EP0505292B1 - Phase/neutral conductor circuit breaker with reduced space requirement - Google Patents

Phase/neutral conductor circuit breaker with reduced space requirement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0505292B1
EP0505292B1 EP19920420071 EP92420071A EP0505292B1 EP 0505292 B1 EP0505292 B1 EP 0505292B1 EP 19920420071 EP19920420071 EP 19920420071 EP 92420071 A EP92420071 A EP 92420071A EP 0505292 B1 EP0505292 B1 EP 0505292B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
phase
compartment
neutral
partition
circuit breaker
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP19920420071
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0505292A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Lazareth
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Schneider Electric SE
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Schneider Electric SE
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    • 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
    • H01H71/0207—Mounting or assembling the different parts of the circuit breaker
    • H01H71/0214—Housing or casing lateral walls containing guiding grooves or special mounting facilities
    • 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
    • H01H71/002—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00 with provision for switching the neutral conductor

Definitions

  • Such a circuit breaker is described in document FR-A-2,485,254, which makes it possible to place in a same insulating case a phase circuit and a neutral circuit, isolated from each other.
  • the partition is offset from the median plane, and the bimetallic strip extends into the upper part of the housing.
  • the incorporation of an arc extinguishing chamber in the second neutral compartment is impossible if the standard dimensions of the modular housing must be maintained.
  • Document DE-A-2.234.423 shows the increase in the size of the box with two arc extinguishing chambers, and an electromagnetic trip device which occupies a fraction of the width of the box.
  • EP-A-403,358 and EP-A-252,786 each describe a single-pole and neutral circuit breaker having an intermediate partition for separation between the two phase and neutral circuits.
  • a first part of the partition extends in the median plane at the level of the breaking chambers, and a second part is offset laterally in which the electromagnetic trip device is arranged.
  • the striker of the electromagnetic trip device is not located in the median plane of the box, and as a result the electromagnetic trip device does not occupy the entire width of the box.
  • the breaking performance of such a circuit breaker remains limited.
  • the object of the invention is to improve the electrical performance of a phase and neutral circuit breaker with standard box, and two arc extinguishing chambers.
  • the circuit breaker according to the invention is characterized in that the separation partition is mostly located in the median plane of the housing, in particular between the terminals and the respective arc extinguishing chambers of the first and second phase and neutral compartments , that the bimetallic strip extends entirely in the first compartment inside an additional space confined by the lateral offset of the partition projecting in the second compartment, the length of the space in the longitudinal direction being slightly greater at the maximum deflection travel of the bimetallic strip, and that the striker of the electromagnetic trip device is arranged in said median plane, and cooperates during a tripping on short circuit successively with the tripping lever displaceable towards the tripped position, and with the two contact carriers of the mobile phase and neutral contacts driven simultaneously towards the open position.
  • Such an arrangement makes it possible to increase the rating of a single-pole and neutral circuit breaker, without modifying the housing.
  • the lateral offset of the partition with respect to the median plane corresponds substantially to half the width of the second neutral compartment.
  • the foot of the bimetallic strip is located near the bottom of the housing, while the free end of the bimetallic strip is located at the separation interface with the upper part of the housing.
  • Figure 1 is an elevational view of a phase and neutral circuit breaker according to the invention, the half-shell of the phase circuit side being removed.
  • Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1.
  • FIGS 3 and 4 show sections along lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Figure 1.
  • Figure 5 is an identical view to Figure 3 of an alternative embodiment.
  • a miniature phase and neutral circuit breaker 10 is housed in a housing 12 of molded insulating material, formed by the assembly of an intermediate casing 14 and two half-shells 16,18, fixed in parallel with one another by means fastening, in particular rivets 20.
  • the intermediate insulating casing 14 is fitted with a partition 22 continuous separation extending longitudinally in the median plane perpendicular to the narrow faces 24, 26 connecting the housing 12.
