EP2569796A1 - Protection device to be associated with a current cutout device in an electrical circuit with increased lifetime - Google Patents

Protection device to be associated with a current cutout device in an electrical circuit with increased lifetime

Info

Publication number
EP2569796A1
EP2569796A1 EP11719809A EP11719809A EP2569796A1 EP 2569796 A1 EP2569796 A1 EP 2569796A1 EP 11719809 A EP11719809 A EP 11719809A EP 11719809 A EP11719809 A EP 11719809A EP 2569796 A1 EP2569796 A1 EP 2569796A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pair
contacts
trip
fault
current
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11719809A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean Marmonier
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.)
General Electric Technology GmbH
Schneider Electric Protection and Controle SAS
Original Assignee
Alstom Technology AG
Schneider Electric Protection and Controle SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alstom Technology AG, Schneider Electric Protection and Controle SAS filed Critical Alstom Technology AG
Publication of EP2569796A1 publication Critical patent/EP2569796A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
    • H02H7/22—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systems; for switching devices
    • H02H7/222—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systems; for switching devices for switches

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of protection devices for electrical circuits and more specifically the protection devices associated with circuit breakers or switch-type current-breaking devices used to protect electrical circuits such as, for example, medium, high, or medium electrical networks. very high voltages.
  • FIG. 1 shows the conventional arrangement of a protection device 1 of a current cut-off device 20 intended to open an electric circuit 3.
  • the current cut-off device 20 may be, for example a circuit breaker or a switch and comprises at least one pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 movable relative to each other.
  • contact means a piece that when it touches another room allows the passage of a current from one to the other. These two contacts are matched.
  • This pair 2 of contacts is able to take an open position or a closed position.
  • FIG. 2A we can see the pair 2 of contacts in the closed position (on the left) then in the open position in FIG. right.
  • the pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20 is mechanically coupled to a pair 4 of signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 which reflects the position of the pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20.
  • the pair 4 of contacts signaling may be in the open position or in the closed position.
  • the position of this pair 4 of signaling contacts is the image of the position of the pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20.
  • the electrical circuit 3 may be, for example, a power transformer, a high voltage line, very high voltage or medium voltage that is aerial, aeronautic or a cable connection of another type.
  • a trip coil 5 is connected in series with the pair 4 of signaling contacts. This trip coil 5 has an operation similar to that of an electromagnet, it releases an element, for example of high power spring type (not shown) causing the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 .
  • the protection device 1 comprises a measuring device 1.1 of the current and / or the voltage delivered by the secondary current and voltage transformers, said measuring and not shown, installed on the electrical circuit 3, at least one pair 6 of trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 and a control device 1.2 of the pair 6 of trip contacts according to the measured values.
  • the control device 1.2 may comprise an element of electromagnet type (not shown), it maintains in the open position the pair of trip contacts 6 in the absence of a fault and in the closed position when a fault is detected.
  • This pair 6 of tripping contacts is connected in series with the pair 4 of signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 and the tripping coil 5. In the absence of a fault, the tripping coil 5 is not excited, it is not is not powered.
  • the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20 is in the closed position as well as the pair 4 of signaling contacts.
  • FIG. 2A schematically shows, in the form of a timing diagram, during a satisfactory operation of the current cut-off device 20, the different positions taken by the pair 6 of trip contacts 6.1, 6.2, the pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the current cut-off device 20 and the pair 4 of signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 when a fault occurs in the electric circuit 3.
  • the fault causes a modification of the current flowing in the electrical circuit and consequently of the signal transmitted by the measuring transformer to the measuring device 1.1.
  • the shape of the current and voltage in the electrical circuit at the measuring device is indicated.
  • a fault appears on the electrical circuit downstream of the current cut-off device 20.
  • a fault current appears but is not yet detected by the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1.
  • the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 detects the fault current.
  • the control device 1.2 is activated and at time t2, the pair 6 of contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the protection device 1 closes.
  • the trip coil 5 is supplied with current.
  • the order of opening of the pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the current cutoff device 20 is given.
  • the pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the current cutoff device 20 opens and the pair
  • the signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 are dimensioned for this purpose, that is to say that they resist the inevitable electric arc that appears during the opening when current was flowing in the trip coil 5.
  • the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 detects that the current has been canceled in the electrical circuit 3 and the control device 1.2 controls the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts of the measurement 1.
  • the opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device 1 is effective.
