EP1745533B1 - Surge voltage protection device with improved disconnection and visual indication means - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for protecting an electrical system against surge voltages, comprising one or more protection components (10), means (20) for disconnecting the protection component (10) and means (30) for visually indicating the state of said component (10), operationally connected to the disconnection means (20) and comprising at least one control part (40) and at least one means (50) for indicating the state of the protection component (10), combined with said control part (40), characterised in that the relative arrangement of said control part (40) and said disconnection means (20) is such that, when the latter are opened (20), they release the control part (40), thereby allowing it to move. Electrical surge voltage protection devices are also described.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general technical field of protective devices for installations and equipment, electrical against transient electrical surges.

• au moins un composant de protection,
• des moyens de déconnexion du composant de protection, adaptés pour déconnecter ce dernier de l'installation électrique, et susceptibles de se déplacer entre une position de fermeture, dans laquelle le composant de protection est connecté, et une position d'ouverture, dans laquelle le composant de protection est déconnecté,
• des moyens de visualisation de l'état du composant de protection, reliés fonctionnellement aux moyens de déconnexion et comportant :
  • au moins une pièce de commande, distincte des moyens de déconnexion et apte à se déplacer sous la dépendance de ces derniers,
  • au moins un moyen d'indication de l'état du composant de protection, associé à la pièce de commande de telle manière que le moyen d'indication indique, en fonction de la position de la pièce de commande, si le composant de protection est en service ou déconnecté.

The present invention relates more particularly to a device for protecting an electrical installation against surges comprising:

• at least one protection component,
• means for disconnecting the protection component, adapted to disconnect the latter from the electrical installation, and capable of moving between a closed position, in which the protection component is connected, and an open position, in which the protection component is disconnected,
• means for displaying the state of the protection component, functionally connected to the disconnection means and comprising:
  • at least one control part, distinct from the disconnection means and able to move under the control of the latter,
  • at least one means for indicating the state of the protection component, associated with the control part so that the indicating means indicates, as a function of the position of the control part, if the protection component is in use or disconnected.

PRIOR ART

Protection devices for electrical installations are commonly used to protect electrical or electronic devices against overvoltages that can be, for example, generated by discharges due to lightning.

These devices generally comprise an active part formed by one or more protection components, such as for example a varistor or a spark gap.

Varistors are commonly used components to protect electrical installations or equipment against transient overvoltages.

When an overvoltage occurs within the installation, the varistor experiences a current shock which has the effect of degrading it and causing it to overheat, making its thermal disconnection necessary.

The degradation of the varistor is difficult, if not impossible to predict, since it depends not only on the number of current shocks experienced by the varistor during its lifetime, but also on their amplitude.

It is therefore difficult to predict a priori the lifetime and the degree of aging of a varistor and the user is often led to note a posteriori the destruction of the latter, so that the installation runs the risk of running for some latency without protection.

In order to allow rapid identification of a defective varistor and to reduce the above-mentioned latency, it is known to equip each varistor with display means that can indicate to a third party that the varistor is out of service.

The varistors generally encountered are thus associated with disconnection means adapted to disconnect the varistor when it is in a degraded state and before it heats up too much, to which are connected functionally the display means of the device. state of the varistor, generally actuated by the means of disconnection, and which make it possible to indicate to a third party whether the varistor is in use or disconnected.

The display means may thus be in the form of a cursor associated with a viewing piece and able to move in translation under the action of the disconnection means, so as to indicate, according to its position, the state of the varistor and this, by means of the facing of the viewing part, for example a colored screen, with a viewing window formed in the housing of the protective device.

In the known protection devices, the cursor and the viewing piece are either secured to the disconnection means, in particular a disconnection blade, or independent while being controlled and actuated by the latter.

In all cases, the displacement of the disconnection means towards their open position generates the displacement of the cursor, displacement controlled or guided by the disconnection means or independent guiding means.

However, it may happen that the cursor or the viewing part is obstructed (e) in its movement, especially in the case where the cursor and / or the viewing part are improperly sized or if the guide means are defective, leading thus to a bad guidance of the cursor.

In this situation, the cursor and / or the viewing piece can then hinder or even prevent the disconnection of the varistor. The latter then remains connected and the display means indicate no anomaly while the varistor is greatly degraded, and may cause a fire due to its heating.

In addition, the assemblies in which the cursor, and / or the viewing piece are actuated and their displacement controlled by the disconnection means generally require perfecting the dimensioning of the pieces, so as firstly to avoid the formation of games between these, and on the other hand to avoid any risk of blocking the disconnection system and / or visualization.

In addition, in order to prevent the slider and / or the viewing part from slowing down the disconnection, the disconnection blades are generally designed so as to have a large spring effect, capable of compensating for the braking effect exerted possibly by the cursor and / or the viewing room.

Such a measure, however, has the drawback of weakening the connection by welding between the disconnection blade and the corresponding electrode of the varistor.

In general, the mechanical complexity of the known devices requires perfect control of parts manufacturing operations, which has the effect of significantly increasing the cost of manufacturing devices.

The preceding remarks obviously apply to devices employing other protection components, especially spark gaps for which it may be necessary, in certain applications, to use thermal disconnectors.

We therefore see all the benefits of providing a surge protection device, which while of a simple and economical design, is likely to disconnect, in the most reliable and effective way, the protection component of the installation to be protected, and at the same time indicate to a third party that the same protection component is out of service.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the invention therefore aim to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new device for protecting electrical installations against overvoltages which ensures a particularly reliable and rapid disconnection of the protection component.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for protecting electrical installations against overvoltages which is capable of indicating in a simple, reliable and instantaneous manner the state of the protection component.

