EP0542641B1 - Process and device for adjusting a thermal bimetal tripping device - Google Patents

Process and device for adjusting a thermal bimetal tripping device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0542641B1
EP0542641B1 EP92420387A EP92420387A EP0542641B1 EP 0542641 B1 EP0542641 B1 EP 0542641B1 EP 92420387 A EP92420387 A EP 92420387A EP 92420387 A EP92420387 A EP 92420387A EP 0542641 B1 EP0542641 B1 EP 0542641B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
temperature
bimetal strip
setting
bar
pin
Prior art date
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP92420387A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0542641A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Izoard
Eric Menegaz
Jean-Louis Drillat
Philippe Le Maitre
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Schneider Electric SE
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Schneider Electric SE
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H69/00—Apparatus or processes for the manufacture of emergency protective devices
    • H01H69/01—Apparatus or processes for the manufacture of emergency protective devices for calibrating or setting of devices to function under predetermined conditions
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/0062—Testing or measuring non-electrical properties of switches, e.g. contact velocity
    • H01H2011/0068—Testing or measuring non-electrical properties of switches, e.g. contact velocity measuring the temperature of the switch or parts thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H2011/0075—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches calibrating mechanical switching properties, e.g. "snap or switch moment", by mechanically deforming a part of the switch, e.g. elongating a blade spring by puncturing it with a laser
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H2011/0087—Welding switch parts by use of a laser beam
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H69/00—Apparatus or processes for the manufacture of emergency protective devices
    • H01H69/01—Apparatus or processes for the manufacture of emergency protective devices for calibrating or setting of devices to function under predetermined conditions
    • H01H2069/013—Apparatus or processes for the manufacture of emergency protective devices for calibrating or setting of devices to function under predetermined conditions with calibrating screws in trip bar
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/14—Electrothermal mechanisms
    • H01H71/16—Electrothermal mechanisms with bimetal element
    • H01H71/164—Heating elements

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Fuses (AREA)
  • Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)

Description

L'invention est relative à un procédé de réglage d'un déclencheur thermique à bilame, notamment pour un disjoncteur électrique, consistant à positionner la bilame par rapport à un pion de réglage d'une barre de déclenchement, suite à un passage d'un courant de réglage d'intensité supérieure à celle du courant nominal.The invention relates to a method for adjusting a bimetal thermal trip device, in particular for an electric circuit breaker, consisting in positioning the bimetallic strip relative to a setting pin for a trip bar, following a passage of a current setting higher than that of the nominal current.

Il existe une multitude de paramètres de construction liés à l'environnement, susceptibles d'influencer le comportement d'un déclencheur thermique à bilame. Le cumul des tolérances engendrées par ces paramètres peut être supérieur à la fourchette de déclenchement imposée par la norme, laquelle spécifie que le déclenchement doit intervenir entre 1,05ln et 1,3ln au bout d'une heure (In étant le courant nominal).There are a multitude of construction parameters linked to the environment, which can influence the behavior of a bimetal thermal trip device. The sum of the tolerances generated by these parameters may be greater than the trigger range imposed by the standard, which specifies that the trigger must occur between 1.05ln and 1.3ln after one hour (In being the nominal current).

Le réglage usine a pour rôle de minimiser l'influence de ces paramètres, et consiste à figer les positions relatives de la bilame par rapport à la base de déclenchement.The factory setting has the role of minimizing the influence of these parameters, and consists of freezing the relative positions of the bimetallic strip relative to the trigger base.

Une méthode connue de réglage usine consiste à faire passer un courant de contrôle de 31n pendant un temps fixe prédéterminé. Une vis de réglage permet ensuite de déformer le pied de la bilame pour déclencher le disjoncteur.A known method of factory setting is to pass a control current of 31n for a predetermined fixed time. An adjustment screw then deforms the foot of the bimetallic strip to trip the circuit breaker.

Une autre méthode connue utilise une cale, qui après passage du courant pendant un intervalle de temps fixe, est rendue solidaire de la barre au moyen d'une colle sensible à un rayonnement aux ultras-violets. La polymérisation de la colle dure plusieurs secondes, période pendant laquelle il est indispensable d'immobiliser la position de la bilame par rapport à la barre de déclenchement. Le temps d'un tel cycle de réglage est très long, ce qui constitue un inconvénient lorsque le réglage est opéré sur une chaîne de fabrication automatique.Another known method uses a shim, which after passage of the current for a fixed time interval, is made integral with the bar by means of an adhesive sensitive to ultra-violet radiation. The polymerization of the adhesive lasts several seconds, during which period it is essential to immobilize the position of the bimetallic strip relative to the trigger bar. The time of such an adjustment cycle is very long, which is a drawback when the adjustment is made on an automatic production line.

