EP2022069B1 - Device for detecting the three states of a circuit breaker - Google Patents

Device for detecting the three states of a circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2022069B1
EP2022069B1 EP07729127.6A EP07729127A EP2022069B1 EP 2022069 B1 EP2022069 B1 EP 2022069B1 EP 07729127 A EP07729127 A EP 07729127A EP 2022069 B1 EP2022069 B1 EP 2022069B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit breaker
magnetic
permanent magnet
microswitches
states
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07729127.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2022069A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Chiesi
Stéphane COLLOT
Benoît Grappe
Sylvain Paineau
Marc Vernay
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP2022069A1 publication Critical patent/EP2022069A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2022069B1 publication Critical patent/EP2022069B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
    • H01H2036/0093—Micromechanical switches actuated by a change of the magnetic field
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/005—Details of electromagnetic relays using micromechanics
    • H01H2050/007—Relays of the polarised type, e.g. the MEMS relay beam having a preferential magnetisation direction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
    • H01H2071/042—Means for indicating condition of the switching device with different indications for different conditions, e.g. contact position, overload, short circuit or earth leakage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
    • H01H2071/048—Means for indicating condition of the switching device containing non-mechanical switch position sensor, e.g. HALL sensor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H47/00—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the relay and designed to obtain desired operating characteristics or to provide energising current
    • H01H47/002—Monitoring or fail-safe circuits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for detecting the three states, "On”, “Off” and “Triggered” of an electric circuit breaker.
  • This device comprises a three-position switch mechanically coupled with the operating member of the circuit breaker.
  • the three-position switch is embodied by three electrical tracks each assigned to one of the positions of the actuating member and cooperating with a movable electrical contact integral with the actuating member. Depending on the position of the actuator, the switch turns on a first LED of a first color, a second LED of a second color or both LEDS at the same time to mix their colors.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a tri-state detection device of a circuit breaker that is reliable, accurate, compact, and whose electrical connections do not risk premature wear.
  • the magnetic device is mechanically coupled to an actuator of the circuit breaker adapted to take three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker.
  • the magnetic device is actuated in translation.
  • the magnetic device comprises a symmetrical part made of ferromagnetic material.
  • the ferromagnetic part has for example two U-shaped branches and the permanent magnet is mounted symmetrically on the ferromagnetic part, between the two branches.
  • the ferromagnetic part may also have three branches to form an E, a permanent magnet each occupying one of the two recesses formed by the three branches of the ferromagnetic part.
  • the magnetic device is actuated in rotation.
  • the permanent magnet of the magnetic device is for example mounted on a frame pivotally actuated by a rod mechanically coupled to the actuating member.
  • the movable element is for example a ferromagnetic membrane capable of pivoting under the magnetic effect.
  • the detection device comprises a signaling device responsible for indicating each of the three states of the circuit breaker according to the position of the microswitches.
  • the signaling device is for example mounted on the housing of the circuit breaker or remote relative to the circuit breaker.
  • the invention also relates to an electric circuit breaker comprising a detection device as defined above and to a monitoring system of a plurality of circuit breakers of this type.
  • the monitoring system comprises, for example, a communication bus to which the circuit breaker detection.
  • This communication bus is connected to a central terminal responsible for processing, centralizing the received signals and displaying the state of each of the circuit breakers connected on the bus as a function of these signals.
  • the display can be made on a light board or on a screen of the terminal.
  • a circuit breaker 1 comprises a housing 10 on which is mounted an actuating member consisting for example of a lever 11 pivoting or rotating.
  • an actuating member consisting for example of a lever 11 pivoting or rotating.
  • the lever has the shape of a pivoting lever but it should be understood that it can also take the form of a turning knob.
  • the lever 11 can be set in motion between three positions, an "On” position (M), an “Off” position (A) and a “Triggered” position (D) located halfway between the “On” position ( M) and the “Off” position (A).
  • the movement of the lever from the "On” position (M) to the "Triggered” position (D) is achieved automatically when an electrical fault such as a short circuit is detected.
  • the circuit breaker In each of the three positions (M, A, D) of the joystick 11, the circuit breaker is respectively in the On (On), Off (“Off”) or Triggered ("Trip”) state.
  • the detection device comprises at least two microswitches 2a, 2b (referenced also 2) adjacent mounted on an electrical signaling circuit C and intended to detect the state of the circuit breaker 1.
  • Each of these microswitches 2a, 2b can be switched by an actuator between two positions, an open position ( figure 13A ) and a closed position ( Figure 13B ).
  • microswitches 2a, 2b are controlled by magnetic effect.
  • Each of these microswitches 2a, 2b is sensitive to the orientation of the field lines L of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic actuator.
  • This type of microswitch 2 is for example manufactured in MEMS technology (for "Micro-Electro-Mechanical System”).
  • FIG. Figures 12 to 13B An example configuration of a microswitch 2 sensitive to the orientation of the field lines L is represented in FIG. Figures 12 to 13B .
  • a microswitch 2 sensitive to the orientation of the field lines L comprises a deformable ferromagnetic movable membrane 20 which can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation (R) by the magnetic actuator.
  • the membrane 20 is for example Fer-Nickel.
  • the membrane 20 has a longitudinal axis (A) and is connected, at one of its ends, via connecting arms 22a, 22b, to one or more anchoring studs 23 integral with a substrate 3.
  • the membrane 20 is pivotable relative to the substrate 3 along its axis (R) of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A).
  • the link arms 22a, 22b form an elastic connection between the membrane 20 and the anchor pad 23 and are biased in bending during the pivoting of the membrane 20.
  • the two microswitches 2a, 2b are for example made on the same substrate 3.
  • the membrane 20 At its end distal to its axis of rotation, the membrane 20 carries a movable contact 21.
  • the membrane 20 can take at least two determined positions, an open position ( figure 13A ) in which two fixed electric tracks 31, 32 deposited on the substrate 3 are disconnected or a closed position ( Figure 13B ) in which the two tracks 31, 32 are interconnected by the movable contact 21 carried by the membrane 20.
  • One of the modes of actuation of the membrane 20 is to apply a magnetic field created by a permanent magnet 4.
  • the ferromagnetic membrane 20 moves between its two positions by aligning with the field lines L of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4.
  • the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 has L field lines whose orientation generates a magnetic component BP 0 , BP 1 in a ferromagnetic layer of the membrane 20 along its longitudinal axis (AT).
  • This magnetic component BP 0 , BP 1 generated in the membrane 20 generates a magnetic torque imposing on the membrane 20 to take one of its closed positions ( Figure 13B ) or opening ( figure 13A ).
  • This actuation principle is used in the detection device according to the invention.
  • the detection device comprises a plate 5 movable in translation, for example of plastic material, mechanically coupled to the handle 11 and adapted to take three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker 1.
  • this plate 5 is for example mounted on a sliding rail and can take a low position ( Figure 1A ) when the handle 11 is in the "Off" position (A), a high position ( Figure 1 B) when the lever 11 is in the "On” position (M) or a middle position ( figure 1C ), located between the up position and the down position, when the handle 11 is in the "Triggered” position (D).
  • the movable plate 5 carries a magnetic device 40, 41 to one or two permanent magnets, for actuating the microswitches 2a, 2b between their two positions.
