WO2024126902A1 - Device for extinguishing an electric arc and associated modular-format electrical protection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for extinguishing an electric arc, comprising: - a first electric arc-extinguishing sub-assembly (10) comprising a first stack (11) of first splitter plates (1) and a second electric arc-extinguishing sub-assembly (12) comprising a second stack (13) of second splitter plates (1'), characterized in that - each first splitter plate (1) has a width referred to as the first height (h1), such that the first stack (11) has an overall width/first height (hg1), - each second splitter plate (1') has a second width/height (h2), such that the second stack (13) has an overall second height (hg2), being substantially equal to the second width/height (h2) and (hg2) being smaller than the first overall height (hg1), - the first electric arc-extinguishing sub-assembly (10) and the second electric arc-extinguishing sub-assembly (12) being adjacent and distant by the distance interval in an aligned position (PA) in which the second lateral edges (3) of the first splitter plates (1) of the first stack (11) and the second lateral edges (3) of the second splitter plates (1') of the second stack (13) are offset by an offset distance so as to form a gap (14).

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Device for extinguishing an electric arc and electrical protection device in associated modular format

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protection device, preferably of the modular type, as well as the field of electrical protection devices, preferably of the modular type, integrating such devices. extinguishing an electric arc.

[0002] In the field of residential and tertiary electrical equipment, electrical protection devices are known in particular, in particular in modular format, which include in particular a chamber for extinguishing an electric arc. This electric arc extinguishing chamber comprises, in known manner, an electric arc extinguishing device comprising a plurality of electric arc splitting plates and support means. The splitting plates have a constant and identical shape. Their shape is generally rectangular with two side edges, comprising a first side edge and a second side edge, connected by a lower edge and an upper edge. The splitting plates are arranged substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart by a distance interval between two adjacent splitting plates. Each splitting plate includes an electric arc entry notch starting at the lower edge and all of the entry notches form an electric arc entry zone. The support means are arranged on a part of each first/second side edge to keep the splitting plates spaced apart from each other by the distance interval. The fractionation plates are, for example, usually thirteen in number.

However, under certain conditions the electric arc extinguishing chamber does not have a sufficient volume to accommodate the electric arc extinguishing device as described above. This is particularly the case when a new functionality is added to the electrical protection device and the bulk linked to this new functionality encroaches on the space initially dedicated to receiving the electric arc extinguishing device in the electric arc extinguishing chamber.

[0004] There are, for example, electrical protection devices in modular format whose width is equal to one module and which include a phase line and a neutral line. Such electrical protection devices have the ability to be installed in an electrical distribution box allowing only the central distribution of the phase and in an electrical distribution box allowing the central distribution of the phase and neutral. In the case where the electrical protection device is installed in an electrical distribution box allowing only the central distribution of the phase, the power supply to the neutral line is then done by a cable external to the electrical protection device which is connected to the neutral input connection terminal and which has the particularity of crossing the interior of the electrical protection device at the level of a passage. However, this passage of the cable through the electrical protection device locally encroaches on part of the electric arc extinguishing chamber. The size of the electric arc extinguishing device cannot, however, simply be reduced, otherwise the operating efficiency of the electrical protection device would be adversely affected.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a device for extinguishing an electric arc whose architecture is adapted to an extinguishing chamber whose space is locally restricted to integrate a new functionality without adversely impacting the breaking performance of the electrical protection device.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for extinguishing an electric arc according to claim 1.

[0007] The invention also relates to an electrical protection device in modular format according to claim 1 1.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the description below, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which: [0009] [Fig. 1 ] Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B represent a perspective view respectively from above and below of a device for extinguishing an electric arc in a first alternative embodiment according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the first electric arc extinguishing subassembly of the electric arc extinguishing device illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B,

[0011] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly of the electric arc extinguishing device illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B,

[0012] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents a side view of the device for extinguishing an electric arc illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B,

[0013] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 represents a perspective view of a device for extinguishing an electric arc in a second alternative embodiment according to the invention,

[0014] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 represents a perspective view of the device for extinguishing an electric arc illustrated in Figure 5,

[0015] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 represents a side view of the device for extinguishing an electric arc illustrated in Figure 5,

[0016] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 represents a perspective view of a dividing wall of an electrical protection device in modular format according to the invention showing the second face on the neutral side,