  • the triggering time of the protection device 1 that is to say the time elapsing between the time t0 of appearance of the defect and the instant t2 of closure of the pair 6 of contacts of the device, has been called dtl. tripping of the protection device 1.
  • Dt2 is called the dropout time of the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of tripping contacts, that is to say the time elapsing between the instant t4 of disappearance of the fault and the instant t6 of opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device.
  • the sequence of operations is identical to that previously described between times t0 and t2.
  • the pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20 does not open or not sufficiently at the instant we have called t3 since the current cutoff device 20 is out of order.
  • the fault is eliminated at time t3 by the opening of the pair of contacts of another current-breaking device (not visible) placed upstream of the fault-breaking power device 20.
  • the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 detects that the current has been canceled in the electrical circuit 3 and controls the opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device 1.
  • time interval between t1 and t4 is for example of the order of 300 to 500 milliseconds.
  • the opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device is effective. But the pair 4 of signaling contacts has not opened since it is mechanically coupled to the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 and that in this situation it is defective. Current is still flowing in the trip coil 5.
  • the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair of trip contacts, when opening, must therefore interrupt this current.
  • the current flowing in the trip coil 5 is generally greater than the breaking capacity of the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of tripping contacts.
  • the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of trip contacts will be damaged. They can of course be changed each time they are damaged after the refusal to open the contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the cut-off device. current 20.
  • This solution is expensive since it requires specific maintenance.
  • the risk of the trip contact pair not being closed when it is requested for a new fault is very important.
  • the first block 101 is a block for detecting the presence of a fault in the electric circuit by the device for measuring the protection device. If there is no fault, nothing happens and the monitoring continues until a fault occurs. If a fault is detected, there is a command to close the pair of trip contacts of the protection device in block 102. The protection device continues its detection of the fault in block 103 and, as long as the fault persists, the fault is maintained. closing the pair of trip contacts (block 102). If the measuring device no longer detects a fault but the current cut-off device is defective, the pair of trip contacts (block 104) is opened. Damage to the trip contacts then occurs.
  • This problem of damage to the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 can be solved by further providing in the protection device 1, an interposing relay 7 having a coil 7.3 connected in series with the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of FIG. trip contacts and at least one pair of contacts 7.1, 7.2 connected in series with the pair of contacts of signaling and trip coil 5.
  • an interposing relay 7 having a coil 7.3 connected in series with the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of FIG. trip contacts and at least one pair of contacts 7.1, 7.2 connected in series with the pair of contacts of signaling and trip coil 5.
  • This interposition relay 7 is chosen so as to have a much greater breaking capacity than that of the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2, and sufficient to cut off the current flowing in the trip coil 5.
  • Another drawback related to the fact that we add components is that the reliability of the so-called tripping circuit, with the tripping coil 5, the pair 6 of tripping contacts, the interposition relay 7 and the pair of contacts 4 signaling, is degraded.
  • Another disadvantage is that the trip delay is increased because of the interposition relay response time. Indeed, when the relay coil is energized, it actuates the contacts of the pair of contacts 6 to close them only after a defined time which can be a few milliseconds.
  • Another known solution is to introduce into the protection device 1 a monitoring device 8 of the current supplying the trip coil 5. Referring to FIG. 3B.
  • the current monitoring device 8 may comprise, for example, an auxiliary relay 8.1 and a switch 8.2 with flexible blades 8.6.
  • the auxiliary relay 8.1 has its coil 8.3 connected in series with the pair 6 of trip contacts and its pair of contacts 8.4 connected in series with the coil 8.5 of the reed switch 8.2, the pair 4 of signaling contacts and the 5.
  • the coil 8.5 of the reed switch 8.2 is wired in series with the pair of trip contacts.
  • the passage of the current through the coil 8.5 causes the closing of the switch 8.2 with blades 8.6. This closure generates the self-supply of the coil 8.3, so that the pair of contacts 8.4 of the auxiliary relay 8.1 will not open.
  • the present invention relates to a protection device to be associated with a current cut-off device circulating in an electrical circuit comprising at least one pair of tripping contacts with increased lifetime.
  • the present invention proposes, in the event of failure to provide a delay for detecting the failure of the current cut-off device and to prevent the opening of the pair of trip contacts until an operator is did not intervene, if at the end of the delay the fault persists.
  • This delay is independent of the implementation of means for actuating a cut-off and upstream protection device, but it is used for its action on the tripping contacts of the tripping coil of the opening of the protection device according to 1 ' invention.