Moreover, it is known to US-B-6,430,019 a voltage cutter device for cutting off surges in an electrical circuit. This device comprises a metal oxide varistor. The temperature of the varistor increases when the voltage applied to its terminals exceeds a predetermined value. A pair of electrical contact elements is provided for electrically connecting the varistor to a power line of an electrical circuit, on the one hand, and to the ground or the neutral line of the electrical circuit, on the other hand. One of these contact elements is in the form of an arm portion of a contact element fixed to the varistor by means of a low temperature solder.

In case of failure in the electrical circuit, an overvoltage may occur. In this case, the varistor heats up to the temperature at which the low temperature solder melts. When the low temperature weld melts, the arm portion breaks off the varistor - thus disconnecting the varistor from the rest of the circuit - and can deviate from the varistor.

On the other hand, when the arm portion is attached to the varistor, this arm portion maintains a shield in a first position, wherein the shield is not interposed between the arm portion and the varistor. When the low temperature weld melts, the protective screen interposes between the arm portion and the varistor.

• sont à l'intérieur du boîtier quand l'écran protecteur est dans sa première position ; et
• font saillie hors du boîtier quand l'écran protecteur s'interpose entre la portion de bras et la varistance, après que la soudure basse température ait fondu.

The shield further includes two arm portions that:

• are inside the case when the shield is in its first position; and
• protrude out of the housing when the shield is interposed between the arm portion and the varistor, after the low temperature weld has melted.

The protective screen thus makes it possible to indicate a heating of the varistor.

Finally, EP-A-0 987 803 discloses a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising two varistors. Each varistor is associated with a cursor. Each cursor can be moved in translation between a closed position, in which the associated component is connected, and an open position, in which the associated component is disconnected. The slider is held in its closed position by a weld. A spring tends to move the cursor to its open position. The device according to EP-A-0 987 803 also includes display means operatively connected to the cursor. These display means comprise a moving part adapted to move according to the cursor. The display means also includes indicator means in the form of an extension adapted to move relative to the orifice to indicate whether the varistor is connected or disconnected.

• la position initiale correspondant à un état dans lequel les deux composants de protection sont connectés ;
• la position intermédiaire étant décalée par rapport à la position initiale et correspondant à un étant dans lequel seul l'un des moyens de déconnexion est dans sa position ouverte ; et
• la position finale étant décalée par rapport à la position intermédiaire et correspondant à un état dans lequel les deux moyens de déconnexion sont dans leur position ouverte.

EP-A-0 987 803 further describes that the moving part can be moved between an initial position, an intermediate position and a final position,

• the initial position corresponding to a state in which the two protection components are connected;
• the intermediate position being offset from the initial position and corresponding to a being in which only one of the disconnecting means is in its open position; and
• the final position being shifted with respect to the intermediate position and corresponding to a state in which the two disconnection means are in their open position.

When the disconnecting means open, a finger abuts against the moving part so as to move the latter in a position that indicates that the varistor is disconnected.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting electrical installations against overvoltages whose design is particularly simple and economical.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for protecting electrical installations against overvoltages requiring only a limited number of parts to obtain the connection / disconnection function on the one hand, and the visualization function on the other hand. go.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for protecting electrical installations against overvoltages enabling simultaneous and differentiated visualization of the state of several protection components connected in parallel.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for protecting electrical installations against overvoltages making it possible to provide a remote indication of the state of the protection component.

• deux composants de protection montés en parallèle, respectivement associés à un premier et à un deuxième moyens de déconnexion du composant de protection respectif, adaptés pour déconnecter ce dernier de l'installation électrique, et susceptibles de se déplacer entre une position de fermeture, dans laquelle le composant de protection respectif est connecté, et une position d'ouverture, dans laquelle le composant de protection respectif est déconnecté,
• des moyens de visualisation de l'état des composants de protection, reliés fonctionnellement aux moyens de déconnexion et comportant :
  • au moins une pièce de commande, distincte des moyens de déconnexion et apte à se déplacer sous la dépendance de ces derniers,
  • au moins un moyen d'indication de l'état des composants de protection, associé à la pièce de commande de telle manière que le moyen d'indication indique, en fonction de la position de la pièce de commande, si les composants de protection sont en service ou déconnectés,

les moyens de visualisation étant reliés fonctionnellement au premier et au deuxième moyens de déconnexion de manière à fournir une indication différenciée sur l'état de chacun des composants de protection pris individuellement,
dans lequel la pièce de commande et les moyens de déconnexion sont disposés relativement de telle manière que lors de l'ouverture des moyens de déconnexion, ces derniers libèrent la pièce de commande, autorisant ainsi le déplacement de cette dernière, et
dans lequel la pièce de commande est montée mobile élastiquement entre :

• une position initiale, correspondant à un état connecté des deux composants de protection, dans laquelle ladite pièce de commande est maintenue en position par les deux moyens de déconnexion,
• une position intermédiaire, décalée par rapport à la position initiale, correspondant à un état où un seul des moyens de déconnexion est déconnecté, dans laquelle la pièce de commande est maintenue en position par le moyen de déconnexion en position de fermeture, et une position finale, décalée par rapport à la position intermédiaire, correspondant à un état déconnecté des deux moyens de déconnexion.