[0017] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the separating wall showing the first face on the phase side comprising a first sub-zone and a second sub-zone and the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the first alternative embodiment according to the invention being assembled,

[0018] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 represents a perspective view of the wall showing the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone receiving the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the first alternative embodiment according to the invention, and

[0019] [Fig. 1 1 ] Figure 1 1 represents a top view of the dividing wall showing the first sub-zone and the second sub-zone receiving the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the first alternative embodiment according to the invention. [0020] A device for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protection device comprises at least:

[0021] - a plurality of splitting plates 1, 1' of the electric arc, each splitting plate 1, 1' having a generally rectangular shape with two side edges, comprising a first side edge 2 and a second side edge 3 , connected by a lower edge 4 and an upper edge 5, the splitting plates 1, 1' being arranged substantially parallel to each other and being spaced apart by a distance interval I between two splitting plates 1, 1' adjacent, each splitting plate 1, 1' comprising an entry notch 6 of the electric arc starting at the lower edge 4, all of the entry notches 6 forming an entry zone of the electric arc , each entry notch 6 delimiting two branches 7, 8,

[0022] - support means 9 arranged on at least part of each first/second lateral edge 2, 3 configured at least to keep the splitting plates 1, 1' spaced apart from each other by the distance interval I,

[0023] the device for extinguishing an electric arc comprising a first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 comprising at least a first stack 1 1 of first splitting plates 1 of the electric arc and a second electric arc extinguishing subassembly 12 comprising at least a second stack 13 of second electric arc splitting plates 1'.

[0024] In accordance with the invention, the device for extinguishing an electric arc is characterized in that:

[0025] each first splitting plate 1 has a first height h1 corresponding to the distance between the first side edge 2 and the second side edge 3, so that the first stack 11 has a first overall height hg 1 substantially equal to the first height h1,

[0026] each second splitting plate 1' has a second height h2 corresponding to the distance between the first side edge 2 and the second side edge 3, so that the second stack 13 has a second overall height hg2 substantially equal to the first height h2 and being less than the first overall height hg 1, [0027] the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 being configured to be adjacent and spaced apart by the distance interval I in a position d alignment PA, in which the second side edges 3 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and the second side edges 3 of the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are offset by an offset distance so as to form a space 14.

[0028] Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to provide a device for extinguishing an electric arc whose architecture is adapted to an electric arc extinguishing chamber (not shown) of an electrical protection device in the format modular whose space is locally restricted to integrate a new functionality without adversely impacting the cutting performance of the electrical protection device. Thus, the size and in particular the second height h2 of the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 does not correspond to the size and in particular the first height h1 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 1 1, contrary to art known prior art which comprises a stack of splitting plates which are of constant sizes and in particular of constant heights. In fact, the size of the second stack 13 is reduced compared to the size of the first stack 11. Space 14 thus makes it possible to accommodate the new functionality within the electrical protection device.

[0029] In the example illustrated in particular by Figures 9 to 1 1, this local restriction of space is located at the level of a second sub-zone 29 of the chamber for extinguishing an electric arc unlike a first subzone 28 whose space is not impacted. Thus, the first sub-zone 28 has a reception volume greater than that of the second sub-zone 29, due to the existence of the new functionality which encroaches on the volume initially available in the extinguishing chamber of a electric arc in the absence of this new functionality. The first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 is intended to be received in the first sub-zone 28. The second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 is intended to be received in the second sub-zone - zone 29. The second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 has a space 14 which is thus integrated into the second sub-zone 29 which has a restricted volume compared to that of the first sub-zone 28. Indeed, in the alignment position PA, the second lateral edges 3 of the splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and of the splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are located on two offset levels which makes it possible to create the space 14. In other words, the first stack 1 1 of the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 has a larger size than the second stack 13 of the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 at least in the direction of the first and second heights h1, h2. Thus only the size of the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 is impacted.

It will be noted that in the alignment position PA, the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 can be assembled reversibly or no and alternatively not to be assembled and simply to be aligned.

Preferably, in the alignment position PA, the first side edges 2 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and the first side edges 2 of the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are aligned.

Advantageously, in the alignment position PA, the first lateral edges 2 of the splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and of the splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are located on the same level.

Preferably, the total number of splitting plates 1, 1' is equal to 13. This total number is equivalent to the number of splitting plates of a device for extinguishing an electric arc of the prior art which includes only a single stack of splitting plates with a constant size.

