EP1826793B1 - Device for protection against overvoltage with thermal disconnector with double contact surface - Google Patents

Device for protection against overvoltage with thermal disconnector with double contact surface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1826793B1
EP1826793B1 EP07356028A EP07356028A EP1826793B1 EP 1826793 B1 EP1826793 B1 EP 1826793B1 EP 07356028 A EP07356028 A EP 07356028A EP 07356028 A EP07356028 A EP 07356028A EP 1826793 B1 EP1826793 B1 EP 1826793B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
disconnection means
disconnection
protection component
contact surface
closed configuration
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07356028A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1826793A1 (en
Inventor
Alain René Robert Lagnoux
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB France SAS
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ABB France SAS
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Publication of EP1826793A1 publication Critical patent/EP1826793A1/en
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Publication of EP1826793B1 publication Critical patent/EP1826793B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T1/00—Details of spark gaps
    • H01T1/14—Means structurally associated with spark gap for protecting it against overload or for disconnecting it in case of failure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01C—RESISTORS
    • H01C7/00—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material
    • H01C7/10—Non-adjustable resistors formed as one or more layers or coatings; Non-adjustable resistors made from powdered conducting material or powdered semi-conducting material with or without insulating material voltage responsive, i.e. varistors
    • H01C7/12—Overvoltage protection resistors
    • H01C7/126—Means for protecting against excessive pressure or for disconnecting in case of failure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/74—Switches in which only the opening movement or only the closing movement of a contact is effected by heating or cooling
    • H01H37/76—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material
    • H01H37/764—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material in which contacts are held closed by a thermal pellet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/74—Switches in which only the opening movement or only the closing movement of a contact is effected by heating or cooling
    • H01H37/76—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material
    • H01H37/761—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit
    • H01H2037/762—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit using a spring for opening the circuit when the fusible element melts
    • H01H2037/763—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material with a fusible element forming part of the switched circuit using a spring for opening the circuit when the fusible element melts the spring being a blade spring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00—Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/74—Switches in which only the opening movement or only the closing movement of a contact is effected by heating or cooling
    • H01H37/76—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material
    • H01H2037/768—Contact member actuated by melting of fusible material, actuated due to burning of combustible material or due to explosion of explosive material characterised by the composition of the fusible material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general technical field of protective devices for installations and electrical equipment against electrical surges, particularly transient, especially due to lightning.
  • the present invention more particularly relates to a protection device of an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation, and a disconnection means adapted to ensure the electrical disconnection of said component. for protecting the installation, said disconnecting means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protection component is disconnected of the electrical installation.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as a means of disconnection capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protective component is disconnected from the electrical installation.
  • protection devices generally comprise one or more overvoltage protection components, such as, for example, a varistor or a spark gap.
  • overvoltage protection components such as, for example, a varistor or a spark gap.
  • overvoltage protection devices are generally provided with thermal disconnection means. These thermal disconnection means are intended to isolate the protection component of the electrical installation to be protected in the event of overheating of said component in order to suppress the source power source of the heating and thus prevent the appearance or limit the consequences. harmful to a significant rise in temperature.
  • the thermal disconnection means In order to give the thermal disconnection means their sensitivity to raising the temperature of the protection component, it is known to use a fuse element whose state may be modified by the heat generated by the protective component. .
  • a fusible solder to make the junction between one of the power supply terminals of the protection component and a movable conductive element, such as a slider or a disconnection blade, which is generally subjected to mechanical stress tending to move it away from said supply terminal.
  • the fusible elements are generally made using specific metal alloys whose melting point is relatively low.
  • the alloys used for this purpose contain lead and often other toxic materials such as cadmium.
  • this lower mechanical strength exposes the weld joint to a premature rupture that may occur under the effect of electrodynamic forces exerted on the conductive elements of the protection device when it is traversed by a discharge current corresponding to the clipping of an overvoltage as part of its normal operation.
  • the use of a lead-free fuse solder is likely to reduce the discharge capacity of the protective device, that is to say degrade its performance by reducing the maximum intensity of the fault current that said device can flow several times in succession without suffering damage.
  • the replacement of the lead-fuse elements by lead-free fusible elements faces two major difficulties: the first consisting in keeping a melting point sufficiently low to guarantee the safety of operation, that is to say the triggering sufficiently rapid thermal disconnection means, the second being to ensure sufficient mechanical strength of the junction made by the fuse element, particularly not to disturb the normal operation of the device by an unexpected disconnection when the flow of a discharge current.
  • EP-A-1,077,452 discloses a device for protecting a circuit for suppressing overvoltages in the electric circuit.
  • This device comprises an element whose temperature increases when the voltage at its terminals exceeds a normal value.
  • Two thermal breakers, thermally linked to the element, connect the element to the circuit. When the element heats up, the thermal breakers deform from a position in contact with the element into a position where they are no longer in contact with the element.
  • the objects assigned to the invention therefore seek to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages whose thermal disconnection means have improved mechanical strength.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an overvoltage protection device that is particularly respectful of the environment.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new surge protection device whose design is particularly simple, inexpensive and reliable.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an overvoltage protection device for improving the mechanical strength of the means for disconnecting said device.
  • a protection device of an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as a means of disconnection adapted to ensure the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to a configuration of opening in which the protective component is disconnected from the electrical installation, characterized in that said device comprises at least a first fuse element and a second fuse element able to retain the disconnection means in the closed configuration, and in that the means for disconnecting comprises at least a first contact surface and a second sensitive contact surface which respectively adhere to each other and to which the first and the second fuse element respectively adhere when said disconnection means is in the closed configuration, so as to distribute the stresses exerted on said fuse elements and thus to reinforce the holding mechanical means of said disconnection means.
  • the objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation. , as well as a disconnection means adapted to ensure the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being able to be recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protective component is disconnected from the electrical installation, characterized in that it comprises a step (a) of developing the disconnection means at the wherein said disconnecting means is provided with at least a first contact surface and a second contact surface substantially intersecting with each other, and a step (b) of assembly in which one sets up within said device at least a first fuse element and a second fuse element so that they can hold the disconnection means in the closed configuration and that these respectively adhere to said first and second contact surfaces when said disconnection means is in the closed configuration, so as to distribute the stresses exerted on said fusible elements and thus reinforce er the mechanical strength of said
  • the protection device 1 of an electrical installation 2 against overvoltages is intended to be connected bypass (or " parallel ”) to said electrical installation 2 to protect the latter against overvoltages, as illustrated the figure 1 .
  • electrical installation refers to any type of device or network powered electrically and likely to experience voltage disturbances, including transient overvoltages due to lightning.
  • the protective device 1 can therefore advantageously constitute a surge arrester.
  • the protection device 1 against overvoltages according to the invention is advantageously intended to be disposed between a phase of the installation to protect 2 and the earth. It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the device 1, 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 to form a differential protection.
  • the protection device 1 comprises at least one protection component 3 intended to be connected to the electrical installation 2 and protect it against overvoltages, especially transient.
  • each protection component 3 against overvoltages 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 any a restriction of the invention.
  • the protection device 1 comprises one or more overvoltage protection components which, when exposed to voltages higher than a predetermined threshold value, are able to discharge the fault current to earth. while clipping the surge to a value compatible with the holding of the installation.
  • said varistor 3 is in the form of a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped and provided with two feed terminals 12, 14.
  • the protection device 1 also comprises a disconnection means 4 capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of the protection component 3 of the electrical installation 2, in particular in the event of failure of said protection component 3.
  • the disconnection means 4 is may be recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component 3 is connected to the electrical installation, as illustrated for example on the figure 2 to an opening configuration in which the protection component 3 is disconnected from the electrical installation, as illustrated for example in FIG. figure 3 .
  • the disconnection means 4 is movable, preferably in rotation, between a closed position in which said disconnection means 4 provides the electrical connection of the varistor 3 to the electrical installation 2, and a opening position in which said disconnecting means 4 separates the varistor 3 from said installation 2.
  • the closing and opening positions correspond to the closing and opening configurations respectively.
  • the disconnection means 4 is mounted prestressed when it is in its closed position, that is to say that its movable part is mounted in stress in its closed position and subjected to a force of elastic return F which tends to propel it to its open position.
  • This elastic return force may be external, for example provided by the compression of a spring which is in mechanical connection with the disconnecting means 4, or internal, if the disconnection means 4 is itself elastic.
  • the disconnecting means 4 is formed by an electrically conductive spring blade 5, for example metal, of which a free end is pre-stressed, for example in flexion, when it is in the closed position.
  • the device 1 also comprises a locking means 6 adapted to hold the disconnection blade 5 in its closed position and, under certain conditions, to release the latter to enable it to pass into the open position .
  • the locking means 6 comprise at least a first fuse element 7 and a second fuse element 8, each of which exerts an elementary retaining force, the combination of which makes it possible to obtain a resultant holding force sufficient to maintain the average disconnection 4 in the closed configuration.
  • Said first and second fusible elements 7, 8 are in particular sensitive to the heat that can be released from the protective component 3.
  • said fusible elements 7, 8 are arranged in such a way that their rupture takes place under the effect of the heat generated by the protection component 3 and result in the release of the spring blade 5.
  • the disconnection means 4 can therefore advantageously constitute a means of thermal disconnection.
  • rupture is meant any loss of cohesion of the fusible element, which may consist for example of a decrease in its adhesion, in a ductile tearing, in particular due to a softening under stress, in a brittle fracture under the effect shock or partial or total fusion.
  • said first and second fusible elements 7, 8 will preferably perform, when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration, a mechanical junction type embedding between a fixed element relative to the protection component 3 and the disconnection blade 5.
  • the protection device comprises at least a first fuse element 7 and a second fuse element 8 able to hold the disconnection means 4 in the closed configuration.
  • the closure configuration therefore corresponds to a preferentially unstable state of the protection device 1, in which the protection component 3 is electrically connected to the electrical installation 2, and therefore capable of being powered and traversed by an electric current. , in particular a discharge current.
  • the opening configuration corresponds to a state of the device 1 preferably stable in which the disconnection means 4 is in a return position in which it ensures the electrical separation between the protection component 3 and the installation 2, that is to say the isolation of said protection component.
  • the opening configuration may correspond to an isolation state of the protection component 3 as to an isolation state of the device 1 with respect to the electrical installation 2.
  • the configuration of opening will preferably avoid short-circuiting the electrical installation 2.
  • the disconnecting means 4 preferably comprises at least a first contact surface 4A and a second contact surface 4B substantially intersecting with respect to each other and to which adhere respectively the first fuse element 7 and the second fuse element 8 when said disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.
  • said contact surfaces 4A and AB will be substantially perpendicular.
  • said first fuse element 7 and / or said second fuse element 8 comprise a solder. Even more preferably, the first and the second fuse element are each formed by a solder.
  • solders filler materials whose melting temperature is less than or equal to the critical temperature considered as the dangerous threshold in case of heating of the varistor 3.
  • the fuse elements 7, 8 will be made using a tin-bismuth alloy, in particular an alloy containing 43% tin and 57% bismuth.
  • the melting temperature of such an alloy is of the order of 138 ° C while that of an alloy comprising 50% tin, 18% cadmium and 32% lead is around 145 ° C. .
  • the fuse elements 7, 8 will therefore comprise, as a filler metal used to make said solder or solders, a metal or an alloy containing less than 0.1% by weight of lead, thus considerably limiting the use of harmful substances.
  • contact surfaces is meant surface elements intended to be positively joined to contact with the fusible elements.
  • the contact surface will correspond to the zone intended to be wetted by the filler metal to ensure the adhesion thereof.
  • the first contact surface 4A will extend substantially orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the thickness of the first fuse element 7.
  • the second contact surface 4B then will preferably extend substantially orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the thickness of the second fuse element 8.
  • the contact surfaces will preferably correspond to the main directions of extension of the fuse elements which are respectively associated with them.
  • substantially intersecting refers to the fact that the contact surfaces 4A, 4B, or at least their extensions in space, meet at a line of intersection, which may be straight or arbitrary. Moreover, depending on whether said surfaces are contiguous or separate, for example staggered, said intersection line may be materialized or not.
  • first contact surface (4A) preferably extends in a first mean extension plane (P 1 ), when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.
  • the second contact surface (4B) preferably extends along a second mean extension plane (P 2 ), when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.
  • mean plane of extension is meant the fact that each contact surface extends essentially in two main directions of space and that it is possible to define two secant middle lines, corresponding for example to a straight line of linear regression of the constituent points of the respective profiles of the surface according to each of these two main directions, the mean extension plane being the area generated by these two mean lines.
  • mean extension planes (P 1 ) and (P 2 ) constitute fixed reference planes associated with the closure configuration and to which reference is made to define the geometry and the movements of the constituent elements of the device.
  • first contact surface 4A and / or the second contact surface 4B may have substantially substantially planar, curved, corrugated, irregular or even a smooth or streaked without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the first contact surface 4A or the second contact surface 4B is substantially planar, and particularly preferably, the first and the second contact surfaces 4A, 4B are both substantially planar.
  • the disconnection means 4 is preferably able, when passing from the closed configuration to the opening configuration, to move substantially parallel to said first mean extension plane P 1 .
  • the disconnection blade 5 will tend to slide flat along said first mean extension plane P 1 as it moves from its closed position to its open position.
  • the return force F will preferably tend to urge the first fuse element 7 in shear, especially at the interface of adhesion between said first fuse element and the first contact surface 4A.
  • the disconnection means 4 is preferably able, when it passes from the closed configuration to the opening configuration, to deviate substantially frontally from said second mean extension plane ( P 2 ).
  • the return force F will preferably tend to urge the second fuse element 8 in tension, or tear, in particular at the interface of adhesion between said first fuse element and the second contact surface 4B.
  • this combination of shearing and tearing localized movements and effects can be obtained by orienting the first mean extension plane P 1 and the second mean extension plane P 2 so that they form an angle between 70 ° and 110 °.
  • said first and second extension planes will be substantially orthogonal.
  • the first mean plane of extension P 1 will preferably be substantially parallel to one of the faces of the varistor 3 while the second mean extension plane P 2 will preferably be substantially normal to the tangent at the start of the trajectory that it borrows the disconnection blade 5 to move from its closed position to its open position.
  • the arrangement of the contact surfaces 4A, 4B according to the invention makes it possible to use the three dimensions of the space to increase the useful surface density in a given volume.
  • useful surface means a surface effectively contributing to the maintenance of the disconnection means 4 when it is in the closed configuration.
  • first contact surfaces 4A, 4B constitute, not exclusively, useful surfaces.
  • a useful area will correspond to a wetted area by a filler metal, which has an influence on the maximum allowable stress by the junction thus produced by brazing.
  • the arrangement of the contact surfaces according to the invention makes it possible to diversify the nature of the stresses to which the fuse elements are subjected, and in particular to combine shearing and tearing so as to make the most of the mechanical strength capabilities of said elements. fuses.
  • the disconnection means 4 comprises a first junction element 10 having two branches, the first and second contact surfaces extend respectively on one and the other of the two branches.
  • said branches are arranged in L, for example to form an angle.
  • said first junction element 10 is integral with the disconnection blade 5, which may in particular be provided for this purpose with one or more bent tabs, in particular protruding at right angles to the extension plane. principal of said blade 5.
  • the device 1 according to the invention also comprises a second junction element 11 which is fixed relative to the protection component 3 and which has a shape substantially conjugate to the first junction element 10.
  • said second joining element 11 can be fixed to, or even preferably integral with, one of the power supply terminals 12, 14 of the varistor 3.
  • the first and second fusible elements 7, 8 can be sandwiched between the first joining element 10 and the second connecting element 11.
  • FIG. illustrated at Figures 2, 4, 6 it is thus possible to achieve a direct mechanical and electrical connection between the disconnection blade 5 and the first supply terminal 12 of the varistor 3, by overlapping of the contact surfaces 4A, 4B and the corresponding useful surfaces of the fixed elements , formed in this case by the outer surfaces 11A, 11B of the branches of the second joining element 11.
  • a varistor 3 will preferably be used, of which at least one supply terminals protrude from one of its main extension faces, as is the case of the first terminal 12 on the Figures 2 to 5 and on the figure 7 , so as to be able to exploit an extended useful area without significantly increasing the size of the device 1.
  • the invention is not limited to a configuration in which the first joining element 10 has a concave shape vis-à-vis the fuse elements.
  • the first power supply terminal 12 may in particular form a kind of seat whose seat would support the first fuse element 7, whose backrest would support the second fuse element 8 and against which would come to rest the disconnection blade 5 when it is located in the closed position.
  • said first supply terminal 12 is substantially in the center of one of the main extension faces of the varistor 3, so that the disconnection blade 5, when it pivots to move from its closed position to its open position, can have a large deflection without this increases the size of the device 1, said displacement being particularly likely to be substantially in a space bounded by the contours of said varistor 3.
  • the first fuse element 7 and the second fuse element 8 are, according to a preferred embodiment, contiguous and form a monolithic assembly 7, 8 when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.
  • the filler material seal may be substantially continuous and continuously fill the entire gap formed between the first joining element 10 and the second joining element 11.
  • the device 1 may advantageously comprise an insulating casing 20 of standardized format, in which the protective component 3 is in particular mounted.
  • the device 1 will also comprise two connection pads 21, 22 allowing to realize the electrical connection interface between the outside and the inside of the housing 20.
  • Said method of manufacturing a protection device 1 of an electrical installation 2 against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component 3 intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as a disconnection means 4 capable of providing the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component 3 is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protection component 3 is disconnected from the electrical installation 2, preferably comprises a step (a) for generating the disconnection means 4 during which said disconnecting means is given at least a first contact surface 4A and a second contact surface 4B substantially intersecting relative to each other.
  • the disconnecting means will be realized in the form of a metal disconnection blade.
  • said blade may be cut and then folded, or stamped, so as to have different portions defining said first and second contact surfaces.
  • step (a) may comprise a sub-step (a ') during which a first junction element 10 having two branches on which it is made is preferably produced by cutting and folding a metal blade. extend respectively the first and the second contact surface 4A, 4B.
  • said manufacturing method also comprises a step (b) of assembly during which the set up within the device 1 at least a first fuse element 7 and a second fuse element 8 so that they can hold the disconnection means 4 in the closed configuration and that these respectively adhere to said first and second contact surfaces 4A, 4B when said disconnecting means 4 is in the closed configuration.
  • step (b) will comprise a phase (b 1 ) during which a protection component 3 will be put in place in the housing 20, one of the supply terminals 12, 14 of which will have a second element of junction 11 of shape substantially conjugate to the first junction element 10.
  • the first supply terminal 12 of the varistor 3 is bent so as to form an L-shaped bracket.
  • step (b) will comprise a phase (b 2 ) during which the disconnection blade 5 is fixed within the housing, such that said blade 5 is electrically connected to one of the connection pads 21, 22 of the device, for example to the first connection pad 21 as illustrated on the Figures 2 and 3 .
  • the introduction of the fuse elements 7, 8 will consist of brazing with a low melting point filler material to fix the free end of the disconnection blade 5 at the corresponding terminal 12 of the varistor 3.
  • step (b) will preferably comprise a phase (b 3 ) in which the first joining element 10 of the second joining element 11 is brought together by bending the free end of the disconnection blade 5 until said joining elements overlap partially delimiting a gap, then a phase (b 4 ) during which said gap is filled with the aid of the melt filler material.
  • the device according to the invention makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical strength of the thermal disconnection means, by oversizing the junction made by the fusible elements, by multiplying the useful surfaces and by extending their areas, which makes it possible to spread out the filler metal over a wider area of overlap and therefore improve the adhesion of the fasteners.
  • this oversizing does not significantly increase the overall size of the device, since it optimizes the useful surface density in a given available volume.
  • the device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to moderate and / or distribute the stresses exerted on the fuse elements, so that it is possible to use non-polluting lead-free alloys to make the said fuse elements substantially maintaining the discharge power of the device, that is to say the maximum intensity of the current that can be passed several times in succession by said device without degradation thereof.

