EP1347479B1 - Ultrafast current limiting electrical switching apparatus - Google Patents

Ultrafast current limiting electrical switching apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1347479B1
EP1347479B1 EP03354022A EP03354022A EP1347479B1 EP 1347479 B1 EP1347479 B1 EP 1347479B1 EP 03354022 A EP03354022 A EP 03354022A EP 03354022 A EP03354022 A EP 03354022A EP 1347479 B1 EP1347479 B1 EP 1347479B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
cage
electric
closed position
switchgear apparatus
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
EP03354022A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1347479A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Baginski
Grégoire Brun
Jean-Paul Ferrand
Jacques Joubert
Christian Pellegrin
Richard Vacher
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Publication of EP1347479A1 publication Critical patent/EP1347479A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
    • H01H3/222—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using electrodynamic repulsion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
    • H01H3/30—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using spring motor
    • H01H3/3005—Charging means
    • H01H3/3015—Charging means using cam devices
    • 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
    • H01H71/123—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release using a solid-state trip unit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/24—Electromagnetic mechanisms
    • H01H71/2418—Electromagnetic mechanisms combined with an electrodynamic current limiting mechanism

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ultrafast electrical switchgear device acting as a limiting circuit breaker.
  • a limiter circuit breaker with quick opening control of the Thomson effect contacts each pole of which is provided with a moving element having a movable main bridge forming a main circuit with a pair of fixed main contacts connected to supply pads current, and a movable arc contact bridge forming with a pair of fixed arc contacts an arc circuit connected in parallel on the main circuit.
  • a Thomson effect thruster is used to drive the moving equipment, for the opening of the main circuit and the arc circuit.
  • a locking device keeps the moving element in the open position against the biasing of return springs tending to bring the movable equipment in the closed position.
  • a second Thomson effect thruster is used to unlock the locking device.
  • circuit breakers whose opening is obtained by a spring mechanism, and having a very short response time when triggering on default.
  • the opening pawl comprises disengageable actuating means causing the latch to self-unlock in the presence of a short-circuit current exceeding a calibration threshold defined by a spring, said self-unlocking being controlled from a mechanical reaction generated by the electrodynamic compensation effect, and causing a high-speed rotation of the lock to unlock the opening pawl before the intervention of the trigger member.
  • the invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, so as to provide an ultra-fast, extremely reliable, relatively compact, low-cost, high-speed limiter circuit breaker which allows a separation of the contacts and a limiting effect without wait until the intensity of the current has exceeded a limitation threshold.
  • the subject of the invention is an electrical switchgear according to claim 1.
  • a drive mechanism independent of the actuator firstly makes it possible to limit the number of maneuvers to be performed by the fast actuator since some of the openings may be made by actuating the mechanism lock.
  • the actuator only has to provide the energy required to move the second contact to the separation position.
  • the mechanism drives the contact door to the open position which has the effect of further moving the movable contact of the first contact. In other words, part of the stroke of the movable contact relative to the fixed contact is provided by the opening spring of the mechanism.
  • the dimensioning of the actuator and associated electronics is greatly simplified.
  • the redundancy of the opening functions also allows degraded operation when the power supply or the power electronics associated with the ultra-fast actuator, or even the actuator itself, are faulty.
  • the circuit breaker behaves like a conventional limiter circuit breaker.
  • the overall reliability of the shutdown function of the device is improved.
  • the apparatus further comprises a contact pressure spring recalling the second contact towards the contact position, when the second contact is close to the contact position.
  • the contact pressure spring bears on the mobile cage.
  • the contact pressure spring is supported on a support of the apparatus, the second contact being connected to the cage by a kinematic connection.
  • the drive mechanism comprises closing means for bringing the drive mechanism from the open position to the closed position, the transmission kinematic chain driving the cage from the open position to the closed position when the mechanism drive moves from the open position to the closed position.
  • the closing means comprise a closing spring which discharges to bring the mechanism from the open position to the closed position.
  • the accumulation spring is then called opening spring, to distinguish it from the closing spring.
  • the apparatus may be of the type in which the energy required to charge the opening spring is first stored in the closing spring, the discharge of the closing spring for arming the opening spring. Alternatively, it may be of the type where the energy required to arm the closing spring is first stored in the opening spring, the discharge of the opening spring for arming the closing spring. According to another embodiment, the same spring can ensure closing and opening on default.
  • the apparatus further comprises means for retaining the second contact in a retention position located between the contact position and the separation position, as long as the cage is in the closed position.
  • retention means make it possible to maintain the retention position while waiting for the mechanism to open by the accumulation spring.
  • the retention means includes a non-return lock movable between a neutral position and a non-return position and passing from the neutral position to the non-return position when the second contact passes from the contact position to the separation position, the nonreturn lock in the non-return position locking the second contact in a locking position close to the separation position as long as the cage is in the closed position.
  • a positive locking of the second contact is thus obtained, which results in an effective catch even in the case where the second contact, propelled by the actuator, undergoes a rebound when arriving at its separation position.
  • Such a device has the disadvantage of being less reliable in case of violent rebound of the second contact in the separation position. It is therefore useful to provide end stop for the second contact, which is able to absorb the kinetic energy of the second contact.
  • the chamber and the electromagnetic propulsion means of the arc are sized such that the arc is extinguished even before the drive mechanism has been able to move the cage.
  • the projection of the arc towards the chamber is obtained in particular by giving a suitable shape to the conductors connecting the contacts to the connection pads, for example a form of current loop. It is also possible to introduce a U-shaped magnetic circuit surrounding the contact zone, to produce a strong electromagnetic field in the zone where the electric arc arises during the separation of the contacts.
  • the apparatus further comprises a power supply device for supplying the electromechanical actuator and delivering the electrical energy necessary to move the moving equipment from the rest position to the active position.
  • the power supply device comprises a means for storing electrical energy. In practice, it is one or more power capacitors that allow the accumulation of electrical energy and its almost instantaneous restitution for the supply of the actuator.
  • the power supply device is connected to an electrical source independent of the electric power circuit. However, it is also conceivable to provide a control whose electrical source is the electrical power circuit in which are the contacts of the equipment.
  • the measuring means consist of Rogowsky tori.
  • the electromechanical actuator is constituted by a Thomson effect thruster.
  • any other ultrafast electromechanical thruster is conceivable.
  • a casing 10 made of insulating material of a low-voltage power-limiting circuit-breaker encloses in its front part a drive mechanism 12 for driving a pivoting switching bar 14 which transmits to poles 16 of the apparatus, situated in in the posterior part, the movements of the mechanism 12.
  • the drive mechanism 12 is carried by a not shown frame, fixed relative to the housing 10, and comprises a toggle device having a pair of transmission rods 20, 22, articulated to each other by an axis of pivoting 24.
  • the upper link 22 is mechanically coupled to the switching bar 14 by an axis 25.
  • the lower link 20 is articulated via an axis 26 to a hook 27 pivoting about a fixed axis of rotation 28.
  • An opening latch 30 locks the hook 28 in an armed position by means of a reduction lever 32.
  • the opening latch 30 is actuated by means of an electromagnetic relay 34.
  • An opening spring 36 is stretched between the axis 25 and a cleat fixed to the frame.
  • the mechanism is completed by a subset of arming and closing comprising a transmission lever 40 provided with an axis 42 cooperating with the toggle device, a roller following the curve of an arming cam 44 and an axis 46 anchoring the end of a closing spring 48.
  • the accumulation subassembly is completed by a locking latch 50 blocking the transmission lever 40 via a hook of gearing 52.
  • the rotation of the cocking cam 44 to its locking position makes it possible to pivot the transmission lever 40 from a disarmed position to an armed position and to load the closing spring 48, without interfere with the opening mechanism.
  • the transmission lever 40 In the armed position, the transmission lever 40 is locked by the closing latch 50. Unlocking the lever 40 allows the closing spring 48 to drive the lever 40 from the armed position to the disarmed position, the transmission axis 42 then driving the toggle device into the closed position and loading the opening spring.
  • the switching bar 14 is common to all the poles 16 which may be for example three, four or six, although other configurations are possible, and is constituted by a shaft supported by bearings of the housing for pivot about a fixed geometric axis between an open position and a closed position.
  • a connecting rod 54 which connects a crank 56 of the bar to a movable cage 58 of insulating material.
  • the cage 58 pivots around a geometric axis 60 fixed relative to the frame.
  • One or more movable contact fingers 62 are pivotally mounted about the same axis 60, and connected by a braid 64 to a connection pad 66.
  • the movable contact fingers 62 carry contact pads 68 which, in the position of the figure 1 , come into contact with fixed contact pads 70 arranged on another connection pad 72.
  • Telescopic rods 74 serve to guide contact pressure springs 76 arranged between the cage 58 and the fingers 62.
  • the contact pressure springs 76 are, in the example considered, compression springs, which tend to rotate the contact fingers 62 relative to the cage 58 in the opposite direction of clockwise in the figures, so as to recall the contacts 68 of the fingers 62 to the fixed contact 70.
  • the cage 58 carries an elastomeric limit stop 78 limiting the pivotal movement of the contact fingers 62.
  • a retractable lateral latch 80 is articulated about an axis 82 passing through the fingers and supported by them.
  • a stop 84 is disposed on the bottom of the housing, facing the latch 80.
  • a spring blade 86 is attached to one end of the latch 80, in front of a nose 88 projecting from the cage.
  • An arc extinction chamber 90 opens out facing the contacts, its mouth being delimited by a spark arrester 92 and an arc horn 94 electrically connected to the connection pad and to the fixed contact 70.
  • the chamber contains fins metal cooling 96 and opens on the outside by a bottom grid 98 opposite the contacts 68, 70.
  • a thruster Thomson 100 effect is disposed in the base of the housing, facing the contact fingers 62.
  • the thruster consists of a disc 102 disposed facing a winding 104 and secured to a head of Percussion 106.
  • a rod 108 is fixed to the head 106 and guided in a fixed cylinder 110.
  • a return spring 112 tends to bring the head 106 back to the winding.
  • the head 106 constitutes a hammer 114 intended to strike the contact fingers 62.
  • a Rogowsky torus 120 surrounds the connection pad 66 and is used to measure the current flowing through the pole 16. As shown in FIG. figure 4 the cores 120 of the three poles deliver a signal to a control unit 121 comprising a first electronic trigger module 122 and a second electronic trigger module 124.
  • the first electronic module 122 controls in a very conventional manner the electromechanical relay 34 driving the latch
  • the second electronic module 124 controls both the electromechanical relay 34 and a power electronics module 130 serving for the Thomson 100 thruster power supply.
  • the line 125 connecting the second electronic module 124 Relay 34 is optional, and may be omitted where appropriate, hence its dashed representation.
  • the second electronic module controls the electromagnetic relay 34 in case of ultrafast opening, through the module 122.
  • the second module is able to determine if the signal delivered by the toroids 120 is characteristic of a fault requiring an ultrafast opening of the circuit breaker.
  • the means for making this decision are well known to those skilled in the art, and described for example in the document DE 36 42 136 as well as in the French patent application bearing the registration number 01 15 785.
  • the power electronics module is provided with a battery of power capacitors for storing electrical energy necessary for the activation of the thruster 100.
  • the module 130 is powered by a power supply 134.
  • the torus 120 delivers a signal such that only the first electronic module 122 sends a signal to the electromechanical relay 34 which unlocks the opening latch 30
  • the opening spring 36 then drives the switching bar 14 towards the open position represented on the figure 2 . This movement is transmitted to the cages 58 of the different poles 16 by the rods 54.
  • the contact fingers 62 urged by the contact pressure springs 76, follow the opening movement.
  • the contact fingers 62 have rotated clockwise, causing an electric arc upon separation of the contacts 68, 70 and thus a current limitation, even before the mechanism 12 has driven the stands 58 to the open position. Due to this pivoting of the fingers 62 before the cage 58 is set in motion, the spring blade 86 meets the nose 88 of the cage and pivots the latch 80 with respect to the fingers 62 so that the latch 80 comes into play. between the fingers 62 and the stop 84.
  • the fingers 62 initiate a movement in the opposite direction of the clockwise but are immediately blocked in the position represented on the figure 3 since the latch 80 has come into contact with the abutment 84 and prevents the contact fingers 62 from falling off.
  • the latch is deactivated by the opening of the apparatus which causes the cage 58 to pivot, so that the nose 88 away from the spring blade 86.
  • the return to the retracted position of the latch 80 is by simple gravity or with the aid of a torsion spring not shown in the figures, recalling the latch 80 in the opposite direction of clockwise.
  • the circuit breaker behaves like a conventional latching limiter circuit breaker.
  • the second electronic trigger module 124 whose response time is much shorter than that of the first trigger module 122, takes precedence. It controls firstly the power electronics 130 and secondly, simultaneously or timed, as required, the electromagnetic relay 34. The power electronics 130 then instantly releases into the Thomson effect thruster 100 l electrical energy stored in the capacitors 132. In less than a millisecond, the hammer 114 of the thruster head collides with the contact fingers 62 and projects the fingers that pivot in clockwise about the axis 60, the cage 58 remaining stationary.
  • the fingers 62 abut against the stop 78 of the cage while the latch 80 pivots and is put in place.
  • the latch 80 locks them as shown on the figure 3 .
  • an electric arc is drawn between the contacts.
  • the shape of the copperwork forming the electrical circuit between the connecting pads 66, 72 has on the arc a loop effect which projects the arc towards the chamber.
  • the arc switches on the spark arrester 92 and on the arc horn 94, which facilitates its entry into the extinguishing chamber 90 while leaving the contacts 68, 70.
  • the Arc cools down, so that its electrical voltage increases to extinction.
  • the mechanism 12 confirms the opening by driving the cage 58 into the open position of the figure 2 .
  • the sequence of the opening sequence has the same steps as in the case of an electrodynamic repulsion, but its progress is much faster. In fact, there is less than three milliseconds between the current zero and the activation of the Thomson effect thruster, so that the intensity of the arc current is very low and the arc is easy to cut. If we were to rely on the electromagnetic repulsion effect between the contacts, it would be necessary to wait for the intensity of the current to have exceeded an already high limitation threshold, and the separation of the contacts would give rise to a very energetic arc. from the beginning.
  • the Rogowsky toroids deliver their signal to an electronic control unit 121 which includes a module 152 for detecting defects and discrimination between defects requiring activation of the actuator 100 and a defect requiring only the opening of the mechanism. According to the decision taken, the detection module 152 informs a control module 154 which sends the relay 34 and / or the power electronics module 130 the appropriate control signals.
  • circuit breaker shown is not limiting and the invention would also be applicable to unipolar apparatus.
  • the contact pressure springs may be arranged between the movable contact fingers and an element integral with the housing, as described for example in the document US 4,841,266 . It may also be provided to perform the anti-return function of the wedge using the contact pressure springs forming a bistable system between the cage and the contact fingers, as described for example in the same document US 4,841,266 . Thus, when the contact fingers are close to the contact position, the return springs provide the contact pressure whereas when the fingers are in the separation position, the springs tend to hold them there.
  • the contact pressure springs 76 may be calibrated in such a way that the contact fingers 62 are never raised by the effect of electromagnetic repulsion, before one of the triggering devices causes the separation of the contacts, by opening the mechanism 12 or by activation of the thruster 100. This gives a device with high electrodynamic resistance, ensuring a very strong limitation of extremely high currents through the thruster 100.
  • retractable lateral stops flanking the cage if the width of the cage, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the figures, makes it necessary.
  • the retractable stop can be attached to the bottom of the housing. It can also be placed between the cage and the fingers.
  • the Thomson thruster or other high-speed actuator may be positioned on the cage to rotate the fingers.
  • the detection of electrical faults is not necessarily limited to the detection of short circuits and overload currents.
  • the opening latch can also be controlled by means of detection of lack of voltage, which will act either on electromechanical relays separate from the relay 36, or on the relay 36 itself.
  • the mechanism described in the exemplary embodiment is a mechanism of the type allowing a cycle opening, closing, opening, with a separate opening spring and closing spring.
  • the invention is applicable to any other type of conventional mechanism for circuit breaker, wherein the energy required for opening is stored in an accumulation spring. It is particularly applicable to circuit breaker whose mechanism comprises a single spring ensuring both opening on fault and closing the apparatus.

