EP1187159B1 - Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit - Google Patents

Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1187159B1
EP1187159B1 EP00440243A EP00440243A EP1187159B1 EP 1187159 B1 EP1187159 B1 EP 1187159B1 EP 00440243 A EP00440243 A EP 00440243A EP 00440243 A EP00440243 A EP 00440243A EP 1187159 B1 EP1187159 B1 EP 1187159B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
striker
circuit breaker
cap
trip unit
breaker according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00440243A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1187159A1 (en
Inventor
Francis Deckert
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.)
Hager Electro SAS
Original Assignee
Hager Electro 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 Hager Electro SAS filed Critical Hager Electro SAS
Priority to EP00440243A priority Critical patent/EP1187159B1/en
Priority to AT00440243T priority patent/ATE347171T1/en
Priority to DE60032137T priority patent/DE60032137T2/en
Publication of EP1187159A1 publication Critical patent/EP1187159A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1187159B1 publication Critical patent/EP1187159B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • H01H71/40—Combined electrothermal and electromagnetic mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/40—Combined electrothermal and electromagnetic mechanisms
    • H01H2071/407—Combined electrothermal and electromagnetic mechanisms the thermal element being heated by the coil of the electromagnetic mechanism

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of electrical safety equipment equipping electrical distribution cabinets and switchboards, in particular thermal and magnetic protection devices such as circuit breakers or differential circuit breakers, and relates to such a circuit breaker provided with a magneto-trip device. -thermal.
  • circuit breakers of this type are usually provided with a trigger consisting of two subassemblies ensuring one magnetic function and the other the thermal function.
  • the magnetic function is provided by a coil, held in a cylinder head and in which is mounted to move a striker for actuating the trigger of the contact carrier.
  • the thermal function is performed via a bimetallic strip connected to the electrical circuit of the circuit breaker by means of conductive braids. This bimetallic activates the trigger of the contact carrier following overheating due to continuous overload.
  • Circuit breakers of this type can satisfactorily meet the safety requirements. However, their constitution entails a significant size detrimental to obtaining a compact device. In addition, the fact that the bimetal is in series with the coil is penalizing for the dissipated power budget that is important.
  • the triggers thus formed also have the disadvantage of a relatively large footprint and a relatively long heating time when approaching the magnetic domain. It follows from this last disadvantage a crucial problem of overheating the device.
  • the bi-metallic trigger disk triggers have the disadvantage of allowing only a small stroke of the striker connected to the disk, so that it is necessary to have a particularly sensitive contact carrier trigger.
  • the striker in the form of a bar made of an alloy of shape memory materials.
  • a bar undergoes, under a rise in temperature, an elongation corresponding to the rise in temperature, so that its end moves in the direction of the trigger of the contact carrier and actuates the latter.
  • EP-A-0 147 278 discloses a circuit breaker with the thermal trip unit fully integrated in the coil of the magnetic part.
  • the present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a circuit breaker provided with a magneto-thermal trigger of simplified construction, at a lower cost and ensuring an improvement in reliability.
  • the circuit breaker provided with a magneto-thermal release is characterized in that the thermal trip unit is fully integrated in the coil of the magnetic part of said magneto-thermal trip unit.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings show a circuit breaker, which consists essentially of a shell 1 for receiving all the electromechanical elements, by a closure cover of the shell 1, by a contact carrier 3 provided with a movable contact 4, by a 5 trigger and engagement trigger, and a magneto-thermal trigger 6 can actuate the contact carrier 3, via a release lever 7 of said contact carrier 3 of the joystick 5.
  • the thermo-thermal trip unit 6 essentially consists of a magnetic part comprising a coil 8 and a thermal tripping device 9.
  • thermo-thermal trigger 6 the thermal trip unit 9 of the circuit breaker is fully integrated in the coil 8 of the magnetic part of said thermo-thermal trigger 6 .
  • the magnetic part comprises, besides the coil 8, a fixed core 10, a movable core 11 and a striker 12 movable by the movable core 11 against the action of a magnetic setting spring 13.
  • the thermal release 9 is constituted, as shown in Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, by a means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 under the effect of an increase in heat, this means 14 being guided, together with the striker 12 in the coil 8, possibly in a guide tube 15 itself inserted into the coil 8.
  • the means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 is constituted by a set of bimetallic washers which deform under the effect of heat, in order to give the striker 12 a displacement in direction of the release lever 7 of the contact carrier 3 of the handle 5 in order to actuate the latter by the end of said striker 12.
  • the entire thermal trip unit 9 is housed inside the magnetic part of the circuit breaker, and in particular in the coil 8.
  • the means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 is supported, on the one hand, on a shoulder 12 'of the firing pin 12 and on the other hand against a cap 17 secured to the movable core 11 of the magnetic part.
  • the washers forming the means 14 for moving the striker 12 may, for example, be flat washers at room temperature and deforming to take a concave or convex shape under the effect of heat.
  • these washers are arranged in such a way that their concavity or convexity is always opposite of a washer to an adjacent washer.
  • a concave deformation of a given washer will correspond to an inverse concave deformation of the next or previous washer, to form, under the effect of heat, a closed space between these washers.
  • a thermal setting spring 18 pressing against the shoulder 12 'of the striker 12, on the opposite side to the washers forming the means 14.
  • Such a spring 18 will have for object to bring the striker 12 in its starting position after a thermal trip, when the washers have returned to their rest position.
  • this calibration spring 18 allows an adjustment of the triggering speed of the thermal actuator 9 or the speed of deflection of the washers forming the means 14 taking into account the calibration of the coil 8 of the magnetic part and the nature of the bimetallic material used for producing the washers.
  • the guide tube 15 and the cap 17 may be made in the form of circularly closed parts.
  • the guide tube 15 can be made in the form of a tube provided with longitudinal openings 15 'spaced around its circumference. Such openings facilitate the heat exchange by radiation from the coil 8 of the magnetic part to the means 14 formed by the washers disposed in the cap 17 secured to the movable core 11. As a result, the cap 17 will be heated more rapidly and will radiatively and inductively transmit the heat to said means 14.
  • the radiation heat transmission can be further improved by providing, in the cap 17, longitudinal openings or recesses 17 'arranged at regular intervals on the circumference of said cap 17.
  • the longitudinal openings or recesses 17 'of the cap 17 are arranged at different angular intervals from the longitudinal openings 15 'of the guide tube 15 and are of a different number from those of these openings 15'.
  • at least one opening 15 'of the guide tube 15 will always be in correspondence with at least one opening or obviously longitudinal 17' of the cap 17 and that the passage of heat will always be assured.
  • This embodiment therefore makes it possible to improve the thermal part of the trigger with a noticeable reduction in the risk overheating of the coil 8 forming the magnetic part, especially at high intensity.
  • the magneto-thermal release can be completed by a screw 19 for adjusting the position of the assembly constituted by the striker 12, by the movable core 11, by the means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 and the cap 17.
  • a screw 19 makes it possible to adjust the initial position of the firing pin 12 and its actuating means in order to adjust the travel of said striker according to the characteristics of the materials constituting the different parts of the magneto-thermal trip units and the necessary sensitivity of the trip.
  • circuit breaker with magneto-thermal trigger having a small footprint due to the integration of the thermal part entirely in the magnetic part.
  • Such a circuit breaker makes it possible to obtain a low dissipated power budget, because the bimetallic strip or the heating element of the latter is no longer in the electrical circuit of the product and no longer participates in its impedance.
  • circuit breaker thus obtained requires virtually no adjustment and its reliability is notoriously improved.
  • this circuit breaker has a significantly lower manufacturing cost than existing circuit breakers to date. Indeed, because of the deletion including elements such as connection braids, some manual operations can be removed and the manufacture of circuit breakers according to the invention can be automated. This results in a lower manufacturing cost.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

