EP0526355A1 - Adjusting device for bimetal of a circuit breaker - Google Patents

Adjusting device for bimetal of a circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0526355A1
EP0526355A1 EP92420245A EP92420245A EP0526355A1 EP 0526355 A1 EP0526355 A1 EP 0526355A1 EP 92420245 A EP92420245 A EP 92420245A EP 92420245 A EP92420245 A EP 92420245A EP 0526355 A1 EP0526355 A1 EP 0526355A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit breaker
axis
bimetallic strip
lever
screw
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP92420245A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0526355B1 (en
Inventor
Bernard Truchet
Jean-Marie Vergnes
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.)
Crouzet Automatismes SAS
Original Assignee
Thales Avionics SAS
Crouzet Automatismes SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thales Avionics SAS, Crouzet Automatismes SAS filed Critical Thales Avionics SAS
Publication of EP0526355A1 publication Critical patent/EP0526355A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0526355B1 publication Critical patent/EP0526355B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • H01H71/122—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release actuated by blowing of a fuse
    • 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
    • H01H71/74—Means for adjusting the conditions under which the device will function to provide protection
    • H01H71/7427—Adjusting only the electrothermal mechanism
    • H01H71/7436—Adjusting the position (or prestrain) of the bimetal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to circuit breakers and in particular a device for adjusting the value of the tripping overcurrent of a circuit breaker.
  • circuit breakers include an element, such as a bimetallic strip, which undergoes deformation when it is heated by the passage of a current.
  • the triggering device comprises a main bimetallic strip coupled by a connecting bar to a compensation bimetallic strip itself associated with triggering means.
  • the main bimetallic strips of circuit breakers generally include a fixed end relative to the circuit breaker housing and a free end which is adjusted to a precise rest position determining the value of the tripping overcurrent of the circuit breaker. This precise position is generally obtained by adjusting the inclination of the bimetallic strip by a perpendicular screw pressing on the bimetallic strip and screwing into the circuit breaker housing.
  • the fixed end of the bimetallic strip is conventionally welded directly to an input terminal secured to the circuit breaker housing.
  • a drawback of this configuration lies in the fact that stresses external to the circuit breaker can deform the input terminal and alter the position of the bimetallic strip accordingly. These external stresses can for example be produced when a screw is tightened on the terminal to fix a cable.
  • circuit breakers are fitted with a signaling device which allows an operator to be informed that the circuit breaker is in the tripped state.
  • circuit breakers include a fixed contact and a movable contact associated with a control mechanism making it possible to apply the movable contact to the fixed contact when the circuit breaker is engaged and to cause the reverse movement when tripping.
  • the signaling devices are conventionally controlled by the triggering movement of the control mechanism.
  • an element in the current path such as the bimetallic strip, is provided to act as a fuse.
  • the control mechanism since the contacts have not been separated, the control mechanism remains blocked and does not activate the signaling device. Therefore, an operator cannot know that the circuit has been cut.
  • Multipole circuit breakers for polyphase current circuits generally include one pair of contacts per phase. These contact torques cooperate with a single control mechanism so that all the phases are cut during an overcurrent on one of the phases. If during an overcurrent, one of the contact pairs remains welded, as in the above case, the control mechanism remains blocked and the contact pairs associated with the other phases remain bonded, which is to be avoided.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable device for adjusting the position of the bimetallic strip.
  • circuit breaker comprising a terminal connected to a bimetallic strip whose inclination is adjustable.
  • One end of the bimetal strip is embedded in an insulating axis parallel to the plane of the bimetallic strip, the rotational position of this axis being adjustable by a screw parallel to the axis comprising a conical end coming to bear on a lever secured to the axis and perpendicular to it.
  • said end of the bimetallic strip crosses the axis and is connected to the terminal by means of a flexible metal strip.
  • the section of the metal strip is chosen to melt when it is crossed by a predetermined current greater than the nominal tripping current of the circuit breaker.
  • the axis is ceramic.
  • the head of the screw and part of one end of the axis are visible outside the circuit-breaker case and in that it comprises means for locking in the adjusted position. of the screw and the axis.
  • said blocking is achieved by depositing a polymerizable substance on the visible parts of the screw and of the axis.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that the metal strip can act as a fuse, which avoids a complex embodiment of bimetallic strip having to act as a fuse.
  • Figures 1A and 1B are all found in Figure 2A in a different view and we can refer to these three figures for a better overview of the shapes and arrangement of the elements.
  • FIGS. 1A to 2A an embodiment of a device for adjusting the position of a main bimetal strip 1. This device is shown isolated in FIG. 1A and cooperating with circuit breaker elements in FIGS. 1B and 2A.
  • the bimetal strip is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the shape of an inverted U, or, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the form of a meander, which is conventional for circuit breakers of small caliber.
  • the lower part of the bimetallic strip 1 is embedded in an insulating axis 2 (preferably ceramic) parallel to the plane of the bimetallic strip.
  • the front and rear ends of the axis 2 are articulated in the walls, not shown, front and rear of the circuit breaker housing, which is designated by the reference 3 in FIG. 2A.
  • the axis 2 comprises a perpendicular lever 4 extending to the right.
  • the conical end of a screw 5 parallel to the axis 2 rests on the top of the lever 4.
  • the screw 5 is screwed into a thread of the rear wall of the housing 3 and its head 5-1 is visible outside the housing. Thus, by screwing or unscrewing the screw 5, one can adjust the tilt to the left of the bimetallic strip 1.
  • part of the axis 2 will also be visible outside the housing. This allows, once the inclination of the bimetallic strip adjusted, to immobilize the screw 5 and the axis 2 by depositing a drop of polymerizable resin on the visible parts of the screw and of the axis.
  • a compensation bimetallic strip 7 substantially parallel to the main bimetallic strip 1 is arranged to the right of the latter.
  • a connecting bar 8 which can slide to the left or the right in grooves in the front and rear walls of the housing 3.
  • the bimetallic strip 7 is in the form of an inverted U whose feet are mounted with play by their ends in grooves of a support 9 secured to the housing 3. This mounting of the feet of the bimetallic strip 7 constitutes an articulation leaving the bimetallic strip 7 a certain freedom of inclination.
  • a vertical locking lever 10 Between the feet of the bimetallic strip 7 is disposed a vertical locking lever 10, the base of which is mounted in the same manner in a groove in the support 9.
  • the locking lever 10 comprises, at approximately halfway up the bimetallic strip 7, two parts upper 10-1 folded to the right and extending forwards and backwards respectively. The parts 10-1 form stops against which the bimetallic strip 7 will come to rest when it is inclined to the right.
  • a lock 12 has a spout 12-1 pressing on the upper part of the lever 10. This position of the lock 12 corresponds to the engaged position of the circuit breaker. As will be seen later, in this position, the spout 12-1 tends to descend to trip the circuit breaker, but it is retained by the locking lever 10.
  • a spring 14 in the form of a hairpin (shown in FIG. 2A ) is welded to the lever 10 and presses against the right wall of the housing 3. This spring maintains the lever 10 towards the lock but the freedom of inclination of this lever, conferred by the mounting of the lever in the support 9, is such that the stops 10-1 do not press, at rest, on the bimetallic strip 7.
  • this device When the main bimetallic strip 1 is traversed by a current, it heats up and curves to the right. If the heating of the bimetallic strip 1 is sufficient, that is to say if the value and the duration of maintenance of the current in the bimetallic strip are sufficient, the bimetallic strip 1 bends by catching up with the longitudinal play of the bar 8 between the upper ends of bimetallic strips. From this moment, if the bimetallic strip 1 continues to bend, the bimetallic strip 7 comes to press on the stops 10-1 by pushing the locking lever 10 to the right against the spring 14. Then, the lever 10 releases the nozzle 12-1 which descends causing the tripping of the circuit breaker.
  • the heating required by bimetallic strip 1 for tripping of the circuit breaker to occur is a function of the play to be made up previously mentioned.
  • This clearance therefore determines the value of the overcurrent which trips the circuit breaker.
  • the value of this clearance corresponding to a nominal overcurrent is adjusted during manufacture, as indicated above, by adjusting the inclination of the main bimetal strip 1 using the tapered screw 5.
  • the role of the compensation bimetallic strip 7 is, moreover, to bend the same amount as the main bimetallic strip 1 when the temperature in the circuit breaker housing increases so that the adjustment clearance remains constant. Considering that the bimetallic strips bend in the shape of an arc of a circle, the position of the bimetallic strip 7 at the height of the stops 10-1 varies little.
