EP1830369B1 - Device for protecting against overvoltage with simplified manufacturing and increased reliability - Google Patents

Device for protecting against overvoltage with simplified manufacturing and increased reliability Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1830369B1
EP1830369B1 EP07356027A EP07356027A EP1830369B1 EP 1830369 B1 EP1830369 B1 EP 1830369B1 EP 07356027 A EP07356027 A EP 07356027A EP 07356027 A EP07356027 A EP 07356027A EP 1830369 B1 EP1830369 B1 EP 1830369B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
varistor
holding means
face
housing
casing
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EP07356027A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1830369A1 (en
Inventor
Alain René Robert Lagnoux
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ABB France SAS
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ABB France SAS
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    • 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
    • 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
    • H01T1/12—Means structurally associated with spark gap for recording operation thereof
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general technical field of protection of equipment or electrical installations, such as electrical appliances, circuits or distribution networks, against power supply disturbances.
  • the present invention relates more particularly to the technical field of protection devices against voltage disturbances, such as overvoltages, in particular transient overvoltages in particular due to lightning.
  • the devices for protecting electrical equipment against overvoltages, in particular transient overvoltages, in particular due to lightning, are well known.
  • Such devices which are sometimes referred to as surge arrester or surge arrester, are intended to ground fault currents (including lightning currents), and to limit the induced surges to levels compatible with the maintenance of equipment and materials connected downstream of protective devices.
  • these protection devices are generally connected between the phase or phases supplying the equipment to be protected on the one hand and the earth on the other hand.
  • protective devices which implement, as an overvoltage protection component, at least one varistor, that is to say an electrical component whose resistance (or impedance) value varies significantly. depending on the voltage applied to its poles. More precisely, the varistors have a very high resistance (or impedance) as long as the voltage at their poles does not reach a threshold value; beyond this threshold, the impedance drops sharply.
  • Metallic oxide (or " MOV ") varistors are preferably used.
  • the resistance (or impedance) of the varistor drops to allow grounding of the fault current.
  • the varistor automatically regains its initial high impedance.
  • the impedance of the varistor is sufficiently high that the current flowing through it to flow to the earth, called the leakage current, is negligible (eg less than one milliampere intensity).
  • thermo disconnection means disconnecting the protection device of the equipment to be protected. when the temperature of the varistor exceeds a predetermined critical temperature.
  • This disconnection is also generally accompanied by a visual signal, obtained using a display means, indicating to the user that the protective device is to be replaced.
  • the thermal disconnection is for example obtained by merging a welding, which releases an elastic blade whose trigger opens the electrical circuit in which is inserted the varistor of the protective device.
  • the known varistors generally employed in the manufacture of surge arresters are usually in the form of a substantially parallelepipedic component with a first and a second opposite face, mutually spaced a distance corresponding to the thickness of the varistor, and separated by a lateral wall extending from the periphery of the faces, between the latter.
  • First and second metal tabs emerge respectively from the first and second faces.
  • the said tabs correspond respectively to the first and second poles of the varistor. These tabs are therefore intended to be electrically connected to the installation to be protected against overvoltages.
  • Known devices generally comprise a housing defining within it a housing in which is disposed the (or) varistor.
  • the housing comprises in particular on the one hand a front facade disposed substantially vis-à-vis and at a distance from the first face of the varistor, and secondly a dorsal front against which the varistor is placed, the second face abutting against said dorsal facade to maintain the varistor position in the housing.
  • the second tab which emerges from the second face is directly connected to a second connection terminal intended to ensure the electrical connection of the protective device to the installation to be protected.
  • the first tab, which emerges from the first face is in turn connected in series with the thermal disconnection means (and possibly the visualization means associated therewith), which is itself connected to a first connection terminal.
  • the fact that the second face of the varistor is pressed against the dorsal front of the housing creates a direct thermal bridge between the varistor and the housing.
  • the heat released by the varistor, before it is disconnected by the thermal disconnection means is directly transmitted to the housing, which increases the risk of damage or fire.
  • the varistor used in a surge arrester is specifically sized, from the point of view of its electrical characteristics, depending on the characteristics of the installation to be protected on the one hand and overvoltage phenomena that may occur on the other hand.
  • the thickness of the varistor is generally related to its voltage characteristic, while the surface area of the varistor is related to the amount of energy it can dissipate.
  • varistors of different thicknesses according to the protection constraints. This implies, for known devices, to provide a specific housing for a given varistor thickness. Indeed, depending on the thickness of the varistor, the docking of the thermal disconnection means and the first tab is performed at a greater or lesser distance from the dorsal front against which is supported the second side of the varistor.
  • EP-A-1,077,452 a device for protecting an electrical circuit against transient overvoltages in which the varistor is resiliently pressed against lateral shoulders of the housing by one of the electrical contact elements used for its electrical connection.
  • the objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages which has an improved level of security and a particularly simple construction and little expensive.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages built from a small variety of standardized components.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages made from a minimum of components.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting a particularly robust electrical surge arrester.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages which minimizes the risk of fire in case of thermal runaway of the varistor.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new varistor that allows the manufacture of an overvoltage protection device having an improved level of security and a low cost.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new varistor of particularly simple construction and close to that of the varistors of the prior art.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages that is particularly simple and quick to implement.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages which only requires the implementation of a small number of very simple operations and which does not require no particular qualification or training.
  • Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a varistor particularly simple, fast and cheap to implement.
  • the invention relates to a protection device 1 of an electrical installation (not shown) against overvoltages.
  • the term "electrical installation” here refers to any type of installation, apparatus, instrument, network, electrical circuit or telecommunication likely to be subject to random power supply and especially to overvoltages, in particular at transient overvoltages, such as those caused by lightning. In the latter case, the protective device 1 is therefore advantageously a surge arrester.
  • the protection device 1 against overvoltages according to the invention is intended to be connected bypass on the installation to be protected.
  • the protection device 1 against overvoltages according to the invention is intended to be electrically connected between a phase of the installation to be protected and the earth.
  • the device 1 instead of being connected in shunt between a phase and the earth, is connected between the neutral and the earth, or between the phase and the neutral, or between two phases (case of differential protection).
  • the protective device 1 comprises a housing 2, made for example, as is well known per se, an insulating material such as a plastic material.
  • the housing 2 delimits within it a housing 3.
  • the housing 2 is hollow, and it defines an empty internal volume corresponding to the housing 3.
  • the housing 3 is intended to accommodate in particular a surge protection component, which component is itself intended to be connected bypass to the electrical installation to be protected.
  • the protective device 1 comprises, as a protective component, a varistor 4 disposed within the housing 3, that is to say inside the housing 2.
  • the device 1 may of course comprise more than one varistor, or comprise only one varistor formed by the functional assembly of several varistors, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • a varistor is a component whose resistance (or impedance) is variable depending on the voltage applied to it. Such components are well known as such.
  • the varistor 4 is a metal oxide varistor (also known by the acronym " MOV ").
  • the varistor 4 has a first face 5 and a second face 6 opposite.
  • the varistor 4 further comprises a side wall 7 extending between the first face 5 and the second face 6, according to the thickness, said side wall 7 connecting said faces 5, 6 to their periphery.
  • the side wall 7 thus preferably has a substantially annular shape whose contour corresponds to that of the periphery of the faces 5, 6.
  • the side wall 7 is inscribed in a fictitious cylinder 8 whose generator is the wall lateral, that is to say that said imaginary cylinder 8 "rests" on the side wall 7.
  • the first and second faces 5, 6 have a substantially flat character and extend substantially parallel to each other at a distance from each other, while the side wall 7 extends substantially perpendicularly to said first and second faces 5, 6.
  • the first and second faces 5, 6 are substantially identical, at least from the point of view of their general shape and their dimensions.
  • the first face 5 and the second face 6 each have a substantially rectangular shape, and preferably square.
  • the corners of each face 5, 6 can of course be substantially rounded, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .
  • the varistor 4 thus advantageously has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the side wall 7 being formed of four panels 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D substantially planar, parallel in pairs.
  • the imaginary cylinder 8 is therefore a square base cylinder, the sides of the square corresponding to the panels 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D.
  • the varistor 4 has any other form well known to those skilled in the art, and for example, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 a form of discoid pellet in which the first and second faces 5, 6 have a rounded, circular shape, while the side wall 7 has a circular annular shape.
  • the imaginary cylinder 8 is therefore a circular base cylinder.
  • the varistor 4 also has a first pole 9 and a second pole 10, intended to be electrically connected to the electrical installation to be protected, as is well known as such.
  • the first pole 9 extends from the first face 5, while the second pole 10 extends from the second face 6 of the varistor.
  • the first and second poles 9, 10 respectively emerge from the first and second faces 5, 6.
  • Such a configuration is also well known per se.
  • the first pole 9 comprises at least a first connection plate 9A extending against the first face 5, substantially parallel to the latter.
  • the first connection plate 9A is preferably made of a metallic material.
  • the first pole 9 further comprises a first connection lug 9B electrically connected to the first connection plate 9A, and to a first connection terminal 11 mounted in the housing 2.
  • the first connecting lug 9B is extends from the first connecting plate 9A, and even more preferably comes from material with said plate 9A.
  • connection terminal 11 is itself designed to be electrically connected to an electric cable (not shown) connecting it to the electrical installation to be protected (not shown).
  • the device 1 comprises an electrical disconnection means 12 of the varistor 4, said disconnection means 12 being electrically connected to the first pole 9.
  • the electrical disconnection means 12 is sensitive to the temperature of the the varistor 4 and is designed to disconnect said varistor 4 of the electrical installation to be protected when the temperature of the varistor 4 reaches a predetermined value reflecting a malfunction of the varistor 4.
  • the disconnection means 12 therefore forms a means of thermal disconnection of the varistor 4.
  • the disconnecting means 12 comprises a disconnection blade 12A electrically connecting the first connection terminal 11 and the first connection tab 9B, that is to say that the varistor 4 comprises a first connection tab 9B connected to said electrical disconnection means 12, which is also connected to the first connection terminal 11 to ensure electrical continuity between the tab 9B and the terminal 11.
  • the blade 12A which has an electrically conductive character, is thus connected in series between the first tab of 9B connection and the first connection terminal 11.
  • the blade 12A is secured to the first connecting lug 9B by a fuse pin 12B, formed for example by solder.
  • the blade thus welded to the first tab 9B on the one hand and to the first terminal 11 on the other hand ensures the passage of current between the first terminal 11 and the first pole 9.
  • the first connecting lug 9B extends substantially to the right of the first face 5, so that the point of connection between the lug 9B and the blade 12A made using the fuse pin 12B is positioned at the right of the first face 5.
  • the fuse pin 12B Under the effect of an abnormal heating of the varistor 4, the fuse pin 12B is designed to melt and thus release the blade 12A. The latter, under the effect of its elastic nature, will relax, in the direction D, to come into a stable return position in which it is sufficiently far from the first connecting lug 9B to break the electrical contact between the blade 12A and the first connecting leg 9B. In this configuration, the electrical contact between the first terminal 11 and the first leg 9B is broken.
  • the disconnection means 12 comprises other technical means that a resilient blade and a fuse pad.
  • any other means of thermal disconnection known to those skilled in the art can be implemented.
  • the disconnection means 12 is functionally connected to a display means 13 allowing the user, without dismantling the housing 2, to know whether the varistor 4 is still connected to the installation to be protected or if it has been on the contrary disconnected from the installation under the effect of a deflection of the blade 12A due to the melting of the fuse pin 12B.
  • the display means 13 may comprise a cam 13A mounted to rotate freely on the housing 2 via a rotation shaft 13B.
  • the cam 13A is advantageously provided with a rounded notch 14 cooperating with the blade 12A so that when the blade 12A expands towards its open and return position, it pushes the cam 13A, which causes the rotation of this last.
  • the cam 13A is provided with a signaling zone 15A, for example colored in red, which appears opposite a window 15B formed in the housing 2, when the cam 13A pivots under the action of the deflection of the blade 12A .
  • the disconnection means 12 and the display means 13 are contained in the housing 2.
  • the second pole 10 also comprises at least one second connection plate 10A extending against the second face 6, substantially parallel to the latter.
  • the second pole 10 also comprises a second connection lug 10B electrically connected to the second plate 10A on the one hand and to a second connection terminal 16 mounted in the housing 2 on the other hand.
  • the second connection tab 10B extends from the plate 10A, and even more preferably comes from the material with the first connection plate 10A. The second pole 10 is thus connected directly to the second connection terminal 16, whose function is similar to that of the first connection terminal 11 described above.
  • the protective device 1 comprises a means for holding the varistor 4 in position 17 in the housing 3.
  • the function devolved to the holding means in position 17 is to contribute by itself, at least in an essential proportion, to maintain in a fixed and immobile position the varistor 4 in the housing 3 formed in the housing 2.
  • the holding means 17 is distinct from the connecting tabs 9B, 10B for electrically connecting the varistor 4 to the terminals 11, 16 and performs its function of maintaining the position of the varistor 4 independently of the state of the disconnecting means 12.
  • the holding means 17 extends between on the one hand a first end 17A, towards which the holding means 17 is connected, and more precisely attached (fixed) to the casing 2, and on the other hand to a second end 17B, towards which the holding means 17 is attached to the varistor 4, and more precisely is attached (fixed) to the first face 5 of said varistor 4.
  • the holding means 17 provides a mechanical connection, which is preferably a recess connection between the varistor 4 and the housing 2, in order to fix and immobilize the varistor 4 in the housing 2
  • the holding means 17 is thus fixed, that is to say fastened, to the varistor 4 towards its second end 17B.
  • the mechanical connection between the holding means 17 and the varistor 4 is therefore a flush connection.
  • the holding means 17 cooperates, towards its first end 17A, with the housing 2, to lock in position the varistor 4.
  • the connection between the holding means 17 and the housing 2 is also a mounting connection, and preferentially cold fixation (without welding), obtained by mechanical assembly.
  • the holding means 17 contributes in majority or essential way to maintaining the position of the varistor 4 in the housing 2. It is therefore entirely conceivable that other elements outside the holding means 17 and distinct from the latter also contribute, to a lesser extent, minority, to maintain the varistor 4 in position in the housing 3, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the holding means 17 extends, between the first end 17A and the second end 17B, substantially outside the space 18 located at the right of each of the first and second faces 5, 6.
  • the means 17 extends laterally relative to the varistor 4, that is to say, its active portion, which connects the varistor 4 to the housing. 2, extends outside the space 18 located vis-à-vis the first and second faces 5, 6, that is to say facing said faces 5, 6, perpendicular to the latter.
  • the holding means 17 advantageously protrudes from the imaginary cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to suspend the varistor 4 in the housing 2, within the housing 3, by means of the holding means 17.
  • the invention can therefore also be defined, in a particular embodiment, as comprising the providing a housing 2 provided with means for receiving the holding means 17 designed so that the varistor 4 is suspended in the housing 3 by its holding means 17.
  • the invention also relates as such, and independently, a protection device 1 against overvoltages comprising on the one hand a housing 2 delimiting a housing 3 within it and on the other hand a varistor 4 mounted at a distance walls of the housing 2 to provide a free space around substantially the entire of the varistor 4.
  • a protection device 1 against overvoltages comprising on the one hand a housing 2 delimiting a housing 3 within it and on the other hand a varistor 4 mounted at a distance walls of the housing 2 to provide a free space around substantially the entire of the varistor 4.
  • a holding means 17 extending substantially outside the space 18 located at the right of each of the first and second faces 5, 6.
  • the holding means 17 extends, at least in part, substantially perpendicularly to the side wall 7.
  • the holding means 17 extends entirely perpendicularly to the side wall 7, and thus to the dummy surface of the imaginary cylinder 8 in which the side wall 7 is inscribed.
  • the holding means 17 comprises a first section 19 which extends substantially obliquely relative to the side wall 7, the first section 19 being extended by a second section 20 substantially perpendicular to the side wall 7.
  • the holding means 17 extend, at least in part, substantially in a plane tangential to the first face 5 from which emerges the first leg 9B intended to be connected to the disconnection means 12, as illustrated. to the figures 2 , 3 and 5 .
  • the holding means 17 is secured to the first pole 9, which is intended to be connected in series to the disconnecting means. Even more preferably, the holding means 17 is made of material with said first pole 9.
  • the holding means 17 comprises at least one support lug, and preferably two support lugs 21, 22, extending from the first plate 9A and preferably made of material with the latter.
  • the first plate 9A and the holding means 17 form only one and the same piece, the holding means 17 forming an extension of the plate 9A outside the space 18 located at the right of the first face 5, from which emerges the first connecting lug 9B intended to be connected to the disconnection means 12.
  • each support lug 21, 22 extends substantially in the same plane as the first plate 9A, that is to say it extends parallel to the first face 5.
  • each support lug 21, 22 preferably extends substantially tangentially to the first face 5 and perpendicular to the direction of the thickness of the varistor 4.
  • the device 1, and more precisely the varistor 4 comprises two support tabs 21, 22 attached to the first face 5 and each projecting from the imaginary cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter, in opposite respective directions.
  • the holding means 17 comprises a substantially circular flange 27 which extends in the extension of the plate 9A, outside the interior volume defined by the imaginary cylinder 8.
  • the first connecting lug 9B extends substantially perpendicular to the first face 5, while the support lug 21, 22 extends substantially tangentially to the first face 5.
  • said connecting lug 9B and lugs support 21 come from matter with the first pole 9.
  • connection lugs 9B, 10B and support 21, 22 are of course not limited to a specific shape or orientation of the connection lugs 9B, 10B and support 21, 22.
  • the housing 2 comprises a support 23 against which the holding means 17 bears against its first end 17A.
  • the support lugs 21, 22, attached to the first face 5 of the varistor 4 rest stably against the support 23.
  • the housing 2 further comprises a locking means 24 bearing against the holding means 17, so that the holding means 17 is interposed between the support 23 and the locking means 24, which contributes to, or preferably completely ensures the immobilization of the holding means 17, and therefore the varistor 4 to which it is attached.
  • the support 23 and the locking means 24 form the two jaws of a jaw coming to grip and lock the holding means 17 towards (that is to say in the vicinity of) its first end 17A, the holding means 17 being integral with the varistor 4 towards its second end 17B.
  • the housing 2 comprises a lower half-housing 2A and a complementary upper half-housing 2B, said lower half-housings 2A and upper 2B being assembled, for example by snap-fastening, to delimit together, once assembled, a closed internal volume forming housing 3.
  • the support 23 is carried by, and preferably comes from, material with the lower half-housing 2A, while the locking means 24 is carried by, and preferably comes from, material with the upper half-housing 2B.
  • the lower half-casing 2A comprises a lower facade 25, arranged facing the second face 6, and forming an insulating wall inside the casing 2 from the outside. From the lower facade 25 is at least one lower rib forming the support 23. In the case of the variant illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , two lower ribs 25A, 25B rise from the lower face 25 to serve as respective supports for the first and second support legs 21, 22, which abut against said lower ribs 25A, 25B.
  • the height of the lower ribs 25A, 25B is chosen so that the second face 6 of the varistor 4 does not come into contact with the lower facade 25, but is instead kept at a distance from said lower facade 25.
  • the upper half-case 2B comprises an upper face 26 disposed opposite the first face 5, and forming an insulating wall inside the casing 2 from the outside.
  • the lower and upper facades 25, 26 are preferably substantially flat and parallel. From upper front 26 extends at least one upper rib forming the locking means 24.
  • two upper ribs 26A, 26B rise from the upper face 26 to cooperate respectively with the first and second support legs 21, 22. Said support legs 21, 22 are thus taken in a vice between on the one hand the lower ribs 25A, 25B and on the other hand the upper ribs 26A, 26B.
  • the height of the upper ribs 26A, 26B from the upper face 26 is preferably sufficient to provide a free space to the right of the first face 5, said free space itself being of sufficient height to contain the first connecting lug 9B, as well as the disconnection means 12 and the display means 13 which may be associated with it.
  • the housing 2 comprises an upper front 26 disposed opposite the first face 5 and a lower front 25 disposed facing the second face 6, the holding means 17 maintaining the varistor 4 at a distance from said lower and upper facades 25. to provide a substantially free space to the right of said first and second faces 5, 6.
  • a partition (not shown) , parallel to the upper 26 and lower 25 faces is further disposed against and the along the first face 5, an orifice being formed in said partition to allow the passage of the first connecting lug 9B.
  • the invention thus makes it possible, by attaching the holding means 17 to the first face of which emerges the first connecting lug 9B intended to interact with the disconnecting means 12, to guarantee that said first connecting lug 9B will always be strictly in the same place in the housing 2 regardless of the thickness of the varistor 4, as long as the height of the support 23 relative to the bottom facade 25 has been correctly chosen. Indeed, as is visible on the figure 2 , even if the protection conditions require the implementation, in the housing 2 illustrated in FIG. figure 2 of a varistor having a thickness greater than that of the varistor represented in figure 2 this will not lead to raising the first connecting lug 9B, which would consequently result in the modification of the docking of the first connecting lug 9B with the connecting means 12.
  • This advantage is moreover obtained in a very simple way, without it being necessary to introduce, for example, specific shapes within the housing 2, such as an intermediate support partition for the first face 5.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a protection device 1 of an electrical installation against overvoltages.
  • the method comprises a step of manufacturing, or supplying, a housing 2 delimiting within it a housing 3.
  • the method according to the invention also comprises a step of supplying or manufacturing a varistor 4 having on the one hand a first pole 9 and a second pole 10, and on the other hand a first and a second face 5, 6 opposite from which they respectively extend said first and second poles 9, 10, said varistor 4 being intended to be disposed within the housing 3.
  • the method according to the invention also comprises a step of maintaining in position the varistor 4 within the housing 3, that is to say a step in which is fixed in position, within the housing 3, the varistor 4 relative to the case 2.
  • the step of maintaining the position of the varistor 4 in the housing 3 is carried out, in accordance with the invention, using a holding means 17 extending, as previously described, between at least on the one hand a first end 17A towards which the holding means is connected to the housing 2, and on the other hand a second end 17B towards which the holding means 17 is attached to the varistor 4.
  • a mechanical connection is established, using a mechanical fastener formed by the holding means 17, between the varistor 4, positioned within the housing 3, and the housing 2
  • This mechanical connection involves in particular the attachment, that is to say the securing, of the holding means 17 to the varistor 4, as well as the cooperation of the holding means 17 with the housing 2 to maintain the varistor 4 immobile in the housing 3.
  • the cooperation between the holding means 17 and the housing 2 may be a single support or embedding cooperation for example.
  • the holding step is performed so that the holding means 17 extends, between the first and second ends 17A, 17B, substantially outside the space 18 located at the right of each of the first and second faces 5, 6 of the varistor 4.
  • the holding step is advantageously a lateral latching step of the varistor 4 within of the housing 2, and more preferably a step of suspending the varistor 4 within the housing 2, in the housing 3. Thanks to the implementation of such a suspension step, the varistor 4 is not posed within of the housing 2, that is to say that its holding position is not insured, contrary to what is practiced in the prior art, by the direct bearing of one of the faces 5, 6 against the housing 2 (or against a part attached thereto).
  • the step of manufacturing (or supplying) the housing 2 comprises a first substep in which a lower half-housing 2A is manufactured or supplied comprising a support 23 against which the holding means 17 is intended to come into contact. support towards its first end 17A.
  • the lower half-casing 2A comprises a substantially planar lower face 25 from which rises at least one support rib 23.
  • the support 23 comprises two lower ribs 25A, 25B rising opposite one another, the distance between the ribs 25A, 25B being sufficient to allow the insertion, between said ribs 25A, 25B, of the varistor 4 so that the second face 6 of the latter is vis-à-vis the lower facade 25.
  • the step of maintaining the position of the varistor 4 comprises a first substep in which the varistor 4 is arranged relative to the lower half-casing 2A so that the holding means 17 bears, towards its first end 17A. against the support 23.
  • this first substep proceeds as follows.
  • the lower half-casing 2A rests stably on a working surface, preferably flat, against its lower facade 25.
  • the varistor 4, from which extend the first and second support lugs 21, 22, is inserted between the ribs 25A, 25B, so that the first lug 21 is placed on the rib 25A, while the second lug 22 is placed on the rib 25B corresponding, the second face 6 facing the bottom facade 25.
  • the varistor 4 rests stably in support on the ribs 25A, 25B, its second face 6 being preferably at a distance and facing the lower facade 25.
  • the step of manufacturing (or supplying) the housing 2 also comprises a second substep in which (or is provided) an upper half-housing 2B comprising a locking means 24 intended to bear against the Retaining means 17.
  • the upper half-casing 2B preferably comprises an upper front 26 from which rises at least one upper rib forming the locking means 24.
  • the locking means 24 comprises at least two upper ribs 26A, 26B which extend parallel to one another, over a sufficient height, to define between them a space capable of receiving the first connecting tab 9B, the disconnecting means 12 and the viewing means 13.
  • the step of holding in position comprises a second substep, preferably subsequent to the first substep of the holding step.
  • the upper half-casing 2B is attached to and against the lower half-casing 2B so that the locking means 24 bears against the holding means 17, said holding means 17 being interposed, and wedged, between the support 23 and the locking means 24.
  • the method according to the invention thus makes it possible to immobilize in position the varistor 4 within the housing 2 in a particularly simple, fast and efficient manner, by simple stacking of a lower half-housing 2A, d a varistor 4 to which is attached a lateral holding means 17, and an upper half-housing 2B.
  • the first connector lug 9B is specifically designed and intended to provide the interface between the varistor 4 and a disconnect means 12, which is preferably a thermal disconnect means.
  • the first connecting lug 9B is specifically designed and shaped to be assembled, via a fuse pin 12B, to a disconnection blade 12A.
  • said method comprises a step in which at least one support lug 21, 22 is attached to the first face 5, that is to say say on the face 5 from which emerges the first connection lug 9B intended to be connected to the disconnection means 12.
  • Said support lug 21, 22 protrudes from the imaginary cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter.
  • the support lug 21, 22 is specifically shaped to allow the position of the varistor 4 to remain in position in a housing, and for example to allow the suspension of the varistor 4 within the housing.
  • there are attached to the first face 5 two support lugs 21, 22 extending in opposite directions, perpendicular to the side wall 7 and tangentially to the first face 5.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Thermistors And Varistors (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Fuses (AREA)

