EP2478537B1 - Functional spacer for separating cartridges in a multipolar cutoff device, and circuit breaker - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a modular low-voltage multipole circuit breaker, in which a trigger is common to all the poles, each of which comprises an independent breaking bulb. The invention relates to a new architecture for this type of circuit breaker in which the conventional double envelope is modified to optimize the modularity for different functions and / or sizes to be parameterized in the circuit breaker.

STATE OF THE ART

A conventional low voltage multipole cutoff device 1, generally a circuit breaker, as described in US Pat. EP 0 542 636 and illustrated in figure 1 , comprises a double envelope: an outer casing 2 of the circuit breaker 1 houses a plurality of unipolar cutoff blocks 3 between an upstream range 4 connecting to the line to be protected and a downstream range 5; all the blocks 3 in the casing 2 form the cut-off device 6 which is connected, at the downstream ranges 5, to a single trigger 7. Each block 3, also called a bulb, comprises a casing in which is housed a mechanism cut-off device, in particular at least one pair of contacts that can take an open breaking position and a closed current-passing position associated with an interrupting chamber; one of the blocks 3 is associated with an actuating mechanism 8. This type of architecture has the significant advantage of reducing manufacturing and storage costs thanks to the modularity of the cutoff blocks 3. Moreover, the circuit breaker assembly 1 is quite simple.

Different technological choices, particularly with regard to the nature of the cut-off mechanism, have been developed, with however limitations for each of them. For example, to simplify connections, some circuit breakers use a direct back-and-forth connection between trigger 7 and single-break device 6 ( EP 1 126 487 ); however, the simple cut reaches its limits for certain electrical performance. To bypass this limitation, some circuit-breakers 1 use the double break in parallel ( WO 01/39231 ) which imposes a significant size of the bulbs 3, and therefore a large width of the circuit breakers 1 with a pitch between poles elongated. Other circuit breakers 1 ( EP 0 542 636 ) limit the overall width by the use of a double rotary cut which however causes a vertical shift of the location of the nose 9 of the device 1, part of the hood from which emerges the trigger lever of the actuating mechanism 8, imposing the use of asymmetric breastplates in the cabinets; moreover, the gas exhaust is very close to the trigger 7 and the terminals that it is important, to prevent inadvertent priming, to protect by any means, perimeter security and / or accessories. Moreover, the existing dual rotary cut devices are based on the insertion from the front, that is to say from the face comprising the nose 9 and the handle of the circuit breaker 1, the trigger 7, which generates connection difficulties and complex editing.

The document FR 2 682 530 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among other advantages, the invention aims at overcoming the disadvantages of existing multipole cladding devices. In particular, the invention aims to make the most of the modularity offered by the use of unipolar cut-off bulbs and the standardization of the triggers.

One of the objects of the invention is thus to obtain a cut-off device produced by a succession of steps for which the selection from a restricted number of elements makes it possible to satisfy different criteria of use, in particular the type of assembly. (rail or not) in the tables, and the step (metric or imperial) between the poles. Similarly, one of the objects of the invention is to facilitate the interchangeability of the triggers for devices comprising said cut-off device.

Another object of the invention is the robustness of the cut-off device over a low-voltage range up to 630 A, or even 800 A, while keeping the overall height of the device in the values in use to avoid mounting problems in the paintings ; for example, for a circuit breaker of 160 A, the height "overall", that is to say without accessories, the cutoff device is of the order of 130 mm.

To optimize the assembly in the table, another object of the invention is to center the nose of the cover of the switchgear with respect to its total height; for example, for the same 160 A breaker, the 45 mm nose is located 42.5 mm from the top of the unit.

The solutions provided by the invention are defined in the following claims.

In one aspect, the invention thus relates to a spacer for a different assembly of the cutoff device and in particular an absence of fixed double jacket in which the cutoff device should be inserted. The general shape of the spacer depends on certain parameters of the interrupter bulbs to which it will be associated, but the functions and the general principle are common to the different ranges of existing bulbs.

In particular, for a cut-off device and / or a circuit breaker type breaking device comprising a plurality of unipolar cut-off blocks in the form of an ampoule, each ampoule is separated from its neighbor by a spacer according to the invention; the spacer thus comprises a central partition, a portion of which is substantially shaped in the shape of the large face of the bulb and an end portion for positioning power connectors. The central partition is preferably provided with arrangements for securing, advantageously sealed, between cutting blocks and spacers as rivet passages, the stability of the connections relative to the spacers as holding protrusions, and the passage of functional organs simultaneous driving rod type of cutoff blocks. According to a preferred embodiment, a passage recess of the simultaneous driving rod is associated with mechanical assistance means for accelerating the movement of the rod between the closed position of the cutoff blocks and the open position and / Or vice versa ; preferably, the mechanical assistance means are energy accumulators, and in particular comprise a torsion spring.