Abstract

The device has a disconnecting unit (4) ensuring the disconnection of a varistor (3) from an electrical installation. The unit is recalled from a close configuration in which the varistor is connected to the installation to an open configuration in which the varistor is disconnected from the installation. A blocking unit (6) retains the unit (4) in the close configuration and has fusible elements, where the unit (4) has two contact surfaces secant with respect to each other. The elements adhere to the surfaces, respectively, when the unit (4) is in the close configuration. An independent claim is also included for a method of manufacturing an electrical installation protection device.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine technique général des dispositifs de protection d'installations et d'équipements électriques contre les surtensions électriques, en particulier transitoires, notamment dues à la foudre.The present invention relates to the general technical field of protective devices for installations and electrical equipment against electrical surges, particularly transient, especially due to lightning.

La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions comprenant au moins un composant de protection destiné à être raccordé à l'installation électrique, ainsi qu'un moyen de déconnexion apte à assurer la déconnexion électrique dudit composant de protection de l'installation, ledit moyen de déconnexion étant susceptible d'être rappelé d'une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle le composant de protection est relié à l'installation électrique à une configuration d'ouverture dans laquelle le composant de protection est déconnecté de l'installation électrique.The present invention more particularly relates to a protection device of an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation, and a disconnection means adapted to ensure the electrical disconnection of said component. for protecting the installation, said disconnecting means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protection component is disconnected of the electrical installation.

