EP0108678B1 - Remotely controlled current switching device - Google Patents

Remotely controlled current switching device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0108678B1
EP0108678B1 EP83402080A EP83402080A EP0108678B1 EP 0108678 B1 EP0108678 B1 EP 0108678B1 EP 83402080 A EP83402080 A EP 83402080A EP 83402080 A EP83402080 A EP 83402080A EP 0108678 B1 EP0108678 B1 EP 0108678B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
remote control
contact arm
movable contact
spring
arm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP83402080A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0108678A1 (en
Inventor
Gérard Terrier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Merlin Gerin SA
Original Assignee
Merlin Gerin SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Merlin Gerin SA filed Critical Merlin Gerin SA
Priority to AT83402080T priority Critical patent/ATE19838T1/en
Publication of EP0108678A1 publication Critical patent/EP0108678A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0108678B1 publication Critical patent/EP0108678B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H89/00—Combinations of two or more different basic types of electric switches, relays, selectors and emergency protective devices, not covered by any single one of the other main groups of this subclass
    • H01H89/06—Combination of a manual reset circuit with a contactor, i.e. the same circuit controlled by both a protective and a remote control device
    • H01H89/08—Combination of a manual reset circuit with a contactor, i.e. the same circuit controlled by both a protective and a remote control device with both devices using the same contact pair
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/02—Housings; Casings; Bases; Mountings
    • H01H71/0264—Mountings or coverplates for complete assembled circuit breakers, e.g. snap mounting in panel
    • H01H71/0271—Mounting several complete assembled circuit breakers together
    • H01H2071/0278—Mounting several complete assembled circuit breakers together with at least one of juxtaposed casings dedicated to an auxiliary device, e.g. for undervoltage or shunt trip
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/66—Power reset mechanisms
    • H01H2071/665—Power reset mechanisms the reset mechanism operating directly on the normal manual operator, e.g. electromagnet pushes manual release lever back into "ON" position