The central partition of the spacer, according to the invention is extended on a side orthogonal to the end portion and intended to form the rear of the cutoff device facing the latching wall of the cutoff apparatus, by one or two bottom edges which are normal to him; the flanges can be flat or adapted for rail mounting, for example with a shoulder provided with a latching pawl. The end portion of the partition is traversed in its thickness and on its edge intended to be located at the top of the device, that is to say on the face through which the connection on the upstream ranges of the cutoff blocks can be made by a slot: the slot serves as a line of leakage by the formation of an air space between two insulating edges, and its dimensions (depth and thickness) are adapted to the standardized value of the creepage distances. Parallel to the slot, the partition is pierced right through, in its end portion, by an orifice for fixing the cut-off device on a mounting plate so that the forces due to positioning in a cabinet or other are taken up by the spacers. The slot may be replaced by any other element of equivalent function, in particular by a protuberance of complementary shape to the previous slot, protruding from the end portion of the partition, from one side to the other on its thickness.

Preferably, the orifice passing through the partition is located within a support for placing a cover of the cut-off device, substantially parallel to the bottom edge; the support is also configured to allow the passage of the clamping screws of the terminals. Advantageously, a protective sealing element of the screw is associated with the support. Opposite the end portion, each face of the partition may be provided with means making it possible to facilitate the association with a unipolar bulb, for example guide grooves and / or the coupling with a trigger, for example fixing pins, so that the spacers and the bulbs to which they are mechanically linked by the tightening, take again the constraints of the release.

On each side, on the end portion adjacent the edge provided with the creepage line element, the partition may be provided with orthogonal protuberances for delimiting housing for terminals; depending on the nature of the cutting chamber, a protuberance on the top of the partition may delimit a gas evacuation passage; the protuberance can be recessed in a semicircle so that the juxtaposition of two spacers can be crossed by the clamping screw of a terminal.

According to one embodiment, the end portion of the spacer intended to form the top of the device remains open, that is to say that the mounting of the terminals can be modified when the spacers are tight and integral with the bulbs ; in another embodiment, this side by which the connection on the upstream beaches of the cutoff blocks is realized may be extended by one or more upper flanges, normal to the bottom flanges and central partition.

Preferably, the spacers are symmetrical with respect to the central partition, and comprise two bottom flanges. The spacers are advantageously made of molded plastic. The juxtaposition of two spacers according to the invention creates a cavity whose two parallel walls are formed by the central partitions, the bottom and one side are formed by the juxtaposition of the edges of each spacer: the juxtaposition of the bottom edges can form a wall of substantially sealed bottom once the assembly and tightening completed, while the juxtaposition of the possible upper flanges forms a wall provided with at least one passage opening of the connection pads of the cutoff blocks, and the other passages imposed by said blocks for example a gas evacuation passage.

The invention also relates to a set of a plurality of similar spacers that can be juxtaposed to form at least one cavity for a unipolar break block. The set of spacers may be completed by side walls for closing two end cavities and forming an envelope that can accommodate a plurality of cutoff blocks and thereby form a cutoff device to which a trigger can be coupled to form a device modular cutoff.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• La figure 1, déjà décrite, illustre un disjoncteur multipolaire basse tension à double enveloppe selon l'art antérieur.
• Les figures 2A et 2B montrent schématiquement un bloc unipolaire de coupure et une partie de son boîtier pour un appareil de coupure selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.
• Les figures 3A et 3B représentent des étapes de montage d'un appareil de coupure selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.
• Les figures 4A et 4B montrent une entretoise et son assemblage pour un dispositif de coupure selon un mode de réalisation préféré.
• La figure 5 montre un autre mode de réalisation pour une entretoise.

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustration and in no way limiting, represented in the appended figures.

• The figure 1 , already described, illustrates a multipole circuit breaker low voltage jacketed according to the prior art.
• The Figures 2A and 2B schematically show a unipolar cutoff block and part of its housing for a cutoff apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• The Figures 3A and 3B represent steps of mounting a switchgear according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• The Figures 4A and 4B show a spacer and its assembly for a cutoff device according to a preferred embodiment.
• The figure 5 shows another embodiment for a spacer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the sake of simplification of the presentation of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elements making up the cut-off device 1, and in particular the unipolar bulbs 3 forming the cut-off device 6, will be described in relation to the position of FIG. use in which the circuit breaker 1 is set up in a table, the reverse of the figure 1 , with the nose 9 comprising the vertical handle and parallel to the wall or mounting plate, the upstream connection pads 4 on the power line located at the top and the trigger 7 at the bottom. The use of relative positional terms, such as "lateral", "superior", "background", etc., should not be construed as a limiting factor.