La présente invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions comprenant au moins un composant de protection destiné à être raccordé à l'installation électrique, ainsi qu'un moyen de déconnexion apte à assurer la déconnexion électrique dudit composant de protection de l'installation, ledit moyen de déconnexion étant susceptible d'être rappelé d'une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle le composant de protection est relié à l'installation électrique à une configuration d'ouverture dans laquelle le composant de protection est déconnecté de l'installation électrique.The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as a means of disconnection capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protective component is disconnected from the electrical installation.

Il est connu de recourir à des dispositifs de protection aptes à protéger les appareils électriques ou électroniques contre les surtensions pouvant par exemple résulter de phénomènes de foudre.It is known to use protective devices capable of protecting electrical or electronic devices against overvoltages that may for example result from lightning phenomena.

Ces dispositifs de protection comportent, d'une manière générale, un ou plusieurs composants de protection contre les surtensions, tels que par exemple une varistance ou un éclateur. Lorsque le ou les composants de protection sont exposés à des tensions supérieures à une valeur seuil prédéterminée, ils sont susceptibles d'écouler le courant de défaut à la terre tout en écrêtant la surtension à une valeur compatible avec la tenue de l'installation et des équipements qui y sont raccordés.These protection devices generally comprise one or more overvoltage protection components, such as, for example, a varistor or a spark gap. When the protection component or components are exposed to voltages higher than a predetermined threshold value, they are able to discharge the fault current to ground while limiting the overvoltage to a value compatible with the carrying capacity of the installation and the equipment connected to it.

En cas de défaillance, notamment à la fin de leur vie, les composants de protection sont susceptibles d'être sujets à des échauffements importants pouvant entraîner de sérieux dommages à l'installation et présenter des risques pour l'utilisateur, par exemple en déclenchant un incendie. C'est la raison pour laquelle les dispositifs de protection contre les surtensions sont généralement pourvus de moyens de déconnexion thermique. Ces moyens de déconnexion thermique sont destinés à isoler le composant de protection de l'installation électrique à protéger en cas d'échauffement excessif dudit composant afin de supprimer l'alimentation électrique source de l'échauffement et ainsi prévenir l'apparition ou limiter les conséquences néfastes d'une élévation importante de température.In the event of a failure, especially at the end of their life, the protection components are likely to be subject to significant heating up which can cause serious damage to the installation and present risks for the user, for example by triggering a fire. This is the reason why overvoltage protection devices are generally provided with thermal disconnection means. These thermal disconnection means are intended to isolate the protection component of the electrical installation to be protected in the event of overheating of said component in order to suppress the source power source of the heating and thus prevent the appearance or limit the consequences. harmful to a significant rise in temperature.

Afin de conférer aux moyens de déconnexion thermiques leur sensibilité à l'élévation de la température du composant de protection, il est connu d'utiliser un élément fusible dont l'état sera susceptible d'être modifié par la chaleur dégagée par le composant de protection. En particulier, il est connu d'utiliser une brasure fusible pour réaliser la jonction entre l'une des bornes d'alimentation du composant de protection et un élément conducteur mobile, tel qu'un curseur ou une lame de déconnexion, lequel est généralement soumis à une contrainte mécanique tendant à l'écarter de ladite borne d'alimentation. Ainsi, lorsqu'un échauffement excessif du composant de protection entraîne la fusion de la brasure, l'élément conducteur mobile s'écarte de la borne d'alimentation du composant de protection, isolant ainsi ce dernier de l'installation à protéger.In order to give the thermal disconnection means their sensitivity to raising the temperature of the protection component, it is known to use a fuse element whose state may be modified by the heat generated by the protective component. . In particular, it is known to use a fusible solder to make the junction between one of the power supply terminals of the protection component and a movable conductive element, such as a slider or a disconnection blade, which is generally subjected to mechanical stress tending to move it away from said supply terminal. Thus, when excessive heating of the protective component causes the solder to melt, the movable conductive member deviates from the power supply terminal of the protection component, thereby isolating the latter from the installation to be protected.

Afin de prévenir un échauffement dangereux du composant, il convient que la déconnexion intervienne avant que la température de ce dernier n'atteigne un seuil critique. A cet effet, les éléments fusibles sont généralement réalisés à l'aide d'alliages métalliques spécifiques dont le point de fusion est relativement bas. Usuellement, les alliages utilisés à cet effet contiennent du plomb et souvent d'autres matériaux toxiques comme le cadmium.In order to prevent a dangerous heating of the component, the disconnection should occur before the temperature of the latter reaches a critical threshold. For this purpose, the fusible elements are generally made using specific metal alloys whose melting point is relatively low. Usually, the alloys used for this purpose contain lead and often other toxic materials such as cadmium.

Or, les dispositions réglementaires en matière sanitaire prévoient à brève échéance l'interdiction d'utiliser certains matériaux toxiques, en particulier le plomb, comme matériau constitutif des produits électriques et électroniques.In the short term, health regulations provide for the prohibition of the use of certain toxic materials, particularly lead, as a constituent material of electrical and electronic products.

Ainsi, il apparaît nécessaire de renoncer aux alliages au plomb utilisés jusqu'à présent pour réaliser les éléments fusibles de moyens de déconnexion thermiques au profit d'alliages exempts de plomb et dont la température de fusion est au moins aussi basse.Thus, it appears necessary to give up the lead alloys used until now to achieve the fusible elements of thermal disconnection means in favor of lead-free alloys whose melting temperature is at least as low.

Si de tels alliages sont connus, comme par exemple certains alliages étain-bismuth, le remplacement des éléments fusibles à l'identique dans les dispositifs de protection contre les surtensions existants est impossible, car les alliages sans plomb connus ne possèdent pas les mêmes caractéristiques mécaniques, et en particulier pas la même tenue à la contrainte que les alliages au plomb.If such alloys are known, such as certain tin-bismuth alloys, the replacement of the identical fusible elements in the existing overvoltage protection devices is impossible, since the known lead-free alloys do not have the same mechanical characteristics. , and in particular not the same resistance to stress as lead alloys.

En particulier, cette résistance mécanique moindre expose le joint de soudure à une rupture prématurée susceptible de survenir sous l'effet des efforts électrodynamiques qui s'exercent sur les éléments conducteurs du dispositif de protection lorsque celui-ci est traversé par un courant de décharge correspondant à l'écrêtage d'une surtension dans le cadre de son fonctionnement normal. En d'autres termes, l'usage d'une soudure fusible sans plomb est de nature à réduire le pouvoir de décharge du dispositif de protection, c'est-à-dire dégrader ses performances en amoindrissant l'intensité maximale du courant de défaut que ledit dispositif peut écouler plusieurs fois de suite sans subir de dommage.In particular, this lower mechanical strength exposes the weld joint to a premature rupture that may occur under the effect of electrodynamic forces exerted on the conductive elements of the protection device when it is traversed by a discharge current corresponding to the clipping of an overvoltage as part of its normal operation. In other words, the use of a lead-free fuse solder is likely to reduce the discharge capacity of the protective device, that is to say degrade its performance by reducing the maximum intensity of the fault current that said device can flow several times in succession without suffering damage.

Ainsi, le remplacement des éléments fusibles au plomb par des éléments fusibles sans plomb se heurte à deux difficultés majeures : la première consistant à conserver un point de fusion suffisamment bas pour garantir la sécurité de fonctionnement, c'est-à-dire le déclenchement suffisamment rapide du moyen de déconnexion thermique, la seconde étant d'assurer une tenue mécanique suffisante de la jonction réalisée par l'élément fusible, en particulier pour ne pas perturber le fonctionnement normal du dispositif par une déconnexion inopinée lors de l'écoulement d'un courant de décharge.Thus, the replacement of the lead-fuse elements by lead-free fusible elements faces two major difficulties: the first consisting in keeping a melting point sufficiently low to guarantee the safety of operation, that is to say the triggering sufficiently rapid thermal disconnection means, the second being to ensure sufficient mechanical strength of the junction made by the fuse element, particularly not to disturb the normal operation of the device by an unexpected disconnection when the flow of a discharge current.

Par ailleurs, EP-A-1 077 452 décrit un dispositif de protection d'un circuit pour supprimer les surtensions dans le circuit électrique. Ce dispositif comprend un élément dont la température augmente quand la tension à ses bornes excède une valeur normale. Deux rupteurs thermiques, thermiquement liés à l'élément, relient l'élément au circuit. Lorsque l'élément chauffe, les rupteurs thermiques se déforment depuis une position en contact avec l'élément jusque dans une position où ils ne sont plus en contact avec l'élément.Otherwise, EP-A-1,077,452 discloses a device for protecting a circuit for suppressing overvoltages in the electric circuit. This device comprises an element whose temperature increases when the voltage at its terminals exceeds a normal value. Two thermal breakers, thermally linked to the element, connect the element to the circuit. When the element heats up, the thermal breakers deform from a position in contact with the element into a position where they are no longer in contact with the element.

Les objets assignés à l'invention visent par conséquent à porter remède aux différents inconvénients énumérés précédemment et à proposer un nouveau dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions dont les moyens de déconnexion thermique présentent une tenue mécanique améliorée.The objects assigned to the invention therefore seek to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages whose thermal disconnection means have improved mechanical strength.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un dispositif de protection contre les surtensions particulièrement respectueux de l'environnement.Another object of the invention is to provide an overvoltage protection device that is particularly respectful of the environment.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau dispositif de protection contre les surtensions dont la conception soit particulièrement simple, peu coûteuse et fiable.Another object of the invention is to propose a new surge protection device whose design is particularly simple, inexpensive and reliable.