The circuit breaker is enclosed in an outer shell with a contact carrier, moving contact and handle. There is a magneto thermal switch (6) driving the control carrier using a switching lever. The magneto thermal switch has a coil (8) and thermal switch (9) which are integrated within the thermal switch.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des appareillages électriques de sécurité équipant les armoires et tableaux de distribution électrique, en particulier des dispositifs de protection thermique et magnétique tels que les disjoncteurs ou les disjoncteurs différentiels et a pour objet un tel disjoncteur pourvu d'un déclencheur magnéto-thermique.The present invention relates to the field of electrical safety equipment equipping electrical distribution cabinets and switchboards, in particular thermal and magnetic protection devices such as circuit breakers or differential circuit breakers, and relates to such a circuit breaker provided with a magneto-trip device. -thermal.

Actuellement, les disjoncteurs existant de ce type sont généralement pourvus d'un déclencheur constitué par deux sous-ensembles assurant, l'un la fonction magnétique et l'autre la fonction thermique.Currently, existing circuit breakers of this type are usually provided with a trigger consisting of two subassemblies ensuring one magnetic function and the other the thermal function.

De manière connue, la fonction magnétique est assurée par une bobine, maintenue dans une culasse et dans laquelle est monté à déplacement un percuteur destiné à actionner le déclencheur du porte-contact.In known manner, the magnetic function is provided by a coil, held in a cylinder head and in which is mounted to move a striker for actuating the trigger of the contact carrier.