A switching device, generally a multipole circuit breaker according to the invention 100 comprises a trigger 7 associated with a cut-off device 600 comprising a plurality of bulbs 10, or unipolar cut-off blocks, each block 10 allowing the cutting of a single pole and is advantageously in the form of a flat housing 12 of molded plastic, with two large parallel faces 14 distant of a thickness e of bulb 10 ( Figure 2B ). The housing 12 is formed of two parts, preferably mirror-symmetrical, secured to one another by any suitable means and each comprising a large face 14: as illustrated in a preferred embodiment of FIG. Figure 2A , a complementary tenon / mortise type system 16 allows the fitting of the housing parts 12 to one another, one of the two parts comprising lugs adapted to penetrate recesses of the other. Arrangements 18 are also made to allow the juxtaposition of the housings 12 of unipolar block 10 and their connection to a multipole circuit breaker 100.

The housing 12 of a unipolar block 10 forms a cavity housing the breaking elements. According to a preferred embodiment illustrated, the cutoff mechanism 20 is double rotary cut. In fact, the circuit breaker 100 according to the invention is particularly intended for applications up to 800 A, for which the simple cut may not be sufficient; moreover, given the technological choices, the double rotary cut offers the best compromise between electrical performance and space congestion. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness e is of the order of 22 mm for a 160 A caliber.

The breaking mechanism 20 is thus housed in the housing 12 between two fixed conductors intended to be connected by an upstream range 4 to the supply line and by a downstream range 5 to the trigger 7: each housing part comprises a passage recess. corresponding. A movable conductor 22 comprising at each end a contact pad is pivotally mounted between an open position in which the contact pads are spaced apart from the fixed conductors and a current flow position in which they are in contact with each of the conductors. Cutoff chambers 24 are associated with each contact zone to limit arcing.

Advantageously, each part of the housing 12 is molded with internal arrangements allowing a relatively stable positioning of the various elements making up the cut-off mechanism 20, in particular two symmetrical housings for each of the cut-off chambers 24, and a circular central recess allowing the setting place of a rotary bar 26 coupled to the movable conductor 22. It is advantageous that the rotary bar 26 is flanked by two flanges serving in particular bearings (see the French patent application FR 09 04456 entitled: "unipolar breaking block comprising a rotating contact bridge, cut-off device including such a block and circuit breaker comprising such a device"): the central housing of the housing 12 can thus lead outwards at the axis of rotation of the bar 26 by an orifice 28 cooperating with a protrusion of the flanges.

Unipolar bulbs 10 are intended to be driven simultaneously, and are coupled for this purpose by at least one rod 30 ( figure 3A ), in particular at the bar 26, and for example through openings 32. According to a preferred embodiment, a single drive rod 30 is used and each housing portion 12 comprises an orifice 34 in the shape of an arc of a circle allowing at least the mobilization of the rod 30 passing between the current flow position and the open position; in the embodiment with flanges, each of the flanges also comprises an orifice, with flange for the adjusted passage of the simultaneous driving rod 30.

According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting of the rotary bridge 22, 26 in a unipolar breaking block 10 is "inverted": it is desired (see figure 3B ) that the nose 9 of the hood of a circuit breaker 100 (including the travel passage of the lever of the actuating mechanism 8 of the contacts), in its normalized version of 45 mm, is centered on said circuit breaker 100 in operation, so to limit the number of references of the prefabricated connections of the installation system, and in particular the front plates. To this end, a reversal of the direction of rotation of the bar 26 has been chosen, that is to say that the connection area 5 to the trigger 7 is located towards the rear of the circuit breaker 100 and the upstream connection range 4 is forward, above.

In this configuration, advantageously, the casing 12 of the cut-off block 10 also comprises arrangements allowing an optimization of the gas flow, such as in particular described in the French patent application. FR 09 04457 "Cut-off device having at least one unipolar breaking block having a contact bridge and circuit-breaker incorporating such a device". In fact, during each cut, gases possibly charged with pollutant particles are generated, especially in the chamber. cutoff 24 from the contact pads: it is preferable to direct them away from the devices arranged near these ranges, in particular the trigger 7 which can be electronic and therefore very sensitive. Conventionally, even when the direction of rotation is reversed, the exhaust gases are made to the mounting rail (bottom wall) and / or under the connection pads 5 of the trigger 7; it is recommended to reduce the gas upwards, and if possible the front, the cutoff unit 10 to avoid pollution of the lower part of the circuit breaker 100 and any electrical firing afferents. In particular, the substantially parallelepipedic shape of the casing of the cut-off mechanism 20 is extended on the front side by a gas exhaust channel 38 in order to direct them from the downstream range 5 (coupled to the trigger 7) towards the upper part. of the switchgear 100, with a through hole 40.