Enfin, un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection contre les surtensions permettant d'améliorer la tenue mécanique des moyens de déconnexion dudit dispositif.Finally, another object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an overvoltage protection device for improving the mechanical strength of the means for disconnecting said device.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont atteints à l'aide d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions comprenant au moins un composant de protection destiné à être raccordé à l'installation électrique, ainsi qu'un moyen de déconnexion apte à assurer la déconnexion électrique dudit composant de protection de l'installation, ledit moyen de déconnexion étant susceptible d'être rappelé d'une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle le composant de protection est relié à l'installation électrique à une configuration d'ouverture dans laquelle le composant de protection est déconnecté de l'installation électrique, caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif comporte au moins un premier élément fusible et un second élément fusible aptes à retenir le moyen de déconnexion en configuration de fermeture, et en ce que le moyen de déconnexion comporte au moins une première surface de contact et une seconde surface de contact sensiblement sécantes l'une par rapport à l'autre et auxquelles adhèrent respectivement le premier et le second élément fusible lorsque ledit moyen de déconnexion se trouve en configuration de fermeture, de sorte à répartir les contraintes exercées sur lesdits éléments fusibles et ainsi renforcer la tenue mécanique dudit moyen de déconnexion.The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a protection device of an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as a means of disconnection adapted to ensure the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to a configuration of opening in which the protective component is disconnected from the electrical installation, characterized in that said device comprises at least a first fuse element and a second fuse element able to retain the disconnection means in the closed configuration, and in that the means for disconnecting comprises at least a first contact surface and a second sensitive contact surface which respectively adhere to each other and to which the first and the second fuse element respectively adhere when said disconnection means is in the closed configuration, so as to distribute the stresses exerted on said fuse elements and thus to reinforce the holding mechanical means of said disconnection means.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont également atteints à l'aide d'un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions comprenant au moins un composant de protection destiné à être raccordé à l'installation électrique, ainsi qu'un moyen de déconnexion apte à assurer la déconnexion électrique dudit composant de protection de l'installation, ledit moyen de déconnexion étant susceptible d'être rappelé d'une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle le composant de protection est relié à l'installation électrique à une configuration d'ouverture dans laquelle le composant de protection est déconnecté de l'installation électrique, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une étape (a) d'élaboration du moyen de déconnexion au cours de laquelle on confère audit moyen de déconnexion au moins une première surface de contact et une seconde surface de contact sensiblement sécantes l'une par rapport à l'autre, ainsi qu'une étape (b) d'assemblage au cours de laquelle on met en place au sein dudit dispositif au moins un premier élément fusible et un second élément fusible de telle sorte que ceux-ci puissent retenir le moyen de déconnexion en configuration de fermeture et que ceux-ci adhèrent respectivement auxdites première et seconde surfaces de contact lorsque ledit moyen de déconnexion se trouve en configuration de fermeture, de manière à répartir les contraintes exercées sur lesdits éléments fusibles et ainsi renforcer la tenue mécanique dudit moyen de déconnexion.The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component intended to be connected to the electrical installation. , as well as a disconnection means adapted to ensure the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being able to be recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protective component is disconnected from the electrical installation, characterized in that it comprises a step (a) of developing the disconnection means at the wherein said disconnecting means is provided with at least a first contact surface and a second contact surface substantially intersecting with each other, and a step (b) of assembly in which one sets up within said device at least a first fuse element and a second fuse element so that they can hold the disconnection means in the closed configuration and that these respectively adhere to said first and second contact surfaces when said disconnection means is in the closed configuration, so as to distribute the stresses exerted on said fusible elements and thus reinforce er the mechanical strength of said disconnection means.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus en détails à la lecture de la description qui suit, ainsi qu'à l'aide des dessins annexés donnés à titre purement illustratifs et non limitatifs, parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 illustre, selon une vue schématique, un dispositif de protection conforme à l'invention connecté à une installation électrique à protéger.
  • La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en coupe de face, un dispositif de protection conforme à l'invention dans sa configuration de fermeture.
  • La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue en coupe de face, le dispositif de la figure 2 dans sa configuration d'ouverture.
  • La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue partielle en coupe de dessus selon la ligne M-M, le dispositif de la figure 2.
  • La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue partielle en coupe de dessus, le dispositif de la figure 3, le plan de coupe étant le même que celui de la figure 4.
  • La figure 6 illustre, selon une vue de détail agrandie, la partie de la figure 4 délimitée par un cercle.
  • La figure 7 illustre, selon une vue en coupe en perspective, une variante de réalisation d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings given purely by way of illustration and non-limiting, among which:
  • the figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic view, a protection device according to the invention connected to an electrical installation to be protected.
  • The figure 2 illustrates, in a front sectional view, a protection device according to the invention in its closure configuration.
  • The figure 3 illustrates, in a front sectional view, the device of the figure 2 in its opening configuration.
  • The figure 4 illustrates, in a partial view in section from above along the line MM, the device of the figure 2 .
  • The figure 5 illustrates, in a partial view in section from above, the device of the figure 3 , the cutting plane being the same as that of the figure 4 .
  • The figure 6 illustrates, in an enlarged detail view, the portion of the figure 4 bounded by a circle.
  • The figure 7 illustrates, in a perspective sectional view, an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention.

Le dispositif de protection 1 d'une installation électrique 2 contre les surtensions conforme à l'invention est destiné à être branché en dérivation (ou « en parallèle ») sur ladite installation électrique 2 pour protéger cette dernière contre les surtensions, comme l'illustre la figure 1.The protection device 1 of an electrical installation 2 against overvoltages according to the invention is intended to be connected bypass (or " parallel ") to said electrical installation 2 to protect the latter against overvoltages, as illustrated the figure 1 .

L'expression « installation électrique » fait référence à tout type d'appareil ou réseau alimenté électriquement et susceptible de subir des perturbations de tension, notamment des surtensions transitoires dues à la foudre.The term " electrical installation " refers to any type of device or network powered electrically and likely to experience voltage disturbances, including transient overvoltages due to lightning.

Le dispositif de protection 1 peut donc avantageusement constituer un parafoudre.The protective device 1 can therefore advantageously constitute a surge arrester.

Le dispositif de protection 1 contre les surtensions conforme à l'invention est avantageusement destiné à être disposé entre une phase de l'installation à protéger 2 et la terre. Il est par ailleurs envisageable, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention, que le dispositif 1, au lieu d'être branché en dérivation entre une phase et la terre, soit branché entre le neutre et la terre, entre la phase et le neutre ou encore entre deux phases pour former une protection différentielle.The protection device 1 against overvoltages according to the invention is advantageously intended to be disposed between a phase of the installation to protect 2 and the earth. It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the device 1, 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 to form a differential protection.

Le dispositif de protection 1 conforme à l'invention comprend au moins un composant de protection 3 destiné à être raccordé à l'installation électrique 2 et à protéger celle-ci contre les surtensions, en particulier transitoires. Dans la suite de la description, on considère que chaque composant de protection 3 contre les surtensions est formé par une varistance, étant entendu que l'utilisation d'une varistance n'est indiquée qu'à titre d'exemple et ne constitue en aucune manière une restriction de l'invention.The protection device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one protection component 3 intended to be connected to the electrical installation 2 and protect it against overvoltages, especially transient. In the remainder of the description, it is considered that each protection component 3 against overvoltages 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 any a restriction of the invention.

En d'autres termes, le dispositif de protection 1 comporte un ou plusieurs composants de protection contre les surtensions qui, lorsqu'ils sont exposés à des tensions supérieures à une valeur seuil prédéterminée, sont susceptibles d'écouler le courant de défaut à la terre tout en écrêtant la surtension à une valeur compatible avec la tenue de l'installation.In other words, the protection device 1 comprises one or more overvoltage protection components which, when exposed to voltages higher than a predetermined threshold value, are able to discharge the fault current to earth. while clipping the surge to a value compatible with the holding of the installation.

De préférence, ladite varistance 3 se présente sous la forme d'un parallélépipède rectangle sensiblement aplati et pourvu de deux bornes d'alimentation 12, 14.Preferably, said varistor 3 is in the form of a substantially flat rectangular parallelepiped and provided with two feed terminals 12, 14.

Le dispositif de protection 1 comprend également un moyen de déconnexion 4 apte à assurer la déconnexion électrique du composant de protection 3 de l'installation électrique 2, notamment en cas de défaillance dudit composant de protection 3. De préférence, le moyen de déconnexion 4 est susceptible d'être rappelé d'une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle le composant de protection 3 est relié à l'installation électrique, tel que cela est illustré par exemple sur la figure 2, à une configuration d'ouverture dans laquelle le composant de protection 3 est déconnecté de l'installation électrique, tel que cela est illustré par exemple à la figure 3.The protection device 1 also comprises a disconnection means 4 capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of the protection component 3 of the electrical installation 2, in particular in the event of failure of said protection component 3. Preferably, the disconnection means 4 is may be recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component 3 is connected to the electrical installation, as illustrated for example on the figure 2 to an opening configuration in which the protection component 3 is disconnected from the electrical installation, as illustrated for example in FIG. figure 3 .

De façon préférentielle, une partie au moins du moyen de déconnexion 4 est mobile, de préférence en rotation, entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle ledit moyen de déconnexion 4 assure la connexion électrique de la varistance 3 à l'installation électrique 2, et une position d'ouverture dans laquelle ledit moyen de déconnexion 4 sépare la varistance 3 de ladite installation 2. Ainsi, les positions de fermeture et d'ouverture correspondent aux configurations de fermeture et d'ouverture respectivement.Preferably, at least part of the disconnection means 4 is movable, preferably in rotation, between a closed position in which said disconnection means 4 provides the electrical connection of the varistor 3 to the electrical installation 2, and a opening position in which said disconnecting means 4 separates the varistor 3 from said installation 2. Thus, the closing and opening positions correspond to the closing and opening configurations respectively.

De façon particulièrement préférentielle, le moyen de déconnexion 4 est monté précontraint lorsqu'il se trouve dans sa position de fermeture, c'est-à-dire que sa partie mobile est montée en contrainte dans sa position de fermeture et soumise à une force de rappel élastique F qui tend à la propulser vers sa position d'ouverture. Cette force de rappel élastique peut être externe, par exemple fournie par la compression d'un ressort qui se trouve en liaison mécanique avec le moyen de déconnexion 4, ou interne, si le moyen de déconnexion 4 est lui-même élastique. De façon encore plus préférentielle, le moyen de déconnexion 4 est formé par une lame ressort 5 électriquement conductrice, par exemple métallique, dont une extrémité libre se trouve précontrainte, par exemple en flexion, lorsqu'elle se trouve en position de fermeture. Dans ce qui suit, on assimilera par souci de simplicité le moyen de déconnexion 4 à une lame ressort 5, dite également « lame de déconnexion » sans que cela ne constitue une limitation de l'invention.In a particularly preferred manner, the disconnection means 4 is mounted prestressed when it is in its closed position, that is to say that its movable part is mounted in stress in its closed position and subjected to a force of elastic return F which tends to propel it to its open position. This elastic return force may be external, for example provided by the compression of a spring which is in mechanical connection with the disconnecting means 4, or internal, if the disconnection means 4 is itself elastic. Even more preferably, the disconnecting means 4 is formed by an electrically conductive spring blade 5, for example metal, of which a free end is pre-stressed, for example in flexion, when it is in the closed position. In what follows, we will assimilate for simplicity the disconnection means 4 to a spring blade 5, also called " disconnection blade " without this being a limitation of the invention.

Selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, le dispositif 1 comprend également un moyen de blocage 6 apte à retenir la lame de déconnexion 5 dans sa position de fermeture et, sous certaines conditions, à libérer cette dernière pour lui permettre de passer en position d'ouverture.According to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 also comprises a locking means 6 adapted to hold the disconnection blade 5 in its closed position and, under certain conditions, to release the latter to enable it to pass into the open position .