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine technique général de la protection d'équipements ou d'installations électriques, du genre appareils électriques, circuits ou réseaux de distribution, contre des perturbations d'alimentation électrique.The present invention relates to the general technical field of protection of equipment or electrical installations, such as electrical appliances, circuits or distribution networks, against power supply disturbances.

La présente invention se rapporte plus particulièrement au domaine technique des dispositifs de protection contre des perturbations de tension, telles que les surtensions, en particulier les surtensions transitoires notamment dues à la foudre.The present invention relates more particularly to the technical field of protection devices against voltage disturbances, such as overvoltages, in particular transient overvoltages in particular due to lightning.

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions tel que défini dans la revendication 1 comprenant :

  • un boîtier qui délimite en son sein un logement,
  • une varistance disposée au sein dudit logement, et présentant d'une part un premier et un second pôles, et d'autre part une première et une seconde face opposées desquelles émergent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles,
  • un moyen de maintien en position de la varistance au sein dudit logement.
The present invention relates to a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages as defined in claim 1 comprising:
  • a housing that delimits a dwelling,
  • a varistor disposed within said housing, and having on the one hand a first and a second pole, and on the other hand a first and a second opposite face from which respectively emerge said first and second poles,
  • means for maintaining the position of the varistor within said housing.

La présente invention concerne également une varistance tel que défini dans la revendication 16 comprenant :

  • un premier et un second pôle, le premier pôle comprenant une première patte de connexion destinée à être connectée à un moyen de déconnexion,
  • une première et une seconde face opposées desquelles émergent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles,
  • une paroi latérale s'étendant entre la première et la seconde face, ladite paroi latérale étant inscrite dans un cylindre fictif dont la génératrice est la paroi latérale.
The present invention also relates to a varistor as defined in claim 16 comprising:
  • a first and a second pole, the first pole comprising a first connection lug intended to be connected to a disconnection means,
  • a first and a second opposite face from which respectively emerge said first and second poles,
  • a side wall extending between the first and the second face, said side wall being inscribed in a fictitious cylinder whose generator is the side wall.