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Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

L'invention est relative à un appareillage électrique de coupure ultrarapide ayant fonction de disjoncteur limiteur.The invention relates to an ultrafast electrical switchgear device acting as a limiting circuit breaker.

ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTERIEURESTATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Dans le document EP 0 309 311 est décrit un disjoncteur limiteur à commande d'ouverture rapide des contacts par effet Thomson, dont chaque pôle est pourvu d'un équipage mobile ayant un pont principal mobile formant un circuit principal avec une paire de contacts principaux fixes reliés à des plages d'amenée de courant, et un pont de contact d'arc mobile formant avec une paire de contacts d'arc fixes un circuit d'arc connecté en parallèle sur le circuit principal. Un organe propulseur à effet Thomson sert à entraîner l'équipage mobile, pour l'ouverture du circuit principal et du circuit d'arc. Un dispositif de verrouillage maintient l'équipage mobile en position d'ouverture contre la sollicitation de ressorts de rappel tendant à ramener l'équipage mobile en position fermée. Un deuxième propulseur à effet Thomson sert à déverrouiller le dispositif de verrouillage.In the document EP 0 309 311 is described a limiter circuit breaker with quick opening control of the Thomson effect contacts, each pole of which is provided with a moving element having a movable main bridge forming a main circuit with a pair of fixed main contacts connected to supply pads current, and a movable arc contact bridge forming with a pair of fixed arc contacts an arc circuit connected in parallel on the main circuit. A Thomson effect thruster is used to drive the moving equipment, for the opening of the main circuit and the arc circuit. A locking device keeps the moving element in the open position against the biasing of return springs tending to bring the movable equipment in the closed position. A second Thomson effect thruster is used to unlock the locking device.