  • the partition 22 subdivides the lower part of the housing 12 into two adjacent volumes, namely a first phase compartment 28, and a second compartment 30 of neutral.
  • the neutral circuit housed in the second compartment 30, comprises an arc extinguishing chamber associated with a pair of neutral contacts (not shown), and a pair of neutral terminals 32, 34, arranged on the narrow opposite sides. 24.26 of the housing 12.
  • the first phase compartment 28 contains an arc extinguishing chamber associated with a pair of phase contacts (not shown), a pair of phase terminals 36,38, and a bimetal thermal trip device 40. It is noted that all the active elements of the phase circuit are contained in the first compartment 28, with the exception of the electromagnetic trip device 42 with excitation coil 44 which is located with the control mechanism 43 in the upper part 41 of the housing 12, which is located in the height direction between the partition 22 of separation, and the front face 45 of the housing 12.
  • the control mechanism 43 is described by way of example in French Patent No. 2,616,583, and is controlled either manually by a pivoting lever 46 with two stable positions corresponding to the opening and closing of the contacts, or automatically in the event of an overload or short-circuit by the action of the two trip devices 42.40 on the trip lever 48, partially shown in FIG. 4.
  • the partition 22 of the intermediate casing 14 extends longitudinally to the narrow opposite faces 24, 26 of the housing 12 and cooperate with the two half-shells 16, 18 to form the cells 50 for receiving the terminals 32, 34, 36, 38 of connection.
  • the middle partition 22 extends between each terminal neutral 32.34 and the adjacent phase terminal 36.38.
  • the mechanism 43 is coupled to two juxtaposed 52.54 phase and neutral contact carriers serving as support for the movable phase and neutral contacts.
  • the electromagnetic trip device 42 comprises a striker 56 secured to a movable core 58 made of ferromagnetic material capable of being displaced by magnetic attraction against a fixed core 60 when the phase current flowing in the excitation coil 44 exceeds a predetermined threshold.
  • the operation of a 10 phase and neutral circuit breaker is well known to specialists.
  • the mechanism 43 with lever 46 is common to the two contact carriers 52, 54 of phase and neutral, and occupies with the electromagnetic trip device 42, the entire width of the upper part 41 of the housing 12.
  • the electromagnetic trip device 42 intervenes upon detection of a short-circuit current, causing the attraction of the movable core 58 against the fixed core 60.
  • the translational movement of the striker 56 takes place to the right (FIG. 4) in the median plane of the housing 12, so as to pivot in a first stage the trigger lever 48 to the triggered position, then to drive in a second stage the two contact carriers 52,54 to the open position.
  • the driving of the two contact carriers 52, 54 can be simultaneous, and is carried out directly without an intermediate transmission part.
  • the foot 61 of the bimetallic strip 40 is located in the vicinity of the bottom 62 of the housing 12, and is fixed on the one hand to the end of an arc guide horn 64 associated with the arc extinguishing chamber of the phase circuit, and on the other hand to a contact pad 66 of the phase terminal 38.
  • the adjustment of the thermal tripping threshold of the bimetallic strip 40 is carried out by deformation of the foot 61 by means of a screw 68 housed in an orifice 70 which opens into the narrow face 26 of the housing 12, under the phase terminal 38.
  • the orifice 70 is formed in the lower part of the intermediate casing 14.
  • the free end of the bimetallic strip 40 is located at the separation interface with the upper part of the housing 12.
  • the partition 22 of separation is in the median plane of the housing 12.
  • the partition 22 is offset from the median plane, and projects into the second neutral compartment 30.
  • the volume of the first phase compartment 28 is greater than that of the second neutral compartment 30.
  • the difference in volume results from the presence of an additional space 72 confined at the bimetallic strip 40 by the lateral offset of the partition 22.
  • the length of the space 72 in the longitudinal direction is slightly greater than the maximum deflection stroke of the bimetallic strip 40.
  • the lateral offset of the partition 22 at the level of the space 72 corresponds substantially to half the width of the second compartment 30 of neutral, and makes it possible to keep the standard dimensions of the housing 12, with an arc extinguishing chamber in each phase 28 and neutral 30 compartment.
  • the maximum rating of such a unipolar and neutral circuit breaker can reach 45A while maintaining the lateral dimensions of the standard box.
  • a shielding wall 80 of metallic material is inserted in the partition 22 between the chambers arc extinguishing of the two compartments 28.30.
  • the partition 22 is then arranged in two adjoining parts with the interposition of the shielding wall 80.
  • the wall 80 forms a screen between the two arc extinguishing chambers.