  • FIG. 2A also represents a flexible metal strip 15 connecting a terminal 1-1 of the bimetallic strip, protruding below the axis 2, to a terminal 17 extending downward and to the left outside the case of the circuit breaker 3.
  • the web flexibility 15 prevents the transmission of possible deformations of the terminal 17 to the main bimetal strip 1. By adapting the section of the strip 15, this can act as a fuse which would melt in the event of excessive overcurrent if the circuit breaker contacts do not come off . This avoids the complexity of producing a main bimetal strip 1 which must also act as a fuse.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B an embodiment of a complete circuit breaker will be described in more detail.
  • a vertical fixed contact 19 is fixed to the lower right part of the circuit breaker with a lug 21 extending downwards and to the right outside the casing 3 of the circuit breaker.
  • a movable contact 23 is fixed on a contact carrier 24 extending upwards.
  • An output terminal 1-2 (visible in FIG. 1) of the bimetallic strip 1 is in this example connected to a non-visible fixed contact located behind the fixed contact 19 and the movable contact 23 is in fact a double contact coming to connect the two fixed contacts to close the circuit.
  • FIG. 2A corresponds to the tripped position of the circuit breaker.
  • the movable contact 23 is shifted to the left and upward relative to the fixed contact 19.
  • the control mechanism which will be described below, makes d first lower the contact 23 and then apply it by a rotational movement on the contact 19.
  • the lock 12 is articulated by an axis 25 on a slide 26.
  • a vertical oblong hole 28 (shown in dotted lines) formed in the front and rear walls of the housing 3 and in which the axis 25 slides, gives the slide 26 freedom displacement between a high position (Figure 2A) and a low position ( Figure 2B).
  • the shapes of the latch 12 and of the slide 26 are more visible, in FIG. 2B where there is no shown some elements, the lock being shown in bold lines.
  • the lock includes an extension 12-2 to the left and downwards and an extension 12-3 downwards.
  • the slide 26 comprises at its upper part a cylindrical part 26-1 connected to the rest of the slide by a thinning.
  • the cylindrical part is of horizontal axis and parallel to the bimetallic strips.
  • the lower part of the slide 26 comprises a slot 26-2, one wall of which is vertical and the other slightly inclined to the right. In this slot 26-2 is housed the upper end of the contact carrier 24.
  • the contact carrier 24 has a certain freedom of rotation relative to the fulcrum of the end of the contact carrier against the bottom of slot.
  • the contact carrier is held in this slot by a protrusion 12-4 extending to the left from the extension 12-3 and sliding in a groove in the contact carrier 24.
  • the lower part of the slide 26 has a shoulder 26-3 arranged to the right and opposite the extension 12-2 of the latch 12.
  • the axis 25 comprises two spiral springs.
  • a spiral spring 30 is supported between the extension 12-2 and the contact carrier 24 and tends to press the contact carrier on the extension 12-3.
  • Another thinner spiral spring 31 is supported between the extension 12-2 and the shoulder 26-3 tending to rotate the lock 12 clockwise around its axis 25.
  • the spring 30 keeps the contact carrier 24 in abutment against the extension 12-3 of the latch.
  • the latch 12, the contact carrier 24 and the spring 30 form in this position a single part which can rotate around the axis 25. This single part is held in abutment against the left face of the slot 26-2 by the spring 31 .
  • FIG. 2B the slide 26 is shown in the low position where the contacts 23 and 19 are closed.
  • the spout 12-1 bears on the upper part of the locking lever 10 and the single piece (12, 24, 30) rotates anti-clockwise by compressing the spring 31 between extension 12-2 and shoulder 26-3.
  • This single part rotates until the contact 23 meets the contact 19.
  • the latch 12, the contact carrier 24 and the spring 30 become independent parts again.
  • the contact 23 and its contact carrier 24 remain stationary and the latch 12 continues to rotate while compressing the spring 30 which then ensures the energetic plating of the contact 23 on the contact 19.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are stable positions obtained using the elements described below.
  • a control button 35 comprising vertical internal and external cylindrical parts which guide the button on either side of an upper cylindrical part of the housing 3.
  • a spring 37 pressing between the button 35 and part of the housing 3 tends to lift the button.
  • the upper part of the button 35 has an axis 38 on which is hinged a pair of pliers 39 trapping the cylindrical part 26-1 of the slide 26.
  • the pliers 39 slide vertically through the upper part of the housing 3 in a parallel slot 40 in the plane of the clamps.
  • the visible rear wall of the slot 40 is shown in gray.
  • the lever 10 is moved to the right, the spout 12-1 is released and the latter no longer exerts any force maintaining the cylindrical part 26-1 against the bottom of the clamps.
  • the clamps 39 can close under the force of the spring 37 and go back up by pulling the slide by the cylindrical part 26-1 to reach the position of FIG. 2A.
  • the latch 12 rotates clockwise under the action of the springs 30 and 31, separating the contacts and rises simultaneously.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B represent two positions of an embodiment of a trip signaling device adapted to the circuit breaker previously described.
  • a spring 50 resting on the support 9 tends to lift the locking lever 10 which is slidably mounted at its base in the support 9.
  • the spring 50 is placed in slots 10-2 of the lever 10, shown in the figure 1, opening on the side of the support 9.
  • Extensions 7-1 downwards and to the right of the bimetallic strip 7 prevent the lever from lift too much and get out of its support 9. These extensions 7-1 are better visible in Figure 1.
  • FIG. 3A corresponds to the engaged position of FIG. 2A where the spout 12-1 presses on the upper part of the locking lever 10.
  • the stiffness of the spring 50 is chosen so that the pressure of the spout 12-1, caused by the springs 30 and 31 mentioned above, completely compresses the spring 50.
  • FIG. 3B illustrates a position at an instant immediately following the release of the spout 12-1 after an overcurrent has caused the locking lever 10 to move to the right and the release of the spout 12-1. Then, the spring 50 relaxes by lifting the locking lever 10.
  • This lever 10 arrives in the high position when part of this lever abuts a mechanism, such as a signaling mechanism comprising the elements not yet described in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
  • the high position of the lever is such that the part of the lever 10 on which the spout 12-1 rests is located below the spout 12-1 when the latch 12 is in its high position.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an application in which the lever 10 actuates a trigger signaling mechanism.
  • This mechanism includes a lever 52 articulated around an axis 53 secured to the circuit breaker housing.
  • the lever 52 has a part 52-1 extending to the left above the lever 10 and a part 52-2 extending downwards.
  • a conductive elastic blade 55 is mounted on a vertical insulating plate 56 fixed to the circuit breaker housing and extends down to the left of the part 52 -2 of the lever 52.
  • the plate 56 comprises a contact 57 at the level of the part lower part of the blade 55.
  • FIG. 3B when the locking lever 10 rises, an element integral with the lever 10, for example the upper part of the above-mentioned spring 14, comes to bear on the part 52-1 of the lever 52.
  • This lever 52 pivots and its part 52-2 applies the lower end of the blade 55 to the contact 57. Closing this contact can for example sound an alarm or light an indicator.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an application of the mechanism of FIGS. 3A and 3B to a safety device enabling the contacts of a multipole circuit breaker to be separated simultaneously.
  • a multipole circuit breaker comprises several pairs of contacts each associated with an isolated electrical circuit.
  • Figures 4A and 4B show positions corresponding to Figures 3A and 3B and there are the same elements designated by the same references. The elements represented are those associated with a single pair of contacts.
  • the latches 12 associated respectively with each of the pairs of contacts are articulated around the same axis 25 which is actuated by a single control mechanism (slide 26, button 35, clamps 39).
  • the simultaneous separation device comprises a lever 60 secured to an axis 61 articulated with respect to the circuit breaker housing and disposed to the left of the lever 10.
  • the lever 60 is made to rotate with the axis 61, for example as shown , by a part folded 60-1 on a flat part of the axis 61.
  • the lever 60 comprises a part 60-2 extending above the stopper 10-1 of the locking lever 10 and a spout 60-3 nearby of the locking lever 10 below the stopper 10-1.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B can be combined with the safety device of the multipole circuit breaker of FIGS. 4A and 4B.
  • the mechanism of FIGS. 3A to 4B applies to any circuit breaker comprising a mechanism in which the latch has a descending movement for engaging the circuit breaker.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker comprising a lug (17) connected to a bimetal (1) whose inclination is adjustable. One end of the bimetal is embedded in an insulating spindle (2) parallel to the plane of the bimetal (1), the rotational position of this spindle being adjustable by a screw (5) parallel to the spindle comprising a conical end coming to bear upon a lever (4) integral with the spindle (2) and perpendicular to the latter. …<IMAGE>…

Description

La présente invention concerne les disjoncteurs et en particulier un dispositif de réglage de la valeur de la surintensité de déclenchement d'un disjoncteur.The present invention relates to circuit breakers and in particular a device for adjusting the value of the tripping overcurrent of a circuit breaker.