The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a protection device of an electrical installation against overvoltages according to the features of claim 1, and comprising:

• two protection components connected in parallel, respectively associated with a first and a second means of disconnection of the respective protection component, adapted to disconnect the latter from the electrical installation, and capable of moving between a closed position, in which the respective protection component is connected, and an open position, in which the respective protection component is disconnected,
• means for displaying the state of the protection components, functionally connected to the disconnection means and comprising:
  • at least one control part, distinct from the disconnection means and able to move under the control of the latter,
  • at least one means for indicating the state of the protection components, associated with the control part so that the indicating means indicates, depending on the position of the control part, whether the protection components are in service or disconnected,

the display means being operably connected to the first and second disconnecting means so as to provide a differentiated indication of the state of each of the individual protection components,
wherein the control part and the disconnection means are arranged in such a way that when opening the disconnecting means, the latter release the control part, thus allowing the latter to move, and
wherein the control member is resiliently movable between:

• an initial position, corresponding to a connected state of the two protection components, in which said control part is held in position by the two disconnection means,
• an intermediate position, offset from the initial position, corresponding to a state where only one of the disconnecting means is disconnected, in which the control part is held in position by the disconnecting means in the closed position, and an end position , offset from the intermediate position, corresponding to a disconnected state of the two disconnecting means.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 illustre, selon une vue en coupe, un dispositif de protection contre les surtensions lorsque la composant de protection est en service.
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en coupe, le dispositif de protection représenté sur la figure 1 lorsque le composant de connexion est déconnecté.
• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue en perspective, un dispositif de protection conforme à l'invention pourvu de deux varistances montées en parallèle.
• Les figures 4a, 4b, 4c illustrent, selon une vue schématique, un système de visualisation de l'état de deux varistances montées en parallèle lorsque les deux varistances sont en service (figure 4a), lorsqu'une seule des varistances est en service (figure 4b) ou lorsque les deux varistances sont déconnectées (figure 4c).
• Les figures 5a, 5b, 5c illustrent, selon une vue schématique, une variante améliorée du système de visualisation de l'état de deux varistances montées en parallèle lorsque les deux varistances sont en service (figure 5a), lorsqu'une seule des varistances est en service (figure 5b) ou lorsque les deux varistances sont déconnectées (figure 5c).
• Les figures 6a, 6b, 6c illustrent, selon une vue schématique, une variante de dispositif de protection conforme à l'invention, dans laquelle le dispositif est adapté pour être raccordé à un système de signalisation à distance, les figures illustrant les deux états suivants : un premier état où les deux varistances sont en service (figure 6a) et un deuxième état où une seule des varistances est en service (figures 6b et 6c).
• La figure 7 illustre, selon une vue en perspective, une embase sur laquelle est destinée à être enfichée une cellule de protection conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 8 illustre, selon une vue en perspective, une variante préférentielle de réalisation du dispositif de protection conforme à l'invention, combinant un organe de visualisation directe et un indicateur signalétique déporté.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear and will appear in more detail on reading the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given purely by way of illustration and not limitation, in which:

• The figure 1 illustrates, in sectional view, an overvoltage protection device when the protection component is in use.
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a sectional view, the protective device represented on the figure 1 when the connection component is disconnected.
• The figure 3 illustrates, in a perspective view, a protection device according to the invention provided with two varistors connected in parallel.
• The Figures 4a, 4b, 4c illustrate, in a schematic view, a system for visualizing the state of two varistors connected in parallel when the two varistors are in use ( figure 4a ), when only one of the varistors is in use ( figure 4b ) or when both varistors are disconnected ( figure 4c ).
• The Figures 5a, 5b, 5c illustrate, in a schematic view, an improved variant of the system for visualizing the state of two varistors connected in parallel when the two varistors are in use ( figure 5a ), when only one of the varistors is in use ( figure 5b ) or when both varistors are disconnected ( figure 5c ).
• The Figures 6a, 6b, 6c illustrate, in a schematic view, an alternative protection device according to the invention, wherein the device is adapted to be connected to a remote signaling system, the figures illustrating the following two states: a first state where the two varistors are in use ( figure 6a ) and a second state where only one of the varistors is in use ( Figures 6b and 6c ).
• The figure 7 illustrates, in a perspective view, a base on which is intended to be plugged a protection cell according to the invention.
• The figure 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, a preferred embodiment of the protection device according to the invention, combining a direct display member and a remote indicator.

BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The overvoltage protection device according to the invention is intended to be branched into the equipment or the installation electric to protect. The term " electrical installation " refers to any type of device or network that is susceptible to voltage disturbances, including transient overvoltages due to lightning. In the latter case, it is formed by a surge arrester.

The overvoltage protection device according to the invention is advantageously intended to be disposed between a phase of the installation to be protected and the earth.

It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the device, instead of being connected bypass between a phase and the earth, is connected between the neutral and the earth, between the phase and the neutral, or between two phases (case of differential protection).

The protection device comprises at least one protection component 10 forming the active part, for example a surge arrester, intended to protect the electrical installation.

In the remainder of the description, it is considered that each protection component 10 present in the device is formed by a varistor, it being understood that the use of a varistor is only indicated by way of example and does not constitute in no way a limitation of the invention.

The protection device according to the invention comprises two varistors 10, means 20 of disconnection of each varistor, sensitive to their degree of aging and adapted to individually disconnect each varistor of the electrical installation when the varistors are in a degraded state .

The protection device according to the invention also comprises means 30 for visualizing the state of each varistor 10, functionally connected to the disconnection means 20.

Advantageously, the protection device is formed by a protection cell 1 which may comprise one or more modules 2 each containing a varistor 10 ( Figures 1, 2 and 3 ). Each module 2 advantageously comprises a base 3 made of electrically insulating material, a varistor 10, two electrically conductive electrodes 4 constituting the poles of the varistor 10 as well as disconnecting means 20.

In the withdrawable versions of the device illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 each module 2 is adapted to be electrically connected to a base 400 ( figure 7 ) by means of connection pads 8, 9 intended to be introduced into orifices 405, 406 provided on the base 400.

Thus, one of the poles of the varistor 10 is connected directly to a connection pad 8, the other pole of the varistor being connected to an electrode 4, which is welded to the connection means 20 which are in permanent electrical contact with each other. the other connection pad 9.

The disconnecting means 20 are preferably formed by a thermal disconnector, such as for example a disconnection blade 21 in thermal and electrical contact with the associated varistor 10, so that the heating of the varistor, linked to the end of life of the latter, causes the opening of the disconnection blade 21, thus isolating the varistor lines to protect.