Une autre méthode décrite dans le document FR-A 1 204 498, sur lequel le préambule de la revendication 1 est basé, propose de loger dans une cavité une petite quantité de matière fusible, par exemple de la soudure à l'étain, rapidement solidifiable. Dans la position de réglage, la matière fusible est amenée à fusion par un bref chauffage localisé par induction, puis se solidifie par la suite pour rigidifier la liaison mécanique.Another method described in document FR-A 1 204 498, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, proposes to house in a cavity a small quantity of fusible material, for example tin solder, which can be solidified rapidly. . In the adjustment position, the fusible material is brought to fusion by a brief localized heating by induction, then solidifies thereafter to stiffen the mechanical connection.

Dans ces méthodes de l'art antérieur, le contrôle de la position initiale de la bilame est basé exclusivement sur le passage du courant pendant un temps donné.In these methods of the prior art, the control of the initial position of the bimetallic strip is based exclusively on the passage of the current for a given time.

Un premier objet de l'invention consiste à améliorer le procédé de réglage usine d'un déclencheur thermique pour s'affranchir de l'ensemble des facteurs d'influence externe ou de construction.A first object of the invention consists in improving the factory setting process of a thermal trip device in order to overcome all the factors of external influence or of construction.

Le procédé selon l'invention est caractérisé par les étapes suivantes:

  • après insertion avec jeu du pion de réglage à l'intérieur d'un orifice de la barre dans une zone située en regard de la bilame, on fait passer le courant de réglage IR pour provoquer la déflexion de la bilame, entraînant le pion à l'intérieur de l'orifice, alors que la barre de déclenchement reste immobile,
  • on mesure la montée en température de la bilame pendant le passage du courant de réglage,
  • on immobilise le pion dans l'orifice de la barre dans une position optimum, lorsque la température mesurée atteint une première valeur prédéterminée.
The method according to the invention is characterized by the following stages:
  • after insertion with clearance of the adjustment pin inside a hole in the bar in an area located opposite the bimetallic strip, the IR adjustment current is passed to cause deflection of the bimetallic strip, causing the pawn to l inside the hole, while the trigger bar remains stationary,
  • the temperature rise of the bimetallic strip is measured during the passage of the setting current,
  • the pin is immobilized in the orifice of the bar in an optimum position, when the measured temperature reaches a first predetermined value.

La fixation du pion de réglage dans l'orifice peut être opérée par soudage au laser effectué simultanément sur tous les pôles.The setting of the adjustment pin in the orifice can be carried out by laser welding carried out simultaneously on all the poles.

Le contrôle mis en oeuvre par ce procédé est basé sur la température, laquelle réagit directement sur la déflexion de la bilame. La soudure au laser s'effectue d'une manière quasi-instantanée lorsque le pion se trouve dans sa position optimum. La soudure laser permet de travailler à la volée, ce qui est favorable à une réduction du temps du cycle de réglage. Le réglage usine peut être facilement réalisé en automatique en fin de chaîne de fabrication.The control implemented by this process is based on the temperature, which reacts directly on the deflection of the bimetallic strip. Laser welding takes place almost instantaneously when the pin is in its optimum position. Laser welding makes it possible to work on the fly, which is favorable for reducing the time of the adjustment cycle. Factory setting can be easily achieved automatically at the end of the production chain.

Le courant est maintenu après l'immobilisation au laser du pion de réglage, et on vérifie l'action de déclenchement lorsque la température de la bilame atteint une deuxième valeur prédéterminée a2.Current is maintained after laser immobilization of the pawn adjustment, and the tripping action is checked when the temperature of the bimetallic strip reaches a second predetermined value a2.

Selon un développement du procédé, on fait usage d'un dispositif d'asservissement piloté par la température de la bilame pour modifier le réglage d'une vis de positionnement de la barre, de manière à faire intervenir le déclenchement pour ladite deuxième valeur de la température. Après réglage, on bloque la vis dans son support.According to a development of the method, use is made of a servo device controlled by the temperature of the bimetallic strip to modify the setting of a screw for positioning the bar, so as to involve triggering for said second value of the temperature. After adjustment, the screw is locked in its support.

