EP0179677B1 - Switching device with a variable composition - Google Patents

Switching device with a variable composition Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0179677B1
EP0179677B1 EP85401693A EP85401693A EP0179677B1 EP 0179677 B1 EP0179677 B1 EP 0179677B1 EP 85401693 A EP85401693 A EP 85401693A EP 85401693 A EP85401693 A EP 85401693A EP 0179677 B1 EP0179677 B1 EP 0179677B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control
tripping
switching
modular
electromagnet
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
EP85401693A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0179677A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Guery
Gérald Gashet
Jacques Olifant
Raymond Plumeret
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.)
Telemecanique SA
Original Assignee
La Telemecanique Electrique SA
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Publication date
Application filed by La Telemecanique Electrique SA filed Critical La Telemecanique Electrique SA
Priority to AT85401693T priority Critical patent/ATE43200T1/en
Publication of EP0179677A1 publication Critical patent/EP0179677A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0179677B1 publication Critical patent/EP0179677B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01H71/2409—Electromagnetic mechanisms combined with an electromagnetic current limiting mechanism
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H89/00—Combinations of two or more different basic types of electric switches, relays, selectors and emergency protective devices, not covered by any single one of the other main groups of this subclass
    • H01H89/06—Combination of a manual reset circuit with a contactor, i.e. the same circuit controlled by both a protective and a remote control device
    • H01H89/08—Combination of a manual reset circuit with a contactor, i.e. the same circuit controlled by both a protective and a remote control device with both devices using the same contact pair

Definitions

  • CH-A-562 511 which describes a switching device of the modular type
  • FR-A-2 331 908 which describes a motor control device integrating all the necessary functions.
  • control and / or protection devices are usually designed so as to produce a switching of the switch device compatible with the function performed.
  • the means of protection against overcurrents due for example to short circuits must be designed so as to produce relatively high breaking speeds, to avoid deterioration of the contact elements by the cutting arc.
  • the first type of measure consists in increasing the force exerted by the control and / or protective device concerned, which leads, in the case where the resistant force of the moving part of the switch is high, to overdue - measure the control device and the means associated with it.
  • control elements producing an order at energy and at sufficiently high speed to ensure correct switching of the switching device act directly on a surface of support of at least one basic module.
  • This action can be carried out directly or by means of a mechanical transmission device, it being understood that in both cases, it is the force exerted by the modular control element which is used to effect the switching.
  • control elements of this type have been called modular direct switching control elements.
  • the potential energy used for the triggering phase is stored during or immediately after the passage from the triggered position to the armed position of the arming means and therefore, independently of the switch, the movable assembly of which is then stressed only by the elastic means associated with it.
  • the amount of potential energy accumulated is not limited by the mechanical characteristics of a particular switch. It is therefore possible to use a single abrupt tripping device for several switches, by adjusting the potential stored energy to the desired level and, of course, by using appropriate mechanical transmission means between the actuating means of the tripping device. and the bearing surface of the operating members of these switches.
  • the trigger of the trigger device is associated with several control and / or protection devices, it is also possible to provide suitable mechanical transmission means for controlling the action of these devices to said trigger.
  • control forces applied to the bearing surface of the operating member of each of the switches can emanate from a direct action of one or more control devices, which can act on one or more switches.
  • mechanical fastening means for the actuating members of all the switches can be provided.
  • the switching device can involve one or more switches of the same type or of a different type. These switches can for example be of the normally open or normally closed type. Each switch may include one or more pairs of movable and fixed contact elements, each of which can perform the function of a normally closed and / or normally open type switch.
  • the aforementioned switch, the triggering device and the various control devices are each housed in separate boxes which can be assembled to each other according to the desired composition of the device of commutation.
  • this switch can also include all the equipment with which the switches are usually fitted, such as, for example, fins for dividing the arcs 15, decompression channels, etc.
  • the conductors 5 and 6 have a folded shape allowing the development of repulsion forces acting on the movable contact carrier 8 under the effect of the current flowing in the switch.
  • this switch is in the normally closed position, the opening then being obtained by exerting on the pusher 12 an axial pressure antagonistic to that of the spring 13.
  • an electromagnet 17 housed inside a housing 18 whose movable armature 19 is coupled to an oscillating lever 20 including a arm 21 passes through the housing 18 and cooperates with the pusher 12 as follows:
  • the movable armature 19 of the electromagnet is applied against the fixed armature 19 'by pivoting the lever 20 which, by disengaging from the stop 32, releases the pusher 12; under the effect of the spring 13, the movable contact elements 9, 10, carried by the contact carrier 8, are therefore applied to the fixed contact elements 3, 4, the switch is then in the closed state .
  • the movable armature 19 which is biased by a spring (not shown) moves away from the fixed armature 19 '; the lever 20 then switches by pushing the pusher 12 against the action of the spring 13, so that the movable contact elements 9, 10 are spaced from the fixed contact elements 3, 4; the switch is then in the open state.
  • the invention is not limited to this single mode of control of the first type.
  • the switch 1 could also be actuated by a manual or automatic control device acting directly or via a transmission mechanism on the pusher.
  • a transmission mechanism could possibly comprise, as shown in dashed lines, a cam 23 or the like, mounted on a rotary axis 23 'whose rotational movements are controlled by one or more control devices.
  • the axis 23 ′ may comprise several cams each cooperating with the push-button of a respective switch.
  • the controls of the second type involve a trigger device for accumulating potential energy 16 which comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, an actuating rod 24 located in line with the push button 12, a reset push button 25 and a trigger 26.
  • the actuating rod 24 in the armed state of the triggering device 16, the actuating rod 24 is in the retracted position, position in which it does not stress the pusher 12 and enables thus closing the switch 1. From this position, the triggering phase is obtained by switching the trigger 26 under the effect of a control action (arrow 27). This tilting causes a sudden deployment of the actuating rod 24 which pushes back the pusher 12 by causing an opening at high speed of the switch 1.
  • the electromagnet is energized and the triggering device is in the armed state, state in which the actuating rod 24 is in the retracted state, while the push-button reset 25 is in the depressed state.
  • the pusher 12 of the switch 1 is therefore not biased by an external action and, consequently, the movable assembly biased by the spring 13 is disposed in the closed position.
  • this stop button 28 causes the triggering device 16 to go into the triggered state.
  • a control action exerted on the trigger 26 in the direction of the arrow 27 causes the trigger device to go into the triggered state.
  • the actuating rod 24 suddenly goes into the deployed state by pushing back the pusher 12, and bringing, consequently , switch 1 in the open state.
  • the arming push-button 25 is in the deployed state, while the stop push-button 28 changes to the depressed state (FIG. 3).
  • the electromagnet can remain in the excited state and remain in the position where it is in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the tripping device 16 can also cause the opening of an auxiliary contact interrupting l supply of the solenoid coil, when it is in the tripped state.
  • the opening of the switch 1 by the tripping device is confirmed by the action of the lever 20 which then comes to bear on the pusher 12, as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the return to the armed state of the triggering device 16 is obtained by exerting on the arming push-button 25 manual or possibly automatic pressure, causing it to sink.
  • This action entails both the return of the stop pusher 28 in the deployed position, the return of the actuating rod 24 in the retracted state and the accumulation of a determined quantity of potential energy intended to be applied. on the actuating rod 24 during the triggering phase.
  • the tripping device 16 When it is in the armed state, the tripping device 16 is not opposed to the control actions exerted directly on the push-button 12 of the switch 1.
  • the electromagnet can act independently on the 'switch 1 by causing, as appropriate, either its opening or its closure.
  • the trigger device 16 is in the armed state, while the electromagnet is in the de-energized state.
  • the movable armature 19 of the electromagnet has moved away from the fixed armature 19 'and has caused the lever 20 to tilt, the arm 21 of which then comes at its end, press push-button 12, and thus keep switch 1 in the open state.
  • the control of the trip device 26 of the trip device 16 is ensured, on the one hand, by an electromagnet 29 forming part of a protection device for example against sudden overcurrents or short-circuits. circuits, and by a transmission device comprising a cam 30 cooperating with the trigger 26 and mounted on a rotary axis 31 which can be driven in rotation by one or more control devices provided to effect a sudden cut of the switch. It should be noted in this connection that these control devices can act both on the trigger 26 and on the push-button 12 of the switch 1 or the transmission device 23, 23 'associated therewith.
  • FIG. 6 is a theoretical diagram of a contactor with high breaking capacity that can be produced from a structure such as that shown in FIG. 1.
  • the triggering device S can also actuate, thanks to a mechanical or electrical connection, the auxiliary switch K 1 so as to cause the circuit which supplies the coil of the electromagnet of the automatic control device A to be cut, in order to confirm the switch off caused by the triggering device S.
  • the detection member Rth, the fault detector D and the control device M can respectively act, in an analogous manner on the auxiliary contacts K 2 , K 3 , K 4 of the coil supply circuit. B of electromagnet A.
  • control device A and the control device sensitive to a lack of voltage M act directly on the moving element 8 of the switch. This implies that the action of these control devices A and M is powerful enough and fast enough to obtain good switching.
  • control means having movements that are too slow and / or insufficiently powerful such as the detection member Rth, the fault detector D, the “overcurrent detector 1, and the manual control member Ma act on the trigger device S.
  • the invention is not limited to a switch having a structure such as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.
  • this switch could just as easily include a mobile assembly comprising a plurality of pairs, fixed contact elements / mobile contact elements, designed for operation of the normally open type and / or of the normally closed type.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically represent a switching device for a three-phase circuit involving, mounted on the same mobile assembly, three pairs of mobile contact elements 9 ', 9 ", 9"' - 10 ' , 10 ", 10" 'cooperating with three pairs of fixed contact elements 3', 3 ", 3" '- 4', 4 ", 4" 'respectively.
  • the movable assembly 35 which is, as previously, biased by a spring 36, comprises three recesses or cages 37 through each of which passes a movable contact carrier 38 provided with two movable contacts 9 ′ 10 ′, 9 "-10", 9 "'- 10"' which cooperate with two respective fixed contacts 3'-4 ', 3 "-4", 3 "' - 4" '.
  • the connection between each of the movable contact carriers and the movable assembly is ensured by a compression spring 38 'acting in the same direction as the spring 36.
  • the moving element 35 which may be made of a light material to enable to obtain speeds of high cut, is returned to the working position (closed position of the switch) by the spring 36, the forces contact being supplied by the springs 38 '.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the multiple compositions that the switching device according to the invention can take.
  • the switch 40 is controlled by an automatic control device 55, by a device.
  • manual control device 56 with abrupt release and a transmission device 57 actuated by the operating member 58 of a release device 59 of the type of that previously described.
  • the switch 46 is controlled, by the transmission device 57, by a manual control device 60 with abrupt release and by a transmission device 61 actuated in particular by an automatic control device 62.
  • the automatic control devices 55 and 62 are designed so as to have an actuation speed sufficient to ensure switching under normal load conditions (they can consist, for example, of electromagnets).
  • the switch 47 is controlled by the transmission device 61 and by a trip device 63 similar to the device 59.
  • the trip device 64 of the trip device 59 is itself controlled by two control and / or protection devices 65, 66, and by a transmission device 67 actuated by two control and / or protection devices 68, 69.
  • the trigger 71 of the trigger device 63 is in turn controlled by the transmission device 67 and by a control and / or protection device 72 for example. Furthermore, the transmission device 67 acts on the transmission device 61.
  • control and / or protection devices 65 and 66 may respectively consist of a thermal protection device and a manual control device.
  • the control devices 68 and 69 may consist of undervoltage trip devices, magnetic trip devices, etc. which constitute fast-acting protections.
  • the device 72 can then consist of a pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. plunger of any speed.
  • the pushers 45, 12, 54 of the switches 40, 46 and 47 can be connected by a transmission rod shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10 by the combination of the transmission devices 57 and 61 and by the extensions represented in dashed lines, so as to obtain simultaneous control of the three switches 40, 46 and 47 regardless of the order of control.
  • This transmission rod is furthermore designed so as to be actuated by the automatic control devices 55, 62, by the triggering devices 59, 63 and by the manual snap-action control devices 56 and 60, the connections of which have been shown. in broken lines.
  • the electromagnet 87 is excited and, consequently, the switch 75 is in the closed position. Conversely, the electromagnet 88 is at rest and keeps the switch 76 open.
  • the two electromagnets 87, 89 are associated with a mechanical locking device L “L 2 allowing the maintenance in the open state of one of the electromagnets when the second is closed.
  • the triggering device 93 is designed to act on the pushers 85, 8.6 of the switches 75, 76 by means of a transmission device consisting of a U-shaped spreader whose wings 109, 110 are articulated by their ends on the pins 104 and 105 and the core 111 of which bears, in line with the pushers 85, 86 bearing pads 113, 114.
  • the actuating rod 112 of the triggering device 93 is then designed so as to act on the central part of the web 111 of the lifter.
  • the actuating rod 112 which passes in the deployed state, causes the tilting of the spreader 109, 110, 111.
  • the aforesaid modular elements of automatic control, of fast switching control and of protection include means allowing their assembly and their fixing on the basic element, as well as means of electrical coupling and suitable mechanical transmission suitable for make the electrical connections and mechanical transmissions described above.
  • the modular elements 127,129 are provided with through holes 132,133 to allow access to the upstream and downstream connection means .124 of the basic modular element 120.