[0034] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B, 2, 5, 6, 9 to 1 1, the first stack 1 1 comprises a first number of first splitting plates 1 which is for example equal to 10.

[0035] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 1 A and 1 B, 3, 5, 6, 9 to 1 1, the second stack 13 comprises a second number of second splitting plates 1 ' which is for example equal to 3. Preferably, the first number of first splitting plates 1 is greater than the second number of second splitting plates 1

[0037] Thus, only the size of the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 which has the fewest splitting plates 1, 1' is impacted. The modification is therefore localized on a very limited number of second splitting plates 1', preferably equal to 3.

[0038] Preferably, the first height h1 is worth approximately one third of a module worth approximately 18 millimeters and is for example between 12.6 millimeters and 12.8 millimeters.

Preferably, the second height h2 is less than the first height h1 and is, by way of non-limiting example, between 9.9 millimeters and 10.1 millimeters.

Preferably, the offset distance is substantially equal to the difference between the first height h1 and the second height h2.

[0041] Preferably, each first splitting plate 1 has a first length 11 corresponding to the distance between the lower edge 4 and the upper edge 5. Preferably, each second splitting plate 1 'has a second length I2 corresponding to the distance between the lower edge 4 and the upper edge 5.

Preferably and as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 7, the entry notches 6 of the first stack 11 and the entry notches 6 of the second stack 13 are all aligned.

Each entry notch 6 delimits two branches 7, 8, namely a first branch 7 and a second branch 8. The first branch 7 is arranged near the first lateral edge 2 and has a first branch length Ib1, Ib1' and the second branch 8 is arranged near the second side edge 3 and has a second branch length Ib2, Ib2'.

[0044] According to a first alternative embodiment which is illustrated in Figures 1A and 1 B to 4, the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are two separate entities. Advantageously, in this case the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are two autonomous entities, namely a first entity and a second entity. arranged side by side in the PA alignment position. This solution has the advantage of having the most simplistic geometry and is easy to manufacture. In addition, this solution makes it possible to maintain satisfactory cutting performance, for example 10 kiloamps for a rating of 45 amps.

[0046] According to a second alternative embodiment which is illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the first electric arc extinguishing subassembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing subassembly 12 are assembled permanently to form a single entity.

Advantageously, in this case the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are permanently joined and assembled. This solution is more complex in its geometry than the solution of the first alternative embodiment but has the advantage of being in one piece and therefore easier to handle and assemble in the electrical protection device.

[0048] According to a first possibility of the first alternative embodiment, the first subassembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 further comprises first support means comprising two first support plates 15 arranged respectively on at least one part first side edges 2 and second side edges 3 to keep the first splitting plates 1 spaced apart from each other by the distance interval I and the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 further comprises second means support comprising two second support plates 16 arranged respectively on at least part of the first side edges 2 and the second side edges 3 to maintain the second splitting plates 1' spaced apart from each other by the distance interval I, the first means support and the second support means forming said support means 9. Preferably, the two first support plates 15 and the two second support plates 16 are made of cardboard or the like. This example is not limiting.

Preferably, the two first support plates 15 and the two second support plates 16 have a substantially rectangular overall shape.

[0051] According to a second possibility of the first variant embodiment, the two first ends 17 of the first support plates 15 and the two second ends 18 of the second support plates 16 comprise interlocking means 19 configured to engage the into each other in the alignment position PA so that the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are spaced apart by the distance interval I in the PA alignment position.

The interlocking means 19 allow the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 to be spaced apart by the distance interval I in the PA alignment position to prevent them from colliding.

[0053] For example and in a non-limiting manner, the interlocking means 19 correspond to a crenellated shape of the first ends 17 and the second ends 18.

[0054] According to a third possibility of the first alternative embodiment, a first spacing between the two first support plates 15 is substantially equal to the first overall height hg 1 and a second spacing between the two second support plates 16 is substantially equal at the second overall height hg2.

Preferably, the first length 11 of each first splitting plate 1 is less than the second length I2 of each second splitting plate 1'.

[0056] Advantageously, during assembly, this configuration allows, as illustrated in Figure 9, to be able to place the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 after having positioned a confinement cheek 36 of the pre-cutting chamber 37 so that it covers the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 at the level of its second branches 8 but does not cover the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 , as shown in Figures 10 and 1 1.

[0057] Preferably and as illustrated in particular in Figure 4, the entry notches 6 of the first stack 11 and the entry notches 6 of the second stack 13 are all aligned but are not identical.