Furthermore, advantageously, the gases of the contact connected to the upstream range 4 are also directed towards this exhaust channel 38 to be separated from the mounting means of the switchgear 100, in particular a DIN rail and / or a platinum , as well as power connections. To this end, a lateral flow channel 42 is arranged outside the cut-off mechanism 20, in particular with two orifices 44A, 44B opening from each part of the housing 12 towards the external channel 42 to the bulb 10, which can be hollowed into the wall of the housing 12 or added between the bulbs 10. As, according to the invention, the unipolar blocks 10 are assembled via spacers 46 to form the double envelope 48, it is advantageous to take advantage of this architecture for integrating the lateral flow channel 42 to the spacer 46.

In fact, contrary to the prior art, the outer casing 48 of the cut-off device 600 is not formed by a molded casing 2 into which the functionally coupled ampoules 10 are put in place: as illustrated in FIG. figure 3A a number n of similar unipolar blocks corresponding to the number of poles of the circuit breaker 100 (three in the illustrated mode), one of which, preferably central, is provided with a conventional actuating mechanism 8, is juxtaposed with a n - 1 number of struts 46 separating them, and closed by two outer side walls 50 to form a cutoff device 600 with a double envelope which can, as usual, be associated with a trigger 7. This architectural choice takes advantage of the maximum modularity of the system while keeping the aspects functional: various options, such as the number n of poles, the width l of the device 100, 600, the choice of the trigger 7, ... are possible with a limited number of reference elements.

In particular, as illustrated in figures 4 and 5 , the spacers 46, 146 are made of molded plastic and mainly comprise a central partition 52, 152, intended to be parallel to the large faces 14 of the bulbs 10, and a bottom 54, 154 substantially normal to the central partition 52, 152 on its side back ; advantageously, the bottom 54 of a spacer 46 is formed of two flanges 54A, 54B symmetrical on each side of the partition 52. The juxtaposition of two spacers 46 thus defines a cavity 56 in which is housed a unipolar break block 10. Advantageously the opposing bottom flanges 54 of the two spacers 46 close the cavity 56 on its rear when the spacers 46 are tightened one on the other, but other options are possible, according to the standards in force and the mounting conditions. . The juxtaposition of the bottom edges 54 forms the bottom of the cut-off device 600 of the circuit breaker 100, which may be intended for different types of assembly; in particular, as illustrated in figures 4 , the bottom rims 54 may be designed so as to allow direct attachment to a DIN rail, with a shoulder 58 and any suitable means, such as an attachment nose 60. For other uses, as illustrated in figure 5 the flanges 154 may be solid and flat.

The central partition 52, 152 of each spacer 46, 146 comprises a main separation portion whose shape is substantially included in the shape of the large face 14 of the cutoff unit 10; its thickness d is substantially constant, with the exception of the functional arrangements, with integral molding on its rear side of the two bottom edges 54A, 54B. The downstream face of the bulbs 10 is intended to be coupled, at the level of the pads 5, to a trigger 7; the latter will seal so that the envelope 48 can remain devoid of wall at this location, and the underside of the struts 146 can remain devoid of any protrusion ( figure 5 ). To facilitate the mounting of the trigger 7, it may be advantageous to provide this side of securing means, for example a fixing guide 62 for example an anchoring clamping screws between the bulb 10 and trigger 7; guide grooves 64 may also be provided on the faces of the central partition 52 on this edge so as to allow an easy, stable and precise insertion of the unipolar blocks 10, or even of the triggering device 7 ( Figure 4A ).

The central partition 52 of the spacers 46 delimits the cavities 56 in which the cut-off bulbs 10 are in place; the means for securing the elements to one another, in particular rivet passage orifices 66, 166, are provided; the securing means also comprise complementary shapes so that the spacer assembly 46, 146 / ampoule 10 is compact and forms a unitary mechanical unit, the support being stable and on a sufficient surface. As mentioned above, the spacer 46 may comprise arrangements for defining the lateral channel 42 for discharging gases; advantageously, the channel 42 is partially etched in the large outer face 14 of the housing of the bulb 10, between the two through-holes 44, and a corresponding element 68, 168, etching and / or projecting contour, on the central partition 52, 152 allows, during the juxtaposition and the clamping of the spacer 46 on the bulb 10, to precisely direct the gas from the discharge orifice 44A to the upper orifice 44B along the partition 52 towards the exhaust channel 38.

The central partition 52, 152 is also in particular provided with passages 70, 170 for the functional members connecting the bulbs: in the preferred embodiment, a recess 70, 170 for the passage of the drive rod 30 of the different unit blocks 10 is planned. The recesses 70, 170 may be partially obstructed, especially at the top, for reasons of stability and stiffening.