The disconnection means 20 are thus able to move between a so-called closing position, in which the varistor 10 is connected to the network or electrical installation and an open position, in which the varistor 10 is disconnected from the electrical installation. These two positions are illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 .

Advantageously, the disconnection blade 21 extends between two ends 21A, 21B, one of the ends 21A being preferably fixed by means of a hot-melt welding on one of the electrodes 4. The end 21 A of the disconnection blade 21 is thus preferably welded in stress, so that when the varistor 10 reaches the end of its life, it becomes heated and causes the fusion or rupture of the weld which, once broken, allows the release of the disconnection blade 21.

Due to its intrinsic elasticity, the disconnection blade 21, precisely the end 21 A of the disconnection blade 21 then departs from the electrode 4, while the other end 21 B remains fixed, as shown on the figure 2 .

The structure of the display means 30 will now be described in detail.

The display means 30 are adapted to inform a third party of the state of the varistors or varistors contained in the protection cell 1. These display means 30 are functionally connected to the disconnection means 20, that is to say that there are intermediate means for connecting the position of the disconnection means 20 to the indication provided by the display means 30.

The display means 30 comprise, for each protection cell 1, a control part 40, distinct from the disconnection means 20 and able to move under the control of the latter. This control part 40 advantageously provides the connection between the disconnection means 20 and the display means 30.

The display means 30 also comprise means 50 for indicating the state of the varistor 10 associated with the control part 40, so that the indication means 50 indicate, as a function of the position of the piece of command 40, if the varistor 10 is in use or disconnected.

The control part 40 and the disconnection means 20 are arranged relatively such that when opening the disconnection means 20, the latter release the control part 40 thus allowing the free movement, that is to say not controlled by the disconnection means 20, the latter.

Once released, the control part 40 is thus free to move, that is to say that it is neither actuated nor guided in displacement by the disconnection means 20.

Particularly advantageously, the disconnecting means 20 are, in their closed position, mounted so as to form a stop against the control part 40. Thus, the control part 40 advantageously comprises a bearing zone 40A which, when the disconnecting means 20 are in their closed position, bears against them ( figure 1 ).

• en fonctionnement normal, elle sert à la liaison électrique de la varistance 10,
• en fin de vie de la varistance 10, elle sert à déconnecter cette dernière,
• enfin, elle sert également à libérer les moyens de visualisation 30 conduisant ainsi à un changement d'indication de l'état de la varistance 10.

The disconnection blade 21 thus assumes a triple function:

• in normal operation, it serves for the electrical connection of the varistor 10,
• end of life of the varistor 10, it is used to disconnect the latter,
• finally, it also serves to release the display means 30 thus leading to a change of indication of the state of the varistor 10.

Advantageously, the control part 40 and the disconnection means 20 are arranged such that when the disconnecting means 20 are in their closed position ( figure 1 ), the control part 40 is elastically constrained and comes into abutment, in particular through the bearing zone 40A, against the disconnection means 20, and thus exerts on them a driving constraint tending to push them towards their position opening.

• d'une part, ils permettent, par l'intermédiaire du moyen d'indication 50, de fournir une indication sur l'état de la varistance 10,
• et d'autre part, ils participent, par le biais de la pièce de commande 40, à la déconnexion de la varistance 10 en forçant les moyens déconnexion 20, notamment la lame de déconnexion 21, vers leur position d'ouverture.

The visualization means 30 therefore assume a dual function:

• on the one hand, they allow, by means of the indication means 50, to provide an indication of the state of the varistor 10,
• and on the other hand, they participate, through the control part 40, the disconnection of the varistor 10 by forcing the disconnection means 20, including the disconnection blade 21, to their open position.

Such an arrangement therefore makes it possible to anticipate and secure the disconnection of the protection component. It also makes it possible to use a disconnection blade 21 having a moderate spring effect and thus to reduce the risk of mechanical embrittlement of the thermal disconnect welding.

The design of the protection device and in particular the mounting of the display means 30 of the state of the varistor allows thus, thanks to the small number of parts cooperating together and the limited number of contact points between these parts to ensure a fast and reliable disconnection of the protection component. This reliability is further accentuated by the fact that the display means 30 are districts of the disconnection means 20.

In addition, thanks to the simultaneous or almost simultaneous movement of the display means 30 and the disconnection means 20, a third party can realize very quickly that a varistor is disconnected.

In a particularly advantageous way, and as shown on the Figures 1, 2 , the control part 40 is formed by a slider 41, made of electrically insulating material, able to move in a substantially rectilinear direction F.

Advantageously, the front portion 41A of the slider 41 is specifically designed to bear against the disconnecting means 20, on the one hand when they are in their closed position and on the other hand, when opening the latter , so that the slider 41 is permanently in contact with the disconnecting means 20.

According to the embodiment variant represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , the display means 30 are advantageously formed by mechanical means mounted in a housing 60, which also contains the varistor 10.

Particularly advantageously, the display means 30 also comprise a resilient means 70, spring-like, adapted to exert a restoring force on the control part 40 responsible for the displacement of the latter.

As shown on the Figures 1 and 2 , the elastic means 70 is preferably interposed between firstly the control member 40, against which it bears elastically and secondly a fixed stop, for example formed by one of the inner walls of the housing 60.

The elastic means 70 is thus advantageously adapted to occupy a compressed position when the control part 40 is constrained longitudinally, that is to say in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of displacement F and a rest position, when the workpiece control 40 is released from the disconnecting means 20 ( figure 2 ). The elastic means 70 thus constitutes a means of pre-stressing the control part 40.