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a low voltage current cutoff device having a movable contact carried by a tilting contact arm and cooperating in the closed position with a fixed contact, said contact arm being subjected to the action of a spring.
  • tilting mechanism that selectively solicits the contact arm in two stable positions, one for closing and the other for opening the device contacts, to the exclusion of any other intermediate position and a high-endurance remote control mechanism having a pivoting balance cooperating with said spring to suddenly tilt said movable contact arm from the closed position to the open position and vice versa following a remote control command.
  • remote-controlled devices of the type mentioned, in particular remote control switches or contactors which allow manual or automatic remote control to start or stop a power supply circuit.
  • a charge FR-A-2 482 773.
  • the circuit is protected by a separate device, in this case a circuit breaker which opens automatically in the event of an overload or fault.
  • the present invention starts from the observation that these devices are generally mounted on the same panel and that a grouping of the two remote control and protection functions in the same device would allow significant reductions in manufacturing and installation costs.
  • the apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises an automatic triggering mechanism in the event of overload and / or fault having a triggering spring of force greater than that of said tilting spring and cooperating with said movable contact arm for moving the latter in the open position while controlling a fault current and for maintaining the movable contact arm in the open position regardless of the position of the remote control mechanism as long as the trigger mechanism is in the triggered position , and a manual reset member of the trigger mechanism to authorize in the armed position of the latter a remote-controlled closure of the device.
  • the remote control mechanism and the triggering mechanism are independent of each other but they both act on the same movable contact, the connection between the remote control mechanism and the movable contact being arranged so as not to hinder an action of the mechanism. trigger.
  • the high endurance remote control mechanism is capable of carrying out several tens of thousands of operations while the tripping mechanism has the characteristics of a circuit breaker in this case sufficient energy and rapidity to cut off a current of short circuit.
  • Circuit breakers are known which are fitted with an electric control allowing remote control of closing and / or opening.
  • the electrical control acts directly on the handle (US-A-4,167,716) or on the mechanism (US-A-4,292,612) of the circuit breaker which is designed for a limited number of operations, for example a few thousand.
  • Remote-controlled circuit breakers can be used in certain special cases, for example centralizing orders, but they are unable to provide intensive remote control service.
  • the movable contact arm and the remote control pendulum constituting a bistable click assembly, the displacement of one of the elements causing that of the other, so that they always occupy the same position. Whatever the mode of opening the contacts, the balance is positioned correctly for a successive closing command.
  • the trip mechanism After a fault trip, the trip mechanism must be reset by actuation of a reset lever to allow a closing remote control.
  • the lever automatically comes to the open position when the contacts are separated on tripping, but it can only come to this position if the contacts are effectively separated.
  • the position of the lever in the open position is a visible and reliable indication of the opening of the contacts.
  • All the constituent elements are housed in a molded case, for example of the modular system commercially known as MULTI 9, the pole pitch being 18 mm.
  • the device can of course include several contiguous poles.
  • the actual remote control actuator is housed in an independent molded case of the same profile, rigidly coupled to the cut-off block to form a one-piece assembly.
  • This remote control is advantageously of the remote control type, well known in itself, causing a change of position at each control pulse. It can be of a different type, for example with two electromagnets, one for closing, the other for opening, or with a single electromagnet associated with a return spring.
  • the remote control unit is equipped with an emergency control handle, which replaces the remote control for manual opening or closing of the device.
  • the reset lever is arranged to allow a manual control of opening of the contacts comparable to a trip on fault which neutralizes the remote control mechanism.
  • This handle provides reliable sectioning and to avoid unnecessary handling the handle is shaped to require an actuation tool.
  • a breaking device represented by the general reference 10, comprises a molded case 12 of profile corresponding to the modular system commercially known as MULTI 9.
  • MULTI 9 modular system commercially known as MULTI 9.
  • Several unipolar blocks can be assembled or joined to form a multipolar device, each block having its individual box 12 or the assembly being assembled in a single multipole box. Only one of the poles of the device is described in detail below, the others being exactly identical.
  • a fixed contact 14 connected by a conductor 16 to a current arrival terminal 18 as well as a movable contact 20 carried by a contact arm 22, pivotally mounted on a fixed pivot 24 secured to the housing 12.
  • the movable contact 20 is electrically connected by a braid 26 to the input of a trip coil 28, the output of which is connected by a braid 30 to a bimetallic strip 32 connected to the opposite terminal 34.
  • the closed position of the contacts 14, 20, shown in FIG. 1 the current entering at a given time through the terminal 18 passes through the closed contacts 14, 20, the coil 28 and the bimetallic strip 32 before exiting through the opposite terminal 34.
  • the open position of the contacts 20, 14, shown in FIG . 2 the circuit is interrupted.
  • the movable contact arm 22 extends beyond the articulation (fixed pivot 24) and at its end 36 opposite the contact 20 is anchored a tension spring 38 whose opposite end 40 is anchored to a pivoting lever or balance 42 mounted for rotation on a fixed axis 44 integral with the housing 12.
  • the spring 38 exerts on the contact arm 22 a moment tending to rotate the arm 22 in the trigonometric direction in bearing on the movable contact 20 on the fixed contact 14.
  • the lever 42 is pivoted, in the trigonometric direction indicated by arrow 0 in fig.
  • a trigger mechanism 50 having an electromagnetic trigger with a coil 28 and a thermal bimetal trigger 32.
  • a plunger core 52 Inside the coil 28 is slidably mounted a plunger core 52, cooperating in the attracted position with a striker 54 pivoting a trigger bar 56.
  • the plunger core 52 carries an extractor 58 whose head 60 strikes and pulls the contact arm 22 in the open position during an attraction of the plunger core 52.
  • the bimetallic strip 32 cooperates with the trigger bar 56 in the event of an overload (see fig. 3), so as to pivot the latter clockwise and to release a catch 62 from a hook 64 mounted for rotation on a fixed pivot 66 of the housing 12.
  • the hook 64 in the form of a bent lever carries at its opposite end a slide 68 in which is engaged a finger 70 secured to a lever 72 of a toggle 74.
  • the finger 70 is also engaged in a slide era 76 carried by one of the arms of a lever or of a pivoting part 78 mounted for free rotation on the pivot 24 coaxially with the contact arm 22.
  • the part 78 has two other arms, one of which carries at its end a stop 80 for actuating the contact arm 22, and the other of which cooperates at its end 82 with a spiral spring 84 for triggering.
  • the second lever 86 of the toggle joint 74 belongs to a reset lever 88 rotatably mounted on a fixed pivot 90.
  • a return spring 92 biases the lever 88 counterclockwise, the stroke of the lever 88 being limited by stops formed by the ends of the window for passage of the lever 88 through the housing 12.
  • the spring 84 tends to rotate the part 78 clockwise, this rotation being prevented by the toggle joint 74 which is in a position beyond dead center preventing any movement towards the high in the figure of the finger 70 under the action of the slide 76.
  • the stop 80 is separated from the contact arm 22 by a clearance “j” preventing any action on the contact arm 22 in the closed position of the contacts 14, 20.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate this tripping phase and the final opening on tripping position in which the hook 64 has returned to the hooked position under the action of a return spring 94.
  • the pivoting of the contact arm 22 under the action of the spring 84 causes the anchor point 36 to move and, after passing the neutral point corresponding to the alignment of the points 44, 36, 40, moves the lever pivoting 42 in the open position, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.
  • the spring 84 maintains, by means of the pivoting part 78, the contact arm 22 in the open position independently of the remote control mechanism 48.
  • a remote control closing order which pivots the pivoting lever 42 clockwise remains ineffective on the contact arm 22 locked by the markedly greater force of the spring 84. As soon as the closing order is completed, the pivoting lever 42 is returned by the spring 38 to its initial opening position.
  • the reset of the trigger mechanism 50 is achieved by pivoting the lever 88 in the clockwise direction causing an extension of the toggle 74 with passing the neutral point forcing the finger 70 to slide in the slide 68 by pushing towards the bottom of the slide 76.
  • This displacement of the slide 76 implies a rotation of the part 78 in a counterclockwise direction against the force of the spring 84 towards the initial position of the stop 80.
  • the contacts 14, 20 are arranged laterally at the entrance to a breaking chamber with deionization plates 96, an arc guide 98 connected to the fixed contact 14 facilitating the displacement of the drawn arc between the separate contacts 14 , 20 to the breaking chamber 96 in the usual way in circuit breakers.
  • a 10 remote control block 100 having a molded housing 102 of the same profile is attached to the cut-off block 10 (FIG. 6).
  • an electromagnet 104 whose plunger core 106 acts on a pivoting lever 108 articulated by its end on a fixed point 109 of the housing 102.
  • the lever 108 carries a pusher 110 whose end cooperates selectively with shoulders 112, 114 of a rocker 116, rotatably mounted on a fixed axis 118. During this movement the pusher 110 pivots slightly against a restoring force supplied by a spring 120.
  • the lever 108 and the pusher 110 are returned to the original position ready for a new operation when the electromagnet 104 is energized. During this new operation the pusher 110 cooperates with the shoulder 114 to rotate the rocker 116 in the opposite direction. Such an operation is commonly used in remote control switches and there is no need to describe it in more detail.
  • the movement of the rocker 116 is transmitted by the linkage 122 to a pivoting lever 124 rotatably mounted on a fixed axis 126.
  • the pivoting lever 124 carries an arm 128, the end of which comprises a finger 130 passing through the adjoining walls of the housings 12 , 102, which straddles the pivoting lever or balance 42 of the cut-off block 10, so as to mechanically secure the balance 42 and the rocker 116.
  • the axes 44, 126 are sensiblememt aligned.
  • the molded housing 102 includes connection terminals 132 for the remote control actuation wires of the electromagnet 104.
  • the bimetallic strip 32 deflects to the right in FIG. 3 to rotate the trigger bar 56 in the release direction of the hook 64.
  • the hook 64 is also released during a short circuit detected by the coil 28 which attracts the plunger core 52 and pushes by the pusher 54 the trigger bar 56 in the direction of release of the hook 64.
  • the connection between the toggle joint 74 and the slide 76 is broken and the part 78 is rotated in a clockwise direction by the spring 84, the stop 80 pushing the movable contact arm 22 in the open position.
  • the large force of the spring 84 allows rapid movement of the movable contact arm 22 aided in the event of a short circuit by the action of the extractor 58 integral with the plunger core 52.
  • the spring 84 maintains the movable contact 22 in the open position independently of any remote control order, the spring 38 being unable to overcome the force of the spring 84.
  • the lever 88 In the open release position, shown in FIG. 4, the lever 88 has come to the open position while the hook 64 is again hooked . Putting the device back into service requires manual intervention, in this case resetting by tilting handle 88 in armed position.
  • the lever 88 During an intervention on the circuit it is possible to carry out the selection by moving, for example using a tool, the lever 88 from the armed position to the open position. This pivoting causes the toggle 74 to break and the stop 80 to pivot under the action of the spring 84. If the contacts 14, 20 are in the closed position they are automatically brought into the open position by the action of the stop 80 If the contacts 14, 20 were already in the open position, the stop 80 keeps the contact arm 22 in the open position preventing any closure of the contacts 14, 20, in particular by the remote control mechanism 48.
  • the position of the lever 88 in position open constitutes a reliable indication of the opening of the contacts 14, 20. Indeed, in the case of accidental welding of the contacts 14, 20 under the action of short-circuit current causing the triggering of the mechanism 50, the slide 76 maintained in position by the stop 80 in support of the contact arm 22 prevents movement of the lever 88 towards the open position.
  • the assembly is particularly simple and the fact that the remote control mechanism 48 and the trigger mechanism 50 work independently of one another makes it possible to adapt these mechanisms to their respective remote control and protection functions.
  • the assembly can be housed in a standard circuit breaker or miniature switch box for easy incorporation into a distribution box or panel.
  • control unit can be produced in a different way and include, for example, two electromagnets, one opening and the other closing, or any other mechanism for actuating the pivoting lever 42.
  • control block would be incorporated into the cut-off block, or that in which any manual operation would be excluded.

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  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)

Abstract

A low voltage circuit breaker in a moulded case comprises a breaker unit (10) and a remote control unit coupled to it that controls the swing of a bistable movable contact (22) housed in the breaker unit. A trip mechanism (50) cooperates with movable contact (22) in the case of a fault to swing movable contact (22) into open circuit position independently of the remote control mechanism (48). A resetting handle (88) must be actuated in order to render the circuit breaker reoperative.