La présente invention concerne par ailleurs un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions tel que défini dans la revendication 19 comprenant :

  • une étape de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un boîtier délimitant en son sein un logement,
  • une étape de fourniture ou de fabrication d'une varistance présentant d'une part un premier et un second pôle, et d'autre part une première et une seconde face opposées desquelles émergent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles, ladite varistance étant destinée à être disposée au sein dudit logement,
  • une étape de maintien en position de la varistance au sein dudit logement.
The present invention furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages as defined in claim 19, comprising:
  • a step of manufacturing or supplying a housing delimiting a housing therein,
  • a step of supplying or manufacturing a varistor having on the one hand a first and a second pole, and on the other hand a first and a second opposite face from which respectively emerge said first and second poles, said varistor being intended to be disposed within said housing,
  • a step of maintaining in position the varistor within said housing.

Les dispositifs de protection d'équipement électrique contre les surtensions, en particulier les surtensions transitoires, notamment dues à la foudre, sont bien connus.The devices for protecting electrical equipment against overvoltages, in particular transient overvoltages, in particular due to lightning, are well known.

De tels dispositifs, qui sont parfois désignés sous l'appellation parasurtenseur ou parafoudre, ont pour but d'écouler à la terre les courants de défaut (notamment les courants de foudre), et d'écrêter les surtensions induites à des niveaux compatibles avec la tenue des équipements et matériels raccordés en aval des dispositifs de protection. A cette fin, ces dispositifs de protection sont généralement connectés entre la ou les phases alimentant l'équipement à protéger d'une part et la terre d'autre part.Such devices, which are sometimes referred to as surge arrester or surge arrester, are intended to ground fault currents (including lightning currents), and to limit the induced surges to levels compatible with the maintenance of equipment and materials connected downstream of protective devices. To this end, these protection devices are generally connected between the phase or phases supplying the equipment to be protected on the one hand and the earth on the other hand.

On connaît en particulier des dispositifs de protection mettant en oeuvre, en tant que composant de protection contre les surtensions, au moins une varistance, c'est-à-dire un composant électrique dont la valeur de résistance (ou d'impédance) varie significativement en fonction de la tension appliquée à ses pôles. Plus précisément, les varistances présentent une résistance (ou impédance) très élevée tant que la tension à leurs pôles n'atteint pas une valeur seuil ; au-delà de ce seuil, l'impédance chute fortement. On utilise préférentiellement des varistances à oxyde métallique (ou « MOV »). Ainsi, en fonctionnement normal (c'est à dire en l'absence de courant de défaut tel qu'un courant de surtension), la varistance présente une impédance suffisamment élevée pour ne pas provoquer de court-circuit entre la phase alimentant l'installation à protéger et la terre. Lorsque survient une surtension, par exemple due à un courant de défaut tel qu'un courant de foudre, la résistance (ou impédance) de la varistance chute pour permettre l'écoulement à la terre du courant de défaut. Lorsque l'épisode de surtension est achevé, la varistance retrouve automatiquement son impédance élevée initiale.In particular, protective devices are known which implement, as an overvoltage protection component, at least one varistor, that is to say an electrical component whose resistance (or impedance) value varies significantly. depending on the voltage applied to its poles. More precisely, the varistors have a very high resistance (or impedance) as long as the voltage at their poles does not reach a threshold value; beyond this threshold, the impedance drops sharply. Metallic oxide (or " MOV ") varistors are preferably used. Thus, in normal operation (ie in the absence of a fault current such as an overvoltage current), the varistor has an impedance sufficiently high not to cause a short circuit between the phase supplying the installation. to protect and the land. When an overvoltage occurs, for example due to a fault current such as a lightning current, the resistance (or impedance) of the varistor drops to allow grounding of the fault current. When the episode of surge is completed, the varistor automatically regains its initial high impedance.

Ainsi, en fonctionnement normal, c'est-à-dire à des niveaux de tension normaux, l'impédance de la varistance est suffisamment élevée pour que le courant qui la traverse pour s'écouler à la terre, appelé courant de fuite, soit négligeable (par exemple d'une intensité inférieure à un milliampère).Thus, in normal operation, that is to say at normal voltage levels, the impedance of the varistor is sufficiently high that the current flowing through it to flow to the earth, called the leakage current, is negligible (eg less than one milliampere intensity).

Cependant, le vieillissement de la varistance sous tension, qui peut d'ailleurs être accéléré par des chocs de foudre, provoque une diminution graduelle de cette impédance et donc une augmentation de l'intensité du courant de fuite. Cette augmentation de courant de fuite engendre un échauffement important de la varistance par effet Joule, échauffement qui lui-même contribue à la diminution de l'impédance et donc à l'augmentation de l'intensité du courant de fuite. Ce phénomène, appelé emballement thermique, a pour conséquence une augmentation considérable de la température de la surface de la varistance, qui peut par exemple être supérieure à 150°C. La chaleur dégagée par la varistance en fin de vie est susceptible d'être transmise aux équipements et matériaux environnants, ce qui peut induire des risques graves d'incendie et / ou de court-circuit.However, the aging of the voltage varistor, which can also be accelerated by lightning strikes, causes a gradual decrease in this impedance and therefore an increase in the intensity of the leakage current. This increase in leakage current generates a significant heating of the varistor by Joule effect, heating which itself contributes to the reduction of the impedance and therefore to the increase of the intensity of the leakage current. This phenomenon, called thermal runaway, results in a considerable increase in the temperature of the surface of the varistor, which may for example be greater than 150 ° C. The heat released by the end-of-life varistor is likely to be transmitted to surrounding equipment and materials, which can lead to serious fire and / or short circuit risks.

C'est pourquoi les normes internationales réglementant la conception des dispositifs de protection contre les surtensions, du genre parafoudre, imposent que les varistances montées dans ces dispositifs soient équipées d'un moyen de déconnexion thermique déconnectant le dispositif de protection de l'équipement à protéger lorsque la température de la varistance dépasse une température critique prédéterminée. Cette déconnexion est de plus généralement accompagnée d'un signal visuel, obtenu à l'aide d'un moyen de visualisation, indiquant à l'utilisateur que le dispositif de protection est à remplacer. Dans certains dispositifs de protection connus, la déconnexion thermique est par exemple obtenue par la fusion d'une soudure, ce qui libère une lame élastique dont la détente ouvre le circuit électrique dans lequel est insérée la varistance du dispositif de protection.This is why the international standards regulating the design of overvoltage protection devices, such as surge arresters, require that the varistors mounted in these devices be equipped with a thermal disconnection means disconnecting the protection device of the equipment to be protected. when the temperature of the varistor exceeds a predetermined critical temperature. This disconnection is also generally accompanied by a visual signal, obtained using a display means, indicating to the user that the protective device is to be replaced. In certain known protective devices, the thermal disconnection is for example obtained by merging a welding, which releases an elastic blade whose trigger opens the electrical circuit in which is inserted the varistor of the protective device.

Les varistances connues généralement employées dans la fabrication des parafoudres se présentent habituellement sous la forme d'un composant sensiblement parallélépipédique avec une première et une deuxième faces opposées, mutuellement espacées d'une distance correspondant à l'épaisseur de la varistance, et séparées par une paroi latérale s'étendant à partir de la périphérie des faces, entre ces dernières.The known varistors generally employed in the manufacture of surge arresters are usually in the form of a substantially parallelepipedic component with a first and a second opposite face, mutually spaced a distance corresponding to the thickness of the varistor, and separated by a lateral wall extending from the periphery of the faces, between the latter.

Une première et une deuxième pattes métalliques émergent respectivement des première et seconde faces. Lesdites pattes correspondent respectivement aux premier et second pôles de la varistance. Ces pattes sont donc destinées à être reliées électriquement à l'installation à protéger contre les surtensions.First and second metal tabs emerge respectively from the first and second faces. The said tabs correspond respectively to the first and second poles of the varistor. These tabs are therefore intended to be electrically connected to the installation to be protected against overvoltages.

Les dispositifs connus comprennent généralement un boîtier délimitant en son sein un logement au sein duquel est disposé la (ou les) varistance. Le boîtier comprend en particulier d'une part une façade frontale disposée sensiblement en vis-à-vis et à distance de la première face de la varistance, et d'autre part une façade dorsale, contre laquelle est posée la varistance, la seconde face venant en appui contre ladite façade dorsale pour maintenir en position la varistance au sein du boîtier. La seconde patte qui émerge de la deuxième face est directement reliée à une seconde borne de connexion destinée à assurer la connexion électrique du dispositif de protection à l'installation à protéger. La première patte, qui émerge de la première face, est quant à elle montée en série avec le moyen de déconnexion thermique (et éventuellement le moyen de visualisation qui lui est associé), lequel est lui-même relié à une première borne de connexion.Known devices generally comprise a housing defining within it a housing in which is disposed the (or) varistor. The housing comprises in particular on the one hand a front facade disposed substantially vis-à-vis and at a distance from the first face of the varistor, and secondly a dorsal front against which the varistor is placed, the second face abutting against said dorsal facade to maintain the varistor position in the housing. The second tab which emerges from the second face is directly connected to a second connection terminal intended to ensure the electrical connection of the protective device to the installation to be protected. The first tab, which emerges from the first face, is in turn connected in series with the thermal disconnection means (and possibly the visualization means associated therewith), which is itself connected to a first connection terminal.

De tels dispositifs, s'ils donnent généralement satisfaction, n'en présentent pas moins un certain nombre d'inconvénients.Such devices, if they generally give satisfaction, nevertheless have a number of disadvantages.

En premier lieu, le fait que la seconde face de la varistance soit plaquée contre la façade dorsale du boîtier crée un pont thermique direct entre la varistance et le boîtier. Ainsi, en cas d'emballement thermique de la varistance; la chaleur dégagée par la varistance, avant que celle-ci ne soit déconnectée par le moyen de déconnexion thermique, est directement transmise au boîtier, ce qui accroît le risque d'endommagement, voire d'incendie.First, the fact that the second face of the varistor is pressed against the dorsal front of the housing creates a direct thermal bridge between the varistor and the housing. Thus, in case of thermal runaway of the varistor; the heat released by the varistor, before it is disconnected by the thermal disconnection means, is directly transmitted to the housing, which increases the risk of damage or fire.

De plus, la varistance utilisée dans un parafoudre est spécifiquement dimensionnée, du point de vue de ses caractéristiques électriques, en fonction des caractéristiques de l'installation à protéger d'une part et des phénomènes de surtension susceptibles de survenir d'autre part. Plus précisément, l'épaisseur de la varistance est généralement reliée à sa caractéristique en tension, tandis que l'aire des faces de la varistance est liée à la quantité d'énergie qu'elle peut dissiper. En pratique, on met ainsi en oeuvre des varistances d'épaisseurs différentes selon les contraintes de protection. Cela implique, pour les dispositifs connus, de prévoir un boîtier spécifique pour une épaisseur de varistance donnée. En effet, selon l'épaisseur de la varistance, l'accostage du moyen de déconnexion thermique et de la première patte s'effectue à une distance plus ou moins grande de la façade dorsale contre laquelle est appuyée la seconde face de la varistance. Afin de permettre cet accostage entre le moyen de déconnexion thermique et la première patte correspondant au premier pôle, il est donc nécessaire d'adapter le boîtier en conséquence pour chaque épaisseur de varistance, ou à défaut d'adapter au moins la longueur et/ou la conformation de la première patte, voire encore le moyen de déconnexion thermique (et éventuellement le moyen de visualisation) lui-même.In addition, the varistor used in a surge arrester is specifically sized, from the point of view of its electrical characteristics, depending on the characteristics of the installation to be protected on the one hand and overvoltage phenomena that may occur on the other hand. Specifically, the thickness of the varistor is generally related to its voltage characteristic, while the surface area of the varistor is related to the amount of energy it can dissipate. In practice, one thus uses varistors of different thicknesses according to the protection constraints. This implies, for known devices, to provide a specific housing for a given varistor thickness. Indeed, depending on the thickness of the varistor, the docking of the thermal disconnection means and the first tab is performed at a greater or lesser distance from the dorsal front against which is supported the second side of the varistor. In order to allow this approach between the thermal disconnection means and the first tab corresponding to the first pole, it is therefore necessary to adapt the housing accordingly for each varistor thickness, or failing to adapt at least the length and / or the conformation of the first leg, or even the thermal disconnection means (and possibly the visualization means) itself.

Les dispositifs connus souffrent donc d'un déficit de standardisation, qui complique la gestion de leur production, nécessite un surcroît de main d'oeuvre qualifiée et grève leur coût de revient.The known devices therefore suffer from a lack of standardization, which complicates the management of their production, requires additional qualified manpower and costs their cost.

Il est par ailleurs connu de EP-A-1 077 452 un dispositif de protection d'un circuit électrique contre les surtensions transitoires selon dans lequel la varistance est plaquée élastiquement contre des épaulements latéraux du boîtier par l'un des éléments de contact électrique servant à sa connexion électrique.It is also known from EP-A-1,077,452 a device for protecting an electrical circuit against transient overvoltages in which the varistor is resiliently pressed against lateral shoulders of the housing by one of the electrical contact elements used for its electrical connection.