According to the embodiment illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 , the slider 41 extends longitudinally in the direction F, and is preferably sufficiently rigid so that its front portion 41 A can come into firm support against the disconnection means 20 and more particularly against the end 21 A of the blade of disconnection 21.

When the weld breaks, for example under the effect of the heating of the varistor 10, the end 21A of the disconnection blade 21 moves in the direction F and therefore no longer constitutes an obstacle or an abutment against of the control part 40. The resilient means 70, initially compressed, then tends to relax ( figure 2 ) thus causing the cursor 41 to move in the direction F. On moving, the slider 41, still bearing against the end 21 A of the disconnection blade 21, tends to force the latter towards its open position, participating thus actively disconnecting the protection component. Particularly advantageously, the restoring force exerted by the elastic means 70 on the end 21 A of the disconnection blade 21 will preferably be greater than the resistance opposed by the blade of disconnection 21, to constrain the latter to move further away from the electrode 4.

According to this embodiment, the indication means 50 is advantageously formed by a display member, preferably by a panel 51, for example rectangular, preferably disposed on the slider 41. The panel 51 may be formed by a piece of material insulating plastic, for example glued on the slider 41, but may also be simply formed by a colored strip painted on the slider 41. The panel 51 is also advantageously arranged to move at the same time as the control part 40 facing a window 61 formed in one of the faces 60B of the housing 60 located opposite the base 3, to obtain a different visual appearance through the window 61, depending on the position of the control part 40 .

Thus, when the disconnecting means 20 are in the closed position ( figure 1 ), the elastic means 70 is compressed and the panel 51 is in a position offset from the window 61 and can not, in this configuration, be viewed from the outside. It then visualizes, looking through the window 61, the cursor 41 which may have, for example, a green color appearance, indicating to third parties that the varistor is in use.

On the contrary, when the disconnecting means 20 are in the open position as is shown in FIG. figure 2 , the panel 51 is in the field of the window 61. It is then likely to be viewed from the outside and preferably has a colored appearance, for example red, indicating to third parties that the varistor is disconnected.

According to one embodiment of the invention, represented on the figure 3 , the device comprises a protection cell 1 comprising a first and a second varistor 10 connected in parallel and respectively associated with a first and a second disconnecting means 20A, 20B.

According to this embodiment, the display means 30 are preferably operatively connected to the first and second disconnecting means 20A, 20B so as to provide a differentiated indication of the state of each varistor 10 taken individually ( Figures 4a, 4b, 4c ).

• une position initiale (figure 4a), correspondant à un état connecté des deux composants de protection, dans laquelle le curseur 41 est maintenu en position simultanément par les deux moyens de connexion 20A, 20B, sa partie frontale 41 A venant en appui contre ces derniers,
• une position intermédiaire (figure 4b) décalée par rapport à la position initiale, correspondant à un état où un seul des moyens de déconnexion 20A, 20B est déconnecté, dans laquelle le curseur 41 est maintenu en position par le moyen de déconnexion 20A en position de fermeture,
• et une position finale (figure 4c) décalée par rapport à la position intermédiaire, correspondant à un état déconnecté des deux moyens de déconnexion 20A, 20B. Dans cette position finale, le curseur 41 n'est pas nécessairement maintenu en position par les moyens de déconnexion 20A, 20B mais peut venir en butée contre ces derniers, tel que cela est représenté sur la figure 4c.

According to this embodiment, the control part 40 is preferably formed by a slider 41, provided with a front portion 41A, mounted elastically movable between:

• an initial position ( figure 4a ), corresponding to a connected state of the two protection components, in which the slider 41 is held in position simultaneously by the two connection means 20A, 20B, its front portion 41 A bearing against these,
• an intermediate position ( figure 4b ) offset from the initial position, corresponding to a state where only one of the disconnecting means 20A, 20B is disconnected, in which the slider 41 is held in position by the disconnecting means 20A in the closed position,
• and a final position ( figure 4c ) offset from the intermediate position, corresponding to a disconnected state of the two disconnecting means 20A, 20B. In this final position, the slider 41 is not necessarily held in position by the disconnection means 20A, 20B but can abut against them, as shown in FIG. figure 4c .

According to this embodiment of the invention, the indication means 50 is preferably formed by a display member, preferably a panel 51 mounted on or integral with the slider 41 and preferably disposed towards the end opposite to the front part 41 A so as to move opposite the viewing window 61.

The panel 51 is preferably divided into two zones 51A, 51B arranged such that when the disconnecting means 20A, 20B are in the closed position ( figure 4a ), the area 51 A preferably green colored is substantially opposite the viewing window 61. In this way, the window appears green, indicating that the protection components are in use. On the contrary, when the two disconnecting means 20A, 20B are in the open position ( figure 4c ), it is the other area 51 B, preferably colored red, which is next to the window 61. In this configuration, the window 61 appears red indicating that the two varistors are disconnected. In the intermediate position illustrated on the figure 4b , the window 61 is simultaneously occupied by at least a portion of each of the two areas 51A, 51B so that a portion, for example half of its surface appears red, the other part or half appearing green. The visual appearance of the window 61 thus indicates to third parties that only one varistor is disconnected.

The amplitude of displacement of the slider 41 is thus adjusted so as to generate a different visual appearance through the window 61 as a function of the configuration of the disconnection means 20A, 20B.

According to the embodiment illustrated on the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c , the slider 41 is elastically constrained by an elastic means 70 forcing it to bear, via its front portion 41A, against the disconnecting means 20A, 20B ( figure 4a ).

In a particularly advantageous manner, the control part 40, specifically the slider 41, comprises two bearing zone stages 42, 43 arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement F of the control part 40 so as to ensure the blocking of the latter successively in the two initial and intermediate positions. The structure of the control part 40 thus makes it possible to generate a stepwise displacement of the latter between the different initial, intermediate and final positions.