  • the figure 3 shows a magnetic device 40 according to a first embodiment, comprising two permanent magnets 400, 401 identical.
  • This magnetic device consists of a symmetrical part 402 having an E-shaped longitudinal section and a ferromagnetic material.
  • This ferromagnetic piece 402 has two recesses each occupied entirely by a permanent magnet 400, 401 flush with the upper surface and the side surfaces of the ferromagnetic part 402.
  • the magnetic device 40 On its upper face, the magnetic device 40 successively has a first ferromagnetic end part, a first magnetic part constituted by the first permanent magnet 400, a second central ferromagnetic part, a second magnetic part constituted by the second permanent magnet 401 and a second third ferromagnetic end portion.
  • the arrangement of the permanent magnets 400, 401 in the ferromagnetic part 402 allows to confine the field lines of the magnetic fields generated by the two permanent magnets 400, 401 around the magnetic device 40 ( figure 4 ).
  • the figure 7 shows a magnetic device 41 according to a second embodiment comprising a single permanent magnet 410.
  • This magnetic device also comprises a symmetrical piece 412 of ferromagnetic material having for its part a U-shaped longitudinal section.
  • the permanent magnet 410 is positioned symmetrically. between the two branches of the U-shaped piece, leaving a hollow on either side.
  • the figure 8 shows the field lines L of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 410 in this magnetic device 41.
  • the presence of the ferromagnetic part 412 also makes it possible to confine the field lines L around the magnetic device 41 ( figure 8 ).
  • the magnetic device 41 On its upper face, the magnetic device 41 according to this second embodiment has successively a first ferromagnetic end portion, a hollow, a central magnetic portion constituted by the permanent magnet 410, a second hollow and a second ferromagnetic portion of end.
  • the microswitches 2a, 2b enclosed in a housing 24 are mounted on a printed circuit board 25 fixed vis-à-vis the mobile plate 5 (FIGS. 1A to 1C) .
  • the microswitches 2a, 2b are positioned so that their axes of rotation (R) are parallel to the plane of translation of the movable plate 5 and perpendicular to the direction of translation of the mobile plate 5.
  • the mobile plate 5 carries the magnetic device 40 with two permanent magnets 400, 401.
  • the two microswitches 2a, 2b are for example oriented in the same direction.
  • the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are vis-à-vis the central ferromagnetic portion of the magnetic device 40.
  • the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a is aligned in an orientation of the field lines of the first magnet permanent 400 imposing a closing position and the membrane 20 of the second microswitch 2b is aligned in an orientation of the field lines of the second permanent magnet 401 imposing an open position.
  • the mobile plate 5 carries the magnetic device 41 to a single permanent magnet 410.
  • the two microswitches 2a, 2b are for example oriented in a different direction, for example backed relative to one another. to the other according to their axis of rotation (R).
  • the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are aligned in the same orientation of the field lines of the permanent magnet 410, imposing a closed position on the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a and a position of opening to the membrane 20 of the second microswitch 2b.
  • the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are aligned in the same orientation of the field lines of the permanent magnet 410, this orientation being reversed relative to that of the field lines seen by the membranes 20 when the plate 5 is in the down position.
  • the first microswitch 2a is then in the open position and the second microswitch 2b is in the closed position.
  • the two microswitches 2a, 2b are positioned symmetrically on either side of the axis of symmetry of the magnetic device 41 so that their membranes 20 are each aligned along the two orientations different from the field lines of the permanent magnet 410.
  • the two microswitches 2a, 2b backed are therefore in an open position.
  • the two microswitches 2a, 2b are controlled to form, in each position of the wafer 5, a combination different opening and / or closing of their membranes 20 and thus each time generate a different signal representative of the position of the wafer 5 and therefore the position of the handle 11 and the state of the circuit breaker 1.
  • the magnetic device consists of a single permanent magnet 43 fixedly mounted on a frame 60 actuated in rotation about an axis by a rod 61 mechanically coupled with the lever 11 directly or indirectly via a mechanism cooperating on the one hand with the handle 11 and on the other hand with a trigger (not shown).
  • this rod 61 is movable in translation to take three positions: an "on” position, a “stop” position and a “triggered” position, depending on the state of the mechanism, to respectively represent the state " Circuit breaker “ON”, its "OFF” state and its "Triggered” state.
  • This type of device is described more extensively in patents FR 2,834,379 and FR 2 827 703 .
  • the magnetic device is not actuated in translation but in rotation about an axis.
  • a combination of translational and rotational movement of the magnetic device can also be envisaged.
  • the permanent magnet 43 subjects the two microswitches 2a, 2b, for example enclosed in their housing 24, to a magnetic field having field lines L of different orientations to impose their open or closed position. .
  • the permanent magnet 43 is driven in a rotational movement, above the microswitches 2, about an axis parallel to the axes (R) of rotation of the membranes 20 and the same direction.
  • the microswitches 2a, 2b are for example oriented in the same direction and are positioned on either side of the axis (A1) of the magnet 43 so that when the permanent magnet 43 is parallel to the substrate 3 carrying the microswitches 2a, 2b, the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a, aligned in an orientation of the field lines L of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 43, is in the open position and the membrane of the second microstrip 2b, aligned in an opposite direction of the field lines L, is in the closed position ( figure 11 B) .
  • the permanent magnet 43 is inclined in the counterclockwise direction so that the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L imposing an open position and the membrane 20 of the second microswitch 2b is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L also imposing an open position.
  • the permanent magnet 43 is inclined clockwise so that the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L of the permanent magnet 43 imposing a closed position and the membrane 20 second microswitch 2b is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L of the permanent magnet 43 also imposing a closed position.
  • a different signal can be emitted by a signaling device 7 ( Figures 1A to 1C ) comprising the electrical signaling circuit C represented in figure 14 and controlled by the two microswitches 2a, 2b.
  • the diagram represented in figure 14 is only an example and is not limiting.
  • the signaling device 7 can be mounted on the housing 10 of the circuit breaker or be offset relative thereto.
  • the signaling device represented in figure 14 is adapted to operate when in a first state of the circuit breaker 1, the two microswitches 2a, 2b are open, in a second state of the circuit breaker 1 the first microswitch 2a is open and the second microswitch 2b is closed and in a third state of the circuit breaker, the first microswitch 2a is closed and the second microswitch 2b is open.
  • This electrical circuit C comprises for example four branches C1, C2, C3, C4 in parallel.
  • Two branches C1, C2 are each controlled by one of the microswitch 2a, 2b.
  • a diode D1, D2 is connected in series with each of the microswitches, one being directed and the other blocking.
  • the other two parallel branches C3, C4 of the circuit C each carry an LED L1, L2 (for "Light Emitting Diode” or LEDs for Electroluminescent Diode), one being directed and the other blocking.
  • the signaling device 7 can be deported and can be integrated into a monitoring system for monitoring the state of several circuit breakers mounted on the same board or dispersed in different premises.
  • the electrical signals obtained at the output of a detection device of a circuit breaker 1 are for example sent on a communication bus connected for example to a central computer terminal responsible for processing the received signals and displaying the states of all the circuit breakers thus connected to the bus.
  • the display can be realized via a LEDS led panel or the terminal screen.
  • the states of the microswitches are dependent on their orientation, the geometry of the permanent magnet (s) employed or the mode of actuation of the magnetic device.
  • the various combinations obtained described above are not limiting and other configurations can be envisaged.