[0058] Advantageously, the input notches 6 are aligned and consecutive between the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12.

[0059] For the input notches 6 of the first stack 11 and as illustrated in Figure 2, the first branch length Ib1 of the first branch 7 and the second branch length Ib2 of the second branch 8 are different. Indeed, the first branch length Ib1 is less than the second branch length Ib2.

[0060] Thus, the first and second branches 7, 8 of the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are shortened relative to those of the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 to allow the positioning of the containment cheek 36 as explained previously.

[0061] For the input notches 6 of the second stack 13 and as illustrated in Figure 3, the first branch length Ib1' of the first branch 7 and the second branch length Ib2' of the second branch 8 are equal .

[0062] Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to obtain symmetry. Indeed, thus the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are symmetrical with respect to the middle of their second height h2, which makes it possible to make the second subassembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 symmetrical. Therefore, it is not necessary to undecode its mounting direction when assembling the electrical protection device.

[0063] Furthermore and as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the first branch length Ib 1 of the first branch 7 of the input notches 6 of the first stack 11 is also equal to the first branch length Ib1 'of the first branch 7 and to the second branch length Ib2' of the second branch 8 of the input notches 6 of the second stack 13.

[0064] Figure 2 shows in particular that in the first alternative embodiment the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 is in the form of a first one-piece entity which comprises the first stack 1 1 of first plates of splitting 1 which are held by the support means 9 which are in this case in the form of the two first support plates 15 which are parallel to each other. The first stack 11 comprises ten first splitting plates 1. Each first support plate 15 preferably has two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 30. The perforations 30 of each row R1, R2 are preferably ten in number. A perforation 30 is provided to form a fixing with a tongue 31 projecting from the first/second lateral edge 2, 3 of the first splitting plate 1. The tongues 31 are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 30.

[0065] Figure 3 shows in particular that in the first alternative embodiment the second electric arc extinguishing subassembly 12 is in the form of a second one-piece entity which comprises the second stack 13 of second splitting plates 1' which are held by the support means 9 which are in this case in the form of the two second support plates 16 which are parallel to each other. The second stack 13 comprises three second splitting plates 1’. Each second support plate 16 preferably has two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 30. The perforations 30 of each row R1, R2 are preferably three in number. A perforation 30 is provided to form a fixing with a tongue 31 projecting from the first/second side edge 2, 3 of the second splitting plate 1'. The tabs 31 are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 30.

The first entity illustrated in Figure 2 and the second entity illustrated in Figure 3 are distinct.

[0067] Figure 4 shows in particular that in the first alternative embodiment the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 and the second sub-assembly electric arc extinguishing assembly 12 are in the alignment position PA, in which the first lateral edges 2 of the splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and of the splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are located on the same level, while the second side edges 3 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and the second side edges 3 of the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are offset by the offset distance so as to form said space 14 or in other words are on two distinct levels. Furthermore, the first overall height hg1 of the first stack 1 1 is greater than the second overall height hg2 of the second stack 13.

[0068] According to a first possibility of the second alternative embodiment, said support means 9 comprise a single support envelope 20 disposed respectively on at least part of the first side edges 2 and the second side edges 3 and on the upper edges 5 of the first splitting plates 1 and second splitting plates 1' so as to maintain the first splitting plates 1 and the second splitting plates 1' spaced apart from each other by the distance interval I and to maintain the first subset d extinction of the electric arc 10 and the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 distant from the distance interval I with the first lateral edges 2 of the first stack 11 of first splitting plates 1 and the first side edges 2 of the second stack 13 of second splitting plates 1' preferably aligned and with the second side edges 3 of the first stack 11 of first splitting plates 1 and the second side edges 3 of the second stack 13 of second splitting plates 1' offset by an offset distance so as to form said space 14.

[0069] Preferably, the single support envelope 20 is made of cardboard or the like. This example is not limiting.

[0070] According to a second possibility of the second alternative embodiment, the single support envelope 20 comprises a base wall 21 extended on one side by a side wall 22 and on the other side by a first side wall 23 and a second side wall 24, the base wall 21 is arranged on the upper edges of the first splitting plates 1 and the second plates splitting plate 1 the side wall 22 is arranged on a part of the first side edges 2 of the first splitting plates 1 and of the second splitting plates 1 ', the first side wall 23 is arranged on a part of the second side edges 3 of the first plates splitting plate 1 and the second side wall 24 is arranged on a part of the second side edges 3 of the second splitting plates 1

[0071] According to a third possibility of the second alternative embodiment, a third spacing between the side wall 22 and the first side wall 23 is substantially equal to the first overall height hg1 and the fourth spacing between the side wall 22 and the second wall lateral 24 is substantially equal to the second overall height hg2.