Toutes les ouvertures du disjoncteur, qu'il s'agisse de simples manoeuvres ou d'ouvertures sur défauts, sont provoquées par l'actionneur à effet Thomson qui doit de ce fait être dimensionné pour un très grand nombre de cycles. L'actionneur à effet Thomson entraîne les contacts sur toute la course d'ouverture. Par ailleurs, l'actionneur à effet Thomson exige une alimentation en puissance électrique propre et, en cas de défaillance de celle-ci, il n'existe pas de moyen subsidiaire de manoeuvre de l'appareil. Par ailleurs, l'appareil ainsi conçu est très spécifique par rapport aux disjoncteurs basse tension de puissance de conception classique qui constituent l'immense majorité de la gamme, de sorte que son coût reste élevé. Enfin, les ouvertures et fermetures à l'aide de l'actionneur à effet Thomson sont extrêmement brusques, indépendamment du type de défaut. Le mécanisme de l'appareil souffre donc considérablement lors des cycles d'ouverture et de fermeture.All of the circuit breaker openings, whether for simple operation or fault opening, are caused by the Thomson effect actuator, which must therefore be dimensioned for a very large number of cycles. The Thomson effect actuator drives the contacts over the entire opening stroke. In addition, the Thomson effect actuator requires a clean electrical power supply and, in case of failure thereof, there is no subsidiary means of operating the device. Moreover, the device thus designed is very specific compared to low-voltage power circuit breakers of conventional design which constitute the vast majority of the range, so that its cost remains high. Finally, the openings and closings using the Thomson effect actuator are extremely abrupt, regardless of the type of defect. The mechanism of the device therefore suffers considerably during the opening and closing cycles.

Pour limiter les chocs, il a été proposé dans le document FR 2 377 086 , de subdiviser en deux parties l'accumulateur d'énergie électrique à condensateurs assurant l'alimentation de l'actionneur à effet Thomson. En cas d'ouverture dans des conditions normales, une seule des deux parties est utilisée alors qu'en cas de défaut électrique, les deux parties de l'accumulateur d'énergie sont utilisées, une puissance plus importante étant alors disponible.To limit shocks, it was proposed in the document FR 2,377,086 to divide into two parts the capacitor electrical energy accumulator supplying power to the Thomson effect actuator. In case of opening under normal conditions, only one of the two parts is used whereas in case of electrical fault, the two parts of the energy accumulator are used, a larger power then being available.

Pour piloter des disjoncteurs limiteurs à effet Thomson, on connaît des procédés de détection des courts-circuits électrique fournissant, de manière très rapide et très fiable, un signal de détection de court-circuit, permettant de commander rapidement un relais électromécanique assurant le déverrouillage d'un mécanisme du disjoncteur. Le document DE 36 42 136 décrit un tel procédé de détection utilisant un signal d'intensité du courant et un signal de la dérivée de l'intensité du courant pour prendre une décision très rapide sur l'existence d'un court-circuit. La détection précoce des courts-circuits alliée à la rapidité de réaction du propulseur à effet Thomson assure au disjoncteur une fonction limitatrice très performante lui permettant de couper des courants présumés quasiment infinis. Toutefois, la fonction limitatrice n'est assurée que par le déclenchement du disjoncteur, de sorte qu'elle ne favorise pas la sélectivité aval dans un tableau de distribution.In order to control Thomson effect limiting circuit breakers, electrical short-circuit detection methods are known that provide, very quickly and reliably, a short-circuit detection signal, making it possible to rapidly control an electromechanical relay that enables the unlocking of electrical circuits. a circuit breaker mechanism. The document DE 36 42 136 describes such a detection method using a current intensity signal and a current intensity derivative signal to make a very fast decision on the existence of a short circuit. The early detection of short circuits combined with the speed of reaction of the Thomson effect thruster ensures the circuit breaker a very efficient limiting function allowing it to cut presumed currents almost infinite. However, the limiting function is only ensured by the tripping of the circuit breaker, so that it does not favor the downstream selectivity in a distribution board.

On connaît par ailleurs des disjoncteurs dont l'ouverture est obtenue par un mécanisme à ressort, et ayant un temps de réponse très court lors du déclenchement sur défaut. Il a notamment été proposé, dans le document EP 780 380, A1 , d'utiliser la réaction mécanique issue de la compensation électrodynamique des organes de contact compensés pour provoquer un déclenchement automatique. Le cliquet d'ouverture comporte des moyens d'actionnement débrayables provoquant l'auto-déverrouillage du verrou en présence d'un courant de court-circuit dépassant un seuil de calibrage défini par un ressort, ledit auto-déverrouillage étant commandé à partir d'une réaction mécanique engendrée par l'effet de compensation électrodynamique, et provoquant une rotation ultrarapide du verrou pour déverrouiller le cliquet d'ouverture avant l'intervention de l'organe de déclenchement. Pour améliorer encore le dispositif précédent, il a été proposé, dans le document FR 2 781 921 , d'y adjoindre des moyens de limitation électromagnétique assurant une séparation des doigts de contact pour limiter les très forts courants en attendant l'ouverture du mécanisme. Le disjoncteur obtenu est très performant, mais la séparation des doigts de contact par réaction électromagnétique ne peut avoir lieu avant que l'intensité du courant ait dépassé un seuil de limitation.Also known circuit breakers whose opening is obtained by a spring mechanism, and having a very short response time when triggering on default. In particular, it was proposed in the document EP 780 380, A1 , to use the mechanical reaction resulting from the electrodynamic compensation of the compensated contact members to cause an automatic triggering. The opening pawl comprises disengageable actuating means causing the latch to self-unlock in the presence of a short-circuit current exceeding a calibration threshold defined by a spring, said self-unlocking being controlled from a mechanical reaction generated by the electrodynamic compensation effect, and causing a high-speed rotation of the lock to unlock the opening pawl before the intervention of the trigger member. To further improve the previous arrangement, it was proposed in document FR 2 781 921 , to add electromagnetic limitation means ensuring a separation of the contact fingers to limit the very strong currents pending the opening of the mechanism. The circuit breaker obtained is very efficient, but the separation of the contact fingers by Electromagnetic reaction can not take place until the intensity of the current has exceeded a threshold of limitation.

EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

L'invention vise donc à remédier aux inconvénients de l'état de la technique, de manière à proposer un disjoncteur limiteur à ouverture ultrarapide, extrêmement fiable, relativement compact, et de coût réduit qui permette une séparation des contacts et un effet de limitation sans attendre que l'intensité du courant ait dépassé un seuil de limitation.The invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, so as to provide an ultra-fast, extremely reliable, relatively compact, low-cost, high-speed limiter circuit breaker which allows a separation of the contacts and a limiting effect without wait until the intensity of the current has exceeded a limitation threshold.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un appareillage électrique de coupure selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an electrical switchgear according to claim 1.

La présence d'un mécanisme d'entraînement indépendant de l'actionneur permet tout d'abord de limiter le nombre de manoeuvre que doit effectuer l'actionneur rapide puisque certaines des ouvertures pourront être effectuées par actionnement du verrou du mécanisme. De plus, l'actionneur n'a qu'à fournir l'énergie nécessaire au déplacement du deuxième contact jusqu'à la position de séparation. Lorsque l'ouverture est confirmée par un ordre de déverrouillage du verrou d'ouverture, le mécanisme entraîne le porte contact vers la position ouverte ce qui a pour effet d'éloigner davantage le contact mobile du premier contact. En d'autres termes, une partie de la course du contact mobile par rapport au contact fixe est assurée par le ressort d'ouverture du mécanisme. Le dimensionnement de l'actionneur et de l'électronique associée s'en trouve grandement simplifié.The presence of a drive mechanism independent of the actuator firstly makes it possible to limit the number of maneuvers to be performed by the fast actuator since some of the openings may be made by actuating the mechanism lock. In addition, the actuator only has to provide the energy required to move the second contact to the separation position. When the opening is confirmed by an unlocking command of the opening lock, the mechanism drives the contact door to the open position which has the effect of further moving the movable contact of the first contact. In other words, part of the stroke of the movable contact relative to the fixed contact is provided by the opening spring of the mechanism. The dimensioning of the actuator and associated electronics is greatly simplified.