Pour détecter une surintensité, les disjoncteurs comprennent un élément, tel qu'une bilame, qui subit une déformation quand il est échauffé par le passage d'un courant. Généralement le dispositif de déclenchement comprend une bilame principale couplée par une barette de liaison à une bilame de compensation elle-même associée à des moyens de déclenchement. Les bilames principales des disjoncteurs comprennent généralement une extrémité fixe par rapport au boîtier du disjoncteur et une extrémité libre qui est réglée à une position de repos précise déterminant la valeur de la surintensité de déclenchement du disjoncteur. Cette position précise est généralement obtenue en réglant l'inclinaison de la bilame par une vis perpendiculaire appuyant sur la bilame et se vissant dans le boîtier du disjoncteur. L'extrémité fixe de la bilame est classiquement soudée directement sur une cosse d'entrée solidaire du boîtier du disjoncteur.To detect an overcurrent, circuit breakers include an element, such as a bimetallic strip, which undergoes deformation when it is heated by the passage of a current. Generally, the triggering device comprises a main bimetallic strip coupled by a connecting bar to a compensation bimetallic strip itself associated with triggering means. The main bimetallic strips of circuit breakers generally include a fixed end relative to the circuit breaker housing and a free end which is adjusted to a precise rest position determining the value of the tripping overcurrent of the circuit breaker. This precise position is generally obtained by adjusting the inclination of the bimetallic strip by a perpendicular screw pressing on the bimetallic strip and screwing into the circuit breaker housing. The fixed end of the bimetallic strip is conventionally welded directly to an input terminal secured to the circuit breaker housing.

Un inconvénient de cette configuration réside dans le fait que des contraintes externes au disjoncteur peuvent déformer la cosse d'entrée et altérer la position de la bilame en conséquence. Ces contraintes extérieures peuvent par exemple être produites lorsqu'on serre une vis sur la cosse pour fixer un câble.A drawback of this configuration lies in the fact that stresses external to the circuit breaker can deform the input terminal and alter the position of the bimetallic strip accordingly. These external stresses can for example be produced when a screw is tightened on the terminal to fix a cable.

Certains disjoncteurs sont munis d'un dispositif de signalisation qui permet d'indiquer à un opérateur que le disjoncteur est à l'état déclenché. Généralement, les disjoncteurs comprennent un contact fixe et un contact mobile associés à un mécanisme de commande permettant d'appliquer le contact mobile sur le contact fixe lors d'un enclenchement du disjoncteur et de provoquer le mouvement inverse lors d'un déclenchement. Les dispositifs de signalisation sont classiquement commandés par le mouvement de déclenchement du mécanisme de commande. Toutefois, il peut arriver que les contacts restent soudés l'un à l'autre à la suite d'une surintensité. Pour quand même assurer une coupure de circuit dans ce cas, un élément dans le trajet du courant, comme par exemple la bilame, est prévu pour faire office de fusible. Mais, les contacts n'ayant pas été séparés, le mécanisme de commande reste bloqué et n'active pas le dispositif de signalisation. Par conséquent, un opérateur ne peut pas savoir que le circuit a été coupé.Some circuit breakers are fitted with a signaling device which allows an operator to be informed that the circuit breaker is in the tripped state. Generally, circuit breakers include a fixed contact and a movable contact associated with a control mechanism making it possible to apply the movable contact to the fixed contact when the circuit breaker is engaged and to cause the reverse movement when tripping. The signaling devices are conventionally controlled by the triggering movement of the control mechanism. However, it may happen that the contacts remain soldered to each other following an overcurrent. To still ensure a circuit break in this case, an element in the current path, such as the bimetallic strip, is provided to act as a fuse. However, since the contacts have not been separated, the control mechanism remains blocked and does not activate the signaling device. Therefore, an operator cannot know that the circuit has been cut.

Les disjoncteurs multipolaires pour circuits électriques en courant polyphasé comprennent généralement un couple de contacts par phase. Ces couples de contact coopèrent avec un seul mécanisme de commande pour que toutes les phases soient coupées lors d'une surintensité sur l'une des phases. Si lors d'une surintensité, un des couples de contacts reste soudé, comme dans le cas ci-dessus, le mécanisme de commande reste bloqué et les couples de contacts associés aux autres phases restent collés, ce que l'on cherche à éviter.Multipole circuit breakers for polyphase current circuits generally include one pair of contacts per phase. These contact torques cooperate with a single control mechanism so that all the phases are cut during an overcurrent on one of the phases. If during an overcurrent, one of the contact pairs remains welded, as in the above case, the control mechanism remains blocked and the contact pairs associated with the other phases remain bonded, which is to be avoided.

Un objet de la présente invention est de prévoir un dispositif de réglage fiable de position de bilame.An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable device for adjusting the position of the bimetallic strip.

Cet objet est atteint grâce à un disjoncteur comprenant une cosse reliée à une bilame dont l'inclinaison est réglable. Une extrémité de la bilame est encastrée dans un axe isolant parallèle au plan de la bilame, la position en rotation de cet axe étant réglable par une vis parallèle à l'axe comprenant un bout conique venant s'appuyer sur un levier solidaire de l'axe et perpendiculaire à celui-ci.This object is achieved thanks to a circuit breaker comprising a terminal connected to a bimetallic strip whose inclination is adjustable. One end of the bimetal strip is embedded in an insulating axis parallel to the plane of the bimetallic strip, the rotational position of this axis being adjustable by a screw parallel to the axis comprising a conical end coming to bear on a lever secured to the axis and perpendicular to it.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, ladite extrémité de la bilame traverse l'axe et est reliée à la cosse par l'intermédiaire d'une bande métallique souple.According to an embodiment of the present invention, said end of the bimetallic strip crosses the axis and is connected to the terminal by means of a flexible metal strip.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, la section de la bande métallique est choisie pour fondre lorsqu'elle est traversée par un courant prédéterminé supérieur au courant nominal de déclenchement du disjoncteur.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the section of the metal strip is chosen to melt when it is crossed by a predetermined current greater than the nominal tripping current of the circuit breaker.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, l'axe est en céramique.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the axis is ceramic.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, la tête de la vis et une partie d'une extrémité de l'axe sont apparents à l'extérieur du boîtier du disjoncteur et en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de blocage en position réglée de la vis et de l'axe.According to one embodiment of the present invention, the head of the screw and part of one end of the axis are visible outside the circuit-breaker case and in that it comprises means for locking in the adjusted position. of the screw and the axis.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, ledit blocage est réalisé par dépôt d'une substance polymérisable sur les parties apparentes de la vis et de l'axe.According to an embodiment of the present invention, said blocking is achieved by depositing a polymerizable substance on the visible parts of the screw and of the axis.

Un avantage de la présente invention est que la bande métallique peut faire office de fusible, ce qui évite une réalisation complexe de bilame devant faire office de fusible.An advantage of the present invention is that the metal strip can act as a fuse, which avoids a complex embodiment of bimetallic strip having to act as a fuse.

Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages ainsi que d'autres de la présente invention seront exposés plus en détail dans la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers faite en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1A représente une vue isolée en perspective d'un mode de réalisation de dispositif de réglage de la valeur de la surintensité de déclenchement d'un disjoncteur ;
  • la figure 1B illustre une vue en perspective des principaux éléments d'un dispositif de détection de surintensité d'un disjoncteur selon la présente invention incorporant le dispositif de réglage de la figure 1A ;
  • la figure 2A illustre une vue en coupe simplifiée d'un disjoncteur selon la présente invention en position déclenchée ;
  • la figure 2B illustre une vue partielle du disjoncteur de la figure 2A en position enclenchée ;
  • les figures 3A et 3B illustrent des vues partielles en deux positions d'un mode de réalisation de dispositif de signalisation ; et
  • les figures 4A et 4B illustrent des vues partielles en deux positions d'un mode de réalisation de dispositif de séparation des contacts non soudés dans un disjoncteur multipolaire.
These objects, characteristics and advantages as well as others of the present invention will be explained in more detail in the following description of particular embodiments made in relation to the attached figures, among which:
  • FIG. 1A represents an isolated perspective view of an embodiment of a device for adjusting the value of the tripping overcurrent of a circuit breaker;
  • FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the main elements of an overcurrent detection device of a circuit breaker according to the present invention incorporating the adjustment device of FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a simplified sectional view of a circuit breaker according to the present invention in the tripped position;
  • Figure 2B illustrates a partial view of the circuit breaker of Figure 2A in the on position;
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate partial views in two positions of an embodiment of the signaling device; and
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate partial views in two positions of an embodiment of the device for separating the unwelded contacts in a multipole circuit breaker.

Les éléments des figures 1A et 1B se retrouvent tous dans la figure 2A sous une vue différente et on pourra se référer à ces trois figures pour avoir un meilleur aperçu des formes et de la disposition des éléments.The elements of Figures 1A and 1B are all found in Figure 2A in a different view and we can refer to these three figures for a better overview of the shapes and arrangement of the elements.

Aux figures 1A à 2A est représenté un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de réglage de position d'une bilame principale 1. Ce dispositif est représenté isolé à la figure 1A et coopérant avec des éléments de disjoncteur aux figures 1B et 2A.In FIGS. 1A to 2A is shown an embodiment of a device for adjusting the position of a main bimetal strip 1. This device is shown isolated in FIG. 1A and cooperating with circuit breaker elements in FIGS. 1B and 2A.

La bilame est par exemple, comme cela est représenté à la figure 1A, en forme de U renversé, ou, comme cela est représenté à la figure 1B, en forme de méandre, ce qui est classique pour des disjoncteurs de faible calibre. La partie inférieure de la bilame 1 est encastrée dans un axe isolant 2 (de préférence en céramique) parallèle au plan de la bilame. Les extrémités avant et arrière de l'axe 2 sont articulées dans les parois, non représentées, avant et arrière du boîtier du disjoncteur, qui est désigné par la référence 3 dans la figure 2A. L'axe 2 comprend un levier perpendiculaire 4 s'étendant vers la droite. Le bout conique d'une vis 5 parallèle à l'axe 2 s'appuie sur le dessus du levier 4. La vis 5 est vissée dans un taraudage de la paroi arrière du boîtier 3 et sa tête 5-1 est apparente à l'extérieur du boîtier. Ainsi, en vissant ou dévissant la vis 5, on peut régler l'inclinaison vers la gauche de la bilame 1.The bimetal strip is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the shape of an inverted U, or, as shown in FIG. 1B, in the form of a meander, which is conventional for circuit breakers of small caliber. The lower part of the bimetallic strip 1 is embedded in an insulating axis 2 (preferably ceramic) parallel to the plane of the bimetallic strip. The front and rear ends of the axis 2 are articulated in the walls, not shown, front and rear of the circuit breaker housing, which is designated by the reference 3 in FIG. 2A. The axis 2 comprises a perpendicular lever 4 extending to the right. The conical end of a screw 5 parallel to the axis 2 rests on the top of the lever 4. The screw 5 is screwed into a thread of the rear wall of the housing 3 and its head 5-1 is visible outside the housing. Thus, by screwing or unscrewing the screw 5, one can adjust the tilt to the left of the bimetallic strip 1.

De préférence, une partie de l'axe 2 sera également apparente à l'extérieur du boîtier. Cela permet, une fois l'inclinaison de la bilame réglée, d'immobiliser la vis 5 et l'axe 2 en déposant une goutte de résine polymérisable sur les parties apparentes de la vis et de l'axe.Preferably, part of the axis 2 will also be visible outside the housing. This allows, once the inclination of the bimetallic strip adjusted, to immobilize the screw 5 and the axis 2 by depositing a drop of polymerizable resin on the visible parts of the screw and of the axis.

A la figure 1B, une bilame de compensation 7 sensiblement parallèle à la bilame principale 1 est disposée à droite de celle-ci. Entre les extrémités supérieures des bilames 1 et 7 est disposée une barrette de liaison 8 qui peut coulisser vers la gauche ou la droite dans des rainures des parois avant et arrière du boîtier 3. La bilame 7 est en forme de U renversé dont les pieds sont montés avec jeu par leurs extrémités dans des rainures d'un support 9 solidaire du boîtier 3. Ce montage des pieds de la bilame 7 constitue une articulation laissant à la bilame 7 une certaine liberté d'inclinaison. Entre les pieds de la bilame 7 est disposé un levier de verrouillage vertical 10 dont la base est montée de la même manière dans une rainure du support 9. Le levier de verrouillage 10 comporte, à environ mi-hauteur de la bilame 7, deux parties supérieures 10-1 pliées vers la droite et s'étendant respectivement vers l'avant et vers l'arrière. Les parties 10-1 forment des butoirs contre lesquels la bilame 7 viendra s'appuyer lorsqu'elle est inclinée vers la droite.In FIG. 1B, a compensation bimetallic strip 7 substantially parallel to the main bimetallic strip 1 is arranged to the right of the latter. Between the upper ends of the bimetallic strips 1 and 7 is arranged a connecting bar 8 which can slide to the left or the right in grooves in the front and rear walls of the housing 3. The bimetallic strip 7 is in the form of an inverted U whose feet are mounted with play by their ends in grooves of a support 9 secured to the housing 3. This mounting of the feet of the bimetallic strip 7 constitutes an articulation leaving the bimetallic strip 7 a certain freedom of inclination. Between the feet of the bimetallic strip 7 is disposed a vertical locking lever 10, the base of which is mounted in the same manner in a groove in the support 9. The locking lever 10 comprises, at approximately halfway up the bimetallic strip 7, two parts upper 10-1 folded to the right and extending forwards and backwards respectively. The parts 10-1 form stops against which the bimetallic strip 7 will come to rest when it is inclined to the right.

Un verrou 12 comporte un bec 12-1 appuyant sur la partie supérieure du levier 10. Cette position du verrou 12 correspond à la position enclenchée du disjoncteur. Comme on le verra ultérieurement, dans cette position, le bec 12-1 a tendance à descendre pour déclencher le disjoncteur, mais il est retenu par le levier de verrouillage 10. Un ressort 14 en forme d'épingle à cheveux (représenté en figure 2A) est soudé sur le levier 10 et appuie contre la paroi droite du boîtier 3. Ce ressort maintient le levier 10 vers le verrou mais la liberté d'inclinaison de ce levier, conférée par le montage du levier dans le support 9, est telle que les butoirs 10-1 n'appuient pas, au repos, sur la bilame 7.A lock 12 has a spout 12-1 pressing on the upper part of the lever 10. This position of the lock 12 corresponds to the engaged position of the circuit breaker. As will be seen later, in this position, the spout 12-1 tends to descend to trip the circuit breaker, but it is retained by the locking lever 10. A spring 14 in the form of a hairpin (shown in FIG. 2A ) is welded to the lever 10 and presses against the right wall of the housing 3. This spring maintains the lever 10 towards the lock but the freedom of inclination of this lever, conferred by the mounting of the lever in the support 9, is such that the stops 10-1 do not press, at rest, on the bimetallic strip 7.

