Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
  • H01H9/20—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms
  • H01H9/28—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member
  • H01H9/281—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock
  • H01H9/282—Interlocking, locking, or latching mechanisms for locking switch parts by a key or equivalent removable member making use of a padlock and a separate part mounted or mountable on the switch assembly and movable between an unlocking position and a locking position where it can be secured by the padlock
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
  • H01H51/00—Electromagnetic relays
  • H01H51/02—Non-polarised relays
  • H01H51/04—Non-polarised relays with single armature; with single set of ganged armatures
  • H01H51/06—Armature is movable between two limit positions of rest and is moved in one direction due to energisation of an electromagnet and after the electromagnet is de-energised is returned by energy stored during the movement in the first direction, e.g. by using a spring, by using a permanent magnet, by gravity
  • H01H51/08—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet
  • H01H51/082—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism
  • H01H51/086—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism with radial ratchet elements
  • H01H51/088—Contacts alternately opened and closed by successive cycles of energisation and de-energisation of the electromagnet, e.g. by use of a ratchet using rotating ratchet mechanism with radial ratchet elements moved alternately in opposite directions
• • 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
  • H01H71/50—Manual reset mechanisms which may be also used for manual release
  • H01H71/58—Manual reset mechanisms which may be also used for manual release actuated by push-button, pull-knob, or slide
• • 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
  • H01H71/68—Power reset mechanisms actuated by electromagnet

