EP1962320B1 - Modular electric appliance in blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has central blocks (2) of standard dimension carrying out differential and disjunction functions and provided with faces perpendicular to joining sides. The central blocks have electrical terminals (3, 3', 4, 4') originating from circuits ensuring the functions of the central blocks and located at standard places in different widths. End blocks (5, 6) are fixed to the central blocks and are selected among a range of predetermined end blocks to complete a housing of the apparatus for permitting integration and connection of the housing.

Description

The present invention relates to a modular electrical device of the type providing a differential function and / or disjunction, formed of a housing adapted to be attached to a rail by attachment means located on its sole and intended to be attached to d other modular devices to which it can be connected by any means.

There are precisely several connection means (insulated cable, bus connection, bar or bridging comb) of said devices to the circuits they equip. Moreover, according to their function, these devices can be declined in many versions (circuit breaker mono or bipolar, differential block, circuit breaker, ...) the number of versions being further increased by the fact that, according to the wiring habits, there are left-right or left-neutral devices. This last feature has an effect on the mounting of the device on a rail, and therefore on the arrangement of the latch or latches on the sole. Thus, for example for a bipolar circuit breaker, there are numerous variants giving rise to different housings depending on whether the circuit breaker is left neutral, right neutral, with screw connection means, spring blade, with a bridging up or down reflecting on the arrangement of the latches on the sole, etc. It is the same for all types of device.

In the current modes of industrialization, each version or almost has its own housing, which proves economically very penalizing. The idea underlying the present invention is therefore to divide the housing into separate modules or blocks, associable, capable of performing complex single or multipolar functions by assembling selected elements from a library of existing modules or blocks.

A functional dimension has already been described in EP 1 447 829 , but it does not allow the device to be docked to equivalent, undivided devices, and allows only two connection options.

• n, n ≥ 1 bloc(s) central(ux) réalisant une ou plusieurs fonctions, de dimensions standards uniques à l'exception de la largeur égale à n x p, n ≥ 1, dont les faces perpendiculaires aux côtés d'accolement comportent 0,1 ou 2 bornes électriques respectivement conduisant à(aux) et provenant du(des) circuit(s) assurant la(les) fonction(s) de chaque bloc central, lesdites bornes étant localisées à des endroits standards dans la largeur p différents selon qu'il y en a une ou deux ;
• deux blocs d'extrémités de largeur n x p, n ≥ 1 fixés au(x) bloc(s) central(ux) et choisis parmi une gamme de blocs d'extrémités prédéterminée en vue de compléter le boîtier de l'appareil pour permettre son intégration et sa connexion.

The modular electrical device of the invention, therefore configurable according to the needs of the user or the market, is mainly characterized in that it consists of:

• n, n ≥ 1 central block (s) (ux) performing one or more functions, of standard single dimensions except for the width equal to nxp, n ≥ 1, whose sides perpendicular to the attachment sides have 0, 1 or 2 electrical terminals respectively leading to (from) and coming from the (the) circuit (s) ensuring the function (s) of each central block, said terminals being located at standard locations in the width p different according to there is one or two;
• two end blocks of width nxp, n ≥ 1 fixed to the central block (s) (ux) and selected from a range of predetermined end blocks in order to complete the housing of the apparatus to allow its integration and its connection.

The central block is the one that performs the desired electrical function (s) for the device. When it has electrical terminals for example connecting to connection means, they are always located in the same place, to allow the electrical connection of the end blocks. The possibility of choice of end blocks allows all types of connection conventionally used when wiring cabinets.

The width of the central blocks and end blocks is not necessarily the same. Thus, it is possible to put n central blocks of width p with a single end block of width n x p on one side, and several end blocks on the other side. The function of said end blocks may moreover be very different from one side to the other of the central block or blocks.

• un bloc de largeur égale au bloc central comprenant au moins un connecteur à cage et vis ou au moins un connecteur à lame ressort, lesdits connecteurs étant disposés dans leurs blocs d'extrémité de manière à réaliser une connexion électrique avec la ou les bornes dépassant du bloc central par fixation de l'un à l'autre ;
• un capot de largeur égale à n x p, n ≥ 1 comprenant au moins un évidement prévu pour loger une ou plusieurs languettes de barres de pontage non connectées ;
• un capot de largeur égale à n x p, n ≥ 1 sans évidement.

According to the techniques currently used for the connection of these devices, the range of end blocks may comprise:

• a block of width equal to the central block comprising at least one cage and screw connector or at least one spring blade connector, said connectors being arranged in their end blocks so as to make an electrical connection with the terminal or terminals exceeding the central block by fixing one to the other;
• a cover of width equal to nxp, n ≥ 1 comprising at least one recess provided for accommodating one or more strips of unconnected bridging bars;
• a cover of width equal to nxp, n ≥ 1 without recess.

