EP0143022B1 - Thermal and magnetic circuit breaker tripping mechanism - Google Patents

Thermal and magnetic circuit breaker tripping mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0143022B1
EP0143022B1 EP84401968A EP84401968A EP0143022B1 EP 0143022 B1 EP0143022 B1 EP 0143022B1 EP 84401968 A EP84401968 A EP 84401968A EP 84401968 A EP84401968 A EP 84401968A EP 0143022 B1 EP0143022 B1 EP 0143022B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tripping mechanism
bimetal strip
coil
mechanism according
tripping
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
EP84401968A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0143022A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Batteux
Robert Denis
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
Priority claimed from FR8317015A external-priority patent/FR2553928B1/en
Priority claimed from FR8317016A external-priority patent/FR2553931B1/en
Application filed by Merlin Gerin SA filed Critical Merlin Gerin SA
Priority to AT84401968T priority Critical patent/ATE34877T1/en
Publication of EP0143022A1 publication Critical patent/EP0143022A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0143022B1 publication Critical patent/EP0143022B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/14—Electrothermal mechanisms
    • H01H71/16—Electrothermal mechanisms with bimetal element
    • H01H71/164—Heating elements
    • 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
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/24—Electromagnetic mechanisms
    • H01H71/2472—Electromagnetic mechanisms with rotatable armatures
    • 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
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/40—Combined electrothermal and electromagnetic mechanisms