Preferably, the first length 11 of each first splitting plate 1 is equal to the second length I2 of each second splitting plate 1

[0073] In this configuration, there is no point in shortening the second length

12 relative to the first length 11 as is the case in the first alternative embodiment because in this second alternative embodiment the device for extinguishing an electric arc is in the form of a single entity which is arranged before the positioning of the containment cheek 36.

[0074] Preferably and as illustrated in particular in Figure 7, the entry notches 6 of the first stack 11 and the entry notches 6 of the second stack

13 are all aligned and identical.

[0075] For the input notches 6 of the first stack 11, the first branch length Ib1 of the first branch 7 and the second branch length Ib2 of the second branch 8 are equal.

[0076] For the input notches 6 of the second stack 13, the first branch length Ib1' of the first branch 7 and the second branch length Ib2' of the second branch 8 are equal. In addition, the first branch length Ib1 of the first branch 7 and the second branch length Ib2 of the second branch 8 of the input notches 6 of the first stack 1 1 are also equal to the first branch length Ib 1 'of the first branch 7 and the second branch length Ib2' of the second branch 8 of the input notches 6 of the second stack 13.

[0077] Figures 5 to 7 show in particular that in the second alternative embodiment the device for extinguishing an electric arc is in the form of a single monobloc entity. The first electric arc extinguishing subassembly 10 comprises the first stack 11 of first splitting plates 1 and the second electric arc extinguishing subassembly 12 comprises the second stack 13 of second splitting plates 1'. The first stack 1 1 comprises ten first splitting plates 1. The second stack 13 comprises three second splitting plates 1’. The support means 9 are in the form of the single support envelope 20 which has at least three functions, namely maintaining the first splitting plates 1, maintaining the second splitting plates 1' and maintaining the first stack 11 assembled with the second stack 13 in the alignment position PA. The first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are in the alignment position PA which corresponds to a position in which the first lateral edges 2 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are located on the same level, while the second side edges 3 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and the second edges lateral 3 of the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are offset by the offset distance so as to form said space 14 or in other words are on two distinct levels. Furthermore, the first overall height hg1 of the first stack 11 is greater than the second overall height hg2 of the second stack 13.

[0078] Figure 5 shows more particularly that the base wall 21 can comprise a plurality of slots 32. These slots 32 have a function of allowing escape of the gases generated during the cutting and extinguishing of the arc in the device for extinguishing an electric arc. Preferably, a first portion of the base wall 21 which has a width equal to the overall height hg1 comprises a first row of slots RF1 preferably comprising four slots 32 and a second row of slots RF2 preferably comprising five slots 32. Preferably, the slots 32 of the first row of slots RF1 and the slots 32 of the second row of slots RF2 do not face each other. Preferably a second portion of the base wall 21 which has a width equal to the overall height hg2 comprises a first slot 33 substantially in the extension of the first row of slots RF1 and a second slot 34 substantially in the extension of the second row of RF2 slots by being offset. Preferably, the first slot 33 and the second slot 34 do not face each other and have a size smaller than the slots 32. The first side wall 23 preferably has three rows R01, R02, R03 substantially parallel aligned perforations 30 between them. The perforations 30 of each row R01, R02, R03 are preferably five in number. The second side wall 24 preferably has three rows R1 1, R12, R13 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 30. The perforations 30 of the first row R1 1 and the third row R13 are preferably two in number and the second row R12 comprises a single perforation 30. A perforation 30 is provided to form a fixing with a tongue 31 projecting from the second edge lateral 3 of the first/second splitting plate 1, 1 '. The tabs 31 are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 30.

[0079] Figure 6 shows more particularly that the side wall 22 preferably has four rows R4, R5, R6, R7 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 30. The perforations 30 of the fourth row R4 and the seventh row R7 are preferably six in number, the perforations 30 of the fifth row R5 are preferably five in number, the perforations 30 of the sixth row R6 are preferably at number of two. A perforation 30 is provided to form a fixing with a tongue 31 projecting from the first side edge 2 of the first/second splitting plate 1,1'. The tabs 31 are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 30.