La fonction thermique est réalisée par l'intermédiaire d'un bilame relié au circuit électrique du disjoncteur au moyen de tresses conductrices. Ce bilame actionne le déclencheur du porte-contact suite à une surchauffe due à une surcharge continue.The thermal function is performed via a bimetallic strip connected to the electrical circuit of the circuit breaker by means of conductive braids. This bimetallic activates the trigger of the contact carrier following overheating due to continuous overload.

Les disjoncteurs de ce type permettent de répondre de manière satisfaisante aux exigences de sécurité. Cependant, leur constitution entraîne un encombrement important préjudicable à l'obtention d'un appareil compact. En outre, le fait que le bilame est en série avec la bobine est pénalisant pour le bilan de puissance dissipée qui est important.Circuit breakers of this type can satisfactorily meet the safety requirements. However, their constitution entails a significant size detrimental to obtaining a compact device. In addition, the fact that the bimetal is in series with the coil is penalizing for the dissipated power budget that is important.

Pour obvier à ces inconvénients, il a été proposé, par DE-C-36 37 275 et par EP-A-0 917 173 un déclencheur de surintensité pour disjoncteur mettant en oeuvre un enroulement chauffant et un disque déclencheur bimétallique présentant deux états de courbure dépendant de la température. Un tel déclencheur présente une courbure prédéterminée à l'état froid et, à l'état chaud, il présente une courbure inversée par rapport à la courbure initiale et entraîne, lors de son changement de forme, un percuteur actionnant le déclencheur du porte-contact.To obviate these disadvantages, it has been proposed, by DE-C-36 37 275 and EP-A-0 917 173, an overcurrent trip device for a circuit breaker employing a heating winding and a bimetallic trigger disc having two states of curvature. depending on the temperature. Such a release has a predetermined curvature in the cold state and, in the hot state, it has an inverted curvature with respect to the initial curvature and causes, during its change of shape, a striker actuating the trigger of the contact carrier .

Les déclencheurs ainsi constitués présentent également l'inconvénient d'un encombrement relativement important et d'un temps de chauffage relativement long lorsqu'on approche du domaine magnétique. Il résulte de ce dernier inconvénient un problème crucial de surchauffe de l'appareil.The triggers thus formed also have the disadvantage of a relatively large footprint and a relatively long heating time when approaching the magnetic domain. It follows from this last disadvantage a crucial problem of overheating the device.

Par ailleurs, les déclencheurs à disque déclencheur bi-métalliques présentent l'inconvénient de ne permettre qu'une faible course du percuteur relié au disque, de sorte qu'il est nécessaire de disposer d'un déclencheur de porte-contact particulièrement sensible.Moreover, the bi-metallic trigger disk triggers have the disadvantage of allowing only a small stroke of the striker connected to the disk, so that it is necessary to have a particularly sensitive contact carrier trigger.

Il a également été proposé de réaliser le percuteur sous forme d'un barreau en un alliage de matériaux à mémoire de forme. Un tel barreau subit, sous une élévation de température un allongement correspondant à l'élévation de température, de sorte que son extrémité se déplace en direction du déclencheur du porte-contact et actionne ce dernier.It has also been proposed to make the striker in the form of a bar made of an alloy of shape memory materials. Such a bar undergoes, under a rise in temperature, an elongation corresponding to the rise in temperature, so that its end moves in the direction of the trigger of the contact carrier and actuates the latter.

Toutefois, les déclencheurs équipés de tels barreaux présentent l'inconvénient, d'une part, d'être d'un coût très élevé, incompatible avec la réalisation d'appareillage de grande diffusion et, d'autre part, la course possible du percuteur est relativement faible, de sorte que la sensibilité du déclencheur de porte-contact doit être très fine, ce qui entraîne d'autres problèmes de construction grevant d'autant les coûts de fabrication. Le document EP-A-0 147 278 décrit un disjoncteur avec le déclencheur thermique entièrement integré dans la bobine de la partie magnétique.However, the triggers equipped with such bars have the disadvantage of, on the one hand, being of a very high cost, incompatible with the production of large-scale equipment and, on the other hand, the possible stroke of the firing pin is relatively low, so that the sensitivity of the contact carrier trigger must be very fine, which leads to other construction problems burdening the manufacturing costs. EP-A-0 147 278 discloses a circuit breaker with the thermal trip unit fully integrated in the coil of the magnetic part.

Enfin, tous les dispositifs de déclenchement existants actuellement et mettant en oeuvre des moyens faisant intervenir un bimétal nécessitent des réglages spécifiques en fonction des caractéristiques des lames ou disques bimétalliques utilisés et des dispersions thermiques éventuelles.Finally, all existing trigger devices and implementing means involving a bimetal require specific adjustments depending on the characteristics of the blades or bimetallic discs used and possible thermal dispersions.