Definitions

  • thermomagnetic trip device cooperating with the actuation mechanism of a multipole circuit breaker and comprising, by pole, a first electromagnetic trip device and a second bimetal thermal trip device, said first trip device comprising a magnetic circuit with an air gap crossed by the flux induction generated by a control coil, and a movable armature capable of being attracted against a polar surface of the magnetic circuit when the intensity of the current flowing in the coil exceeds a predetermined threshold causing the triggering of the mechanism, said coil comprising a or more turns depending on the triggering characteristics, a flexible connection conductor being secured directly by one of its ends to a movable contact arm of the pole, to ensure the electrical connection with the coil.
  • FIG. 7 to 9 of US Patent No. 3104297 respectively show coils with three, one and two turns, each coil being constituted by a rigid conductor, in particular enameled wire or a strip, wound on a fixed magnetic core.
  • Each coil has a predetermined instantaneous trip threshold value for protection against short-circuit currents.
  • Welding the ends of the coil to auxiliary conductors or connectors is essential for placing the coil in series with the bimetallic strip and the movable contact of the corresponding pole.
  • the trigger threshold of the electromagnetic trigger can be adjusted by the user by varying the air gap formed between the movable armature and the fixed magnetic circuit.
  • the air gap adjustment device is common to all the poles of the circuit breaker, each movable armature being connected by a mechanical connection to a rotary adjustment bar whose angular position is determined by a manual adjustment member.
  • the magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic trip device comprises a ferromagnetic stirrup crossed by a rigid rectilinear conductor, in particular a strip, in which the current of the pole circulates.
  • the conductor passing through the U-shaped magnetic stirrup of the electromagnetic trip device is formed by the braid connecting the movable contact and the bimetallic strip.
  • the triggering threshold is fixed, and the braid extends in a rectilinear direction inside the U-shaped stirrup.
  • the magnetic field generated by such a conductor is weak, and the attraction of the movable armature does not intervenes only for high short-circuit currents.
  • the coil of the electromagnetic trip device is formed by the winding of a braid.
  • the movable armature is formed directly by the bimetallic strip, made of magnetic material, to be attracted against the core when a short-circuit current appears.
  • the bimetallic strip is carried on the other hand by the movable contact. Independent adjustment of the thermal and magnetic trip thresholds is difficult.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to allow the production of a highly sensitive magnetothermal trip device allowing simplified factory setting of the instantaneous trip threshold, and good electrodynamic behavior of the bimetallic trip device.
  • the trip device according to the invention is characterized in that the other end of the flexible conductor is connected by bimetal welding, and that the intermediate part of the same flexible conductor constitutes the winding of the coil, the assembly being arranged to ensure a fixed mounting of the electromagnetic trip device interposed between the contact arm and the bimetal thermal trip device.
  • the setting of the instantaneous tripping threshold of the electromagnetic trip unit takes place during the factory mounting of the circuit breaker by choosing the number of turns of the flexible conductor for the constitution of the control coil.
  • the flexible conductor can be a copper braid, bare or coated with a coaxial sheath of insulating material. No interruption of the flexible conductor is necessary at the level of the electromagnetic trip device. In the case of an insulated braid, the latter is wound directly on the fixed core. The use of a bare braid requires the presence of an insulating carcass on the core.
  • the magnetic circuit of the trigger comprises a U-shaped yoke surrounding the coil of the core, and a non-magnetic flange extends between the opposite branches of the yoke to maintain the turns of the coil on the core.
  • the base of the flange is shaped as a support for the bimetallic strip base and as an exhaust gas deionization grid.
  • the control coil can be applied to a pivoting vane trigger or a sliding plunger release.
  • the bimetal thermal trip device is for mixed heating thanks to a driver advantageously having a lyre structure with two lateral branches.
  • the bimetallic strip extends parallel to the driver, being interposed in song between said branches.
  • a flexible conductor is welded to the head of the bimetallic strip and the junction point of the lyre driver on the bimetallic strip can be located in the vicinity of the mounting base of the bimetallic strip, or in an intermediate position between the foot and the head of the bimetallic strip. In the latter case, only the upper part of the bimetallic strip located between the head and the junction point is traversed by the current.
  • the position of the driver's junction point on the bimetallic strip allows you to choose the shape of the thermal trip curve. This lyre structure improves the resistance to electrodynamic forces and avoids the use of reinforcing hoops.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a pole of a low voltage multipolar electrical circuit breaker comprising a housing 10 of molded insulating material. Each pole has a pair of separable contacts 12, 14 and an arc extinguishing chamber 16 housed in a lower compartment of the insulating housing 10 with the associated thermal magnetic trip device 18.
  • the fixed contact 12 is carried by an end conductor 20 extended externally by a contact pad 22 projecting from the housing 10.
  • the movable contact 14 is arranged at the end of an arm 23 of vertical contact secured by a spring 26 to a multipolar switching bar 24 made of insulating material.
  • the bar 24 is mounted with limited rotation between the open and closed positions of the circuit breaker and extends transversely in the upper part of the housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the movable contact arms 23 of the poles.
  • the arc extinguishing chamber 16 is constituted by a stack of metal separators or deionization sheets 27 extending perpendicular to the bottom of the housing 10.
  • the switching bar 24 is actuated by means of an operating mechanism (not shown) coupled to a manual control member, in particular a lever 28, and to an automatic trigger hook or lever 30 cooperating with a lock. 32 of a multipolar trip bar 34.
  • the latter extends above the magneto-thermal trip device 18 of each pole, in a direction parallel to the switching bar 24, and is mounted with limited rotation between an armed position for locking the hooking nose of the hook 30 by the bolt 32 and a triggered position releasing the hook 30 by unlocking the lock 32.
  • the passage from the armed position to the triggered position of the rotary bar 34 is controlled by the magnetothermal trip device 18 or by other triggering auxiliaries causing the automatic triggering of the mechanism. and opening the contacts 12, 14 by rotation of the common bar 24.
  • the operation of such a circuit breaker is conventional and is well known to specialists.
  • the magnetothermal trip device 18 of each pole is formed by a monobloc assembly (fig. 1 and 2), comprising a bimetal thermal trip device 36 for protection against overload currents, and an electromagnetic trip device designated by the general reference 38 for protection against short-circuit currents.
  • the electromagnetic trip device 38 is positioned between the arc extinguishing chamber 16 and the bimetallic strip 36, and its magnetic circuit is provided with a U-shaped ferromagnetic carcass or cylinder head 40 which surrounds a control coil 42 mounted on a core 44 fixed magnetic.
  • the core 44 extends perpendicularly to the vertical sheets 27 of the chamber 16 while being secured to the internal central part of the vertical core 46 of the cylinder head 40.
  • a movable armature 50 capable of being actuated against the pole surface 52 of the fixed core 44 when the excitation current of the coil 42 of the trigger 38 exceeds a predetermined threshold.
  • the pivoting stroke of the armature 50 towards the attracted position operates by magnetic attraction against a polari spring 54 sation housed in an axial hole 56 of cylindrical core 44.
  • the spring 54 of the compression type urges the armature 50 towards the separated position (fig. 2) in abutment of a stop formed by the head 57 of a screw 58. The latter passes through the spring 54 for returning the armature 50 and has a threaded end introduced into the core 44 and the core 46 of the cylinder head 40.
  • the bimetallic strip heater 36 is connected to a contact pad 60 aligned with the opposite pad 22 in the longitudinal direction of the pole.
  • the contact arm 23 is electrically connected to the bimetallic strip 36 by means of a continuous flexible conductor 62, the intermediate part of which is wound around the core 44 to constitute the coil 42 for controlling the electromagnetic trip device 38.
  • the coil 42 may comprise a single turn (fig. 1 and 2) or more turns (fig. 3, 4) depending on the size of the device and the setting of the instant trigger threshold of the trigger 38.
  • the single or multiple passage of the flexible conductor 62 inside of the cylinder head 40 is carried out during the mounting of the device without any interruption of the conductor 62 and without welding points at the level of the coil 42.
  • One end of the flexible conductor 62 is welded to the contact arm 23 and the opposite end to the head of the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the flexible conductor 62 is generally formed by a conductive braid 64, in particular made of copper, which can be insulated by a coaxial outer sheath 65 made of plastic insulating material (fig.5) or be devoid of insulator (fig.6).
  • the insulated braid 64 can be wound directly on the magnetic core 44 (fig. 1 to 3) without an insulating intermediate piece, while the use of a bare braid 64 requires the use of an insulating carcass 66 (fig. 4 ) positioned between the core 44 and the cylinder head 40.
  • the insulating carcass 66 has grooves 68 for positioning the turns of the coil 42, and partition 70 partitions for the isolation of the turns of the bare braid 64.
  • the turns of the coil 42 on the core 44 are maintained by means of a metal flange 72 for closing the U of the cylinder head 40.
  • the flange 72 is made of non-magnetic material, in particular stainless steel , brass or bronze, and has a curved tab 74 which serves as a support for the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the factory setting of the trigger threshold for the bimetallic strip 36 is carried out by means of an adjustment screw 76 capable of deforming the foot of the bimetallic strip 36 fixed to the flange 74 of flange 72.
  • the base of the flange 72 of the trigger 38 bears on the bottom of the insulating housing 10 and is located on the path of the exhaust gases from the arc extinguishing chamber 16.
  • a plurality of slots 78 is arranged in the base of the flange 72 to facilitate the escape of the cut gases expelled to the outside through an opening 80 of the housing 10, located under the contact pad 60.
  • the metal flange 72 also plays the role of an exhaust gas cooling grid during their passage through the slots 78.
  • the non-magnetic flange 72 is eliminated, and the ferromagnetic yoke 40 is limited to a simple support bracket for the fixed core 44.
  • the excitation coil 42 is formed by three turns of the flexible conductor 62 wound on the insulating carcass 66 of the magnetic core 44.
  • the latter is hollow for the housing of the return spring 54 of the pivoting frame 50, the end-of-travel stop being formed by a stop 82 integral with the carcass 66.
  • the bimetal foot 36 is fixed directly to a lower tab 84 of the ferromagnetic yoke 40.
  • the movable armature 50 of the electromagnetic trip device 38 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 is shaped as a pivoting pallet interposed between the pole surface 52 of the core 44 and the bimetal actuator 36.
  • the lower end of the pallet constitutes the pivot point on the branch 48 of the cylinder head 40, and the upper end activates a projection 86 (FIG. 1) of the trigger bar 34 so as to release the hook 30 when the pallet is pressed by magnetic attraction against the pole surface 52 of the core 44.
  • the driver 90 of the bimetallic trip unit 36 is made of an electrically conductive or resistant material.
  • the deflection of the bimetallic strip 36 depends on the intensity of the current flowing in the bimetallic strip 36 and in the driver 90 and the thermal trip threshold is adjustable by the adjusting screw 76 according to the size of the circuit breaker.
  • the bimetallic strip 36 has an elongated structure, the base of which is provided with a fixing foot 91 'and the opposite end of which has a head 92 capable of actuating the trigger bar 34 for a predetermined deflection of the bimetallic strip 36 corresponding to an overhang of triggering grief.
  • the foot 91 of the bimetallic strip 36 is fixed to a tab or flange 72 support integral with the fixed cylinder head 40 of the electromagnetic trip device 38.
  • the flexible conductor 62 in particular a braid, is welded to the active head 92 of the bimetallic strip 36 to form an electrical connection with the pole's mobile contact.
  • the adjusting screw 76 passes through the foot 91 for fixing the bimetallic strip 36 and the associated flange 72, the latter being folded into two deformable and / or elastic branches under the action of the screw 76.
  • the setting of the trigger point of the thermal trip device is carried out in the factory by means of the screw 76, causing mechanical deformation of the base of the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the driver 90 extends parallel to the bimetallic strip 36 and has a general lyre structure provided with two lateral branches 93, 94 joined to a central co-planar core 95.
  • the bimetallic strip 36 is interposed between the two branches 93, 94 in U of the lyre, and the core 95 is superimposed and then fixed by welding to the bimetallic strip 36 at an intermediate point 96 located longitudinally between the foot 91 and the end 92 of the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the width of the core 95 corresponds substantially to that of the bimetallic strip 36, and the ends of the lateral branches 93, 94 of the lyre are connected by welding and crimping to the contact pad 60 of the pole.
  • the track 60 extends perpendicularly to the bimetallic strip 36 and to the driver 90, and engages in the cage of a connection terminal (not shown), formed in a housing of the insulating housing 10.
  • the current 1 of line enters the trigger by the braid 62, flows in the direction of the arrow in the upper part of the bimetallic strip 36 to the point 96 of junction of the driver 90 in lyre.
  • the current 1 reverses at point 96, dividing into two elementary currents I / 2 which take the two lateral pins 93, 94 in parallel with the driver 90 to exit the pole via the track 60.
  • Each branch 93, 94 of the lyre is thus traversed by half the intensity of the current flowing in the opposite direction in the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the edge arrangement (fig. 10) of the bimetallic strip 36 between the lateral branches 93, 94 of the driver 90 in lyre places the sections according to their bigger.
  • the junction point 96 of the driver 90 in a lyre is substantially at the level of the foot 91 of the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the current flows throughout the length of the bimetallic strip 36, between head 92 and foot 91, and this results in an increase in direct heating.
  • the longitudinal position of the point 96 where the driver 90 joins the bimetallic strip 36 can be arbitrary as a function of the thermal tripping curve, and the tripping time varies as a function of the position of said point 96.
  • the driver 90 in lyre may include a stack of metal foils of different materials intended to adjust the electrical resistance of the driver to a predetermined value.
  • the flexible conductor 62 is formed by a copper braid for devices of higher ratings, and by a resistant braid for devices of lower ratings.
  • the braid is made for example of stainless steel or cupro-nickel and its connection to the head 92 makes it possible to increase the indirect heating and the temperature difference in the bimetallic strip 36.
  • the thermal resistance is also improved by Limitation of the presumed current.
  • the braid can also be bimetallic, for example copper and stainless steel.
  • the heads of the three bimetallic strips 36 of a three-pole circuit breaker each have a ramp 150 coming into contact with a stop 152 of the trigger bar 34.
  • the hook 30 for triggering the mechanism is locked in the armed position by a lock 32 secured to the bar 34.
  • a mechanical device makes it possible to adjust the thermal trigger threshold by bidirectional translation according to the arrow F of the trigger bar 34 according to the alignment direction of the bimetallic strips 36.
  • This device comprises a cam 160 cooperating with one end of the trigger bar 34.
  • the cam 160 is rotated by a control rod 162 secured to an adjustment button 164.
  • a return spring 166 cooperates opposite the cam 160 with the other end of the trigger bar 34.
  • the operation of the mechanical device for adjusting the thermal trigger threshold is well known to specialists, and it suffices to recall that the translation d e the trigger bar 34 by rotation of the adjustment button 164 adjusts the interval between the stops 152 of the bar 34 and the ramps 150 of the bimetallic strips 36.
  • the button 164 is positioned in an opening 167 of the insulating housing 10.
  • a compensation bimetal strip 168 is inserted in the mechanical adjustment device to take into account the variation in the ambient temperature.
  • the compensation bimetal 168 has a spiral structure and is housed inside the adjustment knob 164 in contact with the ambient air. The ends of the bimetallic strip 168 in a spiral are slidarized to the adjustment knob 164 and to the rod 162 for actuating the cam 160.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)