[0080] Figure 7 shows in particular that in the second alternative embodiment the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 are in the position of PA alignment, in which the first lateral edges 2 of the splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and of the splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are located on the same level, while the second side edges 3 of the first splitting plates 1 of the first stack 11 and the second side edges 3 of the second splitting plates 1' of the second stack 13 are offset by the offset distance so as to form said space 14 or in other words are on two distinct levels. Furthermore, the first overall height hg1 of the first stack 1 1 is greater than the second overall height hg2 of the second stack 13.

[0081] The invention also relates to an electrical protection device in modular format comprising at least:

[0082] - a first phase line comprising a pair of contacts, respectively a fixed contact and a mobile contact,

[0083] - a second neutral line,

[0084] - a member for controlling the position of the mobile contact, connected to the mobile contact via a mechanical lock capable of switching between two stable positions corresponding respectively to the opening and closing of the fixed and mobile contacts following an action on the control member, or to switch into an opening position of the fixed and movable contacts following a mechanical action of at least one trigger transmitting an electrical fault on said at least first line,

[0085] - trigger means comprising at least one magnetic and/or thermal and/or electronic actuator designed to actuate said at least one trigger with a view to triggering the mechanical lock, and

[0086] - at least one chamber for extinguishing an electric arc.

[0087] In accordance with the invention, said electrical protection device is characterized in that the electric arc extinguishing chamber comprises the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the invention and as described previously.

[0088] Preferably, said electrical protection device comprises at least one dividing wall 25 delimiting a phase side and a neutral side, the separating wall 25 comprising a first face 26 on the phase side and a second face 27 on the neutral side and in this that the first face 26 delimits at least partly the chamber extinguishing the arc and comprises a zone for receiving the device for extinguishing an electric arc comprising a first sub-zone 28 configured to receive the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 and a second sub-zone 29 to receive the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12.

[0089] Figure 8 shows the second face 27 of the dividing wall 25, the latter comprising a passage 35 for a cable (not shown) of the second neutral line.

[0090] Figure 9 shows the first face 26 of the separating wall 25, the latter comprising the passage 35 and the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the first alternative embodiment of the invention which is not in the PA alignment position. The first face 26 comprises the first sub-zone 28 configured to receive the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 and the second sub-zone 29 configured to receive the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the arc electrical 12. Passage 35 locally encroaches on the second sub-zone 29. The first sub-zone 28 and the second sub-zone 29 are side by side. The pre-chamber 37 is arranged upstream of the first sub-zone 28 and the second sub-zone 29 and is configured to receive the containment cheek 36.

[0091] Figures 10 and 11 show the first face 26 of the dividing wall 25 and the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the first alternative embodiment of the invention in the alignment position PA. The first sub-zone 28 receives the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second sub-zone 29 receives the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12. The interlocking means 19 support means 9 of the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 and the nesting means 19 of the support means 9 of the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 are nested. The prechamber 37 receives the containment cheek 36 which covers the first electric arc extinguishing subassembly 10 at the level of its second branches 8 but does not cover the second electric arc extinguishing subassembly 12 . [0092] The electrical protection device according to the invention is preferably of the modular type, and thus has a width Im multiple of a module, that is to say the distance between the two side walls of the envelope of the electrical protection device corresponds to a multiple of a standardized value, called module. The width of a module is approximately 18 millimeters. Preferably, the electrical protection device has a width Im of a single module.

[0093] The electrical protection device may consist of a circuit breaker or a differential circuit breaker, preferably of the modular type.

[0094] The electrical protection device can be provided to protect a single line (monopolar electrical protection device) or several lines (multipolar electrical protection device), for example a first phase line and a second neutral line.

The first phase line may comprise a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal between which the fixed contact and the mobile contact are arranged. The first connection terminal is preferably intended to be electrically connected to the electrical network, while the second connection terminal is preferably intended to be electrically connected to a load of an electrical installation.

The second neutral line may comprise at least a third connection terminal and a fourth connection terminal. The third connection terminal is preferably intended to be electrically connected to the cable electrically connected to the electrical network while the fourth connection terminal is preferably intended to be electrically connected to the load of the electrical installation.

[0097] Preferably, the magnetic actuator comprises a coil surrounding a movable core in translation capable of impacting the trigger, so as to actuate the mechanical lock. The moving core is configured to move in the event of a short circuit.