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  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Gas-Insulated Switchgears (AREA)
  • Switches That Are Operated By Magnetic Or Electric Fields (AREA)
  • Keying Circuit Devices (AREA)

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de détection des trois états, "Marche", "Arrêt" et "Déclenché" d'un disjoncteur électrique.The present invention relates to a device for detecting the three states, "On", "Off" and "Triggered" of an electric circuit breaker.

Il est connu par le document US 4,969,063 un dispositif de détection et de signalisation des trois états "Marche", "Arrêt" et "Déclenché" d'un disjoncteur électrique. Ce dispositif comporte un commutateur trois positions couplé mécaniquement avec l'organe d'actionnement du disjoncteur. Le commutateur trois positions est matérialisé par trois pistes électriques affectées chacune à l'une des positions de l'organe d'actionnement et coopérant avec un contact électrique mobile solidaire de l'organe d'actionnement. Selon la position de l'organe d'actionnement, le commutateur allume une première LED d'une première couleur, une seconde LED d'une seconde couleur ou les deux LEDS en même temps pour mélanger leurs couleurs.He is known by the document US 4,969,063 a device for detecting and signaling the three states "On", "Off" and "Triggered" of an electric circuit breaker. This device comprises a three-position switch mechanically coupled with the operating member of the circuit breaker. The three-position switch is embodied by three electrical tracks each assigned to one of the positions of the actuating member and cooperating with a movable electrical contact integral with the actuating member. Depending on the position of the actuator, the switch turns on a first LED of a first color, a second LED of a second color or both LEDS at the same time to mix their colors.

Ce type de dispositif fonctionne par contact mécanique entre l'organe d'actionnement et les pistes électriques. Ces pistes peuvent s'user au fur et à mesure des commutations de l'organe d'actionnement, affectant à terme la qualité des connexions électriques. En outre, si dans l'une de ses positions, l'organe d'actionnement présente du jeu, la connexion électrique entre le contact mobile et la piste magnétique correspondante peut être déficiente. Le document
WO 99/18645 décrit le préambule de la revendication 1.This type of device operates by mechanical contact between the actuating member and the electrical tracks. These tracks can wear out as switching of the actuating member, ultimately affecting the quality of the electrical connections. In addition, if in one of its positions, the actuator has play, the electrical connection between the movable contact and the corresponding magnetic track may be deficient. The document
WO 99/18645 describes the preamble of claim 1.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif de détection des trois états d'un disjoncteur qui soit fiable, précis, peu encombrant, et dont les connexions électriques ne risquent pas une usure trop précoce.The object of the invention is to provide a tri-state detection device of a circuit breaker that is reliable, accurate, compact, and whose electrical connections do not risk premature wear.

Ce but est atteint par un dispositif de détection des trois états d'un disjoncteur électrique, comprenant :

  • un dispositif magnétique mobile, déplaçable entre trois positions correspondants aux trois états du disjoncteur et comportant au moins un aimant permanent,
  • deux micro-interrupteurs pilotables par effet magnétique par l'aimant permanent, et caractérisé en ce que :
  • chaque micro-interrupteur présente un élément mobile apte à s'aligner suivant une orientation des lignes de champ magnétique pour prendre une position d'ouverture ou une position de fermeture,
  • dans chaque position du dispositif magnétique, les deux micro-interrupteurs sont commandés en position d'ouverture ou en position de fermeture pour former une combinaison particulière représentative de l'un des trois états du disjoncteur.
This object is achieved by a device for detecting the three states of an electric circuit breaker, comprising:
  • a mobile magnetic device, movable between three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker and comprising at least one permanent magnet,
  • two micro-switches controllable by magnetic effect by the permanent magnet, and characterized in that:
  • each microswitch has a movable element adapted to align with an orientation of the magnetic field lines to assume an open position or a closed position,
  • in each position of the magnetic device, the two microswitches are controlled in the open position or in the closed position to form a particular combination representative of one of the three states of the circuit breaker.

Selon une particularité, le dispositif magnétique est couplé mécaniquement à un organe d'actionnement du disjoncteur apte à prendre trois positions correspondant aux trois états du disjoncteur.According to one feature, the magnetic device is mechanically coupled to an actuator of the circuit breaker adapted to take three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker.

Selon une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif magnétique est actionné en translation.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the magnetic device is actuated in translation.

Selon une particularité, le dispositif magnétique comporte une pièce symétrique en matériau ferromagnétique. Dans une première configuration, la pièce ferromagnétique présente par exemple deux branches en forme de U et l'aimant permanent est monté symétriquement sur la pièce ferromagnétique, entre les deux branches. Dans une seconde configuration, la pièce ferromagnétique peut également présenter trois branches pour former un E, un aimant permanent occupant chacun l'un des deux creux formés par les trois branches de la pièce ferromagnétique.According to one particular feature, the magnetic device comprises a symmetrical part made of ferromagnetic material. In a first configuration, the ferromagnetic part has for example two U-shaped branches and the permanent magnet is mounted symmetrically on the ferromagnetic part, between the two branches. In a second configuration, the ferromagnetic part may also have three branches to form an E, a permanent magnet each occupying one of the two recesses formed by the three branches of the ferromagnetic part.

Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation, le dispositif magnétique est actionné en rotation. L'aimant permanent du dispositif magnétique est par exemple monté sur un châssis actionné en pivotement par une tringle couplée mécaniquement à l'organe d'actionnement.According to a second variant embodiment, the magnetic device is actuated in rotation. The permanent magnet of the magnetic device is for example mounted on a frame pivotally actuated by a rod mechanically coupled to the actuating member.

Selon l'invention, l'élément mobile est par exemple une membrane ferromagnétique apte à pivoter sous l'effet magnétique.According to the invention, the movable element is for example a ferromagnetic membrane capable of pivoting under the magnetic effect.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif de détection comporte un dispositif de signalisation chargé d'indiquer chacun des trois états du disjoncteur en fonction de la position des micro-interrupteurs. Le dispositif de signalisation est par exemple monté sur le boîtier du disjoncteur ou déporté par rapport au disjoncteur.According to the invention, the detection device comprises a signaling device responsible for indicating each of the three states of the circuit breaker according to the position of the microswitches. The signaling device is for example mounted on the housing of the circuit breaker or remote relative to the circuit breaker.