Selon l'invention, le moyen de blocage 6 comprend au moins un premier élément fusible 7 et un second élément fusible 8 qui exercent chacun une force de retenue élémentaire, dont la combinaison permet d'obtenir une force de retenue résultante suffisante pour maintenir le moyen de déconnexion 4 en configuration de fermeture.According to the invention, the locking means 6 comprise at least a first fuse element 7 and a second fuse element 8, each of which exerts an elementary retaining force, the combination of which makes it possible to obtain a resultant holding force sufficient to maintain the average disconnection 4 in the closed configuration.

Lesdits premier et second éléments fusibles 7, 8 sont notamment sensibles à la chaleur qu'est susceptible de dégager le composant de protection 3. En particulier, lesdits éléments fusibles 7, 8 sont agencés de telle sorte que leur rupture intervienne sous l'effet de la chaleur dégagée par le composant de protection 3 et ait pour conséquence la libération de la lame ressort 5. Le moyen de déconnexion 4 peut donc avantageusement constituer un moyen de déconnexion thermique.Said first and second fusible elements 7, 8 are in particular sensitive to the heat that can be released from the protective component 3. In In particular, said fusible elements 7, 8 are arranged in such a way that their rupture takes place under the effect of the heat generated by the protection component 3 and result in the release of the spring blade 5. The disconnection means 4 can therefore advantageously constitute a means of thermal disconnection.

Par « rupture », on entend une perte de cohésion quelconque de l'élément fusible, laquelle peut consister par exemple en une diminution de son adhérence, en un arrachement ductile notamment dû à un ramollissement sous contrainte, en une rupture fragile sous l'effet d'un choc ou en une fusion partielle ou totale.By " rupture " is meant any loss of cohesion of the fusible element, which may consist for example of a decrease in its adhesion, in a ductile tearing, in particular due to a softening under stress, in a brittle fracture under the effect shock or partial or total fusion.

Plus particulièrement, afin d'assurer leur fonction de retenue, lesdits premier et second éléments fusibles 7, 8 réaliseront de préférence, lorsque le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture, une jonction mécanique de type encastrement entre un élément fixe par rapport au composant de protection 3 et la lame de déconnexion 5.More particularly, to ensure their retaining function, said first and second fusible elements 7, 8 will preferably perform, when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration, a mechanical junction type embedding between a fixed element relative to the protection component 3 and the disconnection blade 5.

Ainsi, le dispositif de protection conforme à l'invention comporte au moins un premier élément fusible 7 et un second élément fusible 8 aptes à retenir le moyen de déconnexion 4 en configuration de fermeture.Thus, the protection device according to the invention comprises at least a first fuse element 7 and a second fuse element 8 able to hold the disconnection means 4 in the closed configuration.

Avantageusement, la configuration de fermeture correspond donc à un état préférentiellement instable du dispositif de protection 1, dans lequel le composant de protection 3 est relié électriquement à l'installation électrique 2, et par conséquent susceptible d'être alimenté et traversé par un courant électrique, notamment un courant de décharge. La configuration d'ouverture correspond quant à elle à un état du dispositif 1 préférentiellement stable dans lequel le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve dans une position de rappel dans laquelle il assure la séparation électrique entre le composant de protection 3 et l'installation 2, c'est-à-dire l'isolement dudit composant de protection.Advantageously, the closure configuration therefore corresponds to a preferentially unstable state of the protection device 1, in which the protection component 3 is electrically connected to the electrical installation 2, and therefore capable of being powered and traversed by an electric current. , in particular a discharge current. The opening configuration corresponds to a state of the device 1 preferably stable in which the disconnection means 4 is in a return position in which it ensures the electrical separation between the protection component 3 and the installation 2, that is to say the isolation of said protection component.

Selon une variante de réalisation, la configuration d'ouverture peut correspondre à un état d'isolement du composant de protection 3 comme à un état d'isolement du dispositif 1 par rapport à l'installation électrique 2. En particulier, la configuration d'ouverture évitera de préférence la mise en court-circuit de l'installation électrique 2.According to an alternative embodiment, the opening configuration may correspond to an isolation state of the protection component 3 as to an isolation state of the device 1 with respect to the electrical installation 2. In particular, the configuration of opening will preferably avoid short-circuiting the electrical installation 2.

Bien qu'il soit envisageable, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, que l'un et/ou l'autre des éléments fusibles soient en prise avec un mécanisme annexe bloquant indirectement la lame de déconnexion 5 lorsque celle-ci se trouve en position de fermeture, lesdits premier et second éléments fusibles seront de préférence en prise directe avec le moyen de déconnexion 4.Although it is conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that one and / or the other fusible elements are engaged with an auxiliary mechanism indirectly blocking the disconnection blade 5 when it is in in the closed position, said first and second fusible elements will preferably be in direct contact with the disconnecting means 4.

A cette fin, selon une caractéristique importante de l'invention, le moyen de déconnexion 4 comporte de préférence au moins une première surface de contact 4A et une seconde surface de contact 4B sensiblement sécantes l'une par rapport à l'autre et auxquelles adhèrent respectivement le premier élément fusible 7 et le second élément fusible 8 lorsque ledit moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture.To this end, according to an important feature of the invention, the disconnecting means 4 preferably comprises at least a first contact surface 4A and a second contact surface 4B substantially intersecting with respect to each other and to which adhere respectively the first fuse element 7 and the second fuse element 8 when said disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.

Ainsi, on peut répartir les contraintes exercées par le moyen de déconnexion 4 sur lesdits premier et second éléments fusibles 7, 8 et renforcer la tenue mécanique dudit moyen de déconnexion 4, notamment vis-à-vis des efforts électrodynamiques qui apparaissent lors de l'écoulement normal des courants de foudre à travers le dispositif 1.Thus, it is possible to distribute the stresses exerted by the disconnection means 4 on said first and second fuse elements 7, 8 and to reinforce the mechanical strength of said disconnection means 4, in particular with respect to the electrodynamic forces which appear during the normal flow of lightning currents through the device 1.

Selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, lesdites surfaces de contact 4A et AB seront sensiblement perpendiculaires.According to a preferred embodiment, said contact surfaces 4A and AB will be substantially perpendicular.

De préférence, ledit premier élément fusible 7 et/ou ledit second élément fusible 8 comprennent une brasure. De façon encore plus préférentielle, le premier et le second élément fusible sont formés chacun par une brasure.Preferably, said first fuse element 7 and / or said second fuse element 8 comprise a solder. Even more preferably, the first and the second fuse element are each formed by a solder.

Il convient d'utiliser pour réaliser lesdites brasures des matériaux d'apport dont la température de fusion est inférieure ou égale à la température critique considérée comme le seuil de dangerosité en cas d'échauffement de la varistance 3.It is appropriate to use for making said solders filler materials whose melting temperature is less than or equal to the critical temperature considered as the dangerous threshold in case of heating of the varistor 3.

Selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, les éléments fusibles 7, 8 seront réalisé à l'aide d'un alliage étain - bismuth, en particulier d'un alliage contenant 43 % d'étain et 57 % de bismuth. A titre indicatif, la température de fusion d'un tel alliage est de l'ordre de 138 °C tandis que celle d'un alliage comprenant 50 % d'étain, 18 % de cadmium et 32 % de plomb avoisine les 145 °C.According to a preferred embodiment, the fuse elements 7, 8 will be made using a tin-bismuth alloy, in particular an alloy containing 43% tin and 57% bismuth. As an indication, the melting temperature of such an alloy is of the order of 138 ° C while that of an alloy comprising 50% tin, 18% cadmium and 32% lead is around 145 ° C. .

De préférence, les éléments fusible 7, 8 comporteront donc, en tant que métal d'apport utilisé pour réaliser ladite ou lesdites brasures, un métal ou un alliage contenant moins de 0,1 % en masse de plomb, limitant ainsi considérablement le recours à des substances nocives.Preferably, the fuse elements 7, 8 will therefore comprise, as a filler metal used to make said solder or solders, a metal or an alloy containing less than 0.1% by weight of lead, thus considerably limiting the use of harmful substances.

De façon particulièrement avantageuse, cette utilisation d'un alliage dont la tenue mécanique intrinsèque est inférieure à celle de certains alliages au plomb de l'art antérieur est rendue possible grâce à la configuration particulière, conformément à la présente invention, des éléments fusibles.Particularly advantageously, this use of an alloy whose intrinsic mechanical strength is lower than that of some lead alloys of the prior art is made possible by virtue of the particular configuration, according to the present invention, of fuse elements.

Par « surfaces de contact », on désigne des éléments de surface destinés à être accolés fonctionnellement au contact des éléments fusibles. En particulier, lorsque l'élément fusible correspondant est formé par une brasure, la surface de contact correspondra à la zone destinée à être mouillée par le métal d'apport pour assurer l'adhérence de celui-ci. De préférence, lorsque le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture, la première surface de contact 4A s'étendra sensiblement orthogonalement à la direction correspondant à l'épaisseur du premier élément fusible 7. De manière analogue, la seconde surface de contact 4B s'étendra alors de préférence sensiblement orthogonalement à la direction correspondant à l'épaisseur du second élément fusible 8. En d'autres termes, les surfaces de contact correspondront de préférence aux directions d'extension principales des éléments fusibles qui leur sont respectivement associés.By " contact surfaces " is meant surface elements intended to be positively joined to contact with the fusible elements. In particular, when the corresponding fuse element is formed by a solder, the contact surface will correspond to the zone intended to be wetted by the filler metal to ensure the adhesion thereof. Of Preferably, when the disconnecting means 4 is in the closed configuration, the first contact surface 4A will extend substantially orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the thickness of the first fuse element 7. Similarly, the second contact surface 4B then will preferably extend substantially orthogonal to the direction corresponding to the thickness of the second fuse element 8. In other words, the contact surfaces will preferably correspond to the main directions of extension of the fuse elements which are respectively associated with them.

L'expression « sensiblement sécantes » désigne le fait que les surfaces de contact 4A, 4B, ou tout du moins leurs prolongements dans l'espace, se rejoignent au niveau d'une ligne d'intersection, laquelle peut être droite ou quelconque. Par ailleurs, selon que lesdites surfaces sont contiguës ou séparées, par exemple étagées, ladite ligne d'intersection pourra être matérialisée ou non.The term " substantially intersecting " refers to the fact that the contact surfaces 4A, 4B, or at least their extensions in space, meet at a line of intersection, which may be straight or arbitrary. Moreover, depending on whether said surfaces are contiguous or separate, for example staggered, said intersection line may be materialized or not.