Description

L'invention est relative à un appareil de coupure de courant basse tension ayant un contact mobile porté par un bras de contact basculant et coopérant en position de fermeture avec un contact fixe, ledit bras de contact étant soumis à l'action d'un ressort de basculement sollicitant le bras de contact sélectivement en deux positions stables, l'une de fermeture et l'autre d'ouverture des contacts de l'appareil, à l'exclusion de toute autre position intermédiaire et un mécanisme de télécommande à haute endurance ayant un balancier pivotant coopérant avec ledit ressort pour basculer brusquement ledit bras de contact mobile de la position fermée vers la position ouvert et inversement à la suite d'un ordre de télécommande.The invention relates to a low voltage current cutoff device having a movable contact carried by a tilting contact arm and cooperating in the closed position with a fixed contact, said contact arm being subjected to the action of a spring. tilting mechanism that selectively solicits the contact arm in two stable positions, one for closing and the other for opening the device contacts, to the exclusion of any other intermediate position and a high-endurance remote control mechanism having a pivoting balance cooperating with said spring to suddenly tilt said movable contact arm from the closed position to the open position and vice versa following a remote control command.

Les installations électriques, notamment de distribution terminale, comportent fréquemment des appareils télécommandés du genre mentionné, en particulier des télérupteurs ou contacteurs qui permettent une commande à distance manuelle ou automatique de mise en service ou d'arrêt d'un circuit d'alimentation d'une charge (FR-A-2 482 773). La protection du circuit est assurée par un appareil séparé en l'occurrence un disjoncteur qui s'ouvre automatiquement en cas de surcharge ou de défaut. La présente invention part de la constatation que ces appareils sont généralement montés sur un même tableau et qu'un regroupement des deux fonctions de télécommande et de protection dans un même appareil permettrait des réductions notables des coûts de fabrication et d'installation.Electrical installations, in particular of terminal distribution, frequently include remote-controlled devices of the type mentioned, in particular remote control switches or contactors which allow manual or automatic remote control to start or stop a power supply circuit. a charge (FR-A-2 482 773). The circuit is protected by a separate device, in this case a circuit breaker which opens automatically in the event of an overload or fault. The present invention starts from the observation that these devices are generally mounted on the same panel and that a grouping of the two remote control and protection functions in the same device would allow significant reductions in manufacturing and installation costs.

L'appareil selon la présente invention est caractérisé par le fait qu'il comporte de plus un mécanisme de déclenchement automatique en cas de surcharge et/ou de défaut ayant un ressort de déclenchement de force supérieure à celle dudit ressort de basculement et coopérant avec ledit bras de contact mobile pour déplacer ce dernier en position d'ouverture en maîtrisant un courant de défaut et pour maintenir le bras de contact mobile en position d'ouverture indépendamment de la position du méchanisme de télécommande tant que le mécanisme de déclenchement est en position déclenchée, et un organe manuel de réarmement du mécanisme de déclenchement pour autoriser en position armé de ce dernier une fermeture télécommandée de l'appareil.The apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises an automatic triggering mechanism in the event of overload and / or fault having a triggering spring of force greater than that of said tilting spring and cooperating with said movable contact arm for moving the latter in the open position while controlling a fault current and for maintaining the movable contact arm in the open position regardless of the position of the remote control mechanism as long as the trigger mechanism is in the triggered position , and a manual reset member of the trigger mechanism to authorize in the armed position of the latter a remote-controlled closure of the device.

Le mécanisme de télécommande et le mécanisme de déclenchement sont indépendants l'un de l'autre mais ils agissent tous deux sur le même contact mobile, la liaison entre le mécanisme de télécommande et le contact mobile étant agencée pour ne pas entraver une action du mécanisme de déclenchement. Le mécanisme de télécommande à haute endurance est capable d'assurer plusieurs dizaines de milliers de manoeuvres tandis que le mécanisme de déclenchement présente les caractéristiques d'un disjoncteur en l'occurrence d'énergie et de rapidité suffisantes à la coupure d'un courant de court-circuit.The remote control mechanism and the triggering mechanism are independent of each other but they both act on the same movable contact, the connection between the remote control mechanism and the movable contact being arranged so as not to hinder an action of the mechanism. trigger. The high endurance remote control mechanism is capable of carrying out several tens of thousands of operations while the tripping mechanism has the characteristics of a circuit breaker in this case sufficient energy and rapidity to cut off a current of short circuit.

On connaît des disjoncteurs équipés d'une commande électrique permettant une commande à distance de fermeture et/ou d'ouverture. La commande électrique agit directement sur la manette (US-A-4 167 716) ou sur le mécanisme (US-A-4 292 612) du disjoncteur qui est conçu pour un nombre limité de manoeuvres, par exemple quelques milliers. Des disjoncteurs télécommandés sont utilisables dans certains cas particuliers, par exemple de centralisation des commandes, mais ils sont incapables d'assurer un service intensif de télécommande. Il est d'autre part difficile et coûteux de réaliser des disjoncteurs susceptibles d'assurer un grand nombre de manoeuvres. En combinant selon l'invention dans un même appareil deux mécanismes indépendants, on conserve les avantages du méchanisme à faible énergie de télecommande et ceux du mécanisme à forte énergie de déclenchement, ce dernier assurant un nombre limité de manoeuvres.Circuit breakers are known which are fitted with an electric control allowing remote control of closing and / or opening. The electrical control acts directly on the handle (US-A-4,167,716) or on the mechanism (US-A-4,292,612) of the circuit breaker which is designed for a limited number of operations, for example a few thousand. Remote-controlled circuit breakers can be used in certain special cases, for example centralizing orders, but they are unable to provide intensive remote control service. On the other hand, it is difficult and expensive to produce circuit breakers capable of ensuring a large number of operations. By combining according to the invention in the same device two independent mechanisms, the advantages of the mechanism with low remote control energy and those of the mechanism with high trigger energy are preserved, the latter ensuring a limited number of operations.

Le bras de contact mobile et le balancier de télécommande constituant un ensemble bistable à déclic, le déplacement de l'un des éléments entraînant celui de l'autre, de manière qu'ils occupent toujours la même position. Quel que soit le mode d'ouverture des contacts, le balancier est positionné correctement pour une commande successive de fermeture.The movable contact arm and the remote control pendulum constituting a bistable click assembly, the displacement of one of the elements causing that of the other, so that they always occupy the same position. Whatever the mode of opening the contacts, the balance is positioned correctly for a successive closing command.

Après un déclenchement sur défaut le mécanisme de déclenchement doit être réarmé par actionnement d'une manette de réarmement pour permettre une télécommande de fermeture. La manette vient automatiquement en position d'ouverture lors d'une séparation des contacts sur déclenchement, mais elle ne peut venir en cette position que si les contacts sont effectivement séparés. La position de la manette en position ouverte constitue une indication visible et fiable de l'ouverture des contacts.After a fault trip, the trip mechanism must be reset by actuation of a reset lever to allow a closing remote control. The lever automatically comes to the open position when the contacts are separated on tripping, but it can only come to this position if the contacts are effectively separated. The position of the lever in the open position is a visible and reliable indication of the opening of the contacts.