La redondance des fonctions d'ouverture permet en outre un fonctionnement dégradé lorsque l'alimentation électrique ou l'électronique de puissance associées à l'actionneur ultrarapide, voire l'actionneur lui-même, sont défaillants. Dans ce cas en effet, le disjoncteur se comporte comme un disjoncteur limiteur classique. La fiabilité globale de la fonction de coupure de l'appareil s'en trouve améliorée.The redundancy of the opening functions also allows degraded operation when the power supply or the power electronics associated with the ultra-fast actuator, or even the actuator itself, are faulty. In this case indeed, the circuit breaker behaves like a conventional limiter circuit breaker. The overall reliability of the shutdown function of the device is improved.

Par ailleurs, dans la mesure où la fermeture est effectuée par le mécanisme, il est possible en cas de fermeture sur défaut, d'obtenir une séparation immédiate des contacts par l'intermédiaire de l'actionneur.Furthermore, insofar as the closing is performed by the mechanism, it is possible in the event of closing on a fault, to obtain an immediate separation of the contacts via the actuator.

Préférentiellement, l'appareillage comporte en outre un ressort de pression de contact rappelant le deuxième contact vers la position de contact, lorsque le deuxième contact est proche de la position de contact.Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a contact pressure spring recalling the second contact towards the contact position, when the second contact is close to the contact position.

Suivant un premier mode de réalisation, le ressort de pression de contact prend appui sur la cage mobile. Suivant un mode de réalisation alternatif, le ressort de pression de contact prend appui sur un support de l'appareillage, le deuxième contact étant lié à la cage par une liaison cinématique.According to a first embodiment, the contact pressure spring bears on the mobile cage. According to an alternative embodiment, the contact pressure spring is supported on a support of the apparatus, the second contact being connected to the cage by a kinematic connection.

Avantageusement, le mécanisme d'entraînement comporte des moyens de fermeture pour amener le mécanisme d'entraînement de la position d'ouverture à la position de fermeture, la chaîne cinématique de transmission entraînant la cage de la position ouverte à la position fermée lorsque le mécanisme d'entraînement passe de la position de d'ouverture à la position de fermeture. Les moyens de fermeture comportent un ressort de fermeture qui se décharge pour amener le mécanisme de la position d'ouverture à la position de fermeture. Le ressort d'accumulation est alors dit ressort d'ouverture, pour le distinguer du ressort de fermeture. L'appareil peut être du type dans lequel l'énergie nécessaire pour charger le ressort d'ouverture est tout d'abord stockée dans le ressort de fermeture, la décharge du ressort de fermeture permettant l'armement du ressort d'ouverture. Alternativement, elle peut être du type où l'énergie nécessaire à l'armement du ressort de fermeture est tout d'abord stockée dans le ressort d'ouverture, la décharge du ressort d'ouverture permettant l'armement du ressort de fermeture. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, un même ressort peut assurer la fermeture et l'ouverture sur défaut.Advantageously, the drive mechanism comprises closing means for bringing the drive mechanism from the open position to the closed position, the transmission kinematic chain driving the cage from the open position to the closed position when the mechanism drive moves from the open position to the closed position. The closing means comprise a closing spring which discharges to bring the mechanism from the open position to the closed position. The accumulation spring is then called opening spring, to distinguish it from the closing spring. The apparatus may be of the type in which the energy required to charge the opening spring is first stored in the closing spring, the discharge of the closing spring for arming the opening spring. Alternatively, it may be of the type where the energy required to arm the closing spring is first stored in the opening spring, the discharge of the opening spring for arming the closing spring. According to another embodiment, the same spring can ensure closing and opening on default.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'appareillage comporte en outre un moyen de rétention du deuxième contact dans une position de rétention située entre la position de contact et la position de séparation, tant que la cage est en position fermée. Ces moyens de rétention permettent d'assurer le maintien en position de rétention, en attendant l'ouverture du mécanisme par le ressort d'accumulation. Préférentiellement le moyen de rétention inclut un verrou anti-retour mobile entre une position neutre et une position anti-retour et passant de la position neutre à la position anti-retour lorsque le deuxième contact passe de la position de contact à la position de séparation, le verrou anti-retour en position anti-retour verrouillant le deuxième contact dans une position de blocage proche de la position de séparation tant que la cage est en position fermée. On obtient ainsi un verrouillage positif du deuxième contact, d'où un accrochage efficace même dans le cas où le deuxième contact, propulsé par l'actionneur, subirait un rebond en arrivant dans sa position de séparation. Alternativement, on peut prévoir un mécanisme d'articulation bistable entre le deuxième contact et la cage, au moyen des ressorts de pression de contact, de telle sorte que lorsque le deuxième contact se trouve à proximité de la position de séparation, il est rappelé par le ressort de pression de contact vers la position de séparation. Un tel dispositif présente toutefois l'inconvénient d'être moins fiable en cas de rebond violent du deuxième contact dans la position de séparation. Il est alors utile de prévoir une butée haute de fin de course pour le deuxième contact, qui soit en mesure d'absorber l'énergie cinétique du deuxième contact.According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises means for retaining the second contact in a retention position located between the contact position and the separation position, as long as the cage is in the closed position. These retention means make it possible to maintain the retention position while waiting for the mechanism to open by the accumulation spring. Preferably the retention means includes a non-return lock movable between a neutral position and a non-return position and passing from the neutral position to the non-return position when the second contact passes from the contact position to the separation position, the nonreturn lock in the non-return position locking the second contact in a locking position close to the separation position as long as the cage is in the closed position. A positive locking of the second contact is thus obtained, which results in an effective catch even in the case where the second contact, propelled by the actuator, undergoes a rebound when arriving at its separation position. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a bistable articulation mechanism between the second contact and the cage, by means of the contact pressure springs, so that when the second contact is close to the separation position, it is recalled by the contact pressure spring towards the separation position. Such a device, however, has the disadvantage of being less reliable in case of violent rebound of the second contact in the separation position. It is therefore useful to provide end stop for the second contact, which is able to absorb the kinetic energy of the second contact.

Préférentiellement, l'appareillage comporte en outre

  • une chambre de coupure munie de moyens d'absorption de l'énergie dégagée par un arc électrique tiré entre le premier contact et le deuxième contact lorsque le deuxième contact est séparé du premier contact,
  • des moyens pour projeter par effet électromagnétique vers la chambre de coupure un arc électrique tiré entre le premier contact et le deuxième contact.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises
  • a cut-off chamber provided with means for absorbing the energy released by an electric arc pulled between the first contact and the second contact when the second contact is separated from the first contact,
  • means for electromagnetically projecting an arc drawn between the first contact and the second contact to the arc chute.

Ces moyens permettent une absorption de l'énergie de l'arc électrique dès la séparation des contacts par l'actionneur électromagnétique, sans attendre la confirmation de l'ouverture par le mécanisme d'entraînement. De préférence, la chambre et les moyens de propulsion électromagnétique de l'arc sont dimensionnés de telle manière que l'arc s'éteigne avant même que le mécanisme d'entraînement ait été en mesure de déplacer la cage. En pratique, on obtient la projection de l'arc vers la chambre notamment en donnant une forme adéquate aux conducteurs reliant les contacts aux plages de raccordement, par exemple une forme de boucle de courant. On peut également introduire un circuit magnétique en U entourant la zone de contact, pour produire un champ électromagnétique fort dans la zone où naît l'arc électrique lors de la séparation des contacts.These means allow an absorption of the energy of the electric arc from the separation of the contacts by the electromagnetic actuator, without waiting for confirmation of the opening by the drive mechanism. Preferably, the chamber and the electromagnetic propulsion means of the arc are sized such that the arc is extinguished even before the drive mechanism has been able to move the cage. In practice, the projection of the arc towards the chamber is obtained in particular by giving a suitable shape to the conductors connecting the contacts to the connection pads, for example a form of current loop. It is also possible to introduce a U-shaped magnetic circuit surrounding the contact zone, to produce a strong electromagnetic field in the zone where the electric arc arises during the separation of the contacts.

Avantageusement, l'appareillage comporte en outre un dispositif d'alimentation électrique pour alimenter l'actionneur électromécanique et délivrer l'énergie électrique nécessaire pour faire passer l'équipage mobile de la position de repos à la position active. Le dispositif d'alimentation électrique comporte un moyen d'accumulation d'énergie électrique. En pratique, il s'agit d'un ou plusieurs condensateurs de puissance qui permettent l'accumulation de l'énergie électrique et sa restitution quasi-instantanée pour l'alimentation de l'actionneur. Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif d'alimentation électrique est relié à une source électrique indépendante du circuit électrique de puissance. Toutefois, il est également envisageable de prévoir une commande dont la source électrique soit le circuit électrique de puissance dans lequel se trouvent les contacts de l'appareillage.Advantageously, the apparatus further comprises a power supply device for supplying the electromechanical actuator and delivering the electrical energy necessary to move the moving equipment from the rest position to the active position. The power supply device comprises a means for storing electrical energy. In practice, it is one or more power capacitors that allow the accumulation of electrical energy and its almost instantaneous restitution for the supply of the actuator. According to one embodiment, the power supply device is connected to an electrical source independent of the electric power circuit. However, it is also conceivable to provide a control whose electrical source is the electrical power circuit in which are the contacts of the equipment.