Plus particulièrement, la première surface de contact (4A) s'étend de préférence selon un premier plan moyen d'extension (P1), lorsque le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture.More particularly, the first contact surface (4A) preferably extends in a first mean extension plane (P 1 ), when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.

De manière analogue, la seconde surface de contact (4B) s'étend de préférence selon un second plan moyen d'extension (P2), lorsque le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture.Similarly, the second contact surface (4B) preferably extends along a second mean extension plane (P 2 ), when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration.

Par « plan moyen d'extension », on désigne le fait que chaque surface de contact s'étend essentiellement selon deux directions principales de l'espace et qu'il est possible de définir deux lignes moyennes sécantes, correspondant par exemple à une droite de régression linéaire des points constitutifs des profils respectifs de la surface selon chacune de ces deux directions principales, le plan moyen d'extension étant la surface engendrée par ces deux lignes moyennes.By " mean plane of extension " is meant the fact that each contact surface extends essentially in two main directions of space and that it is possible to define two secant middle lines, corresponding for example to a straight line of linear regression of the constituent points of the respective profiles of the surface according to each of these two main directions, the mean extension plane being the area generated by these two mean lines.

Par ailleurs, les plans moyens d'extension (P1) et (P2) constituent des plans de référence fixes associés à la configuration de fermeture et auxquels il est fait référence pour définir la géométrie et les mouvements des éléments constitutifs du dispositif.Moreover, the mean extension planes (P 1 ) and (P 2 ) constitute fixed reference planes associated with the closure configuration and to which reference is made to define the geometry and the movements of the constituent elements of the device.

Bien entendu, la première surface de contact 4A et/ou la seconde surface de contact 4B peuvent parfaitement présenter des profils sensiblement plans, bombés, ondulés, irréguliers ou encore un aspect lisse ou strié sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Of course, the first contact surface 4A and / or the second contact surface 4B may have substantially substantially planar, curved, corrugated, irregular or even a smooth or streaked without departing from the scope of the present invention.

De préférence, la première surface de contact 4A ou la seconde surface de contact 4B est sensiblement plane, et de façon particulièrement préférentielle, la première et la seconde surfaces de contact 4A, 4B sont toutes les deux sensiblement planes.Preferably, the first contact surface 4A or the second contact surface 4B is substantially planar, and particularly preferably, the first and the second contact surfaces 4A, 4B are both substantially planar.

Selon une caractéristique importante de l'invention, le moyen de déconnexion 4 est de préférence apte, lorsqu'il passe de la configuration de fermeture à la configuration d'ouverture, à se déplacer sensiblement parallèlement audit premier plan moyen d'extension P1. En d'autres termes, la lame de déconnexion 5 aura tendance à opérer un glissement plan le long dudit premier plan moyen d'extension P1 lorsqu'elle se déplacera de sa position de fermeture à sa position d'ouverture.According to an important characteristic of the invention, the disconnection means 4 is preferably able, when passing from the closed configuration to the opening configuration, to move substantially parallel to said first mean extension plane P 1 . In other words, the disconnection blade 5 will tend to slide flat along said first mean extension plane P 1 as it moves from its closed position to its open position.

Ainsi, l'effort de rappel F aura de préférence tendance à solliciter le premier élément fusible 7 en cisaillement, notamment à l'interface d'adhérence entre ledit premier élément fusible et la première surface de contact 4A.Thus, the return force F will preferably tend to urge the first fuse element 7 in shear, especially at the interface of adhesion between said first fuse element and the first contact surface 4A.

Selon une autre caractéristique importante de l'invention, le moyen de déconnexion 4 est de préférence apte, lorsqu'il passe de la configuration de fermeture à la configuration d'ouverture, à s'écarter sensiblement frontalement dudit second plan moyen d'extension (P2).According to another important characteristic of the invention, the disconnection means 4 is preferably able, when it passes from the closed configuration to the opening configuration, to deviate substantially frontally from said second mean extension plane ( P 2 ).

Ainsi, l'effort de rappel F aura de préférence tendance à solliciter le second élément fusible 8 en traction, ou arrachement, notamment à l'interface d'adhérence entre ledit premier élément fusible et la seconde surface de contact 4B.Thus, the return force F will preferably tend to urge the second fuse element 8 in tension, or tear, in particular at the interface of adhesion between said first fuse element and the second contact surface 4B.

Géométriquement, cette combinaison de mouvements et d'effets localisés de cisaillement et d'arrachement peut être obtenue en orientant par construction le premier plan moyen d'extension P1 et le second plan moyen d'extension P2 de telle sorte que ceux-ci forment un angle compris entre 70° et 110°. De préférence, ainsi que cela est illustré sur les figures 2, 4 et 6, lesdits premier et second plans moyens d'extension seront sensiblement orthogonaux.Geometrically, this combination of shearing and tearing localized movements and effects can be obtained by orienting the first mean extension plane P 1 and the second mean extension plane P 2 so that they form an angle between 70 ° and 110 °. Preferably, as illustrated in the Figures 2, 4 and 6 said first and second extension planes will be substantially orthogonal.

Par ailleurs, ainsi que cela est illustré sur les figures 2, 4 et 6 le premier plan moyen d'extension P1 sera de préférence sensiblement parallèle à l'une des faces de la varistance 3 tandis que le second plan moyen d'extension P2 sera de préférence sensiblement normal à la tangente au départ de la trajectoire qu'emprunte la lame de déconnexion 5 pour passer de sa position de fermeture à sa position d'ouverture.Moreover, as illustrated in the Figures 2, 4 and 6 the first mean plane of extension P 1 will preferably be substantially parallel to one of the faces of the varistor 3 while the second mean extension plane P 2 will preferably be substantially normal to the tangent at the start of the trajectory that it borrows the disconnection blade 5 to move from its closed position to its open position.

De façon particulièrement avantageuse, l'agencement des surfaces de contact 4A, 4B conformément à l'invention permet d'exploiter les trois dimensions de l'espace pour augmenter la densité de surface utile dans un volume déterminé.Particularly advantageously, the arrangement of the contact surfaces 4A, 4B according to the invention makes it possible to use the three dimensions of the space to increase the useful surface density in a given volume.

Par « surface utile », on désigne une surface contribuant effectivement au maintien du moyen de déconnexion 4 lorsque celui-ci se trouve en configuration de fermeture. Ainsi, les premières surfaces de contact 4A, 4B constituent, non exclusivement, des surfaces utiles. Selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, une surface utile correspondra à une étendue mouillée par un métal d'apport, laquelle a une influence sur la sollicitation maximale admissible par la jonction ainsi réalisée par brasage.By " useful surface " means a surface effectively contributing to the maintenance of the disconnection means 4 when it is in the closed configuration. Thus, the first contact surfaces 4A, 4B constitute, not exclusively, useful surfaces. According to a preferred embodiment, a useful area will correspond to a wetted area by a filler metal, which has an influence on the maximum allowable stress by the junction thus produced by brazing.

En outre, l'agencement des surfaces de contact conforme à l'invention permet de diversifier la nature des sollicitations auxquelles sont soumis les éléments fusibles, et notamment de combiner cisaillement et arrachement de sorte à tirer le meilleur parti des capacités de résistance mécanique desdits éléments fusibles.In addition, the arrangement of the contact surfaces according to the invention makes it possible to diversify the nature of the stresses to which the fuse elements are subjected, and in particular to combine shearing and tearing so as to make the most of the mechanical strength capabilities of said elements. fuses.

Plus particulièrement, on pourra avantageusement chercher à privilégier un agencement respectif des éléments fusibles et des surface de contact associées dans lequel la sollicitation mécanique de l'un au moins desdits éléments fusibles, laquelle résulte de l'écoulement des courant de foudre (voire, dans une moindre mesure, de l'effort de rappel F), se traduit principalement sous la forme (cisaillement pur, par exemple) vis-à-vis de laquelle ledit élément fusible est le plus résistant, et/ou dans lequel la contrainte résultante peut être minimisée par un surdimensionnement de la superficie (section) à laquelle s'applique ladite sollicitation.More particularly, it may advantageously seek to favor a respective arrangement of fusible elements and associated contact surfaces in which the mechanical stress of at least one of said fuse elements, which results from the flow of lightning current (or, in to a lesser extent, the restoring force F ), mainly results in the form (pure shear, for example) with respect to which said fuse element is the most resistant, and / or in which the resulting stress can be minimized by over-sizing the area (section) to which the said solicitation applies.

En d'autres termes, les dispositions constructives susmentionnées permettent de renforcer la résistance mécanique du moyen de blocage 6 tout en présentant un encombrement réduit.In other words, the above-mentioned construction arrangements make it possible to reinforce the mechanical strength of the blocking means 6 while having a small overall size.

Il est particulièrement remarquable que ce renforcement de la résistance mécanique du moyen de blocage 6 est également susceptible de permettre au dispositif 1 de tolérer des effets électrodynamiques violents, c'est-à-dire notamment de résister à l'écoulement de courants d'intensités particulièrement élevées.It is particularly remarkable that this reinforcement of the mechanical strength of the locking means 6 is also likely to allow the device 1 to tolerate violent electrodynamic effects, that is to say in particular to resist the flow of currents of particularly high intensities.

Selon une variante de réalisation, le moyen de déconnexion 4 comporte un premier élément de jonction 10 présentant deux branches, les première et seconde surfaces de contact s'étendent respectivement sur l'une et l'autre des deux branches. De préférence, lesdites branches sont disposées en L, par exemple pour former cornière.According to an alternative embodiment, the disconnection means 4 comprises a first junction element 10 having two branches, the first and second contact surfaces extend respectively on one and the other of the two branches. Preferably, said branches are arranged in L, for example to form an angle.

De façon préférentielle, ledit premier élément de jonction 10 est venu de matière avec la lame de déconnexion 5, laquelle peut notamment être pourvue à cet effet d'une ou plusieurs pattes recourbées, notamment faisant saillie à angle droit par rapport au plan d'extension principal de ladite lame 5.Preferably, said first junction element 10 is integral with the disconnection blade 5, which may in particular be provided for this purpose with one or more bent tabs, in particular protruding at right angles to the extension plane. principal of said blade 5.

De préférence, le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention comporte également un second élément de jonction 11 qui est fixe par rapport au composant de protection 3 et qui présente une forme sensiblement conjuguée au premier élément de jonction 10.Preferably, the device 1 according to the invention also comprises a second junction element 11 which is fixed relative to the protection component 3 and which has a shape substantially conjugate to the first junction element 10.

De façon particulièrement avantageuse, ledit second élément de jonction 11 peut être fixé sur, ou même, de préférence, venu de matière avec l'une des bornes d'alimentation 12, 14 de la varistance 3.Particularly advantageously, said second joining element 11 can be fixed to, or even preferably integral with, one of the power supply terminals 12, 14 of the varistor 3.

Selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, lorsque le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture, les premier et second éléments fusibles 7, 8 peuvent être pris en sandwich entre le premier élément de jonction 10 et le second élément de jonction 11. Comme illustré aux figures 2, 4, 6, il est ainsi possible de réaliser une liaison mécanique et électrique directe entre la lame de déconnexion 5 et la première borne d'alimentation 12 de la varistance 3, par un chevauchement des surfaces de contact 4A, 4B et des surfaces utiles correspondantes des éléments fixes, formées en l'occurrence par les surfaces extérieures 11A, 11 B des branches du second élément de jonction 11.According to a preferred embodiment, when the disconnecting means 4 is in the closed configuration, the first and second fusible elements 7, 8 can be sandwiched between the first joining element 10 and the second connecting element 11. As shown in FIG. illustrated at Figures 2, 4, 6 it is thus possible to achieve a direct mechanical and electrical connection between the disconnection blade 5 and the first supply terminal 12 of the varistor 3, by overlapping of the contact surfaces 4A, 4B and the corresponding useful surfaces of the fixed elements , formed in this case by the outer surfaces 11A, 11B of the branches of the second joining element 11.

Avantageusement, la mise en oeuvre d'un agencement conforme à l'invention est possible dans différentes configurations de présentation des bornes d'alimentation 12, 14 de la varistance 3. Toutefois, on utilisera de préférence une varistance 3 dont au moins l'une des bornes d'alimentation fait saillie sur l'une de ses faces d'extension principales, comme cela est le cas de la première borne 12 sur les figures 2 à 5 et sur la figure 7, de manière à pouvoir exploiter une surface utile étendue sans augmenter significativement l'encombrement du dispositif 1.Advantageously, the implementation of an arrangement according to the invention is possible in different configurations of presentation of the supply terminals 12, 14 of the varistor 3. However, a varistor 3 will preferably be used, of which at least one supply terminals protrude from one of its main extension faces, as is the case of the first terminal 12 on the Figures 2 to 5 and on the figure 7 , so as to be able to exploit an extended useful area without significantly increasing the size of the device 1.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à une configuration dans laquelle le premier élément de jonction 10 présente une forme concave vis-à-vis des éléments fusibles. En d'autres termes il serait envisageable d'inverser les géométries illustrées aux figures 4 et 6, c'est-à-dire de réaliser un premier élément de jonction 10 saillant venant s'appuyer contre les premier et second éléments fusibles eux-mêmes disposés au creux d'un deuxième élément de jonction 11 rentrant.Of course, the invention is not limited to a configuration in which the first joining element 10 has a concave shape vis-à-vis the fuse elements. In other words, it would be conceivable to reverse the geometries illustrated in Figures 4 and 6 , that is to say to achieve a first junction element 10 projecting against against the first and second fuse elements themselves arranged in the hollow of a second joining element 11 reentrant.

Selon une variante de réalisation représentée sur la figure 7, la première borne d'alimentation 12 peut notamment former une sorte de siège dont l'assise supporterait le premier élément fusible 7, dont le dossier supporterait le second élément fusible 8 et contre lequel viendrait reposer la lame de déconnexion 5 lorsque cette dernière se trouve en position de fermeture. Avantageusement, dans la variante de réalisation représentée sur la figure 7, ladite première borne d'alimentation 12 se trouve sensiblement au centre de l'une des faces d'extension principale de la varistance 3, de telle sorte que la lame de déconnexion 5, lorsqu'elle pivote pour passer de sa position de fermeture à sa position d'ouverture, peut disposer d'un important débattement sans que cela n'augmente l'encombrement du dispositif 1, ledit débattement étant notamment susceptible de s'inscrire sensiblement dans un espace borné par les contours de ladite varistance 3.According to an alternative embodiment represented on the figure 7 , the first power supply terminal 12 may in particular form a kind of seat whose seat would support the first fuse element 7, whose backrest would support the second fuse element 8 and against which would come to rest the disconnection blade 5 when it is located in the closed position. Advantageously, in the variant embodiment shown on the figure 7 said first supply terminal 12 is substantially in the center of one of the main extension faces of the varistor 3, so that the disconnection blade 5, when it pivots to move from its closed position to its open position, can have a large deflection without this increases the size of the device 1, said displacement being particularly likely to be substantially in a space bounded by the contours of said varistor 3.

Bien qu'ils puissent être séparés, le premier élément fusible 7 et le second élément fusible 8 sont, selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, contigus et forment un ensemble monolithique 7, 8 lorsque le moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture. En particulier, le joint de matériau d'apport peut être sensiblement continu et remplir sans interruption l'ensemble de l'interstice ménagé entre le premier élément de jonction 10 et le second élément de jonction 11. De même, il est envisageable de noyer dans le matériau d'apport des portions des éléments de jonction qui s'étendent au-delà des surfaces utiles, de manière à former, par exemple, une grosse goutte de brasure au sein de laquelle est mise en oeuvre un agencement conforme à l'invention.Although they can be separated, the first fuse element 7 and the second fuse element 8 are, according to a preferred embodiment, contiguous and form a monolithic assembly 7, 8 when the disconnection means 4 is in the closed configuration. In particular, the filler material seal may be substantially continuous and continuously fill the entire gap formed between the first joining element 10 and the second joining element 11. Similarly, it is possible to drown in the filler material of the portions of the connecting elements which extend beyond the useful surfaces, so as to form, for example, a large drop of solder in which is implemented an arrangement according to the invention .

Par ailleurs, le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention peut avantageusement comporter un boîtier isolant 20 de format standardisé, au sein duquel est notamment monté le composant de protection 3. De préférence, le dispositif 1 comprendra également deux plots de raccordement 21, 22 permettant de réaliser l'interface de liaison électrique entre l'extérieur et l'intérieur du boîtier 20.Moreover, the device 1 according to the invention may advantageously comprise an insulating casing 20 of standardized format, in which the protective component 3 is in particular mounted. Preferably, the device 1 will also comprise two connection pads 21, 22 allowing to realize the electrical connection interface between the outside and the inside of the housing 20.

Enfin, il est parfaitement envisageable d'employer indifféremment un moyen de déconnexion 4 mobile en translation, tel qu'un curseur, ou en rotation sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. De même, il est envisageable de réaliser un moyen de blocage 6 plus complexe, ne se résumant pas à un brasage direct de la lame de déconnexion 5 mais comprenant par exemple des moyens de butée, tels des crans, aptes à retenir le moyen de déconnexion 4, ledit moyen de blocage 6 étant susceptible de s'écarter de la trajectoire dudit moyen de déconnexion 4 pour libérer le mouvement de celui-ci vers sa position d'ouverture.Finally, it is perfectly conceivable to employ indifferently a means of disconnection 4 movable in translation, such as a slider, or in rotation without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly, it is conceivable to provide a more complex blocking means 6, not being limited to a direct soldering of the disconnection blade 5 but comprising, for example, abutment means, such as notches, capable of holding the disconnecting means. 4, said locking means 6 being able to deviate from the path of said disconnecting means 4 to release the movement thereof to its open position.

Un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection contre les surtensions conforme à l'invention va maintenant être décrit.A method of manufacturing an overvoltage protection device according to the invention will now be described.

Ledit procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection 1 d'une installation électrique 2 contre les surtensions comprenant au moins un composant de protection 3 destiné à être raccordé à l'installation électrique, ainsi qu'un moyen de déconnexion 4 apte à assurer la déconnexion électrique dudit composant de protection de l'installation, ledit moyen de déconnexion étant susceptible d'être rappelé d'une configuration de fermeture dans laquelle le composant de protection 3 est relié à l'installation électrique à une configuration d'ouverture dans laquelle le composant de protection 3 est déconnecté de l'installation électrique 2, comporte de préférence une étape (a) d'élaboration du moyen de déconnexion 4 au cours de laquelle on confère audit moyen de déconnexion au moins une première surface de contact 4A et une seconde surface de contact 4B sensiblement sécantes l'une par rapport à l'autre.Said method of manufacturing a protection device 1 of an electrical installation 2 against overvoltages comprising at least one protection component 3 intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as a disconnection means 4 capable of providing the electrical disconnection of said protection component of the installation, said disconnection means being capable of being recalled from a closure configuration in which the protection component 3 is connected to the electrical installation to an opening configuration in which the protection component 3 is disconnected from the electrical installation 2, preferably comprises a step (a) for generating the disconnection means 4 during which said disconnecting means is given at least a first contact surface 4A and a second contact surface 4B substantially intersecting relative to each other.

De façon préférentielle, on réalisera le moyen de déconnexion sous la forme d'une lame de déconnexion 5 métallique. Avantageusement, ladite lame pourra être découpée puis pliée, ou emboutie, de manière à présenter différentes portions définissant lesdites premières et secondes surfaces de contact.Preferably, the disconnecting means will be realized in the form of a metal disconnection blade. Advantageously, said blade may be cut and then folded, or stamped, so as to have different portions defining said first and second contact surfaces.

En particulier, l'étape (a) peut comporter une sous-étape (a') au cours de laquelle on réalise, de préférence par découpe et pliage d'une lame métallique un premier élément de jonction 10 présentant deux branches sur lesquelles s'étendent respectivement la première et la seconde surface de contact 4A, 4B.In particular, step (a) may comprise a sub-step (a ') during which a first junction element 10 having two branches on which it is made is preferably produced by cutting and folding a metal blade. extend respectively the first and the second contact surface 4A, 4B.

De préférence, ledit procédé de fabrication comporte également une étape (b) d'assemblage au cours de laquelle au met en place au sein du dispositif 1 au moins un premier élément fusible 7 et un second élément fusible 8 de telle sorte que ceux-ci puissent retenir le moyen de déconnexion 4 en configuration de fermeture et que ceux-ci adhèrent respectivement auxdites première et seconde surfaces de contact 4A, 4B lorsque ledit moyen de déconnexion 4 se trouve en configuration de fermeture.Preferably, said manufacturing method also comprises a step (b) of assembly during which the set up within the device 1 at least a first fuse element 7 and a second fuse element 8 so that they can hold the disconnection means 4 in the closed configuration and that these respectively adhere to said first and second contact surfaces 4A, 4B when said disconnecting means 4 is in the closed configuration.

De préférence, l'étape (b) comprendra une phase (b1) au cours de laquelle on mettra en place dans le boîtier 20 un composant de protection 3 dont l'une des bornes d'alimentation 12, 14 présentera un second élément de jonction 11 de forme sensiblement conjuguée au premier élément de jonction 10. De préférence, ainsi que cela est illustré sur les figures 2, 4, 6 et 7, on coudera à cet effet la première borne d'alimentation 12 de la varistance 3 de manière à former une cornière en L.Preferably, step (b) will comprise a phase (b 1 ) during which a protection component 3 will be put in place in the housing 20, one of the supply terminals 12, 14 of which will have a second element of junction 11 of shape substantially conjugate to the first junction element 10. Preferably, as is illustrated on the Figures 2, 4, 6 and 7 for this purpose, the first supply terminal 12 of the varistor 3 is bent so as to form an L-shaped bracket.