Le fonctionnement de ce dispositif est le suivant. Lorsque la bilame principale 1 est parcourue par un courant, celle-ci s'échauffe et se courbe vers la droite. Si l'échauffement de la bilame 1 est suffisant, c'est-à-dire si la valeur et la durée de maintien du courant dans la bilame sont suffisantes, la bilame 1 se courbe en rattrapant le jeu longitudinal de la barrette 8 entre les extrémités supérieures des bilames. A partir de ce moment, si la bilame 1 continue à se courber, la bilame 7 vient appuyer sur les butoirs 10-1 en poussant le levier de verrouillage 10 vers la droite à l'encontre du ressort 14. Alors, le levier 10 libère le bec 12-1 qui descend en provoquant le déclenchement du disjoncteur.The operation of this device is as follows. When the main bimetallic strip 1 is traversed by a current, it heats up and curves to the right. If the heating of the bimetallic strip 1 is sufficient, that is to say if the value and the duration of maintenance of the current in the bimetallic strip are sufficient, the bimetallic strip 1 bends by catching up with the longitudinal play of the bar 8 between the upper ends of bimetallic strips. From this moment, if the bimetallic strip 1 continues to bend, the bimetallic strip 7 comes to press on the stops 10-1 by pushing the locking lever 10 to the right against the spring 14. Then, the lever 10 releases the nozzle 12-1 which descends causing the tripping of the circuit breaker.

Ainsi, l'échauffement nécessaire à la bilame 1 pour qu'il se produise un déclenchement du disjoncteur est fonction du jeu à rattraper précédemment mentionné. Ce jeu détermine donc la valeur de la surintensité qui déclenche le disjoncteur. La valeur de ce jeu correspondant à une surintensité nominale est réglée à la fabrication, comme cela a été indiqué précédemment, en ajustant l'inclinaison de la bilame principale 1 à l'aide de la vis à bout conique 5.Thus, the heating required by bimetallic strip 1 for tripping of the circuit breaker to occur is a function of the play to be made up previously mentioned. This clearance therefore determines the value of the overcurrent which trips the circuit breaker. The value of this clearance corresponding to a nominal overcurrent is adjusted during manufacture, as indicated above, by adjusting the inclination of the main bimetal strip 1 using the tapered screw 5.

Le rôle de la bilame de compensation 7 est, en outre, de se courber de la même quantité que la bilame principale 1 lorsque la température dans le boîtier du disjoncteur augmente afin que le jeu de réglage reste constant. En considérant que les bilames se courbent en forme d'arc de cercle, la position de la bilame 7 à la hauteur des butoirs 10-1 varie peu.The role of the compensation bimetallic strip 7 is, moreover, to bend the same amount as the main bimetallic strip 1 when the temperature in the circuit breaker housing increases so that the adjustment clearance remains constant. Considering that the bimetallic strips bend in the shape of an arc of a circle, the position of the bimetallic strip 7 at the height of the stops 10-1 varies little.

La figure 2A représente en outre une bande métallique souple 15 reliant une borne 1-1 de la bilame, dépassant sous l'axe 2, à une cosse 17 s'étendant vers le bas et la gauche en dehors du boîtier du disjoncteur 3. La souplesse de la bande 15 empêche la transmission d'éventuelles déformations de la cosse 17 à la bilame principale 1. En adaptant la section de la bande 15, celle-ci peut faire office de fusible qui fondrait en cas de surintensité excessive si les contacts du disjoncteur ne se décollent pas. On évite ainsi la complexité de réalisation d'une bilame principale 1 devant en outre faire office de fusible.FIG. 2A also represents a flexible metal strip 15 connecting a terminal 1-1 of the bimetallic strip, protruding below the axis 2, to a terminal 17 extending downward and to the left outside the case of the circuit breaker 3. The web flexibility 15 prevents the transmission of possible deformations of the terminal 17 to the main bimetal strip 1. By adapting the section of the strip 15, this can act as a fuse which would melt in the event of excessive overcurrent if the circuit breaker contacts do not come off . This avoids the complexity of producing a main bimetal strip 1 which must also act as a fuse.

En se référant maintenant aux figures 2A et 2B, on va décrire plus en détail un mode de réalisation de disjoncteur complet.Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of a complete circuit breaker will be described in more detail.

Un contact fixe vertical 19 est fixé à la partie inférieure droite du disjoncteur à une cosse 21 s'étendant vers le bas et la droite en dehors du boîtier 3 du disjoncteur. Un contact mobile 23 est fixé sur un porte-contacts 24 s'étendant vers le haut. Une borne de sortie 1-2 (visible à la figure 1) de la bilame 1 est dans cet exemple reliée à un contact fixe non visible se trouvant derrière le contact fixe 19 et le contact mobile 23 est en fait un double contact venant relier les deux contacts fixes pour fermer le circuit. On pourrait également envisager de relier la borne de sortie 1-2 de la bilame 1 au contact mobile 23 par une tresse conductrice.A vertical fixed contact 19 is fixed to the lower right part of the circuit breaker with a lug 21 extending downwards and to the right outside the casing 3 of the circuit breaker. A movable contact 23 is fixed on a contact carrier 24 extending upwards. An output terminal 1-2 (visible in FIG. 1) of the bimetallic strip 1 is in this example connected to a non-visible fixed contact located behind the fixed contact 19 and the movable contact 23 is in fact a double contact coming to connect the two fixed contacts to close the circuit. One could also consider connecting the output terminal 1-2 of the bimetallic strip 1 to the movable contact 23 by a conductive braid.

La figure 2A correspond à la position déclenchée du disjoncteur. Le contact mobile 23 est décalé vers la gauche et vers le haut par rapport au contact fixe 19. Lorsqu'on enclenche le disjoncteur pour arriver à la position enclenchée de la figure 2B, le mécanisme de commande qui sera décrit ci-après, fait d'abord descendre le contact 23 et l'applique ensuite par un mouvement de rotation sur le contact 19.FIG. 2A corresponds to the tripped position of the circuit breaker. The movable contact 23 is shifted to the left and upward relative to the fixed contact 19. When the circuit breaker is turned on to arrive at the latched position of FIG. 2B, the control mechanism which will be described below, makes d first lower the contact 23 and then apply it by a rotational movement on the contact 19.

Le verrou 12 est articulé par un axe 25 sur une glissière 26. Un trou oblong vertical 28 (représenté en pointillés) formé dans les parois avant et arrière du boîtier 3 et dans lequel coulisse l'axe 25, confère à la glissière 26 une liberté de déplacement entre une position haute (figure 2A) et une position basse (figure 2B). Les formes du verrou 12 et de la glissière 26 sont plus visibles, à la figure 2B où l'on n'a pas représenté certains éléments, le verrou étant représenté en trait gras.The lock 12 is articulated by an axis 25 on a slide 26. A vertical oblong hole 28 (shown in dotted lines) formed in the front and rear walls of the housing 3 and in which the axis 25 slides, gives the slide 26 freedom displacement between a high position (Figure 2A) and a low position (Figure 2B). The shapes of the latch 12 and of the slide 26 are more visible, in FIG. 2B where there is no shown some elements, the lock being shown in bold lines.

Outre le bec 12-1 s'étendant vers la droite, le verrou comprend une extension 12-2 vers la gauche et vers le bas et une extension 12-3 vers le bas. La glissière 26 comprend à sa partie supérieure une partie cylindrique 26-1 rattachée au reste de la glissière par un amincissement. La partie cylindrique est d'axe horizontal et parallèle aux bilames. La partie inférieure de la glissière 26 comprend une fente 26-2 dont une paroi est verticale et l'autre légèrement inclinée vers la droite. Dans cette fente 26-2 est logée l'extrémité supérieure du porte-contacts 24. Ainsi, le porte-contacts 24 présente une certaine liberté de rotation par rapport au point d'appui de l'extrémité du porte-contacts contre le fond de la fente. Le porte-contacts est maintenu dans cette fente par une protubérance 12-4 s'étendant vers la gauche à partir de l'extension 12-3 et coulissant dans une rainure du porte-contacts 24. La partie inférieure de la glissière 26 comporte un épaulement 26-3 disposé à droite et en face de l'extension 12-2 du verrou 12.In addition to the spout 12-1 extending to the right, the lock includes an extension 12-2 to the left and downwards and an extension 12-3 downwards. The slide 26 comprises at its upper part a cylindrical part 26-1 connected to the rest of the slide by a thinning. The cylindrical part is of horizontal axis and parallel to the bimetallic strips. The lower part of the slide 26 comprises a slot 26-2, one wall of which is vertical and the other slightly inclined to the right. In this slot 26-2 is housed the upper end of the contact carrier 24. Thus, the contact carrier 24 has a certain freedom of rotation relative to the fulcrum of the end of the contact carrier against the bottom of slot. The contact carrier is held in this slot by a protrusion 12-4 extending to the left from the extension 12-3 and sliding in a groove in the contact carrier 24. The lower part of the slide 26 has a shoulder 26-3 arranged to the right and opposite the extension 12-2 of the latch 12.