Un deuxième objet de l'invention consiste à réaliser un dispositif de réglage pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé. Le dispositif selon l'invention est défini dans la revendication 8. La mesure de la température de la bilame intervient en temps réel au moyen d'un pyromètre à infrarouge couplé à un circuit électronique d'un automate programmable, pour la commande d'un laser et du dispositif d'asservissement de la vis de positionnement de la barre.A second object of the invention consists in producing an adjustment device for implementing the method. The device according to the invention is defined in claim 8. The measurement of the temperature of the bimetallic strip takes place in real time by means of an infrared pyrometer coupled to an electronic circuit of a programmable controller, for controlling a laser and the servo device for the bar positioning screw.

Le circuit électronique comporte des moyens de commande actionnés par le signal de sortie du pyromètre, comparé à un premier et un deuxième signal de référence S1,S2, dont le franchissement est opéré aux temps t2 et t4 lorsque la température de la bilame atteint respectivement la première et deuxième valeurs.The electronic circuit comprises control means actuated by the pyrometer output signal, compared to a first and a second reference signal S1, S2, the crossing of which is effected at times t2 and t4 when the temperature of the bimetallic strip reaches respectively the first and second values.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention donné à titre d'exemple, et représenté aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of an embodiment of the invention given by way of example, and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

La figure 1 montre une vue schématique de mise en oeuvre du procédé de réglage selon l'invention.Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the implementation of the adjustment method according to the invention.

La figure 2 représente le diagramme de la température de la bilame en fonction du temps au cours d'un cycle de réglage thermique.FIG. 2 represents the diagram of the temperature of the bimetallic strip as a function of time during a thermal adjustment cycle.

La figure 3 illustre une vue partielle de la figure 1 d'une variante de réalisation.Figure 3 illustrates a partial view of Figure 1 of an alternative embodiment.

La figure 4 montre une vue agrandie d'une partie de la figure 3, après soudure au laser.Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of part of Figure 3, after laser welding.

Sur les figures 1 et 2, un déclencheur thermique 10 d'un disjoncteur multipolaire comporte dans chaque pôle une bilame 12 associée à un chauffeur 14 dans lequel circule le courant. Un capuchon 15 prévu à l'extrémité de la bilame 12 est susceptible de coopérer avec une barre de déclenchement 16 montée à rotation limitée autour d'un axe 18. En cas de déflexion de la bilame 12 dans le sens de la flèche F1 suite à l'apparition d'un courant de surcharge, la barre 16 isolante tourne dans le sens horaire indiqué par la flèche F3, et provoque le déverrouillage du mécanisme de commande (non représenté) entraînant l'ouverture des contacts du disjoncteur. La barre 16 comprend un premier bras 20 d'accrochage coopérant avec le verrou d'encliquetage (non représenté), et un deuxième bras 22 de positionnement équipé d'un pion 24 de réglage, lequel vient en engagement avec l'extrémité 15 de la bilame 12.In FIGS. 1 and 2, a thermal trip device 10 of a multipole circuit breaker comprises in each pole a bimetallic strip 12 associated with a driver 14 in which the current flows. A cap 15 provided at the end of the bimetallic strip 12 is capable of cooperating with a trigger bar 16 mounted with limited rotation about an axis 18. In the event of bending of the bimetallic strip 12 in the direction of the arrow F1 following the appearance of an overload current, the insulating bar 16 rotates clockwise as indicated by the arrow F3, and causes the unlocking of the control mechanism (not shown) causing the opening of the contacts of the circuit breaker. The bar 16 comprises a first attachment arm 20 cooperating with the latching lock (not shown), and a second positioning arm 22 equipped with an adjustment pin 24, which comes into engagement with the end 15 of the bimetallic strip 12.

Lors du montage du disjoncteur, le pion 24 de réglage est inséré à coulissement dans un tube 26 de guidage solidaire du deuxième bras 22 de la barre 16. Le tube 26 et le pion 24, réalisés en matériau métallique, par exemple de l'acier, sont séparés l'un de l'autre par un jeu minimal. La longueur axiale du pion 24 est supérieure à celle du tube 26, lequel fait saillie des deux côtés latéraux du deuxième bras 22.When mounting the circuit breaker, the adjustment pin 24 is slidably inserted into a guide tube 26 secured to the second arm 22 of the bar 16. The tube 26 and the pin 24, made of metallic material, for example steel , are separated from each other by a minimum clearance. The axial length of the pin 24 is greater than that of the tube 26, which projects from the two lateral sides of the second arm 22.