Description

L'invention est relative à un déclencheur magnétothermique coopérant avec le mécanisme d'actionnement d'un disjoncteur multipolaire et comprenant par pôle un premier déclencheur électromagnétique et un deuxième déclencheur thermique à bilame, ledit premier déclencheur comportant un circuit magnétique à entrefer traversé par le flux d'induction engendré par une bobine de commande, et une armature mobile susceptible d'être attirée contre une surface polaire du circuit magnétique lorsque l'intensité du courant circulant dans la bobine dépasse un seuil prédéterminé entraînant le déclenchement du mécanisme, ladite bobine comportant une ou plusieurs spires en fonction des caractéristiques de déclenchement, un conducteur souple de connexion étant solidarisé directement par l'une de ses extrémités à un bras de contact mobile du pôle, pour assurer la liaison électrique avec la bobine.The invention relates to a thermomagnetic trip device cooperating with the actuation mechanism of a multipole circuit breaker and comprising, by pole, a first electromagnetic trip device and a second bimetal thermal trip device, said first trip device comprising a magnetic circuit with an air gap crossed by the flux induction generated by a control coil, and a movable armature capable of being attracted against a polar surface of the magnetic circuit when the intensity of the current flowing in the coil exceeds a predetermined threshold causing the triggering of the mechanism, said coil comprising a or more turns depending on the triggering characteristics, a flexible connection conductor being secured directly by one of its ends to a movable contact arm of the pole, to ensure the electrical connection with the coil.

Le réglage du seuil de déclenchement instantané du déclencheur électromagnétique intervient généralement en usine par variation du nombre de spires de la bobine de commande. Les figures 7 à 9 du brevet USA n° 3104297 montrent respectivement des bobines à trois, une et deux spires, chaque bobine étant constituée par un conducteur rigide, notamment du fil émaillé ou une bande, enroulé sur un noyau magnétique fixe. A chaque bobine correspond une valeur prédéterminée du seuil de déclenchement instantané pour la protection contre les courants de court-circuits. La présence de ces différents types de bobines complique la fabrication du déclencheur. Le soudage des extrémités de la bobine à des conducteurs auxiliaires ou connecteurs est indispensable pour la mise en série de la bobine avec le bilame et le contact mobile du pôle correspondant.The setting of the instantaneous tripping threshold of the electromagnetic trip unit generally takes place in the factory by varying the number of turns of the control coil. Figures 7 to 9 of US Patent No. 3104297 respectively show coils with three, one and two turns, each coil being constituted by a rigid conductor, in particular enameled wire or a strip, wound on a fixed magnetic core. Each coil has a predetermined instantaneous trip threshold value for protection against short-circuit currents. The presence of these different types of coils complicates the manufacture of the trigger. Welding the ends of the coil to auxiliary conductors or connectors is essential for placing the coil in series with the bimetallic strip and the movable contact of the corresponding pole.

Selon un autre dispositif connu (brevet français 1529259), le seuil de déclenchement du déclencheur électromagnétique peut être ajusté par l'utilisateur par variation de l'entrefer ménagé entre l'armature mobile et le circuit magnétique fixe. Le dispositif d'ajustage des entrefers est commun à tous les pôles du disjoncteur, chaque armature mobile étant reliée par une liaison mécanique à une barre rotative de réglage dont la position angulaire est déterminée par un organe manuel d'ajustage.According to another known device (French patent 1529259), the trigger threshold of the electromagnetic trigger can be adjusted by the user by varying the air gap formed between the movable armature and the fixed magnetic circuit. The air gap adjustment device is common to all the poles of the circuit breaker, each movable armature being connected by a mechanical connection to a rotary adjustment bar whose angular position is determined by a manual adjustment member.

Ce dispositif est encombrant et onéreux et est généralement utilisé pour des disjoncteurs de gros calibres. Le circuit magnétique du déclencheur électromagnétique comprend un étrier ferromagnétique traversé par un conducteur rectiligne rigide, notamment une barrette, dans lequel circule le courant du pôle.This device is bulky and expensive and is generally used for large-size circuit breakers. The magnetic circuit of the electromagnetic trip device comprises a ferromagnetic stirrup crossed by a rigid rectilinear conductor, in particular a strip, in which the current of the pole circulates.

Selon le brevet américain n° 2659783, le conducteur traversant l'étrier magnétique en U du déclencheur électromagnétique est formé par la tresse de liaison du contact mobile et du bilame. Le seuil de déclenchement est fixe, et la tresse s'étend selon une direction rectiligne à l'intérieur de l'étrier en U. Le champ magnétique engendré par un tel conducteur est faible, et l'attraction de l'armature mobile n'intervient que pour des courants de court-circuits élevés.According to American Patent No. 2659783, the conductor passing through the U-shaped magnetic stirrup of the electromagnetic trip device is formed by the braid connecting the movable contact and the bimetallic strip. The triggering threshold is fixed, and the braid extends in a rectilinear direction inside the U-shaped stirrup. The magnetic field generated by such a conductor is weak, and the attraction of the movable armature does not intervenes only for high short-circuit currents.

Il a déjà été proposé dans le brevet USA n° 3189707 de former la bobine d'excitation du déclencheur électromagnétique au moyen d'un conducteur souple, notamment une tresse, enroulée sur un support isolant. La bobine est néanmoins fixée directement sur une partie de l'équipage mobile, et l'une des extrémités du conducteur souple est soudée au bilame, lequel est assujetti au bras de contact mobile. L'autre extrémité est connectée à une borne fixe. Il en résulte que le bilame et le déclencheur électromagnétique se déplacent avec l'équipage mobile.It has already been proposed in USA patent n ° 3189707 to form the excitation coil of the electromagnetic trip device by means of a flexible conductor, in particular a braid, wound on an insulating support. The coil is nevertheless fixed directly to a part of the movable assembly, and one of the ends of the flexible conductor is welded to the bimetallic strip, which is subject to the movable contact arm. The other end is connected to a fixed terminal. As a result, the bimetallic strip and the electromagnetic trip device move with the moving element.

Selon le disjoncteur décrit dans le document US-A 3161747, la bobine du déclencheur électromagnétique est formée par l'enroulement d'une tresse. L'armature mobile est constituée directement par le bilame, réalisé en matériau magnétique, pour être attiré contre le noyau lors de l'apparition d'un courant de court-circuit. Le bilame est porté d'autre part par le contact mobile. Un réglage indépendant des seuils de déclenchement thermique et magnétique du déclencheur est difficile à réaliser.According to the circuit breaker described in document US-A 3161747, the coil of the electromagnetic trip device is formed by the winding of a braid. The movable armature is formed directly by the bimetallic strip, made of magnetic material, to be attracted against the core when a short-circuit current appears. The bimetallic strip is carried on the other hand by the movable contact. Independent adjustment of the thermal and magnetic trip thresholds is difficult.

L'invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients et de permettre la réalisation d'un déclencheur magnétothermique de grande sensibilité autorisant un réglage usine simplifié du seuil de déclenchement instantané, et une bonne tenue électrodynamique du déclencheur thermique à bilame.The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks and to allow the production of a highly sensitive magnetothermal trip device allowing simplified factory setting of the instantaneous trip threshold, and good electrodynamic behavior of the bimetallic trip device.