Dans la figure 2A, l'axe 25 comprend deux ressorts spiraux. Un ressort spiral 30 s'appuie entre l'extension 12-2 et le porte-contacts 24 et tend à plaquer le porte-contacts sur l'extension 12-3. Un autre ressort spiral 31 plus mince s'appuie entre l'extension 12-2 et l'épaulement 26-3 tendant à faire tourner le verrou 12 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre autour de son axe 25. Dans la position de la figure 2A, le ressort 30 maintient le porte-contacts 24 en butée contre l'extension 12-3 du verrou. Le verrou 12, le porte-contacts 24 et le ressort 30 forment dans cette position une pièce unique pouvant tourner autour de l'axe 25. Cette pièce unique est maintenue en butée contre la face gauche de la fente 26-2 par le ressort 31.In FIG. 2A, the axis 25 comprises two spiral springs. A spiral spring 30 is supported between the extension 12-2 and the contact carrier 24 and tends to press the contact carrier on the extension 12-3. Another thinner spiral spring 31 is supported between the extension 12-2 and the shoulder 26-3 tending to rotate the lock 12 clockwise around its axis 25. In the position of FIG. 2A, the spring 30 keeps the contact carrier 24 in abutment against the extension 12-3 of the latch. The latch 12, the contact carrier 24 and the spring 30 form in this position a single part which can rotate around the axis 25. This single part is held in abutment against the left face of the slot 26-2 by the spring 31 .

A la figure 2B, la glissière 26 est représentée à la position basse où les contacts 23 et 19 sont fermés. Pendant le mouvement de descente de la glissière 26, le bec 12-1 prend appui sur la partie supérieure du levier de verrouillage 10 et la pièce unique (12, 24, 30) tourne dans le sens contraire des aiguilles d'une montre en comprimant le ressort 31 entre l'extension 12-2 et l'épaulement 26-3. Cette pièce unique tourne jusqu'à ce que le contact 23 rencontre le contact 19. A partir de cet instant, le verrou 12, le porte-contacts 24 et le ressort 30 redeviennent des pièces indépendantes. Le contact 23 et son porte-contacts 24 restent immobiles et le verrou 12 continue de tourner en comprimant le ressort 30 qui assure alors le plaquage énergique du contact 23 sur le contact 19.In FIG. 2B, the slide 26 is shown in the low position where the contacts 23 and 19 are closed. During the downward movement of the slide 26, the spout 12-1 bears on the upper part of the locking lever 10 and the single piece (12, 24, 30) rotates anti-clockwise by compressing the spring 31 between extension 12-2 and shoulder 26-3. This single part rotates until the contact 23 meets the contact 19. From this moment, the latch 12, the contact carrier 24 and the spring 30 become independent parts again. The contact 23 and its contact carrier 24 remain stationary and the latch 12 continues to rotate while compressing the spring 30 which then ensures the energetic plating of the contact 23 on the contact 19.

Les positions représentées en figures 2A et 2B sont des positions stables obtenues grâce aux éléments décrits ci-après. A la partie supérieure du disjoncteur est disposé un bouton de commande 35 comportant des parties cylindriques verticales intérieure et extérieure qui guident le bouton de part et d'autre d'une partie cylindrique supérieure du boîtier 3. Un ressort 37 s'appuyant entre le bouton 35 et une partie du boîtier 3 tend à lever le bouton. La partie supérieure du bouton 35 comporte un axe 38 sur lequel est articulée une paire de pinces 39 venant emprisonner la partie cylindrique 26-1 de la glissière 26. Les pinces 39 coulissent verticalement à travers la partie supérieure du boîtier 3 dans une fente 40 parallèle au plan des pinces. On a représenté en grisé la paroi arrière visible de la fente 40.The positions shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are stable positions obtained using the elements described below. At the upper part of the circuit breaker is arranged a control button 35 comprising vertical internal and external cylindrical parts which guide the button on either side of an upper cylindrical part of the housing 3. A spring 37 pressing between the button 35 and part of the housing 3 tends to lift the button. The upper part of the button 35 has an axis 38 on which is hinged a pair of pliers 39 trapping the cylindrical part 26-1 of the slide 26. The pliers 39 slide vertically through the upper part of the housing 3 in a parallel slot 40 in the plane of the clamps. The visible rear wall of the slot 40 is shown in gray.

A la position de la figure 2A, les pinces 39 sont maintenues fermées par les parois gauche et droite de la fente 40. La partie cylindrique 26-1 est tenue à sa partie inférieure par le bout des pinces et tirée vers le haut sous l'action du ressort 37. Ce mécanisme est en butée haute quand l'axe 25 bute contre la partie supérieure du trou oblong 28 ou quand la partie supérieure de la partie cylindrique 26-1 bute contre les lèvres inférieures de la fente 40, comme cela est représenté à la figure 2A.In the position of FIG. 2A, the clamps 39 are kept closed by the left and right walls of the slot 40. The cylindrical part 26-1 is held at its lower part by the end of the clamps and pulled upwards under the action of the spring 37. This mechanism is in high stop when the axis 25 abuts against the upper part of the oblong hole 28 or when the upper part of the cylindrical part 26-1 abuts against the lower lips of the slot 40, as is shown in Figure 2A.

A la position de la figure 2B à la suite d'un appui sur le bouton 35, la pression du bec 12-1 sur la partie supérieure du levier 10, obtenue grâce au ressort spiral 31, tend à lever la glissière 26 et à plaquer la partie cylindrique 26-1 contre le fond des pinces 39. Les pinces 39 ont donc tendance à s'écarter et lorsque le mécanisme arrive à la position de la figure 2B, des cornes extérieures 39-1 des pinces viennent se loger dans des élargissements 41 de la fente 40. La poussée de la partie cylindrique 26-1 contre le fond des pinces provoquant l'ouverture des pinces, vainc l'effort du ressort 37 tendant à fermer les pinces et le mécanisme reste verrouillé en cette position.In the position of FIG. 2B after pressing the button 35, the pressure of the spout 12-1 on the upper part of the lever 10, obtained by means of the spiral spring 31, tends to lift the slide 26 and press it down the cylindrical part 26-1 against the bottom of the pliers 39. The pliers 39 therefore tend to move away and when the mechanism reaches the position of FIG. 2B, external horns 39-1 of the pliers are housed in widenings 41 of the slot 40. The thrust of the cylindrical part 26-1 against the bottom of the pliers causing the opening of the pliers, overcomes the force of the spring 37 tending to close the pliers and the mechanism remains locked in this position.

Lors d'une surintensité, le levier 10 est déplacé vers la droite, le bec 12-1 est libéré et celui-ci n'exerce plus d'effort maintenant la partie cylindrique 26-1 contre le fond des pinces. Ainsi, les pinces 39 peuvent se refermer sous l'effort du ressort 37 et remonter en tirant la glissière par la partie cylindrique 26-1 pour rejoindre la position de la figure 2A. Entre temps, le verrou 12 tourne dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre sous l'action des ressorts 30 et 31 en séparant les contacts et remonte simultanément.During an overcurrent, the lever 10 is moved to the right, the spout 12-1 is released and the latter no longer exerts any force maintaining the cylindrical part 26-1 against the bottom of the clamps. Thus, the clamps 39 can close under the force of the spring 37 and go back up by pulling the slide by the cylindrical part 26-1 to reach the position of FIG. 2A. Meanwhile, the latch 12 rotates clockwise under the action of the springs 30 and 31, separating the contacts and rises simultaneously.

