FR2789524A1 - CONNECTION ASSEMBLY FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER - Google Patents

Abstract

The connection assembly is intended to connect an electronic trip unit to measurement auxiliaries associated with the conductors of a polyphase electrical network with p-phase neutral. The assembly comprises a fixed socket D mounted on the trip unit and a mobile socket C connected to the measurement auxiliaries. The fixed socket has p phase connectors Dx, Dy, Dz and a neutral connector DN. The mobile socket has p + l connectors C1, C2, C3, C4, complementary to the terminals of the fixed connector. Depending on the location of the neutral line conductor, to the right or to the left of the phase conductors in C, or C4, a simple angular pivoting of the mobile socket (C, C ') makes it possible to make the neutral connector of the mobile socket with that of the fixed socket.

Description

CONNECTION ASSEMBLY FOR A CIRCUIT BREAKER

  The invention relates to a multipole circuit breaker for protecting a multiphase electrical network with neutral, provided with an electronic trip device and at least one measurement auxiliary associated with each pole and electrically connected to the trip device. The invention relates more particularly to a connection assembly, connecting said

  auxiliary measures to the trigger.

  Depending on the local layout of the network, the line associated with the neutral can be placed to the right or left of the lines associated with the phases. For this reason, the pole associated with neutral can also be placed to the left or right of the poles of the circuit breaker associated with the phases. However, the trip device comprises inputs associated respectively with each of the phases and specific inputs dedicated to neutral, intended for the connection of the trip device with auxiliaries for measuring the electrical parameters - voltage and current intensity - of the different poles. The electrical connection between the measuring aids, which are generally located inside the housing of the

  circuit breaker, and the associated trip unit inputs, must take these variants into account.

  Document FR-A-2 739 973 has already proposed a connection assembly comprising a fixed socket provided with two neutral terminals, arranged on either side of a number p of phase terminals, and a socket mobile with a number p + 1 of terminals. Depending on the type of network, simply plug the mobile socket on the left or right side of the fixed socket. However, such an arrangement implies the existence of two neutral terminals, resulting in space and a price not

optimized.

  The invention aims to reduce the cost and size of a connection of this type. This objective is achieved thanks to a connection assembly for a multipolar circuit breaker for protecting a polyphase electrical network with neutral comprising a number p + 1 of poles, an electronic trip device, and at least one measurement auxiliary associated with each pole and electrically connected to the trip unit, the connection assembly comprising a fixed electrical outlet comprising a number p of phase connectors and a neutral connector, intended to be connected respectively to phase and neutral inputs of the trip unit, the assembly comprising by elsewhere a mobile electrical outlet, pluggable into the fixed outlet, comprising a number p + 1 of connectors intended to be each connected to one of the electrical measurement auxiliaries,

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  the mobile socket having a configuration such that it can be inserted into the fixed socket in a first angular position, and in a second angular position obtained by rotation of an angle 2kn / p + 1 relative to the first, ok is a number predefined integer less than or equal to p. Thanks to the invention, the differentiation between the circuit breakers having the neutral pole on the right or on the left can be done very late, at the distributor rather than at the production center. The sockets used have the same number of connectors as the standard sockets. It follows that they are optimized both from the point of view of

  the bulk only from a cost perspective.

  The invention takes its full interest when the number p is greater than or equal to 3. In

  practical, the number p is equal to 3.

  Advantageously, the number k is equal to 1. However, other configurations are possible and can allow a better differentiation between the two positions.

  useful, especially when the number p is large.

  Preferably, the assembly is provided with polarizing means preventing the plugging of the mobile plug into the fixed socket in a position other than the first

  and the second angular positions. This avoids positioning errors.

  According to a particular embodiment, this polarization can be carried out by virtue of the following provisions: * at least one of the connectors of one of the sockets, called the polarization connector, has a form of polarization, * the connectors of the '' other socket include * a first complementary polarization connector which, in the first angular position, is intended to be inserted in the polarization connector, and which comprises a form of complementary polarization, such that it is possible to insert it in the polarization connector in the first angular position * a second complementary polarization connector which, in the second angular position, is intended to be inserted in the polarization terminal, and which comprises a form of complementary polarization, such that it it is possible to insert it into said polarizing terminal in the second angular position,

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  the p-1 other connectors of the other socket being provided with a shape incompatible with the form of polarization, such that it is not possible to

  plug them into the polarization connector.