L'invention se rapporte également à un disjoncteur électrique comportant un dispositif de détection tel que défini ci-dessus ainsi qu'à un système de surveillance d'une pluralité de disjoncteurs de ce type. Le système de surveillance comporte par exemple un bus de communication sur lequel sont connectés les dispositifs de détection des disjoncteurs. Ce bus de communication est connecté à un terminal central chargé de traiter, de centraliser les signaux reçus et d'afficher l'état de chacun des disjoncteurs connectés sur le bus en fonction de ces signaux. L'affichage pourra être réalisé sur un tableau lumineux ou sur un écran du terminal.The invention also relates to an electric circuit breaker comprising a detection device as defined above and to a monitoring system of a plurality of circuit breakers of this type. The monitoring system comprises, for example, a communication bus to which the circuit breaker detection. This communication bus is connected to a central terminal responsible for processing, centralizing the received signals and displaying the state of each of the circuit breakers connected on the bus as a function of these signals. The display can be made on a light board or on a screen of the terminal.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages vont apparaître dans la description détaillée qui suit en se référant à un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple et représenté par les dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • Les figures 1A à 1C représentent en vue de côté un disjoncteur électrique à trois positions, respectivement à l'état "Arrêt", "Marche" et "Déclenché" et doté d'un dispositif de détection selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 représente en perspective, un premier mode de réalisation d'une plaquette mobile du dispositif de détection de l'invention.
  • La figure 3 représente, en perspective, un dispositif magnétique selon un premier mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 4 montre les lignes de champ du champ magnétique généré par les aimants du dispositif magnétique de la figure 3. Cette figure montre également deux micro-interrupteurs au repos.
  • Les figures 5A à 5C représentent en vue de côté, dans trois positions différentes, le dispositif magnétique de la figure 3 et montrent l'influence des champs magnétiques générés par ses aimants permanents sur l'état des deux micro-interrupteurs.
  • La figure 6 montre en vue de dessus un deuxième mode de réalisation de la plaquette mobile du dispositif de détection de l'invention.
  • La figure 7 représente un dispositif magnétique selon un deuxième mode de réalisation.
  • La figure 8 montre les lignes de champ du champ magnétique généré par l'aimant permanent du dispositif magnétique de la figure 7. La figure 8 représente également deux micro-interrupteurs au repos.
  • Les figures 9A à 9C représentent en vue de côté le dispositif magnétique de la figure 7 dans trois positions différentes et montrent l'influence du champ magnétique généré par son aimant permanent sur l'état des deux micro-interrupteurs.
  • La figure 10 représente une variante du dispositif de détection selon l'invention implantée dans un disjoncteur.
  • Les figures 11A à 11C illustrent le principe de fonctionnement du dispositif de détection de la figure 10.
  • La figure 12 représente un micro-interrupteur tel que celui employé dans le dispositif de détection de l'invention.
  • Les figures 13A et 13B représentent le micro-interrupteur de la figure 12 respectivement en position d'ouverture et en position de fermeture, actionné par un aimant permanent.
  • La figure 14 montre un exemple de configuration d'un dispositif de signalisation commandé par deux micro-interrupteurs.
Other features and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows with reference to an embodiment given by way of example and represented by the appended drawings in which:
  • The Figures 1A to 1C are a side view of a three-position electrical circuit breaker, respectively in the state "Off", "On" and "Triggered" and provided with a detection device according to the invention.
  • The figure 2 represents in perspective, a first embodiment of a mobile plate of the detection device of the invention.
  • The figure 3 represents, in perspective, a magnetic device according to a first embodiment.
  • The figure 4 shows the field lines of the magnetic field generated by the magnets of the magnetic device of the figure 3 . This figure also shows two microswitches at rest.
  • The FIGS. 5A to 5C represent in side view, in three different positions, the magnetic device of the figure 3 and show the influence of the magnetic fields generated by its permanent magnets on the state of the two microswitches.
  • The figure 6 shows in top view a second embodiment of the movable plate of the detection device of the invention.
  • The figure 7 represents a magnetic device according to a second embodiment.
  • The figure 8 shows the field lines of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet of the magnetic device of the figure 7 . The figure 8 also represents two microswitches at rest.
  • The Figures 9A to 9C represent in side view the magnetic device of the figure 7 in three different positions and show the influence of the magnetic field generated by its permanent magnet on the state of the two microswitches.
  • The figure 10 represents a variant of the detection device according to the invention implanted in a circuit breaker.
  • The Figures 11A to 11C illustrate the principle of operation of the detection device of the figure 10 .
  • The figure 12 represents a microswitch such as that used in the detection device of the invention.
  • The Figures 13A and 13B represent the micro-switch of the figure 12 respectively in the open position and in the closed position, actuated by a permanent magnet.
  • The figure 14 shows an example of configuration of a signaling device controlled by two microswitches.

Le dispositif de détection selon l'invention est destiné à être implanté dans un disjoncteur 1 électrique à trois positions. De manière connue, un disjoncteur 1 comporte un boîtier 10 sur lequel est monté un organe d'actionnement constitué par exemple d'une manette 11 pivotante ou rotative. Sur les figures 1A à 1C, la manette a la forme d'un levier pivotant mais il faut comprendre qu'elle peut également prendre la forme d'un bouton tournant.The detection device according to the invention is intended to be implanted in a three-position electrical circuit breaker 1. In known manner, a circuit breaker 1 comprises a housing 10 on which is mounted an actuating member consisting for example of a lever 11 pivoting or rotating. On the Figures 1A to 1C , the lever has the shape of a pivoting lever but it should be understood that it can also take the form of a turning knob.

La manette 11 peut être mise en mouvement entre trois positions, une position "Marche" (M), une position "Arrêt" (A) et une position "Déclenché" (D) située à mi-chemin entre la position "Marche" (M) et la position "Arrêt" (A). Le mouvement de la manette de la position "Marche" (M) à la position "Déclenché" (D) est réalisé de manière automatique lors de la détection d'un défaut électrique tel qu'un court-circuit. Dans chacune des trois positions (M, A, D) de la manette 11, le disjoncteur se trouve donc respectivement à l'état Marche ("On"), Arrêt ("Off") ou Déclenché ("Trip").The lever 11 can be set in motion between three positions, an "On" position (M), an "Off" position (A) and a "Triggered" position (D) located halfway between the "On" position ( M) and the "Off" position (A). The movement of the lever from the "On" position (M) to the "Triggered" position (D) is achieved automatically when an electrical fault such as a short circuit is detected. In each of the three positions (M, A, D) of the joystick 11, the circuit breaker is respectively in the On (On), Off ("Off") or Triggered ("Trip") state.

Le dispositif de détection comporte au moins deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b (référencés également 2) adjacents montés sur un circuit électrique de signalisation C et destinés à détecter l'état du disjoncteur 1.The detection device comprises at least two microswitches 2a, 2b (referenced also 2) adjacent mounted on an electrical signaling circuit C and intended to detect the state of the circuit breaker 1.

Chacun de ces micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b peut être commuté par un actionneur entre deux positions, une position d'ouverture (figure 13A) et une position de fermeture (figure 13B).Each of these microswitches 2a, 2b can be switched by an actuator between two positions, an open position ( figure 13A ) and a closed position ( Figure 13B ).

Selon l'invention, entre leurs deux positions, ces micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont pilotés par effet magnétique. Chacun de ces micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b est sensible à l'orientation des lignes de champ L d'un champ magnétique généré par un actionneur magnétique. Ce type de micro-interrupteur 2 est par exemple fabriqué en technologie MEMS (pour "Micro-Electro-Mechanical System").According to the invention, between their two positions, these microswitches 2a, 2b are controlled by magnetic effect. Each of these microswitches 2a, 2b is sensitive to the orientation of the field lines L of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic actuator. This type of microswitch 2 is for example manufactured in MEMS technology (for "Micro-Electro-Mechanical System").

Un exemple de configuration d'un micro-interrupteur 2 sensible à l'orientation des lignes de champ L est représenté en figures 12 à 13B.An example configuration of a microswitch 2 sensitive to the orientation of the field lines L is represented in FIG. Figures 12 to 13B .

Un micro-interrupteur 2 sensible à l'orientation des lignes de champ L comporte une membrane 20 mobile ferromagnétique déformable pouvant être actionnée en rotation autour d'un axe de rotation (R) par l'actionneur magnétique. La membrane 20 est par exemple en Fer-Nickel.A microswitch 2 sensitive to the orientation of the field lines L comprises a deformable ferromagnetic movable membrane 20 which can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation (R) by the magnetic actuator. The membrane 20 is for example Fer-Nickel.

La membrane 20 présente un axe longitudinal (A) et est reliée, à l'une de ses extrémités, par l'intermédiaire de bras de liaison 22a, 22b, à un ou plusieurs plots 23 d'ancrage solidaires d'un substrat 3. La membrane 20 est apte à pivoter par rapport au substrat 3 suivant son axe (R) de rotation perpendiculaire à son axe longitudinal (A). Les bras 22a, 22b de liaison forment une liaison élastique entre la membrane 20 et le plot 23 d'ancrage et sont sollicités en flexion lors du pivotement de la membrane 20. Les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont par exemple réalisés sur un même substrat 3.The membrane 20 has a longitudinal axis (A) and is connected, at one of its ends, via connecting arms 22a, 22b, to one or more anchoring studs 23 integral with a substrate 3. The membrane 20 is pivotable relative to the substrate 3 along its axis (R) of rotation perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (A). The link arms 22a, 22b form an elastic connection between the membrane 20 and the anchor pad 23 and are biased in bending during the pivoting of the membrane 20. The two microswitches 2a, 2b are for example made on the same substrate 3.