En outre pour déclencher le disjoncteur manuellement, un opérateur vaincra l'effort maintenant les pinces 39 ouvertes en tirant sur le bouton 35.Furthermore, to trigger the circuit breaker manually, an operator will overcome the effort keeping the clamps 39 open by pulling on the button 35.

Les figures 3A et 3B représentent deux positions d'un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation de déclenchement adapté au disjoncteur précédemment décrit. Dans ces figures on retrouve des mêmes éléments des figures précédentes désignées par des mêmes références. Un ressort 50 s'appuyant sur le support 9 tend à soulever le levier de verrouillage 10 qui est monté coulissant à sa base dans le support 9. Le ressort 50, est disposé dans des fentes 10-2 du levier 10, représentées à la figure 1, débouchant du côté du support 9. Des extensions 7-1 vers le bas et la droite de la bilame 7 empêchent le levier de trop se soulever et de sortir de son support 9. Ces extensions 7-1 sont mieux visibles à la figure 1.FIGS. 3A and 3B represent two positions of an embodiment of a trip signaling device adapted to the circuit breaker previously described. In these figures we find the same elements of the previous figures designated by the same references. A spring 50 resting on the support 9 tends to lift the locking lever 10 which is slidably mounted at its base in the support 9. The spring 50 is placed in slots 10-2 of the lever 10, shown in the figure 1, opening on the side of the support 9. Extensions 7-1 downwards and to the right of the bimetallic strip 7 prevent the lever from lift too much and get out of its support 9. These extensions 7-1 are better visible in Figure 1.

La position de la figure 3A correspond à la position enclenchée de la figure 2A où le bec 12-1 appuie sur la partie supérieure du levier de verrouillage 10. La raideur du ressort 50 est choisie de sorte que la pression du bec 12-1, provoquée par les ressorts 30 et 31 susmentionnés, comprime complètement le ressort 50.The position of FIG. 3A corresponds to the engaged position of FIG. 2A where the spout 12-1 presses on the upper part of the locking lever 10. The stiffness of the spring 50 is chosen so that the pressure of the spout 12-1, caused by the springs 30 and 31 mentioned above, completely compresses the spring 50.

La figure 3B illustre une position à un instant suivant immédiatement la libération du bec 12-1 après qu'une surintensité a entraîné l'écartement vers la droite du levier de verrouillage 10 et la libération du bec 12-1. Alors, le ressort 50 se détend en soulevant le levier de verrouillage 10. Ce levier 10 arrive en position haute lorsque une partie de ce levier amène en butée un mécanisme, tel qu'un mécanisme de signalisation comprenant les éléments non encore décrits des figures 3A et 3B. La position haute du levier est telle que la partie du levier 10 sur laquelle vient appuyer le bec 12-1 se trouve en-dessous du bec 12-1 lorsque le verrou 12 est à sa position haute.FIG. 3B illustrates a position at an instant immediately following the release of the spout 12-1 after an overcurrent has caused the locking lever 10 to move to the right and the release of the spout 12-1. Then, the spring 50 relaxes by lifting the locking lever 10. This lever 10 arrives in the high position when part of this lever abuts a mechanism, such as a signaling mechanism comprising the elements not yet described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The high position of the lever is such that the part of the lever 10 on which the spout 12-1 rests is located below the spout 12-1 when the latch 12 is in its high position.

S'il se produit une surintensité et que les contacts 23 et 19 restent soudés, le levier 10 s'écarte néanmoins du bec 12-1 et se soulève sous l'action du ressort 50. Son mouvement peut être exploité pour actionner divers mécanismes d'alarme ou de sécurité. Par contre, dans les disjoncteurs classiques où le le levier 10 est fixe, ces mécanismes sont inévitablement actionnés par l'intermédiaire du mouvement du contact mobile, et, par conséquent, ne fonctionnent pas si les contacts sont soudés.If an overcurrent occurs and the contacts 23 and 19 remain welded, the lever 10 nevertheless departs from the spout 12-1 and lifts under the action of the spring 50. Its movement can be exploited to actuate various mechanisms of alarm or security. By cons, in conventional circuit breakers where the lever 10 is fixed, these mechanisms are inevitably actuated through the movement of the movable contact, and therefore do not work if the contacts are welded.

Les figures 3A et 3B illustrent une application dans laquelle le levier 10 actionne un mécanisme de signalisation de déclenchement. Ce mécanisme comprend un levier 52 articulé autour d'un axe 53 solidaire du boîtier du disjoncteur. Le levier 52 comporte une partie 52-1 s'étendant vers la gauche au-dessus du levier 10 et une partie 52-2 s'étendant vers le bas. Une lame élastique conductrice 55 est montée sur une plaque isolante 56 verticale fixée sur le boîtier du disjoncteur et s'étend vers le bas à gauche de la partie 52 -2 du levier 52. La plaque 56 comprend un contact 57 au niveau de la partie inférieure de la lame 55. A la figure 3B, lorsque le levier de verrouillage 10 remonte, un élément solidaire du levier 10, par exemple la partie supérieure du ressort 14 susmentionné, vient s'appuyer sur la partie 52-1 du levier 52. Ce levier 52 pivote et sa partie 52-2 applique l'extrémité inférieure de la lame 55 sur le contact 57. La fermeture de ce contact peut par exemple faire sonner une alarme ou allumer un voyant.FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an application in which the lever 10 actuates a trigger signaling mechanism. This mechanism includes a lever 52 articulated around an axis 53 secured to the circuit breaker housing. The lever 52 has a part 52-1 extending to the left above the lever 10 and a part 52-2 extending downwards. A conductive elastic blade 55 is mounted on a vertical insulating plate 56 fixed to the circuit breaker housing and extends down to the left of the part 52 -2 of the lever 52. The plate 56 comprises a contact 57 at the level of the part lower part of the blade 55. In FIG. 3B, when the locking lever 10 rises, an element integral with the lever 10, for example the upper part of the above-mentioned spring 14, comes to bear on the part 52-1 of the lever 52. This lever 52 pivots and its part 52-2 applies the lower end of the blade 55 to the contact 57. Closing this contact can for example sound an alarm or light an indicator.

Les figures 4A et 4B illustrent une application du mécanisme des figures 3A et 3B à un dispositif de sécurité permettant de séparer simultanément des contacts d'un disjoncteur multipolaire. Un disjoncteur multipolaire comprend plusieurs couples de contacts associés chacun à un circuit électrique isolé. Les figures 4A et 4B représentent des positions correspondant aux figures 3A et 3B et on y retrouve des mêmes éléments désignés par des mêmes références. Les éléments représentés sont ceux associés à un seul couple de contacts. Les verrous 12 associés respectivement à chacun des couples de contacts sont articulés autour du même axe 25 qui est actionné par un seul mécanisme de commande (glissière 26, bouton 35, pinces 39).FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an application of the mechanism of FIGS. 3A and 3B to a safety device enabling the contacts of a multipole circuit breaker to be separated simultaneously. A multipole circuit breaker comprises several pairs of contacts each associated with an isolated electrical circuit. Figures 4A and 4B show positions corresponding to Figures 3A and 3B and there are the same elements designated by the same references. The elements represented are those associated with a single pair of contacts. The latches 12 associated respectively with each of the pairs of contacts are articulated around the same axis 25 which is actuated by a single control mechanism (slide 26, button 35, clamps 39).