Le déclencheur selon l'invention est caractérisé par le fait que l'autre extrémité du conducteur souple est connectée par soudage au bilame, et que la partie intermédiaire du même conducteur souple constitue l'enroulement de la bobine, l'ensemble étant agencé pour assurer un montage fixe du déclencheur électromagnétique intercalé entre le bras de contact et le déclencheur thermique à bilame.The trip device according to the invention is characterized in that the other end of the flexible conductor is connected by bimetal welding, and that the intermediate part of the same flexible conductor constitutes the winding of the coil, the assembly being arranged to ensure a fixed mounting of the electromagnetic trip device interposed between the contact arm and the bimetal thermal trip device.

Le réglage du seuil de déclenchement instantané du déclencheur électromagnétique s'opère lors du montage en usine du disjoncteur en choisissant le nombre de spires du conducteur souple pour la constitution de la bobine de commande. Le conducteur souple peut être une tresse en cuivre, nue ou revêtue par une gaine coaxiale en matériau isolant. Aucune interruption du conducteur souple n'est nécessaire au niveau du déclencheur électromagnétique. Dans le cas d'une tresse isolée, cette dernière est enroulée directement sur le noyau fixe. L'utilisation d'une tresse nue nécessite la présence d'une carcasse isolante sur le noyau.The setting of the instantaneous tripping threshold of the electromagnetic trip unit takes place during the factory mounting of the circuit breaker by choosing the number of turns of the flexible conductor for the constitution of the control coil. The flexible conductor can be a copper braid, bare or coated with a coaxial sheath of insulating material. No interruption of the flexible conductor is necessary at the level of the electromagnetic trip device. In the case of an insulated braid, the latter is wound directly on the fixed core. The use of a bare braid requires the presence of an insulating carcass on the core.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le circuit magnétique du déclencheur comporte une culasse en U entourant la bobine du noyau, et un flasque amagnétique s'étend entre les branches opposées de la culasse pour le maintien des spires de la bobine sur le noyau. La base du flasque est conformée en support du pied de bilame et en grille de désionisation des gaz d'échappement.According to a characteristic of the invention, the magnetic circuit of the trigger comprises a U-shaped yoke surrounding the coil of the core, and a non-magnetic flange extends between the opposite branches of the yoke to maintain the turns of the coil on the core. The base of the flange is shaped as a support for the bimetallic strip base and as an exhaust gas deionization grid.

La bobine de commande peut être appliquée à un déclencheur à palette pivotante ou à un déclencheur à noyau plongeur coulissant.The control coil can be applied to a pivoting vane trigger or a sliding plunger release.

Selon un développement de l'invention, le déclencheur thermique à bilame est à chauffage mixte grâce à un chauffeur présentant avantageusement une structure en lyre à deux branches latérales. Le bilame s'étend parallèlement au chauffeur en étant intercalé de chant entre lesdites branches.According to a development of the invention, the bimetal thermal trip device is for mixed heating thanks to a driver advantageously having a lyre structure with two lateral branches. The bimetallic strip extends parallel to the driver, being interposed in song between said branches.

Un conducteur souple est soudé à la tête du bilame et le point de jonction du chauffeur en lyre sur le bilame peut être situé au voisinage du pied de fixation du bilame, ou dans une position intermédiaire entre le pied et la tête du bilame. Dans ce dernier cas, seule la partie supérieure du bilame située entre la tête et le point de jonction est parcourue par le courant.A flexible conductor is welded to the head of the bimetallic strip and the junction point of the lyre driver on the bimetallic strip can be located in the vicinity of the mounting base of the bimetallic strip, or in an intermediate position between the foot and the head of the bimetallic strip. In the latter case, only the upper part of the bimetallic strip located between the head and the junction point is traversed by the current.

La position du point de jonction du chauffeur sur le bilame permet de choisir la forme de la courbe de déclenchement thermique. Cette structure en lyre améliore la tenue aux efforts électrodynamiques et évite l'utilisation des frettes de renforcement.The position of the driver's junction point on the bimetallic strip allows you to choose the shape of the thermal trip curve. This lyre structure improves the resistance to electrodynamic forces and avoids the use of reinforcing hoops.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de l'exposé qui va suivre de . différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titres d'exemples non limitatifs et représentés aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:

  • - la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale partielle d'un pôle du disjoncteur équipé du déclencheur électromagnétique selon l'invention;
  • - la figure 2 montre à échelle agrandie une vue en perspective du déclencheur selon la fig. 1, la bobine ayant une spire de tresse isolée;
  • - la figure 3 représente une vue en élévation du déclencheur selon la fig. 1, avec une bobine à trois spires;
  • - la figure 4 est une vue identique à la fig. 3, d'une variante de réalisation utilisant une tresse nue;
  • - les figures 5 et 6 montrent respectivement des coupes selon les lignes V-V et VI-VI des fig. 3 et 4;
  • - la figure 7 est une variante de la fig. 4;
  • - la figure 8 est une vue schématique en détail du déclencheur thermique à bilame équipant le déclencheur selon la fig. 2;
  • - les figures 9 et 10 montrent respectivement des vues de profil et en plan du déclencheur de la fig. 8;
  • - les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues analogues à celles des fig. 8 et 9 d'une variante de réalisation;
  • - la figure 13 est une vue partielle en perspective du déclencheur selon la fig. 1, montrant le dispositif du réglage du seuil de déclenchement thermique;
  • - la figure 14 est une coupe selon la ligne XIV-XIV de la fig. 13.
Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows. different embodiments of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting examples and shown in the appended drawings, in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a schematic view in partial longitudinal section of a pole of the circuit breaker equipped with the electromagnetic trip device according to the invention;
  • - Figure 2 shows on an enlarged scale a perspective view of the trigger according to fig. 1, the coil having an insulated braid turn;
  • - Figure 3 shows an elevational view of the trigger according to fig. 1, with a coil with three turns;
  • - Figure 4 is a view identical to FIG. 3, of an alternative embodiment using a bare braid;
  • - Figures 5 and 6 respectively show sections along lines VV and VI-VI of Figs. 3 and 4;
  • - Figure 7 is a variant of FIG. 4;
  • - Figure 8 is a schematic detail view of the thermal bimetal trip device fitted to the trip device according to FIG. 2;
  • - Figures 9 and 10 respectively show side and plan views of the trigger of fig. 8;
  • - Figures 11 and 12 are views similar to those of Figs. 8 and 9 of an alternative embodiment;
  • - Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of the trigger according to fig. 1, showing the device for adjusting the thermal trip threshold;
  • - Figure 14 is a section along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 13.

Sur la figure 1, est représenté un pôle d'un disjoncteur électrique multipolaire à basse tension comprenant un boîtier 10 en matériau isolant moulé. Chaque pôle comporte une paire de contacts 12, 14 séparables et une chambre 16 d'extinction d'arc logée dans un compartiment inférieur du boîtier 10 isolant avec le déclencheur magnétothermique 18 associé. Le contact fixe 12 est porté par une conducteur 20 d'extrémité prolongé extérieurement par une plage de contact 22 faisant saillie du boîtier 10. Le contact mobile 14 est agencé à l'extrémité d'un bras 23 de contact vertical solidarisé par un ressort 26 à un barreau 24 multipolaire de commutation en matériau isolant. Le barreau 24 est monté à rotation limitée entre les positions d'ouverture et de fermeture du disjoncteur et s'étend transversalement dans la partie upérieure du boîtier 10 selon une direction perpendiculaire aux bras de contact 23 mobiles des pôles. La chambre d'extinction d'arc 16 est constituée par un empilage de séparateurs métalliques ou tôles de désionisation 27 s'étendant perpendiculairement au fond du boîtier 10.In Figure 1, there is shown a pole of a low voltage multipolar electrical circuit breaker comprising a housing 10 of molded insulating material. Each pole has a pair of separable contacts 12, 14 and an arc extinguishing chamber 16 housed in a lower compartment of the insulating housing 10 with the associated thermal magnetic trip device 18. The fixed contact 12 is carried by an end conductor 20 extended externally by a contact pad 22 projecting from the housing 10. The movable contact 14 is arranged at the end of an arm 23 of vertical contact secured by a spring 26 to a multipolar switching bar 24 made of insulating material. The bar 24 is mounted with limited rotation between the open and closed positions of the circuit breaker and extends transversely in the upper part of the housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the movable contact arms 23 of the poles. The arc extinguishing chamber 16 is constituted by a stack of metal separators or deionization sheets 27 extending perpendicular to the bottom of the housing 10.