The end blocks are chosen according to various criteria ranging from the comfort of connection to the desired calibration for the device. Beyond 20 amps, it is no longer possible to use the spring blade quick connect devices in the configuration they currently have. In some cases, internal connections can be made, and a simple cover is used to cover them.

According to one possibility, the housing may comprise a soleplate distinct from the central block and end blocks which rest on them, said soleplate being of width equal to n × p, n ≥ 1.

These soles or bases allow if necessary to finalize the circuit breaker assembly and choose the type of latch and the disassembly corresponding to a high or low bridging mode.

As for the aforementioned blocks, the sole may be of variable width, obviously always multiple of p, standard modular width. The other blocks do not necessarily have the same width.

The possible width differences for center blocks, end blocks, and footings result in unmatched configuration flexibility, with the designer able to tap into a "library" of basic elements. The economic impact resulting from the use of standard blocks is obviously very favorable.

In the event that two terminals exceed the central block, which corresponds to a bipolar central block, it is provided in two versions respectively a neutral on the right and a neutral on the left.

These two versions correspond to the reality of certain markets, reflecting an old practice, and have an impact on the bridging / connection mode realized from above or from below as the case may be.

In the same way, according to the invention, there are two versions of connection blocks with mono- and bipolar cage and screws, for the cabling respectively in neutral on the right and in neutral on the left.

The importance of the place from which the connection terminals of the central blocks go has been mentioned before. This is to be able to ensure that, whatever the choice of terminal block to means of connection made by the user, the connection with the central block can be done immediately.

In the case of spring blade connection blocks for respectively plugging a conductor or a bridge bar tongue, they are electrically connected to the central block between a portion of the spring blade and a wall of a cage in which said blade is placed.

According to one possibility, an application of the invention can be made to a grouping of a differential function and n circuit breakers: a differential block is associated on a first side with a connection block for powering the group, n blocks central circuit-breakers contiguous to each other and to the central differential block are associated with n connection blocks situated on the same side for the output connections, the terminals protruding from said central blocks on the other side being connected to each standard level by welding of two bars, a hood and a sole sole (n + 1) modular being attached to the group, the cover covering the bars welded to the terminals.

According to another possible application, the electrical apparatus of the invention can be used as a bimodular differential circuit breaker, which means that a central breaker block is associated with a connection block for the supply of the differential circuit breaker, a differential central block. connected to the central breaker block is associated with a connection block situated on the opposite side for the output connections, the terminals protruding from the other side of the central breaker block being connected by welding to the magnetic core of the differential central block, a cover without recess. associated with the differential central block covering this connection, a cover with recess being fixed to the central breaker block and a bimodular sole (n = 2) being fixed to the assembly.

It is also configurable in n contiguous central circuit breaker blocks, each being respectively associated with a connection block for its power supply and a connection block located on the opposite side for the output connections, an n-modular soleplate being fixed to said blocks.

To illustrate the immense variety of possibilities, the previous case, if the number of circuit breakers is equal to 3, can be incremented into a three-phase and neutral differential block, by adding a differential central block to the three central breaker blocks.

• la figure 1 représente, en perspective, les différents blocs formant un appareil modulaire selon l'invention, et ledit appareil tel qu'assemblé ;
• la figure 2 illustre différents blocs de connexion possibles ;
• la figure 3 représente l'invention appliquée à un bloc compact à fonction différentielle et comprenant plusieurs disjoncteurs ; et
• la figure 4 montre une application à un disjoncteur différentiel.

The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended figures, for which:

• the figure 1 represents, in perspective, the various blocks forming a modular apparatus according to the invention, and said apparatus as assembled;
• the figure 2 illustrates different possible connection blocks;
• the figure 3 represents the invention applied to a compact block with differential function and comprising several circuit breakers; and
• the figure 4 shows an application to a differential circuit breaker.

With reference to the figure 1 , the modular device (1) in this case a neutral phase circuit breaker with neutral on the left is constituted by a central block (2) containing the circuit breaker itself, which exceed terminals (3, 3 ', 4, 4' ) On two different levels. The terminals (3, 3 ') ensure the continuity of the neutral circuit, while the terminals (4, 4') are connected to the circuit of disjunction of the phase. These terminals (3, 3 ', 4, 4') provide the electrical connection with the end blocks (5, 6). The block (5) has traditional screw connectors, while the end block (6) has, on both required levels, quick-connect connectors with spring blades.