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  • Confectionery (AREA)
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Abstract

A variable composition switching device which comprises one basic modular component incorporating at least one controllable switching device, one direct switching control modular component and/or one indirect switching control modular component. This indirect switching control component acts on the basic modular component through a potential energy accumulation tripping device.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de commutation à composition variable faisant notamment intervenir :

  • d'une part, un ou plusieurs dispositifs interrupteurs comprenant chacun au moins un élément de contact fixe, au moins un élément de contact mobile monté sur un équipage mobile, de manière à pouvoir prendre au moins une première position dans laquelle l'élément de contact mobile est appliqué contre l'élément de contact fixe (état fermé), et une deuxième position dans laquelle l'élément de contact mobile se trouve écarté de l'élément de contact fixe (état ouvert), et des moyens élastiques exerçant sur l'équipage mobile un effort tendant à amener l'élément de contact mobile dans l'une ou l'autre des deux dites positions, et
  • d'autre part, au moins un dispositif de commande et/ou de protection apte à provoquer un changement d'état de l'interrupteur, en exerçant sur l'équipage mobile une action antagoniste à celle des moyens élastiques.
The present invention relates to a variable composition switching device notably involving:
  • on the one hand, one or more switching devices each comprising at least one fixed contact element, at least one mobile contact element mounted on a mobile assembly, so as to be able to assume at least a first position in which the contact element movable is applied against the fixed contact element (closed state), and a second position in which the movable contact element is separated from the fixed contact element (open state), and elastic means acting on the movable assembly an effort tending to bring the movable contact element into one or the other of the two said positions, and
  • on the other hand, at least one control and / or protection device capable of causing a change of state of the switch, by exerting on the movable assembly an action antagonistic to that of the elastic means.

Les dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection utilisables dans les dispositifs de commutation de ce genre peuvent être de nature variée ; ils peuvent notamment consister en :

  • des dispositifs de commande manuelle,
  • des dispositifs de commande automatique par exemple à électroaimant,
  • des moyens de protection permettant de provoquer une commutation automatique du dispositif interrupteur lors de perturbations affectant le courant appliqué aux éléments de contact.
The control and / or protection devices which can be used in switching devices of this kind can be of various types; they may in particular consist of:
  • manual control devices,
  • automatic control devices, for example with an electromagnet,
  • protection means making it possible to cause an automatic switching of the switch device during disturbances affecting the current applied to the contact elements.

L'état de la technique est illustré par CH-A-562 511 qui décrit un dispositif de commutation du type modulaire et par FR-A-2 331 908 qui décrit un dispositif de commande de moteur intégrant toutes les fonctions nécessaires.The state of the art is illustrated by CH-A-562 511 which describes a switching device of the modular type and by FR-A-2 331 908 which describes a motor control device integrating all the necessary functions.

Les dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection connus sont habituellement conçus de manière à produire une commutation du dispositif interrupteur compatible avec la fonction réalisée.Known control and / or protection devices are usually designed so as to produce a switching of the switch device compatible with the function performed.

Ainsi, par exemple, dans le cas où le dispositif interrupteur est de type normalement fermé, les moyens de protection contre les surintensités dues par exemple à des court-circuits doivent être conçus de manière à produire des vitesses de coupure relativement élevées, pour éviter la détérioration des éléments de contact par l'arc de coupure.Thus, for example, in the case where the switching device is of the normally closed type, the means of protection against overcurrents due for example to short circuits must be designed so as to produce relatively high breaking speeds, to avoid deterioration of the contact elements by the cutting arc.

Pour obtenir de telles vitesses de coupure, deux types de mesures peuvent être envisagés, séparément ou en combinaison.To obtain such cut-off speeds, two types of measure can be envisaged, separately or in combination.

Le premier type de mesures consiste à accroître l'effort exercé par le dispositif de commande et/ôu de protection concerné, ce qui conduit, dans le cas où l'effort résistant de l'équipage mobile de l'interrupteur est important, à surdi- mensionner le dispositif de commande et les moyens qui lui sont associés.The first type of measure consists in increasing the force exerted by the control and / or protective device concerned, which leads, in the case where the resistant force of the moving part of the switch is high, to overdue - measure the control device and the means associated with it.

Le deuxième type de mesures consiste à réduire au minimum l'effort résistant de l'équipage mobile :

  • en diminuant la raideur des moyens élastiques associés à l'équipage mobile, ce qui, dans le cas d'un dispositif interrupteur de type normalement fermé, s'effectue au détriment de la qualité du contact électrique en position fermée, et/ou
  • en limitant autant que possible le nombre de dispositifs interrupteurs associé à un dispositif de commande et en diminuant l'inertie des équipages mobiles de ces dispositifs interrupteurs, notamment en réduisant le nombre de contacts mobiles portés par ces équipages mobiles.
The second type of measures consists in minimizing the resistant effort of the moving equipment:
  • by reducing the stiffness of the elastic means associated with the moving element, which, in the case of a normally closed type switching device, takes place at the expense of the quality of the electrical contact in the closed position, and / or
  • by limiting as much as possible the number of switch devices associated with a control device and by reducing the inertia of the moving parts of these switching devices, in particular by reducing the number of moving contacts carried by these moving parts.

Il est clair que ces mesures vont à l'encontre du concept de composition variable du dispositif de commutation proposé qui implique la possibilité d'associations multiples de fonctions élémentaires et, en particulier, la commande de plusieurs interrupteurs pouvant chacun comprendre une pluralité d'éléments de contact fixes et mobiles, par un seul dispositif de commande et/ou de protection exigeant une vitesse de coupure rapide.It is clear that these measures go against the concept of variable composition of the proposed switching device which implies the possibility of multiple associations of elementary functions and, in particular, the control of several switches, each of which may include a plurality of elements. fixed and mobile contact, by a single control and / or protection device requiring a fast breaking speed.