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 qui présente un niveau de sécurité amélioré ainsi qu'une construction particulièrement simple et peu onéreuse.The objects assigned to the invention are therefore intended to remedy the various disadvantages listed above and to propose a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages which has an improved level of security and a particularly simple construction and little expensive.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions construit à partir d'une faible variété de composants standardisés.Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages built from a small variety of standardized components.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions réalisé à partir d'un minimum de composants.Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages made from a minimum of components.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions particulièrement robuste.Another object of the invention is to provide a new device for protecting a particularly robust electrical surge arrester.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions qui minimise les risques d'incendie en cas d'emballement thermique de la varistance.Another object of the invention is to propose a new device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages which minimizes the risk of fire in case of thermal runaway of the varistor.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer une nouvelle varistance qui permet la fabrication d'un dispositif de protection contre les surtensions présentant un niveau de sécurité amélioré ainsi qu'un faible coût de revient.Another object of the invention is to propose a new varistor that allows the manufacture of an overvoltage protection device having an improved level of security and a low cost.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer une nouvelle varistance de construction particulièrement simple et proche de celle des varistances de l'art antérieur.Another object of the invention is to propose a new varistor of particularly simple construction and close to that of the varistors of the prior art.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions particulièrement simple et rapide à mettre en oeuvre.Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages that is particularly simple and quick to implement.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions qui ne nécessite la mise en oeuvre que d'un nombre réduit d'opérations très simples et qui ne nécessitent pas de qualification ni d'entraînement particuliers.Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a device for protecting an electrical installation against overvoltages which only requires the implementation of a small number of very simple operations and which does not require no particular qualification or training.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à proposer un nouveau procédé de fabrication d'une varistance particulièrement simple, rapide et bon marché à mettre en oeuvre.Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of manufacturing a varistor particularly simple, fast and cheap to implement.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont atteints à l'aide d'un dispositif de protection d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions tel que défini dans la revendication 1 comprenant :

  • un boîtier qui délimite en son sein un logement,
  • une varistance disposée au sein dudit logement, et présentant d'une part un premier et un second pôle, et d'autre part une première et une seconde face opposées desquelles émergent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles,
  • un moyen de maintien en position de la varistance au sein dudit logement,
caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de maintien s'étend entre d'une part une première extrémité vers laquelle le moyen de maintien est attaché au boîtier et d'autre part une seconde extrémité vers laquelle le moyen de maintien est attaché à ladite première face, ledit moyen de maintien s'étendant, entre lesdites extrémités, sensiblement en dehors de l'espace situé au droit de chacune des première et seconde faces.The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a device for protecting an electrical surge installation as defined in claim 1 comprising:
  • a housing that delimits a dwelling,
  • a varistor disposed within said housing, and having on the one hand a first and a second pole, and on the other hand a first and a second opposite face from which emerge respectively said first and second poles,
  • means for holding the varistor in position in said housing,
characterized in that said holding means extends between on the one hand a first end towards which the holding means is attached to the housing and on the other hand a second end towards which the holding means is attached to said first face, said holding means extending between said ends substantially out of the space of each of the first and second faces.

Les objets assignés à l'invention sont également atteints à l'aide d'une varistance tel que défini dans la revendication 16 comprenant :

  • un premier et un second pôle, le premier pôle comprenant une première patte de connexion destinée à être connectée à un moyen de déconnexion,
  • une première et une seconde face opposées desquelles émergent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles,
  • une paroi latérale s'étendant entre la première et la seconde face, ladite paroi latérale étant inscrite dans un cylindre fictif dont la génératrice est la paroi latérale,
caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend au moins une patte de support attachée à la première face et faisant saillie à partir dudit cylindre fictif vers l'extérieur de ce dernier.The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a varistor as defined in claim 16 comprising:
  • a first and a second pole, the first pole comprising a first connection lug intended to be connected to a disconnection means,
  • a first and a second opposite face from which respectively emerge said first and second poles,
  • a side wall extending between the first and the second face, said side wall being inscribed in a fictitious cylinder whose generator is the side wall,
characterized in that it comprises at least one support lug attached to the first face and projecting from said dummy cylinder to the outside of the latter.

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 tel que défini dans la revendication 19 comprenant :

  • une étape de fabrication ou de fourniture d'un boîtier délimitant en son sein un logement,
  • une étape de fourniture ou de fabrication d'une varistance présentant d'une part un premier et un second pôle, et d'autre part une première et une seconde face opposées desquelles émergent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles, ladite varistance étant destinée à être disposée au sein dudit logement,
  • une étape de maintien en position de la varistance au sein dudit logement,
caractérisé en ce que l'étape de maintien en position de la varistance au sein du logement est effectuée à l'aide d'un moyen de maintien s'étendant entre au moins d'une part une première extrémité vers laquelle le moyen de maintien est attaché au boîtier et d'autre part une seconde extrémité vers laquelle le moyen de maintien est attaché à ladite première face, ledit moyen de maintien s'étendant, entre lesdites extrémités, sensiblement en dehors de l'espace situé au droit de chacune des première et seconde faces.The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of manufacturing an electrical surge protection device as defined in claim 19 comprising:
  • a step of manufacturing or supplying a housing delimiting a housing therein,
  • a step of supplying or manufacturing a varistor having on the one hand a first and a second pole, and on the other hand a first and a second opposite face from which respectively emerge said first and second poles, said varistor being intended to be disposed within said housing,
  • a step of maintaining the position of the varistor within said housing,
characterized in that the step of maintaining in position the varistor within the housing is carried out using a holding means extending between at least on the one hand a first end towards which the holding means is attached to the housing and secondly a second end to which the holding means is attached to said first face, said holding means extending between said ends substantially outside the space to the right of each of the first and second faces.

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 illustratif et non limitatif, parmi lesquels :

  • La figure 1 illustre, selon une vue de face, l'intérieur du boîtier d'un dispositif de protection conforme à un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue en coupe le long de la ligne A-A, le dispositif de la figure 1 avec son boîtier fermé.
  • La figure 3 illustre, selon la vue en coupe A-A, une varistance conforme à un premier mode de réalisation, mise en oeuvre dans le dispositif illustré aux figures 1 et 2.
  • La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue en coupe, une varistance conforme à un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue schématique en perspective, une varistance conforme à un troisième mode de réalisation de 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 not limitation, among which:
  • The figure 1 illustrates, in a front view, the inside of the housing of a protection device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 2 illustrates, in a sectional view along the line AA, the device of the figure 1 with its closed case.
  • The figure 3 illustrates, according to the sectional view AA, a varistor according to a first embodiment, implemented in the device illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 .
  • The figure 4 illustrates, in a sectional view, a varistor according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 5 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a varistor according to a third embodiment of the invention.

L'invention concerne un dispositif de protection 1 d'une installation électrique (non représenté) contre les surtensions. L'expression « installation électrique» fait ici référence à tout type d'installation, d'appareil, d'instrument, de réseau, de circuit électrique ou de télécommunication susceptible d'être sujet à des aléas d'alimentation électrique et notamment à des surtensions, en particulier à des surtensions transitoires, telles que celles dues à la foudre. Dans ce dernier cas, le dispositif de protection 1 constitue donc avantageusement un parafoudre. Tel que cela est bien connu dans le domaine, le dispositif de protection 1 contre les surtensions conforme à l'invention est destiné à être branché en dérivation sur l'installation à protéger. De préférence, le dispositif de protection 1 contre les surtensions conforme à l'invention est destiné à être connecté électriquement entre une phase de l'installation à protéger et la terre.The invention relates to a protection device 1 of an electrical installation (not shown) against overvoltages. The term "electrical installation" here refers to any type of installation, apparatus, instrument, network, electrical circuit or telecommunication likely to be subject to random power supply and especially to overvoltages, in particular at transient overvoltages, such as those caused by lightning. In the latter case, the protective device 1 is therefore advantageously a surge arrester. As is well known in the field, the protection device 1 against overvoltages according to the invention is intended to be connected bypass on the installation to be protected. Preferably, the protection device 1 against overvoltages according to the invention is intended to be electrically connected between a phase of the installation to be protected and the earth.

Il est toutefois 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, ou entre la phase et le neutre, ou encore entre deux phases (cas d'une protection différentielle).However, it is conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the device 1, instead of being connected in shunt between a phase and the earth, is connected between the neutral and the earth, or between the phase and the neutral, or between two phases (case of differential protection).

Tel que cela est illustré aux figures 1 et 2, le dispositif de protection 1 conforme à l'invention comprend un boîtier 2, réalisé par exemple, comme cela est bien connu en soi, en une matière isolante tel qu'une matière plastique. Le boîtier 2 délimite en son sein un logement 3. En d'autres termes, le boîtier 2 est creux, et il définit un volume interne vide correspondant au logement 3. Comme cela va être décrit plus en détails dans ce qui suit, le logement 3 est destiné à accueillir en particulier un composant de protection contre les surtensions, composant qui est lui-même destiné à être raccordé en dérivation à l'installation électrique à protéger. Conformément à l'invention, le dispositif de protection 1 comprend, en tant que composant de protection, une varistance 4 disposée au sein du logement 3, c'est-à-dire à l'intérieur du boîtier 2.As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , the protective device 1 according to the invention comprises a housing 2, made for example, as is well known per se, an insulating material such as a plastic material. The housing 2 delimits within it a housing 3. In other words, the housing 2 is hollow, and it defines an empty internal volume corresponding to the housing 3. As will be described in more detail in the following, the housing 3 is intended to accommodate in particular a surge protection component, which component is itself intended to be connected bypass to the electrical installation to be protected. According to the invention, the protective device 1 comprises, as a protective component, a varistor 4 disposed within the housing 3, that is to say inside the housing 2.

Le dispositif 1 peut bien entendu comprendre plus d'une varistance, ou ne comprendre qu'une seule varistance formée par l'assemblage fonctionnel de plusieurs varistances, sans que l'on sorte du cadre de l'invention.The device 1 may of course comprise more than one varistor, or comprise only one varistor formed by the functional assembly of several varistors, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Une varistance est un composant dont la résistance (ou l'impédance) est variable en fonction de la tension qui lui est appliquée. De tels composants sont bien connus en tant que tels. De préférence, la varistance 4 est une varistance à oxyde métallique (également désignée par l'acronyme anglo-saxon substantivé « MOV »).A varistor is a component whose resistance (or impedance) is variable depending on the voltage applied to it. Such components are well known as such. Preferably, the varistor 4 is a metal oxide varistor (also known by the acronym " MOV ").

Conformément à l'invention, et comme cela est bien connu en tant que tel, la varistance 4 présente une première face 5 et une seconde face 6 opposées.According to the invention, and as is well known as such, the varistor 4 has a first face 5 and a second face 6 opposite.

Lesdites première et seconde faces 5, 6 sont mutuellement espacées d'une distance correspondant à l'épaisseur de la varistance 4. De préférence, la varistance 4 comprend en outre une paroi latérale 7 s'étendant entre la première face 5 et la seconde face 6, selon l'épaisseur, ladite paroi latérale 7 reliant lesdites faces 5, 6 vers leur périphérie. La paroi latérale 7 présente ainsi de préférence une forme sensiblement annulaire dont le contour correspond à celui de la périphérie des faces 5, 6. En d'autres termes, la paroi latérale 7 est inscrite dans un cylindre fictif 8 dont la génératrice est la paroi latérale, c'est-à-dire que ledit cylindre fictif 8 « s'appuie » sur la paroi latérale 7. Avantageusement, tel que cela est illustré aux figures, les première et seconde faces 5, 6 présentent un caractère sensiblement plan et s'étendent sensiblement parallèlement l'une à l'autre, à distance l'une de l'autre, tandis que la paroi latérale 7 s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement auxdites première et seconde faces 5, 6. De façon préférentielle, tel que cela est illustré aux figures, les première et seconde faces 5, 6 sont sensiblement identiques, au moins du point de vue de leur forme générale et de leurs dimensions.Said first and second faces 5, 6 are mutually spaced by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the varistor 4. Preferably, the varistor 4 further comprises a side wall 7 extending between the first face 5 and the second face 6, according to the thickness, said side wall 7 connecting said faces 5, 6 to their periphery. The side wall 7 thus preferably has a substantially annular shape whose contour corresponds to that of the periphery of the faces 5, 6. In other words, the side wall 7 is inscribed in a fictitious cylinder 8 whose generator is the wall lateral, that is to say that said imaginary cylinder 8 "rests" on the side wall 7. Advantageously, as shown in the figures, the first and second faces 5, 6 have a substantially flat character and extend substantially parallel to each other at a distance from each other, while the side wall 7 extends substantially perpendicularly to said first and second faces 5, 6. Preferably, as this is illustrated in the figures, the first and second faces 5, 6 are substantially identical, at least from the point of view of their general shape and their dimensions.

Avantageusement, tel que cela est illustré aux figures 1 à 4, la première face 5 et la seconde face 6 présentent chacune une forme sensiblement rectangulaire, et de préférence carrée. Les coins de chaque face 5, 6 peuvent bien entendu être sensiblement arrondis, comme cela est illustré à la figure 1. Dans ce cas, la varistance 4 présente donc avantageusement une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique, la paroi latérale 7 étant formée de quatre panneaux 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D sensiblement plans, parallèles deux à deux. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le cylindre fictif 8 est donc un cylindre de base carrée, les côtés du carré correspondant aux panneaux 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D.Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 , the first face 5 and the second face 6 each have a substantially rectangular shape, and preferably square. The corners of each face 5, 6 can of course be substantially rounded, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 . In this case, the varistor 4 thus advantageously has a substantially parallelepiped shape, the side wall 7 being formed of four panels 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D substantially planar, parallel in pairs. In this embodiment, the imaginary cylinder 8 is therefore a square base cylinder, the sides of the square corresponding to the panels 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D.

Il est cependant tout à fait envisageable que la varistance 4 présente toute autre forme bien connue de l'homme du métier, et par exemple, comme cela est illustré à la figure 5, une forme de pastille discoïde dans laquelle les première et seconde faces 5, 6 présentent une forme arrondie, circulaire, tandis que la paroi latérale 7 présente une forme annulaire circulaire. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le cylindre fictif 8 est donc un cylindre de base circulaire.However, it is quite possible that the varistor 4 has any other form well known to those skilled in the art, and for example, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5 a form of discoid pellet in which the first and second faces 5, 6 have a rounded, circular shape, while the side wall 7 has a circular annular shape. In this embodiment, the imaginary cylinder 8 is therefore a circular base cylinder.

La varistance 4 présente également un premier pôle 9 et un second pôle 10, destinés à être connectés électriquement à l'installation électrique à protéger, comme cela est bien connu en tant que tel. Le premier pôle 9 s'étend à partir de la première face 5, tandis que le second pôle 10 s'étend à partir de la seconde face 6 de la varistance. En d'autres termes, les premier et second pôles 9, 10 émergent respectivement des première et seconde faces 5, 6. Une telle configuration est d'ailleurs bien connue en soi.The varistor 4 also has a first pole 9 and a second pole 10, intended to be electrically connected to the electrical installation to be protected, as is well known as such. The first pole 9 extends from the first face 5, while the second pole 10 extends from the second face 6 of the varistor. In other words, the first and second poles 9, 10 respectively emerge from the first and second faces 5, 6. Such a configuration is also well known per se.