Pour minimiser l'influence des paramètres de constructions et de l'environnement influençant le comportement du déclencheur thermique 10, un réglage usine consiste à figer le positionnement de la bilame 12 par rapport aux organes de déclenchement lorsque le pion 24 de réglage atteint une position optimum. Le pion 24 est alors immobilisé dans le tube 26 au moyen du procédé selon l'invention.To minimize the influence of the construction parameters and the environment influencing the behavior of the thermal release 10, a factory setting consists of freezing the positioning of the bimetallic strip 12 relative to the triggering members when the adjustment pin 24 reaches an optimum position. The pin 24 is then immobilized in the tube 26 by means of the method according to the invention.

Le procédé de réglage du déclencheur thermique 10 est le suivant:The method for adjusting the thermal trip device 10 is as follows:

A un temps t1, on injecte dans le pôle un courant de réglage IR, ayant une intensité supérieure au courant nominal In, par exemple 3 à 5 In. Le passage du courant de réglage IR dans le chauffeur 14 provoque l'échauffement du pied de la bilame 12, suivi de la déflexion de l'extrémité 15 dans le sens de la flèche F1. Le déplacement de la bilame 12 pousse le pion 24 à l'intérieur du tube 26 dans le sens de la flèche F2, tandis que la barre 16 de déclenchement et le tube 26 restent immobiles.At a time t1, an IR adjustment current is injected into the pole, having an intensity greater than the nominal current In, for example 3 to 5 In. The passage of the IR adjustment current through the driver 14 causes the foot of the bimetallic strip 12, followed by the deflection of the end 15 in the direction of arrow F1. The movement of the bimetallic strip 12 pushes the pin 24 inside the tube 26 in the direction of the arrow F2, while the trigger bar 16 and the tube 26 remain stationary.

Pendant la course en translation du pion 24, un pyromètre 28 à infrarouge mesure en temps réel, la température du pied de la bilame 12 à travers un trou 30 du chauffeur 14. Le pyromètre 28 compare la température mesurée à un premier seuil de référence S1 mémorisé dans un circuit électronique 32, notamment d'un automate de commande d'un laser 34 et d'un dispositif d'asservissement 36. Une vis 38 de réglage de la position transversale de la barre 16 est pilotée automatiquement par le dispositif d'asservissement 36.During the translational travel of the pin 24, an infrared pyrometer 28 measures in real time the temperature of the base of the bimetallic strip 12 through a hole 30 in the driver 14. The pyrometer 28 compares the measured temperature to a first reference threshold S1 stored in an electronic circuit 32, in particular of a laser control automaton 34 and a servo device 36. A screw 38 for adjusting the transverse position of the bar 16 is automatically controlled by the device enslavement 36.

Au temps t2, la bilame 12 atteint la température a1 correspondant à la valeur du premier seuil de référence S1. Le circuit électronique 32 commande l'excitation du laser 34, lequel envoie un rayon laser 40 pulsé en direction du tube 26 (flèche p). L'impact du rayon laser 40 sur la surface extérieure du tube 26, provoque une fusion locale du métal entraînant une soudure du tube 40 et du pion 24. Il en résulte une immobilisation en translation du pion de réglage 24 à l'intérieur du tube 26.At time t2, the bimetallic strip 12 reaches the temperature a1 corresponding to the value of the first reference threshold S1. The electronic circuit 32 controls the excitation of the laser 34, which sends a pulsed laser beam 40 towards the tube 26 (arrow p). The impact of the laser beam 40 on the outer surface of the tube 26 causes a local fusion of the metal, causing the tube 40 and the pin 24 to be welded. This results in immobilization in translation of the adjustment pin 24 inside the tube. 26.