A son extrémité distale par rapport à son axe de rotation, la membrane 20 porte un contact mobile 21. En pivotant, la membrane 20 peut prendre au moins deux positions déterminées, une position d'ouverture (figure 13A) dans laquelle deux pistes électriques 31, 32 fixes déposées sur le substrat 3 sont déconnectées ou une position de fermeture (figure 13B) dans laquelle les deux pistes 31, 32 sont reliées entre elles par le contact mobile 21 porté par la membrane 20.At its end distal to its axis of rotation, the membrane 20 carries a movable contact 21. By pivoting, the membrane 20 can take at least two determined positions, an open position ( figure 13A ) in which two fixed electric tracks 31, 32 deposited on the substrate 3 are disconnected or a closed position ( Figure 13B ) in which the two tracks 31, 32 are interconnected by the movable contact 21 carried by the membrane 20.

L'un des modes d'actionnement de la membrane 20 consiste à appliquer un champ magnétique créé par un aimant permanent 4. La membrane 20 ferromagnétique se déplace entre ses deux positions en s'alignant sur les lignes de champ L du champ magnétique généré par l'aimant permanent 4. En référence aux figures 13A et 13B, le champ magnétique de l'aimant permanent 4 présente des lignes de champ L dont l'orientation génère une composante magnétique BP0, BP1 dans une couche ferromagnétique de la membrane 20 suivant son axe longitudinal (A). Cette composante magnétique BP0, BP1 générée dans la membrane 20 engendre un couple magnétique imposant à la membrane 20 de prendre l'une de ses positions de fermeture (figure 13B) ou d'ouverture (figure 13A). En déplaçant l'aimant permanent 4 par rapport à la membrane 20, il est donc possible de soumettre la membrane à deux orientations différentes des lignes de champ L du champ magnétique de l'aimant permanent 4 et de faire basculer la membrane 20 entre ses deux positions.One of the modes of actuation of the membrane 20 is to apply a magnetic field created by a permanent magnet 4. The ferromagnetic membrane 20 moves between its two positions by aligning with the field lines L of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 4. With reference to Figures 13A and 13B the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 has L field lines whose orientation generates a magnetic component BP 0 , BP 1 in a ferromagnetic layer of the membrane 20 along its longitudinal axis (AT). This magnetic component BP 0 , BP 1 generated in the membrane 20 generates a magnetic torque imposing on the membrane 20 to take one of its closed positions ( Figure 13B ) or opening ( figure 13A ). By moving the permanent magnet 4 with respect to the membrane 20, it is therefore possible to subject the membrane to two different orientations of the field lines L of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 4 and to tilt the membrane 20 between its two positions.

Ce principe d'actionnement est employé dans le dispositif de détection selon l'invention.This actuation principle is used in the detection device according to the invention.

Le dispositif de détection comporte une plaquette 5 mobile en translation, par exemple en matériau plastique, couplée mécaniquement à la manette 11 et apte à prendre trois positions correspondant aux trois états du disjoncteur 1. En référence aux figures 1A à 1C, cette plaquette 5 est par exemple montée sur un rail de coulissement et peut prendre une position basse (figure 1A) lorsque la manette 11 est en position "Arrêt" (A), une position haute (figure 1 B) lorsque la manette 11 est en position "Marche" (M) ou une position médiane (figure 1C), située entre la position haute et la position basse, lorsque la manette 11 est en position "Déclenché" (D).The detection device comprises a plate 5 movable in translation, for example of plastic material, mechanically coupled to the handle 11 and adapted to take three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker 1. Referring to Figures 1A to 1C this plate 5 is for example mounted on a sliding rail and can take a low position ( Figure 1A ) when the handle 11 is in the "Off" position (A), a high position ( Figure 1 B) when the lever 11 is in the "On" position (M) or a middle position ( figure 1C ), located between the up position and the down position, when the handle 11 is in the "Triggered" position (D).

La plaquette 5 mobile porte un dispositif magnétique 40, 41 à un ou deux aimants permanents, destiné à actionner les micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b entre leurs deux positions.The movable plate 5 carries a magnetic device 40, 41 to one or two permanent magnets, for actuating the microswitches 2a, 2b between their two positions.

La figure 3 montre un dispositif magnétique 40 selon un premier mode de réalisation, comportant deux aimants permanents 400, 401 identiques. Ce dispositif magnétique se compose d'une pièce 402 symétrique ayant une section longitudinale en forme de E et en matériau ferromagnétique. Cette pièce ferromagnétique 402 présente deux creux occupés chacun en totalité par un aimant permanent 400, 401 affleurant de la surface supérieure et des surfaces latérales de la pièce ferromagnétique 402.The figure 3 shows a magnetic device 40 according to a first embodiment, comprising two permanent magnets 400, 401 identical. This magnetic device consists of a symmetrical part 402 having an E-shaped longitudinal section and a ferromagnetic material. This ferromagnetic piece 402 has two recesses each occupied entirely by a permanent magnet 400, 401 flush with the upper surface and the side surfaces of the ferromagnetic part 402.

Sur sa face supérieure, le dispositif magnétique 40 présente successivement une première partie ferromagnétique d'extrémité, une première partie magnétique constituée par le premier aimant permanent 400, une deuxième partie ferromagnétique centrale, une deuxième partie magnétique constituée par le second aimant permanent 401 et une troisième partie ferromagnétique d'extrémité. L'agencement des aimants permanents 400, 401 dans la pièce ferromagnétique 402 permet de confiner les lignes de champ des champs magnétiques générés par les deux aimants permanents 400, 401 autour du dispositif magnétique 40 (figure 4).On its upper face, the magnetic device 40 successively has a first ferromagnetic end part, a first magnetic part constituted by the first permanent magnet 400, a second central ferromagnetic part, a second magnetic part constituted by the second permanent magnet 401 and a second third ferromagnetic end portion. The arrangement of the permanent magnets 400, 401 in the ferromagnetic part 402 allows to confine the field lines of the magnetic fields generated by the two permanent magnets 400, 401 around the magnetic device 40 ( figure 4 ).

La figure 7 montre un dispositif magnétique 41 selon un deuxième mode de réalisation comportant un seul aimant permanent 410. Ce dispositif magnétique comporte également une pièce 412 symétrique en matériau ferromagnétique présentant pour sa part une section longitudinale en forme de U. L'aimant permanent 410 est positionné symétriquement entre les deux branches de la pièce en U, en laissant un creux de part et d'autre. La figure 8 montre les lignes de champ L du champ magnétique généré par l'aimant permanent 410 dans ce dispositif magnétique 41. La présence de la pièce ferromagnétique 412 permet également de confiner les lignes de champ L autour du dispositif magnétique 41 (figure 8).The figure 7 shows a magnetic device 41 according to a second embodiment comprising a single permanent magnet 410. This magnetic device also comprises a symmetrical piece 412 of ferromagnetic material having for its part a U-shaped longitudinal section. The permanent magnet 410 is positioned symmetrically. between the two branches of the U-shaped piece, leaving a hollow on either side. The figure 8 shows the field lines L of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 410 in this magnetic device 41. The presence of the ferromagnetic part 412 also makes it possible to confine the field lines L around the magnetic device 41 ( figure 8 ).