L'invention a pour but de supprimer ces inconvénients. Elle propose un dispositif de commutation à composition variable faisant intervenir un ensemble d'éléments modulaires assemblables les uns aux autres en vue de réaliser diverses fonctions de commutation telles que par exemple celles d'un interrupteur, d'un contacteur, d'un contacteur-disjonctéur, ledit ensemble comprenant, d'une part, au moins un élément modulaire de base incorporant un dispositif interrupteur commandable comportant :

  • au moins un élément de contact fixe ;
  • un équipage mobile comprenant au moins un élément de contact mobile et pouvant se déplacer entre une première position dans laquelle l'élément de contact mobile est en contact avec l'élément de contact fixe et une seconde position dans laquelle l'élément de contact mobile est écarté de l'élément de contact fixe ;
  • des moyens élastiques exerçant sur l'équipage mobile un effort tendant à l'amener dans la première position, et
  • un organe de manoeuvre solidaire de l'équipage mobile ou faisant corps avec celui-ci, cet organe de manoeuvre comprenant au moins une surface d'appui sur laquelle peut être appliquée une force de commande antagoniste à celle des moyens élastiques, pour amener l'équipage mobile dans la seconde position, et, d'autre part, au moins deux types d'éléments modulaires pouvant s'assembler sur le module de base, à savoir :
  • un élément modulaire de commande de commutation directe comprenant des moyens d'actionnément à action directe, aptes à exercer sur la surface d'appui d'au moins un module de base, une action de commande suffisamment rapide, avec une force suffisante pour assurer une commutation correcte du dispositif de commutation, et
  • un élément modulaire de commande de commutation indirecte comprenant des moyens d'actionnement qui, en réponse à un ordre trop lent et/ou à énergie insuffisante pour assurer une commutation correcte, agissent sur la surface d'appui d'au moins un élément modulaire de base par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de déclenchement à accumulation d'énergie potentielle.
The invention aims to eliminate these drawbacks. It proposes a switching device with variable composition involving a set of modular elements which can be assembled together in order to carry out various switching functions such as, for example, those of a switch, a contactor, a contactor. circuit breaker, said assembly comprising, on the one hand, at least one basic modular element incorporating a controllable switch device comprising:
  • at least one fixed contact element;
  • a movable assembly comprising at least one movable contact element and able to move between a first position in which the movable contact element is in contact with the fixed contact element and a second position in which the movable contact element is away from the fixed contact element;
  • elastic means exerting a force on the moving assembly tending to bring it into the first position, and
  • an operating member integral with the moving part or integral with it, this operating member comprising at least one bearing surface on which can be applied a control force antagonistic to that of the elastic means, to bring the moving element in the second position, and, on the other hand, at least two types of modular elements which can be assembled on the basic module, namely:
  • a modular direct switching control element comprising direct action actuation means, capable of exerting on the bearing surface of at least one base module, a sufficiently rapid control action, with a force sufficient to ensure a correct switching of the switching device, and
  • a modular control element indirect switching comprising actuating means which, in response to an order which is too slow and / or of insufficient energy to ensure correct switching, acts on the bearing surface of at least one basic modular element by means of '' a triggering device with potential energy accumulation.

Selon l'invention, ce dispositif est plus particulièrement caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de déclenchement à énergie potentielle peut prendre deux états stables, à savoir, un état armé et un état déclenché, ainsi que deux phases transitoires à savoir une phase d'armement et une phase de déclenchement, ce dispositif de déclenchement comprenant :

  • des moyens d'actionnement pouvant prendre successivement deux positions stables correspondant aux deux susdits états, à savoir, une position déclenchée dans laquelle ils exercent sur la surface d'appui de l'organe de manoeuvre du dispositif interrupteur une action antagoniste à celle des moyens élastiques, pour assurer le maintien de l'équipage mobile dans la seconde position, et une position armée dans laquelle ils autorisent le retour de l'équipage mobile dans la première position ;
  • des moyens d'accumulation d'énergie potentielle propres à stocker de l'énergie potentielle, lors de la phase d'armement, et de la restituer, sous forme d'énergie mécanique sur les moyens d'actionnement pour provoquer le passage de l'équipage mobile de la première à la seconde position, lors de la phase de déclenchement ;
  • un dispositif d'armement comprenant au moins un organe d'armement sur lequel peut être appliquée une énergie lors de la phase d'armement et un mécanisme d'armement propre à faire passer, sous l'effet de ladite énergie, les moyens d'actionnement de la position déclenchée à la position armée et, parallèlement, à transmettre aux moyens d'accumulation une partie de ladite énergie, et
  • un déclencheur comprenant au moins un organe de déclenchement sur lequel peut être appliquée au moins une action de commande pour engendrer la phase de déclenchement, cette action de commande pouvant être produite par un ou plusieurs dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection destinés à provoquer un changement d'état brusque de l'interrupteur.
According to the invention, this device is more particularly characterized in that the potential energy triggering device can take two stable states, namely, an armed state and a triggered state, as well as two transient phases, namely an arming phase. and a trigger phase, this trigger device comprising:
  • actuating means which can successively take two stable positions corresponding to the above two states, namely, a triggered position in which they exert on the bearing surface of the operating member of the switch device an action antagonistic to that of the elastic means , to ensure the maintenance of the moving part in the second position, and an armed position in which they authorize the return of the moving part in the first position;
  • means of accumulating potential energy suitable for storing potential energy, during the arming phase, and for restoring it, in the form of mechanical energy, on the actuation means to cause the passage of the moving equipment from the first to the second position, during the triggering phase;
  • an arming device comprising at least one arming member to which energy can be applied during the arming phase and an arming mechanism capable of passing, under the effect of said energy, the means of actuation of the triggered position to the armed position and, in parallel, to transmit part of said energy to the storage means, and
  • a trigger comprising at least one triggering member to which at least one control action can be applied to generate the triggering phase, this control action can be produced by one or more control and / or protection devices intended to cause a Sudden change of state of the switch.

Il convient de constater tout d'abord que, dans le dispositif précédemment décrit, les commandes émanant d'éléments de commande produisant un ordre à énergie et à vitesse suffisamment élevées pour assurer une commutation correcte du dispositif de commutation agissent directement sur une surface d'appui d'au moins un module de base. Cette action peut s'effectuer directement ou par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de transmission mécanique, étant entendu que dans les deux cas, c'est l'effort exercé par l'élément modulaire de commande qui est utilisé pour effectuer la commutation. C'est la raison pour laquelle les éléments de commande de ce type ont été appelés éléments modulaires de commande de commutation directe.It should first of all be noted that, in the device described above, the commands emanating from control elements producing an order at energy and at sufficiently high speed to ensure correct switching of the switching device act directly on a surface of support of at least one basic module. This action can be carried out directly or by means of a mechanical transmission device, it being understood that in both cases, it is the force exerted by the modular control element which is used to effect the switching. This is why control elements of this type have been called modular direct switching control elements.

Par contre, les commandes émanant d'éléments de commande produisant un ordre de commande à énergie et/ou à vitesse insuffisamment élevées agissent sur la surface d'appui du ou des modules de base par l'intermédiaire du susdit dispositif de déclenchement qui, par la seule énergie potentielle précédemment accumulée, produit le déclenchement. C'est la raison pour laquelle ces éléments de commande ont été appelés éléments modulaires de commande de commutation indirecte.On the other hand, the commands emanating from control elements producing an insufficiently high energy and / or speed command command act on the bearing surface of the base module (s) by means of the above-mentioned triggering device which, by the only potential energy previously accumulated, produces the trigger. This is the reason why these control elements have been called modular indirect switching control elements.

Il convient de noter par ailleurs que pendant la phase d'armement, le stockage de l'énergie potentielle servant à la phase de déclenchement s'èffectue pendant ou immédiatement après le passage de la position déclenchée à la position armée des moyens d'armement et donc, indépendamment de l'interrupteur, dont l'équipage mobile n'est alors sollicité que par les moyens élastiques qui lui sont associés. De même, la quantité d'énergie potentielle accumulée ne se trouve pas limitée par les caractéristiques mécaniques d'un interrupteur particulier. Il est donc possible d'utiliser un seul dispositif de déclenchement brusque pour plusieurs interrupteurs, en ajustant l'énergie potentielle stockée au niveau souhaité et, bien entendu, en utilisant des moyens de transmission mécanique appropriés entre les moyens d'actionnement du dispositif de déclenchement et la surface d'appui des organes de manoeuvre de ces interrupteurs.It should also be noted that during the arming phase, the potential energy used for the triggering phase is stored during or immediately after the passage from the triggered position to the armed position of the arming means and therefore, independently of the switch, the movable assembly of which is then stressed only by the elastic means associated with it. Likewise, the amount of potential energy accumulated is not limited by the mechanical characteristics of a particular switch. It is therefore possible to use a single abrupt tripping device for several switches, by adjusting the potential stored energy to the desired level and, of course, by using appropriate mechanical transmission means between the actuating means of the tripping device. and the bearing surface of the operating members of these switches.

De même, dans le cas où le déclencheur du dispositif de déclenchement est associé à plusieurs dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection, il est également possible de prévoir des moyens de transmission mécanique appropriés de l'action de commande de ces dispositifs audit déclencheur.Likewise, in the case where the trigger of the trigger device is associated with several control and / or protection devices, it is also possible to provide suitable mechanical transmission means for controlling the action of these devices to said trigger.

En outre, les forces de commande appliquées sur la surface d'appui de l'organe de manoeuvre de chacun des interrupteurs peuvent émaner d'une action directe d'un ou plusieurs dispositifs de commande, lesquels peuvent agir sur un ou plusieurs interrupteurs. Dans ce dernier cas, des moyens de solidarisation mécanique des organes de manceuvre de l'ensemble des interrupteurs peuvent être prévus.In addition, the control forces applied to the bearing surface of the operating member of each of the switches can emanate from a direct action of one or more control devices, which can act on one or more switches. In the latter case, mechanical fastening means for the actuating members of all the switches can be provided.

Comme précédemment mentionné, le dispositif de commutation peut faire intervenir un ou plusieurs interrupteurs de même type ou de type différent. Ces interrupteurs peuvent par exemple être de type normalement ouvert ou normalement fermé. Chaque interrupteur peut comprendre un ou plusieurs couples d'éléments de contact mobiles et fixes pouvant chacun assurer la fonction d'interrupteur de type normalement fermé et/ou normalement ouvert.As previously mentioned, the switching device can involve one or more switches of the same type or of a different type. These switches can for example be of the normally open or normally closed type. Each switch may include one or more pairs of movable and fixed contact elements, each of which can perform the function of a normally closed and / or normally open type switch.

Selon un mode d'exécution particulièrement avantageux de l'invention, le susdit interrupteur, le dispositif de déclenchement et les différents dispositifs de commande sont, chacun, logés dans des boîtiers distincts pouvant s'assembler les uns aux autres selon la composition recherchée du dispositif de commutation.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned switch, the triggering device and the various control devices are each housed in separate boxes which can be assembled to each other according to the desired composition of the device of commutation.