According to a preferred embodiment, the passage of the drive rod 30 of the bars 26 is associated with mechanical assistance means 72, 172. In particular, according to one embodiment, the mechanical assistance means may comprise spring means, in particular a torsion spring 72, for activating the device 600 in opening. In fact, it is desired that the duration of opening of the contacts, especially in case of tripping, be as low as possible, and it may happen that the preceding cutoff device 600 is a little slow, with the risk of rebooting cutoff at high voltage (690 V) and the low performances in overload and / or endurance afferent.

In order to overcome this problem while respecting the dimensional constraints recommended, it is possible to set up acceleration means at the beginning of opening ( FR 2 762 768 ), in particular energy storage means, which can in this case be integrated into the spacer 46. According to a preferred embodiment, a spring 72 is integrated with the central partition 52 and acts directly on the the rod 30 during its movement from the position of flow of the current: in the closed position of the cut-off device, the accumulator means 72 are constrained, that is to say in particular that, when opening, the moving equipment (bar 26, movable conductor 22, actuating means 8) is propelled by the springs of the actuating mechanism 8 but also by the energy stored in the assistance means 72.

According to another embodiment, the mechanical assistance means 172 act in closing: at the end of the closing stroke of the contacts, the excess energy of the actuating mechanism 8 is partially stored in accumulator means 172, which may also include a torsion spring, so as to reduce the stress on the other parts of the casing 48 of the circuit breaker 100. It is furthermore possible to oversize the springs of the actuating mechanism 8 without fearing the phenomena of rebound or inadvertent tripping on operating shock.

The two mechanical assistance means can be associated on the same spacer; it is possible to provide mechanical assistance springs 72, 172 only the two spacers 46 flanking the cut-off bulb 10 provided with the actuating mechanism 8 and / or only the spacer associated with an end-breaking bulb, deported in the case of a four-pole circuit breaker, and / or only the spacers used for certain power ranges. According to an advantageous embodiment from a logistical point of view, all the spacers 46 comprise a mechanical assistance element 72.

The upper side of the central partition 52 of the spacers 46 is intended to be put in place opposite the upstream ranges 4 of the bulbs 10 and to form the upper face 74 of the cut-off device 100. In particular, the central partition 52, 152 comprises a part 76, 176 adjacent to this upper side which is not intended to be juxtaposed with a breaking bulb 10, but to carry the connecting elements of the supply line on the upstream beach 4; the end portion 76, 176 of the partition is of a size substantially equal to the protruding length of said strip 4. Preferably, the central partition 52, 152 comprises on said end portion 76, 176 holding means 78, 178 of connection terminals 80; in particular, protuberances 78, 178 substantially normal to the partition 52, 152 and parallel to the bottom flanges 54, 154 allow to delimit a housing of a cage terminal 80 which is placed around the range 4. Preferably, two protuberances 78 frame a housing, the upper protuberance 78A being provided with a passage recess of a screw terminal 80. Advantageously, one of the protuberances 82, 182 is located on the central partition 52, 152, at the opposite edge and parallel to the bottom flange 54, 154: the protrusion 82, 182 can then serve as a support for a closure lid. The support 82, 182 thus composed is also provided with a recess allowing the passage of a screw of the terminal 80; it can be confused with the upper protuberance 78A, but in the preferred embodiment, the space between the support 82 and the upper protuberance 78A defines a passage corresponding to the passage 40 of the gas outlet of the bulb 10 .

According to the embodiment and / or the standard in force, the end portion 176 of the partition 152 may be provided with upper flanges 184 partially closing the housings defined by the protuberances 178 (FIG. figure 5 ); in this case, it is advantageous, as for the bottom rims 154, that the upper flanges 184 are complementary to form a solid wall during the joining between struts 146 and bulbs 10, with the exception of passages for the evacuation of 4. If, however, it is desired to associate with the cut-off device 100 according to the invention a wide range of connection possibilities, it is conceivable to limit the upper flanges 84 to the section of the protuberances. 78 and support 82 in their thickness ( figures 3 and 4 ) : in this way; the access to the connection pad 4 is free and it is possible to choose the type of connection directly during the installation, for example using a modular connection as described in the document FR 2,687,248 .

The upper side 84 of the central partition 52 of the spacers 46 is intended to form the upper face 74 of the cut-off device 100: as required by the standards, elements intended to form the creepage distances are therefore provided to separate units of cut 10 from each other. In particular, slots 86 are present in the thickness of the central partition 52, 152; the slot 86 extends orthogonally to the bottom portion over a constant depth and width so that, regardless of the shape of the spacers 46, the upper wall of the cut-off device 100 comprises between each pole a through slot 86 between the bottom and the face of the cutoff device 600, whose dimensions are adapted to the standard defined for the value of the creepage distance, and delimited by two insulating edges comprising the residual thickness of the central partition 52, 84 and any edges 54, 82 associated with it. A projecting element 186 can replace the slot 86, for example a protuberance of complementary shape of the groove illustrated in FIG. figures 4 : as schematized in figure 5 , the element 186 projects from the upper side and into the thickness of the central partition 152. Parallel to the plane of the partition 152 and of lower thickness, it passes right through it from the bottom edge 154 to the face of the cut-off device 600.