L'actionnement du barreau 24 de commutation s'effectue au moyen d'un mécanisme de manoeuvre (non représenté) accouplé à un organe de commande manuelle, notamment une manette 28, et à un crochet ou levier de déclenchement 30 automatique coopérant avec un verrou 32 d'une barre de déclenchement 34 multipolaire. Cette dernière s'étend au-dessus du déclencheur magnétothermique 18 de chaque pôle, selon une direction parallèle au barreau de commutation 24, et est montée à rotation limitée entre une position armée de verrouillage du nez d'accrochage du crochet 30 par le verrou 32 et une position déclenchée libérant le crochet 30 par déverrouillage du verrou 32. Le passage de la position armée à la position déclenchée de la barre 34 rotative est piloté part le déchlencheur magnétothermique 18 ou par d'autres auxiliaires de déclenchement entraînant le déclenchement automatique du mécanisme et l'ouverture des contacts 12, 14 par rotation du barreau 24 commun. Le fonctionnement d'un tel disjoncteur est classique et est bien connu des spécialistes.The switching bar 24 is actuated by means of an operating mechanism (not shown) coupled to a manual control member, in particular a lever 28, and to an automatic trigger hook or lever 30 cooperating with a lock. 32 of a multipolar trip bar 34. The latter extends above the magneto-thermal trip device 18 of each pole, in a direction parallel to the switching bar 24, and is mounted with limited rotation between an armed position for locking the hooking nose of the hook 30 by the bolt 32 and a triggered position releasing the hook 30 by unlocking the lock 32. The passage from the armed position to the triggered position of the rotary bar 34 is controlled by the magnetothermal trip device 18 or by other triggering auxiliaries causing the automatic triggering of the mechanism. and opening the contacts 12, 14 by rotation of the common bar 24. The operation of such a circuit breaker is conventional and is well known to specialists.

Le déclencheur magnétothermique 18 de chaque pôle est formé par un ensemble monobloc (fig. 1 et 2), comportant un déclencheur thermique à bilame 36 pour la protection contre les courants de surcharge, et un déclencheur électromagnétique désigné par le repère général 38 pour la protection contre les courants de court-circuit. Le déclencheur électromagnétique 38 est positionné entre la chambre 16 d'extinction d'arc et le bilame 36, et son circuit magnétique est doté d'une carcasse ou culasse 40 ferromagnétique en forme de U qui entoure une bobine 42 de commande montée sur un noyau 44 magnétique fixe. Le noyau 44 s'étend perpendiculairement aux tôles 27 verticales de la chambre 16 en étant solidarisé à la partie centrale interne de l'âme 46 verticale de la culasse 40. A l'extrémité de la branche inférieure 48 de la culasse 40 est montée à pivotement une armature 50 mobile susceptible d'être actionnée contre la surface polaire 52 du noyau 44 fixe lorsque le courant d'excitation de la bobine 42 du déclencheur 38 dépasse un seuil prédéterminé. La course de pivotement de l'armature 50 vers la position attirée s'opère par attraction magnétique à l'encontre d'un ressort 54 de polarisation logé dans un trou 56 axial de noyau 44 cylindrique. Le ressort 54 du type à compression sollicite l'armature 50 vers la position écartée (fig. 2) en appui d'une butée formée par la tête 57 d'une vis 58. Cette dernière traverse le ressort 54 de rappel de l'armature 50 et présente une extrémité filetée introduite dans le noyau 44 et l'âme 46 de la culasse 40.The magnetothermal trip device 18 of each pole is formed by a monobloc assembly (fig. 1 and 2), comprising a bimetal thermal trip device 36 for protection against overload currents, and an electromagnetic trip device designated by the general reference 38 for protection against short-circuit currents. The electromagnetic trip device 38 is positioned between the arc extinguishing chamber 16 and the bimetallic strip 36, and its magnetic circuit is provided with a U-shaped ferromagnetic carcass or cylinder head 40 which surrounds a control coil 42 mounted on a core 44 fixed magnetic. The core 44 extends perpendicularly to the vertical sheets 27 of the chamber 16 while being secured to the internal central part of the vertical core 46 of the cylinder head 40. At the end of the lower branch 48 of the cylinder head 40 is mounted at pivoting a movable armature 50 capable of being actuated against the pole surface 52 of the fixed core 44 when the excitation current of the coil 42 of the trigger 38 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The pivoting stroke of the armature 50 towards the attracted position operates by magnetic attraction against a polari spring 54 sation housed in an axial hole 56 of cylindrical core 44. The spring 54 of the compression type urges the armature 50 towards the separated position (fig. 2) in abutment of a stop formed by the head 57 of a screw 58. The latter passes through the spring 54 for returning the armature 50 and has a threaded end introduced into the core 44 and the core 46 of the cylinder head 40.

Le chauffeur du bilame 36 est connecté à une plage de contact 60 allignée avec la plage opposée 22 selon la direction longitudinale du pôle. Le bras de contact 23 est relié électriquement au bilame 36 au moyen d'un conducteur souple 62 continu dont la partie intermédiaire est enroulée autour du noyau 44 pour constituer la bobine 42 de commande du déclencheur électromagnétique 38. La bobine 42 peut comporter une spire unique (fig. 1 et 2) ou plusieurs spires (fig. 3, 4) en fonction du calibre de l'appareil et du réglage du seuil de déclenchement instantané du déclencheur 38. Le passage simple ou multiple du conducteur souple 62 à l'intérieur de la culasse 40 s'effectue lors du montage de l'appareil sans aucune interruption du conducteur 62 et sans points de soudage au niveau de la bobine 42. L'une des extrémités du conducteur souple 62 est soudée au bras de contact 23 et l'extrémité opposée à la tête du bilame 36.The bimetallic strip heater 36 is connected to a contact pad 60 aligned with the opposite pad 22 in the longitudinal direction of the pole. The contact arm 23 is electrically connected to the bimetallic strip 36 by means of a continuous flexible conductor 62, the intermediate part of which is wound around the core 44 to constitute the coil 42 for controlling the electromagnetic trip device 38. The coil 42 may comprise a single turn (fig. 1 and 2) or more turns (fig. 3, 4) depending on the size of the device and the setting of the instant trigger threshold of the trigger 38. The single or multiple passage of the flexible conductor 62 inside of the cylinder head 40 is carried out during the mounting of the device without any interruption of the conductor 62 and without welding points at the level of the coil 42. One end of the flexible conductor 62 is welded to the contact arm 23 and the opposite end to the head of the bimetallic strip 36.

Le conducteur souple 62 est généralement formé par une tresse 64 conductrice, notamment en cuivre, pouvant être isolée par une gaine 65 extéreure coaxiale en matériau isolant plastique (fig.5) ou être dépourvue d'isolant (fig.6). La tresse 64 isolée peut être bobinée directement sur le noyau 44 magnétique (fig. 1 à 3) sans pièce intermédiaire isolante, tandis que l'utilisation d'une tresse 64 nue nécessite l'emploi d'une carcasse 66 isolante (fig. 4) positionnée entre le noyau 44 et la culasse 40. La carcasse 66 isolante comporte des gorges 68 de positionnement des spires de la bobine 42, et des cloisons 70 divisionnaires pour l'isolement des spires de la tresse 64 nue.The flexible conductor 62 is generally formed by a conductive braid 64, in particular made of copper, which can be insulated by a coaxial outer sheath 65 made of plastic insulating material (fig.5) or be devoid of insulator (fig.6). The insulated braid 64 can be wound directly on the magnetic core 44 (fig. 1 to 3) without an insulating intermediate piece, while the use of a bare braid 64 requires the use of an insulating carcass 66 (fig. 4 ) positioned between the core 44 and the cylinder head 40. The insulating carcass 66 has grooves 68 for positioning the turns of the coil 42, and partition 70 partitions for the isolation of the turns of the bare braid 64.