L'ensemble des éléments constitutifs est logé dans un boîtier moulé, par exemple du système modulaire commercialement dénommé MULTI 9, le pas polaire étant de 18 mm. L'appareil peut bien entendu comporter plusieurs pôles accolés. L'actionneur de télécommande proprement dite est logé dans un boîtier moulé indépendant de même profil, accouplé rigidement au bloc de coupure pour constituer un ensemble monobloc. Cette télécommande est avantageusement du type télé- rupteur, bien connu en soi, provoquant un changement de position à chaque impulsion de commande. Elle peut être d'un type différent, par exemple à deux électro-aimants l'un de fermeture, l'autre d'ouverture ou à électro-aimant unique associé à un ressort de rappel. Le bloc télécommande est équipé d'une manette de commande de secours, qui se substitue à la télécommande pour une ouverture ou fermeture manuelle de l'appareil. Lors d'une intervention sur le circuit alimenté il est intéressant de s'affranchir de la télécommande pour éviter toute fermeture intempestive et à cet effet la manette de réarmement est agencée pour permettre une commande manuelle d'ouverture des contacts comparable à un déclenchement sur défaut qui neutralise le mécanisme de télécommande. Cette manette réalise un sectionnement fiable et pour éviter des manipulations inutiles la manette est conformée pour nécessiter un outil d'actionnement.All the constituent elements are housed in a molded case, for example of the modular system commercially known as MULTI 9, the pole pitch being 18 mm. The device can of course include several contiguous poles. The actual remote control actuator is housed in an independent molded case of the same profile, rigidly coupled to the cut-off block to form a one-piece assembly. This remote control is advantageously of the remote control type, well known in itself, causing a change of position at each control pulse. It can be of a different type, for example with two electromagnets, one for closing, the other for opening, or with a single electromagnet associated with a return spring. The remote control unit is equipped with an emergency control handle, which replaces the remote control for manual opening or closing of the device. During an intervention on the powered circuit it is advantageous to get rid of the remote control to avoid any untimely closing and for this purpose the reset lever is arranged to allow a manual control of opening of the contacts comparable to a trip on fault which neutralizes the remote control mechanism. This handle provides reliable sectioning and to avoid unnecessary handling the handle is shaped to require an actuation tool.

Il est facile de voir que les applications de ce nouvel appareil sont multiples en allant de la simple commande d'un circuit d'éclairage à la commande automatique par automate programmable de machines électriques. Il s'intègre dans un système modulaire dont il respecte le gabarit et le pas.It is easy to see that the applications of this new device are multiple, ranging from the simple control of a lighting circuit to automatic control by programmable logic controller electric. It is integrated into a modular system whose size and pitch it respects.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif et représenté aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:

  • les figures 1 a et 1 b sont des vues schématiques en élévation et de côté d'un pôle d'un appareil de coupure selon l'invention, représenté en position fermé;
  • les figures 2, 3 et 4 sont des vues analogues à celle de la figure 1 a représentant le pote respectivement en position ouvert par le bloc de télécommande, en cours de déclenchement et en position déclenchée;
  • la fig. 5 est une vue en élévation d'un mode de réalisation du pôle selon la fig. 1;
  • la fig. 6 est une vue schématique du bloc de commande selon l'invention;
  • la fig. 7 est une vue de face des blocs accolés de coupure et de commande.
Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting example and represented in the appended drawings, in which:
  • Figures 1a and 1b are schematic elevational and side views of a pole of a switching device according to the invention, shown in the closed position;
  • Figures 2, 3 and 4 are views similar to that of Figure 1a showing the friend respectively in the open position by the remote control unit, during triggering and in the triggered position;
  • fig. 5 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the pole according to FIG. 1;
  • fig. 6 is a schematic view of the control unit according to the invention;
  • fig. 7 is a front view of the adjoining cut-off and control blocks.

Sur les figures, un appareil de coupure, représenté par le repère général 10, comporte un boîtier moulé 12 de profil correspondant au système modulaire commercialement dénommé MULTI 9. Plusieurs blocs unipolaires peuvent être assemblés ou accolés pour constituer un appareil multipolaire, chaque bloc ayant son boîtier individuel 12 ou l'ensemble étant rassemblé dans un boîtier unique multipolaire. Seul l'un des pôles de l'appareil est décrit en détail ci-dessous, les autres étant exactement identiques.In the figures, a breaking device, represented by the general reference 10, comprises a molded case 12 of profile corresponding to the modular system commercially known as MULTI 9. Several unipolar blocks can be assembled or joined to form a multipolar device, each block having its individual box 12 or the assembly being assembled in a single multipole box. Only one of the poles of the device is described in detail below, the others being exactly identical.

Dans le boîtier 12 est logé un contact fixe 14 relié par un conducteur 16 à une borne d'arrivée de courant 18 ainsi qu'un contact mobile 20 porté par un bras de contact 22, monté à pivotement sur un pivot fixe 24 solidaire du boîtier 12. Le contact mobile 20 est relié électriquement par une tresse 26 à l'entrée d'une bobine de déclenchement 28, dont la sortie est reliée par une tresse 30 à une bilame 32 connectée à la borne opposée 34. En position fermé des contacts 14, 20, représentée sur la fig. 1, le courant entrant à un instant donné par la borne 18 traverse les contacts fermés 14, 20, la bobine 28 et la bilame 32 avant de sortir par la borne opposée 34. En position ouvert des contacts 20, 14, représentée sur la fig. 2, le circuit est interrompu. Le bras de contact mobile 22 se prolonge au-delà de l'articulation (pivot fixe 24) et à son extrémité 36 opposée au contact 20 est ancré un ressort de traction 38 dont l'extrémité opposée 40 est ancrée à un levier ou balancier pivotant 42 monté à rotation sur un axe fixe 44 solidaire du boîtier 12. Dans la position de fermeture des contacts 14, 20, représentée sur la fig. 1, le ressort 38 exerce sur le bras de contact 22 un moment tendant à faire pivoter le bras 22 dans le sens trigonométrique en appui du contact mobile 20 sur le contact fixe 14. Lors d'un pivotement du levier 42, dans le sens trigonométrique indiqué par la flèche 0 sur la fig. 1 par un dispositif de commande qui sera décrit ci-dessous, la ligne d'action du ressort 38 se déplace pour franchir un point mort correspondant à l'alignement des points 36, 40, 24 et inverser le moment agissant sur le bras de contact 22, qui se déplace brusquement en position d'ouverture, représentée sur la fig. 2. L'ouverture du bras de contact mobile 22 est limité par une butée fixe 46. Un pivotement inverse du levier 42 dans le sens indiqué par la flèche I, provoque après passage du point mort un basculement du bras de contact 22 et une fermeture des contacts 14, 20. L'ensemble bras de contact 22, ressort 38 et levier pivotant 42, constitue un ensemble bistable permettant une télécommande d'ouverture et de fermeture des contacts 14, 20, et dénommée par la suite mécanisme de télécommande 48.In the housing 12 is housed a fixed contact 14 connected by a conductor 16 to a current arrival terminal 18 as well as a movable contact 20 carried by a contact arm 22, pivotally mounted on a fixed pivot 24 secured to the housing 12. The movable contact 20 is electrically connected by a braid 26 to the input of a trip coil 28, the output of which is connected by a braid 30 to a bimetallic strip 32 connected to the opposite terminal 34. In the closed position of the contacts 14, 20, shown in FIG. 1, the current entering at a given time through the terminal 18 passes through the closed contacts 14, 20, the coil 28 and the bimetallic strip 32 before exiting through the opposite terminal 34. In the open position of the contacts 20, 14, shown in FIG . 2, the circuit is interrupted. The movable contact arm 22 extends beyond the articulation (fixed pivot 24) and at its end 36 opposite the contact 20 is anchored a tension spring 38 whose opposite end 40 is anchored to a pivoting lever or balance 42 mounted for rotation on a fixed axis 44 integral with the housing 12. In the closed position of the contacts 14, 20, shown in FIG. 1, the spring 38 exerts on the contact arm 22 a moment tending to rotate the arm 22 in the trigonometric direction in bearing on the movable contact 20 on the fixed contact 14. When the lever 42 is pivoted, in the trigonometric direction indicated by arrow 0 in fig. 1 by a control device which will be described below, the line of action of the spring 38 moves to cross a neutral point corresponding to the alignment of the points 36, 40, 24 and reverse the moment acting on the contact arm 22, which suddenly moves to the open position, shown in FIG. 2. The opening of the movable contact arm 22 is limited by a fixed stop 46. A reverse pivoting of the lever 42 in the direction indicated by the arrow I, causes the contact arm 22 to tip over after passing neutral and to close contacts 14, 20. The contact arm 22, spring 38 and pivoting lever 42 assembly constitutes a bistable assembly allowing remote control for opening and closing of contacts 14, 20, and hereinafter referred to as remote control mechanism 48.