  • the present invention is a protective device to be associated with a current cut-off device in an electric circuit, this current-breaking device being provided with minus a pair of electrical contacts;
  • the electrical circuit comprises a tripping coil in series with contacts for cutting the current in this coil when opening the circuit breaker.
  • the protection device comprises a measuring device for detecting a fault in the electrical circuit, at least one pair of trip contacts capable of taking a closed position or an open position and intended to supply a trigger coil intended to maneuver the pair. of the current cutoff device and a controller which controls the pair of trip contacts in accordance with a signal from the measuring device.
  • the control device controls:
  • the delay being long enough that at its completion, the pair of contacts of the power cut-off device has had time to open and start sufficiently early so that at its launch the The pair of contacts of the current cut-off device did not have time to open, as long as the cut-off device is in working order.
  • a typical timeout value will be between about 100 and 150 milliseconds.
  • the initiation of the timer and the control of the closing of the pair of trip contacts are substantially simultaneous.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for protecting at least one pair of tripping contacts of a protection device to be associated with a device for breaking a current in an electric circuit, this current-breaking device being provided with least one pair of contacts, including
  • a step of closing the pair of trip contacts which is intended to supply a trip coil to maneuver the pair of contacts of the current cutoff device to open. It furthermore comprises:
  • the opening step of the trip contact pair can take place only if the fault has disappeared after the delay.
  • the step of opening the pair of trip contacts can take place if the fault has disappeared while the delay is still running.
  • the delay initiation step and the closing step of the trip contact pair are substantially simultaneous. Indeed, the delay is there for a verification of the presence or absence of the fault can be made after the current cutoff device has received an order of opening.
  • Figure 1 (already described) schematically shows a device for protecting a current-breaking device of the prior art
  • FIGS. 2A, 2B show in chronogram form the state of the measuring device, the pair of trip contacts of a protection device according to the prior art, the pair of signaling contacts and the pair of contacts of a power failure device when the current cutoff device is operable on the one hand and out of order on the other hand;
  • FIG. 2C (already described) is a flowchart illustrating the various steps used during the operation of a protective device of the prior art
  • Figs. 3A, 3B are schematic representations of prior art protective device including additional components mounted with the pair of trip contacts;
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B are two alternative flowcharts illustrating the method of protecting a device for protecting a current-breaking device that is the subject of the invention
  • FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a device for protecting a current-breaking device according to the invention
  • FIGS. 4D and 4E show, in the form of timing diagrams, the state of the measuring device, of the pair of trip contacts of a switching device. protection according to the invention, the pair of signaling contacts and the pair of contacts of a power cut-off device when the power failure device is in working condition on the one hand and out of state to operate on the other hand.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are two variants of a flowchart relating to the method of protecting at least one pair of triggering contacts which is the subject of the invention.
  • the protection device is close to that of FIG. 1, and may include the means as described in document EP 0 820 081; on the other hand, for the protection of the trip contacts of the coil, it is not expected to add component between the pair of trip contacts and the trip coil on the one hand and the pair of signaling contacts.
  • the only difference is at the level of the control device 1.2 of the position of the pair of trip contacts which now includes timing means and is able to initiate said timer TA.
  • This control device 1.2 controls the pair of tripping contacts as a function of a signal coming from the measuring device of the device. protection. It conventionally includes an electronic circuit which includes the timer TA and a control relay of the pair of trip contacts.
  • the control devices in known manner are made based on microprocessors that have clocks capable of performing the delay, but other alternatives are possible.
  • the flowchart begins with a block 401 for detecting the presence of a fault in the electric circuit by the device for measuring the protection device. If there is no fault, nothing happens and the monitoring of the occurrence of a fault continues.
  • the measurements are made in a conventional manner by taking values from the secondary voltage transformers and / or current (not shown) installed on conductors of the electrical circuit 3 to monitor.
  • the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 uses calculation programs to compare these measured values, after conversion into digital, made at a given time with reference values specific to the electrical circuit under protection.
  • the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 controls the closing of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device (block 402).
  • a timer is then preferably launched simultaneously with the controlling the closure of the pair 6 of trip contacts (block 403).
  • the protection device 1 knows when it controls the closing of the pair of trip contacts. On the other hand, it does not know when the closing of the pair of trip contacts will be effective.
  • the delay starts a little later after the control of the closing of the pair of trip contacts, or a little earlier between the detection of the fault and the control of the closure of the pair of contacts 6 trigger.