La commande de l'appareillage peut être construite suivant différents schémas. Dans le cas d'un disjoncteur, on peut prévoir :

  • des moyens de détection de défauts électriques et de discrimination entre des défauts électriques nécessitant une ouverture rapide et des défauts électriques ne nécessitant pas une ouverture rapide;
  • des moyens de commande pour commander à la fois le relais électromécanique et le dispositif d'alimentation électrique lorsque les moyens de détection et de discrimination ont décidé que le défaut électrique nécessite une ouverture rapide et pour commander uniquement le relais électromécanique lorsque les moyens de détection et de discrimination ont décidé que le défaut électrique ne nécessite pas une ouverture rapide.
The control of the apparatus can be constructed according to different schemes. In the case of a circuit breaker, one can provide:
  • means for detecting electrical faults and for discriminating between electrical faults requiring rapid opening and electrical faults that do not require rapid opening;
  • control means for controlling both the electromechanical relay and the power supply device when the detection and discrimination means have decided that the electrical fault requires rapid opening and to control only the electromechanical relay when the detection means and discrimination decided that the electrical fault does not require a quick opening.

Alternativement on peut prévoir :

  • des moyens de mesure d'une caractéristique électrique du circuit électrique de puissance;
  • un dispositif de déclenchement du mécanisme relié aux moyens de mesure et au relais électromécanique pour commander le relais électromécanique;
  • un dispositif d'ouverture rapide relié aux moyens de mesure et au dispositif d'alimentation électrique, pour commander l'actionneur électromécanique lorsque le défaut électrique nécessite une ouverture rapide.
Alternatively we can provide:
  • means for measuring an electrical characteristic of the electric power circuit;
  • a mechanism triggering device connected to the measuring means and the electromechanical relay for controlling the electromechanical relay;
  • a fast opening device connected to the measuring means and the power supply device, for controlling the electromechanical actuator when the electrical fault requires rapid opening.

Suivant une autre alternative, on prévoit :

  • des moyens de mesure d'une caractéristique électrique du circuit électrique de puissance;
  • un dispositif de déclenchement du mécanisme relié aux moyens de mesure et au relais électromécanique pour commander le relais électromécanique en réponse au signal représentatif d'un défaut électrique;
  • un dispositif d'ouverture rapide relié aux moyens de mesure, au relais électromécanique et au dispositif d'alimentation électrique, pour commander à la fois le relais électromécanique et l'actionneur électromécanique lorsque le défaut électrique nécessite une ouverture rapide.
According to another alternative, it is provided:
  • means for measuring an electrical characteristic of the electric power circuit;
  • a mechanism triggering device connected to the measuring means and the electromechanical relay for controlling the electromechanical relay in response to the signal representative of an electrical fault;
  • a quick-opening device connected to the measuring means, the electromechanical relay and the power supply device, for controlling both the electromechanical relay and the electromechanical actuator when the electrical fault requires rapid opening.

Cette dernière solution assure une redondance supplémentaire au niveau de la commande du relais pilotant l'ouverture du mécanisme.The latter solution provides additional redundancy at the relay control controlling the opening of the mechanism.

Suivant une autre alternative, préférée, on prévoit :

  • des moyens de mesure d'une caractéristique électrique du circuit électrique de puissance;
  • un dispositif de déclenchement du mécanisme relié aux moyens de mesure et au relais électromécanique pour commander le relais électromécanique en réponse au signal représentatif d'un défaut électrique;
  • un dispositif d'ouverture rapide relié aux moyens de mesure, au dispositif de déclenchement et au dispositif d'alimentation électrique, pour commander à la fois le relais électromécanique et l'actionneur électromécanique lorsque le défaut électrique nécessite une ouverture rapide.
According to another preferred alternative, provision is made for:
  • means for measuring an electrical characteristic of the electric power circuit;
  • a mechanism triggering device connected to the measuring means and the electromechanical relay for controlling the electromechanical relay in response to the signal representative of an electrical fault;
  • a fast opening device connected to the measuring means, the triggering device and the power supply device, for controlling both the electromechanical relay and the electromechanical actuator when the electrical fault requires rapid opening.

Cette solution permet dans tous les cas de commander l'ouverture du relais par l'intermédiaire du dispositif de déclenchement, mais d'imposer des conditions de déclenchement spécifique du relais dans le cas où l'ouverture du mécanisme est précédée d'une séparation des contacts par l'actionneur électromécanique.This solution makes it possible in all cases to control the opening of the relay via the tripping device, but to impose specific tripping conditions of the relay in the case where the opening of the mechanism is preceded by a separation of the contacts by the electromechanical actuator.

Dans une application pratique préférentielle, les moyens de mesure sont constitués par des tores de Rogowsky.In a preferred practical application, the measuring means consist of Rogowsky tori.

Préférentiellement, l'actionneur électromécanique est constitué par un propulseur à effet Thomson. Naturellement, tout autre propulseur électromécanique ultrarapide est envisageable.Preferably, the electromechanical actuator is constituted by a Thomson effect thruster. Naturally, any other ultrafast electromechanical thruster is conceivable.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre de modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et représentés aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un disjoncteur selon l'invention, dans un état fermé;
  • la figure 2 représente une vue du disjoncteur de la figure 1, dans un état ouvert;
  • la figure 3 représente une vue du disjoncteur de la figure 1, dans un état intermédiaire contacts bloqués;
  • la figure 4 représente, suivant un premier mode de réalisation, une vue schématique d'un circuit de commande et d'alimentation d'un actionneur à effet Thomson du disjoncteur de la figure 1;
  • la figure 5 représente, suivant un deuxième mode de réalisation, une vue d'un circuit de commande et d'alimentation d'un actionneur à effet Thomson du disjoncteur.
Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, and represented in the accompanying drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a circuit breaker according to the invention, in a closed state;
  • the figure 2 represents a view of the breaker of the figure 1 in an open state;
  • the figure 3 represents a view of the breaker of the figure 1 in an intermediate state blocked contacts;
  • the figure 4 represents, according to a first embodiment, a schematic view of a control circuit and power supply of a Thomson effect actuator of the circuit breaker of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 5 represents, in a second embodiment, a view of a control circuit and power supply of a Thomson effect actuator of the circuit breaker.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE D'UN MODE DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

En référence aux figures 1 à 3, un boîtier 10 en matériau isolant d'un disjoncteur limiteur basse tension de puissance renferme dans sa partie antérieure un mécanisme d'entraînement 12 permettant d'entraîner un barreau de commutation 14 pivotant qui transmet à des pôles 16 de l'appareil, situés en dans la partie postérieure, les mouvements du mécanisme 12.With reference to Figures 1 to 3 a casing 10 made of insulating material of a low-voltage power-limiting circuit-breaker encloses in its front part a drive mechanism 12 for driving a pivoting switching bar 14 which transmits to poles 16 of the apparatus, situated in in the posterior part, the movements of the mechanism 12.

Le mécanisme d'entraînement 12 est porté par un châssis non représenté, fixe par rapport au boîtier 10, et comporte un dispositif à genouillère ayant une paire de biellettes de transmission 20, 22, articulées l'une à l'autre par un axe de pivotement 24. La biellette supérieure 22 est accouplée mécaniquement au barreau de commutation 14 par un axe 25. La biellette inférieure 20 est articulée par l'intermédiaire d'un axe 26 à un crochet 27 pivotant autour d'un axe de rotation fixe 28. Un verrou d'ouverture 30 verrouille le crochet 28 dans une position armée par l'intermédiaire d'un levier démultiplicateur 32. Le verrou d'ouverture 30 est actionné à l'aide d'un relais électromagnétique 34. Un ressort d'ouverture 36 est tendu entre l'axe 25 et un taquet fixé au châssis.The drive mechanism 12 is carried by a not shown frame, fixed relative to the housing 10, and comprises a toggle device having a pair of transmission rods 20, 22, articulated to each other by an axis of pivoting 24. The upper link 22 is mechanically coupled to the switching bar 14 by an axis 25. The lower link 20 is articulated via an axis 26 to a hook 27 pivoting about a fixed axis of rotation 28. An opening latch 30 locks the hook 28 in an armed position by means of a reduction lever 32. The opening latch 30 is actuated by means of an electromagnetic relay 34. An opening spring 36 is stretched between the axis 25 and a cleat fixed to the frame.