Le courant de réglage IR est maintenu au-delà du temps t2, et continue à chauffer la bilame 12. Le blocage du pion 24 engendre un effet d'arc-boutement de la bilame 12, ce qui se traduit par un mouvement de rotation de la barre 16 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre (flèche F3). Le pyromètre 28 compare la température de la bilame 12 avec un deuxième seuil de référence S2, et le circuit électronique 32 vérifie que l'action de déclenchement intervient au temps t4 (point B, figure 2) et à la température a2, appelé température de déclenchement. La température de déclenchement a2 est affichée sur un dispositif de visualisation 42 intégré dans le pupitre de contrôle. On remarque que le courant de réglage IR est maintenu jusqu'au déclenchement, avec relevé de la température de déclenchement a2.The adjustment current IR is maintained beyond the time t2, and continues to heat the bimetallic strip 12. The blocking of the pin 24 generates an effect of bracing of the bimetallic strip 12, which results in a rotational movement of the bar 16 in a clockwise direction (arrow F3). The pyrometer 28 compares the temperature of the bimetallic strip 12 with a second reference threshold S2, and the electronic circuit 32 verifies that the triggering action occurs at time t4 (point B, FIG. 2) and at temperature a2, called temperature of trigger. The tripping temperature a2 is displayed on a display device 42 integrated in the control console. Note that the IR adjustment current is maintained until tripping, with reading of the tripping temperature a2.

Selon un développement du procédé, et en fonction de la valeur de la température mesurée par le pyromètre 28, le circuit électronique 32 est susceptible de faire intervenir le dispositif d'asservissement 36 de la vis de réglage 38 centralisé du déclencheur. La mise en service du dispositif d'asservissement 36 s'opère au temps t3 (point C), légèrement antérieur au temps t4 de déclenchement.According to a development of the process, and as a function of the value of the temperature measured by the pyrometer 28, the electronic circuit 32 is capable of involving the servo device 36 of the centralized adjustment screw 38 of the trip device. Commissioning of the servo device 36 takes place at time t3 (point C), slightly earlier than tripping time t4.

Il en résulte un déplacement en translation de la barre 16, modifiant la course d'actionnement de la bilame 12, pour faire intervenir le déclenchement au temps t4 et à la température a2. Après réglage, la vis 38 est bloquée dans son support.This results in a translational movement of the bar 16, modifying the actuating stroke of the bimetallic strip 12, to involve the trigger at time t4 and at the temperature a2. After adjustment, the screw 38 is locked in its support.

Cette méthode de réglage du déclencheur thermique 10 est basée sur la température de la bilame 12, et non sur le courant. Une simple modification du logiciel du circuit électronique 32 permet d'opter pour une solution avec ou sans intervention du dispositif d'asservissement 36.This method of adjusting the thermal trip device 10 is based on the temperature of the bimetallic strip 12, and not on the current. A simple modification of the software of the electronic circuit 32 makes it possible to opt for a solution with or without the intervention of the control device 36.

La soudure au laser permet d'obtenir une immobilisation quasi-instantanée du pion 24 de réglage dans sa position optimum, et à un instant t2 très précis.Laser welding makes it possible to obtain an almost instantaneous immobilization of the adjustment pin 24 in its optimum position, and at a very precise instant t2.

Le temps réduit du cycle de réglage permet d'effectuer directement le réglage du déclencheur thermique en fin de chaîne automatique de fabrication.The reduced time of the adjustment cycle allows direct adjustment of the thermal release at the end of the chain automatic manufacturing.

Sur la variante des figures 3 et 4, le pion de réglage 24 en acier est inséré directement dans un alésage 46 du bras 22 isolant de la barre 16. Le rayon laser 40 bombarde le pion 24 à travers un orifice 48 orthogonal réalisé dans la matière plastique. Le métal en fusion est refoulé vers l'orifice 48 pour former un arrêt 50 en rotation et en translation du pion 24.In the variant of FIGS. 3 and 4, the steel adjustment pin 24 is inserted directly into a bore 46 of the insulating arm 22 of the bar 16. The laser beam 40 bombards the pin 24 through an orthogonal orifice 48 made in the material plastic. The molten metal is forced back towards the orifice 48 to form a stop 50 in rotation and in translation of the pin 24.

La méthode de réglage thermique selon les figures 1 à 4 est également valable pour une bilame à chauffage direct.The thermal adjustment method according to Figures 1 to 4 is also valid for a bimetallic strip with direct heating.

Pendant l'opération de réglage dans le pupitre, le disjoncteur est positionné avantageusement pour que le pion 24 soit dirigé verticalement vers le bas en prenant appui sur l'extrémité 15 de la bilame 12 par effet de gravité.During the adjustment operation in the console, the circuit breaker is advantageously positioned so that the pin 24 is directed vertically downward by bearing on the end 15 of the bimetallic strip 12 by gravity effect.