  • the timer starts before the pair of contacts of the power failure device has had time to open. This time of course corresponds to a satisfactory operation of the power failure device. This therefore means that the timer starts before the pair 4 of signaling contacts has materially been able to open.
  • the time delay has a sufficient duration so that once completed, the pair of contacts 2 of the current cut-off device 20 has had sufficient time to open as long as the current cut-off device 20 is not defective.
  • the delay time is set with a comfortable margin to prevent it from ending before the pair of contacts 2 of the current cut-off device 20 is sufficiently open to cut off the current in the electric circuit 3, particularly if the relative movement of the contacts 2.1, 2.2 is slow.
  • the time delay may have a duration of between 100 and 150 milliseconds, if it is considered that when the power cut-off device is in working order, it elapses about 60 ms after the closure of the pair 6 of contacts. trigger so that its pair of contacts opens and the fault current is cut.
  • FIGS. 4D and 4E the typical duration tcoup of the timer TA will be seen.
  • Closing the pair 6 of trip contacts causes the power supply of the trip coil 5, the opening of the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cutoff device 20 to the extent that it is not defective and this opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the cutoff device 20 causes the opening of the pair 4 of signaling contacts.
  • the verification by the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 of the presence or absence of a fault in the electric circuit 3 takes place at the end of the timer TA (block 404). If the measuring device 1.1 has not detected a fault on the electrical circuit 3, the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 controls the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts, this opening can be done without risk of damage to its contacts 6.1, 6.2 since the pair 4 of signaling contacts has been opened by the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 which is not defective (block 405).
  • the measuring device 1.1 always detects a fault in the electrical circuit 3 at block 404, this means that the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20 has not opened.
  • the current cutoff device 20 is defective.
  • the pair 4 of signaling contacts has therefore not opened either since it is mechanically connected to the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20.
  • the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 prohibits the opening from the pair 6 of trip contacts until the intervention of an operator (block 406). This opening prohibition ensures that the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair of trip contacts 6 will not be damaged since they are blocked in closing. An alarm can be activated to warn an operator of the need for intervention.
  • FIG. 4B The flowchart of FIG. 4B is identical to that of FIG. 4A, up to block 403. Instead of checking whether the fault persists at the end of FIG. the timer TA, this check (block 404 ') starts earlier while the timer TA continues to run. If during the check the fault has disappeared, the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 controls the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts, this opening can be done without risk of damage to its contacts 6.1, 6.2 since the pair 4 of signaling contacts has been opened by the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current-breaking device 20 which is not defective (block 405 ').
  • the measuring device 1.1 always detects a fault in the electrical circuit 3 at block 404 ', this means that the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20 has not opened.
  • the control device 1.2 checks whether or not the timer TA has expired (block 406 '). If the timer TA has not elapsed, the measuring device 1.1 continues its monitoring (block 404 '). If the timer TA has elapsed, it means that the power failure device 20 is defective. The control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 then prohibits the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts until the intervention of an operator (block 407 ').
  • a fault appears on the electrical circuit downstream of the current cut-off device.
  • the shape of the current and voltage in the electrical circuit at the measuring device is indicated.
  • a fault current appears but is not yet detected by the protection device.
  • the measuring device of the protection device detects the fault.
  • the control device of the protection device is activated and at time t2 the pair of trip contacts close energizing the trip coil. In this example, at this time t2 the timer also begins. It could begin before or after as explained above.
  • the trip coil 5 is energized by the current flow following the closure of the pair 6 of trip contacts.
  • the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cut-off device and the pair 4 of signaling contacts open. The opening of the pair 4 of signaling contacts interrupts the excitation current flowing in the tripping coil 5.
  • Its contacts 4.1, 4.2 are dimensioned for this purpose, that is, they resist unavoidable electric arc that appears when opening.
  • the device for measuring the protection device detects that the current has canceled in the electrical circuit 3 and that the fault has disappeared. But the opening of the pair 6 of triggering contacts of the protection device can not occur before the completion of the timer TA. It is at the end of timer TA that the pair of trip contacts will be actuated or not.
  • the time t6 marks the end of the timer TA.
  • the fault is no longer detected by the measuring device 1.1 since the current cut-off device 20 has cut off the current in the electric circuit 3.
  • the pair 6 of trip contacts opens.
  • the pair 6 of tripping contacts is allowed to open because the control device has been activated as soon as the fault has been detected before the end of the timer TA, but this activation was ineffective since the timer TA was not active. not completed.