De préférence, le premier pôle 9 comprend au moins une première plaque de connexion 9A s'étendant contre la première face 5, sensiblement parallèlement à cette dernière. La première plaque de connexion 9A est réalisée de préférence en un matériau métallique.Preferably, the first pole 9 comprises at least a first connection plate 9A extending against the first face 5, substantially parallel to the latter. The first connection plate 9A is preferably made of a metallic material.

Avantageusement, le premier pôle 9 comprend en outre une première patte de connexion 9B reliée électriquement à la première plaque de connexion 9A, et à une première borne de connexion 11 montée dans le boîtier 2. De préférence, la première patte de connexion 9B s'étend à partir de la première plaque de connexion 9A, et de façon encore plus préférentielle vient de matière avec ladite plaque 9A.Advantageously, the first pole 9 further comprises a first connection lug 9B electrically connected to the first connection plate 9A, and to a first connection terminal 11 mounted in the housing 2. Preferably, the first connecting lug 9B is extends from the first connecting plate 9A, and even more preferably comes from material with said plate 9A.

La borne de connexion 11 est elle-même conçue pour être connectée électriquement à un câble électrique (non représenté) la reliant à l'installation électrique à protéger (non représentée).The connection terminal 11 is itself designed to be electrically connected to an electric cable (not shown) connecting it to the electrical installation to be protected (not shown).

Avantageusement, le dispositif 1 conforme à l'invention comprend un moyen de déconnexion électrique 12 de la varistance 4, ledit moyen de déconnexion 12 étant relié électriquement au premier pôle 9. De préférence, le moyen de déconnexion électrique 12 est sensible à la température de la varistance 4 et est conçu pour déconnecter ladite varistance 4 de l'installation électrique à protéger lorsque la température de la varistance 4 atteint une valeur prédéterminée reflétant un dysfonctionnement de la varistance 4. Le moyen de déconnexion 12 forme donc un moyen de déconnexion thermique de la varistance 4.Advantageously, the device 1 according to the invention comprises an electrical disconnection means 12 of the varistor 4, said disconnection means 12 being electrically connected to the first pole 9. Preferably, the electrical disconnection means 12 is sensitive to the temperature of the the varistor 4 and is designed to disconnect said varistor 4 of the electrical installation to be protected when the temperature of the varistor 4 reaches a predetermined value reflecting a malfunction of the varistor 4. The disconnection means 12 therefore forms a means of thermal disconnection of the varistor 4.

Dans l'exemple illustré aux figures 1 et 2, le moyen de déconnexion 12 comprend une lame de déconnexion 12A reliant électriquement la première borne de connexion 11 et la première patte de connexion 9B, c'est à dire que la varistance 4 comprend une première patte de connexion 9B connectée audit moyen de déconnexion électrique 12, lequel est également connectée à la première borne de connexion 11 pour assurer une continuité électrique entre la patte 9B et la borne 11. La lame 12A, qui présente un caractère conducteur d'électricité, est ainsi montée en série entre la première patte de connexion 9B et la première borne de connexion 11. La lame 12A est assujettie à la première patte de connexion 9B par un plot fusible 12B, formé par exemple par de la soudure. La lame ainsi soudée à la première patte 9B d'une part et à la première borne 11 d'autre part assure le passage du courant entre la première borne 11 et le premier pôle 9. De préférence et dans un souci de compacité et de minimisation de la taille du logement 3, la première patte de connexion 9B s'étend sensiblement au droit de la première face 5, de façon que le point de connexion entre la patte 9B et la lame 12A réalisé à l'aide du plot fusible 12B soit positionné au droit de la première face 5.In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the disconnecting means 12 comprises a disconnection blade 12A electrically connecting the first connection terminal 11 and the first connection tab 9B, that is to say that the varistor 4 comprises a first connection tab 9B connected to said electrical disconnection means 12, which is also connected to the first connection terminal 11 to ensure electrical continuity between the tab 9B and the terminal 11. The blade 12A, which has an electrically conductive character, is thus connected in series between the first tab of 9B connection and the first connection terminal 11. The blade 12A is secured to the first connecting lug 9B by a fuse pin 12B, formed for example by solder. The blade thus welded to the first tab 9B on the one hand and to the first terminal 11 on the other hand ensures the passage of current between the first terminal 11 and the first pole 9. Preferably and for the sake of compactness and minimization of the size of the housing 3, the first connecting lug 9B extends substantially to the right of the first face 5, so that the point of connection between the lug 9B and the blade 12A made using the fuse pin 12B is positioned at the right of the first face 5.

Sous l'effet d'un échauffement anormal de la varistance 4, le plot fusible 12B est conçu pour fondre et libérer ainsi la lame 12A. Cette dernière, sous l'effet de son caractère élastique, va se détendre, selon la direction D, pour venir dans une position stable de rappel dans laquelle elle est suffisamment éloignée de la première patte de connexion 9B pour rompre le contact électrique entre la lame 12A et la première patte de connexion 9B. Dans cette configuration, le contact électrique entre la première borne 11 et la première patte 9B est rompu.Under the effect of an abnormal heating of the varistor 4, the fuse pin 12B is designed to melt and thus release the blade 12A. The latter, under the effect of its elastic nature, will relax, in the direction D, to come into a stable return position in which it is sufficiently far from the first connecting lug 9B to break the electrical contact between the blade 12A and the first connecting leg 9B. In this configuration, the electrical contact between the first terminal 11 and the first leg 9B is broken.

Bien évidemment, il est tout à fait envisageable, sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l'invention, que le moyen de déconnexion 12 comprenne d'autres moyens techniques qu'une lame élastique et un plot fusible. Dans le cadre de l'invention, tout autre moyen de déconnexion thermique connu de l'homme du métier peut être mis en oeuvre.Of course, it is quite conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, the disconnection means 12 comprises other technical means that a resilient blade and a fuse pad. In the context of the invention, any other means of thermal disconnection known to those skilled in the art can be implemented.

Avantageusement, le moyen de déconnexion 12 est relié fonctionnellement à un moyen de visualisation 13 permettant à l'utilisateur, sans démonter le boîtier 2, de savoir si la varistance 4 est toujours connectée à l'installation à protéger ou si elle a au contraire été déconnectée de l'installation sous l'effet d'une déflexion de la lame 12A conséquemment à la fusion du plot fusible 12B. Par exemple, tel que cela est illustré à la figure 1, le moyen de visualisation 13 peut comprendre une came 13A montée à rotation libre sur le boîtier 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un arbre de rotation 13B. La came 13A est avantageusement pourvue d'une encoche arrondie 14 coopérant avec la lame 12A de telle sorte que lorsque la lame 12A se détend vers sa position d'ouverture et de rappel, elle pousse la came 13A, ce qui engendre la rotation de cette dernière. La came 13A est pourvue d'une zone de signalisation 15A, par exemple colorée en rouge, qui apparaît en regard d'une fenêtre 15B ménagée dans le boîtier 2, lorsque la came 13A pivote sous l'action de la déflexion de la lame 12A.Advantageously, the disconnection means 12 is functionally connected to a display means 13 allowing the user, without dismantling the housing 2, to know whether the varistor 4 is still connected to the installation to be protected or if it has been on the contrary disconnected from the installation under the effect of a deflection of the blade 12A due to the melting of the fuse pin 12B. For example, as illustrated in figure 1 the display means 13 may comprise a cam 13A mounted to rotate freely on the housing 2 via a rotation shaft 13B. The cam 13A is advantageously provided with a rounded notch 14 cooperating with the blade 12A so that when the blade 12A expands towards its open and return position, it pushes the cam 13A, which causes the rotation of this last. The cam 13A is provided with a signaling zone 15A, for example colored in red, which appears opposite a window 15B formed in the housing 2, when the cam 13A pivots under the action of the deflection of the blade 12A .

Bien évidemment, l'invention n'est pas limitée à la mise en oeuvre d'un système de visualisation particulier, tout système de visualisation connu de l'homme du métier pouvant être mis en oeuvre sans pour autant que l'on sorte du cadre de l'invention.Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation of a particular display system, any visualization system known to those skilled in the art can be implemented without going out of the box of the invention.

De préférence, tel que cela est illustré aux figures, le moyen de déconnexion 12, ainsi que le moyen de visualisation 13 sont contenus dans le boîtier 2.Preferably, as shown in the figures, the disconnection means 12 and the display means 13 are contained in the housing 2.

Avantageusement, le second pôle 10 comprend également au moins une seconde plaque de connexion 10A s'étendant contre la seconde face 6, sensiblement parallèlement à cette dernière. De préférence, le second pôle 10 comprend également une seconde patte de connexion 10B reliée électriquement à la seconde plaque 10A d'une part et à une seconde borne de connexion 16 montée dans le boîtier 2 d'autre part. De préférence, la seconde patte de connexion 10B s'étend à partir de la plaque 10A, et de façon encore plus préférentielle vient de matière avec la première plaque de connexion 10A. Le second pôle 10 est ainsi relié directement à la seconde borne de connexion 16, dont la fonction est analogue à celle de la première borne de connexion 11 décrite précédemment.Advantageously, the second pole 10 also comprises at least one second connection plate 10A extending against the second face 6, substantially parallel to the latter. Preferably, the second pole 10 also comprises a second connection lug 10B electrically connected to the second plate 10A on the one hand and to a second connection terminal 16 mounted in the housing 2 on the other hand. Preferably, the second connection tab 10B extends from the plate 10A, and even more preferably comes from the material with the first connection plate 10A. The second pole 10 is thus connected directly to the second connection terminal 16, whose function is similar to that of the first connection terminal 11 described above.

Conformément à l'invention, le dispositif de protection 1 comprend un moyen de maintien en position 17 de la varistance 4 au sein du logement 3. Comme sa dénomination l'indique, la fonction dévolue au moyen de maintien en position 17 est de contribuer par lui-même, au moins dans une proportion essentielle, à maintenir dans une position fixe et immobile la varistance 4 dans le logement 3 ménagé au sein du boîtier 2. De préférence, le moyen de maintien 17 est distinct des pattes de connexion 9B, 10B servant à connecter électriquement la varistance 4 aux bornes 11, 16 et assure sa fonction de maintien en position de la varistance 4 indépendamment de l'état du moyen de déconnexion 12.According to the invention, the protective device 1 comprises a means for holding the varistor 4 in position 17 in the housing 3. As its name indicates, the function devolved to the holding means in position 17 is to contribute by itself, at least in an essential proportion, to maintain in a fixed and immobile position the varistor 4 in the housing 3 formed in the housing 2. Preferably, the holding means 17 is distinct from the connecting tabs 9B, 10B for electrically connecting the varistor 4 to the terminals 11, 16 and performs its function of maintaining the position of the varistor 4 independently of the state of the disconnecting means 12.

A cette fin, le moyen de maintien 17 s'étend entre d'une part une première extrémité 17A, vers laquelle le moyen de maintien 17 est relié, et plus précisément attaché (fixé) au boîtier 2, et d'autre part à une seconde extrémité 17B, vers laquelle le moyen de maintien 17 est attaché à la varistance 4, et plus précisément est attaché (fixé) à la première face 5 de ladite varistance 4.For this purpose, the holding means 17 extends between on the one hand a first end 17A, towards which the holding means 17 is connected, and more precisely attached (fixed) to the casing 2, and on the other hand to a second end 17B, towards which the holding means 17 is attached to the varistor 4, and more precisely is attached (fixed) to the first face 5 of said varistor 4.

En d'autres termes, le moyen de maintien 17 assure une liaison mécanique, qui est de préférence une liaison d'encastrement, entre la varistance 4 et le boîtier 2, ceci afin de fixer et d'immobiliser la varistance 4 dans le boîtier 2. Le moyen de maintien 17 est ainsi fixé, c'est-à-dire assujetti, à la varistance 4 vers sa seconde extrémité 17B. La liaison mécanique entre le moyen de maintien 17 et la varistance 4 est donc une liaison d'encastrement. Le moyen de maintien 17 coopère, vers sa première extrémité 17A, avec le boîtier 2, pour bloquer en position la varistance 4. De préférence, la liaison entre le moyen de maintien 17 et le boîtier 2 est également une liaison d'encastrement, et de façon préférentielle une fixation à froid (sans soudure), obtenue par assemblage mécanique.In other words, the holding means 17 provides a mechanical connection, which is preferably a recess connection between the varistor 4 and the housing 2, in order to fix and immobilize the varistor 4 in the housing 2 The holding means 17 is thus fixed, that is to say fastened, to the varistor 4 towards its second end 17B. The mechanical connection between the holding means 17 and the varistor 4 is therefore a flush connection. The holding means 17 cooperates, towards its first end 17A, with the housing 2, to lock in position the varistor 4. Preferably, the connection between the holding means 17 and the housing 2 is also a mounting connection, and preferentially cold fixation (without welding), obtained by mechanical assembly.

Comme cela a été indiqué précédemment, le moyen de maintien 17 contribue de façon majoritaire, ou essentielle, au maintien en position de la varistance 4 dans le boîtier 2. Il est donc tout à fait envisageable que d'autres éléments extérieurs au moyen de maintien 17 et distincts de ce dernier contribuent également, dans une proportion moindre, minoritaire, à maintenir la varistance 4 en position dans le logement 3, sans pour autant que l'on sorte du cadre de l'invention.As previously indicated, the holding means 17 contributes in majority or essential way to maintaining the position of the varistor 4 in the housing 2. It is therefore entirely conceivable that other elements outside the holding means 17 and distinct from the latter also contribute, to a lesser extent, minority, to maintain the varistor 4 in position in the housing 3, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Conformément à une caractéristique importante de l'invention, le moyen de maintien 17 s'étend, entre la première extrémité 17A et la seconde extrémité 17B, sensiblement en dehors de l'espace 18 situé au droit de chacune des première et seconde faces 5, 6. En d'autres termes, le moyen de maintien 17 s'étend latéralement relativement à la varistance 4, c'est-à-dire que sa partie active, qui relie la varistance 4 au boîtier. 2, s'étend en dehors de l'espace 18 situé en vis-à-vis des première et seconde faces 5, 6, c'est-à-dire en regard desdites faces 5, 6, à la perpendiculaire de ces dernières.According to an important characteristic of the invention, the holding means 17 extends, between the first end 17A and the second end 17B, substantially outside the space 18 located at the right of each of the first and second faces 5, 6. In other words, the means 17 extends laterally relative to the varistor 4, that is to say, its active portion, which connects the varistor 4 to the housing. 2, extends outside the space 18 located vis-à-vis the first and second faces 5, 6, that is to say facing said faces 5, 6, perpendicular to the latter.