La présente invention a pour but de pallier ces inconvénients en proposant un disjoncteur pourvu d'un déclencheur magnéto-thermique de construction simplifiée, à un coût plus faible et assurant une amélioration de la fiabilité.The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a circuit breaker provided with a magneto-thermal trigger of simplified construction, at a lower cost and ensuring an improvement in reliability.

A cet effet, le disjoncteur pourvu d'un déclencheur magnéto-thermique est caractérisé en ce que le déclencheur thermique est entièrement intégré dans la bobine de la partie magnétique dudit déclencheur magnéto-thermique.For this purpose, the circuit breaker provided with a magneto-thermal release is characterized in that the thermal trip unit is fully integrated in the coil of the magnetic part of said magneto-thermal trip unit.

L'invention sera mieux comprise, grâce à la description ci-après, qui se rapporte à un mode de réalisation préféré, donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et expliqué avec référence aux dessins schématiques annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue partielle en élévation latérale, couvercle enlevé, d'un disjoncteur muni d'un déclencheur magnétothermique conforme à l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle en perspective du disjoncteur suivant la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle en perspective, à plus grande échelle, représentant le déclencheur en coupe partielle ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 3 du déclencheur, vu suivant la flèche F de la figure 3 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue éclatée en perspective du déclencheur ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue partielle en perspective, à plus grande échelle et en coupe, représentant l'ensemble percuteur-noyau mobile-déclencheur thermique, et
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective de l'ensemble suivant la figure 6.
The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a partial side elevational view, removed cover, of a circuit breaker provided with a thermomagnetic trip unit according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the circuit breaker according to Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, showing the trigger in partial section;
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 of the trigger, seen along the arrow F of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the trigger;
  • FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale and in section, showing the striker-mobile core-thermal trigger assembly, and
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the assembly according to FIG. 6.

Les figures 1 et 2 des dessins annexés représentent un disjoncteur, qui est essentiellement constitué par une coquille 1 de réception de l'ensemble des éléments électromécaniques, par un couvercle de fermeture de la coquille 1, par un porte-contact 3 muni d'un contact mobile 4, par une manette 5 d'enclenchement et de déclenchement, et par un déclencheur magnéto-thermique 6 pouvant actionner le porte-contact 3, par l'intermédiaire d'un levier de déclenchement 7 dudit porte-contact 3 de la manette 5. De manière connue, le déclencheur magnéto-thermique 6 est essentiellement constitué par une partie magnétique comportant une bobine 8 et par un déclencheur thermique 9.Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings show a circuit breaker, which consists essentially of a shell 1 for receiving all the electromechanical elements, by a closure cover of the shell 1, by a contact carrier 3 provided with a movable contact 4, by a 5 trigger and engagement trigger, and a magneto-thermal trigger 6 can actuate the contact carrier 3, via a release lever 7 of said contact carrier 3 of the joystick 5. In a known manner, the thermo-thermal trip unit 6 essentially consists of a magnetic part comprising a coil 8 and a thermal tripping device 9.

Conformément à l'invention et comme le montrent plus particulièrement, à titre d'exemple, les figures 1 à 4 des dessins annexés, le déclencheur thermique 9 du disjoncteur est entièrement intégré dans la bobine 8 de la partie magnétique dudit déclencheur magnéto-thermique 6.According to the invention and as shown more particularly, by way of example, Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, the thermal trip unit 9 of the circuit breaker is fully integrated in the coil 8 of the magnetic part of said thermo-thermal trigger 6 .

De manière connue, la partie magnétique comporte, outre la bobine 8, un noyau fixe 10, un noyau mobile 11 et un percuteur 12 déplaçable par le noyau mobile 11 contre l'action d'un ressort de tarage magnétique 13.In known manner, the magnetic part comprises, besides the coil 8, a fixed core 10, a movable core 11 and a striker 12 movable by the movable core 11 against the action of a magnetic setting spring 13.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le déclencheur thermique 9 est constitué, comme le montrent les figures 3 à 7 des dessins annexés, par un moyen 14 de déplacement du percuteur 12 sous l'effet d'une augmentation de chaleur, ce moyen 14 étant guidé, ensemble avec le percuteur 12 dans la bobine 8, éventuellement dans un tube de guidage 15 lui-même inséré dans la bobine 8.According to a characteristic of the invention, the thermal release 9 is constituted, as shown in Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, by a means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 under the effect of an increase in heat, this means 14 being guided, together with the striker 12 in the coil 8, possibly in a guide tube 15 itself inserted into the coil 8.