Sur sa face supérieure, le dispositif magnétique 41 selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation présente successivement une première partie ferromagnétique d'extrémité, un creux, une partie magnétique centrale constituée par l'aimant permanent 410, un second creux et une deuxième partie ferromagnétique d'extrémité.On its upper face, the magnetic device 41 according to this second embodiment has successively a first ferromagnetic end portion, a hollow, a central magnetic portion constituted by the permanent magnet 410, a second hollow and a second ferromagnetic portion of end.

Selon l'invention, les micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b enfermés dans un boîtier 24 sont montés sur un circuit imprimé 25 fixé en vis-à-vis de la plaquette mobile 5 (figures 1 A à 1 C).According to the invention, the microswitches 2a, 2b enclosed in a housing 24 are mounted on a printed circuit board 25 fixed vis-à-vis the mobile plate 5 (FIGS. 1A to 1C) .

Les micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont positionnés de sorte que leurs axes de rotation (R) soient parallèles au plan de translation de la plaquette mobile 5 et perpendiculaires à la direction de translation de la plaquette mobile 5.The microswitches 2a, 2b are positioned so that their axes of rotation (R) are parallel to the plane of translation of the movable plate 5 and perpendicular to the direction of translation of the mobile plate 5.

Dans une première configuration, la plaquette mobile 5 porte le dispositif magnétique 40 à deux aimants permanents 400, 401.In a first configuration, the mobile plate 5 carries the magnetic device 40 with two permanent magnets 400, 401.

Dans cette première configuration, les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont par exemple orientés dans le même sens.In this first configuration, the two microswitches 2a, 2b are for example oriented in the same direction.

Dans la position basse de la plaquette mobile 5 (figure 1A), les membranes 20 des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont toutes deux alignées suivant une même orientation des lignes de champ du premier aimant permanent 400, leur imposant une position de fermeture (figure 5A).In the low position of the movable plate 5 ( Figure 1A ), the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are both aligned in the same orientation of the field lines of the first permanent magnet 400, imposing them a closed position ( Figure 5A ).

Dans la position haute de la plaquette mobile 5 (figure 1 B), les membranes 20 des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont toutes deux alignées suivant une même orientation des lignes de champ du second aimant permanent 401, leur imposant une position d'ouverture.In the high position of the movable plate 5 ( Figure 1 B) , the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are both aligned according to the same orientation of the field lines of the second permanent magnet 401, imposing an open position.

Dans la position médiane de la plaquette mobile 5 (figure 1 C), les membranes 20 des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont en vis-à-vis de la partie ferromagnétique centrale du dispositif magnétique 40. La membrane 20 du premier micro-interrupteur 2a est alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ du premier aimant permanent 400 lui imposant une position de fermeture et la membrane 20 du second micro-interrupteur 2b est alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ du second aimant permanent 401 lui imposant une position d'ouverture.In the middle position of the movable plate 5 ( Figure 1 C) , the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are vis-à-vis the central ferromagnetic portion of the magnetic device 40. The membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a is aligned in an orientation of the field lines of the first magnet permanent 400 imposing a closing position and the membrane 20 of the second microswitch 2b is aligned in an orientation of the field lines of the second permanent magnet 401 imposing an open position.

Dans une seconde configuration, la plaquette mobile 5 porte le dispositif magnétique 41 à un seul aimant permanent 410. Dans cette configuration, les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont par exemple orientés dans un sens différent, par exemple adossés l'un par rapport à l'autre suivant leur axe de rotation (R).In a second configuration, the mobile plate 5 carries the magnetic device 41 to a single permanent magnet 410. In this configuration, the two microswitches 2a, 2b are for example oriented in a different direction, for example backed relative to one another. to the other according to their axis of rotation (R).

Dans la position basse de la plaquette mobile 5 (figure 9A), les membranes 20 des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont alignées suivant une même orientation des lignes de champ de l'aimant permanent 410, imposant une position de fermeture à la membrane 20 du premier micro-interrupteur 2a et une position d'ouverture à la membrane 20 du second micro-interrupteur 2b.In the low position of the movable plate 5 ( Figure 9A ), the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are aligned in the same orientation of the field lines of the permanent magnet 410, imposing a closed position on the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a and a position of opening to the membrane 20 of the second microswitch 2b.

Dans la position haute de la plaquette mobile 5 (figure 9C), les membranes 20 des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont alignées suivant une même orientation des lignes de champ de l'aimant permanent 410, cette orientation étant inversée par rapport à celle des lignes de champ vues par les membranes 20 lorsque la plaquette 5 est en position basse. Le premier micro-interrupteur 2a est alors en position d'ouverture et le second micro-interrupteur 2b est en position de fermeture.In the high position of the movable plate 5 ( Figure 9C ), the membranes 20 of the two microswitches 2a, 2b are aligned in the same orientation of the field lines of the permanent magnet 410, this orientation being reversed relative to that of the field lines seen by the membranes 20 when the plate 5 is in the down position. The first microswitch 2a is then in the open position and the second microswitch 2b is in the closed position.

Dans la position médiane de la plaquette mobile 5, les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont positionnés symétriquement de part et d'autre de l'axe de symétrie du dispositif magnétique 41 de sorte que leurs membranes 20 sont chacune alignées suivant les deux orientations différentes des lignes de champ de l'aimant permanent 410. Les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b adossés sont donc dans une position d'ouverture.In the middle position of the movable plate 5, the two microswitches 2a, 2b are positioned symmetrically on either side of the axis of symmetry of the magnetic device 41 so that their membranes 20 are each aligned along the two orientations different from the field lines of the permanent magnet 410. The two microswitches 2a, 2b backed are therefore in an open position.

Dans les deux configurations, les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont commandés pour former, dans chaque position de la plaquette 5, une combinaison différente d'ouverture et/ou de fermeture de leurs membranes 20 et ainsi générer à chaque fois un signal différent représentatif de la position de la plaquette 5 mobile et donc de la position de la manette 11 et de l'état du disjoncteur 1.In both configurations, the two microswitches 2a, 2b are controlled to form, in each position of the wafer 5, a combination different opening and / or closing of their membranes 20 and thus each time generate a different signal representative of the position of the wafer 5 and therefore the position of the handle 11 and the state of the circuit breaker 1.

Selon une variante de réalisation, le dispositif magnétique est constitué d'un simple aimant permanent 43 monté fixement sur un châssis 60 actionné en rotation autour d'un axe par une tringle 61 couplée mécaniquement avec la manette 11 directement ou indirectement par l'intermédiaire d'un mécanisme coopérant d'une part avec la manette 11 et d'autre part avec un déclencheur (non représenté). De manière connue, cette tringle 61 est déplaçable en translation pour prendre trois positions : une position "Marche", une position "Arrêt" et une position "Déclenché", en fonction de l'état du mécanisme, pour représenter respectivement l'état "Marche" du disjoncteur, son état "Arrêt" et son état "Déclenché". Ce type de dispositif est décrit plus abondamment dans les brevets FR 2 834 379 et FR 2 827 703 .According to an alternative embodiment, the magnetic device consists of a single permanent magnet 43 fixedly mounted on a frame 60 actuated in rotation about an axis by a rod 61 mechanically coupled with the lever 11 directly or indirectly via a mechanism cooperating on the one hand with the handle 11 and on the other hand with a trigger (not shown). In known manner, this rod 61 is movable in translation to take three positions: an "on" position, a "stop" position and a "triggered" position, depending on the state of the mechanism, to respectively represent the state " Circuit breaker "ON", its "OFF" state and its "Triggered" state. This type of device is described more extensively in patents FR 2,834,379 and FR 2 827 703 .