Ainsi, dans le cadre des variantes illustrées aux figures, le moyen de maintien 17 fait avantageusement saillie à partir du cylindre fictif 8 vers l'extérieur de ce dernier.Thus, in the context of the variants illustrated in the figures, the holding means 17 advantageously protrudes from the imaginary cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter.

Grâce à cette caractéristique technique, il n'est plus nécessaire d'utiliser l'une, l'autre, ou les deux première et seconde faces 5, 6 en tant que moyen de maintien, c'est-à-dire qu'il n'est plus nécessaire de mettre en appui l'une, l'autre, ou les deux faces 5, 6 contre le boîtier 2.With this technical feature, it is no longer necessary to use one or the other, or the two first and second faces 5, 6 as holding means, that is to say that it it is no longer necessary to press one or the other or both faces 5, 6 against the housing 2.

Cela permet notamment de ménager un espace libre 18 au droit desdites faces 5, 6, espace libre qui permet une meilleure isolation thermique du boîtier 2 relativement à la varistance 4, et donc un meilleur niveau de sécurité en cas d'échauffement de la varistance 4. La présence d'un espace libre 18 au droit de chacune des faces opposées 5, 6 permet en effet soit de créer une lame d'air isolante de part et d'autre de la varistance 4, soit de remplir cet espace libre d'une substance isolante, telle qu'une résine ou une mousse.This allows in particular to provide a free space 18 to the right of said faces 5, 6, free space which allows better thermal insulation of the housing 2 relative to the varistor 4, and therefore a better level of safety in case of heating of the varistor 4 The presence of a free space 18 to the right of each of the opposite faces 5, 6 makes it possible either to create an insulating air gap on either side of the varistor 4, or to fill this free space with an insulating substance, such as a resin or a foam.

L'invention permet ainsi de suspendre la varistance 4 dans le boîtier 2, au sein du logement 3, à l'aide du moyen de maintien 17. L'invention peut donc être également définie, dans un mode de réalisation particulier, comme comprenant la fourniture d'un boîtier 2 muni de moyens de réception du moyen de maintien 17 conçus pour que la varistance 4 soit suspendue dans le logement 3 par son moyen de maintien 17.The invention thus makes it possible to suspend the varistor 4 in the housing 2, within the housing 3, by means of the holding means 17. The invention can therefore also be defined, in a particular embodiment, as comprising the providing a housing 2 provided with means for receiving the holding means 17 designed so that the varistor 4 is suspended in the housing 3 by its holding means 17.

L'invention concerne également en tant que tel, et de façon indépendante, un dispositif de protection 1 contre les surtensions comprenant d'une part un boîtier 2 délimitant en son sein un logement 3, et d'autre part une varistance 4 montée à distance des parois du boîtier 2 pour ménager un espace libre autour de substantiellement la totalité de la varistance 4. Il est cependant tout à fait envisageable, dans le cadre de cette variante, que l'une ou l'autre des faces 5, 6 de la varistance 4 viennent affleurer le boîtier 2, voire même viennent au contact du boîtier 2, dans la mesure où est mis en oeuvre un moyen de maintien 17 s'étendant sensiblement en dehors de l'espace 18 situé au droit de chacune des première et seconde faces 5, 6.The invention also relates as such, and independently, a protection device 1 against overvoltages comprising on the one hand a housing 2 delimiting a housing 3 within it and on the other hand a varistor 4 mounted at a distance walls of the housing 2 to provide a free space around substantially the entire of the varistor 4. However, it is quite possible, in the context of this variant, that one or other of the faces 5, 6 of the varistor 4 flush the housing 2, or even come into contact with the housing 2, in that is implemented a holding means 17 extending substantially outside the space 18 located at the right of each of the first and second faces 5, 6.

Avantageusement, le moyen de maintien 17 s'étend, au moins en partie, sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi latérale 7. Dans le cas du mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 1 à 3 et 5, le moyen de maintien 17 s'étend entièrement perpendiculairement à la paroi latérale 7, et donc à la surface fictive du cylindre fictif 8 dans lequel est inscrite la paroi latérale 7.Advantageously, the holding means 17 extends, at least in part, substantially perpendicularly to the side wall 7. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 and 5 , the holding means 17 extends entirely perpendicularly to the side wall 7, and thus to the dummy surface of the imaginary cylinder 8 in which the side wall 7 is inscribed.

Dans le cas du mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 3, le moyen de maintien 17 comprend un premier tronçon 19 qui s'étend de façon sensiblement oblique relativement à la paroi latérale 7, le premier tronçon 19 se prolongeant par un second tronçon 20 sensiblement perpendiculaire à la paroi latérale 7.In the case of the embodiment illustrated in figure 3 , the holding means 17 comprises a first section 19 which extends substantially obliquely relative to the side wall 7, the first section 19 being extended by a second section 20 substantially perpendicular to the side wall 7.

Avantageusement, le moyen de maintien 17 s'étend, au moins en partie, sensiblement dans un plan tangent à la première face 5 à partir de laquelle émerge la première patte 9B destinée à être connectée au moyen de déconnexion 12, tel que cela est illustré aux figures 2, 3 et 5.Advantageously, the holding means 17 extend, at least in part, substantially in a plane tangential to the first face 5 from which emerges the first leg 9B intended to be connected to the disconnection means 12, as illustrated. to the figures 2 , 3 and 5 .

De préférence, le moyen de maintien 17 est solidaire du premier pôle 9, qui est destiné à être relié en série au moyen de déconnexion. De façon encore plus préférentielle, le moyen de maintien 17 vient de matière avec ledit premier pôle 9. Avantageusement, le moyen de maintien 17 comprend au moins une patte de support, et de préférence deux pattes de support 21, 22, s'étendant à partir de la première plaque 9A et venant de préférence de matière avec cette dernière. Ainsi, la première plaque 9A et le moyen de maintien 17 ne forment qu'une seule et même pièce, le moyen de maintien 17 formant un prolongement de la plaque 9A en dehors de l'espace 18 situé au droit de la première face 5, de laquelle émerge la première patte de connexion 9B destinée à être connectée au moyen de déconnexion 12. De préférence, chaque patte de support 21, 22 s'étend sensiblement dans le même plan que la première plaque 9A, c'est-à-dire qu'elle s'étend parallèlement à la première face 5.Preferably, the holding means 17 is secured to the first pole 9, which is intended to be connected in series to the disconnecting means. Even more preferably, the holding means 17 is made of material with said first pole 9. Advantageously, the holding means 17 comprises at least one support lug, and preferably two support lugs 21, 22, extending from the first plate 9A and preferably made of material with the latter. Thus, the first plate 9A and the holding means 17 form only one and the same piece, the holding means 17 forming an extension of the plate 9A outside the space 18 located at the right of the first face 5, from which emerges the first connecting lug 9B intended to be connected to the disconnection means 12. Preferably, each support lug 21, 22 extends substantially in the same plane as the first plate 9A, that is to say it extends parallel to the first face 5.

En d'autres termes, chaque patte de support 21, 22 s'étend de préférence sensiblement tangentiellement à la première face 5 et perpendiculairement à la direction de l'épaisseur de la varistance 4. Avantageusement, tel que cela est illustré aux figures 1 à 4, le dispositif 1, et plus précisément la varistance 4, comprend deux pattes de support 21, 22 attachées à la première face 5 et faisant chacune saillie à partir du cylindre fictif 8 vers l'extérieur de ce dernier, selon des sens respectifs opposés. D'autres dispositions constructives sont bien évidemment envisageables. Par exemple, dans la variante illustrée à la figure 5, le moyen de maintien 17 comprend une collerette 27, sensiblement circulaire, qui s'étend dans le prolongement de la plaque 9A, en dehors du volume intérieur défini par le cylindre fictif 8.In other words, each support lug 21, 22 preferably extends substantially tangentially to the first face 5 and perpendicular to the direction of the thickness of the varistor 4. Advantageously, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 4 , the device 1, and more precisely the varistor 4 comprises two support tabs 21, 22 attached to the first face 5 and each projecting from the imaginary cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter, in opposite respective directions. Other constructive arrangements are of course conceivable. For example, in the variant illustrated in figure 5 , the holding means 17 comprises a substantially circular flange 27 which extends in the extension of the plate 9A, outside the interior volume defined by the imaginary cylinder 8.

L'invention concerne ainsi de manière indépendante une varistance 4 comprenant :

  • un premier et un second pôle 9, 10, le premier pôle 9 comprenant une première patte de connexion 9B destinée à être connectée à un moyen de déconnexion 12,
  • une première et une seconde face 5, 6 opposées à partir desquelles s'étendent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles 9, 10,
  • une paroi latérale 7 s'étendant entre la première et la seconde face 5, 6, ladite paroi latérale 7 étant inscrite dans un cylindre fictif 8 dont la génératrice est la paroi latérale 7 elle-même,
ladite varistance 4 comprenant au moins une patte de support 21, 22 attachée à ladite première face 5 et faisant saillie à partir dudit cylindre fictif 8 vers l'extérieur de ce dernier. La patte de support 21, 22 est distincte de la première patte de connexion 9B.The invention thus relates independently to a varistor 4 comprising:
  • a first and a second pole 9, 10, the first pole 9 comprising a first connection lug 9B intended to be connected to a disconnection means 12,
  • a first and a second face 5, 6 opposite from which respectively extend said first and second poles 9, 10,
  • a side wall 7 extending between the first and the second face 5, 6, said side wall 7 being inscribed in a fictitious cylinder 8 whose generator is the side wall 7 itself,
said varistor 4 comprising at least one support lug 21, 22 attached to said first face 5 and projecting from said dummy cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter. The support lug 21, 22 is distinct from the first connector lug 9B.

De préférence, la première patte de connexion 9B s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement à la première face 5, tandis que la patte de support 21, 22 s'étend sensiblement tangentiellement à la première face 5. Avantageusement, lesdites patte de connexion 9B et pattes de support 21 viennent de matière avec le premier pôle 9.Preferably, the first connecting lug 9B extends substantially perpendicular to the first face 5, while the support lug 21, 22 extends substantially tangentially to the first face 5. Advantageously, said connecting lug 9B and lugs support 21 come from matter with the first pole 9.

L'invention n'est bien entendu pas limitée à une forme ou une orientation spécifique des pattes de connexion 9B, 10B et de support 21, 22. La configuration illustrée aux figures 1 à 3, dans laquelle les pattes de support 21, 22 s'étendent en sens opposés, sensiblement parallèlement à la première face 5, tandis que la première patte de connexion 9B s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement à la première face 5, au niveau du centre de cette dernière, la seconde patte de connexion s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à la seconde face 6 et aux pattes de support 21, 22, est cependant préférée.The invention is of course not limited to a specific shape or orientation of the connection lugs 9B, 10B and support 21, 22. The configuration illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 wherein the support legs 21, 22 extend in opposite directions, substantially parallel to the first face 5, while the first connecting leg 9B extends substantially perpendicularly to the first face 5, at the center thereof. last, the second connecting lug extending substantially parallel to the second face 6 and the support lugs 21, 22, is however preferred.

Avantageusement, le boîtier 2 comprend un support 23 contre lequel le moyen de maintien 17 vient en appui vers sa première extrémité 17A. En d'autres termes, dans le cas des variantes illustrées aux figures 1 à 4, les pattes de support 21, 22, attachées à la première face 5 de la varistance 4, reposent de façon stable contre le support 23.Advantageously, the housing 2 comprises a support 23 against which the holding means 17 bears against its first end 17A. In other words, in the case of the variants illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 , the support lugs 21, 22, attached to the first face 5 of the varistor 4, rest stably against the support 23.

Avantageusement, le boîtier 2 comprend en outre un moyen de blocage 24 venant en appui contre le moyen de maintien 17, de telle sorte que le moyen de maintien 17 est interposé entre le support 23 et le moyen de blocage 24, ce qui contribue à, ou de préférence assure totalement, l'immobilisation du moyen de maintien 17, et donc de la varistance 4 à laquelle il est attaché. En d'autres termes, le support 23 et le moyen de blocage 24 forment les deux mors d'une mâchoire venant enserrer et bloquer le moyen de maintien 17 vers (c'est-à-dire au voisinage de) sa première extrémité 17A, le moyen de maintien 17 étant solidaire de la varistance 4 vers sa seconde extrémité 17B.Advantageously, the housing 2 further comprises a locking means 24 bearing against the holding means 17, so that the holding means 17 is interposed between the support 23 and the locking means 24, which contributes to, or preferably completely ensures the immobilization of the holding means 17, and therefore the varistor 4 to which it is attached. In other words, the support 23 and the locking means 24 form the two jaws of a jaw coming to grip and lock the holding means 17 towards (that is to say in the vicinity of) its first end 17A, the holding means 17 being integral with the varistor 4 towards its second end 17B.

De préférence, tel que cela est illustré à la figure 2, le boîtier 2 comprend un demi-boîtier inférieur 2A et un demi-boîtier supérieur 2B complémentaires, lesdits demi-boîtiers inférieur 2A et supérieur 2B étant assemblés, par exemple par encliquetage, pour délimiter ensemble, une fois assemblés, un volume interne fermé formant le logement 3.Preferably, as illustrated in figure 2 , the housing 2 comprises a lower half-housing 2A and a complementary upper half-housing 2B, said lower half-housings 2A and upper 2B being assembled, for example by snap-fastening, to delimit together, once assembled, a closed internal volume forming housing 3.