Sur les figures 1 à 4, le maintien des spires de la bobine 42 sur le noyau 44 est réalisé au moyen d'un flasque 72 métallique de fermeture du U de la culasse 40. Le flasque 72 est en matériau amagnétique, notamment en acier inoxydable, laiton ou bronze, et comporte une patte 74 recourbée qui sert de support au bilame 36. Le réglage usine du seuil de déclenchement du bilame 36 s'effectue grâce à une vis de réglage 76 susceptible de déformer le pied du bilame 36 fixé à la patte 74 du flasque 72.In FIGS. 1 to 4, the turns of the coil 42 on the core 44 are maintained by means of a metal flange 72 for closing the U of the cylinder head 40. The flange 72 is made of non-magnetic material, in particular stainless steel , brass or bronze, and has a curved tab 74 which serves as a support for the bimetallic strip 36. The factory setting of the trigger threshold for the bimetallic strip 36 is carried out by means of an adjustment screw 76 capable of deforming the foot of the bimetallic strip 36 fixed to the flange 74 of flange 72.

La base du flasque 72 du déclencheur 38 prend appui sur le fond du boîtier 10 isolant et est située sur le trajet des gaz d'échappement de la chambre d'extinction 16 d'arc. Une pluralité de fentes 78 est agencée dans la base du flasque 72 pour faciliter l'échappement des gaz de coupure chassés vers l'extérieur par une ouverture 80 du boîtier 10, située sous la plage de contact 60. Le flasque 72 métallique joue également le rôle d'une grille de refroidissement des gaz d'échappement lors de leur passage par les fentes 78.The base of the flange 72 of the trigger 38 bears on the bottom of the insulating housing 10 and is located on the path of the exhaust gases from the arc extinguishing chamber 16. A plurality of slots 78 is arranged in the base of the flange 72 to facilitate the escape of the cut gases expelled to the outside through an opening 80 of the housing 10, located under the contact pad 60. The metal flange 72 also plays the role of an exhaust gas cooling grid during their passage through the slots 78.

Dans la variante de la figure 7, le flasque 72 amagnétique est supprimé, et la culasse 40 ferromagnétique est limitée à une simple équerre de support du noyau 44 fixe. La bobine d'excitation 42 est formée par trois spires du conducteur 62 souple enroulé sur la carcasse 66 isolante du noyau 44 magnétique. Ce dernier est creux pour le logement du ressort 54 de rappel de l'armature 50 pivotante dont la butée de fin de course est formée par un arrêt 82 solidaire de la carcasse 66. Le pied de bilame 36 est fixé directement à une patte 84 inférieure de la culasse 40 ferromagnétique.In the variant of FIG. 7, the non-magnetic flange 72 is eliminated, and the ferromagnetic yoke 40 is limited to a simple support bracket for the fixed core 44. The excitation coil 42 is formed by three turns of the flexible conductor 62 wound on the insulating carcass 66 of the magnetic core 44. The latter is hollow for the housing of the return spring 54 of the pivoting frame 50, the end-of-travel stop being formed by a stop 82 integral with the carcass 66. The bimetal foot 36 is fixed directly to a lower tab 84 of the ferromagnetic yoke 40.

L'armature 50 mobile du déclencheur électromagnétique 38 des fig. 1 à 4 et 7 est conformée en palette pivotante intercalée entre la surface polaire 52 du noyau 44 et le déclencheur à bilame 36. L'extrémité inférieure de la palette constitue le point de pivotement sur la branche 48 de la culasse 40, et l'extrémité supérieure actionne une saillie 86 (fig. 1) de la barre de déclenchement 34 de manière à libérer le crochet 30 lorsque la palette est plaquée par attraction magnétique contre la surface polaire 52 du noyau 44.The movable armature 50 of the electromagnetic trip device 38 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and 7 is shaped as a pivoting pallet interposed between the pole surface 52 of the core 44 and the bimetal actuator 36. The lower end of the pallet constitutes the pivot point on the branch 48 of the cylinder head 40, and the upper end activates a projection 86 (FIG. 1) of the trigger bar 34 so as to release the hook 30 when the pallet is pressed by magnetic attraction against the pole surface 52 of the core 44.

On remarque sur la figure 7 que le point d'appui de la palette contre l'arrêt 82 se trouve entre le ressort de rappel 54 et le point de pivotement sur la branche 48 de la culasse 40. Ce montage permet d'éliminer tout entrefer parasite à l'articulation.Note in FIG. 7 that the fulcrum of the pallet against the stop 82 is between the return spring 54 and the pivot point on the branch 48 of the cylinder head 40. This assembly makes it possible to eliminate any air gap parasitic to the joint.

Sur les figures 8 à 10 le chauffeur 90 du déclencheur à bilame 36 est en matériau électriquement conducteur ou résistant. La déflexion du bilame 36 dépend de l'intensité du courant circulant dans le bilame 36 et dans le chauffeur 90 et le seuil de déclenchement thermique est ajustable par la vis de réglage 76 en fonction du calibre du disjoncteur.In FIGS. 8 to 10, the driver 90 of the bimetallic trip unit 36 is made of an electrically conductive or resistant material. The deflection of the bimetallic strip 36 depends on the intensity of the current flowing in the bimetallic strip 36 and in the driver 90 and the thermal trip threshold is adjustable by the adjusting screw 76 according to the size of the circuit breaker.

Le bilame 36 possède une structure allongée dont la base est pourvue d'un pied 91 de fixation 'et dont l'extrémité opposée comporte une tête 92 susceptible d'actionner la barre de déclenchement 34 pour une déflexion prédéterminée du bilame 36 correspondant à un dépassement du deuil de déclenchement. Le pied 91 du bilame 36 est fixé à une patte ou flasque 72 support solidaire de la culasse 40 fixe du déclencheur électromagnétique 38. Le conducteur souple 62, notamment une tresse, est soudée à la tête 92 active du bilame 36 pour former une liaison électrique avec le contact mobile du pôle. La vis de réglage 76 traverse le pied 91 de fixation du bilame 36 et le flasque 72 associé, ce dernier étant plié en deux branches déformables et/ou élastiques sous l'action de la vis 76. Le réglage du seuil de déclenchement du déclencheur thermique s'effectue en usine au moyen de la vis 76 en provoquant une déformation mécanique de la base du bilame 36.The bimetallic strip 36 has an elongated structure, the base of which is provided with a fixing foot 91 'and the opposite end of which has a head 92 capable of actuating the trigger bar 34 for a predetermined deflection of the bimetallic strip 36 corresponding to an overhang of triggering grief. The foot 91 of the bimetallic strip 36 is fixed to a tab or flange 72 support integral with the fixed cylinder head 40 of the electromagnetic trip device 38. The flexible conductor 62, in particular a braid, is welded to the active head 92 of the bimetallic strip 36 to form an electrical connection with the pole's mobile contact. The adjusting screw 76 passes through the foot 91 for fixing the bimetallic strip 36 and the associated flange 72, the latter being folded into two deformable and / or elastic branches under the action of the screw 76. The setting of the trigger point of the thermal trip device is carried out in the factory by means of the screw 76, causing mechanical deformation of the base of the bimetallic strip 36.

