réseau électrique, appelé également « alimentation aval »

Two different cases are distinguished:

• Case 1: the auxiliary protection module 4 is supplied via the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2, also called “upstream power supply”;
• Case 2: the protection module 4 is supplied directly by the electrical network, also called "downstream supply"

The figures 7 to 10 illustrate in parallel the voltage curves measured over a predetermined time interval, respectively on the second input (“V _MEASURE ” curves) and on the third input (“TOGGLE_POSITION” curves) of the processing unit, representative of the voltage of measured power supply and voltage from circuit 30 for determining the position of lever 18.

The figures 7 and 8 correspond to case 1 where the auxiliary protection module 4 is supplied via the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2 (upstream supply), and the figures 9 and 10 where the auxiliary protection module 4 is supplied directly by the electrical network (downstream supply).

The figure 7 schematically illustrates a situation where the measured supply voltage loss begins at a time instant Tc, corresponding to the voltage loss from circuit 30.

In this situation, it is deduced that the trip mechanism has been triggered, the handle 18 of the auxiliary protection module 4 and consequently the handle 16 of the trip module 2 is in the “disarmed” position at the instant Tc.

The figure 8 schematically illustrates a loss of supply voltage at time Tp. The voltage measurement from circuit 30 changes to 0V at a later instant Tc. In this situation, it is deduced therefrom that a voltage loss has taken place, and the circuit 30 has remained closed, the voltage loss being reflected with a time lag due to the presence of the reservoir capacitor 52. For example, the loss voltage is due in this case to the triggering of a disconnection device upstream of the electrical distribution chain.

In other words, when the auxiliary protection module 4 is supplied via the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module 2, a simultaneous or almost simultaneous voltage loss on the second input and on the third input of the processing unit 42 indicates that the lever of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker has moved to the "disarmed" position, by manual action or by magneto-thermal trip.

The figure 9 schematically illustrates the case where there is no loss of the supply voltage of the electrical network, while the voltage measurement from circuit 30 changes to 0V at the instant Tc. In this case, there is an opening of the circuit 30, representative of the passage of the levers 16, 18 in the "disarmed" position.

The figure 10 schematically illustrates the case where there is a loss of the supply voltage of the electrical network at an instant Tp, and a loss of the voltage coming from the circuit 30 changes to 0V at the instant Tc, subsequent to the instant Tp. In this situation, it is deduced from this that a voltage loss has taken place, and the circuit 30 has remained closed, the voltage loss being reflected with a time lag due to the presence of the reservoir capacitor 52. It is deduced from this that 'there was no tripping of the disjunction mechanism.

In other words, when the auxiliary protection module 4 is supplied directly by the electrical network, a simultaneous or almost simultaneous loss of voltage on the second input and on the third input of the processing unit indicates that the module handle magneto-thermal circuit breaker has moved to the "disarmed" position.

With reference to figures 8 and 10 , the instant Tc of loss of the voltage coming from the circuit 30 is subsequent to the instant Tp, or does not occur, in the case where the reservoir capacitor 52 is replaced by a battery or by an external power supply for example. Nevertheless, this makes it possible to deduce the presence of the voltage coming from the circuit 30 after the loss of voltage on the second input of the processing unit, indicating a situation where there has been no tripping of the trip mechanism.

Back to the figure 6 , in the event of determination of a change in position of the handle 16 (positive response to the test of step 60), step 60 is followed by a comparison 62 of at least one current value I measured obtained on the first input of the processing unit at a time instant prior to the instant Tc of loss of the measured voltage, at a threshold current value In.

For example, in one embodiment, a series of current values I is used in a sliding window of chosen duration, for example equal to 80 ms, i.e. 8 half-cycles at the network frequency of 50 Hz, and the maximum current value measured in this sliding window is compared with the threshold current value In.

According to one variant, the average current value on the sliding window is calculated and compared with the threshold current value In at step 62.

The threshold current value In is specific to the operation of the trip module 2, and indicates the current value beyond which a current overload requiring tripping of the trip is detected.

The threshold current value In is for example entered by an operator during an installation phase of the circuit breaker 1, and stored by the processing unit 42.

If the current value I obtained from the series of current values in the sliding window is less than the threshold current value In, then it is determined that the opening of the handles 16, 18 has been effected by an operation manual (step 64).

If the current value I obtained from the series of current values in the sliding window is greater than the threshold current value In (step 62), the comparison step 62 is followed by an analysis (step 66 ) carried out over a predetermined time interval, for example of a duration of 80 ms, ie 8 half-cycles at a frequency of 50 Hz, to detect the appearance of a sudden jump in the measured current values.