Avantageusement, le support 23 est porté par, et de préférence vient de matière avec, le demi-boîtier inférieur 2A, tandis que le moyen de blocage 24 est porté par, et de préférence vient de matière avec, le demi-boîtier supérieur 2B. Avantageusement, le demi-boîtier inférieur 2A comprend une façade inférieure 25, disposée en regard de la seconde face 6, et formant une paroi isolant l'intérieur du boîtier 2 de l'extérieur. A partir de la façade inférieure 25 s'élève au moins une nervure inférieure formant le support 23. Dans le cas de la variante illustrée à la figure 2, deux nervures inférieures 25A, 25B s'élèvent à partir de la façade inférieure 25 pour servir de supports respectifs aux première et seconde pattes de support 21, 22, lesquelles viennent en appui contre lesdites nervures inférieures 25A, 25B.Advantageously, the support 23 is carried by, and preferably comes from, material with the lower half-housing 2A, while the locking means 24 is carried by, and preferably comes from, material with the upper half-housing 2B. Advantageously, the lower half-casing 2A comprises a lower facade 25, arranged facing the second face 6, and forming an insulating wall inside the casing 2 from the outside. From the lower facade 25 is at least one lower rib forming the support 23. In the case of the variant illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , two lower ribs 25A, 25B rise from the lower face 25 to serve as respective supports for the first and second support legs 21, 22, which abut against said lower ribs 25A, 25B.

De préférence, la hauteur des nervures inférieures 25A, 25B est choisie de telle sorte que la seconde face 6 de la varistance 4 ne vient pas au contact de la façade inférieure 25, mais est au contraire maintenue à distance de ladite façade inférieure 25.Preferably, the height of the lower ribs 25A, 25B is chosen so that the second face 6 of the varistor 4 does not come into contact with the lower facade 25, but is instead kept at a distance from said lower facade 25.

Avantageusement, le demi-boîtier supérieur 2B comprend une façade supérieure 26 disposée en regard de la première face 5, et formant une paroi isolant l'intérieur du boîtier 2 de l'extérieur. Les façades inférieure et supérieure 25, 26 sont de préférence sensiblement planes et parallèles. A partir de façade supérieure 26 s'étend au moins une nervure supérieure formant le moyen de blocage 24. Dans le cas de la variante illustrée à la figure 2, deux nervures supérieures 26A, 26B s'élèvent à partir de la façade supérieure 26 pour venir coopérer respectivement avec les première et seconde pattes de support 21, 22. Lesdites pattes de support 21, 22 sont ainsi prises en étau entre d'une part les nervures inférieures 25A, 25B et d'autre part les nervures supérieures 26A, 26B. La hauteur des nervures supérieures 26A, 26B issues de la façade supérieure 26 est de préférence suffisante pour ménager un espace libre au droit de la première face 5, ledit espace libre étant lui-même de hauteur suffisante pour contenir la première patte de connexion 9B, ainsi que le moyen de déconnexion 12 et le moyen de visualisation 13 qui lui sont éventuellement associés.Advantageously, the upper half-case 2B comprises an upper face 26 disposed opposite the first face 5, and forming an insulating wall inside the casing 2 from the outside. The lower and upper facades 25, 26 are preferably substantially flat and parallel. From upper front 26 extends at least one upper rib forming the locking means 24. In the case of the variant illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , two upper ribs 26A, 26B rise from the upper face 26 to cooperate respectively with the first and second support legs 21, 22. Said support legs 21, 22 are thus taken in a vice between on the one hand the lower ribs 25A, 25B and on the other hand the upper ribs 26A, 26B. The height of the upper ribs 26A, 26B from the upper face 26 is preferably sufficient to provide a free space to the right of the first face 5, said free space itself being of sufficient height to contain the first connecting lug 9B, as well as the disconnection means 12 and the display means 13 which may be associated with it.

Ainsi, le boîtier 2 comprend une façade supérieure 26 disposée en regard de la première face 5 et une façade inférieure 25 disposée en regard de la seconde face 6, le moyen de maintien 17 maintenant la varistance 4 à distance desdites façades inférieure 25 et supérieure 26 pour ménager un espace sensiblement libre au droit desdites première et seconde faces 5, 6. Bien entendu, il est tout à fait envisageable, sans pour autant que l'on sorte du cadre de l'invention, qu'une cloison (non représentée), parallèle aux façades supérieure 26 et inférieure 25 soit en outre disposée contre et le long de la première face 5, un orifice étant ménagé dans ladite cloison pour permettre le passage de la première patte de connexion 9B.Thus, the housing 2 comprises an upper front 26 disposed opposite the first face 5 and a lower front 25 disposed facing the second face 6, the holding means 17 maintaining the varistor 4 at a distance from said lower and upper facades 25. to provide a substantially free space to the right of said first and second faces 5, 6. Of course, it is entirely possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, a partition (not shown) , parallel to the upper 26 and lower 25 faces is further disposed against and the along the first face 5, an orifice being formed in said partition to allow the passage of the first connecting lug 9B.

Dans le mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux illustré aux figures, l'invention permet ainsi, en attachant le moyen de maintien 17 à la première face 5 de laquelle émerge la première patte de connexion 9B destinée à interagir avec le moyen de déconnexion 12, de garantir que ladite première patte de connexion 9B se trouvera toujours strictement au même endroit dans le boîtier 2 quelle que soit l'épaisseur de la varistance 4, pour autant que la hauteur du support 23 relativement à la façade inférieure 25 ait été correctement choisie. En effet, comme cela est visible sur la figure 2, même si les conditions de protection nécessitent la mise en place, dans le boîtier 2 illustré à la figure 2, d'une varistance présentant une épaisseur supérieure à celle de la varistance représentée à la figure 2, cela ne conduira pas à surélever la première patte de connexion 9B, ce qui entraînerait en conséquence la modification de l'accostage de la première patte de connexion 9B avec le moyen de connexion 12. Cet avantage est de surcroît obtenu de façon très simple, sans qu'il ne soit nécessaire d'introduire par exemple des formes spécifiques au sein du boîtier 2, telle qu'une cloison intermédiaire d'appui pour la première face 5.In the particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures, the invention thus makes it possible, by attaching the holding means 17 to the first face of which emerges the first connecting lug 9B intended to interact with the disconnecting means 12, to guarantee that said first connecting lug 9B will always be strictly in the same place in the housing 2 regardless of the thickness of the varistor 4, as long as the height of the support 23 relative to the bottom facade 25 has been correctly chosen. Indeed, as is visible on the figure 2 , even if the protection conditions require the implementation, in the housing 2 illustrated in FIG. figure 2 of a varistor having a thickness greater than that of the varistor represented in figure 2 this will not lead to raising the first connecting lug 9B, which would consequently result in the modification of the docking of the first connecting lug 9B with the connecting means 12. This advantage is moreover obtained in a very simple way, without it being necessary to introduce, for example, specific shapes within the housing 2, such as an intermediate support partition for the first face 5.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un dispositif de protection 1 d'une installation électrique contre les surtensions.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a protection device 1 of an electrical installation against overvoltages.

Conformément à l'invention, le procédé comprend une étape de fabrication, ou de fourniture, d'un boîtier 2 délimitant en son sein un logement 3.According to the invention, the method comprises a step of manufacturing, or supplying, a housing 2 delimiting within it a housing 3.

Le procédé conforme à l'invention comprend également une étape de fourniture ou de fabrication d'une varistance 4 présentant d'une part un premier pôle 9 et un second pôle 10, et d'autre part une première et une seconde face 5, 6 opposées à partir desquelles s'étendent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles 9, 10, ladite varistance 4 étant destinée à être disposée au sein du logement 3.The method according to the invention also comprises a step of supplying or manufacturing a varistor 4 having on the one hand a first pole 9 and a second pole 10, and on the other hand a first and a second face 5, 6 opposite from which they respectively extend said first and second poles 9, 10, said varistor 4 being intended to be disposed within the housing 3.

Le procédé conforme à l'invention comprend également une étape de maintien en position de la varistance 4 au sein du logement 3, c'est-à-dire une étape dans laquelle on fixe en position, au sein du logement 3, la varistance 4 relativement au boîtier 2.The method according to the invention also comprises a step of maintaining in position the varistor 4 within the housing 3, that is to say a step in which is fixed in position, within the housing 3, the varistor 4 relative to the case 2.

L'étape de maintien en position de la varistance 4 au sein du logement 3 est effectuée, conformément à l'invention, à l'aide d'un moyen de maintien 17 s'étendant, comme cela a été décrit précédemment, entre au moins d'une part une première extrémité 17A vers laquelle le moyen de maintien est relié au boîtier 2, et d'autre part une seconde extrémité 17B vers laquelle le moyen de maintien 17 est attaché à la varistance 4. En d'autres termes, au cours de l'étape de maintien, on établit une liaison mécanique, à l'aide d'un organe d'assemblage mécanique formé par le moyen de maintien 17, entre la varistance 4, positionnée au sein du logement 3, et le boîtier 2. Cette liaison mécanique implique notamment la fixation, c'est-à-dire la solidarisation, du moyen de maintien 17 à la varistance 4, ainsi que la coopération du moyen de maintien 17 avec le boîtier 2 pour maintenir la varistance 4 immobile dans le logement 3.The step of maintaining the position of the varistor 4 in the housing 3 is carried out, in accordance with the invention, using a holding means 17 extending, as previously described, between at least on the one hand a first end 17A towards which the holding means is connected to the housing 2, and on the other hand a second end 17B towards which the holding means 17 is attached to the varistor 4. In other words, at the during the holding step, a mechanical connection is established, using a mechanical fastener formed by the holding means 17, between the varistor 4, positioned within the housing 3, and the housing 2 This mechanical connection involves in particular the attachment, that is to say the securing, of the holding means 17 to the varistor 4, as well as the cooperation of the holding means 17 with the housing 2 to maintain the varistor 4 immobile in the housing 3.

La coopération entre le moyen de maintien 17 et le boîtier 2 peut être une coopération en appui simple ou en encastrement par exemple.The cooperation between the holding means 17 and the housing 2 may be a single support or embedding cooperation for example.

Conformément à une caractéristique importante de l'invention, l'étape de maintien est réalisée pour que le moyen de maintien 17 s'étende, entre les première et seconde extrémités 17A, 17B, sensiblement en dehors de l'espace 18 situé au droit de chacune des première et seconde faces 5, 6 de la varistance 4. En d'autres termes, l'étape de maintien est avantageusement une étape d'accrochage latéral de la varistance 4 au sein du boîtier 2, et plus préférentiellement une étape de suspension de la varistance 4 au sein du boîtier 2, dans le logement 3. Grâce à la mise en oeuvre d'une telle étape de suspension, la varistance 4 n'est pas posée au sein du boîtier 2, c'est-à-dire que son maintien en position n'est pas assuré, contrairement à ce qui est pratiqué dans l'art antérieur, par la mise en appui directe de l'une des faces 5, 6 contre le boîtier 2 (ou contre une pièce rattachée à ce dernier).According to an important feature of the invention, the holding step is performed so that the holding means 17 extends, between the first and second ends 17A, 17B, substantially outside the space 18 located at the right of each of the first and second faces 5, 6 of the varistor 4. In other words, the holding step is advantageously a lateral latching step of the varistor 4 within of the housing 2, and more preferably a step of suspending the varistor 4 within the housing 2, in the housing 3. Thanks to the implementation of such a suspension step, the varistor 4 is not posed within of the housing 2, that is to say that its holding position is not insured, contrary to what is practiced in the prior art, by the direct bearing of one of the faces 5, 6 against the housing 2 (or against a part attached thereto).

Avantageusement, l'étape de fabrication (ou de fourniture) du boîtier 2 comprend une première sous-étape dans laquelle on fabrique ou on fournit un demi-boîtier inférieur 2A comprenant un support 23 contre lequel le moyen de maintien 17 est destiné à venir en appui vers sa première extrémité 17A. De préférence, comme cela a été décrit dans ce qui précède, le demi-boîtier inférieur 2A comprend une façade inférieure 25, sensiblement plane, à partir de laquelle s'élève au moins une nervure formant support 23. Dans le cas de la variante illustrée à la figure 2, le support 23 comprend deux nervures inférieures 25A, 25B s'élevant en regard l'une de l'autre, la distance entre les nervures 25A, 25B étant suffisantes pour permettre l'insertion, entre lesdites nervures 25A, 25B, de la varistance 4 de façon que la seconde face 6 de cette dernière soit en vis-à-vis de la façade inférieure 25.Advantageously, the step of manufacturing (or supplying) the housing 2 comprises a first substep in which a lower half-housing 2A is manufactured or supplied comprising a support 23 against which the holding means 17 is intended to come into contact. support towards its first end 17A. Preferably, as described above, the lower half-casing 2A comprises a substantially planar lower face 25 from which rises at least one support rib 23. In the case of the illustrated variant to the figure 2 , the support 23 comprises two lower ribs 25A, 25B rising opposite one another, the distance between the ribs 25A, 25B being sufficient to allow the insertion, between said ribs 25A, 25B, of the varistor 4 so that the second face 6 of the latter is vis-à-vis the lower facade 25.

Avantageusement, l'étape de maintien en position de la varistance 4 comprend une première sous-étape dans laquelle on dispose la varistance 4 relativement au demi-boîtier inférieur 2A de façon que le moyen de maintien 17 vienne en appui, vers sa première extrémité 17A, contre le support 23. Dans le cas de la variante illustrée à la figure 2, cette première sous-étape se déroule de la façon suivante. Le demi-boîtier inférieur 2A repose de façon stable sur une surface de travail, de préférence plane, contre sa façade inférieure 25. La varistance 4, à partir de laquelle s'étendent les première et seconde pattes de support 21, 22, est insérée entre les nervures 25A, 25B, de telle sorte que la première patte 21 est posée sur la nervure 25A, tandis que la seconde patte 22 est posée sur la nervure 25B correspondante, la seconde face 6 faisant face à la façade inférieure 25. La paroi latérale 7, et plus particulièrement les panneaux 7C, 7D, se trouvent ainsi en regard respectivement des nervures inférieures 25B, 25A. A l'issue de la première sous-étape de maintien, la varistance 4 repose de façon stable en appui sur les nervures 25A, 25B, sa seconde face 6 se trouvant de préférence à distance et en regard de la façade inférieure 25.Advantageously, the step of maintaining the position of the varistor 4 comprises a first substep in which the varistor 4 is arranged relative to the lower half-casing 2A so that the holding means 17 bears, towards its first end 17A. against the support 23. In the case of the variant illustrated in figure 2 , this first substep proceeds as follows. The lower half-casing 2A rests stably on a working surface, preferably flat, against its lower facade 25. The varistor 4, from which extend the first and second support lugs 21, 22, is inserted between the ribs 25A, 25B, so that the first lug 21 is placed on the rib 25A, while the second lug 22 is placed on the rib 25B corresponding, the second face 6 facing the bottom facade 25. The side wall 7, and more particularly the panels 7C, 7D, and are respectively facing lower ribs 25B, 25A. At the end of the first substep of maintenance, the varistor 4 rests stably in support on the ribs 25A, 25B, its second face 6 being preferably at a distance and facing the lower facade 25.