A l'intérieur du boîtier 12 est logé un mécanisme de déclenchement 50 ayant un déclencheur électromagnétique à bobine 28 et un déclencheur thermique à bilame 32. A l'intérieur de la bobine 28 est monté à coulissement un noyau plongeur 52, coopérant en position attirée avec un percuteur 54 faisant pivoter une barre de déclenchement 56. Le noyau plongeur 52 porte un extracteur 58 dont la tête 60 vient percuter et tirer le bras de contact 22 en position d'ouverture lors d'une attraction du noyau plongeur 52. La bilame 32 coopère avec la barre de déclenchement 56 en cas de surcharge (voir fig. 3), de manière à faire pivoter cette dernière dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre et à libérer un accrochage 62 d'un crochet 64 monté à rotation sur un pivot fixe 66 du boîtier 12. Le crochet 64 en forme de levier coudé porte à son extrémité opposée une glissière 68 dans laquelle est engagé un doigt 70 solidaire d'un levier 72 d'une genouillère 74. Le doigt 70 est également engagé dans une glissière 76 portée par l'un des bras d'un levier ou d'une pièce pivotante 78 montée à rotation libre sur le pivot 24 coaxialement au bras de contact 22. La pièce 78 présente deux autres bras dont l'un porte à son extrémité une butée 80 d'actionnement du bras de contact 22, et dont l'autre coopère en son extrémité 82 avec un ressort à spirales 84 de déclenchement. Le deuxième levier 86 de la genouillère 74 appartient à une manette de réarmement 88 montée a rotation sur un pivot fixe 90. Un ressort de rappel 92 sollicite la manette 88 dans le sens trigonométrique, la course de la manette 88 étant limitée par des butées constituées par les extrémités de la fenêtre de passage de la manette 88 à travers le boîtier 12. Dans la position réarmé de la manette 88 selon les fig. 1 et 2, le ressort 84 tend à faire pivoter la pièce 78 dans le sens de rotation des aiguilles d'une montre, cette rotation étant empêchée par la genouillère 74 qui se trouve dans une position de dépassement de point mort empêchant tout déplacement vers le haut sur la figure du doigt 70 sous l'action de la glissière 76. Dans cette position, la butée 80 est séparée du bras de contact 22 par un jeu «j» empêchant toute action sur le bras de contact 22 en position fermé des contacts 14, 20. Lors d'un pivotement de la barre de déclenchement 56 sous l'action d'une déflexion de la bilame 32 lors d'une surcharge ou sous l'action du noyau plongeur 52 lors d'un court-circuit, le crochet 64 est libéré ce qui rompt la liaison cinématique entre les glissières 68, 76 et le doigt 70. Cette rupture libère la glissière 76 et la pièce pivotante 78 tourne sous l'action du ressort 84 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre en entraînant par la butée 80 le bras de contact 22 vers la position d'ouverture. La rupture de la liaison 68, 70, 76 autorise également un déplacement du doigt 70 et un brisage de la genouillère 74 sous l'action du ressort de rappel 92, qui déplace la manette 88 en position d'ouverture.Inside the housing 12 is housed a trigger mechanism 50 having an electromagnetic trigger with a coil 28 and a thermal bimetal trigger 32. Inside the coil 28 is slidably mounted a plunger core 52, cooperating in the attracted position with a striker 54 pivoting a trigger bar 56. The plunger core 52 carries an extractor 58 whose head 60 strikes and pulls the contact arm 22 in the open position during an attraction of the plunger core 52. The bimetallic strip 32 cooperates with the trigger bar 56 in the event of an overload (see fig. 3), so as to pivot the latter clockwise and to release a catch 62 from a hook 64 mounted for rotation on a fixed pivot 66 of the housing 12. The hook 64 in the form of a bent lever carries at its opposite end a slide 68 in which is engaged a finger 70 secured to a lever 72 of a toggle 74. The finger 70 is also engaged in a slide era 76 carried by one of the arms of a lever or of a pivoting part 78 mounted for free rotation on the pivot 24 coaxially with the contact arm 22. The part 78 has two other arms, one of which carries at its end a stop 80 for actuating the contact arm 22, and the other of which cooperates at its end 82 with a spiral spring 84 for triggering. The second lever 86 of the toggle joint 74 belongs to a reset lever 88 rotatably mounted on a fixed pivot 90. A return spring 92 biases the lever 88 counterclockwise, the stroke of the lever 88 being limited by stops formed by the ends of the window for passage of the lever 88 through the housing 12. In the reset position of the lever 88 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the spring 84 tends to rotate the part 78 clockwise, this rotation being prevented by the toggle joint 74 which is in a position beyond dead center preventing any movement towards the high in the figure of the finger 70 under the action of the slide 76. In this position, the stop 80 is separated from the contact arm 22 by a clearance “j” preventing any action on the contact arm 22 in the closed position of the contacts 14, 20. During a pivoting of the trigger bar 56 under the action of a deflection of the bimetallic strip 32 during an overload or under the action of the plunger core 52 during a short circuit, the hook 64 is released, which breaks the kinematic connection between the slides 68, 76 and the finger 70. This break releases the slide 76 and the pivoting part 78 rotates under the action of the spring 84 clockwise. driving the contact arm 22 by the stop 80 towards the open position. The rupture of the connection 68, 70, 76 also allows a displacement of the finger 70 and a breaking of the toggle 74 under the action of the return spring 92, which moves the lever 88 in the open position.

Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent cette phase de déclenchement et la position finale d'ouverture sur déclenchement dans laquelle le crochet 64 est revenu en position accroché sous l'action d'un ressort de rappel 94. Le pivotement du bras de contact 22 sous l'action du ressort 84, dont la force est notablement supérieure à celle du ressort 38, provoque un déplacement du point d'ancrage 36 et, après passage du point mort correspondant à l'alignement des points 44, 36, 40, déplace le levier pivotant 42 en position d'ouverture, représentée sur les figures 2 et 4. Dans la position d'ouverture sur déclenchement des contacts 14, 20, représentée à la figure 4, le ressort 84 maintient par l'intermédiaire de la pièce pivotante 78 le bras de contact 22 en position ouvert indépendamment du mécanisme de télécommande 48. Un ordre de fermeture télécommandé faisant pivoter le levier pivotant 42 dans le sens de rotation des aiguilles d'une montre reste sans effet sur le bras de contact 22 verrouillé par la force nettement supérieure du ressort 84. Dès la fin de l'ordre de fermeture, le levier pivotant 42 est rappelé par le ressort 38 dans sa position initiale d'ouverture.FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate this tripping phase and the final opening on tripping position in which the hook 64 has returned to the hooked position under the action of a return spring 94. The pivoting of the contact arm 22 under the action of the spring 84, the force of which is considerably greater than that of the spring 38, causes the anchor point 36 to move and, after passing the neutral point corresponding to the alignment of the points 44, 36, 40, moves the lever pivoting 42 in the open position, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In the open position on triggering of the contacts 14, 20, shown in FIG. 4, the spring 84 maintains, by means of the pivoting part 78, the contact arm 22 in the open position independently of the remote control mechanism 48. A remote control closing order which pivots the pivoting lever 42 clockwise remains ineffective on the contact arm 22 locked by the markedly greater force of the spring 84. As soon as the closing order is completed, the pivoting lever 42 is returned by the spring 38 to its initial opening position.

Le réarmement du mécanisme de déclenchement 50 est réalisé par pivotement de la manette 88 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre provoquant une extension de la genouillère 74 avec dépassement du point mort forçant le doigt 70 à coulisser dans la glissière 68 en poussant vers le bas la glissière 76. Ce déplacement de la glissière 76 implique une rotation de la pièce 78 dans le sens trigonométrique à l'encontre de la force du ressort 84 vers la position initiale de la butée 80.The reset of the trigger mechanism 50 is achieved by pivoting the lever 88 in the clockwise direction causing an extension of the toggle 74 with passing the neutral point forcing the finger 70 to slide in the slide 68 by pushing towards the bottom of the slide 76. This displacement of the slide 76 implies a rotation of the part 78 in a counterclockwise direction against the force of the spring 84 towards the initial position of the stop 80.

Les contacts 14, 20 sont disposés latéralement à l'entrée d'une chambre de coupure à tôles de désioni- sation 96, un guide d'arc 98 relié au contact fixe 14 facilitant le déplacement de l'arc tiré entre les contacts séparés 14, 20 vers la chambre de coupure 96 de la manière usuelle dans les disjoncteurs.The contacts 14, 20 are arranged laterally at the entrance to a breaking chamber with deionization plates 96, an arc guide 98 connected to the fixed contact 14 facilitating the displacement of the drawn arc between the separate contacts 14 , 20 to the breaking chamber 96 in the usual way in circuit breakers.

Au bloc de coupure 10 est accolé un bloc de télécommande 100 ayant un boîtier moulé 102 de même profil (fig. 6). A l'intérieur du boîtier 102 est logé un électro-aimant 104 dont le noyau plongeur 106 agit sur un levier pivotant 108 articulé par son extrémité sur un point fixe 109 du boîtier 102. Le levier 108 porte un poussoir 110 dont l'extrémité coopère sélectivement avec des épaulements 112, 114 d'une bascule 116, montée à rotation sur un axe fixe 118. Au cours de ce mouvement le poussoir 110 pivote légèrement à l'encontre d'une force de rappel fournie par un ressort 120. Après désexcitation de l'élèctro-aimant 104, le levier 108 et le poussoir 110 sont rappelés en position d'origine prêts à une nouvelle manoeuvre lors d'une excitation de l'électro-aimant 104. Au cours de cette nouvelle manoeuvre le poussoir 110 coopère avec l'épaulement 114 pour faire pivoter la bascule 116 en direction opposée. Un tel fonctionnement est couramment utilisé dans les télérupteurs et il est inutile de le décrire plus en détail. Le mouvement de la bascule 116 est transmis par l'embiellage 122 à une manette pivotante 124 montée à rotation sur un axe fixe 126. La manette pivotante 124 porte un bras 128 dont l'extrémité comporte un doigt 130 traversant les parois accolées des boîtiers 12, 102, qui vient s'enfourcher dans le levier pivotant ou balancier 42 du bloc de coupure 10, de manière à solidariser mécaniquement le balancier 42 et la bascule 116. En position accolée des boîtiers 12, 102, les axes 44, 126 sont sensiblememt alignés. Le boîtier moulé 102 comporte des bornes de connexion 132 des fils de télécommande d'actionnement de l'électro-aimant 104.A 10 remote control block 100 having a molded housing 102 of the same profile is attached to the cut-off block 10 (FIG. 6). Inside the housing 102 is housed an electromagnet 104 whose plunger core 106 acts on a pivoting lever 108 articulated by its end on a fixed point 109 of the housing 102. The lever 108 carries a pusher 110 whose end cooperates selectively with shoulders 112, 114 of a rocker 116, rotatably mounted on a fixed axis 118. During this movement the pusher 110 pivots slightly against a restoring force supplied by a spring 120. After de-energization of the electromagnet 104, the lever 108 and the pusher 110 are returned to the original position ready for a new operation when the electromagnet 104 is energized. During this new operation the pusher 110 cooperates with the shoulder 114 to rotate the rocker 116 in the opposite direction. Such an operation is commonly used in remote control switches and there is no need to describe it in more detail. The movement of the rocker 116 is transmitted by the linkage 122 to a pivoting lever 124 rotatably mounted on a fixed axis 126. The pivoting lever 124 carries an arm 128, the end of which comprises a finger 130 passing through the adjoining walls of the housings 12 , 102, which straddles the pivoting lever or balance 42 of the cut-off block 10, so as to mechanically secure the balance 42 and the rocker 116. In the adjoining position of the housings 12, 102, the axes 44, 126 are sensiblememt aligned. The molded housing 102 includes connection terminals 132 for the remote control actuation wires of the electromagnet 104.