  • the trip coil 5 is no longer energized because no current flows, it was cut at time t3 when opening the pair 4 of signaling contacts. There is no risk of damage to the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of tripping contacts.
  • the pair 6 of trip contacts would have opened at time t5 when the measuring device of the protection device detects that the current has canceled in the electric circuit 3 and that the fault has disappeared.
  • the duration of the delay TA is called tcoup.
  • the duration tcoup will typically be set to be greater than the sum of:
  • FIG. 4E it is in the case where the current-breaking circuit 20 is defective, its pair 2 of contacts being unable to open so as to interrupt the current in the electric circuit 3.
  • the sequence of operations is identical to that previously described between times t0 and t2.
  • the timer also starts at time t2.
  • the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cut-off device 20 does not open at the instant we have called t3 in FIG. 4C since it is defective.
  • the pair 4 of signaling contacts does not open either.
  • Time t3 in FIG. 4D marks the end of timer TA.
  • the fault is always detected by the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device.
  • the protection device then knows that the power failure device is defective. In this case, the fault is eliminated at a time t4 by the opening of the contacts of another power failure device (not visible) placed upstream of the defective power failure device, for example by a method according to EP 0 820 081.
  • the measuring device 1.1 no longer detects any defect in the electrical circuit 3.
  • the control device 1.2 has no effect on the change of position of the pair 6 of contacts of trigger. It remains locked in the closed position until an operator intervenes.
  • the operator has intervened and the pair 6 of trip contacts has moved to the open position. It has not been damaged.
  • the operator Before performing this opening operation, the operator must ensure that the current in the trip coil is interrupted, for example by cutting off the supply polarities or by manually opening the cut-off device. current.
  • the protection device according to the invention is reliable and provides no material overhead compared to known solutions such as those shown in Figures 3A, 3B. It is sufficient to provide in the control device the timer TA, this solution requiring only software development.

Landscapes

  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Keying Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

This pertains to a protection device to be associated with a current cutout device (20), provided with at least one pair (2) of contacts, in an electrical circuit (3). The protection device comprises a measurement device (1.1) for detecting a defect in the electrical circuit, at least one pair (6) of trip contacts being able to take a closed or open position and having to energize a coil in order to manoeuvre the pair (2) of contacts of the current cutout device (20), a control device (1.2) for controlling the closing of the pair (6) of trip contacts in the event of detection of a defect, the instigating of a timeout and the opening of the pair of trip contacts in the event of the disappearance of the defect on completion of the timeout and the prevention of opening until the intervention of an operator in the event of persistence of the defect on completion of the timeout.

Description

DISPOSITIF DE PROTECTION À ASSOCIER À UN DISPOSITIF DE COUPURE DE COURANT DANS UN CIRCUIT ÉLECTRIQUE À DURÉE PROTECTIVE DEVICE TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH A CURRENT CUTTING DEVICE IN A TIME ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT
DE VIE ACCRUE DESCRIPTION LIFE INCREASE DESCRIPTION
DOMAINE TECHNIQUE TECHNICAL AREA
La présente invention concerne le domaine des dispositifs de protection des circuits électriques et plus précisément les dispositifs de protection associés à des dispositifs de coupure de courant de type disjoncteurs ou interrupteurs utilisés pour protéger des circuits électriques tels que par exemple des réseaux électriques moyenne, haute ou très haute tensions . ÉTAT DE LA TECHNIQUE ANTÉRIEURE  The present invention relates to the field of protection devices for electrical circuits and more specifically the protection devices associated with circuit breakers or switch-type current-breaking devices used to protect electrical circuits such as, for example, medium, high, or medium electrical networks. very high voltages. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART
On va se référer à la figure 1 qui montre l'agencement conventionnel d'un dispositif de protection 1 d'un dispositif de coupure de courant 20, destiné à ouvrir un circuit électrique 3. Le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 peut être par exemple un disjoncteur ou un interrupteur et comporte au moins une paire 2 de contacts 2.1, 2.2 mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre. Dans cette invention, par contact on entend une pièce qui lorsqu'elle touche une autre pièce permet le passage d'un courant de l'une à l'autre. Ces deux contacts sont appariés.  Reference will be made to FIG. 1, which shows the conventional arrangement of a protection device 1 of a current cut-off device 20 intended to open an electric circuit 3. The current cut-off device 20 may be, for example a circuit breaker or a switch and comprises at least one pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 movable relative to each other. In this invention, contact means a piece that when it touches another room allows the passage of a current from one to the other. These two contacts are matched.