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  • Breakers (AREA)

Description

L'invention est relative à un disjoncteur électrique miniature phase et neutre ayant:

  • un boîtier en matériau isolant moulé formé par l'assemblage d'un carter intermédiaire et de deux demi-coquilles, fixés parallèlement entre eux par des moyens de fixation,
  • des bornes de connexion phase et neutre disposées sur les faces opposées étroites du boîtier,
  • une cloison dudit carter étant prolongée longitudinalement jusqu'aux alvéoles de réception desdites bornes, et subdivisant la partie inférieure du boîtier en un premier compartiment de logement de contacts de phase et un deuxième compartiment de logement de contacts de neutre, le volume du premier compartiment étant supérieur à celui du deuxième compartiment,
  • un déclencheur thermique à bilame ayant le pied disposé dans le premier compartiment,
  • un déclencheur électromagnétique à percuteur et à bobine d'excitation, et un mécanisme commun de commande manuelle et/ou automatique, occupant toute la largeur du boîtier, dans la partie supérieure ménagée entre la cloison de séparation, et la face avant.
The invention relates to a miniature phase and neutral electric circuit breaker having:
  • a casing made of molded insulating material formed by the assembly of an intermediate casing and two half-shells, fixed parallel to each other by fixing means,
  • phase and neutral connection terminals arranged on the opposite narrow faces of the housing,
  • a partition of said casing being extended longitudinally to the receiving cells of said terminals, and dividing the lower part of the housing into a first phase contact housing compartment and a second neutral contact housing compartment, the volume of the first compartment being higher than in the second compartment,
  • a bimetal thermal trip device having the foot arranged in the first compartment,
  • an electromagnetic trip device with striker and excitation coil, and a common manual and / or automatic control mechanism, occupying the entire width of the housing, in the upper part formed between the partition, and the front face.

Un tel disjoncteur est décrit dans le document FR-A-2.485.254, qui permet de placer dans un même boîtier isolant un circuit de phase et un circuit de neutre, isolés l'un de l'autre. Au niveau des contacts de phase et de neutre, la cloison de séparation est décalée par rapport au plan médian, et la bilame s'étend jusque dans la partie supérieure du boîtier. L'incorporation d'une chambre d'extinction d'arc dans le deuxième compartiment de neutre est impossible si les dimensions standards du boîtier modulaire doivent être conservées.Such a circuit breaker is described in document FR-A-2,485,254, which makes it possible to place in a same insulating case a phase circuit and a neutral circuit, isolated from each other. At the phase and neutral contacts, the partition is offset from the median plane, and the bimetallic strip extends into the upper part of the housing. The incorporation of an arc extinguishing chamber in the second neutral compartment is impossible if the standard dimensions of the modular housing must be maintained.

Le document DE-A-2.234.423 montre l'augmentation de l'encombrement du boîtier avec deux chambres d'extinction d'arc, et un déclencheur électromagnétique qui occupe une fraction de la largeur du boîtier.Document DE-A-2.234.423 shows the increase in the size of the box with two arc extinguishing chambers, and an electromagnetic trip device which occupies a fraction of the width of the box.

Les documents EP-A-403.358 et EP-A-252.786 décrivent chacun un disjoncteur unipolaire et neutre ayant une cloison intermédiaire de séparation entre les deux circuits de phase et de neutre. Une première partie de la cloison s'étend dans le plan médian au niveau des chambres de coupure, et une deuxième partie est déportée latéralement dans laquelle est agencée le déclencheur électromagnétique. Le percuteur du déclencheur électromagnétique n'est pas situé dans le plan médian du boîtier, et il en résulte que le déclencheur électromagnétique n'occupe pas toute la largeur du boîtier. Les performances de coupure d'un tel disjoncteur restent limitées.The documents EP-A-403,358 and EP-A-252,786 each describe a single-pole and neutral circuit breaker having an intermediate partition for separation between the two phase and neutral circuits. A first part of the partition extends in the median plane at the level of the breaking chambers, and a second part is offset laterally in which the electromagnetic trip device is arranged. The striker of the electromagnetic trip device is not located in the median plane of the box, and as a result the electromagnetic trip device does not occupy the entire width of the box. The breaking performance of such a circuit breaker remains limited.