A la figure 4A, le ressort 50 est comprimé par la pression du bec 12-1 et le levier de verrouillage 10 est à sa position basse. Le dispositif de séparation simultanée comprend un levier 60 solidaire d'un axe 61 articulé par rapport au boîtier du disjoncteur et disposé à gauche du levier 10. Le levier 60 est rendu solidaire en rotation de l'axe 61, par exemple comme cela est représenté, par une partie repliée 60-1 sur un méplat de l'axe 61. Le levier 60 comprend une partie 60-2 s'étendant au-dessus du butoir 10-1 du levier de verrouillage 10 et un bec 60-3 à proximité du levier de verrouillage 10 en-dessous du butoir 10-1.In FIG. 4A, the spring 50 is compressed by the pressure of the spout 12-1 and the locking lever 10 is in its low position. The simultaneous separation device comprises a lever 60 secured to an axis 61 articulated with respect to the circuit breaker housing and disposed to the left of the lever 10. The lever 60 is made to rotate with the axis 61, for example as shown , by a part folded 60-1 on a flat part of the axis 61. The lever 60 comprises a part 60-2 extending above the stopper 10-1 of the locking lever 10 and a spout 60-3 nearby of the locking lever 10 below the stopper 10-1.

A la figure 4B, le bec 12-1 d'un couple de contacts particulier vient d'être libéré à la suite d'une surintensité. Le levier de verrouillage 10 correspondant se soulève et le butoir 10-1 vient pousser la partie 60-2 du levier 60 correspondant. Les leviers 60 associés aux autres couples de contacts suivent le même mouvement, leurs becs 60-2 viennent appuyer contre les leviers de verrouillage 10 associés, les poussent vers la droite et libèrent les becs 12-1 associés. Alors, les verrous 12 associés à ces autres couples de contacts tournent dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre en provoquant la séparation des contacts associés.In FIG. 4B, the spout 12-1 of a particular pair of contacts has just been released following an overcurrent. The corresponding locking lever 10 lifts and the stopper 10-1 pushes the part 60-2 of the corresponding lever 60. The levers 60 associated with the other pairs of contacts follow the same movement, their spouts 60-2 press against the locking levers 10 associated, push them to the right and release the spouts 12-1 associated. Then, the locks 12 associated with these other pairs of contacts rotate clockwise, causing the associated contacts to separate.

Lors d'une surintensité, comme dans le cas des figures 3A et 3B, même si les contacts 23 et 19 d'un couple de contacts particulier restent soudés, le levier de verrouillage 10 correspondant se soulève et provoque la séparation des autres couples de contacts.During an overcurrent, as in the case of FIGS. 3A and 3B, even if the contacts 23 and 19 of a particular pair of contacts remain welded, the corresponding locking lever 10 is raised and causes the separation of the other pairs of contacts .

La présente invention est susceptible de nombreuses variantes et modifications qui apparaîtront à l'homme de l'art. Par exemple, le dispositif de signalisation décrit en relation avec les figures 3A et 3B peut être combiné au dispositif de sécurité du disjoncteur multipolaire des figures 4A et 4B. Le mécanisme des figures 3A à 4B s'applique à tout disjoncteur comprenant un mécanisme dans lequel le verrou a un mouvement descendant d'enclenchement du disjoncteur.The present invention is susceptible of numerous variants and modifications which will appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the signaling device described in relation to FIGS. 3A and 3B can be combined with the safety device of the multipole circuit breaker of FIGS. 4A and 4B. The mechanism of FIGS. 3A to 4B applies to any circuit breaker comprising a mechanism in which the latch has a descending movement for engaging the circuit breaker.

Claims (6)

Disjoncteur comprenant une cosse (17) reliée à une bilame (1) dont l'inclinaison est réglable par l'action d'une vis à bout conique, caractérisé en ce qu'une extrémité de la bilame est encastrée dans un axe isolant (2) parallèle au plan de la bilame (1), la position en rotation de cet axe étant réglable par ladite vis à bout conique (5) disposée parallèlement à l'axe et venant s'appuyer sur un levier (4) solidaire de l'axe (2) et perpendiculaire à celui-ci.Circuit breaker comprising a terminal (17) connected to a bimetallic strip (1) whose inclination is adjustable by the action of a tapered screw, characterized in that one end of the bimetallic strip is embedded in an insulating axis (2 ) parallel to the plane of the bimetallic strip (1), the position in rotation of this axis being adjustable by said tapered screw (5) disposed parallel to the axis and coming to bear on a lever (4) integral with the axis (2) and perpendicular thereto. Disjoncteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite extrémité de la bilame (1) traverse l'axe et est reliée à la cosse (17) par l'intermédiaire d'une bande métallique souple (15).Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that said end of the bimetallic strip (1) crosses the axis and is connected to the terminal (17) by means of a flexible metal strip (15). Disjoncteur selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la section de la bande métallique (15) est choisie pour fondre lorsqu'elle est traversée par un courant prédéterminé supérieur au courant nominal de déclenchement du disjoncteur.Circuit breaker according to claim 2, characterized in that the section of the metal strip (15) is chosen to melt when it is crossed by a predetermined current greater than the nominal tripping current of the circuit breaker. Disjoncteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que l'axe est en céramique.Circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the axis is ceramic. Disjoncteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la tête de la vis (5) et une partie d'une extrémité de l'axe (2) sont apparents à l'extérieur du boîtier (3) du disjoncteur et en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de blocage en position réglée de la vis et de l'axe.Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that the head of the screw (5) and part of one end of the axis (2) are visible outside the case (3) of the circuit breaker and in that it comprises means for locking in the adjusted position of the screw and the axis. Disjoncteur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit blocage est réalisé par dépôt d'une substance polymérisable sur les parties apparentes de la vis et de l'axe.Circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that said blocking is achieved by depositing a polymerizable substance on the visible parts of the screw and of the axis.
EP92420245A 1991-07-25 1992-07-21 Adjusting device for bimetal of a circuit breaker Expired - Lifetime EP0526355B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9109685A FR2679699B1 (en) 1991-07-25 1991-07-25 DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A BLADE OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER.
FR9109685 1991-07-25

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EP0526355A1 true EP0526355A1 (en) 1993-02-03
EP0526355B1 EP0526355B1 (en) 1996-10-30

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EP92420245A Expired - Lifetime EP0526355B1 (en) 1991-07-25 1992-07-21 Adjusting device for bimetal of a circuit breaker

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EP (1) EP0526355B1 (en)
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FR2748151B1 (en) * 1996-04-30 1998-07-10 Crouzet Automatismes MANUAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC SWITCHING MEMBER
US6084193A (en) * 1998-10-07 2000-07-04 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electrical circuit interruption device having improved arc extinguishing apparatus including an arc paddle
CA2405209A1 (en) 1999-04-13 2000-10-19 Christopher Lee Somerville Terminal for an active labelling system
WO2013084242A2 (en) 2011-12-07 2013-06-13 Rao Css System and method for providing a secure electronic identification and management system for livestock with ownership interface, e-governance and global supply chain traceability for products of animal origin

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CH511510A (en) * 1970-11-24 1971-08-15 Maier & Cie C Bimetal overcurrent release
FR2287767A1 (en) * 1974-10-09 1976-05-07 Ellenberger & Poensgen DIRECTLY HEATED BIMETALLIC BLADE SERVING A THERMAL RELEASE
EP0285340A2 (en) * 1987-04-02 1988-10-05 Texas Instruments Incorporated Miniature circuit breaker with improved longevity

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3697915A (en) * 1970-10-26 1972-10-10 Texas Instruments Inc Circuit breaker having means for increasing current carrying capacity
US4812799A (en) * 1987-04-02 1989-03-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Miniature circuit breaker with improved longevity
US4837545A (en) * 1987-04-02 1989-06-06 Texas Instruments Incorporated Miniature circuit breaker with improved longevity
US4827233A (en) * 1987-04-02 1989-05-02 Texas Instruments Incorporated Miniature circuit breaker with improved longivity

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH511510A (en) * 1970-11-24 1971-08-15 Maier & Cie C Bimetal overcurrent release
FR2287767A1 (en) * 1974-10-09 1976-05-07 Ellenberger & Poensgen DIRECTLY HEATED BIMETALLIC BLADE SERVING A THERMAL RELEASE
EP0285340A2 (en) * 1987-04-02 1988-10-05 Texas Instruments Incorporated Miniature circuit breaker with improved longevity

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5257001A (en) 1993-10-26
FR2679699A1 (en) 1993-01-29
DE69214894D1 (en) 1996-12-05
DE69214894T2 (en) 1997-05-22
EP0526355B1 (en) 1996-10-30
FR2679699B1 (en) 1995-03-10

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