Dans cette variante, le dispositif magnétique n'est pas actionné en translation mais en rotation autour d'un axe. Une combinaison d'un mouvement de translation et de rotation du dispositif magnétique peut également être envisagée.In this variant, the magnetic device is not actuated in translation but in rotation about an axis. A combination of translational and rotational movement of the magnetic device can also be envisaged.

En rotation, l'aimant permanent 43 soumet les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b, par exemple enfermés dans leur boîtier 24, à un champ magnétique présentant des lignes de champ L de différentes orientations pour leur imposer leur position d'ouverture ou de fermeture.In rotation, the permanent magnet 43 subjects the two microswitches 2a, 2b, for example enclosed in their housing 24, to a magnetic field having field lines L of different orientations to impose their open or closed position. .

En référence aux figures 11A à 11C, l'aimant permanent 43 est animé d'un mouvement de rotation, au-dessus des micro-interrupteurs 2, autour d'un axe parallèle aux axes (R) de rotation des membranes 20 et de même direction. Les micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont par exemple orientés dans le même sens et sont positionnés de part et d'autre de l'axe (A1) de l'aimant 43 de sorte que lorsque l'aimant permanent 43 est parallèle au substrat 3 portant les micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b, la membrane 20 du premier micro-interrupteur 2a, alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ L du champ magnétique de l'aimant permanent 43, est en position d'ouverture et la membrane du second micro-interrupteur 2b, alignée suivant une orientation inverse des lignes de champ L, est en position de fermeture (figure 11 B).With reference to Figures 11A to 11C , the permanent magnet 43 is driven in a rotational movement, above the microswitches 2, about an axis parallel to the axes (R) of rotation of the membranes 20 and the same direction. The microswitches 2a, 2b are for example oriented in the same direction and are positioned on either side of the axis (A1) of the magnet 43 so that when the permanent magnet 43 is parallel to the substrate 3 carrying the microswitches 2a, 2b, the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a, aligned in an orientation of the field lines L of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 43, is in the open position and the membrane of the second microstrip 2b, aligned in an opposite direction of the field lines L, is in the closed position ( figure 11 B) .

Sur la figure 11A, l'aimant permanent 43 est incliné dans le sens anti-horaire de sorte que la membrane 20 du premier micro-interrupteur 2a est alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ L lui imposant une position d'ouverture et que la membrane 20 du second micro-interrupteur 2b est alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ L lui imposant également une position d'ouverture.On the figure 11A the permanent magnet 43 is inclined in the counterclockwise direction so that the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L imposing an open position and the membrane 20 of the second microswitch 2b is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L also imposing an open position.

Sur la figure 11C, l'aimant permanent 43 est incliné en sens horaire de sorte que la membrane 20 du premier micro-interrupteur 2a est alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ L de l'aimant permanent 43 lui imposant une position de fermeture et que la membrane 20 du second micro-interrupteur 2b est alignée suivant une orientation des lignes de champ L de l'aimant permanent 43 lui imposant également une position de fermeture.On the figure 11C the permanent magnet 43 is inclined clockwise so that the membrane 20 of the first microswitch 2a is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L of the permanent magnet 43 imposing a closed position and the membrane 20 second microswitch 2b is aligned in an orientation of the field lines L of the permanent magnet 43 also imposing a closed position.

Selon l'état des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b, un signal différent peut être émis par un dispositif de signalisation 7 (figures 1A à 1C) comportant le circuit électrique de signalisation C représenté en figure 14 et commandé par les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b. Le schéma représenté en figure 14 n'est qu'un exemple et n'est nullement limitatif. Le dispositif de signalisation 7 peut être monté sur le boîtier 10 du disjoncteur ou être déporté par rapport à celui-ci.Depending on the state of the two microswitches 2a, 2b, a different signal can be emitted by a signaling device 7 ( Figures 1A to 1C ) comprising the electrical signaling circuit C represented in figure 14 and controlled by the two microswitches 2a, 2b. The diagram represented in figure 14 is only an example and is not limiting. The signaling device 7 can be mounted on the housing 10 of the circuit breaker or be offset relative thereto.

Le dispositif de signalisation représenté en figure 14 est adapté pour fonctionner lorsque dans un premier état du disjoncteur 1, les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont ouverts, dans un second état du disjoncteur 1 le premier micro-interrupteur 2a est ouvert et le second micro-interrupteur 2b est fermé et dans un troisième état du disjoncteur, le premier micro-interrupteur 2a est fermé et le second micro-interrupteur 2b est ouvert. Ces combinaisons sont celles obtenues avec le dispositif de détection décrit ci-dessus, doté du dispositif magnétique 41 selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.The signaling device represented in figure 14 is adapted to operate when in a first state of the circuit breaker 1, the two microswitches 2a, 2b are open, in a second state of the circuit breaker 1 the first microswitch 2a is open and the second microswitch 2b is closed and in a third state of the circuit breaker, the first microswitch 2a is closed and the second microswitch 2b is open. These combinations are those obtained with the detection device described above, provided with the magnetic device 41 according to the second embodiment.

Ce circuit électrique C comporte par exemple quatre branches C1, C2, C3, C4 en parallèle. Deux branches C1, C2 sont commandées chacune par l'un des micro-interrupteur 2a, 2b. Une diode D1, D2 est montée en série de chacun des micro-interrupteurs, l'une étant orientée passante et l'autre bloquante. Les deux autres branches C3, C4 parallèles du circuit C portent chacune une LED L1, L2 (pour "Light Emitting Diode" ou DEL pour Diode Electro-luminesecente), l'une étant orientée passante et l'autre bloquante.This electrical circuit C comprises for example four branches C1, C2, C3, C4 in parallel. Two branches C1, C2 are each controlled by one of the microswitch 2a, 2b. A diode D1, D2 is connected in series with each of the microswitches, one being directed and the other blocking. The other two parallel branches C3, C4 of the circuit C each carry an LED L1, L2 (for "Light Emitting Diode" or LEDs for Electroluminescent Diode), one being directed and the other blocking.

Lorsque le premier micro-interrupteur 2a est fermé et le second micro-interrupteur 2b est ouvert, la première LED L1 est allumée et la seconde LED L2 est éteinte. Cette combinaison correspond par exemple à l'état "Arrêt" du disjoncteur 1.When the first microswitch 2a is closed and the second microswitch 2b is open, the first LED L1 is on and the second LED L2 is off. This combination corresponds, for example, to the "Stop" state of circuit breaker 1.

Lorsque le premier micro-interrupteur 2a est ouvert et le second micro-interrupteur 2b est fermé, la première LED L1 est éteinte et la seconde LED L2 est allumée. Cette combinaison correspond par exemple à l'état "Marche" du disjoncteur 1.When the first microswitch 2a is open and the second microswitch 2b is closed, the first LED L1 is off and the second LED L2 is lit. This combination corresponds, for example, to the "On" state of circuit breaker 1.

Lorsque les deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b sont ouverts, les deux LEDS L1, L2 sont allumées. Cette combinaison correspond par exemple à l'état "Déclenché" du disjoncteur 1.When the two microswitches 2a, 2b are open, the two LEDs L1, L2 are lit. This combination corresponds, for example, to the "tripped" state of circuit breaker 1.