Parallel to the leakage element 86, 186, the partition 52, 152 is pierced with a through hole 88, 188 for coupling the switchgear 100 to a mounting plate or other support. In fact, the mechanical stresses caused by the attachment on a vertical wall of the circuit breaker 100 are taken directly by its envelope 48 and, according to the invention, by the spacers 46, 146 forming the stiffening portion of the apparatus 100: the central partitions 52, 152, at their upper end portion 76, 176, are provided with adequate means 88, 188.

The sidewalls 50 completing the embodiment of the cutoff device 600 functionally correspond more or less to a spacer half 46; the wall 50, however, unlike the central partition 52, is of substantially rectangular shape so as to form a casing 48 of conventionally shaped cut-out device on which any type of trigger 7 may be adapted. In particular, the side wall 50 comprises a substantially flat outer face, and an inner face provided with the same arrangements (lateral channel 68 ', retaining protuberance 78', support 82 ') that the central partition 52 of the spacers 46, with the exception of the cutout 70 for the passage of the driving rod 30 (and associated accumulator means 72); the bottom edges 54 'and support 82' are substantially identical to those of the spacers 46, but are naturally located only on one side of the side wall 50.

It thus appears that the general size of the envelope 48 of the circuit breaker 100 is determined by the thickness of the central partitions 52 and side walls 50, as well as the thickness e of the bulbs 10. It thus becomes possible with the same blocks Unipolar cutoff 10, change the width l of the circuit breaker 100, or its height h . Admittedly, a minimum space requirement in height between the upstream connection pads 4 of the circuit breaker 100 and the downstream connection pads of the trip unit 7 is always desired; in a preferred option, the height of the device 100 of 160 A range is of the order of 130 mm with a trigger 7 standard, and the cutoff device 600 is less than 90 mm in height h. On the other hand, the width l of the circuit breaker 100 preferably corresponds to standards that it is possible, in view of the architecture according to the invention, to easily choose; the distance between the middle of two bulbs 10 determines the pitch p of the cut-off device 100, which is preferably constant and in accordance with the uses.

Indeed, the partitions 52 of the spacers 46 and the side walls 50 are associated with the bulbs 10 in a tight manner, so as to seal the passage of gas and mechanical support of the bulbs 10. It is thus possible for the same thickness e d bulb 10, to adjust the thickness d of the walls 52 meet the criteria of pole pitch p metric or imperial. In particular, for a 100-series device 160 A, the unitary breaking units 10 are designed for adaptation to a polar pitch p according to the systems in force, for example e = 22 mm, and two sets of spacer 46 are provided. , one for the imperial pole pitch (1 inch, 25.4 mm) and the other for the conventional multiple metric pitch of 9 mm, and in particular p = 27 mm total width of the cavities 56 taken from the center of each central partition 52, that is to say a central partition 52 of average thickness d = 3.4 and d = 5 mm respectively (the average thickness d corresponds to the thickness of the partition 52 on its part of separation, excluding the functional protuberances, for example at the side channel 68 or complementary arrangements for securing 66 to the bulbs 10). It is advantageous to meet the overall p not in the mounting cabinet the side walls 50 have a thickness also modified, corresponding to half of the average thickness of the central partition 52. According to a another option, the thickness of the partition 52 remains the same for the two sets of spacers, but the protuberances for sealing tightness of the bulbs are more or less wide.

This modularity can also be used to provide spacers 46 adapted to the mounting mode of the circuit breakers 100, and in particular provided or not on their bottom edges 54 of hooking means 58, 60 on a DIN rail. Other functionalities can also be implemented in or on the spacers 46, such as sensors or others.