De préférence, le moyen 14 de déplacement du percuteur 12 est constitué par un ensemble de rondelles bi-métalliques se déformant sous l'effet de la chaleur, afin de conférer au percuteur 12 un déplacement en direction du levier de déclenchement 7 du porte-contact 3 de la manette 5 en vue de l'actionnement de ce dernier par l'extrémité dudit percuteur 12.Preferably, the means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 is constituted by a set of bimetallic washers which deform under the effect of heat, in order to give the striker 12 a displacement in direction of the release lever 7 of the contact carrier 3 of the handle 5 in order to actuate the latter by the end of said striker 12.

Ainsi, l'ensemble du déclencheur thermique 9 est logé à l'intérieur de la partie magnétique du disjoncteur, et en particulier dans la bobine 8.Thus, the entire thermal trip unit 9 is housed inside the magnetic part of the circuit breaker, and in particular in the coil 8.

La position du percuteur 12 et son déplacement ne subissent aucune modification par rapport à un percuteur connu d'un déclencheur magnétique existant, l'extrémité dudit percuteur débouchant toujours à travers une ouverture de la culasse 16 de réception et de support de la bobine.The position of the firing pin 12 and its movement undergo no modification with respect to a known striker of an existing magnetic release, the end of said striker always opening through an opening of the yoke 16 for receiving and supporting the coil.

Comme il ressort plus particulièrement des figures 3 à 7 des dessins annexés, le moyen 14 de déplacement du percuteur 12 s'appuie, d'une part, sur un épaulement 12' du percuteur 12 et, d'autre part, contre un capuchon 17 solidarisé avec le noyau mobile 11 de la partie magnétique. Il résulte de ce montage que, lors d'un déplacement du noyau mobile 11 dans le cadre d'un déclenchement magnétique, l'ensemble du percuteur 12 avec le moyen 14 de déplacement est entraîné dans le tube de guidage contre l'action du ressort de tarage magnétique 13, le fond du capuchon s'appuyant sur l'extrémité correspondante du percuteur 12 et l'entraînant dans son déplacement avec le noyau mobile 11.As is more particularly apparent from Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, the means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 is supported, on the one hand, on a shoulder 12 'of the firing pin 12 and on the other hand against a cap 17 secured to the movable core 11 of the magnetic part. As a result of this assembly, during a displacement of the movable core 11 in the context of a magnetic trip, the whole striker 12 with the displacement means 14 is driven into the guide tube against the action of the spring. magnetic setting 13, the bottom of the cap resting on the corresponding end of the striker 12 and causing it in its movement with the movable core 11.

Les rondelles formant le moyen 14 de déplacement du percuteur 12 peuvent, par exemple, être des rondelles plates à température ambiante et se déformant pour prendre une forme concave ou convexe sous l'effet de la chaleur. Bien entendu, pour obtenir une déformation la plus importante possible, ces rondelles sont disposées de telle manière que leur concavité ou leur convexité soit toujours opposée d'une rondelle à une rondelle adjacente. Ainsi, à une déformation concave d'une rondelle donnée correspondra une déformation concave inverse de la rondelle suivante ou précédente, pour former, sous l'effet de la chaleur, un espace fermé entre ces rondelles. Les rondelles respectivement précédentes et suivantes de deux rondelles concaves ainsi disposées s'appuieront contre ces deux rondelles par leur face déformée convexe, de sorte, que sera alors formé un espace ouvert entre les deux rondelles sous forme d'une gorge circulaire. Un déplacement maximal du percuteur pourra de ce fait être obtenu.The washers forming the means 14 for moving the striker 12 may, for example, be flat washers at room temperature and deforming to take a concave or convex shape under the effect of heat. Of course, to obtain the largest possible deformation, these washers are arranged in such a way that their concavity or convexity is always opposite of a washer to an adjacent washer. Thus, a concave deformation of a given washer will correspond to an inverse concave deformation of the next or previous washer, to form, under the effect of heat, a closed space between these washers. The respectively preceding and following washers of two concave washers thus arranged will bear against these two washers by their convexly deformed face, so that an open space will be formed between the two washers in the form of a circular groove. A maximum displacement of the striker can thus be obtained.

Afin de tenir compte du déplacement du percuteur sous l'effet de la seule déformation des rondelles formant le moyen 14, dû, par exemple, à la variation de la température ambiante, il peut être prévu, suivant une autre caractéristique de l'invention, un ressort de tarage thermique 18 s'appuyant contre l'épaulement 12' du percuteur 12, du côté opposé aux rondelles formant le moyen 14. Un tel ressort 18 aura pour objet de ramener le percuteur 12 dans sa position de départ après un déclenchement thermique, lorsque les rondelles auront repris leur position de repos.In order to take account of the movement of the firing pin under the effect of the only deformation of the washers forming the means 14, due, for example, to the variation of the ambient temperature, it can be provided, according to another characteristic of the invention, a thermal setting spring 18 pressing against the shoulder 12 'of the striker 12, on the opposite side to the washers forming the means 14. Such a spring 18 will have for object to bring the striker 12 in its starting position after a thermal trip, when the washers have returned to their rest position.