Le boîtier 54 isolant du disjoncteur comporte un trou 56 en regard de la bilame 12 de chaque pôle pour permettre le passage du faisceau infrarouge du pyromètre 28.The insulating case 54 of the circuit breaker has a hole 56 opposite the bimetallic strip 12 of each pole to allow the infrared beam of the pyrometer 28 to pass.

Claims (9)

  1. A process for setting a thermal trip device (10) with a bimetal strip (12), notably for an electrical circuit breaker, consisting in positioning the bimetal strip (12) with respect to an adjusting pin (24) of a trip bar (16), following application of a setting current (IR) of an intensity greater than that of the rated current (In),
    characterized by the following stages :
    - after the adjusting pin (24) has been inserted with clearance inside an orifice of the bar (16) in a zone situated facing the bimetal strip (12), the setting current (IR) is applied to cause deflection of the bimetal strip (12), driving the pin (24) inside the orifice, whereas the trip bar (16) remains immobile,
    - the temperature increase of the bimetal strip (12) is measured during application of the setting current (IR),
    - the pin (24) is immobilized in the orifice of the bar (16) in an optimum position, when the measured temperature reaches a first preset value (a1).
  2. The setting process according to claim 1, characterized in that fixing of the adjusting pin (24) in the orifice is performed by welding by laser (34) carried out simultaneously on all the poles.
  3. The setting process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that :
    - application of the setting current (IR) is maintained after the pin (24) has been immobilized, so that the continued deflection of the bimetal strip (12) drives the bar (16) to the tripped position,
    - the tripping action is checked when the temperature of the bimetal strip (12) reaches a second preset value (a2).
  4. The setting process according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature of the bimetal strip (12) is displayed on a display device (42).
  5. The setting process according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that :
    - a servocontrol device (36) controlled by the temperature of the bimetal strip (12) is used to modify the setting of a positioning screw (38) of the bar (16), so as to bring about tripping for said second temperature value (a2),
    - the screw (38) is locked in its support after setting.
  6. The setting process according to claim 5, characterized in that the servocontrol device (36) is put into operation at a time (t3) situated between the time (t2) when the pin welding order is given, and the tripping time (t4).
  7. The setting process according to claim 1, characterized in that temperature is measured by an infrared pyrometer (28), and that the infrared beam coming from the pyrometer (28) to pick up the temperature of the bimetal strip (12) passes through a hole (56) of the case (54) housing the trip device, said hole being arranged facing the bimetal strip (12).
  8. A setting device of a trip device for implementation of the process according to one of the claims 1 to 7, comprising a laser (34), a servocontrol device (36) of the positioning screw (38) of the trip bar (16) of the trip device and an infrared pyrometer (28) for measurement in real time of the temperature of the bimetal strip (12) of the trip device, said pyrometer (28) being coupled to an electronic circuit (32) of a programmable controller for control of the laser (34) and of the servocontrol device (36) of the positioning screw (38) of the trip bar (16).
  9. The setting device according to claim 8, characterized in that the electronic circuit (32) comprises control means actuated by the output signal of the pyrometer (28), compared with a first and a second reference signal (S1, S2), which are exceeded at the times t2 and t4 when the temperature of the bimetal strip (12) reaches respectively the first and second values (a1, a2).
EP92420387A 1991-11-13 1992-10-28 Process and device for adjusting a thermal bimetal tripping device Expired - Lifetime EP0542641B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9114197 1991-11-13
FR9114197A FR2683675B1 (en) 1991-11-13 1991-11-13 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING A TECHNICAL TRIGGER WITH BILAME.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0542641A1 EP0542641A1 (en) 1993-05-19
EP0542641B1 true EP0542641B1 (en) 1997-09-10

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92420387A Expired - Lifetime EP0542641B1 (en) 1991-11-13 1992-10-28 Process and device for adjusting a thermal bimetal tripping device

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US (1) US5317471A (en)
EP (1) EP0542641B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69222117T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2108742T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2683675B1 (en)
MX (1) MX9206479A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2683675B1 (en) 1993-12-31
ES2108742T3 (en) 1998-01-01
MX9206479A (en) 1993-05-01
US5317471A (en) 1994-05-31
DE69222117D1 (en) 1997-10-16
EP0542641A1 (en) 1993-05-19
FR2683675A1 (en) 1993-05-14
DE69222117T2 (en) 1998-02-19

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