Le mécanisme est complété par un sous-ensemble d'armement et de fermeture comprenant un levier de transmission 40 muni d'un axe 42 coopérant avec le dispositif à genouillère, d'un galet suivant la courbe d'une came d'armement 44 et d'un axe 46 d'ancrage de l'extrémité d'un ressort de fermeture 48. Le sous-ensemble d'accumulation est complété par un verrou de fermeture 50 bloquant le levier de transmission 40 par l'intermédiaire d'un crochet de démultiplication 52. De manière connue, la rotation de la came d'armement 44 jusqu'à sa position de verrouillage permet de faire pivoter le levier de transmission 40 d'une position désarmée à une position armée et de charger le ressort de fermeture 48, sans interférer avec le mécanisme d'ouverture. En position armée, le levier de transmission 40 est verrouillé par le verrou de fermeture 50. Le déverrouillage du levier 40 permet au ressort de fermeture 48 d'entraîner le levier 40 de la position armée à la position désarmée, l'axe de transmission 42 entraînant alors le dispositif à genouillère en position de fermeture et chargeant le ressort d'ouverture.The mechanism is completed by a subset of arming and closing comprising a transmission lever 40 provided with an axis 42 cooperating with the toggle device, a roller following the curve of an arming cam 44 and an axis 46 anchoring the end of a closing spring 48. The accumulation subassembly is completed by a locking latch 50 blocking the transmission lever 40 via a hook of gearing 52. In known manner, the rotation of the cocking cam 44 to its locking position makes it possible to pivot the transmission lever 40 from a disarmed position to an armed position and to load the closing spring 48, without interfere with the opening mechanism. In the armed position, the transmission lever 40 is locked by the closing latch 50. Unlocking the lever 40 allows the closing spring 48 to drive the lever 40 from the armed position to the disarmed position, the transmission axis 42 then driving the toggle device into the closed position and loading the opening spring.

Le barreau de commutation 14 est commun à l'ensemble des pôles 16 qui peuvent être par exemple au nombre de trois, quatre ou six, bien que d'autres configurations soit possibles, et est constitué par un arbre supporté par des paliers du boîtier pour pivoter autour d'un axe géométrique fixe entre une position d'ouverture et une position de fermeture. Au niveau de chaque pôle est agencée une bielle de liaison 54 qui relie une manivelle 56 du barreau à une cage mobile 58 en matériau isolant. La cage 58 pivote autour d'un axe géométrique 60 fixe par rapport au châssis. Un ou plusieurs doigts de contact mobiles 62 sont montés pivotants autour du même axe 60, et reliés par une tresse 64 à une plage de raccordement 66. Les doigts de contact mobiles 62 portent des pastilles de contact 68 qui, dans la position de la figure 1, viennent en contact avec des pastilles de contact fixes 70 disposées sur une autre plage de raccordement 72. Des bielles télescopiques 74 permettent de guider des ressorts 76 de pression de contact agencés entre la cage 58 et les doigts 62. Les ressorts de pression de contact 76 sont, dans l'exemple considéré, des ressorts de compression, qui tendent à faire pivoter les doigts de contact 62 par rapport à la cage 58 dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre sur les figures, de manière à rappeler les contacts 68 des doigts 62 vers le contact fixe 70. La cage 58 porte une butée de fin de course élastomère 78 limitant le mouvement de pivotement des doigts de contact 62. Un verrou latéral escamotable 80 est articulé autour d'un axe 82 traversant les doigts et supporté par ceux-ci. Une butée 84 est disposée sur le fond du boîtier, en regard du verrou 80. Une lame ressort 86 est fixée à une extrémité du verrou 80, en face d'un nez 88 faisant saillie sur la cage.The switching bar 14 is common to all the poles 16 which may be for example three, four or six, although other configurations are possible, and is constituted by a shaft supported by bearings of the housing for pivot about a fixed geometric axis between an open position and a closed position. At each pole is arranged a connecting rod 54 which connects a crank 56 of the bar to a movable cage 58 of insulating material. The cage 58 pivots around a geometric axis 60 fixed relative to the frame. One or more movable contact fingers 62 are pivotally mounted about the same axis 60, and connected by a braid 64 to a connection pad 66. The movable contact fingers 62 carry contact pads 68 which, in the position of the figure 1 , come into contact with fixed contact pads 70 arranged on another connection pad 72. Telescopic rods 74 serve to guide contact pressure springs 76 arranged between the cage 58 and the fingers 62. The contact pressure springs 76 are, in the example considered, compression springs, which tend to rotate the contact fingers 62 relative to the cage 58 in the opposite direction of clockwise in the figures, so as to recall the contacts 68 of the fingers 62 to the fixed contact 70. The cage 58 carries an elastomeric limit stop 78 limiting the pivotal movement of the contact fingers 62. A retractable lateral latch 80 is articulated about an axis 82 passing through the fingers and supported by them. A stop 84 is disposed on the bottom of the housing, facing the latch 80. A spring blade 86 is attached to one end of the latch 80, in front of a nose 88 projecting from the cage.

Une chambre d'extinction d'arc 90 débouche en regard des contacts, son embouchure étant délimitée par un pare-étincelles 92 et une corne d'arc 94 reliée électriquement à la plage de raccordement et au contact fixe 70. La chambre renferme des ailettes de refroidissement métalliques 96 et s'ouvre sur l'extérieur par une grille de fond 98 à l'opposé des contacts 68, 70.An arc extinction chamber 90 opens out facing the contacts, its mouth being delimited by a spark arrester 92 and an arc horn 94 electrically connected to the connection pad and to the fixed contact 70. The chamber contains fins metal cooling 96 and opens on the outside by a bottom grid 98 opposite the contacts 68, 70.

Un propulseur à effet Thomson 100 est disposé dans le socle du boîtier, en regard des doigts de contact 62. De manière conventionnelle, ce propulseur est constitué d'un disque 102 disposé en regard d'un bobinage 104 et solidaire d'une tête de percussion 106. Une tige 108 est fixée à la tête 106 et guidée dans un cylindre fixe 110. Un ressort de rappel 112 tend à ramener la tête 106 vers le bobinage. La tête 106 constitue un marteau 114 destinée à percuter les doigts de contact 62.A thruster Thomson 100 effect is disposed in the base of the housing, facing the contact fingers 62. Conventionally, the thruster consists of a disc 102 disposed facing a winding 104 and secured to a head of Percussion 106. A rod 108 is fixed to the head 106 and guided in a fixed cylinder 110. A return spring 112 tends to bring the head 106 back to the winding. The head 106 constitutes a hammer 114 intended to strike the contact fingers 62.

Un tore de Rogowsky 120 entoure la plage de raccordement 66 et sert à la mesure du courant traversant le pôle 16. Comme le montre la figure 4, les tores 120 des trois pôles délivrent un signal à une unité de commande 121 comportant un premier module électronique de déclenchement 122 et un deuxième module électronique de déclenchement 124. Le premier module électronique 122 commande de manière très classique le relais électromécanique 34 pilotant le verrou d'ouverture 30. Le deuxième module électronique 124 pilote à la fois le relais électromécanique 34 et un module d'électronique de puissance 130 servant à l'alimentation dû propulseur à effet Thomson 100. Toutefois, la ligne 125 reliant le deuxième module électronique 124 au relais 34 est optionnelle, et peut le cas échéant être omise, d'où sa représentation en trait interrompus. Suivant une autre alternative représentée par la ligne en traits interrompus 126, le deuxième module électronique pilote le relais électromagnétique 34 en cas d'ouverture ultrarapide, à travers le module 122. Le deuxième module est apte à déterminer si le signal délivré par les tores 120 est caractéristique d'un défaut nécessitant une ouverture ultrarapide du disjoncteur. Les moyens pour prendre cette décision sont bien connus de l'homme du métier, et décrits par exemple dans le document DE 36 42 136 , ainsi que dans la demande de brevet français portant le numéro d'enregistrement 01 15 785.A Rogowsky torus 120 surrounds the connection pad 66 and is used to measure the current flowing through the pole 16. As shown in FIG. figure 4 the cores 120 of the three poles deliver a signal to a control unit 121 comprising a first electronic trigger module 122 and a second electronic trigger module 124. The first electronic module 122 controls in a very conventional manner the electromechanical relay 34 driving the latch The second electronic module 124 controls both the electromechanical relay 34 and a power electronics module 130 serving for the Thomson 100 thruster power supply. However, the line 125 connecting the second electronic module 124 Relay 34 is optional, and may be omitted where appropriate, hence its dashed representation. According to another alternative represented by the dashed line 126, the second electronic module controls the electromagnetic relay 34 in case of ultrafast opening, through the module 122. The second module is able to determine if the signal delivered by the toroids 120 is characteristic of a fault requiring an ultrafast opening of the circuit breaker. The means for making this decision are well known to those skilled in the art, and described for example in the document DE 36 42 136 as well as in the French patent application bearing the registration number 01 15 785.