Cette paire 2 de contacts est apte à prendre une position ouverte ou une position fermée. Sur la figure 2A, on voit la paire 2 de contacts en position fermée (à gauche) puis en position ouverte à droite. La paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est couplée mécaniquement à une paire 4 de contacts de signalisation 4.1, 4.2 qui traduit la position de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20. La paire 4 de contacts de signalisation peut être en position ouverte ou en position fermée. La position de cette paire 4 de contacts de signalisation est l'image de la position de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20. This pair 2 of contacts is able to take an open position or a closed position. In FIG. 2A, we can see the pair 2 of contacts in the closed position (on the left) then in the open position in FIG. right. The pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20 is mechanically coupled to a pair 4 of signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 which reflects the position of the pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20. The pair 4 of contacts signaling may be in the open position or in the closed position. The position of this pair 4 of signaling contacts is the image of the position of the pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20.
Le circuit électrique 3 peut être, par exemple, un transformateur de puissance, une ligne haute tension, très haute tension ou moyenne tension qu'elle soit aérienne, aéro-souterraine ou une liaison par câble d'un autre type. Une bobine de déclenchement 5 est montée en série avec la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation. Cette bobine de déclenchement 5 a un fonctionnement similaire à celui d'un électroaimant, elle libère un élément, par exemple de type ressort de grande puissance (non représenté) entraînant l'ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20.  The electrical circuit 3 may be, for example, a power transformer, a high voltage line, very high voltage or medium voltage that is aerial, aeronautic or a cable connection of another type. A trip coil 5 is connected in series with the pair 4 of signaling contacts. This trip coil 5 has an operation similar to that of an electromagnet, it releases an element, for example of high power spring type (not shown) causing the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 .
Le dispositif de protection 1 comporte un dispositif de mesure 1.1 du courant et/ou de la tension délivrés par le secondaire de transformateurs de courant et tension, dits de mesure et non représentés, installés sur le circuit électrique 3, au moins une paire 6 de contacts 6.1, 6.2 de déclenchement et un dispositif de commande 1.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement en fonction des valeurs mesurées. Le dispositif de commande 1.2 peut comporter un élément de type électroaimant (non représenté) , il maintient en position d'ouverture la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement en l'absence de défaut et en position de fermeture lorsqu'un défaut est détecté. Cette paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement est montée en série avec la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation 4.1, 4.2 et la bobine de déclenchement 5. En l'absence de défaut, la bobine de déclenchement 5 n'est donc pas excitée, elle n'est pas alimentée en courant. En l'absence de défaut sur le circuit électrique 3, la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est en position de fermeture ainsi que la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation . The protection device 1 comprises a measuring device 1.1 of the current and / or the voltage delivered by the secondary current and voltage transformers, said measuring and not shown, installed on the electrical circuit 3, at least one pair 6 of trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 and a control device 1.2 of the pair 6 of trip contacts according to the measured values. The control device 1.2 may comprise an element of electromagnet type (not shown), it maintains in the open position the pair of trip contacts 6 in the absence of a fault and in the closed position when a fault is detected. This pair 6 of tripping contacts is connected in series with the pair 4 of signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 and the tripping coil 5. In the absence of a fault, the tripping coil 5 is not excited, it is not is not powered. In the absence of a fault on the electrical circuit 3, the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20 is in the closed position as well as the pair 4 of signaling contacts.