L'appareil de coupure selon l'invention fonctionne de la manière suivante:

  • En position armé de l'appareil, représentée aux figures 1 et 2, l'ouverture et la fermeture des contacts 14, 20 peut être télécommandée par excitation de l'électro-aimant 104 du bloc de télécommande 100. Un premier ordre de commande provoque le basculement de la bascule 116 dans le sens trigonométrique de la manière représentée sur la figure 6, et un entraînement correspondant du levier pivotant ou balancier 42 vers la position de fermeture, représentée sur la figure 1. Dès le passage du point mort, défini par l'alignement des points 36, 40, 24, le bras de contact mobile 22 pivote vers la position de fermeture. Après désexcitation de l'électro-aimant 104 le levier 108 et le poussoir 110 reviennent à leurs position d'origine, la bascule 116 et le balancier 42 restant dans la position stable d'ouverture. Une nouvelle commande d'excitation de l'électro-aimant 104 provoque un pivotement en sens inverse de l'ensemble bascule 116, balancier 42 pour amener le bras de contact mobile 22 en position ouvert après franchissement du point mort d'alignement des points 36, 40, 24. Le mécanisme de déclenchement 50 n'intervient pas lors de ces manoeuvres télécommandées et le bras de contact mobile 22 bascule librement sous l'action du ressort 38. Un tel mécanisme à énergie de commande limitée peut facilement réaliser de nombreuses manoeuvres. La manette 124 constitue une commande de secours permettant une commande manuelle d'ouverture et de fermeture des contacts 14, 20.
The breaking device according to the invention operates in the following manner:
  • In the armed position of the device, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening and closing of the contacts 14, 20 can be remote-controlled by excitation of the electromagnet 104 of the remote control unit 100. A first command order causes the tilting of the rocker 116 in the trigonometric direction as shown in FIG. 6, and a corresponding drive of the pivoting lever or pendulum 42 towards the closed position, represented in FIG. 1. As soon as the neutral point is passed, defined by the alignment of the points 36, 40, 24, the movable contact arm 22 pivots towards the closed position. After the electromagnet 104 has been deactivated, the lever 108 and the pusher 110 return to their original position, the lever 116 and the pendulum 42 remaining in the stable open position. A new excitation command for the electromagnet 104 causes the rocker 116, balance 42 assembly to pivot in the opposite direction to bring the movable contact arm 22 to the open position after crossing the neutral point alignment point 36 , 40, 24. The trigger mechanism 50 does not intervene during these remote-controlled maneuvers and the movable contact arm 22 swings freely under the action of the spring 38. Such a mechanism with limited control energy can easily perform numerous maneuvers . The handle 124 constitutes an emergency control allowing manual control of opening and closing of the contacts 14, 20.

Lors de l'apparition d'une surcharge, l'appareil étant en position fermé, la bilame 32 déflecte vers la droite sur la figure 3 pour faire pivoter la barre de déclenchement 56 dans le sens de libération du crochet 64. Le crochet 64 est également libéré lors d'un court-circuit détecté par la bobine 28 qui attire le noyau plongeur 52 et pousse par le poussoir 54 la barre de déclenchement 56 dans le sens de libération du crochet 64. Dès cette libération, la liaison entre la genouillère 74 et la glissière 76 est rompue et la pièce 78 est entraînée en rotation dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre par le ressort 84, la butée 80 poussant le bras de contact mobile 22 en position d'ouverture. La force importante du ressort 84 permet un déplacement rapide du bras de contact mobile 22 aidé en cas de court-circuit par l'action de l'extracteur 58 solidaire du noyau plongeur 52. Le ressort 84 maintient le contact mobile 22 en position ouvert indépendamment de tout ordre de télécommande, le ressort 38 étant incapable de vaincre la force du ressort 84. En position ouvert de déclenchement, représentée à la figure 4, la manette 88 est venue en position d'ouverture tandis que le crochet 64 est à nouveau accroché. Une remise en service de l'appareil nécessite une intervention manuelle en l'occurrence un réarmement par basculement de la manette 88 en position armé. Ce basculement provoque une extension de la genouillère 74 et le doigt 70 guidé par la glissière 68 pousse la glissière 76 à l'encontre de la force du ressort 84 en position initiale de séparation du bras de contact mobile 22. La manette 88 et la genouillère 74 sont maintenues en position armé par la force exercée sur le doigt 70 par la glissière 76 maintenant la genouillère 74 en position de dépassement du point mort. Après réarmement l'appareil est prêt pour de nouvelles manoeuvres télécommandées par le mécanisme 48 de la manière décrite ci-dessus.When an overload appears, the device being in the closed position, the bimetallic strip 32 deflects to the right in FIG. 3 to rotate the trigger bar 56 in the release direction of the hook 64. The hook 64 is also released during a short circuit detected by the coil 28 which attracts the plunger core 52 and pushes by the pusher 54 the trigger bar 56 in the direction of release of the hook 64. Upon this release, the connection between the toggle joint 74 and the slide 76 is broken and the part 78 is rotated in a clockwise direction by the spring 84, the stop 80 pushing the movable contact arm 22 in the open position. The large force of the spring 84 allows rapid movement of the movable contact arm 22 aided in the event of a short circuit by the action of the extractor 58 integral with the plunger core 52. The spring 84 maintains the movable contact 22 in the open position independently of any remote control order, the spring 38 being unable to overcome the force of the spring 84. In the open release position, shown in FIG. 4, the lever 88 has come to the open position while the hook 64 is again hooked . Putting the device back into service requires manual intervention, in this case resetting by tilting handle 88 in armed position. This tilting causes an extension of the toggle 74 and the finger 70 guided by the slide 68 pushes the slide 76 against the force of the spring 84 in the initial position of separation of the movable contact arm 22. The lever 88 and the toggle 74 are held in the cocked position by the force exerted on the finger 70 by the slide 76 keeping the toggle 74 in the position beyond the neutral position. After resetting the device is ready for new maneuvers remotely controlled by the mechanism 48 in the manner described above.

L'arc tiré entre les contacts 14, 20 lors d'un déclenchement sur surcharge ou court-circuit est soufflé vers la chambre de coupure à tôles 96 où il s'éteint rapidement. Il convient de noter qu'après une ouverture des contacts 14, 20 sur déclenchement le levier pivotant 42 est automatiquement amené en position correspondante d'ouverture permettant une télécommande de fermeture des contacts par excitation de l'électro-aimant 104.The arc drawn between the contacts 14, 20 during tripping on overload or short circuit is blown towards the sheet metal cutting chamber 96 where it quickly extinguishes. It should be noted that after opening of the contacts 14, 20 on release, the pivoting lever 42 is automatically brought into the corresponding opening position allowing a remote control for closing the contacts by energizing the electromagnet 104.