En outre, ce ressort de tarage 18 permet un ajustement de la vitesse de déclenchement du déclencheur thermique 9 ou de la vitesse de déflection des rondelles formant le moyen 14 tenant compte du calibrage de la bobine 8 de la partie magnétique ainsi que de la nature du matériau bimétallique utilisé pour la réalisation des rondelles.In addition, this calibration spring 18 allows an adjustment of the triggering speed of the thermal actuator 9 or the speed of deflection of the washers forming the means 14 taking into account the calibration of the coil 8 of the magnetic part and the nature of the bimetallic material used for producing the washers.

Le tube de guidage 15 et le capuchon 17 peuvent être réalisés sous forme de pièces fermées circulairement. Toutefois, selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le tube de guidage 15 peut être réalisé sous forme d'un tube muni d'ouvertures longitudinales 15' espacées sur sa circonférence. De telles ouvertures facilitent les échanges de chaleur par rayonnement à partir de la bobine 8 de la partie magnétique vers le moyen 14 formé par les rondelles disposées dans le capuchon 17 solidarisé avec le noyau mobile 11. Il en résulte que le capuchon 17 sera échauffé plus rapidement et transmettra par induction et par rayonnement la chaleur vers ledit moyen 14.The guide tube 15 and the cap 17 may be made in the form of circularly closed parts. However, according to another characteristic of the invention, the guide tube 15 can be made in the form of a tube provided with longitudinal openings 15 'spaced around its circumference. Such openings facilitate the heat exchange by radiation from the coil 8 of the magnetic part to the means 14 formed by the washers disposed in the cap 17 secured to the movable core 11. As a result, the cap 17 will be heated more rapidly and will radiatively and inductively transmit the heat to said means 14.

La transmission de chaleur par rayonnement peut encore être améliorée par prévision, dans le capuchon 17, d'ouvertures ou évidements longitudinaux 17' disposés à intervalles réguliers sur la circonférence dudit capuchon 17.The radiation heat transmission can be further improved by providing, in the cap 17, longitudinal openings or recesses 17 'arranged at regular intervals on the circumference of said cap 17.

Pour assurer une transmission continue de chaleur par rayonnement, directement de la bobine 8 formant la partie magnétique vers les rondelles formant le moyen de déplacement 14 du percuteur 12, les ouvertures ou évidements longitudinaux 17' du capuchon 17 sont disposés à des intervalles angulaires différents des ouvertures longitudinales 15' du tube de guidage 15 et sont d'un nombre différent de celui de ces ouvertures 15'. Ainsi, il est établi avec certitude qu'au moins une ouverture 15' du tube de guidage 15 sera toujours en correspondance avec au moins une ouverture ou évidemment longitudinal 17' du capuchon 17 et que le passage de la chaleur sera toujours assuré.To ensure a continuous transmission of radiation heat directly from the coil 8 forming the magnetic part to the washers forming the displacement means 14 of the striker 12, the longitudinal openings or recesses 17 'of the cap 17 are arranged at different angular intervals from the longitudinal openings 15 'of the guide tube 15 and are of a different number from those of these openings 15'. Thus, it is established with certainty that at least one opening 15 'of the guide tube 15 will always be in correspondence with at least one opening or obviously longitudinal 17' of the cap 17 and that the passage of heat will always be assured.

Ce mode de réalisation permet donc une amélioration de la partie thermique du déclencheur avec un amoindrissement notable du risque de surchauffe de la bobine 8 formant la partie magnétique, notamment sous intensité élevée.This embodiment therefore makes it possible to improve the thermal part of the trigger with a noticeable reduction in the risk overheating of the coil 8 forming the magnetic part, especially at high intensity.

Conformément à une autre caractéristique de l'invention et comme le montrent les figures 1 et 2 des dessins annexés, le déclencheur magnéto-thermique peut être complété par une vis 19 de réglage de la position de l'ensemble constitué par le percuteur 12, par le noyau mobile 11, par le moyen 14 de déplacement du percuteur 12 et par le capuchon 17. Une telle vis 19 permet de réaliser un ajustement de la position initiale du percuteur 12 et de ses moyens d'actionnement en vue de régler la course dudit percuteur en fonction des caractéristiques des matériaux constituant les différentes parties du déclencheurs magnéto-thermique et de la sensibilité nécessaire du déclenchement.According to another characteristic of the invention and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, the magneto-thermal release can be completed by a screw 19 for adjusting the position of the assembly constituted by the striker 12, by the movable core 11, by the means 14 for moving the firing pin 12 and the cap 17. Such a screw 19 makes it possible to adjust the initial position of the firing pin 12 and its actuating means in order to adjust the travel of said striker according to the characteristics of the materials constituting the different parts of the magneto-thermal trip units and the necessary sensitivity of the trip.