The method for assembling a multipole circuit breaker 100 thus comprises the juxtaposition, possibly with sliding interlocking, of a number n of identical breaking blocks 10, one of the blocks, preferably central, being provided with a mechanism actuation 8, each block 10 being separated from an adjacent block by a spacer 46; depending on the chosen option, the terminals 80 may be put in place around the upstream connection pads 4 at this stage. These 2 n - 1 elements 10, 46, possibly associated with n terminals 80, are secured to form a sealed assembly by suitable means, in particular by riveting in the orifices 66 provided, and associated with the simultaneous driving rod 30, which is inserted into the bars 26 of the cutoff blocks 10. The cutoff assembly is then closed by the sidewalls 50, the finishing and clamping of this assembly being made for example by through rivets. According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly is completed by a securing of the supports 82 of the spacers 46 between them by means of reinforcing devices 90 around the screw-passing orifices of the terminals 80. In particular, the reinforcements 90 ( figure 5 ) may comprise a tubular casing 92 intended to protect the screw against the gases escaping through the passage 40, as well as to protect the user from direct access to the screws, the casing 92 being associated at one end with a orthogonal plate 94 which can be coupled to the supports 82 of two spacers 46, or of a spacer 46 and of a lateral wall 50. Guiding means such as complementary holes and / or lugs may be provided in the plate 94 and the support 82; clipping can also be considered. The assembly is closed by a cover 96 by any suitable means, to form a cutoff device which can then be associated, by its underside, to any trigger 7 of the same width l and number of poles: thanks to this configuration, the Trigger 7 can thus be defined at an advanced stage of assembly. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment in which the direction of rotation of the bar 26 is reversed, the introduction of the trigger 7 and its coupling to the cut-off device 600 are facilitated by the access from the bottom of the cut-off device. and guiding by grooves on the bulbs 10 (see Figure 2B ) or on the spacers 46, and / or pins 62 for anchoring in the spacers 46. According to an alternative, the cover 96 is put in place only on the cutoff assembly already associated with the trigger 7, "overflowing Spacers 46 and covering the entire front face of the breaking apparatus 100.

• la même architecture peut être utilisée pour toute la gamme jusqu'à 800 A grâce à l'utilisation d'une double coupure à pont rotatif, non limitée ;
• la fiabilité des mécanismes de coupure 20 et leur optimisation est assurée par l'utilisation de solution éprouvées ;
• le déclencheur 7 peut être raccordé par le dessous au dispositif de coupure 600, ce qui donne la meilleure accessibilité aux vis de raccordement, grâce à une inversion du sens de rotation du pont de coupure 26 ;
• l'interchangeabilité des déclencheurs 7 est complète permettant une différenciation très retardée des appareils 100 ;
• l'appareil de coupure 100 reste peu encombrant, notamment en hauteur h en dépit des performances et de la modularité optimisées, les différentes fonctions étant intégrées dans une enveloppe prédéfinie, qui peut être de 130 mm pour un 160 A, grâce notamment à une évacuation des gaz modifiée ;
• deux pas polaires p, notamment 25,4 et 27 mm pour 160 A, sont possibles en modifiant un nombre minime de pièces constitutives (entretoises 46, parois latérales 50, couvercle 96), qui plus est simples à réaliser, en plastique moulé ;
• les différents systèmes de mise en place dans les équipements électriques, notamment sur rail DIN, peuvent être utilisés en modifiant des pièces unitaires 46, 50 en plastique moulé ;
• le nez 9 de 45 mm du couvercle 96 de l'appareil de coupure 100 est centré, en particulier à 42,5 mm, grâce à l'inversion du sens de rotation dans les blocs de coupure 10, ce qui permet d'utiliser des plastrons d'habillage symétriques dans les armoires ;
• les gaz de coupure ne sont pas évacués à côté du déclencheur 7, ce qui limite la pollution sur cet élément qui peut être sensible, notamment dans sa version électronique, et libère du volume ;
• l'échappement des gaz n'est pas non plus réalisé sous les raccordements 4, 5 du disjoncteur 100, ce qui limite les risques d'amorçage en coupure ;
• le raccordement de puissance 80 peut être modulaire, selon le choix des entretoises 46, 146 ;
• diverses fonctions peuvent être modifiées et/ou ajoutées tard dans la fabrication par une modification des entretoises 46 qu'il est possible de changer très tardivement.

The resulting 100 circuit breaker allows to better meet industrial requirements following a priori contradictory:

• the same architecture can be used for the whole range up to 800 A thanks to the use of a double open-ended rotary bridge cut;
• the reliability of the breaking mechanisms 20 and their optimization is ensured by the use of proven solutions;
• the trigger 7 can be connected from below to the cutoff device 600, which gives the best accessibility to the connection screws, by reversing the direction of rotation of the cutoff bridge 26;
• the interchangeability of the triggers 7 is complete allowing a very delayed differentiation of the apparatus 100;
• the switching device 100 remains compact, especially in height h despite optimized performance and modularity, the various functions being integrated in a predefined envelope, which can be 130 mm for a 160 A, thanks in particular to an evacuation modified gases;
• two polar steps p, especially 25.4 and 27 mm for 160 A, are possible by modifying a minimal number of component parts (spacers 46, side walls 50, cover 96), which are more simple to produce, molded plastic;
• the various systems for placing in electrical equipment, in particular on a DIN rail, can be used by modifying unitary pieces 46, 50 made of molded plastic;
• the nose 9 of 45 mm of the cover 96 of the breaking apparatus 100 is centered, in particular at 42.5 mm, by virtue of the reversal of the direction of rotation in the cutoff blocks 10, which makes it possible to use symmetrical cladding panels in cabinets;
• the cutoff gases are not evacuated next to the trigger 7, which limits the pollution on this element which can be sensitive, especially in its electronic version, and releases volume;
• the gas exhaust is also not carried out under the connections 4, 5 of the circuit breaker 100, which limits the risk of ignition in cutoff;
• the power connection 80 can be modular, depending on the choice of spacers 46, 146;
• various functions can be modified and / or added later in the manufacture by a modification of the spacers 46 that can be changed very late.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a three-pole breaking device 100 including all the preferred features, it is not limited thereto: the different options can be combined in other configurations; in particular, the options described in relation to one or other of the embodiments of the struts 46, 146 illustrated in FIG. figures 4 and 5 may be combined differently and / or omitted. For example, the spacers 46 may be L-shaped and not T-shaped, with two different types of side walls 50. Furthermore, the embodiment shown adapts to any type of cut, and in particular to unipolar double-break blocks in translation, with afferent modification of the shapes and thicknesses; similarly, if a range of devices at 250 A, respectively 630 A, is provided, it is easy to change the p steps provided (eg 35 mm and 1.5 inches, respectively 45 mm).

Claims (12)

1. Spacer (46) for separating two single-pole breaking units (10), each unit (10) being contained in a case (12) with two large faces (14) separated by a thickness (e) of a unit (10) which houses a breaking mechanism (20) between an upstream connection terminal (4) and a downstream connection terminal (5), the unit (10) being provided with means (34) for simultaneous driving by a rod (30), said spacer (46) comprising:

   - a central partition (52) comprising a top end part (76) and a separating part, the shape of which is substantially included in the large face (14) of the breaking units (10) and comprises a cutout (70) for the passage of the simultaneous drive rod (30) of the breaking units (10);

   - securing means (66) enabling orthogonal clamping to said partition (52);

   - at least one back flange (54) substantially normal to the central partition (52);

   characterized in that the top end part (76) is intended to be located facing the upstream connection terminals (4) and in that the spacer comprises:

   - a creepage-distance-forming element (86), having dimensions which are standardized according to the breaking units (10), orthogonal to the back flange (54) and smaller in thickness than that (d) of the central partition (52), said thickness being taken orthogonally to the large faces (14), said element (86) being associated with the side of the top end part (76) opposite the separating part, in its thickness, extending from one side to the other of the central partition (52) from the back flange (54) to the opposite edge;

   - a pass-through hole (88) parallel to the creepage-distance-forming element (86) in the thickness (d) of the central partition (52).
2. Spacer (46) according to Claim 1, in which the creepage-distance-forming element is a slot (86) orthogonal to the back flange (54), passing through the central partition (52) over a constant depth and width.
3. Spacer (46) according to either Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising mechanical assistance means (72) at the passage cutout (70) for acting on the drive rod (30).
4. Spacer (46) according to Claim 3, in which the mechanical assistance means comprise a torsion spring (72) placed in a compressed position by the drive rod (30) when the breaking mechanism (20) is in the closed or open position.
5. Spacer (46) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, further comprising a support (82) substantially parallel to the back flange (54) in order to couple a cover (96), said support (82) comprising the opening hole (88) and the end of the creepage-distance-forming element (86).
6. Spacer (46) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the top end part (76) of the central partition (52) comprises protuberances (78) for delimiting housings of power connections (80) and/or for gas passage (40).
7. Spacer (46) according to Claim 6, further comprising a top flange (84) substantially normal to the central partition (52) and closing at least one housing of the end part (76).
8. Spacer (46) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, symmetrical with respect to the central partition (52).
9. Set comprising at least two similar spacers (46) according one of Claims 1 to 8, which can be juxtaposed so as to define a cavity (56), the back of which is formed by at least one back flange (54) of a spacer (46), and in which a single-pole breaking unit (10) and its simultaneous drive rod (30) can be fitted so that the clamping of two spacers (46) around a single-pole breaking unit (10) forms a sealed assembly.
10. Set according to Claim 9, further comprising two side walls (50) so as to form a closed alignment of cavities (56) for single-pole breaking units (10).
11. Switching device (600) comprising a set of spacers according to Claim 10 and a number of single-pole breaking units (10), corresponding to the number of cavities (56), housed in said cavities (56), one of the single-pole units (10) being associated with an actuating mechanism (8) and the units being connected by a common drive rod (30).
12. Switching apparatus (100) comprising a switching device (600) according to Claim 11, a tripping device (7) coupled to the switching device, and a cover (96) closing the face comprising the actuating mechanism (8).

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