Des modes de réalisation de l'invention seront décrits ci-après, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, avec référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une coupe schématique d'un dispositif de commutation selon l'invention faisant office de contacteur-disjoncteur à haut pouvoir de coupure.
  • Les figures 2 à 5 sont des représentations schématiques permettant d'illustrer le fonctionnement d'un dispositif de commutation du type de celui représenté sur la figure 1.
  • La figure 6 est un schéma électromécanique d'un contacteur du type de celui représenté sur la figure 1.
  • La figure 7 est une représentation schématique du circuit d'alimentation de la bobine de l'électroaimant utilisé sur la figure 6.
  • Les figures 8 et 9 sont des représentations schématiques d'un dispositif interrupteur pour circuit triphasé.
  • La figure 10 est une représentation schématique permettant d'illustrer les possibilités de combinaisons multiples du dispositif de commutation selon l'invention.
  • La figure 11 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif de commutation monté en inverseur.
  • La figure 12 représente un dispositif de commutation réalisé à l'aide de blocs de fonction de structure modulaire.
Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic section of a switching device according to the invention acting as a contactor-circuit breaker with high breaking capacity.
  • FIGS. 2 to 5 are schematic representations making it possible to illustrate the operation of a switching device of the type of that represented in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is an electromechanical diagram of a contactor of the type shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the supply circuit of the coil of the electromagnet used in FIG. 6.
  • Figures 8 and 9 are schematic representations of a switch device for three-phase circuit.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic representation for illustrating the possibilities of multiple combinations of the switching device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a switching device mounted as an inverter.
  • FIG. 12 represents a switching device produced using function blocks of modular structure.

Dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 1, le dispositif de commutation comprend tout d'abord un interrupteur commandable 1, logé à l'intérieur d'un boîtier 2, et comportant, de façon classique : deux éléments de contact fixes 3, 4 portés par deux conducteurs respectifs 5, 6 montés sur la paroi supérieure 7 du boîtier 2 ;

  • un équipage mobile comprenant un porte-contact mobile 8 en un matériau électriquement conducteur et sur lequel sont montés deux éléments de contact mobiles 9,·10 destinés à coopérer avec les éléments de contact fixes respectifs 3.4;
  • un organe de manoeuvre consistant en un poussoir 12, en un matériau électriquement isolant, solidaire du porte-contact mobile 8 et passant au travers d'un orifice 12' prévu dans la paroi supérieure 7 du boîtier 2, dans l'espace compris entre les deux éléments de contact fixes 3, 4, et
  • un ressort 13, disposé entre la paroi inférieure 14 du boîtier 2 et le porte-contact mobile 8 de manière à exercer une force tendant à amener les éléments de contact mobiles 9, 10 contre les éléments de contact fixes 3, 4.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the switching device firstly comprises a controllable switch 1, housed inside a housing 2, and comprising, in a conventional manner: two fixed contact elements 3, 4 carried by two respective conductors 5, 6 mounted on the upper wall 7 of the housing 2;
  • a movable assembly comprising a movable contact carrier 8 made of an electrically conductive material and on which are mounted two movable contact elements 9, · 10 intended to cooperate with the respective fixed contact elements 3.4;
  • an operating member consisting of a pusher 12, of an electrically insulating material, integral with the movable contact carrier 8 and passing through an orifice 12 'provided in the upper wall 7 of the housing 2, in the space between the two fixed contact elements 3, 4, and
  • a spring 13, disposed between the lower wall 14 of the housing 2 and the movable contact carrier 8 so as to exert a force tending to bring the movable contact elements 9, 10 against the fixed contact elements 3, 4.

Bien entendu, cet interrupteur peut en outre comprendre tous les équipements dont sont habituellement munis les interrupteurs tels que, par exemple, des ailettes de fractionnement des arcs 15, canaux de décompression, etc... Par ailleurs, les conducteurs 5 et 6 présentent une forme repliée permettant le développement des forces de répulsion agissant sur le porte-contact mobile 8 sous l'effet du courant circulant dans l'interrupteur.Of course, this switch can also include all the equipment with which the switches are usually fitted, such as, for example, fins for dividing the arcs 15, decompression channels, etc. Furthermore, the conductors 5 and 6 have a folded shape allowing the development of repulsion forces acting on the movable contact carrier 8 under the effect of the current flowing in the switch.

Il est clair que du fait de l'action du ressort 13, cet interrupteur se trouve en position normalement fermée, l'ouverture étant alors obtenue en exerçant sur le poussoir 12 une pression axiale antagoniste à celle du ressort 13.It is clear that due to the action of the spring 13, this switch is in the normally closed position, the opening then being obtained by exerting on the pusher 12 an axial pressure antagonistic to that of the spring 13.

Comme précédemment mentionné, on peut distinguer deux types de commande d'ouverture de cet interrupteur 1, à savoir les commandes dites usuelles qui ne nécessitent pas de coupures brutales du circuit et les commandes exigeant des vitesses de coupure élevées, par exemple pour éviter la détérioration des éléments de contact 3, 4, 9, 10 par l'arc de coupure. Les commandes du premier type sont assurées par une action directe sur le poussoir 12, tandis que les commandes du deuxième type sont assurées par l'intermédiaire d'un déclencheur à accumulation d'énergie potentielle 16.As previously mentioned, two types of opening command can be distinguished from this switch 1, namely the so-called usual commands which do not require sudden cuts in the circuit and the commands requiring high breaking speeds, for example to avoid deterioration. contact elements 3, 4, 9, 10 by the cutting arc. The commands of the first type are ensured by a direct action on the pusher 12, while the commands of the second type are ensured by means of a trigger with accumulation of potential energy 16.

Dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 1, à titre de commande du premier type, on a simplement représenté un électroaimant 17 logé à l'intérieur d'un boîtier 18 dont l'armature mobile 19 est accouplée à un levier oscillant 20 dont un bras 21 passe au travers du boîtier 18 et coopère avec le poussoir 12 de la façon suivante :In the example shown in Figure 1, as a control of the first type, there is simply shown an electromagnet 17 housed inside a housing 18 whose movable armature 19 is coupled to an oscillating lever 20 including a arm 21 passes through the housing 18 and cooperates with the pusher 12 as follows:

A l'état excité, l'armature mobile 19 de l'électroaimant vient s'appliquer contre l'armature fixe 19' en faisant pivoter le .levier 20 qui, en se dégageant de la butée 32, libère le poussoir 12 ; sous l'effet du ressort 13, les éléments de contact mobiles 9, 10, portés par le porte-contact 8, viennent donc s'appliquer sur les éléments de contact fixes 3, 4, l'interrupteur est alors à l'état fermé.In the excited state, the movable armature 19 of the electromagnet is applied against the fixed armature 19 'by pivoting the lever 20 which, by disengaging from the stop 32, releases the pusher 12; under the effect of the spring 13, the movable contact elements 9, 10, carried by the contact carrier 8, are therefore applied to the fixed contact elements 3, 4, the switch is then in the closed state .

Dès que le courant cesse de circuler dans la bobine de l'électroaimant, l'armature mobile 19 qui se trouve sollicitée par un ressort (non représenté) s'écarte de l'armature fixe 19' ; le levier 20 bascule alors en repoussant le poussoir 12 à l'encontre de l'action du ressort 13, de sorte que les éléments de contact mobiles 9, 10 se trouvent écartés des éléments de contact fixes 3, 4 ; l'interrupteur est alors à l'état ouvert.As soon as the current ceases to circulate in the coil of the electromagnet, the movable armature 19 which is biased by a spring (not shown) moves away from the fixed armature 19 '; the lever 20 then switches by pushing the pusher 12 against the action of the spring 13, so that the movable contact elements 9, 10 are spaced from the fixed contact elements 3, 4; the switch is then in the open state.

Bien entendu, l'invention ne se limite pas à ce seul mode de commande du premier type. A ce titre, l'interrupteur 1 pourrait également être actionné par un dispositif de commande manuel ou automatique agissant directement ou par l'intermédiaire d'un mécanisme de transmission sur le poussoir. Un tel mécanisme de transmission pourrait éventuellement comprendre, comme représenté en traits interrompus, une came 23 ou analogue, montée sur un axe rotatif 23' dont les mouvements de rotation sont commandés par un ou plusieurs dispositifs de commande. On notera en outre que l'axe 23' peut comprendre plusieurs cames coopérant chacune avec le poussoir d'un interrupteur respectif.Of course, the invention is not limited to this single mode of control of the first type. As such, the switch 1 could also be actuated by a manual or automatic control device acting directly or via a transmission mechanism on the pusher. Such a transmission mechanism could possibly comprise, as shown in dashed lines, a cam 23 or the like, mounted on a rotary axis 23 'whose rotational movements are controlled by one or more control devices. It will also be noted that the axis 23 ′ may comprise several cams each cooperating with the push-button of a respective switch.

Les commandes du second type font quant à elles intervenir un dispositif de déclenchement à accumulation d'énergie potentielle 16 qui comprend, comme représenté sur la figure 1, une tige d'actionnement 24 située au droit du poussoir 12, un poussoir de réarmement 25 et un déclencheur 26.The controls of the second type involve a trigger device for accumulating potential energy 16 which comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, an actuating rod 24 located in line with the push button 12, a reset push button 25 and a trigger 26.

Comme cela sera expliqué plus en détail à propos des figures 2 à 5, à l'état armé du dispositif de déclenchement 16, la tige d'actionnement 24 se trouve en position rentrée, position dans laquelle elle ne sollicite pas le poussoir 12 et habilite ainsi la fermeture de l'interrupteur 1. A partir de cette position, la phase de déclenchement s'obtient par un basculement du déclencheur 26 sous l'effet d'une action de commande (flèche 27). Ce basculement provoque un déploiement brutal de la tige d'actionnement 24 qui vient repousser le poussoir 12 en provoquant une ouverture à grande vitesse de l'interrupteur 1.As will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, in the armed state of the triggering device 16, the actuating rod 24 is in the retracted position, position in which it does not stress the pusher 12 and enables thus closing the switch 1. From this position, the triggering phase is obtained by switching the trigger 26 under the effect of a control action (arrow 27). This tilting causes a sudden deployment of the actuating rod 24 which pushes back the pusher 12 by causing an opening at high speed of the switch 1.