La figure 2A montre de manière schématique sous forme de chronogramme, lors d'un fonctionnement satisfaisant du dispositif de coupure de courant 20, les différentes positions prises par la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement 6.1, 6.2, la paire 2 de contacts 2.1, 2.2 du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 et la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation 4.1, 4.2 lors de l'apparition d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique 3. Le défaut entraîne une modification du courant circulant dans le circuit électrique et par conséquent du signal transmis par le transformateur de mesure au dispositif de mesure 1.1. L'allure des courant et tension dans le circuit électrique au niveau du dispositif de mesure est indiquée. A l'instant tO, un défaut apparaît sur le circuit électrique en aval du dispositif de coupure de courant 20. Un courant de défaut apparaît mais n'est pas encore détecté par le dispositif de mesure 1.1 du dispositif de protection 1. A l'instant tl, le dispositif de mesure 1.1 du dispositif de protection 1 détecte le courant de défaut. Le dispositif de commande 1.2 est activé et à l'instant t2, la paire 6 de contacts 6.1, 6.2 du dispositif de protection 1 se ferme. La bobine de déclenchement 5 est alimentée en courant. L'ordre d'ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts 2.1, 2.2 du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est donné. A l'instant t3, la paire 2 de contacts 2.1, 2.2 du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 s'ouvre et la paireFIG. 2A schematically shows, in the form of a timing diagram, during a satisfactory operation of the current cut-off device 20, the different positions taken by the pair 6 of trip contacts 6.1, 6.2, the pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the current cut-off device 20 and the pair 4 of signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 when a fault occurs in the electric circuit 3. The fault causes a modification of the current flowing in the electrical circuit and consequently of the signal transmitted by the measuring transformer to the measuring device 1.1. The shape of the current and voltage in the electrical circuit at the measuring device is indicated. At time t0, a fault appears on the electrical circuit downstream of the current cut-off device 20. A fault current appears but is not yet detected by the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1. At time t1, the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 detects the fault current. The control device 1.2 is activated and at time t2, the pair 6 of contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the protection device 1 closes. The trip coil 5 is supplied with current. The order of opening of the pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the current cutoff device 20 is given. At time t3, the pair 2 of contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the current cutoff device 20 opens and the pair
4 des contacts 4.1, 4.2 de signalisation également. Ces ouvertures peuvent être simultanées ou légèrement décalées dans le temps. L'ouverture de la paire 4 de contacts 4.1, 4.1 de signalisation fait que le courant d'excitation circulant dans la bobine de déclenchement4 4.1, 4.2 signaling contacts also. These openings may be simultaneous or slightly shifted in time. The opening of the pair 4 of 4.1, 4.1 signaling contacts makes the excitation current flowing in the trigger coil
5 se coupe. Les contacts 4.1, 4.2 de signalisation sont dimensionnés à cet effet, c'est-à-dire qu'ils résistent à l'arc électrique inévitable qui apparaît lors de l'ouverture alors que du courant circulait dans la bobine de déclenchement 5. 5 cuts itself off. The signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 are dimensioned for this purpose, that is to say that they resist the inevitable electric arc that appears during the opening when current was flowing in the trip coil 5.
A l'instant t4, le défaut à disparu, puisque la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est en position ouverte, le courant circulant dans le circuit électrique 3 est coupé.  At time t4, the fault has disappeared, since the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 is in the open position, the current flowing in the electrical circuit 3 is cut.
A l'instant t5, le dispositif de mesure 1.1 du dispositif de protection 1 détecte que le courant s'est annulé dans le circuit électrique 3 et le dispositif de commande 1.2 commande l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de mesure 1. A l'instant t6, l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection 1 est effective. On a appelé dtl le temps de déclenchement du dispositif de protection 1, c'est-à- dire le temps s' écoulant entre l'instant tO d'apparition du défaut et l'instant t2 de fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection 1. On a appelé dt2 le temps de retombée des contacts de déclenchement 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement, c'est-à-dire le temps s' écoulant entre l'instant t4 de disparition du défaut et l'instant t6 d'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection. At time t5, the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 detects that the current has been canceled in the electrical circuit 3 and the control device 1.2 controls the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts of the measurement 1. At time t6, the opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device 1 is effective. The triggering time of the protection device 1, that is to say the time elapsing between the time t0 of appearance of the defect and the instant t2 of closure of the pair 6 of contacts of the device, has been called dtl. tripping of the protection device 1. Dt2 is called the dropout time of the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of tripping contacts, that is to say the time elapsing between the instant t4 of disappearance of the fault and the instant t6 of opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device.
Sur la figure 2B, on est dans le cas où le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est défectueux, la paire 2 de contacts refusant de s'ouvrir de manière à interrompre le courant dans le circuit électrique 3.  In FIG. 2B, it is in the case where the current-breaking device 20 is defective, the pair 2 of contacts refusing to open so as to interrupt the current in the electric circuit 3.