Le chauffeur 90 s'étend parallèlement au bilame 36 et présente une structure générale en lyre dotée de deux branches 93, 94 latérales réunies à une âme 95 centrale coplanaire. Le bilame 36 est intercalé de chant entre les deux branches 93, 94 en U de la lyre, et l'âme 95 est superposée puis fixée par soudure au bilame 36 en un point 96 intercalaire situé longitudinalement entre le pied 91 et l'extrémité 92 du bilame 36. Le largeur de l'âme 95 correspond sensiblement à celle du bilame 36, et les extrémités des branches 93, 94 latérales de la lyre sont connectées par soudure et sertissage à la plage de contact 60 du pôle. La plage 60 s'étend perpendiculairement au bilame 36 et au chauffeur 90, et s'engage dans la cage d'une borne de raccordement (non représentée), ménagée dans un logement du boîtier 10 isolant. Le fonctionnement du déclencheur thermique à chauffage mixte du bilame 36 de chaque pôle est le suivant:The driver 90 extends parallel to the bimetallic strip 36 and has a general lyre structure provided with two lateral branches 93, 94 joined to a central co-planar core 95. The bimetallic strip 36 is interposed between the two branches 93, 94 in U of the lyre, and the core 95 is superimposed and then fixed by welding to the bimetallic strip 36 at an intermediate point 96 located longitudinally between the foot 91 and the end 92 of the bimetallic strip 36. The width of the core 95 corresponds substantially to that of the bimetallic strip 36, and the ends of the lateral branches 93, 94 of the lyre are connected by welding and crimping to the contact pad 60 of the pole. The track 60 extends perpendicularly to the bimetallic strip 36 and to the driver 90, and engages in the cage of a connection terminal (not shown), formed in a housing of the insulating housing 10. The operation of the mixed heating thermal release of the bimetallic strip 36 of each pole is as follows:

Le courant 1 de ligne (fig. 8 et 9) entre dans le déclencheur par la tresse 62, circule selon le sens de la flèche dans la partie supérieure du bilame 36 jusqu'au point 96 de jonction du chauffeur 90 en lyre. Le courant 1 s'inverse au point 96 en se partageant en deux courants élémentaires I/2 qui empruntent les deux braches 93, 94 latérales en parallèle du chauffeur 90 pour sortir du pôle par la plage 60. Chaque branche 93, 94 de la lyre est ainsi parcourue par la moitié de l'intensité du courant circulant en sens inverse dans le bilame 36. La disposition de chant (fig. 10) du bilame 36 entre les branches 93, 94 latérales du chauffeur 90 en lyre place les sections selon leur plus grande. inertie de flexion et permet d'augmenter la distance moyenne qui sépare les courants circulant en sens inverse dans le bilame 36 et les branches 93, 94 du chauffeur 90. Il en résulte une réduction et un équilibrage des efforts électrodynamiques de répulsion, même en présence de courants de surcharge importants.The current 1 of line (fig. 8 and 9) enters the trigger by the braid 62, flows in the direction of the arrow in the upper part of the bimetallic strip 36 to the point 96 of junction of the driver 90 in lyre. The current 1 reverses at point 96, dividing into two elementary currents I / 2 which take the two lateral pins 93, 94 in parallel with the driver 90 to exit the pole via the track 60. Each branch 93, 94 of the lyre is thus traversed by half the intensity of the current flowing in the opposite direction in the bimetallic strip 36. The edge arrangement (fig. 10) of the bimetallic strip 36 between the lateral branches 93, 94 of the driver 90 in lyre places the sections according to their bigger. bending inertia and makes it possible to increase the average distance which separates the currents flowing in opposite directions in the bimetallic strip 36 and the branches 93, 94 of the driver 90. This results in a reduction and a balancing of the electrodynamic efforts of repulsion, even in the presence large overload currents.

On remarque que la partie inférieure du bilame 36 située entre le point 96 de jonction du chauffeur 90 et le pied 91 n'est pas parcourue par le courant, la circulation de ce dernier s'effectuant exclusivement dans la partie supérieure du bilame 36 entre la tête 92 et le point 96.Note that the lower part of the bimetallic strip 36 located between the point 96 of the junction of the driver 90 and the foot 91 is not traversed by the current, the circulation of the latter taking place exclusively in the upper part of the bimetallic strip 36 between the head 92 and point 96.

Selon la variante des figures 11 et 12, dans lesquelles les mêmes repères désignent des pièces identiques ou similaires, le point de jonction 96 du chauffeur 90 en lyre est sensiblement au niveau du pied 91 du bilame 36. Le courant circule dans toute la longueur du bilame 36, entre la tête 92 et le pied 91, et il en résulte une augmentation du chauffage direct.According to the variant of FIGS. 11 and 12, in which the same references designate identical or similar parts, the junction point 96 of the driver 90 in a lyre is substantially at the level of the foot 91 of the bimetallic strip 36. The current flows throughout the length of the bimetallic strip 36, between head 92 and foot 91, and this results in an increase in direct heating.

La position longitudinale du point 96 de jonction du chauffeur 90 avec le bilame 36 peut être quelconque en fonction de la courbe de déclenchement thermique, et le temps de déclenchement varie en fonction de la position dudit point 96.The longitudinal position of the point 96 where the driver 90 joins the bimetallic strip 36 can be arbitrary as a function of the thermal tripping curve, and the tripping time varies as a function of the position of said point 96.

Le chauffeur 90 en lyre peut comporter un empilage de clinquants métalliques de matériaux différents destinés à ajuster la résistance électrique du chauffeur à une valeur prédéterminée.The driver 90 in lyre may include a stack of metal foils of different materials intended to adjust the electrical resistance of the driver to a predetermined value.

Le conducteur souple 62 est formé par une tresse en cuivre pour les appareils de calibres supérieurs, et par une tresse résistante pour les appareils de calibres inférieurs. Dans ce dernier cas, la tresse est réalisée par exemple en acier inoxydable ou en cupro-nickel et sa connexion à la tête 92 permet d'augmenter le chauffage indirect et la différence de température dans le bilame 36. La tenue thermique est également améliorée par Ii- mitation du courant présumé. La tresse peut également être bimétallique, par exemple en cuivre et en acier inoxydable.The flexible conductor 62 is formed by a copper braid for devices of higher ratings, and by a resistant braid for devices of lower ratings. In the latter case, the braid is made for example of stainless steel or cupro-nickel and its connection to the head 92 makes it possible to increase the indirect heating and the temperature difference in the bimetallic strip 36. The thermal resistance is also improved by Limitation of the presumed current. The braid can also be bimetallic, for example copper and stainless steel.

Sur les figures 13 et 14, les têtes des trois bilames 36 d'un disjoncteur tripolaire présentent chacune une rampe 150 venant en contact avec une butée 152 de la barre de déclenchement 34. Le crochet 30 de déclenchement du mécanisme est verrouillé en position armée par un verrou 32 solidaire de la barre 34. Un dispositif mécanique permet d'ajuster le seuil de déclenchement thermique par translation bidirectionnelle selon la flèche F de la barre 34 de déclenchement selon la direction d'alignement des bilames 36. Ce dispositif comporte une came 160 coopérant avec une extrémité de la barre de déclenchement 34. La came 160 est actionnée à rotation par une tige de commande 162 solidaire d'un bouton de réglage 164. Un ressort de rappel 166 coopère à l'opposé de la came 160 avec l'autre extrémité de la barre de déclenchement 34. Le fonctionnement du dispositif mécanique de réglage du seuil de déclenchement thermique est bien connu des spécialistes, et il suffit de rappeler que la translation de la barre de déclenchement 34 par rotation du bouton de réglage 164 ajuste l'intervalle ménagé entre les butées 152 de la barre 34 et les rampes 150 des bilames 36. Le bouton 164 est positionné dans une ouverture 167 du boîtier 10 isolant.In FIGS. 13 and 14, the heads of the three bimetallic strips 36 of a three-pole circuit breaker each have a ramp 150 coming into contact with a stop 152 of the trigger bar 34. The hook 30 for triggering the mechanism is locked in the armed position by a lock 32 secured to the bar 34. A mechanical device makes it possible to adjust the thermal trigger threshold by bidirectional translation according to the arrow F of the trigger bar 34 according to the alignment direction of the bimetallic strips 36. This device comprises a cam 160 cooperating with one end of the trigger bar 34. The cam 160 is rotated by a control rod 162 secured to an adjustment button 164. A return spring 166 cooperates opposite the cam 160 with the other end of the trigger bar 34. The operation of the mechanical device for adjusting the thermal trigger threshold is well known to specialists, and it suffices to recall that the translation d e the trigger bar 34 by rotation of the adjustment button 164 adjusts the interval between the stops 152 of the bar 34 and the ramps 150 of the bimetallic strips 36. The button 164 is positioned in an opening 167 of the insulating housing 10.