Definitions

• This invention relates to circuit breakers, and more particularly to a control device for use with circuit breakers, in particular of the molded case type.
• Molded case circuit breakers for electrical systems are known in the art.
• the function of the circuit breaker is to shut off the electrical system under certain operating conditions. It is advantageous to provide a mechanism by which the electrical system is returned to service remotely and with a minimum response time.
• the circuit breaker control device enables the circuit breaker to be operated remotely.
• a control device for molded case circuit breakers is described in French Patent No. 2,701,596. With the control device, the circuit breaker can be opened, closed or reset after tripping.
• the present invention proposes, in particular, to offer additional functionalities.
• the present invention proposes, in particular, to offer increased security.
• a circuit breaker control device comprises an actuator, an "ON” button, an “OFF” button, and a selector intended to assume a plurality of positions, including a first locking position of the actuator, the "ON” button, and the "STOP" button.
• the first position of the selector corresponds to a state of opening of the circuit breaker. It is thus possible to prohibit the closing of the transformer.
• the passage of the selector in the first position is only authorized after an opening of the circuit breaker.
• the device comprises a finger and a first slider, the finger being able to push the slider when the circuit breaker trips and the slider then being able to allow the selector to move to the first position .
• the selector comprises at least one locking tooth for the "ON” button and at least one locking tooth for the "STOP” button.
• the selector may include two locking teeth of the "ON” button and two locking teeth of the "STOP” button.
• the device comprises a second slide provided with at least one inactive position and at least one active position for locking the selector in the first position.
• the second slide may include a selector blocking lug.
• the second slide is provided with a hole capable of cooperating with an external lock for locking said second slide in said active position.
• the selector can be movable in translation in a direction perpendicular to the travel of the "ON" and "STOP" buttons.
• the selector may be provided with a second position for locking the actuator, and for unlocking the "ON” and “OFF” buttons.
• the selector may be provided with a third position for unlocking the actuator, and for locking the "ON” and “STOP” buttons.
• the selector acts on a switch to authorize a supply of the actuator.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the circuit breaker control device, cover removed, in the first position;
• Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, in the second position;
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, in the third- position myself;
• Figure 4 is a view from another perspective of the circuit breaker control device of Figure 1, in the first position;
• Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, in the second position;
• Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4, in the third position;
• Figure 7 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 in the OFF position;
• Figure 8 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 in the ON position;
• Figure 9 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 in the intermediate position of STOP to ON;
• Figure 10 is a side view of the device of Figure 1 in the TRIGGERed position.
• the control device 1 comprises a cam system 2 provided with a pair of cams 3 which can rotate around an axis 4.
• Two levers 5 having first and second ends 6, 7 can rotate around a first axis 8.
• the two levers 5 are pivotally coupled to an actuator 10 thanks to an axis 8.
• the cam system 2 is coupled to the circuit breaker, sensitive to the state of an electrical system (not shown).
• the movement of the cam system 2, under the impulse of the lever 5 and of the actuator 10, is capable of opening and closing a set of contacts (not shown) of the circuit breaker. Opening the set of circuit breaker contacts interrupts the flow of electric current through the circuit breaker, as is well known. Closing the circuit breaker contacts allows the electrical current to flow through the circuit breaker, as is well known.
• the actuator 10 may be an electromagnet comprising a return spring (not shown), placed in an electromagnet housing 11 and capable of successively taking the different positions from a plurality of positions.
• Levers 5, of the sliding and rotary type are coupled to the electromagnet and sensitive to its action.
• a first end 6 of the levers 5 is pivotally coupled to the electromagnet using the first axis 8 placed in a slot 9 of the housing 11 of the electromagnet.
• the first axis 8, and therefore the pair of levers 5, can follow a translational movement in the slot 9 in response to the translational action of the actuator 10.
• the actuator 10 follows a translational movement downwards in due to the action of the electromagnet of the actuator 10.
• the actuator 10 follows an upward translational movement under the impulse of a return spring.
• the control device 1 comprises a frame 13 for controlling the lever 5 which can rotate around an axis 14.
• the frame 13 is coupled to one of the two levers 5 by means of a coupling mechanism, such as springs 15, 16.
• the springs 15, 16 are fixed to the frame 13 at the level of fasteners 17, 18 and to the lever 5 at the level of a fastener
• a guide device 20 is placed in a slot 21 of the frame 13 to guide the frame 13.
• the cam 3 has an axis 22 fixed above and placed inside a slot 23 of the frame 13.
• the axis 22 serves to rotate the frame 13 in response to the movement of the cam 3.
• the cam 3 has a base 24 having a surface 25 and at least one surface 26 placed substantially in opposition to the first surface 25 and culminating in a top 27.
• first and second flanges 28, 29 extend from the base 24.
• the cam system 2 further comprises a rack 30, such as a sliding rack, coupled to the base 24 of the cam 3.
• the second end 7 of the lever 5 is placed in a first position close to the second surface 26 and the first flange 28.
• the first surface 25 comprises a first set of gear teeth 31 and the rack 30 comprises a second set of gear teeth 32 associated with the first set of gear teeth 31.
• a lever 33 forming part an actuator 34 of the circuit breaker is provided to be coupled to the rack 30 in order to help effect the aforementioned closing of the circuit breaker contacts.
• the cams 3 also have first and second fingers 35, 36. The first finger 35 connects the cams 3 to a "STOP" button 37 and the second finger 36 connects the cams 3 to an "ON" button 38.
• a selector 39 is mounted between the frame 13 and the actuator 10, movable in translation perpendicular to the movement of the "ON" 38 and "STOP" buttons 37.
• the selector 39 comprises an upper part 40 capable of projecting in part by an opening of a cover 12 so that a user can move it.
• the selector 39 comprises, near the upper part or, in this case, in one piece with the upper part 40, a control finger 41 projecting towards the actuator 10.