Selon l'invention, à partir des deux micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b, il s'agit donc de dresser une table de vérité représentant les états de chacun des micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b en fonction de la position de la plaquette mobile 5 et l'état résultant des LEDS du dispositif de signalisation. Cette table de vérité diffère en fonction de la configuration initiale des micro-interrupteurs 2a, 2b.According to the invention, from the two microswitches 2a, 2b, it is therefore necessary to draw up a truth table representing the states of each of the microswitches 2a, 2b as a function of the position of the mobile plate 5 and the resulting state of the LEDS of the signaling device. This truth table differs according to the initial configuration of the microswitches 2a, 2b.

Le dispositif de signalisation 7 peut être déporté et peut être intégré à un système de surveillance destiné à surveiller l'état de plusieurs disjoncteurs montés sur un même tableau ou dispersés dans différents locaux. Avantageusement, dans ce système, les signaux électriques obtenus en sortie d'un dispositif de détection d'un disjoncteur 1 sont par exemple envoyés sur un bus de communication relié par exemple à un terminal informatique central chargé de traiter les signaux reçus et d'afficher les états de tous les disjoncteurs ainsi connectés au bus. L'affichage pourra être réalisé par l'intermédiaire d'un tableau lumineux à LEDS ou de l'écran du terminal.The signaling device 7 can be deported and can be integrated into a monitoring system for monitoring the state of several circuit breakers mounted on the same board or dispersed in different premises. Advantageously, in this system, the electrical signals obtained at the output of a detection device of a circuit breaker 1 are for example sent on a communication bus connected for example to a central computer terminal responsible for processing the received signals and displaying the states of all the circuit breakers thus connected to the bus. The display can be realized via a LEDS led panel or the terminal screen.

Selon l'invention, il est possible de détecter plus de trois états mécaniques en employant plus de deux micro-interrupteurs agencés de manière appropriée.According to the invention, it is possible to detect more than three mechanical states by employing more than two appropriately arranged microswitches.

Il est bien entendu que, selon la position du dispositif magnétique, les états des micro-interrupteurs sont dépendants de leur orientation, de la géométrie du ou des aimants permanents employés ou du mode d'actionnement du dispositif magnétique. Les différentes combinaisons obtenues décrites ci-dessus ne sont pas limitatives et d'autres configurations peuvent être envisagées.It is understood that, depending on the position of the magnetic device, the states of the microswitches are dependent on their orientation, the geometry of the permanent magnet (s) employed or the mode of actuation of the magnetic device. The various combinations obtained described above are not limiting and other configurations can be envisaged.

Il est bien entendu que l'on peut, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, imaginer d'autres variantes et perfectionnements de détail et de même envisager l'emploi de moyens équivalents.It is understood that one can, without departing from the scope of the invention, imagine other variants and refinements of detail and even consider the use of equivalent means.

Claims (13)

  1. Device for detecting the three states of an electric circuit breaker (1), comprising:
    - a moveable magnetic device (40, 41), that can be moved between three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker (1) and comprising at least one permanent magnet (400, 401, 410),
    - two microswitches (2a, 2b) that can be controlled by magnetic effect by the permanent magnet (400, 401, 410), and characterized in that
    - each microswitch (2a, 2b) has a moveable element (20) capable of being aligned in an orientation of the magnetic field lines (L) of the permanent magnet in order to take an open position or a closed position,
    - in each position of the magnetic device (40, 41), the two microswitches (2a, 2b) are controlled in the open position or in the closed position in order to form a particular combination representative of one of the three states of the circuit breaker (1).
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic device (40, 41) is mechanically coupled to an actuation member (11) of the circuit breaker (1) capable of taking three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker (1).
  3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic device (40, 41) is actuated in translation.
  4. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the magnetic device (40, 41) comprises a symmetrical part (402, 412) made of ferromagnetic material.
  5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the ferromagnetic part (412) has two U-shaped branches and in that the permanent magnet (410) is mounted symmetrically on the ferromagnetic part (412), between the two branches.
  6. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the ferromagnetic part (402) has three branches to form an E, and in that the magnetic device (40) comprises two permanent magnets (400, 401) each occupying one of the two hollows formed by the three branches of the ferromagnetic part (402).
  7. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic device (43) is actuated in rotation.
  8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the permanent magnet (43) is mounted on a frame (60) actuated pivotingly by a rail (61) mechanically coupled to the actuation member (11).
  9. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the moveable element is a ferromagnetic membrane (20) capable of pivoting under the magnetic effect.
  10. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a signalling device (7) responsible for indicating each of the three states of the circuit breaker depending on the position of the microswitches (2a, 2b).
  11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the signalling device (7) is mounted on the casing (10) of the circuit breaker (1) or is remote relative to the circuit breaker (1).
  12. Electric circuit breaker characterized in that it is furnished with a detection device according to one of Claims 1 to 11.
  13. System for monitoring a plurality of circuit breakers (1) as defined in Claim 12, characterized in that the detection devices of each of the circuit breakers are connected to a communication bus linked to a computer terminal responsible for centralizing and displaying the state of the various circuit breakers.
EP07729127.6A 2006-05-31 2007-05-15 Device for detecting the three states of a circuit breaker Not-in-force EP2022069B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0651970A FR2901912B1 (en) 2006-05-31 2006-05-31 DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE THREE STATES OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER
PCT/EP2007/054675 WO2007137938A1 (en) 2006-05-31 2007-05-15 Device for detecting the three states of a circuit breaker

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2022069A1 EP2022069A1 (en) 2009-02-11
EP2022069B1 true EP2022069B1 (en) 2013-10-23

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EP07729127.6A Not-in-force EP2022069B1 (en) 2006-05-31 2007-05-15 Device for detecting the three states of a circuit breaker

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US (1) US7915982B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2022069B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101496124B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0711854A2 (en)
FR (1) FR2901912B1 (en)
NO (1) NO20085351L (en)
RU (1) RU2404475C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2007137938A1 (en)

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CN102859375B (en) * 2010-02-23 2017-05-10 Abb技术有限公司 Protective switch with status detection
US8643501B2 (en) * 2010-06-02 2014-02-04 Eaton Corporation Metering apparatus
FR3008542B1 (en) 2013-07-09 2015-10-02 Schneider Electric Ind Sas CIRCUIT BREAKER RESET DETECTION DEVICE, ACTUATOR FOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS SEPARATION MECHANISM, ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER AND USE OF INDUCED CURRENT FOR GENERATING REARMING INDICATION SIGNAL
FR3064414B1 (en) * 2017-03-23 2019-06-07 Schneider Electric Industries Sas ELECTRIC CURRENT CUTTING APPARATUS COMPRISING A LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY AND A PRESSURE MECHANISM
US10468219B2 (en) * 2017-09-07 2019-11-05 Carling Technologies, Inc. Circuit interrupter with status indication

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US4233694A (en) * 1979-01-22 1980-11-18 Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Inc. Spa construction and isolated controls therefor
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101496124B (en) 2011-08-31
NO20085351L (en) 2009-01-26
FR2901912A1 (en) 2007-12-07
CN101496124A (en) 2009-07-29
FR2901912B1 (en) 2008-08-15
RU2008151776A (en) 2010-07-10
US20090273873A1 (en) 2009-11-05
RU2404475C2 (en) 2010-11-20
US7915982B2 (en) 2011-03-29
EP2022069A1 (en) 2009-02-11
BRPI0711854A2 (en) 2011-12-13
WO2007137938A1 (en) 2007-12-06

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