  If the measuring auxiliaries are intended for measuring the pole voltages, each connector requires only one terminal. The measuring aid is then reduced to a simple electrical bypass connection between the line and the corresponding connector of

the mobile socket.

  io If, however, the measurement aids are intended for current measurements, each connector advantageously has two terminals. The auxiliaries can then be, in a conventional manner, current transformers arranged in the case of the circuit breaker. The invention also relates to a multipolar circuit breaker for protecting a polyphase electrical network with neutral, comprising a number p + 1 of poles, an electronic trip device, at least one measurement auxiliary associated with each pole, and at least one set of connection as described above, connecting said auxiliary

trigger measures.

  Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of two particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting examples and represented in the appended drawings in which: * Figure 1 illustrates a circuit breaker in which the two embodiments of the invention can be used, alternatively or cumulatively, * FIG. 2 shows in perspective a connection assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention, * FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a fixed socket of the connection assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention * Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a front view of a mobile socket of the connection assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention, in two respective positions relative to the fixed part of Figure 3, * Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a movable socket of a connection assembly according to a second mode of embodiment of the invention, * Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a fixed socket of a connection assembly

  according to the second embodiment of the invention.

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  As shown in Figure 1, a three-phase electrical network (L, L2, L3, L4) with neutral is protected by a circuit breaker 1. The circuit breaker conventionally comprises a number p of poles associated with the p phases of the network and a pole associated with neutral , that is to say in the case of a three-phase network with neutral, four poles constituting a set of contacts 2 controlled by an electronic trip device 4, by means of a control relay 6. The circuit breaker comprises transformers of current A ", A2, A3 and A4, intended to provide trigger 4 with a measurement of the current respectively in the lines L, L2, L3 and L4 of the network. It furthermore comprises electrical bypass connections B1, B2, B3, B4 allowing the voltages of the

lines L ", L2, L3 and L4.

  Depending on the local layout of the network, the pole associated with neutral can be placed to the left or right of the poles of the circuit breaker associated with the phases. In the first case, the line L1 corresponds to the neutral and the lines L2 to L4 to the phases X, Y and Z. In the

  second case, the neutral is on line L4 and the phases X, Y and Z on lines L1 to L3.

  The trip unit has Ex, Ey, Ez and EN neutral phase inputs associated respectively with each phase and with neutral for current measurement. Likewise, it includes phase inputs Vx, Vy, Vz and neutral VN associated with each of the phases and with neutral for voltage measurement. The connection between the current transformers A, at A4, arranged in the corresponding poles of the circuit breaker on the one hand, and the associated inputs of the trip unit on the other hand, must take these variants into account. Likewise the connection between the voltage taps B. to B4

  and the trigger should be adapted.

  The invention relates alternately or cumulatively to a connection assembly between the current transformers A, to A4 and the trip device and the assembly of

  voltage connection between leads B1, B2, B3, B4 and the trip unit.

  The voltage connection assembly comprises a mobile socket C and a fixed socket D. With reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the mobile socket comprises four connectors C ", C2, C3 and C4 with a single pin, corresponding respectively to the lines L" , L2, L3 and L4, and each arranged in an angular sector of 90 defined with respect to a pivot axis 8 of the socket. The fixed socket D comprises four connectors with a pin Dx, Dy, Dz connected to the phase inputs Vx, Vy and Vz, and a neutral connector DN connected to the neutral input VN. The two connectors Dx and Dz have a keying contour 12, 11 while the other two connectors have a square contour 9, 10. The connectors C, and C2 of the mobile socket have a contour of s 2789524 complementary keying 16, 13 of that of the Dx connector. The connector C3 and the connector C4 of the mobile socket have a complementary contour

14, 15 from that of the Dz connector.

  With such an arrangement, it is possible to axially plug the movable socket C into the fixed socket D according to only two distinct angular positions, namely: a first position, shown in FIG. 4, in which the connectors C, C2, C3 , C4 are respectively inserted in the connectors Dx, Dy, Dz, DN, and a second position, represented in FIG. 5, obtained by pivoting of a quarter turn of the movable socket C around the axis 8, in which connectors C, C2, C3, C4 are respectively plugged into connectors DN, Dx, Dy, Dz. In fact, the square shape of the Dy and DN connectors is virtually universal, in the sense that it allows all types of connectors to be plugged into the mobile socket. The configuration adopted also makes it possible to maintain the order of the phases. On the other hand, it proves impossible to insert the mobile plug into the fixed socket in an angular position other than the two positions described above. Indeed, the polarization forms present on the connectors Dz and Dx can only cooperate with their respective complementary polarization form, so that it is not possible to insert the connectors C3 or C4 in the connector Dx and that he is not

  possible to plug connectors C, or C2 into connector Dz.