Ainsi, dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 2, l'électroaimant est excité et le dispositif de déclenchement est à l'état armé, état dans lequel la tige d'actionnement 24 est à l'état rétracté, tandis que le poussoir de réarmement 25 est à l'état enfoncé. Le poussoir 12 de l'interrupteur 1 n'est donc pas sollicité par une action extérieure et, en conséquence, l'équipage mobile sollicité par le ressort 13 est disposé en position de fermeture.Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the electromagnet is energized and the triggering device is in the armed state, state in which the actuating rod 24 is in the retracted state, while the push-button reset 25 is in the depressed state. The pusher 12 of the switch 1 is therefore not biased by an external action and, consequently, the movable assembly biased by the spring 13 is disposed in the closed position.

Il convient de noter que dans cet exemple, le dispositif de déclenchement 16 comprend, à proximité du poussoir de réarmement 25, un poussoir d'arrêt 28, pouvant prendre deux positions inverses de celles du poussoir de réarmement 25, c'est-à-dire :

  • une position déployée lorsque le poussoir de réarmement 25 est enfoncé, et
  • une position enfoncée lorsque le poussoir de réarmement 25 est déployé.
It should be noted that in this example, the trigger device 16 comprises, near the reset button 25, a stop button 28, which can take two positions opposite to those of the reset button 25, that is to say to say:
  • a deployed position when the reset button 25 is pressed, and
  • a depressed position when the reset button 25 is deployed.

L'enfoncement de ce poussoir d'arrêt 28, à partir de sa position déployée, provoque le passage à l'état déclenché du dispositif de déclenchement 16.The depressing of this stop button 28, from its deployed position, causes the triggering device 16 to go into the triggered state.

Comme précédemment mentionné, une action de commande exercée sur le déclencheur 26 dans le sens de la flèche 27 provoque le passage à l'état déclenché du dispositif de déclencheur. Au cours de la phase de déclenchement, sous l'effet de l'énergie potentielle stockée dans le dispositif de déclenchement 16, la tige d'actionnement 24 passe brutalement à l'état déployé en refoulant le poussoir 12, et en amenant, en conséquence, l'interrupteur 1 à l'état ouvert. Parallèlement, le poussoir d'armement 25 se dispose à l'état déployé, tandis que le poussoir d'arrêt 28 passe à l'état enfoncé (figure 3).As previously mentioned, a control action exerted on the trigger 26 in the direction of the arrow 27 causes the trigger device to go into the triggered state. During the triggering phase, under the effect of the potential energy stored in the triggering device 16, the actuating rod 24 suddenly goes into the deployed state by pushing back the pusher 12, and bringing, consequently , switch 1 in the open state. At the same time, the arming push-button 25 is in the deployed state, while the stop push-button 28 changes to the depressed state (FIG. 3).

Dans cette position, l'électroaimant peut demeurer à l'état excité et rester dans la position où il se trouve dans les figures 2 et 3. Toutefois, le dispositif de déclenchement 16 peut également provoquer l'ouverture d'un contact auxiliaire interrompant l'alimentation de la bobine de l'électro-aimant, lorsqu'il se trouve à l'état déclenché. Dans ce cas, l'ouverture de l'interrupteur 1 par le dispositif de déclenchement se trouve confirmée par l'action du levier 20 qui vient alors prendre appui sur le poussoir 12, comme représenté figure 5.In this position, the electromagnet can remain in the excited state and remain in the position where it is in Figures 2 and 3. However, the tripping device 16 can also cause the opening of an auxiliary contact interrupting l supply of the solenoid coil, when it is in the tripped state. In this case, the opening of the switch 1 by the tripping device is confirmed by the action of the lever 20 which then comes to bear on the pusher 12, as shown in FIG. 5.

Le retour à l'état armé du dispositif de déclenchement 16 s'obtient en exerçant sur le poussoir d'armement 25 une pression manuelle ou éventuellement automatique, provoquant son enfoncement.The return to the armed state of the triggering device 16 is obtained by exerting on the arming push-button 25 manual or possibly automatic pressure, causing it to sink.

Cette action entraîne à la fois, le retour du poussoir d'arrêt 28 en position déployée, le retour de la tige d'actionnement 24 à l'état rétracté et l'accumulation d'une quantité déterminée d'énergie potentielle destinée à être appliquée sur la tige d'actionnement 24 lors de la phase de déclenchement.This action entails both the return of the stop pusher 28 in the deployed position, the return of the actuating rod 24 in the retracted state and the accumulation of a determined quantity of potential energy intended to be applied. on the actuating rod 24 during the triggering phase.

Lorsqu'il se trouve à l'état armé, le dispositif de déclenchement 16 ne s'oppose pas aux actions de commande exercées directement sur le poussoir 12 de l'interrupteur 1. Ainsi, par exemple, l'électroaimant pourra agir indépendamment sur l'interrupteur 1 en provoquant, selon le cas, soit son ouverture, soit sa fermeture.When it is in the armed state, the tripping device 16 is not opposed to the control actions exerted directly on the push-button 12 of the switch 1. Thus, for example, the electromagnet can act independently on the 'switch 1 by causing, as appropriate, either its opening or its closure.

Dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 4, le dispositif de déclenchement 16 se trouve à l'état armé, tandis que l'électroaimant est à l'état désexcité. Dans cette position, sous l'effet du ressort, l'armature mobile 19 de l'électroaimant s'est écartée de l'armature fixe 19' et a provoqué un basculement du levier 20 dont le bras 21 vient alors, par son extrémité, appuyer sur le poussoir 12, et maintenir ainsi l'interrupteur 1 à l'état ouvert.In the example shown in Figure 4, the trigger device 16 is in the armed state, while the electromagnet is in the de-energized state. In this position, under the effect of the spring, the movable armature 19 of the electromagnet has moved away from the fixed armature 19 'and has caused the lever 20 to tilt, the arm 21 of which then comes at its end, press push-button 12, and thus keep switch 1 in the open state.

Dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 1, la commande du déclencheur 26 du dispositif de déclenchement 16 est assurée, d'une part, par un électroaimant 29 faisant partie d'un dispositif de protection par exemple contre les surintensités brutales ou les court-circuits, et par un dispositif de transmission comprenant une came 30 coopérant avec le déclencheur 26 et montée sur un axe rotatif 31 pouvant être entraîné en rotation par un ou plusieurs dispositifs de commande prévus pour effectuer une coupure brusque de l'interrupteur. Il convient de noter à ce sujet que ces dispositifs de commande peuvent à la fois agir sur le déclencheur 26 et sur le poussoir 12 de l'interrupteur 1 ou le dispositif de transmission 23, 23' qui lui est associé.In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control of the trip device 26 of the trip device 16 is ensured, on the one hand, by an electromagnet 29 forming part of a protection device for example against sudden overcurrents or short-circuits. circuits, and by a transmission device comprising a cam 30 cooperating with the trigger 26 and mounted on a rotary axis 31 which can be driven in rotation by one or more control devices provided to effect a sudden cut of the switch. It should be noted in this connection that these control devices can act both on the trigger 26 and on the push-button 12 of the switch 1 or the transmission device 23, 23 'associated therewith.

La figure 6 est un schéma théorique d'un contacteur à haut pouvoir de coupure réalisable à partir d'une structure telle que celle représentée figure 1.FIG. 6 is a theoretical diagram of a contactor with high breaking capacity that can be produced from a structure such as that shown in FIG. 1.

Dans cet exemple, l'interrupteur comprend au moins deux éléments de contact fixes 3, 4 raccordés aux deux parties 33, 34 d'une ligne de transport de courant. A ces deux éléments de contact fixes 3, 4 sont associés deux éléments de contact mobiles 9, 10 montés sur un porte-contact mobile 8 sollicité par un ressort 13 qui exerce une force F tendant à refermer l'interrupteur. L'ouverture de cet interrupteur peut être provoquée par une pluralité de moyens capables d'exercer sur l'équipage mobile 8 une force antagoniste à celle du ressort 13 et de valeur plus élevée. Dans cet exemple, ces moyens comprennent plus particulièrement :

  • un dispositif de commande automatique A pouvant consister en l'électroaimant représenté sur les figures 1 et 2 à 5 ; ce dispositif de commande pouvant en outre comprendre quatre contacts auxiliaires K" K2, K3 et K4 montés en série dans le circuit d'alimentation de la bobine B de l'électroaimant, comme représenté figure 7 ;
  • un dispositif de commande M sensible à un manque de tension, par exemple sur les circuits de contrôle, le contact référencé CI figurant la commande par manque de tension, et
  • un dispositif de déclenchement S du type de celui précédemment décrit dont le déclencheur est commandé par un détecteur de surintensité I, par un organe de détection Rth d'une élévation d'intensité se prolongeant dans le temps, par un détecteur de défaut D sensible à un défaut constaté dans la ligne ou dans un appareil alimenté par la ligne, ce détecteur de défaut pouvant avoir une action instantanée ou temporisée, directe ou différentielle, etc..., et par un organe de commande manuelle Ma.
In this example, the switch comprises at least two fixed contact elements 3, 4 connected to the two parts 33, 34 of a current transport line. These two fixed contact elements 3, 4 are associated with two movable contact elements 9, 10 mounted on a movable contact carrier 8 biased by a spring 13 which exerts a force F tending to close the switch. The opening of this switch can be caused by a plurality of means capable of exerting on the movable assembly 8 a force antagonistic to that of the spring 13 and of higher value. In this example, these means more particularly include:
  • an automatic control device A which may consist of the electromagnet shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to 5; this control device can also include four auxiliary contacts K "K 2 , K 3 and K 4 connected in series in the supply circuit of the coil B of the electromagnet, as shown in Figure 7;
  • a control device M sensitive to a lack of voltage, for example on the control circuits, the contact referenced CI appearing the command for lack of voltage, and
  • a trigger device S of the type described above, the trigger of which is controlled by an overcurrent detector I, by a detection member Rth of a rise in intensity extending over time, by a fault detector D sensitive to a fault found in the line or in a device supplied by the line, this fault detector can have an instantaneous or delayed action, direct or differential, etc., and by a manual control member Ma.