The apparatus (1) is completed by a sole (7), provided with a connection latch located so that the connection for example by bridging can be performed from above.

When the central block (2), the end blocks (5) and (6) and the sole (7) are assembled, the apparatus appearing on the right side of the figure 1 has a standard unimodular width. It can therefore be attached to other devices of the same type, made or not in different blocks as is the case of the invention, and can be connected by any means including combs of bridging and connection tongues rigid having a distance between axes equal to the unimodular pitch p.

The figure 2 shows the terminal / block connection mode in the different end blocks that can be used with the devices of the invention. The following are represented from top to bottom: a cage block and screw (5), a quick spring block connection block for bus or bridge bar (8) and a block (6) for fast connection of insulated conductors. In all three cases, the central block (2) is schematized by a hatched rectangle. A terminal (3) protruding from said central block (2) is inserted into the end blocks (5, 6, 9) so as to make possible the connection between the connecting conductors (10, 11) and the circuit arranged to inside the central block (2). In the case of the end block (5) cage and screw, the terminal (3) is disposed in contact with the lower wall of the cage (12). When the screw (13) is tightened, the clamping element (14) that it drives is applied against the end of the conductor (10), pressing it against the terminal (3). The connection is then made.

In the assumption below, a tab (11) of the bus or bridging comb is inserted between the spring blade (15) and the terminal (3). Said spring blade (15) has already been solicited by the insertion of the terminal (3) into the end block (9). As in the previous hypothesis, the terminal (3) is in contact with the lower wall of the cage (12). The spring blade (15) is fixed to the upper wall of said cage (12).

In the third configuration, the terminal (3) is in the same position relative to the spring blade (16) and the cage (12). In the embodiment chosen, the conductor (10) is inserted between the upper wall of the cage (12) and a free end of the spring blade (16).

The figure 3 shows an apparatus according to the invention, no longer of unimodular width, as in the example of the figure 1 , but comprising several elements of different widths, always multiple of p, It is a compact block consisting of a differential function associated with several circuit breakers. In this hypothesis, the differential central block (20), which does not have a unimodular width but in this case bimodular, is associated with central blocks breakers (2), in this case five in number. The central block (20) differs from that previously described in detail since it is wider. It also comprises electrical terminals (3), which are spaced apart from each other, but respect the rule of standard positioning with respect to the modular width p, so that it can be associated where appropriate two different connection end blocks. In this case, a single end block (21) is used. This block (21) is not used for connection, but simply has a rollover function. Indeed, the phase terminals (4) are in this case all connected by a conductive bar soldered to the terminals. It is the same for the neutral terminals (3), which are connected by means of a bar (22 ') which is welded to them. On the other side, the central breaker blocks (2) are provided with spring blade end blocks (6). These are the output connections, as symbolized by the white arrow at the bottom of the assembly as assembled (right side of the figure).

The supply is performed upstream of the differential central block (20), and consists of an end block (23) having a double width of the output blocks (6).

The figure 4 shows a two-module, right-neutral differential circuit breaker requiring the use of still other blocks, whether in the central position or in the end position. Thus, the power supply is via an end block (5 ') cage and screw but neutral right, unlike the one that appears in figure 1 . The central block (2) is also different from those previously used, since it is specifically intended for right-hand neutral configurations. At the output, the end block is a hood (21 '), of the same type as that which appears in figure 3 but of standard unimodular width. This cover (21 ') covers the terminals (3, 4), which are in the inverted position relative to what appears in the preceding figures since it is a right-hand neutral configuration. The respective phase (4) and neutral (3) terminals are connected, by means of welded conductors (23, 24) to the toroid of the associated central differential block (20 '), which block is different from that which appears in figure 3 because it is this time of standard unimodular width. The soldered conductors (23, 24) coexist with output terminals of the central block (20 ') (not shown), hence the choice of a quick-connect end block (6). This is the exit of the circuit, materialized by an arrow obeying the same formalization as in the previous figure.

The other end block is a hood (25), but provided with a recess allowing in particular the teeth of any bridging combs to be housed. This is indeed the side by which the supply is made, which can be performed via conventional bridging combs, that is to say having tabs spaced apart by a pitch p. However, this pitch p corresponds to the unimodular width, hence the need to provide housings for inserting possibly unused bridge comb tabs.

The various examples above show the diversity of the different blocks that can be used in many possible applications. These examples do not cover, far from it, all variants of central blocks and end blocks that can be used in the context of the invention. The latter allows to associate central blocks performing any function, and having any width, provided that it is a multiple of p, with end blocks also of different function and width, according to the design of single or multi-function electrical appliances to put on the market.