  Lines L, to L4 are wired to connectors C, to C4 of the mobile socket. If line L, is neutral, then the mobile socket is inserted in the fixed socket in the position corresponding to the insertion of connector C, from the mobile socket into the connector DN of the fixed socket. If, on the other hand, the neutral is on line L4, then the mobile socket is inserted in its other possible angular position, corresponding to

  the insertion of connector C4 into the neutral connector DN.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a connection assembly according to the same principle is described for the connection of the current transformers A ″, A2, A3 and A4 to the trip device 4. This embodiment differs mainly from the previous one on the one hand by the number of terminals of each connector, and on the other hand by the keying device. To make the connection of each current transformer, two terminals are indeed necessary. Therefore, each connector D'x, D'y, D'z, D'N of the fixed socket of Figure 7 has two terminals 16. Similarly, each connector C ', C'2, C'3, C'4 of the mobile socket of Figure 6 has two terminals 18. In addition, the polarization of the plug is carried out not at the connectors, but on the

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  external lateral edges of the mobile and fixed socket box. The fixed socket D 'has a protruding flange, which has a keying rim 20. The mobile socket comprises two complementary keying angles 22, 24 allowing

  plugging in two positions and only two, relative to the fixed socket.

  Naturally, various variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, the coding may include both forms of coding on the connectors and on the outer periphery of the socket. The invention is also applicable in multiphase networks comprising more than four lines (p> 3). Furthermore, the two connectors C, and C4 corresponding to the lines LI and L4 capable of being dedicated to the neutral, are not necessarily adjacent. It is indeed perfectly possible to distribute them in opposition on either side of the axis 8 so that one passes from the first to the second connection position authorized by pivoting 180. It is also possible to use the connection assembly of the i5 voltage circuit described above with the connection assembly of the measurement circuit

  of currents described in document FR-A-2 739 973.

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Claims (9)

  1. Connection assembly for a multipolar circuit breaker for protection (1) of a polyphase electrical network with neutral comprising a number p + 1 of poles, an electronic trip device (4), and at least one measurement auxiliary (A ", A2, A3, A4; B1, B2, B3, B4) associated with each pole and electrically connected to the release, the connection assembly comprising * a fixed electrical outlet (D, D ') comprising a number p of phase connectors (Dx, Dy, Dz; D'x, D'y, D'z) and a neutral connector (DN; D'N) intended to be connected respectively to phase inputs (Vx, Vy, Vz; Ex, Ey, Ez ) and neutral (EN) of the release and * a mobile electrical outlet (C, C '), pluggable into the fixed outlet, comprising a number p + l of connectors (C ", C2, C3, C4; C'I, C'2, C'3, C'4) each intended to be connected to one of the electrical measurement auxiliaries (B1, B2, B3, B4; Al, A2, A3, A4), set characterized in that the mobile socket (C, C ') has a configuration such that it can be plugged into the fixed socket (D, D ') in a first angular position, and in a second angular position obtained by rotation of an angle 2k7 / p + 1 relative to the first, ok is a predefined integer less than or equal to p. 2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the number p is greater or equal to 3.   3. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the number p is equal to 3.   4. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the number k is equal to 1.   5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in   that it is provided with polarizing means prohibiting the plugging of the mobile plug into the fixed socket in a position other than the first and second angular positions.   6. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that * one (Dx, Dz) at least of the connectors of one of the sockets, known as the polarizing connector, has a polarizing form (12, 11), * the connectors of the other socket include 8 2789524   * a first complementary keying connector (CI; C3) which, in the first angular position, is intended to be inserted in the keying connector (Dx; Dz), and which comprises a form of complementary keying (16; 14) , as it is possible to insert it in the keying connector (Dx; Dz) in the first angular position, * a second complementary keying connector (C2; C4) which, in the second angular position, is intended to plug into the polarization terminal (Dx; Dz), and which includes a complementary form of polarization (13; 15), such that it is possible to insert it into said polarization terminal (Dx; Dz) in the second angular position, the p-1 other connectors (C3, C4; C1, C2) of the other socket being provided with a shape (14, 15; 16, 13) incompatible with the polarizing shape, such that it it is not possible to plug them into the connector coding (Dx; Dz).   7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in   that each connector (C1, C2, C3, C4; Dl, D2, D3, D4) has a terminal, the measurement aids being electrical current bypass connections (BI, B2, B3, B4).   8. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that   that each connector (C1, C2, C3, C4; D1, D2, D3, D4) has two terminals (18; 16), the measurement aids being current transformers (AI, A2, A3, A4).   9. Multipolar circuit breaker (1) for protecting a polyphase electrical network with neutral, comprising a number p + 1 of poles, an electronic trip device (2), at least one measurement auxiliary (AI, A2, A3, A4; B1, B2, B3, B4) associated with each pole, and at least one connection assembly (C, D; C ', D') according to one   any of claims 1 to 8, connecting said measuring aids to the trigger (2).