L'objet de l'invention consiste à améliorer les performances électriques d'un disjoncteur phase et neutre à boîter standard, et à deux chambres d'extinction d'arc.The object of the invention is to improve the electrical performance of a phase and neutral circuit breaker with standard box, and two arc extinguishing chambers.

Le disjoncteur selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que la cloison de séparation se trouve en majorité dans le plan médian du boîtier, notamment entre les bornes et les chambres d'extinction d'arc respectives des premier et deuxième compartiments de phase et de neutre, que la bilame s'étend en totalité dans le premier compartiment à l'intérieur d'un espace additionnel confiné par le décalage latéral de la cloison faisant saillie dans le deuxième compartiment, la longueur de l'espace dans le sens longitudinal étant légèrement supérieure à la course maximum de déflexion de la bilame, et que le percuteur du déclencheur électromagnétique est agencé dans ledit plan médian, et coopère lors d'un déclenchement sur court-circuit successivement avec le levier de déclenchement déplaçable vers la position déclencheé, et avec les deux porte-contacts des contacts mobiles de phase et de neutre entraînés simultanément vers la position d'ouverture.The circuit breaker according to the invention is characterized in that the separation partition is mostly located in the median plane of the housing, in particular between the terminals and the respective arc extinguishing chambers of the first and second phase and neutral compartments , that the bimetallic strip extends entirely in the first compartment inside an additional space confined by the lateral offset of the partition projecting in the second compartment, the length of the space in the longitudinal direction being slightly greater at the maximum deflection travel of the bimetallic strip, and that the striker of the electromagnetic trip device is arranged in said median plane, and cooperates during a tripping on short circuit successively with the tripping lever displaceable towards the tripped position, and with the two contact carriers of the mobile phase and neutral contacts driven simultaneously towards the open position.

Un tel agencement permet d'augmenter le calibre d'un disjoncteur unipolaire et neutre, sans modifier le boîtier.Such an arrangement makes it possible to increase the rating of a single-pole and neutral circuit breaker, without modifying the housing.

Le décalage latéral de la cloison par rapport au plan médian correspond sensiblement à la moitié de la largeur du deuxième compartiment de neutre.The lateral offset of the partition with respect to the median plane corresponds substantially to half the width of the second neutral compartment.

Le pied de la bilame est situé au voisinage du fond du boîtier, tandis que l'extrémité libre de la bilame se trouve au niveau de l'interface de séparation avec la partie supérieure du boîtier.The foot of the bimetallic strip is located near the bottom of the housing, while the free end of the bimetallic strip is located at the separation interface with the upper part of the housing.

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

La figure 1 est une vue en élévation d'un disjoncteur phase et neutre selon l'invention,la demi-coquille du côté circuit phase étant enlevée.Figure 1 is an elevational view of a phase and neutral circuit breaker according to the invention, the half-shell of the phase circuit side being removed.

La figure 2 est une vue de profil de la figure 1.Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1.

Les figures 3 et 4 représentent des coupes selon les lignes 3-3 et 4-4 de la figure 1.Figures 3 and 4 show sections along lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Figure 1.

La figure 5 est une vue identique de la figure 3 d'une variante de réalisation.Figure 5 is an identical view to Figure 3 of an alternative embodiment.

Sur les figures, un disjoncteur 10 miniature phase et neutre est logé dans un boîtier 12 en matériau isolant moulé, formé par l'assemblage d'un carter 14 intermédiaire et de deux demi-coquilles 16,18,fixés parallèlement entre eux par des moyens de fixation, notamment des rivets 20.In the figures, a miniature phase and neutral circuit breaker 10 is housed in a housing 12 of molded insulating material, formed by the assembly of an intermediate casing 14 and two half-shells 16,18, fixed in parallel with one another by means fastening, in particular rivets 20.