Un bilame de compensation 168, commun à tous les pôles, est inséré dans le dispositif mécanique de réglage pour la prise en compte de la variation de la température ambiante. Le bilame 168 de compensation présente une structure en spirale et est logé à l'intérieur du bouton de réglage 164 en contact avec l'air ambiant. Les extrémités du bilame 168 en spirale sont slidarisées au bouton 164 de réglage et à la tige 162 d'actionnement de la came 160.A compensation bimetal strip 168, common to all the poles, is inserted in the mechanical adjustment device to take into account the variation in the ambient temperature. The compensation bimetal 168 has a spiral structure and is housed inside the adjustment knob 164 in contact with the ambient air. The ends of the bimetallic strip 168 in a spiral are slidarized to the adjustment knob 164 and to the rod 162 for actuating the cam 160.

Claims (11)

1. A thermal and magnetic tripping mechanism cooperating with the actuating mechanism of a multipole circuit breaker and comprising per pole a first electromagnetic tripping mechanism (38) and a second thermal tripping mechanism with a bimetal strip (36), said first tripping mechanism comprising a magnetic circuit with an air gap through which the induction flux generated by an operating coil flows, and a movable armature (50) capable of being attracted against a polar surface of the magnetic circuit when the current intensity flowing in the coil (42) exceeds a preset threshold causing tripping of the mechanism, said coil comprising one or more turns according to the tripping characteristics, a flexible connecting conductor (62) being securedly united directly by one of its ends to a movable contact arm (23) of the pole, to provide the electrical connection with the coil (42), characterized in that the other end of the flexible conductor (62) is connected by soldering to the bimetal strip (36), and that the intermediate part of the same flexible conductor constitutes the winding of the coil (42), the assembly being arranged to ensure fixed mounting of the electromagnetic tripping mechanism (38) fitted between the contact arm (23) and the thermal tripping mechanism with bimetal strip (36).
2. The tripping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic circuit comprises a housing (40) formed by a U-shaped bracket surrounding the coil (42) controlling the core (44), and that the movable armature (50) is pivotally mounted on a branch (48) of the housing (40) being biased to the separated position by an elastic return means (54) housed to the separated position by an elastic return means (54) housed in a hole (56) of the core (44).
3. The tripping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that a flange (72) made of nonmagnetic material extends between the two opposite branches of the U-shaped bracket to hold the turns of the coil (42) on the core (44), and that the base of the flange (72) is shaped as a support for the foot of the bimetal strip (36) and as an exhaust gas deionization grate.
4. The tripping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the base of the flange (72) bears on the bottom of the insulating case (10) being located between the arc extinguishing chamber (16) and an opening (80) in the case (10), and that slots (78) are arranged in the base of the flange (72) to improve the exhaust flow of the gases to the outside opposite the stationary contact (12).
5. The tripping mechanism according to one of the claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the elastic return means (54) of the movable armature (50) is formed by a compression spring, and that a screw (78) passes through the spring (54) inside the hole (56), the head (57) of the screw (58) acting as an adjustable end-of-travel stop for the armature (50) placed in the separated position.
6. The tripping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable armature (50) is formed by a paddle coming up against a stop (82) in the separated position, and that said stop (82) is disposed between the elastic return means (54) and the articulation point of the pivoting paddle on the branch (48) of the housing (40) to eliminate any undesirable air gap in said articulation point.
7. The tripping mechanism according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second thermal tripping mechanism with bimetal strip is of the mixed heating type, and comprises per pole:
- a bimetal strip (36) having an elongated structure extending longitudinally between a fixing foot (91) and an actuating head (92) becoming active for a predetermined deflection corresponding to the overload tripping threshold,
- a lyre-shaped heating element or heater equipped with a radiating surface disposed in proximity to the bimetal strip, and a mechanical and electrical junction point designed for fixing the heater onto the bimetal strip, and for the current to flow between the latter and the heater, said lyre comprising two lateral branches (93, 94).
- the bimetal strip (36) extending parallel to the heater (90) being inserted edgewise between said branches (93, 94), which are joined on the one hand to a central coplanar core (95) fixed to the bimetal strip (36) to form said junction point (96), and on the other hand to a contact pad (60), each elementary branche (93, 94) having flowing through it a fraction of the current intensity flowing in the bimetal strip (36).
8. The tripping mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that each branche (93, 94) of the lyre-shaped heater (90) extends in the longitudinal direction of the bimetal strip (36) and has flowing through it half the current intensity flowing through the bimetal strip (36).
9. The tripping mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that the junction point (96) of the lyre-shaped heater (90) is situated either in the vicinity of the fixing foot (91) of the bimetal strip (36), or in an intermediate position between the foot (91) and the head (92) of the bimetal strip (36).
10. The tripping mechanism according to one of the claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the fixing foot (91) of the bimetal strip (36) is securedly united to the flange (72) formed by a plate folded into two deformable and/or elastic branches, and that an adjusting screw (76) passes through said foot (91) and flange (72), in such a way as to ensure a mechanical deformation of the base of the bimetal strip (36) enabling the overload tripping threshold to be set in the factory.
11. The tripping mechanism according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the flexible conductor (62) is formed by a braided strip achieved by means of a conducting material having an electrical resistivity greater than that of copper, notably stainless steel or cupro-nickel.
EP84401968A 1983-10-21 1984-10-02 Thermal and magnetic circuit breaker tripping mechanism Expired EP0143022B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT84401968T ATE34877T1 (en) 1983-10-21 1984-10-02 THERMAL AND MAGNETIC RELEASE FOR AUTO SWITCH.

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8317015A FR2553928B1 (en) 1983-10-21 1983-10-21 MIXED HEATING BILAMET FOR THERMAL TRIGGER OF A CUTTING APPARATUS
FR8317016 1983-10-21
FR8317016A FR2553931B1 (en) 1983-10-21 1983-10-21 CONTROL COIL OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC CIRCUIT BREAKER
FR8317015 1983-10-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0143022A1 EP0143022A1 (en) 1985-05-29
EP0143022B1 true EP0143022B1 (en) 1988-06-01

Family

ID=26223645

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84401968A Expired EP0143022B1 (en) 1983-10-21 1984-10-02 Thermal and magnetic circuit breaker tripping mechanism

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0143022B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3471809D1 (en)

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CN103681146A (en) * 2013-12-10 2014-03-26 德力西电气有限公司 Miniature circuit breaker
CN104054154A (en) * 2011-11-21 2014-09-17 Abb技术有限公司 Thermo-magnetic release mechanism for circuit breakers
CN104900456A (en) * 2015-05-06 2015-09-09 温州高能电气有限公司 Moulded case circuit breaker and tripping mechanism thereof

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FR2654254B1 (en) * 1989-11-06 1995-11-24 Merlin Gerin REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER.
DE19629960A1 (en) * 1996-07-25 1998-01-29 Abb Patent Gmbh Overcurrent release for an electrical installation device, especially for a circuit breaker
FR2924531A1 (en) * 2007-11-29 2009-06-05 Hager Electro S A S Soc Par Ac THERMAL RELEASE DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC LINE PROTECTION APPARATUS
CN203746773U (en) * 2014-01-17 2014-07-30 浙江正泰电器股份有限公司 Clapping type electromagnetic tripping system
FR3023057B1 (en) * 2014-06-30 2016-07-22 Hager-Electro Sas MAGNETOTHERMIC TRIGGER.
CN106206199A (en) * 2016-09-26 2016-12-07 常熟开关制造有限公司(原常熟开关厂） The trip gear of low-voltage circuit breaker
CN114023614B (en) * 2021-10-29 2023-12-22 武汉船用电力推进装置研究所（中国船舶重工集团公司第七一二研究所） Large-scale adjustable electromagnetic short-circuit release

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104054154A (en) * 2011-11-21 2014-09-17 Abb技术有限公司 Thermo-magnetic release mechanism for circuit breakers
CN104054154B (en) * 2011-11-21 2016-03-09 Abb技术有限公司 For the pyromagnetic relieving mechanism of circuit breaker
CN103681146A (en) * 2013-12-10 2014-03-26 德力西电气有限公司 Miniature circuit breaker
CN103681146B (en) * 2013-12-10 2016-08-17 德力西电气有限公司 A kind of miniature circuit breaker
CN104900456A (en) * 2015-05-06 2015-09-09 温州高能电气有限公司 Moulded case circuit breaker and tripping mechanism thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3471809D1 (en) 1988-07-07
EP0143022A1 (en) 1985-05-29

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