De préférence, l'étape (b) comprendra une phase (b2) au cours de laquelle on fixera la lame de déconnexion 5 au sein du boîtier, de telle sorte que ladite lame 5 soit reliée électriquement à l'un des plots de raccordement 21, 22 du dispositif, par exemple au premier plot de raccordement 21 tel que cela est illustré sur les figures 2 et 3.Preferably, step (b) will comprise a phase (b 2 ) during which the disconnection blade 5 is fixed within the housing, such that said blade 5 is electrically connected to one of the connection pads 21, 22 of the device, for example to the first connection pad 21 as illustrated on the Figures 2 and 3 .

Selon une variante de réalisation préférentielle, la mise en place des éléments fusibles 7, 8 consistera à réaliser un brasage à l'aide d'un matériau d'apport à bas point de fusion pour fixer l'extrémité libre de la lame de déconnexion 5 à la borne correspondante 12 de la varistance 3.According to a preferred embodiment, the introduction of the fuse elements 7, 8 will consist of brazing with a low melting point filler material to fix the free end of the disconnection blade 5 at the corresponding terminal 12 of the varistor 3.

Plus précisément, l'étape (b) comprendra de préférence une phase (b3) au cours de laquelle on rapprochera le premier élément de jonction 10 du second élément de jonction 11 en fléchissant l'extrémité libre de la lame de déconnexion 5 jusqu'à ce que lesdits éléments de jonction se chevauchent partiellement en délimitant un interstice, puis une phase (b4) au cours de laquelle on remplira ledit interstice à l'aide du matériau d'apport en fusion.More specifically, step (b) will preferably comprise a phase (b 3 ) in which the first joining element 10 of the second joining element 11 is brought together by bending the free end of the disconnection blade 5 until said joining elements overlap partially delimiting a gap, then a phase (b 4 ) during which said gap is filled with the aid of the melt filler material.

Les étapes du procédé de fabrication décrites ci-dessus ne sont pas limitatives et leur numérotation ne constitue nullement une restriction quant à leur ordre d'exécution. Par exemple, il est envisageable d'enduire de matériau d'apport l'un ou l'autre des éléments de jonction 10, 11 avant de procéder aux phases b1, b2, b3, et de provoquer une simple re-fusion du matériau d'apport au moment de fixer la lame 5 à la première borne d'alimentation 12.The steps of the manufacturing process described above are not limiting and their numbering does not constitute a restriction as to their order of execution. For example, it is conceivable to coat filler material with one or other of the joining elements 10, 11 before proceeding with the phases b 1 , b 2 , b 3 , and to cause a simple re-fusion filler material when securing the blade 5 to the first supply terminal 12.

Avantageusement, le dispositif conforme à l'invention permet de renforcer la tenue mécanique du moyen de déconnexion thermique, par un surdimensionnement de la jonction réalisée par les éléments fusibles, en multipliant les surfaces utiles et en étendant leurs superficies, ce qui permet d'étaler le métal d'apport sur une zone de chevauchement plus étendue et par conséquent d'améliorer l'adhérence des fixations. De façon particulièrement avantageuse ce surdimensionnement n'augmente pas significativement l'encombrement global du dispositif, puisqu'il optimise la densité de surface utile dans un volume disponible donné.Advantageously, the device according to the invention makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical strength of the thermal disconnection means, by oversizing the junction made by the fusible elements, by multiplying the useful surfaces and by extending their areas, which makes it possible to spread out the filler metal over a wider area of overlap and therefore improve the adhesion of the fasteners. In a particularly advantageous manner this oversizing does not significantly increase the overall size of the device, since it optimizes the useful surface density in a given available volume.

Enfin, le dispositif conforme à l'invention permet avantageusement de modérer et/ou de répartir les contraintes exercées sur les éléments fusibles, de telle sorte qu'il est possible d'utiliser pour réaliser lesdits éléments fusibles des alliages non polluants exempts de plomb tout en conservant sensiblement le pouvoir de décharge du dispositif, c'est-à-dire l'intensité maximale du courant qui peut être écoulé plusieurs fois de suite par ledit dispositif sans dégradation de celui-ci.Finally, the device according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to moderate and / or distribute the stresses exerted on the fuse elements, so that it is possible to use non-polluting lead-free alloys to make the said fuse elements substantially maintaining the discharge power of the device, that is to say the maximum intensity of the current that can be passed several times in succession by said device without degradation thereof.

Claims (14)

  1. A device (1) for protecting an electrical installation (2) from overvoltages, including: at least one protection component (3) intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as disconnection means (4) capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of said protection component from the installation, said disconnection means being able of being recalled from a closed configuration in which the protection component (3) is connected to the electrical installation to an open configuration in which the protection component (3) is disconnected from the electrical installation (2), characterised in that said device (1) comprises at least one first fuse element (7) and a second fuse element (8) capable of holding the disconnection means (4) in the closed configuration, and in that the disconnection means (4) comprises at least one first contact surface (4A) and a second contact surface (4B) substantially intersecting with one another and to which the first and second fuse elements respectively adhere when the disconnection means (4) are in the closed configuration, so as to distribute the stresses exerted on said fuse elements and thus reinforce the mechanical strength of said disconnection means.
  2. The device of claim 1, characterised in that the first contact surface (4A) extends along a first mean extension plane (P1) and in that the disconnection means (4) are capable, when going from the closed configuration to the open configuration, of moving substantially parallel to the first mean extension plane (P1).
  3. The device of claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second contact surface (4B) extends along a second mean extension plane (P2), when the disconnection means are in the closed configuration, and in that the disconnection means (4) are capable, when going from the closed configuration to the open configuration, of moving substantially frontally away from the second mean extension plane (P2).
  4. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first contact surface (4A) and/or the second contact surface (4B) is substantially planar.
  5. The device of claim 2 and 3, characterised in that the first mean extension plane (P1) and the second mean extension plane (P2) form an angle between 70° and 110°, and are preferably substantially orthogonal.
  6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the disconnection means (4) comprise a first connection element (10) having two branches, said branches preferably being arranged in an L-shape, and in that the first and second contact surfaces extend respectively on one and the other of the two branches.
  7. The device of claim 6, characterised in that it comprises a second connection element (11) that is stationary with respect to the protection component (3) and that has a shape substantially conjugated to the first connection element (10), and in that, when the disconnection means (4) are in the closed configuration, the first and second fuse elements (7, 8) are sandwiched between the first connection element (10) and the second connection element (11).
  8. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first fuse element (7) and the second fuse element (8) are contiguous and form a one-piece assembly (7, 8) when the disconnection means (4) are in the closed configuration.
  9. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first fuse element (7) and/or the second fuse element (8) includes a solder.
  10. The device of claim 9, characterised in that the filler metal used to produce the said solder(s) contains less than 0.1% by weight lead.
  11. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the protection component (3) is formed by a varistor.
  12. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it constitutes a lightning arrestor.
  13. A method for producing a device (1) for protecting an electrical installation (2) from overvoltages, including at least one protection component (3) intended to be connected to the electrical installation, as well as disconnection means (4) capable of ensuring the electrical disconnection of said protection component from the installation, said disconnection means being able to be recalled from a closed configuration in which the protection component (3) is connected to the electrical installation (2) to an open configuration in which the protection component (3) is disconnected from the electrical installation (2), characterised in that it includes a step (a) of producing the disconnection means (4) during which said disconnection means are given at least one first contact surface (4A) and one second contact surface (4B) substantially intersecting with one another, as well as an assembly step (b) during which at least one first fuse element (7) and one second fuse element (8) are mounted in said device (1) so that these can hold the disconnection means (4) in the closed configuration, and so that these respectively adhere to the first and second contact surfaces (4A, 4B) when the disconnection means (4) are in the closed configuration, so as to distribute the stresses exerted on the fuse elements and thus reinforce the mechanical strength of the disconnection means.
  14. The method of producing according to claim 13, characterised in that step (a) of producing the disconnection means (4) further comprises a sub-step (a') during which, preferably by bending a metal leaf, a first connection element (10) is made having two branches on which the first and second contact surfaces (4A, 4B) extend respectively.
EP07356028A 2006-02-24 2007-02-23 Device for protection against overvoltage with thermal disconnector with double contact surface Not-in-force EP1826793B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0601677A FR2897980A1 (en) 2006-02-24 2006-02-24 OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION DEVICE WITH CONTACT DUAL CONTACT SURFACE HEAT DISCONNECTOR

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EP1826793A1 EP1826793A1 (en) 2007-08-29
EP1826793B1 true EP1826793B1 (en) 2011-06-29

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US (1) US7558041B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1826793B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101039030B (en)
AT (1) ATE515050T1 (en)
ES (1) ES2368888T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2897980A1 (en)

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CZ306938B6 (en) * 2015-10-23 2017-09-27 Jozef ÄŚerniÄŤka A surge protection device with high coverage, especially for the protection of LED public lighting and the method of its production
US10319545B2 (en) 2016-11-30 2019-06-11 Iskra Za{hacek over (s)}{hacek over (c)}ite d.o.o. Surge protective device modules and DIN rail device systems including same
US10707678B2 (en) 2016-12-23 2020-07-07 Ripd Research And Ip Development Ltd. Overvoltage protection device including multiple varistor wafers
US10447026B2 (en) 2016-12-23 2019-10-15 Ripd Ip Development Ltd Devices for active overvoltage protection
US10340110B2 (en) 2017-05-12 2019-07-02 Raycap IP Development Ltd Surge protective device modules including integral thermal disconnect mechanisms and methods including same
US10685767B2 (en) 2017-09-14 2020-06-16 Raycap IP Development Ltd Surge protective device modules and systems including same
US11223200B2 (en) 2018-07-26 2022-01-11 Ripd Ip Development Ltd Surge protective devices, circuits, modules and systems including same
CN111681844A (en) * 2019-12-16 2020-09-18 南京先正电子股份有限公司 Voltage-sensitive resistor with double-temperature insurance for communication base station and preparation method thereof
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Publication number Publication date
ATE515050T1 (en) 2011-07-15
EP1826793A1 (en) 2007-08-29
CN101039030A (en) 2007-09-19
US7558041B2 (en) 2009-07-07
US20080019073A1 (en) 2008-01-24
CN101039030B (en) 2011-04-20
ES2368888T3 (en) 2011-11-23
FR2897980A1 (en) 2007-08-31

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