Le carter 14 isolant intermédiaire est équipé d'une cloison 22 continue de séparation s'étendant longitudinalement dans le plan médian perpendiculaire aux faces étroites 24,26 de raccordement du boîtier 12. La cloison 22 subdivise la partie inférieure du boîtier 12 en deux volumes adjacents, à savoir un premier compartiment 28 de phase, et un deuxième compartiment 30 de neutre.The intermediate insulating casing 14 is fitted with a partition 22 continuous separation extending longitudinally in the median plane perpendicular to the narrow faces 24, 26 connecting the housing 12. The partition 22 subdivides the lower part of the housing 12 into two adjacent volumes, namely a first phase compartment 28, and a second compartment 30 of neutral.

Le circuit de neutre logé dans le deuxième compartiment 30, comporte une chambre d'extinction d'arc associée à une paire de contacts de neutre (non représentée), et une paire de bornes de neutre 32,34, disposée sur les faces opposées étroites 24,26 du boîtier 12.The neutral circuit housed in the second compartment 30, comprises an arc extinguishing chamber associated with a pair of neutral contacts (not shown), and a pair of neutral terminals 32, 34, arranged on the narrow opposite sides. 24.26 of the housing 12.

Le premier compartiment 28 de phase renferme une chambre d'extinction d'arc associée à une paire de contacts de phase(non représentée), une paire de bornes de phase 36,38, et un déclencheur thermique à bilame 40. On remarque que tous les éléments actifs du circuit de phase sont contenus dans le premier compartiment 28, à l'exception du déclencheur électromagnétique 42 à bobine 44 d'excitation qui se trouve avec le mécanisme de commande 43 dans la partie supérieure 41 du boîtier 12, laquelle est située dans le sens de la hauteur entre la cloison 22 de séparation, et la face avant 45 du boîtier 12.The first phase compartment 28 contains an arc extinguishing chamber associated with a pair of phase contacts (not shown), a pair of phase terminals 36,38, and a bimetal thermal trip device 40. It is noted that all the active elements of the phase circuit are contained in the first compartment 28, with the exception of the electromagnetic trip device 42 with excitation coil 44 which is located with the control mechanism 43 in the upper part 41 of the housing 12, which is located in the height direction between the partition 22 of separation, and the front face 45 of the housing 12.

Le mécanisme de commande 43 est décrit à titre d'exemple dans le brevet français n°2.616.583, et est piloté soit manuellement par une manette 46 pivotante à deux positions stables correspondant à l'ouverture et à la fermeture des contacts, soit automatiquement en cas de surcharge ou de court-circuit par l'action des deux déclencheurs 42,40 sur le levier de déclenchement 48, représentée partiellement sur la figure 4.The control mechanism 43 is described by way of example in French Patent No. 2,616,583, and is controlled either manually by a pivoting lever 46 with two stable positions corresponding to the opening and closing of the contacts, or automatically in the event of an overload or short-circuit by the action of the two trip devices 42.40 on the trip lever 48, partially shown in FIG. 4.

La cloison 22 du carter 14 intermédiaire se prolonge longitudinalement jusqu'aux faces opposées étroites 24,26 du boîtier 12 et coopèrent avec les deux demi-coquilles 16,18 pour former les alvéoles 50 de réception des bornes 32,34,36,38 de raccordement. La cloison 22 médiane s'étend entre chaque borne de neutre 32,34 et la borne de phase 36,38 adjacente.The partition 22 of the intermediate casing 14 extends longitudinally to the narrow opposite faces 24, 26 of the housing 12 and cooperate with the two half-shells 16, 18 to form the cells 50 for receiving the terminals 32, 34, 36, 38 of connection. The middle partition 22 extends between each terminal neutral 32.34 and the adjacent phase terminal 36.38.