Le dispositif de déclenchement S peut en outre actionner, grâce à une liaison mécanique ou électrique l'interrupteur auxiliaire K1 de manière à provoquer la coupure du circuit qui alimente la bobine de l'électroaimant du dispositif de commande automatique A, en vue de confirmer la coupure de l'interrupteur provoqué par le dispositif de déclenchement S.The triggering device S can also actuate, thanks to a mechanical or electrical connection, the auxiliary switch K 1 so as to cause the circuit which supplies the coil of the electromagnet of the automatic control device A to be cut, in order to confirm the switch off caused by the triggering device S.

De même, l'organe de détection Rth, le détecteur de défaut D et le dispositif de commande M peuvent respectivement agir, d'une façon analogue sur les contacts auxiliaires K2, K3, K4 du circuit d'alimentation de la bobine B de l'électroaimant A.Likewise, the detection member Rth, the fault detector D and the control device M can respectively act, in an analogous manner on the auxiliary contacts K 2 , K 3 , K 4 of the coil supply circuit. B of electromagnet A.

Il ressort clairement de la figure 6 que seuls le dispositif de commande A et le dispositif de commande sensible à un manque de tension M agissent directement sur l'équipage mobile 8 de l'interrupteur. Ceci implique que l'action de ces dispositifs de commande A et M soit suffisamment puissante et suffisamment rapide pour obtenir une bonne commutation. Par contre, les moyens de commande ayant des mouvements trop lents et/ou insuffisamment puissants tels que l'organe de détection Rth, le détecteur de défaut D, le' détecteur de surintensité 1, et l'organe de commande manuelle Ma agissent sur le dispositif de déclenchement S.It is clear from FIG. 6 that only the control device A and the control device sensitive to a lack of voltage M act directly on the moving element 8 of the switch. This implies that the action of these control devices A and M is powerful enough and fast enough to obtain good switching. On the other hand, the control means having movements that are too slow and / or insufficiently powerful such as the detection member Rth, the fault detector D, the “overcurrent detector 1, and the manual control member Ma act on the trigger device S.

Une attention. particulière doit être apportée aux fonctions Rth et D. Ainsi qu'il vient d'être dit, ces protections agissent, respectivement par les liaisons m et o, sur le dispositif de déclenchement S quand on veut une vitesse d'ouverture de C supérieure à celle obtenue par le dispositif à commande directe. Il est bien évident que lorsque les surcharges surveillées par Rth et/ou lorsque les défauts détectés par D peuvent être supportés pendant des durées nettement supérieures au temps. de réponse du dispositif à commande directe, le dispositif de déclenchement peut ne pas être nécessaire et les susdites protections n'agissent alors que sur les contacts auxiliaires K2, K3 par les liaisons respectives n et p.Attention. particular must be brought to the functions Rth and D. As it has just been said, these protections act, respectively by the connections m and o, on the triggering device S when one wants an opening speed of C higher than that obtained by the direct control device. It is quite obvious that when the overloads monitored by Rth and / or when the faults detected by D can be supported for durations clearly greater than time. response of the direct control device, the tripping device may not be necessary and the above protections only act on the auxiliary contacts K 2 , K 3 by the respective connections n and p.

Il convient de noter que l'invention ne se limite pas à un interrupteur présentant une structure telle que celle représentée sur les figures 1 à 6.It should be noted that the invention is not limited to a switch having a structure such as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

En effet, cet interrupteur pourrait tout aussi bien comprendre un équipage mobile comprenant une pluralité de couples, éléments de contact fixes/éléments de contact mobiles, conçus pour un fonctionnement de type normalement ouvert et/ou de type normalement fermé.Indeed, this switch could just as easily include a mobile assembly comprising a plurality of pairs, fixed contact elements / mobile contact elements, designed for operation of the normally open type and / or of the normally closed type.

A titre d'exemple, les figures 8 et 9 représentent schématiquement un dispositif de commutation pour circuit triphasé faisant intervenir, montés sur un même équipage mobile, trois couples d'éléments de contact mobiles 9', 9", 9"'-10', 10", 10"' coopérant avec trois couples d'éléments de contact fixes 3', 3", 3"'- 4', 4", 4"' respectifs. Dans cet exemple, l'équipage mobile 35 qui est, comme précédemment, sollicité par un ressort 36, comprend trois évidements ou cages 37 au travers de chacun desquels passe un porte-contact mobile 38 muni de deux contacts mobiles 9' 10', 9"-10", 9"'-10"' qui coopèrent avec deux contacts fixes respectifs 3'-4', 3"-4", 3"'-4"'. La liaison entre chacun des porte-contacts mobiles et l'équipage mobile est assurée par un ressort de compression 38' agissant dans le même sens que le ressort 36.By way of example, FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically represent a switching device for a three-phase circuit involving, mounted on the same mobile assembly, three pairs of mobile contact elements 9 ', 9 ", 9"' - 10 ' , 10 ", 10" 'cooperating with three pairs of fixed contact elements 3', 3 ", 3" '- 4', 4 ", 4" 'respectively. In this example, the movable assembly 35 which is, as previously, biased by a spring 36, comprises three recesses or cages 37 through each of which passes a movable contact carrier 38 provided with two movable contacts 9 ′ 10 ′, 9 "-10", 9 "'- 10"' which cooperate with two respective fixed contacts 3'-4 ', 3 "-4", 3 "' - 4" '. The connection between each of the movable contact carriers and the movable assembly is ensured by a compression spring 38 'acting in the same direction as the spring 36.

Ainsi, l'équipage mobile 35, qui peut être réalisé en un matériau léger pour permettre d'obtenir des vitesses' de coupure élevées, est rappelé en position de travail (position fermée de l'interrupteur) par le ressort 36, les forces au contact étant fournies par les ressorts 38'.Thus, the moving element 35, which may be made of a light material to enable to obtain speeds of high cut, is returned to the working position (closed position of the switch) by the spring 36, the forces contact being supplied by the springs 38 '.

La figure 10 illustre les multiples compositions que peut prendre le dispositif de commutation selon l'invention.FIG. 10 illustrates the multiple compositions that the switching device according to the invention can take.

Ce dispositif de commutation fait intervenir trois interrupteurs commandables, à savoir :

  • un interrupteur de type normalement ouvert 40, comprenant au moins deux éléments de contact fixes 41, au moins deux éléments de contact mobiles 42 portés par un équipage mobile 43 sollicité par un ressort 44 dans le sens de l'ouverture et un poussoir 45 solidaire de l'équipage mobile 43,
  • un interrupteur 46 de type normalement fermé d'un type similaire à celui représenté sur la figure 1 et comprenant, au moins, deux éléments de contact fixes 3, 4, deux éléments de contact mobiles 9, 10 portés par un équipage mobile 8 sollicité à la fermeture par un ressort 13 et un poussoir 12 solidaire de l'équipage mobile 8, et
  • un interrupteur 47 comprenant au moins deux contacts à fonctionnement inversé, à savoir un premier contact faisant intervenir un élément de contact fixe 48 et un élément de contact mobile 49 monté à l'une des extrémités d'un levier oscillant 50, et un second contact faisant intervenir un élément de contact fixe 51 et un élément de contact mobile 52 monté à l'autre extrémité du levier oscillant 50, ce levier oscillant étant sollicité d'un côté par un ressort 53 tendant à assurer l'ouverture de l'un des contacts et la fermeture de l'autre, et étant solidaire, de l'autre côté, d'un poussoir de commande 54.
This switching device involves three controllable switches, namely:
  • a normally open type switch 40, comprising at least two fixed contact elements 41, at least two movable contact elements 42 carried by a movable assembly 43 biased by a spring 44 in the direction of opening and a pusher 45 integral with the moving assembly 43,
  • a switch 46 of the normally closed type of a type similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and comprising, at least, two fixed contact elements 3, 4, two movable contact elements 9, 10 carried by a movable element 8 urged to closing by a spring 13 and a pusher 12 secured to the movable assembly 8, and
  • a switch 47 comprising at least two reverse operation contacts, namely a first contact involving a fixed contact element 48 and a movable contact element 49 mounted at one end of an oscillating lever 50, and a second contact involving a fixed contact element 51 and a movable contact element 52 mounted at the other end of the oscillating lever 50, this oscillating lever being biased on one side by a spring 53 tending to ensure the opening of one of the contacts and closing on the other, and being secured, on the other side, to a control pusher 54.

L'interrupteur 40 est commandé par un dispositif de commande automatique 55, par un dispositif . de commande manùelle 56 à déclenchement brusque et un dispositif de transmission 57 actionné par l'organe de manoeuvre 58 d'un dispositif de déclenchement 59 du type de celui précédemment décrit.The switch 40 is controlled by an automatic control device 55, by a device. manual control device 56 with abrupt release and a transmission device 57 actuated by the operating member 58 of a release device 59 of the type of that previously described.

L'interrupteur 46 est commandé, par le dispositif de transmission 57, par un dispositif de commande manuelle 60 à déclenchement brusque et par un dispositif de transmission 61 actionné notamment par un dispositif de commande automatique 62.The switch 46 is controlled, by the transmission device 57, by a manual control device 60 with abrupt release and by a transmission device 61 actuated in particular by an automatic control device 62.

Avantageusement les dispositifs de commande automatique 55 et 62 sont conçus de manière à avoir une vitesse d'actionnement suffisante pour assurer la commutation dans les conditions de charge normales (ils peuvent consister par exemple en des électroaimants).Advantageously, the automatic control devices 55 and 62 are designed so as to have an actuation speed sufficient to ensure switching under normal load conditions (they can consist, for example, of electromagnets).

L'interrupteur 47 est commandé par le dispositif de transmission 61 et par un dispositif de déclenchement 63 analogue au dispositif 59.The switch 47 is controlled by the transmission device 61 and by a trip device 63 similar to the device 59.

Le déclencheur 64 du dispositif de déclenchement 59 est lui-même commandé par deux dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection 65, 66, et par un dispositif de transmission 67 actionné par deux dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection 68, 69.The trip device 64 of the trip device 59 is itself controlled by two control and / or protection devices 65, 66, and by a transmission device 67 actuated by two control and / or protection devices 68, 69.