Even more preferably, the control part 40 comprises a pair of so-called downstream support zones 42A, 42B intended to abut in the initial position ( figure 4a ), against the two means of disconnection 20A, 20B.

The control part 40 also comprises a pair of so-called upstream bearing zones 43A, 43B disposed upstream of the first pair of downstream support zones 42A, 42B facing the direction of movement F of the control part 40, so that in the intermediate position ( figure 4b ), one of the upstream bearing areas 43A abuts against the corresponding disconnecting means 20A in the closed position.

Of course, if the opening of the other 20B disconnection means had taken place first, it is the other upstream support zone 43B which would have come into abutment against the corresponding disconnection means 20B.

In this configuration, the display means 30 advantageously have a symmetry with respect to the plane S delimiting the separation between the two varistors.

Particularly advantageously, the upstream support zones 43A, 43B are preferably formed by fingers 44 protruding from each other and other of the control part 40 and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction F of displacement of the control part 40.

Preferably, the device comprises guiding means in displacement of the control part 40, adapted to allow an angular displacement of the latter so as to allow, when opening one of the disconnecting means 20A, 20B, crossing the other disconnecting means 20A, 20B by the corresponding downstream support zone 42A, 42B. The displacement guiding means may advantageously be formed by the side walls 60C, 60D of the housing 60. The slider 41 is then advantageously disposed within the housing 60 so as to maintain a sufficient clearance between the contours of the slider 41 and the walls 60C , 60D to allow angular deflection.

So, to move from the initial position represented on the figure 4a at the intermediate position shown on the figure 4b , the cursor 41 must cross one of the disconnection means 20A remained in the closed position, and must for this purpose operate a slight rotation of an angle α allowing it to be released from the disconnection means 20A. The slider 41 can then continue its course until the upstream support zone 43A abuts against the disconnection means 20A.

To further facilitate the crossing of the disconnection means 20A remained in the closed position by the slider 41, the latter is provided with disengagement means 45. The disengagement means 45 are preferably formed by oblique cutouts, arranged on both sides. other of the slider 41, at its front portion 41A, said cutouts thus forming the downstream bearing areas 42A, 42B.

In the same way as in the embodiment previously described and illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 , the resilient means 70 also makes it possible to anticipate and secure the disconnection of the varistors by ensuring that the front end 41 A of the slider 41 is placed in abutment against the disconnection means 20A, 20B.

Another embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5a, 5b, 5c .

According to this embodiment, the display means 30 advantageously comprise guide means 80 adapted to ensure the displacement of the control part 40 along a predetermined path formed by the combination of a rotational movement and a movement of rotation. translation.

The control part 40 is elastically constrained by means of the elastic means 70 interposed between, on the one hand, the control part 40 and, on the other hand, a stop 62 mounted in a fixed manner within the housing 60.

Under the action of the resilient means 70, spring-like, the control member 40 bears against the disconnecting means 20A, 20B. For this purpose, the control part 40 comprises two end portions 46A, 46B, for example in the form of projecting studs, adapted to bear against each of the disconnection means 20A, 20B when they are in the closed position ( figure 5a ).

The guiding means 80 of the control part 40 are advantageously formed by a lug 81, preferably arranged on the control part 40, and a corresponding groove 82, preferably V-shaped, in which the lug 81 is likely to move when the control part 40 passes successively in the different initial, intermediate and final positions illustrated on the Figures 5a, 5b and 5c .

The operation of this variant embodiment is as follows.

In the initial position illustrated on the figure 5a , the control part 40 is in stable equilibrium and interposed between the elastic means 70 on the one hand and the disconnection means 20A, 20B on the other hand.

When one of the disconnection means 20B comes into the open position, it releases at least partially the control part 40 which is then able to move in rotation at an angle β until it comes into contact with one of the walls 60D of the housing 60, as illustrated on the figure 5b .

In this intermediate position, the control part 40 is also in a stable position and always bears elastically against the other disconnecting means 20A, through its end portion 46A. The displacement of the control part 40 between the initial position ( figure 5a ) and the intermediate position ( figure 5b ) follows a predetermined path, directly related to the path of the lug 81 in the groove 82.

According to this embodiment, the indication means 50 is preferably formed by a display member, such as a display panel 51 preferably disposed at one end of the control piece 40 so as to move in view of the window 61 formed in the housing 60. Thus, in the initial position shown on the figure 5a , the display panel 51, preferably colored green, is located substantially opposite the window 61 thus indicating that all the varistors are connected.

In the intermediate position illustrated on the figure 5b , the control part 40 is angularly offset from its initial position, so that the display panel 51 is also offset relative to the window 61. The latter then has a different visual appearance, indicating that one of the varistances is offline. For example, and as shown on the figure 5b , part of the viewing window 61 may remain hidden by the control part 40, thus indicating to third parties that only a part of the protection components is disconnected.

When the other 20A disconnection means in turn turn in the open position, the control part 40, under the action of the elastic means 70, tends to move in a substantially straight direction F which has the effect of clearing completely the viewing window 61 which then has a homogeneous visual appearance, for example red, indicating that all the protective components are disconnected and need to be replaced.

The displacement of the control part 40 between the intermediate and final positions is guided by the cooperation of the pin 81 with the groove 82, the pin 81 moving substantially rectilinearly in one of the branches of the V formed by the throat 82.

Such an arrangement has the advantage of not hinder disconnection in case of blocking of the display means 30.

Another advantage of this arrangement is that it also makes it possible to participate in the disconnection via the elastic means 70 which, by exerting a thrust on the control part 40, promotes the displacement of the disconnection means 20A, 20B at the moment. fusion of the weld. Another advantage of this arrangement is that it is insensitive to vibrations or shocks that may occur for example during transport operations, the control part 40 always being able to return to its initial position under the effect of force. restoring force exerted by the elastic means 70.