Le mécanisme 43 est accouplé à deux porte contacts phase et neutre 52,54 juxtaposés servant de support aux contacts mobiles de phase et de neutre. Le déclencheur électromagnétique 42 comporte un percuteur 56 solidarisé à un noyau mobile 58 en matériau ferromagnétique susceptible d'être déplacé par attraction magnétique contre un noyau fixe 60 lorsque le courant de phase circulant dans la bobine 44 d'excitation dépasse un seuil prédéterminé.The mechanism 43 is coupled to two juxtaposed 52.54 phase and neutral contact carriers serving as support for the movable phase and neutral contacts. The electromagnetic trip device 42 comprises a striker 56 secured to a movable core 58 made of ferromagnetic material capable of being displaced by magnetic attraction against a fixed core 60 when the phase current flowing in the excitation coil 44 exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Le fonctionnement d'un disjoncteur 10 phase et neutre est bien connu des spécialistes. Le mécanisme 43 à manette 46 est commun aux deux porte-contacts 52,54 de phase et de neutre, et occupe avec le déclencheur électromagnétique 42, toute la largeur de la partie supérieure 41 du boîtier 12.The operation of a 10 phase and neutral circuit breaker is well known to specialists. The mechanism 43 with lever 46 is common to the two contact carriers 52, 54 of phase and neutral, and occupies with the electromagnetic trip device 42, the entire width of the upper part 41 of the housing 12.

L'apparition d'un courant de surcharge dans le circuit de phase provoque la déflexion vers la droite de la bilame (figure 1 et 3), entraînant le déclenchement automatique du mécanisme 43, et l'ouverture des contacts de phase et de neutre.The appearance of an overload current in the phase circuit causes the bimetallic strip to deflect to the right (FIGS. 1 and 3), causing the automatic mechanism 43 to trip, and the opening of the phase and neutral contacts.

Le déclencheur électromagnétique 42 intervient lors d'une détection d'un courant de court-circuit, provoquant l'attraction du noyau mobile 58 contre le noyau fixe 60. Le déplacement en translation du percuteur 56 s'effectue vers la droite (figure 4) dans le plan médian du boîtier 12, de manière à faire pivoter dans un premier stade le levier de déclenchement 48 vers la position déclenchée, puis à entraîner dans un deuxième stade les deux porte contacts 52,54 vers la position d'ouverture. L'entraînement des deux porte-contacts 52,54 peut être simultané, et s'effectue directement sans pièce de transmission intermédiaire.The electromagnetic trip device 42 intervenes upon detection of a short-circuit current, causing the attraction of the movable core 58 against the fixed core 60. The translational movement of the striker 56 takes place to the right (FIG. 4) in the median plane of the housing 12, so as to pivot in a first stage the trigger lever 48 to the triggered position, then to drive in a second stage the two contact carriers 52,54 to the open position. The driving of the two contact carriers 52, 54 can be simultaneous, and is carried out directly without an intermediate transmission part.

Le pied 61 de la bilame 40 est situé au voisinage du fond 62 du boîtier 12, et est fixé d'une part à l'extrémité d'une corne de guidage d'arc 64 associé à la chambre d'extinction d'arc du circuit de phase, et d'autre part à une plage de contact 66 de la borne de phase 38.Le réglage du seuil de déclenchement thermique de la bilame 40 s'effectue par déformation du pied 61 au moyen d'une vis 68 logée dans un orifice 70 qui débouche dans la face étroite 26 du boîtier 12, sous la borne de phase 38. L'orifice 70 est ménagé dans la partie inférieure du carter intermédiaire 14.The foot 61 of the bimetallic strip 40 is located in the vicinity of the bottom 62 of the housing 12, and is fixed on the one hand to the end of an arc guide horn 64 associated with the arc extinguishing chamber of the phase circuit, and on the other hand to a contact pad 66 of the phase terminal 38. The adjustment of the thermal tripping threshold of the bimetallic strip 40 is carried out by deformation of the foot 61 by means of a screw 68 housed in an orifice 70 which opens into the narrow face 26 of the housing 12, under the phase terminal 38. The orifice 70 is formed in the lower part of the intermediate casing 14.