[0098] The thermal actuator may consist of a bimetallic strip, connected electrically or not to the movable contact by a flexible conductor (not shown) such as a conductive braid, arranged to actuate the trigger under the effect of a deformation of the bimetallic strip so as to activate the mechanical lock. Advantageously, the bimetallic strip is deformed by direct or indirect heating of the flexible conductor, in the event of prolonged overcurrent.

[0099] The invention also relates to a method of assembling the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to the invention in said electrical protection device according to the invention

[0100] The assembly process comprises a first step during which the electric arc extinguishing device is placed in the electric arc extinguishing chamber.

[0101] Preferably and as illustrated in Figures 9 to 1 1, if the device for extinguishing an electric arc is according to the first alternative embodiment described above and the electrical protection device comprises the separating wall 25 delimiting a phase side and a neutral side, the dividing wall 25 comprising the first face 26 on the phase side and the second face 27 on the neutral side and the first face 26 delimits at least in part the arc extinguishing chamber and comprises the reception zone of the electric arc extinguishing device comprising the first sub-zone 28 configured to receive the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second sub-zone 29 to receive the second sub-assembly -electric arc extinguishing assembly 12, during the first step the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 is initially received in the first sub-zone 28, then the second sub-assembly electric arc extinguishing assembly 12 is received in the second sub-zone 29.

[0102] If said electrical protection device further comprises the containment cheek 36 and the pre-chamber 37, then preferably, during the first step the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 is initially received in the first sub-zone 28, then the confinement cheek 36 is positioned in the pre-chamber 37, then the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 is received in the second sub-zone 29 so that the confinement cheek 36 covers the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 at the level of its second branches 8 but does not cover the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12. [0103] Preferably, if the device for extinguishing an electric arc is according to the second alternative embodiment described above and the electrical protection device comprises the separating wall 25 delimiting a phase side and a neutral side, the wall separator 25 comprising the first face 26 on the phase side and the second face 27 on the neutral side and the first face 26 delimits at least in part the arc extinguishing chamber and comprises the reception zone of the arc extinguishing device an electric arc comprising the first sub-zone 28 configured to receive the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 10 and the second sub-zone 29 to receive the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly 12 , during the first step the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 10 is received in the first sub-zone 28 and the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc 12 is received in the second sub-zone -zone 28 simultaneously.