A sudden jump is characterized for example in that the maximum value (or peak value) of a half-cycle, called the current peak value, is greater than the average value of the peak values per half-cycle over a number of half-cycles previous ones. For example, it is checked whether the current peak value is greater than twice the average value of the peak values per half-cycle over 8 previous half-cycles.

In the event of a determination of the absence of a sudden jump in current following the analysis carried out in step 66, it is deduced therefrom that the trip mechanism was triggered following a thermal fault (step 68).

If the presence of a sudden jump in current is determined following the analysis carried out in step 66, it is deduced therefrom that the trip mechanism has been triggered following a magnetic fault (step 70).

Thus, thanks to the analysis of the evolution of the current measured over a time interval preceding the opening of the circuit, it is possible to determine the cause of the passage of the handle of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module in the disarmed position, and therefore detect the triggering of the trip mechanism and determine the cause, without modifying the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary protection module is additionally equipped with a radio communication module, and the determined causes of tripping are then transmitted by wireless communication to a remote device, for example a concentrator adapted to perform actions centralized on an electrical installation and to transmit information to the customer or to a maintenance operator.

Advantageously, the auxiliary electronic protection module according to the invention is configured to detect the movement of the lever of the trip mechanism of the associated magneto-thermal trip module, and to determine the cause of the trip as a function of voltage and current measurements. .

Claims (13)

Auxiliary electronic protection module, adapted to be connected to a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2) adapted to be connected to an electrical installation supplied by an electricity supply network and comprising a circuit breaker mechanism adapted to achieve at least one main disjunction function,
the auxiliary electronic protection module (4) comprising an auxiliary tripping mechanism, independent of the circuit breaker mechanism of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module, suitable for performing at least one auxiliary protection function,
the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2) comprising a first lever (16), adapted to be positioned in a first armed position in which the electric current circulates in the electrical installation, and in a second disarmed position in which the circulation of the electrical current in the installation is interrupted, following a manual action or tripping of the disconnection mechanism,
the auxiliary electronic protection module (4) comprising a second lever (18), adapted to be positioned in a first armed position, and in a second disarmed position,
characterized in that said second handle (18) of the auxiliary electronic protection module (4) is mechanically linked to the first handle (16) of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2), so that said second handle (18) follows the position of the first handle (16) of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2). Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 1, in which said mechanical link comprises a support and a return spring, arranged so that the passage of the first lever (16) in the first armed position causes the passage of the second lever (18 ) in the first armed position, and the passage of the first lever (16) in the second disarmed position automatically causes the passage of the second lever (18) in the second disarmed position under the effect of the return spring. An auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical link comprises a bidirectional mechanical link between the first handle (16) and the second handle (18). Auxiliary electronic protection module according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an electrical circuit (30) for determining the position of the second handle (18), said circuit being closed when the second handle (18) is in the first position and open when the second handle (18) is in the second position. Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 4, wherein said circuit (30) is supplied with a known reference voltage, at a supply point electrically connected to a connection point (36) associated with the second handle (18) . Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 5, wherein said circuit (30) comprises a reservoir capacitor (52) connected between a converter (50) supplying the reference voltage and said connection point (36). Auxiliary electronic protection module according to one of claims 5 or 6, further comprising a processing unit (42), said connection point (36) being connected to an input (45C) of said processing unit (42). Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 7, further comprising a voltage shaping module (48) providing an image of the voltage of the input power supply network (45B) of said processing unit (42). Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 8, in which the processing unit is configured to compare said image of the voltage of the supply network with a voltage representative of the position of the second handle, and to determine, as a function of the comparison, if the first lever has moved to second position. Auxiliary electronic protection module according to one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising an electric current sensor (44) flowing in the magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2), and a current shaping module (46 ), connected to the output of the current sensor (44) and providing an image of the current measured at the input (45A) of the processing unit (42), said processing unit (42) being configured to store measured current values over a sliding time window of predetermined duration. Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 10, in which the processing unit (42) is configured to compare at least one current value, measured before passing to the second position of the second handle, with a threshold current value, and determining, as a function of the result of the comparison, a cause of said passage to the second position among an operation manual and tripping of the circuit breaker mechanism of the magneto-thermal circuit breaker. Auxiliary electronic protection module according to claim 11, in which the processing unit is configured to analyze current values measured before passing to the second position of the second handle, and according to an analysis result, to determine whether the tripping of the trip mechanism is due to a thermal fault or a magnetic fault. Circuit breaker device comprising a magneto-thermal circuit breaker module (2) and an auxiliary electronic protection module (4) connected, characterized in that the auxiliary electronic protection module conforms to one of claims 1 to 12.

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