• the control device 1 comprises a switch 42 capable of supplying or removing the low voltage supply from the actuator 10.
• the switch 42 is provided with a control blade 43 on which the finger 41 of the selector 39 can come in support.
• the finger 41 of the selector 39 is separated from the control blade 43 or at the very least exerts a very slight pressure on the control blade 43.
• the actuator 10 is not supplied with power and is therefore unable to move.
• the selector finger 41 is in contact with the control blade 43 and exerts sufficient support to make the switch 42 on and authorize the supply of the actuator 10.
• the selector 39 comprises a lower part 44 provided with a central notch 45 and two pairs of locking teeth
• pairs of teeth 46 and 47, 48 and 49 are arranged on one side and the other of the notch 45. Each tooth of a pair is separated from the other tooth of the same pair by a space 50.
• the "ON” button 38 includes a lateral protuberance 51 arranged so that when the selector 39 is in the first position, any attempt to depress the "ON” button 38 is prevented by the protuberance 51 of said “ON” button.
• the "STOP" button 37 includes a lateral protuberance 52 arranged so that when the selector 39 is in the first position, any attempt to depress the "STOP” button 37 is prevented by the protuberance 52 abutting the tooth 48 of the pair of teeth 48 and 49 of the selector 39, when the selector 39 is in the third position a possible attempt to depress the "STOP” button 37 is prevented by the protuberance 52 coming into abutment on the end tooth 49 of the pair of teeth 48 and 49 of the selector 39, and when the selector 39 is in the second position an attempt to depress the "STOP” button 37 is authorized, the protuberance 52 being able to pass through the space ace 50 between teeth 48 and 49.
• the control device 1 further comprises a first slide 53 movable in translation in a direction perpendicular to that of the selector 39.
• the first slide 53 is provided with a surface 54 of contact with the finger 36 of the cam 3, and a protuberance 55 capable of cooperating with the selector 39.
• a spring 56 exerts on the first slide 53 a force directed towards the rack 30.
• the selector 39 comprises a shoulder formed by two parallel surfaces 57 and 58 and a surface 59 perpendicular to the previous ones and separating them.
• the protuberance 55 of the first slide 53 can slide on one or the other of the parallel surfaces 57 and 58 and can block a movement of the selector 39 whose perpendicular surface 59 abuts on said protuberance 55.
• the selector 39 can be freely moved between its second and third positions whatever the position of the first slide bucket 53.
• the selector 39 can be freely moved from its first position to its second position whatever the position of the first slide 53.
• movement of the selector 39 from its second position to its first position is authorized if the first slide 53 is is in a position such that the perpendicular surface 59 is free to move relative to the protuberance 55, in other words, if the spring 56 is compressed under the action of the finger 35 on the contact surface 54.
• the control device 1 further comprises a second slide 60 movable in translation in a direction perpendicular to that of the selector 39.
• the second slide 60 includes a foot 61 capable of projecting into the notch 45 when the selector 39 is located in its first position and, thus, to block the selector 39 in said first position. This position of the second slide 60 is said to be active. In the inactive position, the foot 61 is released from the notch and is unable to block the selector 39.
• the second slide 60 includes a grip button 62 capable of projecting through an opening of the cover 12 so that a user can move it between an active position and an inactive position.
• the second slide 60 may include, near the grip button 62, a hole 63 in which a user can pass the ring of a padlock, not shown, when the second slide 60 is in the active position. In the inactive position, only the gripping button 62 projects from the cover 12. Complete extraction of the second slide 60 by pulling it from the active position is prohibited, the foot 61 coming into contact with the bottom of the notch 45.
• circuit breaker actuating device 1 can successively take one of the configurations from a plurality of configurations in response to the change of state of an electrical system (not shown) and to the action of the electromagnet and actuator return spring 10.
• the "STOP" button 37 can be pressed manually while the control device 1 is in the "ON” position in FIG. 12. This action causes the cam 3 to rotate clockwise and the frame 13 to rotate counterclockwise, thus opening the circuit breaker contacts while positioning the lever 5 to the left of the central line 64 and near the first flange 28. This leads the control device to the "OFF" position in FIG. 15. To return to the "ON” position in FIG. 12, the "ON” button 38 is pressed manually. This action turns the cam 3 counterclockwise, thereby closing the circuit breaker contacts while returning the lever 5 to a position on the right of the central line 64 and near the second edge 29.
• the circuit breaker trips and drives the control device 1 to the "TRIGGERED” position in Figure 13.
• the control device control 1 is reset by the action of the electromagnet of the actuator 10 and brought to the "RESET” position in FIG. 14.
• the control device 1 is then placed in the "OFF” position in FIG. 15 by returning the actuator 10.
• the "ON" button 38 is manually depressed as described above. This action turns the me 3 counterclockwise, thereby closing the circuit breaker contacts while returning the lever 5 to a position located to the right of the central line 64 and near the second flange 29.
• buttons and the actuator are only locked from the tilted position to the right of the cam as shown in FIG. 7.
• This locking is effected by moving the selector to its first position and can be secured by means of the second slide capable of locking the selector in its first position and capable of cooperating with a padlock.
• the user has the choice between the second and third positions of the selector, the first slide preventing movement to the first position.

Landscapes

• Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
• Push-Button Switches (AREA)
• Breakers (AREA)
• Mechanisms For Operating Contacts (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=8848246

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2000
  • 2000-03-17 FR FR0003487A patent/FR2806520B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2001
  • 2001-03-16 PL PL350788A patent/PL198754B1/pl unknown
  • 2001-03-16 EP EP01917159A patent/EP1180264A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2001-03-16 MX MXPA01011739A patent/MXPA01011739A/es active IP Right Grant
  • 2001-03-16 WO PCT/FR2001/000789 patent/WO2001069622A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2001-03-16 HU HU0201556A patent/HUP0201556A2/hu unknown
  • 2001-03-16 CN CN01801276.0A patent/CN1230847C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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