[0104] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims [Claim 1] Device for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protection device comprising at least: - a plurality of splitting plates (1, 1') of the electric arc, each splitting plate (1, 1') having a generally rectangular shape with two side edges, comprising a first side edge (2) and a second lateral edge (3), connected by a lower edge (4) and an upper edge (5), the splitting plates (1, 1 ') being arranged substantially parallel to each other and being spaced apart from each other by an interval of distance (I) between two adjacent splitting plates (1, 1'), each splitting plate (1, 1') comprising an entry notch (6) of the electric arc starting at the lower edge (4) , the set of entry notches (6) forming an entry zone of the electric arc, each entry notch (6) delimiting two branches (7, 8), - support means (9) arranged on at least part of each first/second lateral edge (2, 3) configured at least to keep the splitting plates (1, 1') spaced apart from each other by the distance interval (I), the device for extinguishing an electric arc comprising a first subassembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) comprising at least a first stack (1 1) of first splitting plates (1) of the electric arc and a second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (12) comprising at least a second stack (13) of second splitting plates (1 ') of the electric arc, the extinguishing device of an electric arc is characterized in that: - each first splitting plate (1) has a first height (h1) corresponding to the distance between the first side edge (2) and the second side edge (3), so that the first stack (1 1) has a first overall height (hg1) substantially equal to the first height (h1), - each second splitting plate (1 ') has a second height (h2) corresponding to the distance between the first side edge (2) and the second side edge (3), so that the second stack (13) has a second overall height (hg2) substantially equal to the first height (h2) and being less than the first overall height (hg 1), - the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly (12) being configured to be adjacent and distant from the distance interval (I) in an alignment position (PA), in which the second lateral edges (3) of the first splitting plates (1) of the first stack (1 1) and the second side edges (3) of the second splitting plates (1 ') of the second stack (13) are offset by an offset distance so as to form a space (14). [Claim 2] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to claim 1, characterized in that in the alignment position (PA), the first lateral edges (2) of the first splitting plates (1) of the first stack (1 1) and the first side edges (2) of the second splitting plates (1 ') of the second stack (13) are aligned. [Claim 3] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) and the second sub-assembly extinguishing the electric arc (12) are two distinct entities. [Claim 4] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) and the second sub-assembly arc extinguishing device (12) are permanently assembled to form a single entity. [Claim 5] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to claim 3, characterized in that the first subassembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) further comprises first support means comprising two first plates support (15) arranged respectively on at least part of the first side edges (2) and the second side edges (3) to maintain the first splitting plates (1) spaced apart from each other by the distance interval (I) and in that the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (12) further comprises second support means comprising two second plates support (16) arranged respectively on at least part of the first side edges (2) and the second side edges (3) to maintain the second splitting plates (1 ') spaced apart from each other by the distance interval (I), the first support means and the second support means forming said support means (9). [Claim 6] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to claim 5, characterized in that the two first ends (17) of the first support plates (15) and the two second ends (18) of the second support plates (16) comprise interlocking means (19) configured to engage with each other in the alignment position (PA) so that the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) and the second electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly (12) are spaced apart by the distance interval (I) in the alignment position (PA). [Claim 7] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that a first spacing between the two first support plates (15) is substantially equal to the first overall height (hg1) and in that a second spacing between the two second support plates (16) is substantially equal to the second overall height (hg2). [Claim 8] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to claim 4, characterized in that said support means (9) comprise a single support envelope (20) arranged respectively on at least part of the first lateral edges (2 ) and the second side edges (3) and on the upper edges (5) of the first splitting plates (1) and the second splitting plates (1 ') so as to maintain the first splitting plates (1) and the second splitting plates (1 ') spaced apart from each other by the distance interval (I) and to maintain the first sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc (10) and the second sub-assembly for extinguishing the electric arc electric arc (12) distant from the distance interval (I) with the first side edges (2) of the first stack (1 1) of first splitting plates (1) and the first side edges (2) of the second stack ( 13) second plates splitting (1 ') preferably aligned and with the second side edges (3) of the first stack (1 1) of first splitting plates (1) and the second side edges (3) of the second stack (13) of second splitting plates splitting (1 ') offset by an offset distance so as to form said space (14). [Claim 9] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to claim 8, characterized in that the single support envelope (20) comprises a base wall (21) extended on one side by a side wall (22) and on the other side by a first side wall (23) and a second side wall (24), in that the base wall (21) is arranged on the upper edges of the first splitting plates (1) and the second splitting plates (1 '), in that the side wall (22) is arranged on a part of the first side edges (2) of the first splitting plates (1) and the second splitting plates (1'), in that that the first side wall (23) is arranged on part of the second side edges (3) of the first splitting plates (1) and in that the second side wall (24) is arranged on part of the second side edges (3 ) of the second splitting plates (1 '). [Claim 10] Device for extinguishing an electric arc according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that a third spacing between the side wall (22) and the first side wall (23) is substantially equal at the first overall height (hg1) and in that the fourth spacing between the side wall (22) and the second side wall (24) is substantially equal to the second overall height (hg2). [Claim 1 1] Electrical protection device in modular format comprising at least: - a first phase line comprising a pair of contacts, respectively a fixed contact and a mobile contact, - a second neutral line, - a member for controlling the position of the mobile contact, connected to the mobile contact via a mechanical lock capable of switching between two stable positions corresponding respectively to the opening and closing of the fixed and mobile contacts following a action on the control member, or switch into an opening position of the fixed and mobile contacts following a mechanical action of at least one trigger reflecting an electrical fault on said at least first line, - trigger means comprising at least one magnetic and/or thermal and/or electronic actuator designed to actuate said at least one trigger with a view to triggering the mechanical lock, and - at least one chamber for extinguishing an electric arc, electrical protection device characterized in that the chamber for extinguishing the electric arc comprises the device for extinguishing an electric arc according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [Claim 12] Electrical protection device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one separating wall (25) delimiting a phase side and a neutral side, the separating wall (25) comprising a first face (26) on the phase side and a second face (27) on the neutral side and in that the first face (26) delimits at least partly the arc extinguishing chamber and comprises a reception zone for the arc extinguishing device an electric arc comprising a first sub-zone (28) configured to receive the first electric arc extinguishing sub-assembly (10) and a second sub-zone (29) to receive the second extinguishing sub-assembly of the electric arc (12).