Le déclencheur 71 du dispositif de déclenchement 63 est quant à lui commandé par le dispositif de transmission 67 et par un dispositif de commande et/ou de protection 72 par exemple. Par ailleurs, le dispositif de transmission 67 agit sur le dispositif de transmission 61.The trigger 71 of the trigger device 63 is in turn controlled by the transmission device 67 and by a control and / or protection device 72 for example. Furthermore, the transmission device 67 acts on the transmission device 61.

A titre indicatif, les dispositifs de commande et/ou de protection 65 et 66 peuvent respectivement consister en un dispositif de protection thermique et un dispositif de commande manuelle. Les dispositifs de commande 68 et 69 peuvent consister en des déclencheurs à manque de tension, des déclencheurs magnétiques, etc... qui constituent des protections à action rapide. Le dispositif 72 peut alors consister en un poussoir pneumatique, hydraulique, etc... de vitesse quelconque.As an indication, the control and / or protection devices 65 and 66 may respectively consist of a thermal protection device and a manual control device. The control devices 68 and 69 may consist of undervoltage trip devices, magnetic trip devices, etc. which constitute fast-acting protections. The device 72 can then consist of a pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. plunger of any speed.

Les poussoirs 45, 12, 54 des interrupteurs 40, 46 et 47 peuvent être reliés par une tige de transmission schématisée sur la figure 10 par la réunion des dispositifs de transmission 57 et 61 et par les extensions représentées en traits interrompus, de manière à obtenir une commande simultanée des trois interrupteurs 40, 46 et 47 quel que soit l'ordre de commande.The pushers 45, 12, 54 of the switches 40, 46 and 47 can be connected by a transmission rod shown diagrammatically in FIG. 10 by the combination of the transmission devices 57 and 61 and by the extensions represented in dashed lines, so as to obtain simultaneous control of the three switches 40, 46 and 47 regardless of the order of control.

Cette tige de transmission est par ailleurs conçue de manière à être actionnée par les dispositifs de commande automatique 55, 62, par les dispositifs de déclenchement 59, 63 et par les dispositifs de commande manuelle à déclenchement brusque 56 et 60 dont on a représenté les liaisons respectives en traits interrompus.This transmission rod is furthermore designed so as to be actuated by the automatic control devices 55, 62, by the triggering devices 59, 63 and by the manual snap-action control devices 56 and 60, the connections of which have been shown. in broken lines.

A titre d'exemple, la figure 11 montre un dispositif de commutation assurant la fonction d'inverseur. Ce dispositif fait intervenir :

  • deux interrupteurs 75, 76 de type normalement fermé comprenant chacun trois couples de contact fixes 77, 78 (dont un seul a été représenté) coopérant avec trois couples respectifs de contact mobiles 79, 80 portés par un équipage mobile 81, 82 sollicité par un ressort 83, 84 et muni d'un poussoir 85, 86,
  • deux dispositifs de commande automatique consistant chacun en un électroaimant 87, 88 du type de ceux précédemment décrits, dont on n'a représenté que l'armature fixe 89, 90 et l'armature mobile 94, 95, et
  • un dispositif de déclenchement du type de celui précédemment décrit incluant, pour la commande du déclencheur, les dispositifs de commande et de protection.
  • Dans cet exemple, l'armature mobile 94, 95 de chacun des électroaimants comprend deux tourillons 96, 97 latéraux sur lesquels viennent s'engager les extrémités 98, 99 en forme de fourche d'un levier oscillant formé à l'aide d'un fil métallique ou plastique en forme de U dont les ailes 101,102 sont repliées à angle droit dans leur partie médiane en formant une boucle 103, 103' au travers de laquelle passe un axe d'articulation 104, 105. L'âme 106 de ce levier oscillant porte un patin 107 situé au droit du poussoir 85, 86 de t'interrupteur correspondant 75, 76. Le fonctionnement des deux contacteurs constitués par les interrupteurs 75, 76 et les électroaimants 87, 88 est identique à celui précédemment décrit. Cependant, pour obtenir la fonction d'inverseur, le circuit d'alimentation des bobines des deux électroaimants 87, 88 est prévu, de manière à ce que, quand l'une des bobines est excitée, l'autre est au repos.
By way of example, FIG. 11 shows a switching device ensuring the function of reverser. This system involves:
  • two switches 75, 76 of normally closed type each comprising three fixed contact couples 77, 78 (of which only one has been shown) cooperating with three respective mobile contact couples 79, 80 carried by a mobile assembly 81, 82 biased by a spring 83, 84 and provided with a pusher 85, 86,
  • two automatic control devices each consisting of an electromagnet 87, 88 of the type of those previously described, of which only the fixed armature 89, 90 and the movable armature 94, 95 have been shown, and
  • a trigger device of the type described above including, for controlling the trigger, the control and protection devices.
  • In this example, the movable armature 94, 95 of each of the electromagnets comprises two lateral pins 96, 97 on which the ends 98, 99 come to engage in the form of a fork of an oscillating lever formed using a metallic or plastic wire in the shape of a U, the wings 101, 102 of which are folded at a right angle in their middle part, forming a loop 103, 103 'through which a hinge pin 104, 105 passes. The core 106 of this lever oscillating carries a pad 107 located to the right of the push button 85, 86 of the corresponding switch 75, 76. The operation of the two contactors constituted by the switches 75, 76 and the electromagnets 87, 88 is identical to that previously described. However, to obtain the function of reverser, the supply circuit of the coils of the two electromagnets 87, 88 is provided, so that, when one of the coils is energized, the other is at rest.

Ainsi, dans l'exemple représenté sur la figure 11, l'électroaimant 87 est excité et, en conséquence, l'interrupteur 75 se trouve en position fermée. A l'inverse, l'électroaimant 88 est au repos et maintient ouvert l'interrupteur 76.Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the electromagnet 87 is excited and, consequently, the switch 75 is in the closed position. Conversely, the electromagnet 88 is at rest and keeps the switch 76 open.

En outre, aux deux électroaimants 87, 89 est associé un dispositif de verrouillage mécanique L" L2 permettant le maintien à l'état ouvert de l'un des électroaimants quand le deuxième est fermé.In addition, the two electromagnets 87, 89 are associated with a mechanical locking device L "L 2 allowing the maintenance in the open state of one of the electromagnets when the second is closed.

Dans cet exemple, le dispositif de déclenchement 93 est conçu pour agir sur les poussoirs 85, 8.6 des interrupteurs 75, 76 par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de transmission consistant en un palonnier en forme de U dont les ailes 109, 110 sont articulées par leurs extrémités sur les tourillons 104 et 105 et dont l'âme 111 porte, au droit des poussoirs 85, 86 des patins d'appui 113, 114. La tige d'actionnement 112 du dispositif de déclenchement 93 est alors conçue de manière à agir sur la partie centrale de l'âme 111 du palonnier. Ainsi, lors du déclenchement, la tige d'actionnement 112 qui passe à l'état déployé, provoque le basculement du palonnier 109, 110, 111. Au cours de ce basculement, le poussoir 85 de l'interrupteur 75 qui se trouvait à l'état fermé est brutalement repoussé par le patin d'appui 113 correspondant, jusqu'à l'ouverture totale de l'interrupteur 75: Par contre, l'interrupteur 76 déjà ouvert ne se trouve pas sollicité. Quel que soit l'état d'excitation des électroaimànts 87, 88, les interrupteurs demeureront ensuite à l'état ouvert tant que le réarmement du dispositif de déclenchement 93 ne sera pas effectué.In this example, the triggering device 93 is designed to act on the pushers 85, 8.6 of the switches 75, 76 by means of a transmission device consisting of a U-shaped spreader whose wings 109, 110 are articulated by their ends on the pins 104 and 105 and the core 111 of which bears, in line with the pushers 85, 86 bearing pads 113, 114. The actuating rod 112 of the triggering device 93 is then designed so as to act on the central part of the web 111 of the lifter. Thus, during the triggering, the actuating rod 112 which passes in the deployed state, causes the tilting of the spreader 109, 110, 111. During this tilting, the pusher 85 of the switch 75 which was at the the closed state is suddenly pushed back by the corresponding support pad 113, until the switch 75 is fully opened: On the other hand, the switch 76 already open is not pressed. Whatever the excitation state of the electromagnets 87, 88, the switches will then remain in the open state as long as the reset of the trigger device 93 is not carried out.

Le fait de n'associer aux deux dispositifs de commande automatique 87, 88 qu'un seul dispositif de déclenchement 93 constitue un avantage économique évident surtout si l'on considère que le réglage des protections est identique à ce qu'il serait si le dispositif de déclenchement n'était associé qu'à un seul dispositif de commande automatique comme pour le cas de la commande d'un moteur à un seul sens de marche.It is an advantage to associate with the two automatic control devices 87, 88 only one trigger device 93 economical obvious especially if we consider that the setting of the protections is identical to what it would be if the release device was associated with only one automatic control device as in the case of controlling a motor one direction of travel.

Un avantage important du dispositif de commutation selon l'invention, consiste en ce qu'il peut être réalisé par un assemblage approprié d'éléments modulaires, à savoir :

  • au moins un élément modulaire de base incorporant le susdit dispositif interrupteur et, selon le cas,
  • au moins un élément modulaire de commande automatique incluant un électroaimant, et/ou
  • au moins un élément modulaire de commande de commutation rapide incluant le susdit dispositif de déclenchement ainsi qu'éventuellement un ou plusieurs dispositifs de protection, et/ou
  • au moins un élément modulaire de protection destiné à agir sur le dispositif de déclenchement.
An important advantage of the switching device according to the invention is that it can be produced by an appropriate assembly of modular elements, namely:
  • at least one basic modular element incorporating the above-mentioned switch device and, as the case may be,
  • at least one modular automatic control element including an electromagnet, and / or
  • at least one modular element for rapid switching control including the above triggering device as well as possibly one or more protection devices, and / or
  • at least one modular protection element intended to act on the triggering device.