L'extrémité libre de la bilame 40 se trouve au niveau de l'interface de séparation avec la partie supérieure du boîtier 12.The free end of the bimetallic strip 40 is located at the separation interface with the upper part of the housing 12.

Au niveau des bornes 32,36; 34,38, et des deux chambres d'extinction d'arc des circuits de phase et de neutre,la cloison 22 de séparation se trouve dans le plan médian du boîtier 12. Dans la zone de déflexion de la bilame 40, la cloison 22 est décalée par rapport au plan médian, et fait saillie dans le deuxième compartiment 30 de neutre. Il en résulte que le volume du premier compartiment 28 de phase est supérieur à celui du deuxième compartiment 30 de neutre. La différence de volume résulte de la présence d'un espace additionnel 72 confiné au niveau de la bilame 40 par le décalage latéral de la cloison 22.At terminals 32.36; 34, 38, and of the two arc extinction chambers of the phase and neutral circuits, the partition 22 of separation is in the median plane of the housing 12. In the deflection zone of the bimetallic strip 40, the partition 22 is offset from the median plane, and projects into the second neutral compartment 30. As a result, the volume of the first phase compartment 28 is greater than that of the second neutral compartment 30. The difference in volume results from the presence of an additional space 72 confined at the bimetallic strip 40 by the lateral offset of the partition 22.

La longueur de l'espace 72 dans le sens longitudinal est légèrement supérieure à la course maximum de déflexion de la bilame 40. Le décalage latéral de la cloison 22 au niveau de l'espace 72 correspond sensiblement à la moitié de la largeur du deuxième compartiment 30 de neutre, et permet de conserver les dimensions standards du boîtier 12, avec une chambre d'extinction d'arc dans chaque compartiment de phase 28 et de neutre 30.The length of the space 72 in the longitudinal direction is slightly greater than the maximum deflection stroke of the bimetallic strip 40. The lateral offset of the partition 22 at the level of the space 72 corresponds substantially to half the width of the second compartment 30 of neutral, and makes it possible to keep the standard dimensions of the housing 12, with an arc extinguishing chamber in each phase 28 and neutral 30 compartment.

Le calibre maximum d'un tel disjoncteur unipolaire et neutre peut atteindre 45A en conservant l'encombrement latéral du boîtier standard.The maximum rating of such a unipolar and neutral circuit breaker can reach 45A while maintaining the lateral dimensions of the standard box.

Selon la figure 5, une paroi de blindage 80 en matériau métallique est insérée dans la cloison 22 entre les chambres d'extinction d'arc des deux compartiments 28,30. La cloison 22 est alors agencée en deux parties accolées avec interposition de la paroi de blindage 80. La paroi 80 forme un écran entre les deux chambres d'extinction d'arc.According to Figure 5, a shielding wall 80 of metallic material is inserted in the partition 22 between the chambers arc extinguishing of the two compartments 28.30. The partition 22 is then arranged in two adjoining parts with the interposition of the shielding wall 80. The wall 80 forms a screen between the two arc extinguishing chambers.

Claims (5)