Le module d'électronique de puissance est pourvu d'une batterie de condensateurs de puissance servant à emmagasiner l'énergie électrique nécessaire à l'activation du propulseur 100. Le module 130 est alimenté en puissance par une alimentation propre 134.The power electronics module is provided with a battery of power capacitors for storing electrical energy necessary for the activation of the thruster 100. The module 130 is powered by a power supply 134.

En présence d'un défaut électrique ne nécessitant pas une réponse très rapide et une limitation extrême du courant, le tore 120 délivre un signal tel que seul le premier module électronique 122 envoie un signal au relais électromécanique 34 qui déverrouille le verrou d'ouverture 30. Le ressort d'ouverture 36 entraîne alors le barreau de commutation 14 vers la position ouverte représentée sur la figure 2. Ce mouvement est transmis aux cages 58 des différents pôles 16 par les bielles 54. Les doigts de contact 62, sollicités par les ressorts de pression de contact 76, suivent le mouvement d'ouverture.In the presence of an electrical fault that does not require a very rapid response and an extreme limitation of the current, the torus 120 delivers a signal such that only the first electronic module 122 sends a signal to the electromechanical relay 34 which unlocks the opening latch 30 The opening spring 36 then drives the switching bar 14 towards the open position represented on the figure 2 . This movement is transmitted to the cages 58 of the different poles 16 by the rods 54. The contact fingers 62, urged by the contact pressure springs 76, follow the opening movement.

Toutefois, si le courant de défaut à été suffisant pour engendrer entre les contacts 68, 70 une force de répulsion électromagnétique dont le moment par rapport à l'axe 60 est supérieur à celui des ressorts de pression de contact 76, les doigts de contact 62 ont pivoté dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, provoquant un arc électrique dès la séparation des contacts 68, 70 et ainsi une limitation du courant, ceci avant même que le mécanisme 12 ait entraîné les cages 58 vers la position ouverte. Du fait de ce pivotement des doigts 62 avant la mise en mouvement de la cage 58, la lame ressort 86 rencontre le nez 88 de la cage et fait pivoter le verrou 80 par rapport aux doigts 62 de sorte que le verrou 80 vient s'interposer entre les doigts 62 et la butée 84. Si le courant diminue avant que le mécanisme n'ait entraîné la cage vers la position ouverte, les doigts 62 amorcent un mouvement dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre mais se retrouvent aussitôt bloqué dans la position représentée sur la figure 3, car le verrou 80 est venu au contact de la butée 84 et interdit la retombée des doigts de contact 62. Le verrou est désactivé par l'ouverture de l'appareil qui provoque le pivotement de la cage 58, de sorte que le nez 88 s'éloigne de la lame ressort 86. Suivant les versions, le retour dans la position escamotée du verrou 80 s'effectue par simple gravité ou bien à l'aide d'un ressort de torsion non représenté sur les figures, rappelant le verrou 80 dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre. Ainsi, pour des défauts lents ou de faible amplitude, le disjoncteur se comporte comme un disjoncteur limiteur conventionnel à accrochage.However, if the fault current was sufficient to generate between the contacts 68, 70 an electromagnetic repulsion force whose moment relative to the axis 60 is greater than that of the contact pressure springs 76, the contact fingers 62 have rotated clockwise, causing an electric arc upon separation of the contacts 68, 70 and thus a current limitation, even before the mechanism 12 has driven the stands 58 to the open position. Due to this pivoting of the fingers 62 before the cage 58 is set in motion, the spring blade 86 meets the nose 88 of the cage and pivots the latch 80 with respect to the fingers 62 so that the latch 80 comes into play. between the fingers 62 and the stop 84. If the current decreases before the mechanism has driven the cage to the open position, the fingers 62 initiate a movement in the opposite direction of the clockwise but are immediately blocked in the position represented on the figure 3 since the latch 80 has come into contact with the abutment 84 and prevents the contact fingers 62 from falling off. The latch is deactivated by the opening of the apparatus which causes the cage 58 to pivot, so that the nose 88 away from the spring blade 86. Depending on the versions, the return to the retracted position of the latch 80 is by simple gravity or with the aid of a torsion spring not shown in the figures, recalling the latch 80 in the opposite direction of clockwise. Thus, for slow or low amplitude defects, the circuit breaker behaves like a conventional latching limiter circuit breaker.

Le comportement du disjoncteur en cas de défaut électrique rapide et de forte amplitude est de nature totalement différente. En effet, dans un pareil cas, le deuxième module électronique de déclenchement 124, dont le temps de réponse est beaucoup plus court que celui du premier module de déclenchement 122, prend la priorité. Il commande d'une part l'électronique de puissance 130 et d'autre part, de manière simultanée ou temporisée, suivant les besoins, le relais électromagnétique 34. L'électronique de puissance 130 libère alors instantanément dans le propulseur à effet Thomson 100 l'énergie électrique emmagasinée dans les condensateurs 132. En moins d'une milliseconde, le marteau 114 de la tête du propulseur percute les doigts de contact 62 et projète les doigts qui pivotent dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre autour de l'axe 60, la cage 58 restant immobile. Comme décrit précédemment dans le cas de la répulsion électromagnétique, les doigts 62 viennent en butée contre la butée 78 de la cage alors que le verrou 80 pivote et se met en place. Lorsque les doigts commencent à redescendre, le verrou 80 vient les bloquer comme représenté sur la figure 3. Dès la séparation des contacts, un arc électrique s'étire entre les contacts. La forme de la cuivrerie formant le circuit électrique entre les plages de raccordement 66, 72 a sur l'arc un effet de boucle qui projète l'arc vers la chambre. L'arc commute sur le pare-étincelles 92 et sur la corne d'arc 94, ce qui facilite son entrée dans la chambre d'extinction 90 tout en ménageant les contacts 68, 70. En rencontrant les ailettes de refroidissement 96, l'arc se refroidit, de sorte que sa tension électrique augmente jusqu'à extinction. Le mécanisme 12, avec son propre temps de réponse, confirme l'ouverture en entraînant la cage 58 dans la position ouverte de la figure 2. Le déroulement de la séquence d'ouverture comporte les mêmes étapes que dans le cas d'une répulsion électrodynamique, mais son déroulement est beaucoup plus rapide. Il se passe en effet moins de trois millisecondes entre le zéro de courant et l'activation du propulseur à effet Thomson, de sorte que l'intensité du courant d'arc est très faible et que l'arc est facile à couper. Si l'on devait s'en remettre à l'effet de répulsion électromagnétique entre les contacts, il faudrait attendre que l'intensité du courant ait dépassé un seuil de limitation déjà élevé, et la séparation des contacts donnerait naissance à un arc très énergétique dès l'origine.The behavior of the circuit breaker in case of rapid electrical fault and high amplitude is completely different in nature. Indeed, in such a case, the second electronic trigger module 124, whose response time is much shorter than that of the first trigger module 122, takes precedence. It controls firstly the power electronics 130 and secondly, simultaneously or timed, as required, the electromagnetic relay 34. The power electronics 130 then instantly releases into the Thomson effect thruster 100 l electrical energy stored in the capacitors 132. In less than a millisecond, the hammer 114 of the thruster head collides with the contact fingers 62 and projects the fingers that pivot in clockwise about the axis 60, the cage 58 remaining stationary. As previously described in the case of electromagnetic repulsion, the fingers 62 abut against the stop 78 of the cage while the latch 80 pivots and is put in place. When the fingers begin to descend, the latch 80 locks them as shown on the figure 3 . As soon as the contacts separate, an electric arc is drawn between the contacts. The shape of the copperwork forming the electrical circuit between the connecting pads 66, 72 has on the arc a loop effect which projects the arc towards the chamber. The arc switches on the spark arrester 92 and on the arc horn 94, which facilitates its entry into the extinguishing chamber 90 while leaving the contacts 68, 70. By meeting the cooling fins 96, the Arc cools down, so that its electrical voltage increases to extinction. The mechanism 12, with its own response time, confirms the opening by driving the cage 58 into the open position of the figure 2 . The sequence of the opening sequence has the same steps as in the case of an electrodynamic repulsion, but its progress is much faster. In fact, there is less than three milliseconds between the current zero and the activation of the Thomson effect thruster, so that the intensity of the arc current is very low and the arc is easy to cut. If we were to rely on the electromagnetic repulsion effect between the contacts, it would be necessary to wait for the intensity of the current to have exceeded an already high limitation threshold, and the separation of the contacts would give rise to a very energetic arc. from the beginning.

Naturellement, diverses modifications sont possibles.Naturally, various modifications are possible.