According to another embodiment of the invention illustrated on the Figures 6a, 6b and 6c the indicating means 50 is formed by a remote indicator (not shown) operatively connected to the control part 40 via a remote signaling system. The indication means 50 may thus be formed by a visual, auditory or any other type of sensory indicator.

On the other hand, contrary to the various embodiments previously described, the indication means 50 is not mechanically connected to the control part 40, but is deported, that is to say that it is connected to the latter by means of other means than mechanical means, in particular by remote signaling. Thus, the indicator is not located in the direct vicinity of the housing 60 but at a non-negligible distance from the latter.

This variant embodiment of the device is represented in the case of two varistors connected in parallel, but can of course be applied to devices having only one varistor.

According to this embodiment, the control part 40 is secured to two pins 52, 53 intended to engage in corresponding housings 401, 402 formed in a base 400 ( figure 7 ) intended to receive the protection cell 1. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the pins 52, 53 are intended to cooperate with a mechanism disposed within the base 400, capable of triggering a minimum of interrupter, and thus signal the changes of state of the device to third parties located at distance from the housing 60. Thus, when the two pins 52, 53 are in a low position corresponding to a state where the two varistors are connected ( figure 6a ), the mechanism and the associated remote signaling system provide a remote signal indicating that the two varistors of the device are connected.

On the contrary, when one of the varistors is disconnected, as illustrated in Figure 6c , the two pins 52, 53 go to the high position, thereby generating electrical signals capable of indicating remotely that at least one of the varistors of the device is disconnected.

According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the control part 40 is secured to the pins 52, 53 so that its displacement at the same time causes a substantially identical movement of the pins 52, 53 within passages 62, 63 formed in the lower wall 60A of the housing 60.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the control part 40 may be formed by a slider, and is preferably in the form of an elongated rod provided with a disk-shaped or sphere-shaped front portion 40A intended to bear against a fold 20C formed in the disconnecting means 20A, 20B, and designed to form a stop against the control part 40.

When they are opened, the disconnecting means 20A, 20B release the control part 40, thus allowing the free movement of the latter. On the contrary, when the disconnecting means 20A, 20B are in the closed positions ( figure 6a ), the control member 40 is constrained between firstly the elastic means 70, tending to repel in the direction F, and secondly the disconnecting means 20A, 20B, precisely the folds 20C formed therein.

The folds 20C preferably extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of extension of the disconnection blades 21. Even more preferably, the folds 20C may extend obliquely with respect to the blades of the disconnections 21, so that the front portion 40A of the control member 40 exerts on them a driving stress tending to push the disconnection blades 21 to their open position. "

The control part 40 and the associated elastic means 70 then constitute means of assisting the disconnection of the protective components of the device.

Particularly advantageously, the control part 40 is sufficiently flexible to allow angular movement of its front portion 40A. Indeed, as it is represented on the Figures 6a, 6b and 6c , creases. 20C provided in the disconnecting means 20A, 20b protrude so as to form stops against the front portion 40A of the control member 40. Therefore, when one of the disconnection means 20A goes into position d opening, the control part 40, precisely the front portion 40A of the latter must be released from the protruding portion of the fold 20C of the disconnection means 20B remained in the closed position, so as to cross the latter. The lateral flexibility of the control member 40 then allows sufficient angular movement of its front portion 40A so that the latter can cross, under the action of the elastic means 70, the stop formed by the fold 20C. Particularly advantageously, the control part 40 has a section narrowing 48, giving it its flexible character.

The operating principle of the device will now be clarified by referring to Figures 6a, 6b, 6c .

When the two disconnecting means 20A, 20B, precisely the disconnecting blades 21 are in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. figure 6a , the control part 40 is advantageously elastically constrained between the elastic means 70 on the one hand, and the disconnecting means 20A, 20B, precisely the stops formed by the folds 20C on the other hand. Upon opening of one of the disconnecting means 20A, 20B, for example the disconnecting means 20A, the control part 40 is released, and driven in displacement under the action of the elastic means 70. The control part 40 is then likely to move in the main direction F with a small angular offset γ so as to disengage the disconnecting means 20B remained in the closed position and whose fold 20C protrudes against the front portion 40A of the control room 40. Once this obstacle is passed, the control part 40 is free to move towards its final position illustrated on the Figure 6c .

During its displacement from the initial position to the final position, the control part 40 simultaneously drives the pins 52, 53 out of their housings 401, 402 within the base 400, thus triggering the control of a new signal at distance indicating that at least one of the varistors of the device is disconnected.

According to an even more preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated on the figure 8 the device comprises several display means, namely direct viewing means and remote viewing means.

For this purpose, the device comprises a first control part 403, associated with a direct display member of the display panel type 51, and a second control part 404, associated with a remote indicator (not shown), the first and second control pieces 403, 404 being adapted to cooperate independently of one another with the disconnecting means 20A, 20B. Thus, the assembly associating the first control part 403 with the direct display member may be of the type shown in FIGS. Figures 1, 2 , 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 5c . As for the assembly combining the second control part 404 with a remote indicator, it may be of the type shown on the Figures 6a, 6b, 6c .

According to this embodiment of the invention, the opening of the disconnection means 20A, 20B almost simultaneously causes the release of the first and second control pieces 403, 404, thus indicating that at least one varistor is disconnected, and this on the one hand through the display panel 51 and on the other hand via the remote indicator.

Such a device thus makes it possible to associate within the same housing 60, two separate control pieces 403, 404, and capable of actuating two additional indication means of the state of the protection components, namely a means proximity indication, for example in the form of a display panel 51, and a remote indication means, which is advantageously in the form of a remote indicator, for example visual or sound.