  1. A phase and neutral miniature electrical circuit breaker having :
    - a case (12) made of moulded insulating material formed by assembly of an intermediate housing (14) and of two half-shells (16, 18), fixed parallel to one another by fixing means (20),
    - phase (36, 38) and neutral (32, 34) connection terminals arranged on the opposite narrow faces of the case (12),
    - a partition (22) of said housing (14) being extended longitudinally up to the recesses (50) accommodating said terminals, and subdividing the lower part of the case (12) into a first compartment (28) housing phase contacts and a second compartment (30) housing neutral contacts, the volume of the first compartment (28) being greater than that of the second compartment (30),
    - a thermal trip device with bimetal strip (40) having its foot (61) located in the first compartment (28),
    - an electromagnetic trip device (42) with striker (56) and excitation coil (44), and a common manual and/or automatic operating mechanism (43), both occupying the whole width of the case (12) between the two half-shells, and in the upper part (41) arranged between the separating partition (22), and the front panel (45),
    characterized in that the separating partition (22) is situated for the most part in the mid-plane of the case (12), notably between the respective terminals (36, 38; 32, 34) and arc extinguishing chambers of the first and second phase and neutral compartments (28, 30), that the bimetal strip (40) extends totally in the first compartment (28) within an additional space (72) confined by the lateral offset of the partition (22) protruding into the second compartment (30), the length of the space (72) in the longitudinal direction being slightly greater than the maximum deflection travel of the bimetal strip (40), and that the striker (56) of the electromagnetic trip device (42) is arranged in said mid-plane, and cooperates when tripping occurs on a short-circuit successively with the trip lever (48) movable to the tripped position, and with the two contact supports (52, 54) of the movable phase and neutral contacts driven simultaneously to the open position.
  2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral offset of the partition (22) with respect to the mid-plane corresponds appreciably to half the width of the second neutral compartment (30).
  3. The circuit breaker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the foot (61) of the bimetal strip (40) is located near the base plate (62) of the case (12), whereas the free end of the bimetal strip (40) is situated at the level of the separating interface with the upper part (41) of the case (12).
  4. The circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that the foot (61) of the bimetal strip (40) is associated with an adjustment screw (68) housed in an orifice (70) which opens out on the narrow front panel (26) under the phase terminal (38), the orifice (70) being arranged in the lower part of the intermediate housing (14).
  5. The circuit breaker according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a shielding wall (80) made of metallic material is inserted in the partition (22) to act as a shield between the two arc extinguishing chambers.
EP19920420071 1991-03-20 1992-03-12 Phase/neutral conductor circuit breaker with reduced space requirement Expired - Lifetime EP0505292B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9103474A FR2674369B1 (en) 1991-03-20 1991-03-20 REDUCED OVERALL, NEUTRAL PHASE AND NEUTRAL CIRCUIT BREAKER.
FR9103474 1991-03-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0505292A1 EP0505292A1 (en) 1992-09-23
EP0505292B1 true EP0505292B1 (en) 1995-08-30

Family

ID=9411004

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19920420071 Expired - Lifetime EP0505292B1 (en) 1991-03-20 1992-03-12 Phase/neutral conductor circuit breaker with reduced space requirement

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0505292B1 (en)
DK (1) DK0505292T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2079163T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2674369B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT402583B (en) * 1992-11-25 1997-06-25 Felten & Guilleaume Ag Oester CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH A THERMALLY AND MAGNETICALLY PROTECTED OUTER POLE AND AN UNprotected Neutral Pole
DE19653378A1 (en) * 1996-12-20 1998-06-25 Abb Patent Gmbh Installation switch
EP1473750A1 (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-11-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Electro-mechanical switching device
EP2026368B1 (en) * 2006-05-19 2016-02-03 General Electric Company Housing for single-pole circuit breaker comprising two current path regions
EP2026369B1 (en) * 2006-05-19 2012-12-12 General Electric Company Housing for single-pole circuit breaker comprising two current path regions
DE102007048412A1 (en) * 2007-10-09 2009-04-23 Siemens Ag Protective switching device and protective switching device

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2234423A1 (en) * 1972-07-13 1974-01-24 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION SWITCH IN SHELL CONSTRUCTION
FR2485254A1 (en) * 1980-06-19 1981-12-24 Merlin Gerin MINIATURE UNIPOLAR AND NEUTRAL CIRCUIT BREAKER
FR2600210B1 (en) * 1986-06-17 1993-04-16 Telemecanique Electrique CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH TWO SWITCHING CIRCUITS OF WHICH ONE IS PROTECTED
FR2648614B1 (en) * 1989-06-16 1994-03-11 Hager Electro Sa PHASE AND NEUTRAL CIRCUIT BREAKER
US4922219A (en) * 1989-07-17 1990-05-01 Mechanical Products, Inc. Circuit breaker

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0505292A1 (en) 1992-09-23
DK0505292T3 (en) 1996-01-22
ES2079163T3 (en) 1996-01-01
FR2674369A1 (en) 1992-09-25
FR2674369B1 (en) 1996-09-20

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