Grâce à l'invention, il est possible de réaliser un disjoncteur à déclencheur magnéto-thermique présentant un faible encombrement du fait de l'intégration de la partie thermique entièrement dans la partie magnétique. Un tel disjoncteur permet d'obtenir un bilan de puissance dissipée faible, du fait que le bilame ou l'élément de chauffage de ce dernier ne se trouve plus dans le circuit électrique du produit et ne participe plus à son impédance.Thanks to the invention, it is possible to realize a circuit breaker with magneto-thermal trigger having a small footprint due to the integration of the thermal part entirely in the magnetic part. Such a circuit breaker makes it possible to obtain a low dissipated power budget, because the bimetallic strip or the heating element of the latter is no longer in the electrical circuit of the product and no longer participates in its impedance.

En outre, le disjoncteur ainsi obtenu ne nécessite pratiquement aucun réglage et sa fiabilité est notoirement améliorée. De plus, ce disjoncteur est d'un coût de fabrication nettement plus faible que celui des disjoncteurs existants à ce jour. En effet, du fait de la suppression notamment d'éléments tels que les tresses de connexion, certaines opérations manuelles peuvent être supprimées et la fabrication de disjoncteurs conformes à l'invention peut être automatisée. Il en résulte un coût de fabrication abaissé.In addition, the circuit breaker thus obtained requires virtually no adjustment and its reliability is notoriously improved. In addition, this circuit breaker has a significantly lower manufacturing cost than existing circuit breakers to date. Indeed, because of the deletion including elements such as connection braids, some manual operations can be removed and the manufacture of circuit breakers according to the invention can be automated. This results in a lower manufacturing cost.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation décrit et représenté aux dessins annexés.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings.

Claims (8)

  1. Circuit breaker consisting of a shell (1) for receiving all of the electromechanical elements, of a cover for closing the shell (1), of a contact carrier (3) equipped with a movable contact (4), of an engagement and release handle (5), and of a magnetothermal trip unit (6) capable of activating the contact carrier (3), via a lever (7) for triggering said contact carrier (3) of the handle (5), the magnetothermal trip unit (6) consisting of a magnetic portion comprising a coil (8), a fixed cure (10) and a movable core (11), and of a thermal trip unit (9) which is entirely integrated into the coil (8) of the magnetic portion of said magnetothermal trip unit (6), characterised in that the thermal trip unit (9) consists of a means (14) for displacing a striker (12) under the influence of an increase in heat, this means (14) being guided, together with the striker (12) in the coil (8), in a guide tube (15) itself inserted into the coil (8), and in that the means (14) for displacing the striker (12) rests, on the one hand, on a shoulder (12') of the striker (12) and, on the other hand, against a cap (17) joined to the movable core (11) of the magnetic portion (8).
  2. Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that the means (14) for displacing the striker (12) consists of a set of bimetallic washers which deform under the effect of heat to displace the striker (12) in the direction of the lever (7) for triggering the contact carrier (3) of the handle (5) in order to activate said lever via the end of said striker (12).
  3. Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that it is provided with a thermal calibrating spring (18) resting against the shoulder (12') of the striker (12), on the side opposing the washers forming the means (14).
  4. Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that the guide tube (15) and the cap (17) are in the form of circularly closed parts.
  5. Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that the guide tube (15) is in the form of a tube equipped with longitudinal openings (15') set apart from one another over its circumference.
  6. Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that the cap (17) is provided with longitudinal openings or recesses (17') arranged at uniform intervals over the circumference of said cap (17).
  7. Circuit breaker according to either claim 5 or claim 6, characterised in that the longitudinal openings or recesses (17') in the cap (17) are arranged at different angular intervals from the longitudinal openings (15') in the guide tube (15) and are of a number different to that of these openings (15').
  8. Circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that the magnetothermal trip unit is supplemented by a screw (19) for adjusting the position of the assembly formed by the striker (12), by the movable core (11), by the means (14) for displacing the striker (12) and by the cap (17).
EP00440243A 2000-09-12 2000-09-12 Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit Expired - Lifetime EP1187159B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00440243A EP1187159B1 (en) 2000-09-12 2000-09-12 Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit
AT00440243T ATE347171T1 (en) 2000-09-12 2000-09-12 CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH MAGNETOTHERMAL TRIP UNIT
DE60032137T DE60032137T2 (en) 2000-09-12 2000-09-12 Circuit breaker with magnetothermic trip unit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00440243A EP1187159B1 (en) 2000-09-12 2000-09-12 Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1187159A1 EP1187159A1 (en) 2002-03-13
EP1187159B1 true EP1187159B1 (en) 2006-11-29