The protection device according to the invention thus makes it possible, thanks to a particularly simple mounting of the display means 30, to ensure not only a reliable and efficient disconnection of the varistors when the latter are in a degraded state, but also to enable simultaneously to a third to visualize the state of these varistors, and this by limiting the risk of seizure of the mechanism or possible problems of guiding parts.

Indeed, due to the small contact surface between the functional parts, the risk of blocking a part by another is significantly reduced.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its application in electrical devices for protection against transient overvoltages.

Claims (21)

1. A device for protecting an electrical installation against voltage surges, comprising:

   - two protection components (10) connected in parallel, respectively associated with first and second disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) for the respective protection component (10), adapted to disconnect the latter from the electrical installation and suitable for moving between a closed position in which the respective protection component (10) is connected, and an open position in which the respective protection component (10) is disconnected;

   - display means (30) for indicating the state of the protection components (10), functionally connected to the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B), and comprising:

   - at least one control part (40) distinct from the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) and suitable for moving under the dependency thereof; and

   - at least one indicator means (50) for indicating the state of the protection components (10) associated with the control part (40) in such a manner that the indicator means (50) indicates whether the protection components (10) are in operation or disconnected, as a function of the position of the control part (40);

   the display means (30) means being functionally connected to the first and second disconnector means (20A, 20B) in such a manner as to provide distinguishable indications about the states of each of the protection components (10) taken individually, characterised in that
   the control part (40) and the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) are relatively disposed in such a manner that during opening of the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) the latter release the control part (40) thus allowing the control part to move, and
   in which the control part (40) is mounted to move resiliently between

   - an initial position that corresponds to a state in which both protection components (10) are connected, said control part (40) being held in position by both disconnector means (20A, 20B);

   - an intermediate position which is offset from the initial position and corresponds to a state in which only one of the disconnector means (20A, 20B) is disconnected, in which the control part (40) is held in position by the disconnector means (20A, 20B) in the closed position; and

   - a final position which is offset from the intermediate position and corresponds to a state in which both of the disconnector means (20A, 20B) are disconnected.
2. The device of claim 1, characterised in that, in the closed position, the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) are mounted so as to form an abutment against the control part (40).
3. The device of claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control part (40) and the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) are disposed in such a manner that when the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B) are in the closed position, the control part (40) is resiliently stressed and comes to bear against the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B), thereby exerting driving stress thereagainst, tending to push them towards the open position.
4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the control part (40) is constituted by a slider (41) suitable for moving in a substantially rectilinear direction and having a front portion (41A) designed to bear against the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B).
5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the display means (30) include resilient means (70) adapted to exert a return force on the control part (40) for causing the latter to move.
6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control part (40) includes two stages of bearing regions (42, 43) disposed one behind the other in the travel direction (F) of the control part (40) so as to hold the control part (40) successively in the initial position and in the intermediate position.
7. The device of claim 6, characterised in that the control part (40) includes a pair of downstream bearing regions (42A, 42B) for coming into abutment in the initial position against the two disconnector means (20A, 20B), and a pair of upstream bearing regions (43A, 43B) disposed upstream from the downstream pair of bearing regions in the travel direction of the control part , in such a manner that, in the intermediate position, one of the upstream bearing regions (43A, 43B) comes into abutment against the corresponding disconnector means (20A, 20B) that has remained in the closed position.
8. The device of claim 7, characterised in that the upstream bearing regions (43A, 43B) are formed by fingers (44) projecting from either side of the control part (40) and extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the main travel direction of the control part (40).
9. The device of claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the device includes means for guiding the movement of the control part (40), said means being adapted to allow said control part (40) to move angularly sufficiently to allow, upon one of the disconnector means (20A, 20B) opening, the other disconnector means to be passed by one of the downstream bearing regions (42A, 42B).
10. The device of claim 9, characterised in that the control part (40) is provided with disengagement means (45) arranged, on the control part (40) going from the initial position towards an intermediate position, to facilitate going past the disconnector means (20A, 20B) that has remained in the closed position.
11. The device of claim 10, characterised in that the disengagement means (45) are formed by sloping recesses formed on either side of the control part (40) at the end thereof, and constituting the downstream bearing regions (42A, 42B).
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes guide means (80) adapted to cause the control part (40) to move along a predetermined path formed by a combination of a movement in rotation and a movement in translation.
13. The device of claim 12, characterised in that the guide (80) means are formed by a stud (81) placed on the control part (40) and a corresponding V-shaped groove (82) within which the stud (81) can move.
14. The device of any one of claims 1, characterised in that the indicator means (50) is formed by at least one display member, preferably a display panel (51), associated with the control part in such a manner as to move in register with a window (61) formed in the housing (60) of the device so as to obtain a different visual appearance through the window (61) as a function of the position of the control part (40).
15. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the indicator means (50) is constituted by a remote indicator, functionally connected to the control part (40) via a remote-signaling system.
16. The device of claim 15, characterised in that the control part (40) is sufficiently flexible to allow its front portion (40A) to move angularly.
17. The device of claim 16, characterised in that the control part (40) includes a narrowing of section imparting a flexible nature thereto.
18. The device according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterised in that the front portion (40A) of the control part (40) is in the form of a sphere for bearing against a fold (20C) formed in the disconnector means (20A, 20B), said fold (20C) being designed to form an abutment against the control part (40).
19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the protection component (10) is formed by a varistor.
20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each disconnector means (20A, 20B) is formed by a disconnector blade (21) soldered to one of the poles of the corresponding protection component (10), and is suitable for moving under the force of resilient return drive from the closed position to the open position after the solder has melted, thereby releasing the control part (40).
21. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises a first control part (403) associated with a direct display member, and a second control part (404) associated with a remote-signaling display means (30), the first and second control parts (403, 404) being adapted to co-operate independently of each other with the disconnector means (20, 20A, 20B).

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