Dans ce cas, les susdits éléments modulaires de commande automatique, de commande de commutation rapide et de protection comprennent des moyens permettant leur assemblage et leur fixation sur l'élément de base, ainsi que des moyens de couplage électriques et de transmission mécanique appropriés aptes à réaliser les liaisons électriques et les transmissions mécaniques précédemment décrites.In this case, the aforesaid modular elements of automatic control, of fast switching control and of protection include means allowing their assembly and their fixing on the basic element, as well as means of electrical coupling and suitable mechanical transmission suitable for make the electrical connections and mechanical transmissions described above.

Ainsi, à titre d'exemple, la figure 12 montre un contacteur du type de celui représenté sur la figure 1 comprenant :

  • un élément modulaire de base 120 de forme sensiblement rectangulaire avec une face avant étagée 121 conçue pour permettre l'assemblage des éléments modulaires de commande et/ou de protection ; et une face arrière 122 comprenant un évidement transversal 123 de profil sensiblement en queue d'aronde pour permettre sa fixation sur un rail de fixation ; cet élément modulaire de base comprenant en outre des moyens de connexion amont 124 et des moyens de connexion aval respectivement prévus sur ses deux extrémités opposées 125, 126,
  • un élément modulaire de commande automatique 127 qui vient se monter sur la face 121 du module de base 120, du côté des moyens de connexion amont, cet élément comprenant un dispositif de connexion 128 pour le raccordement de la bobine de l'électroaimant, et
  • un élément modulaire de commande de commutation rapide 129, dont on voit le poussoir d'armement 130 et le poussoir d'arrêt 131.
Thus, by way of example, FIG. 12 shows a contactor of the type of that represented in FIG. 1 comprising:
  • a basic modular element 120 of substantially rectangular shape with a stepped front face 121 designed to allow the assembly of the modular control and / or protection elements; and a rear face 122 comprising a transverse recess 123 of profile substantially in dovetail to allow its fixing on a fixing rail; this basic modular element further comprising upstream connection means 124 and downstream connection means respectively provided on its two opposite ends 125, 126,
  • a modular automatic control element 127 which is mounted on the face 121 of the base module 120, on the side of the upstream connection means, this element comprising a connection device 128 for connecting the coil of the electromagnet, and
  • a modular element for rapid switching control 129, which shows the arming push-button 130 and the stop push-button 131.

Dans cet exemple, les éléments modulaires 127,129 sont munis de trous de passage 132,133 pour permettre l'accès aux moyens de connexion amont et aval .124 de l'élément modulaire de base 120.In this example, the modular elements 127,129 are provided with through holes 132,133 to allow access to the upstream and downstream connection means .124 of the basic modular element 120.

Claims (17)

1. Variable composition switching device comprising a set of modular components assembled together as required to. ensure miscellaneous switching functions such as those usually associated with a switch, a contactor, a contact maker-breaker, the said assembly comprising on the one hand at least one basic modular component incorporating a controllable switching device including :
at least one fixed contact element (3, 4),
a mobile assembly (8) comprising at least one mobile contact element (9, 10) and able to move between a first position in which the mobile contact element (9, 10) is in contact with the fixed contact element (3, 4), and a second position in which the mobile contact element (9, 10) is separated from the fixed contact element (3, 4),
elastic means (13) exerting a pull on the mobile assembly (8) that tends to force the latter to return to the first position, and
an operating member (12), connected to the mobile assembly (8) or part of same, this operating member (12) comprising at least one bearing surface upon which a control force antagonistic to that of the elastic means can be applied to cause the mobile assembly (8) to move into the second position, and on the other hand, at least two types of modular control components designed to be assembled on the basic module, i. e. :
a modular direct switching control component (17) involving direct-action operating means (21, 23), able to exert on the bearing surface of at least one basic module a fast enough control action with sufficient force to ensure proper switching operation ; and
one modular indirect switching control component (29) comprising operating means which, in response to a too slow order, or one with unsuffi- cient energy to ensure proper switching, act on the bearing surface of at least one basic modular component by means of a potential energy accumulation tripping device (16),
characterized in that the said potential energy tripping device can take two stable states, that is a set state and a tripped state, as well as two transient phases which are a setting phase and tripping phase, whereas this tripping device (16) more specifically includes :
actuating means (24) that can successively take two stable positions corresponding to the two above mentioned states, that is a tripped position in which they exert an antagonistic action to that of the elastic means on the bearing surface of the operating member (12) of the switching device (1), to make sure that the mobile assembly is securely held in the second position and a set position in which they allow the mobile assembly (8) to return to its first position ;
potential energy accumulation means designed to store potential energy during the setting phase, and to restitute it as mechanical energy on the actuating means (24), so as to cause the mobile element (8) to move from the first position to the second position during the tripping phase ;
a setting device comprising at least one setting part (25) upon which energy can be applied during the setting phase and a setting mechanism designed to apply the said energy to cause the actuating means (24) to move from the tripped position to the set position, and simultaneously to transmit part of the said energy to the accumulation device, and
a tripper comprising at least one tripping part (26) upon which at least one operating control action can be applied to generate the tripping phase whereas this control action can be produced by one or several control and/or protective devices designed to induce a sudden change of state in the switch.
2. Device according to claim 1 comprising at least one basic modular component, one modular direct switching control element and one modular indirect swiching control element including a potential energy accumulation tripping device, characterized in that when in th set state, the said tripping device (16) enables the action of the modular direct switching control element (17) and when in the tripped state, it disables it.
3. Device according to one of the claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises coupling devices (57-61) that enable the operating members (45, 12, 54) of at least two basic modular components (40, 46, 47) assembled together to be connected, and in that the said modular direct switching control components (55-56-60-62-63) and the said potential energy accumulation tripping device (59, 63) act on the said coupling devices.
4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two switching devices (40 46) associated with a fast-action tripping device (59) and a mechanical transmission device (57) that ensures the coupling between the actuating means (58) of the tripping device (59) and the bearing surface of the operatingmembers (45, 12) of the said switches (40, 46).
5. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one (17) of the aforementioned modular direct switching control components consists in an automatic control device including an electromagnet, the armature of which is coupled to an oscillating lever (20), one arm (21) of which cooperates with the operating member (12) of at least one basic modular component (1), either directly or through mechanical transmission means.
6. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it includes a device (61) for the mechanical transmission of the control action from several modular direct switching control components (68, 69) to the bearing surface of the operating member (12) of a basic modular component (46).
7. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the tripper (44) of the tripping device (59) is linked to several control and/or protective devices (68, 69) through mechanical transmission means (67).
8. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the setting part (25) of the tripping device (16) can be operated by hand.
9. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the said switching device (47) comprises one or several' couples of mobile and fixed contact elements (48-49, 51-52), each of which is able to act as a normally closed and/or normally open type switch.
10. Device according to one of the previous claims, involving an automatic control electromagnet (A) which acts on the bearing surface of the operating member of at least one switch, and a tripping device (S) wherein the tripper is controlled by at least one detection device, characterized in that the said tripping device (S) includes a means (KI) to cause the opening of the power supply circuit to the coil of the said electromagnet (A).
11. Device according to one of the previous claims, involving an automatic control electromagnet (A) able to act on the bearing surface of the operating member of at least one switch and at least one control and/or protective device (M) also designed to act on the same bearing surface, characterized in that the said control and/or protective device (M) includes means (K4) to cause the opening of the power supply circuit to the electromagnet coil (A).
12. Device according to either one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that at least one of the detection devices (Rth, D) that control the tripper of the tripping device (S) includes means (K2, K3) to cause the opening of the supply circuit to the electromagnet coil (A).
13. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the aforementioned detection device consists in a device (Rth) designed to detect a protracted overcurrent, and/or a ground fault detector (D) sensitive to a fault detected in the line or in an appliance supplied by the line and/or an overcurrent detector (I) sensitive to shor-circuits.
14. Device according to one of the claims 1, 5, 6,9,11 and 13, characterized in that the aforementioned detection device (Rth, D, I) may act only on the circuit that supplies power to the electromagnet coil (A).
15. Device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it involves :
two switching devices (75 76),
a first and a second electromagnet (87, 88) each designed to act on the operating members (85-86) of one of the two switches,
a power supply circuit designed to supply alternately one or the other of the said electromagnets (87, 88), and
a tripping device (93) designed to act on the operating members (85, 86) of the two switches (75, 76) through a transmission device (109, 110, 111).
16. Device according to claim 1 sj characterized in that it comprises a mechanical interlock device (L1, Lz) that enables the first electromagnet (87) to be locked open while the second one (88) is in the closed state, and conversely enables the second electromagnet to be locked open while the first one is closed.
17. Device according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the tripping device associated with both electromagnets and both switches (75, 76) is strictly identical to the tripping device that can be associated with a single electromagnet and a single switching device to act as a disconnector of the same rating.
EP85401693A 1984-09-27 1985-08-29 Switching device with a variable composition Expired EP0179677B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85401693T ATE43200T1 (en) 1984-09-27 1985-08-29 VARIABLE COMPOSITION SHIFT DEVICE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8414826A FR2570872B1 (en) 1984-09-27 1984-09-27 VARIABLE COMPOSITION SWITCHING DEVICE
FR8414826 1984-09-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0179677A1 EP0179677A1 (en) 1986-04-30
EP0179677B1 true EP0179677B1 (en) 1989-05-17

Family

ID=9308124

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85401693A Expired EP0179677B1 (en) 1984-09-27 1985-08-29 Switching device with a variable composition

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US4631507A (en)
EP (1) EP0179677B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2743989B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE43200T1 (en)
BR (1) BR8504732A (en)
CA (1) CA1239692A (en)
DE (1) DE3570322D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2570872B1 (en)
HK (1) HK88089A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2570872A1 (en) 1986-03-28
FR2570872B1 (en) 1988-08-26
BR8504732A (en) 1986-07-22
JPS61114431A (en) 1986-06-02
HK88089A (en) 1989-11-10
DE3570322D1 (en) 1989-06-22
ATE43200T1 (en) 1989-06-15
JP2743989B2 (en) 1998-04-28
US4631507A (en) 1986-12-23
CA1239692A (en) 1988-07-26
EP0179677A1 (en) 1986-04-30

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