Lors d'une intervention sur le circuit il est possible de réaliser le selectionnement en déplaçant, par exemple à l'aide d'un outil, la manette 88 de la position armé vers la position ouvert. Ce pivotement provoque la brisure de la genouillère 74 et le pivotement de la butée 80 sous l'action du ressort 84. Si les contacts 14, 20 sont en position de fermeture ils sont automatiquement amenés en position ouvert par l'action de la butée 80. Si les contacts 14, 20 étaient déjà en position ouvert la butée 80 vient maintenir le bras de contact 22 en position ouvert empêchant toute fermeture des contacts 14, 20, notamment par le mécanisme de télécommande 48. La position de la manette 88 en position ouvert constitue une indication fiable de l'ouverture des contacts 14, 20. En effet, dans le cas de soudure accidentelle des contacts 14, 20 sous l'action de courant de court-circuit provoquant le déclenchement du mécanisme 50, la glissière 76 maintenue en position par la butée 80 en appui du bras de contact 22 empêche un déplacement de la manette 88 vers la position ouvert.During an intervention on the circuit it is possible to carry out the selection by moving, for example using a tool, the lever 88 from the armed position to the open position. This pivoting causes the toggle 74 to break and the stop 80 to pivot under the action of the spring 84. If the contacts 14, 20 are in the closed position they are automatically brought into the open position by the action of the stop 80 If the contacts 14, 20 were already in the open position, the stop 80 keeps the contact arm 22 in the open position preventing any closure of the contacts 14, 20, in particular by the remote control mechanism 48. The position of the lever 88 in position open constitutes a reliable indication of the opening of the contacts 14, 20. Indeed, in the case of accidental welding of the contacts 14, 20 under the action of short-circuit current causing the triggering of the mechanism 50, the slide 76 maintained in position by the stop 80 in support of the contact arm 22 prevents movement of the lever 88 towards the open position.

L'ensemble est particulièrement simple et le fait que le mécanisme de télécommande 48 et le mécanisme de déclenchement 50 travaillent indépendamment l'un de l'autre permet d'adapter ces mécanismes à leurs fonction respective de télécommande et de protection. L'ensemble peut être logé dans un boîtier de profil standard de disjoncteur ou d'interrupteur miniature facilitant son incorporation dans un coffret ou tableau de distribution.The assembly is particularly simple and the fact that the remote control mechanism 48 and the trigger mechanism 50 work independently of one another makes it possible to adapt these mechanisms to their respective remote control and protection functions. The assembly can be housed in a standard circuit breaker or miniature switch box for easy incorporation into a distribution box or panel.

Il est clair que le bloc de commande peut être réalisé d'une manière différente et comporter par exemple deux électro-aimants, l'un d'ouverture et l'autre de fermeture, ou tout autre mécanisme d'actionnement du levier pivotant 42.It is clear that the control unit can be produced in a different way and include, for example, two electromagnets, one opening and the other closing, or any other mechanism for actuating the pivoting lever 42.

L'invention s'étend bien entendu à toute variante de réalisation, notamment à celle dans laquelle le bloc de commande serait incorporé au bloc de coupure, ou celle encore dans laquelle toute manoeuvre manuelle serait exclue.The invention extends of course to any variant, in particular that in which the control block would be incorporated into the cut-off block, or that in which any manual operation would be excluded.

Claims (7)

1. A low voltage current breaking device with a movable contact (20) carried by a tilting contact arm (22) and cooperating in the closed circuit position with a stationary contact (14), the said contact arm (22) being actuated by a pivoting spring (38) that moves the contact arm selectively into either ot the stable positions, one to close the breaker contacts (14, 20), the other to open them, exclusive of any other intermediate position, and a heavy duty remote control mechanism (48) having a pivoting rocker arm (42) cooperating with said spring (38) to swing the said movable contact arm (22) sharply from the circuit closed position into the circuit open position and vice versa, following a remote control signal, characterized by the fact that it comprises in addition an automatic overload/orfaulttrip mechanismus (50) with a trip spring (84) of higher energy than that of said pivoting spring (38), cooperating with said movable contract arm (22) to shift this arm into open circuit position while suppressing a fault current and to hold movable contact arm (22) in open circuit position independently of the position of remote control mechanism (48) as long as the trip mechanism (50) remains in the tripped position, and a trip mechanism (50) manual resetting component (88) to authorize remote operated closing of the circuit breaker when the trip mechanism is in the reset position.
2. A current breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that said pivoting spring (38) has one of its ends (36) fastened to said movable contact arm (22) and the opposite end (40) fastened to said rocker arm (42) so that a swing of rocker arm (42) causes said end (36) to move and cross a neutral point entailing a swing of movable contact arm (22), and reciprocally a swing of movable contact arm (22) for instance on tripping on a fault, beyond neutral point, causes said rocker arm (42) to swing.
3. A current breaking device according to either claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the resetting component (88) comprises a pivoting handle able to take up selectively a reset position and an open position, said handle being moved automatically into open circuit position when contacts (14, 20) are opened on tripping on a fault but the handle remaining on the contrary in reset position in the case of sticking of contacts (14, 20).
4. A current breaking device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that said trip mechanism (50) comprises a catch (62) that in its released position breaks a kinematic link (70, 74, 76) between said manual component and a swivel lever (78) that is powered by said trip spring (84) to drive movable contact arm (22) against the force of said pivoting spring (38) into a stable circuit open position, the said kinematic link (70, 74, 76) comprising a toggle (74) one end of which is hinged on said manual component while its other end (70) cooperates with a first slide (76) carried by said swivel lever (78) while being guided by a second slide (68) fixed to a hook lever (64).
5. A current breaking device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a breaker unit (10) in a moulded case (12) and a remote control unit (100) in a moulded case (102) that can be adjoined to the moulded case of the breaker unit (10), the said pivoting rocker arm (42) housed in breaker unit (10) being coupled to a remote controlled electromagnetic actuator (104, 122) housed in remote control unit (100).
6. A current breaking device according to claim 5, characterized in that the said actuator comprises a bistable rocker (122) and an electro-magnet (104) that causes a change of state of the said rocker each time said electro-magnet is energized, and a manual component (124) cooperating with said rocker (122) to open or close said breaker.
7. A current breaking device according to claim 3, characterized in that the said resetting component (88) is designed to be actuated by a tool to move it from the reset position to the open circuit position in order to open said contacts (14, 20) and/or to hold them in open circuit position irrespective of the position of remote control mechanism (48).
EP83402080A 1982-11-03 1983-10-25 Remotely controlled current switching device Expired EP0108678B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT83402080T ATE19838T1 (en) 1982-11-03 1983-10-25 REMOTE CONTROLLED POWER SWITCH.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8218551A FR2535520A1 (en) 1982-11-03 1982-11-03 CURRENT CUTTING APPARATUS REMOTE CONTROL
FR8218551 1982-11-03

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0108678A1 EP0108678A1 (en) 1984-05-16
EP0108678B1 true EP0108678B1 (en) 1986-05-14

Family

ID=9278922

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP83402080A Expired EP0108678B1 (en) 1982-11-03 1983-10-25 Remotely controlled current switching device

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US4532486A (en)
EP (1) EP0108678B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5996626A (en)
AT (1) ATE19838T1 (en)
AU (1) AU556571B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1217804A (en)
DE (1) DE3363536D1 (en)
ES (1) ES526863A0 (en)
FR (1) FR2535520A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA838144B (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1217804A (en) 1987-02-10
ZA838144B (en) 1985-02-27
AU556571B2 (en) 1986-11-06
US4532486A (en) 1985-07-30
ATE19838T1 (en) 1986-05-15
EP0108678A1 (en) 1984-05-16
DE3363536D1 (en) 1986-06-19
ES8406788A1 (en) 1984-08-01
JPS5996626A (en) 1984-06-04
ES526863A0 (en) 1984-08-01
AU2091783A (en) 1984-05-10
FR2535520B1 (en) 1985-01-18
JPH0349173B2 (en) 1991-07-26
FR2535520A1 (en) 1984-05-04

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