Selon une variante du circuit de commande, représentée sur la figure 5, les tores de Rogowsky délivrent leur signal à une unité électronique de commande 121 qui comporte un module 152 de détection des défauts et de discrimination entre défauts nécessitant une activation de l'actionneur 100 et défaut ne nécessitant que l'ouverture du mécanisme. Suivant la décision prise, le module de détection 152 informe un module de commande 154 qui envoie au relais 34 et/ou au module d'électronique de puissance 130, les signaux de commande adéquats.According to a variant of the control circuit, represented on the figure 5 the Rogowsky toroids deliver their signal to an electronic control unit 121 which includes a module 152 for detecting defects and discrimination between defects requiring activation of the actuator 100 and a defect requiring only the opening of the mechanism. According to the decision taken, the detection module 152 informs a control module 154 which sends the relay 34 and / or the power electronics module 130 the appropriate control signals.

Le caractère multipolaire du disjoncteur présenté n'est pas limitatif et l'invention serait également applicable à des appareillages unipolaires.The multipolar nature of the circuit breaker shown is not limiting and the invention would also be applicable to unipolar apparatus.

Les ressorts de pression de contact peuvent être disposés entre les doigts de contact mobiles et un élément solidaire du boîtier, comme décrit par exemple dans le document US 4.841.266 . Il peut être également prévu de réaliser la fonction anti-retour de la cale à l'aide des ressorts de pression de contact formant un système bistable entre la cage et les doigts de contact, de la manière décrite par exemple dans le même document US 4.841.266 . Ainsi, lorsque les doigts de contact sont proches de la position de contact, les ressorts de rappel assurent la pression de contact alors que lorsque les doigts sont en position de séparation, les ressorts tendent à les y maintenir.The contact pressure springs may be arranged between the movable contact fingers and an element integral with the housing, as described for example in the document US 4,841,266 . It may also be provided to perform the anti-return function of the wedge using the contact pressure springs forming a bistable system between the cage and the contact fingers, as described for example in the same document US 4,841,266 . Thus, when the contact fingers are close to the contact position, the return springs provide the contact pressure whereas when the fingers are in the separation position, the springs tend to hold them there.

Les ressorts de pression de contact 76 peuvent être tarés de telle manière que les doigts de contacts 62 ne se soulèvent jamais par effet de répulsion électromagnétique, avant que l'un des dispositifs de déclenchement n'entraîne la séparation des contacts, par ouverture du mécanisme 12 ou par activation du propulseur 100. On obtient alors un appareil à tenue électrodynamique élevée, assurant une très forte limitation des courants extrêmement élevés par l'intermédiaire du propulseur 100.The contact pressure springs 76 may be calibrated in such a way that the contact fingers 62 are never raised by the effect of electromagnetic repulsion, before one of the triggering devices causes the separation of the contacts, by opening the mechanism 12 or by activation of the thruster 100. This gives a device with high electrodynamic resistance, ensuring a very strong limitation of extremely high currents through the thruster 100.

Il peut être prévu deux butées latérales escamotables encadrant la cage si la largeur de la cage, dans une direction perpendiculaire au plan des figures, le rend nécessaire. D'autres formes de butées sont envisageables. La butée escamotable peut être fixée au fond du boîtier. Elle peut également s'interposer entre la cage et les doigts.It can be provided two retractable lateral stops flanking the cage if the width of the cage, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the figures, makes it necessary. Other forms of stops are conceivable. The retractable stop can be attached to the bottom of the housing. It can also be placed between the cage and the fingers.

Si la place le permet, le propulseur a effet Thomson ou tout autre actionneur ultrarapide peut être disposé sur la cage de manière à faire pivoter les doigts.If space permits, the Thomson thruster or other high-speed actuator may be positioned on the cage to rotate the fingers.

Naturellement, la détection des défauts électriques ne se limite pas nécessairement à la détection des courts-circuits et des courants de surcharge. Le verrou d'ouverture peut également être piloté par des moyens de détection à manque de tension, qui agiront soit sur des relais électromécaniques distincts du relais 36, soit sur le relais 36 lui-même.Of course, the detection of electrical faults is not necessarily limited to the detection of short circuits and overload currents. The opening latch can also be controlled by means of detection of lack of voltage, which will act either on electromechanical relays separate from the relay 36, or on the relay 36 itself.

Le mécanisme décrit dans l'exemple de réalisation est un mécanisme du type permettant un cycle ouverture, fermeture, ouverture, avec un ressort d'ouverture et un ressort de fermeture distincts. Toutefois, l'invention est applicable à tout autre type de mécanisme conventionnel pour disjoncteur, dans lequel l'énergie nécessaire à l'ouverture est emmagasinée dans un ressort d'accumulation. Elle est notamment applicable au disjoncteur dont le mécanisme comporte un ressort unique assurant à la fois l'ouverture sur défaut et la fermeture de l'appareillage.The mechanism described in the exemplary embodiment is a mechanism of the type allowing a cycle opening, closing, opening, with a separate opening spring and closing spring. However, the invention is applicable to any other type of conventional mechanism for circuit breaker, wherein the energy required for opening is stored in an accumulation spring. It is particularly applicable to circuit breaker whose mechanism comprises a single spring ensuring both opening on fault and closing the apparatus.

Claims (12)

  1. An electric switchgear apparatus comprising:
    - a first contact (70) connected to a first terminal strip (72) for connection to an electric power circuit;
    - a cage (58) movable between a closed position and an open position;
    - a second contact (68) electrically connected to a second terminal strip (66) for connection to the electric power circuit, the second contact (68) being movable with respect to the cage (58) between a contact position and a separated position, the second contact (68) being in contact with the first contact (70) when the cage (58) is in the closed position and the second contact is in the contact position,
    - a drive mechanism (12) of the apparatus, movable between a closed position and an open position, comprising:
    - an energy storage spring (36) loaded when the drive mechanism (12) is in the closed position and unloading moving the drive mechanism from the closed position to the open position;
    - an opening latch (30) locking the drive mechanism (12) in the open position;
    - an electromechanical relay (34) for operation of the opening latch (30);
    - a kinematic transmission system between the energy storage spring (36) and the cage (58) to drive the cage (58) from the closed position to the open position when the drive mechanism (12) moves from the closed position to the open position;
    characterized in that it further comprises:
    - an electromechanical actuator (100) comprising a movable assembly movable between a rest position and an active position and driving the second contact (68) from the contact position to the separated position moving from the rest position to the active position when the cage (58) is in the closed position;
    - an electric power supply device (130) to supply the electromechanical actuator (100) and deliver the electric power required to make the movable assembly move from the rest position to the active position;
    - means (152) for detecting electric faults and for discriminating between electric faults requiring high-speed opening and electric faults not requiring high-speed opening;
    - operating means (154) to command both the electromechanical relay (34) and the electric power supply device (130) when the means for detecting and discriminating (152) have decided that the electric fault requires high-speed opening and to command the electromechanical relay (34) alone when the means for detecting and discriminating have decided that the electric fault does not require high-speed opening.
  2. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for retaining (80) the second contact (68) in a retention position situated between the contact position and the separated position so long as the cage is in the closed position.
  3. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a contact pressure spring (76) biasing the second contact (68) to the contact position when the second contact (68) is close to the contact position.
  4. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the contact pressure spring (76) bears on the movable cage (58).
  5. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the contact pressure spring (76) bears on a support (10) of the apparatus, the second contact (68) being connected to the cage (58) by a kinematic link.
  6. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the drive mechanism (12) comprises closing means to move the drive mechanism (12) from the open position to the closed position, the kinematic transmission system driving the cage (58) from the open position to the closed position when the drive mechanism (12) moves from the open position to the closed position.
  7. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the closing means comprise a closing spring (48) which relaxes to move the mechanism from the open position to the closed position.
  8. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the retention means include an anti-return latch (80) movable between a neutral position and an anti-return position and moving from the neutral position to the anti-return position when the second contact (68) moves from the contact position to the separated position, the anti-return latch (80) in the anti-return position locking the second contact (68) in a locked position close to the separated position so long as the cage (58) is in the closed position.
  9. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it further comprises:
    - an arc extinguishing chamber (90) equipped with means for absorbing (96) energy given off by an electric arc drawn between the first contact (70) and the second contact (68) when the second contact is separated from the first contact,
    - means for projecting an electric arc drawn between the first contact and the second contact by electromagnetic effect to the arc extinguishing chamber.
  10. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electric power supply device comprises an electric power storage means (132).
  11. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electric power supply device is connected to an electric source (134) independent from the electric power circuit.
  12. The limiting electric switchgear apparatus according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the electromechanical actuator (100) is constituted by a Thomson effect thruster.
EP03354022A 2002-03-22 2003-03-13 Ultrafast current limiting electrical switching apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP1347479B1 (en)

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FR0203586A FR2837619B1 (en) 2002-03-22 2002-03-22 HIGH-SPEED LIMIT SWITCHING ELECTRICAL APPARATUS
FR0203586 2002-03-22

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FR2837619A1 (en) 2003-09-26
EP1347479A1 (en) 2003-09-24
US6777635B2 (en) 2004-08-17
US20030179525A1 (en) 2003-09-25

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