Claims (10)

1. A modular electric apparatus (1) of the type ensuring a differential and/or circuit-breaking function, formed of a case provided to be fastened by suspension means located on the base plate thereof to a rail and intended to be attached to other modular apparatuses to which it can be connected by any means including at least one bridging bar having a stringer and rigid connecting tabs at a center-to-center distance of one pitch p, characterized in that the case of said apparatus consists of:

   - n, n ≥ 1, center block(s) (2, 20, 20') performing said function(s), having standard dimensions, which are unique except for the width of n x p, n ≥ 1, with the faces of said blocks, which are perpendicular to the sides of attachment, comprising 0, 1, or 2 electrical terminals, respectively leading to and from one or more circuits ensuring the function(s) of each center block, said terminals being located at standard locations in the width p, which are different depending on whether there are one or two of them;

   - two end blocks having a width n x p, n ≥ 1, fastened to the center block(s) and chosen from a predetermined range of end blocks (5, 5', 6, 9, 21, 21', 25) so as to complete the case of the apparatus in order to allow for integration and connection thereof.
2. The modular electric apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the range of end blocks comprises:

   - a block (5, 5', 6, 9) having a width equal to the center block including at least one connector having a cage (12) and a screw (13) or at least one spring leaf connector (15, 16), said connectors being arranged in their end blocks (5, 5', 6, 9) so as to establish an electrical connection with the terminal(s) (3, 3'; 4, 4') protruding from the center block (2, 20, 20') by being fastened to one another;

   - a cover (25) having a width of n x p, n ≥ 1, including at least one recess provided for accommodating one or several unconnected bridging bar tabs;

   - a cover (21, 21') having a width of n x p, n ≥ 1 without any recess.
3. The modular electric apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the case (2, 20, 20') comprises a base plate (7) separate from the center block (2, 20, 20') and end blocks (5, 5', 6, 9, 21, 21', 25) lying thereon, said base plate (7) having a width of n x p, n ≥ 1.
4. The modular electric apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the center block (2, 20'), from which two terminals (3, 3'; 4, 4') are protruding on either side, corresponding to a bipolar center block (2, 20'), is provided in two versions respectively with a right-hand neutral and a left-hand neutral.
5. The modular electric apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that there are two versions of connecting blocks (5) with a cage (12) and a screw (13), monopolar and bipolar, for cabling respectively with right-hand neutral and left-hand neutral.
6. The modular electric apparatus (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting blocks (6; 9) having a spring leaf (16, 15), which allow for respectively one conductor (10) and one pin (11) of a bridging bar to be plugged in, are electrically connected to the center block (2, 20, 20') in that each terminal (3, 3'; 4, 4') protruding from said center block (2, 20, 20') is plugged in between a portion of the spring leaf (15, 16) and a wall of a cage (12) in which said leaf (3, 3'; 4, 4') is placed.
7. Application of the modular electric apparatus (1) according to the preceding claims to an array of a differential function and n circuit breakers, characterized in that a differential center block (20) is associated on a first side with a connecting block (23) for supply of the array, n circuit-breaking center blocks (2) attached to each other and to the differential center block (20) are associated with n connecting blocks (6) located on the same first side for output connections, the terminals (3, 4) protruding from said center blocks on either side being connected at each standard level by welding of two bars (22, 22'), a cover (21) and a base plate (7), which are modular and unique (n+1), being fastened to the array, with the cover (21) covering the bars (22, 22') welded to the terminals (3, 4).
8. The application of the electric apparatus (1) according to claims 1 to 5 to a bimodular differential circuit-breaker (n = 2), characterized in that a circuit-breaking center block (2) is associated with a connecting block (5') for supply of the differential circuit-breaker, a differential center block (20') attached to the circuit-breaking center block (2) is associated with a connecting block (6) located on the opposite side for output connections, the terminals (3, 4) protruding from the other side of the circuit-breaking center block (2) being connected by welding to the magnetic core of the differential center block, a cover (21') without any recess associated with the differential center block covering this link, a cover (25) with a recess being fastened to the circuit-breaking center block, and a bimodular (n = 2) base plate (7) being fastened to the assembly.
9. The application of the electric apparatus (1) according to claims 1 to 5 to a circuit-breaker having n phases (n = 2 or 3) and a neutral, characterized in that n circuit-breaking center blocks (2) are attached, each being associated respectively with a connecting block (5, 6, 9) for supply thereof and one connecting block (5, 6, 9) located on the opposite side for output connections, an n-modular base plate (7) being fastened to said blocks (2).
10. The application of the electric apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim to a differential block having three phases and one neutral, characterized in that one differential center block (20') is associated with three circuit-breaking center blocks (2).

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