Family

ID=8174160

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00440243A Expired - Lifetime EP1187159B1 (en) 2000-09-12 2000-09-12 Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1187159B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE347171T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60032137T2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008012149A1 (en) 2008-03-01 2009-09-03 Abb Ag switchgear
CN102709130B (en) * 2012-05-16 2014-12-03 上海良信电器股份有限公司 Integrated thermomagnetic system bracket of small circuit breaker and manufacturing method thereof

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE535663C (en) * 1931-10-19 Voigt & Haeffner Akt Ges Overcurrent heat release
DE469878C (en) * 1925-03-25 1929-01-02 Aeg Trip device for automatic switch
FR2557353B1 (en) * 1983-12-26 1986-04-11 Merlin Gerin MAGNETOTHERMAL TRIGGER IN SHAPE MEMORY MATERIAL, ASSOCIATED WITH A CIRCUIT BREAKER MECHANISM
DE3800582C2 (en) * 1986-11-03 1995-07-20 Kopp Heinrich Ag Overcurrent release for electrical protective switching devices
DE4413888B4 (en) * 1994-04-21 2004-09-02 Abb Patent Gmbh Overcurrent release for a self-switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1187159A1 (en) 2002-03-13
DE60032137D1 (en) 2007-01-11
ATE347171T1 (en) 2006-12-15
DE60032137T2 (en) 2007-10-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
FR2704091A1 (en) Device for adjusting the tripping threshold of a multipole circuit breaker.
EP1734850B1 (en) Electrical liquid-heating appliance
FR2540669A1 (en) THERMAL SWITCH WITH BRUSH MOTION PLATE CONTROLLED BY A BIMETAL
FR2487622A1 (en) ELECTRIC COOKING PLATE COMPRISING AN OVERHEATING PROTECTION SWITCH
FR2543732A1 (en) CIRCUIT BOARD-MOUNTED THERMAL CIRCUIT BREAKER
EP1187159B1 (en) Circuit breker with magnetothermal trip unit
FR2818434A1 (en) ELECTRICAL SWITCHING APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
EP0526356B1 (en) Device for indicating the tripping of a circuit breaker
EP2411995A1 (en) Magnetothermal release mechanism
EP2402973B1 (en) Electromagnetic tripping device for electric switchgear, electric switchgear comprising such a tripping device
CH666766A5 (en) CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH REMOTE CONTROL REMOTE CONTROL AT A POINT CENTER ON THE MOVEMENT AXIS OF THE REMOTE CONTROL SOLENOID.
FR2712424A1 (en) Mechanical calibration sheet for a circuit breaker in a molded case and circuit breaker using such a plug.
EP3699943B1 (en) Magnetic tripping device for electrical switchgear
EP0663678B1 (en) Temperature limiter
EP0926694B1 (en) Magnetothermal control device and a circuit breaker equiped with such a device
EP1505619B1 (en) Ameliorated lock mechanism for circuit breakers and circuit breaker incorporating such lock
FR2583568A1 (en) THERMAL CIRCUIT BREAKER.
EP0526355B1 (en) Adjusting device for bimetal of a circuit breaker
EP1643530B1 (en) Adjustable driver for an electric line protection device
EP0268508B1 (en) Flat bimetal circuit breaker
EP0218497B1 (en) Protective circuit breaker with a resilient link
WO2017037371A1 (en) Electric household appliance comprising a hot plate supplied with power by a thermostat fitted with a thermal cut-out
FR2764107A1 (en) FUSE HOLDER SUCH AS A FUSE WELL FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
FR2783391A1 (en) Switching mechanism for a kettle heating element, comprises deformable element to prevent over boiling
FR2484818A1 (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020909

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: HAGER-ELECTRO SAS

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20061129

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061129

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061129

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061129

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60032137

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20070111

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070228

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070312

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070430

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
GBV Gb: ep patent (uk) treated as always having been void in accordance with gb section 77(7)/1977 [no translation filed]

Effective date: 20061129

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20070830

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061129

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: HAGER-ELECTRO SAS

Effective date: 20070930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070930

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20070301

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070930

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20061129

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070912

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60032137

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: PATENTANWAELTE BERNHARDT/WOLFF PARTNERSCHAFT, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60032137

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: PATENTANWAELTE BERNHARDT/WOLFF PARTNERSCHAFT M, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20160907

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20161010

Year of fee payment: 17

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60032137

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180404

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171002