Avantageusement, l'étape de fabrication (ou de fourniture) du boîtier 2 comprend également une deuxième sous-étape dans laquelle on fabrique (ou on fournit) un demi-boîtier supérieur 2B comprenant un moyen de blocage 24 destiné à venir en appui contre le moyen de maintien 17. Comme cela l'a été évoqué dans ce qui précède, le demi-boîtier supérieur 2B comprend de préférence une façade supérieure 26 à partir de laquelle s'élève au moins une nervure supérieure formant le moyen de blocage 24. Dans le cas de la variante illustrée à la figure 2, le moyen de blocage 24 comprend au moins deux nervures supérieures 26A, 26B qui s'étendent parallèlement l'une à l'autre, sur une hauteur suffisante, pour délimiter entre elles un espace capable d'accueillir la première patte de connexion 9B, le moyen de déconnexion 12 et le moyen de visualisation 13.Advantageously, the step of manufacturing (or supplying) the housing 2 also comprises a second substep in which (or is provided) an upper half-housing 2B comprising a locking means 24 intended to bear against the Retaining means 17. As mentioned above, the upper half-casing 2B preferably comprises an upper front 26 from which rises at least one upper rib forming the locking means 24. In FIG. the case of the variant illustrated in figure 2 , the locking means 24 comprises at least two upper ribs 26A, 26B which extend parallel to one another, over a sufficient height, to define between them a space capable of receiving the first connecting tab 9B, the disconnecting means 12 and the viewing means 13.

Avantageusement, l'étape de maintien en position comprend une deuxième sous-étape, de préférence postérieure à la première sous-étape de l'étape de maintien. Au cours de cette deuxième sous-étape, on rapporte le demi-boîtier supérieur 2B sur et contre le demi-boîtier inférieur 2B de façon que le moyen de blocage 24 vienne en appui contre le moyen de maintien 17, ledit moyen de maintien 17 étant ainsi interposé, et coincé, entre le support 23 et le moyen de blocage 24. Le procédé conforme à l'invention permet ainsi d'immobiliser en position la varistance 4 au sein du boîtier 2 de façon particulièrement simple, rapide et efficace, par simple empilement d'un demi-boîtier inférieur 2A, d'une varistance 4 à laquelle est attaché un moyen de maintien 17 latéral, et d'un demi-boîtier supérieur 2B.Advantageously, the step of holding in position comprises a second substep, preferably subsequent to the first substep of the holding step. During this second sub-step, the upper half-casing 2B is attached to and against the lower half-casing 2B so that the locking means 24 bears against the holding means 17, said holding means 17 being interposed, and wedged, between the support 23 and the locking means 24. The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to immobilize in position the varistor 4 within the housing 2 in a particularly simple, fast and efficient manner, by simple stacking of a lower half-housing 2A, d a varistor 4 to which is attached a lateral holding means 17, and an upper half-housing 2B.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'une varistance 4, ladite varistance 4 comprenant :

  • un premier et un second pôle 9, 10, le premier pôle 9 comprenant une première patte de connexion 9B destinée à être connectée à un moyen de déconnexion 12,
  • une première et une seconde face opposées 5, 6 à partir desquelles s'étendent respectivement lesdits premier et second pôles 9, 10,
  • une paroi latérale 7 s'étendant entre la première et la seconde face 5, 6, ladite paroi latérale 7 étant inscrite dans un cylindre fictif 8 dont la génératrice est la paroi latérale 7.
The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a varistor 4, said varistor 4 comprising:
  • a first and a second pole 9, 10, the first pole 9 comprising a first connection lug 9B intended to be connected to a disconnection means 12,
  • first and second opposite faces 5, 6 from which respectively said first and second poles 9, 10 extend,
  • a side wall 7 extending between the first and the second face 5, 6, said side wall 7 being inscribed in a fictitious cylinder 8 whose generator is the side wall 7.

La première patte de connexion 9B est spécifiquement conçue et destinée pour assurer l'interface entre la varistance 4 et un moyen de déconnexion 12, qui est de préférence un moyen de déconnexion thermique.The first connector lug 9B is specifically designed and intended to provide the interface between the varistor 4 and a disconnect means 12, which is preferably a thermal disconnect means.

Avantageusement, la première patte de connexion 9B est spécifiquement conçue et conformée pour être assemblée, par l'intermédiaire d'un plot fusible 12B, à une lame de déconnexion 12A.Advantageously, the first connecting lug 9B is specifically designed and shaped to be assembled, via a fuse pin 12B, to a disconnection blade 12A.

Conformément à une caractéristique importante du procédé de fabrication d'une varistance 4 conforme à l'invention, ledit procédé comprend une étape dans laquelle on attache au moins une patte de support 21, 22 à la première face 5, c'est-à-dire à la face 5 à partir de laquelle émerge la première patte de connexion 9B destinée à être connectée au moyen de déconnexion 12.According to an important characteristic of the method of manufacturing a varistor 4 according to the invention, said method comprises a step in which at least one support lug 21, 22 is attached to the first face 5, that is to say say on the face 5 from which emerges the first connection lug 9B intended to be connected to the disconnection means 12.

Ladite patte de support 21, 22 fait saillie, à partir du cylindre fictif 8, vers l'extérieur de ce dernier. La patte de support 21, 22 est spécifiquement conformée pour permettre le maintien en position de la varistance 4 au sein d'un boîtier, et par exemple pour permettre la suspension de la varistance 4 au sein du boîtier. De préférence, comme cela a été décrit dans ce qui précède et est illustré aux figures, on attache à la première face 5 deux pattes de support 21, 22 s'étendant en sens opposés, perpendiculairement à la paroi latérale 7 et tangentiellement à la première face 5.Said support lug 21, 22 protrudes from the imaginary cylinder 8 towards the outside of the latter. The support lug 21, 22 is specifically shaped to allow the position of the varistor 4 to remain in position in a housing, and for example to allow the suspension of the varistor 4 within the housing. Preferably, as has been described in the foregoing and is illustrated in the figures, there are attached to the first face 5 two support lugs 21, 22 extending in opposite directions, perpendicular to the side wall 7 and tangentially to the first face 5.

Claims (21)

  1. Device (1) for protecting an electrical installation from overvoltages, including:
    - a casing (2) defining a housing (3) therein,
    - a varistor (4) placed in said housing (3), and having, on the one hand, a first and a second pole (9, 10), and, on the other hand, opposite first and second faces (5, 6) from which said first and second poles (9, 10) respectively emerge,
    - means (17) for holding the varistor (4) in position in said housing (3),
    in which said holding means (17) extend, on the one hand, between a first end (17A) toward which the holding means (17) are attached to the casing (2) and, on the other hand, a second end (17B) toward which the holding means (17) are attached to said first face (5), said holding means (17) extending, between said first and second ends (17A, 17B), substantially outside of the space (18) located square to each of the first and second faces (5, 6),
    characterised in that the varistor (4) is suspended in the housing(3) by said holding means (17).
  2. Device (1) according to claim 1, in which the first and second poles (9, 10) of the varistor (4) are designed to be electrically connected to the electrical installation to be protected without the intermediary of said holding means (17).
  3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the varistor (4) includes a lateral wall (7) extending between the first and second faces (5, 6), said lateral wall (7) being contained in a imaginary cylinder (8) of which the generator is the lateral wall (7), said holding means (17) projecting from said imaginary cylinder (8) toward the outside of the latter.
  4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the holding means (17) extend, at least in part, substantially perpendicular to the lateral wall (7).
  5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the holding means (17) extend, at least in part, substantially in a tangential plane with respect to the first face (5).
  6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the holding means (17) are interdependent with the first pole (9).
  7. Device according to claim 6, characterised in that the holding means (17) form a single piece with the first pole.
  8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the first pole (9) includes at least one first connection plate (9A) extending against the first face (5), substantially parallel to the latter, the holding means (17) including at least one support pin (21, 22) extending from said first plate substantially in the same plane as the latter.
  9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the casing (2) includes a support (23) against which the holding means (17) abut toward their first end (17A).
  10. Device (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the casing (2) includes blocking means (24) which come to abut against the holding means (17) so that the holding means are interposed between the support (23) and the blocking means (24).
  11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the casing (2) includes a lower half-casing (2A) and an upper half-casing (2B) assembled so as to define the housing (3), with the support (23) being borne by the lower half-casing (2A) while the blocking means (24) are borne by the upper half-casing (2B).
  12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the casing (2) includes an upper front face (26) arranged opposite the first face (5) and a lower face (25) arranged opposite the second face (6), in which the holding means (17) hold the varistor (4) at a distance from said lower (25) and upper (26) faces so as to provide a substantially free space (18) square to said first and second faces (5, 6).
  13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it includes means (12) for electrical disconnection of the varistor (4), connected to the first pole (9).
  14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterised in that the varistor (4) includes a first connection pin (9B) connected to said electrical disconnection means (12), said first connection pin (9B) extending substantially square to the first face (5).
  15. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it constitutes a lightning arrestor.
  16. A varistor (4) including:
    - a first and a second pole (9, 10), the first pole (9) including a first connection pin (9B) intended to be connected to disconnection means (12),
    - opposite first and second faces (5, 6) from which said first and second poles (9, 10) respectively emerge,
    - a lateral wall (7) extending between the first and the second face (5, 6), said lateral wall (7) being contained in a imaginary cylinder (8), the generator of which is the lateral wall (7),
    - at least one support pin (21, 22) attached to the first face (5) and projecting from said imaginary cylinder (8) toward the outside of the latter,
    characterised in that said at least one support pin is separated from said first connection pin (9B).
  17. Varistor (4) according to claim 16, characterised in that the first connection pin (9B) extends substantially perpendicular to the first face (5), while the support pin (21, 22) extends substantially tangentially to the first face (5).
  18. Varistor (4) according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that it includes two support pins (21, 22) attached to the first face (5) and each projecting from said imaginary cylinder (8) toward the outside of the latter, in opposite respective directions.
  19. Method for producing a device (1) for protecting an electrical installation from overvoltages, including:
    - a step of producing or providing a casing defining an interior housing (3),
    - a step of providing or producing a varistor (4) having, on the one hand, a first and a second pole (9, 10), and on the other hand opposite first and second faces (5, 6) from which said first and second poles (9, 10) respectively emerge, said varistor (4) being intended to be placed in said housing (3),
    - a step of holding the varistor (4) in position in said housing (3),
    in which the step of holding the varistor in position in the housing (3) is performed by way of holding means (17) extending between at least a first end (17A) toward which the holding means (17) are attached to the casing (2) and a second end (17B) toward which the holding means (17) are attached to said first face (5), said holding means (17) extending, between said ends (17A, 17B), substantially outside of the space (18) located square to each of the first and second faces (5, 6),
    characterised in that the step of holding the varistor in position in the housing (3) comprises the fact of the spending the varistor (4) in a housing (3) by means of said holding means (17).
  20. Method according to claim 19, characterised in that the step of producing or providing the casing (2) includes a first sub-step in which a lower half-casing (2A) is provided, which includes a support (23) against which the holding means (17) are intended to press toward the first end (17A), in which the position-holding step includes a first sub-step in which the varistor (4) is arranged with respect to the lower half-casing (2A) so that the holding means (17) come to abut, toward the first end (17A) against the support (23).
  21. Method according to claim 20, characterised in that the step of producing or providing the casing (2) includes a second sub-step in which an upper half-casing (2B) is produced or provided, which includes blocking means (24) intended to come to abut against the holding means (17), in which the position-holding step includes a second sub-step in which the upper half-casing (2B) is placed on the lower half-casing (2A) so that the blocking means (24) come to abut against the holding means (17) and the latter are thus interposed between the support (23) and the blocking means (24).
EP07356027A 2006-02-24 2007-02-23 Device for protecting against overvoltage with simplified manufacturing and increased reliability Active EP1830369B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0601679A FR2897990B1 (en) 2006-02-24 2006-02-24 DEVICE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST OVERVOLTAGES OF SIMPLIFIED CONSTRUCTION AND INCREASED RELIABILITY

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EP1830369A1 EP1830369A1 (en) 2007-09-05
EP1830369B1 true EP1830369B1 (en) 2012-11-28

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US (1) US20070217112A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1830369B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101038806B (en)
ES (1) ES2399654T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2897990B1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017214402B4 (en) * 2017-08-18 2022-03-03 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Surge protection device with varistors
US11777298B2 (en) 2020-07-13 2023-10-03 Sean O'Reilly Lightning diverter system and methods

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4809124A (en) * 1988-03-24 1989-02-28 General Electric Company High-energy low-voltage surge arrester
US5021915A (en) * 1989-10-17 1991-06-04 General Electric Company Combination starter-protector device and method of assembling same, overload protector and method of assembling same
TW421413U (en) * 1994-07-18 2001-02-01 Murata Manufacturing Co Electronic apparatus and surface mounting devices therefor
EP0953992A1 (en) * 1995-08-15 1999-11-03 Bourns Multifuse (Hong Kong), Ltd. Surface mount conductive polymer devices and methods for manufacturing such devices
JPH10321407A (en) * 1997-05-23 1998-12-04 Murata Mfg Co Ltd Surface-mount electronic components
US6430019B1 (en) * 1998-06-08 2002-08-06 Ferraz S.A. Circuit protection device
US6040971A (en) * 1998-06-08 2000-03-21 Martenson; Kenneth R. Circuit protection device
US6211770B1 (en) * 1999-04-27 2001-04-03 Mcg Electronics, Inc. Metal oxide varistor module
CN2754187Y (en) * 2004-07-15 2006-01-25 贵州飞舸电子有限公司 Lightning-protective voltage-dependent resistor

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FR2897990B1 (en) 2008-05-09
US20070217112A1 (en) 2007-09-20
EP1830369A1 (en) 2007-09-05
ES2399654T3 (en) 2013-04-02
CN101038806A (en) 2007-09-19
FR2897990A1 (en) 2007-08-31
CN101038806B (en) 2012-05-02

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