L'enchaînement des opérations est identique à ce qui a été décrit précédemment entre les instants tO et t2. La paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 ne s'ouvre pas ou pas suffisamment à l'instant que nous avons appelé t3 puisque le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est hors d'état de fonctionner. Dans ce cas, le défaut est éliminé à l'instant t3 par l'ouverture de la paire de contacts d'un autre dispositif de coupure de courant (non visible) placé en amont du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 défectueux.  The sequence of operations is identical to that previously described between times t0 and t2. The pair of contacts 2 of the current cutoff device 20 does not open or not sufficiently at the instant we have called t3 since the current cutoff device 20 is out of order. In this case, the fault is eliminated at time t3 by the opening of the pair of contacts of another current-breaking device (not visible) placed upstream of the fault-breaking power device 20.
L'ouverture de la paire de contacts de ce dispositif de coupure de courant amont s'est effectuée après qu'un dispositif de protection amont qui lui est associé, a détecté le défaut et commandé son ouverture comme on l'a décrit à la figure 2A. Le courant s'annule donc dans le circuit électrique 3. En particulier, tel que décrit dans le document EP 0 820 081, une temporisation peut être mise en place sur la bobine de déclenchement 5 et/ou les contacts de signalisation 4 pour accélérer la détection de la défaillance du disjoncteur et actionner le dispositif de protection amont (non illustré) . The pair of contacts of this upstream current cut-off device was opened after an upstream protection device associated with it, detected the fault and commanded its opening as described in FIG. 2A. The current is canceled therefore in the electrical circuit 3. In particular, as described in EP 0 820 081, a delay can be set up on the trip coil 5 and / or the signaling contacts 4 to accelerate the detection of the failure of the breaker and operate the upstream protection device (not shown).
A l'instant t4, le dispositif de mesure 1.1 du dispositif de protection 1 détecte que le courant s'est annulé dans le circuit électrique 3 et commande l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection 1. L'intervalle de temps entre tl et t4 vaut par exemple de l'ordre de 300 à 500 millisecondes. A l'instant t5, l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection est effective. Mais la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation ne s'est pas ouverte puisqu'elle est couplée mécaniquement à la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 et que dans cette situation il est défectueux. Du courant circule encore dans la bobine de déclenchement 5. Les contacts 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement, en s' ouvrant, doivent donc interrompre ce courant. Or le courant circulant dans la bobine de déclenchement 5 est généralement supérieur à la capacité de coupure des contacts 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement. En coupant ce courant, les contacts 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement vont être endommagés. On peut bien sûr les changer à chaque fois qu'ils sont endommagés après le refus d'ouverture des contacts 2.1, 2.2 du dispositif de coupure de courant 20. Cette solution est onéreuse puisqu'elle nécessite une maintenance spécifique. De plus, si l'exploitant omet de remplacer la paire de contacts de déclenchement, le risque de non fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement lorsqu'elle sera sollicitée lors d'un nouveau défaut est très important. At time t4, the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 detects that the current has been canceled in the electrical circuit 3 and controls the opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device 1. time interval between t1 and t4 is for example of the order of 300 to 500 milliseconds. At time t5, the opening of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device is effective. But the pair 4 of signaling contacts has not opened since it is mechanically coupled to the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 and that in this situation it is defective. Current is still flowing in the trip coil 5. The contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair of trip contacts, when opening, must therefore interrupt this current. Or the current flowing in the trip coil 5 is generally greater than the breaking capacity of the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of tripping contacts. By cutting this current, the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of trip contacts will be damaged. They can of course be changed each time they are damaged after the refusal to open the contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the cut-off device. current 20. This solution is expensive since it requires specific maintenance. In addition, if the operator fails to replace the trip contact pair, the risk of the trip contact pair not being closed when it is requested for a new fault is very important.
La figure 2C montre un organigramme relatif au fonctionnement que l'on vient de décrire. Le premier bloc 101 est un bloc détection de la présence d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique par le dispositif de mesure du dispositif de protection. S'il n'y a pas de défaut, il ne se passe rien et la surveillance de continue jusqu'à l'apparition d'un défaut. Si un défaut est détecté, il y a commande de fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection au bloc 102. Le dispositif de protection continue sa détection du défaut au bloc 103 et, tant que le défaut persiste, on maintient la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement (bloc 102) . Si le dispositif de mesure ne détecte plus de défaut mais que le dispositif de coupure de courant est défectueux, on ouvre la paire de contacts de déclenchement (bloc 104) . L' endommagement des contacts de déclenchement se produit alors.  Figure 2C shows a flowchart of the operation just described. The first block 101 is a block for detecting the presence of a fault in the electric circuit by the device for measuring the protection device. If there is no fault, nothing happens and the monitoring continues until a fault occurs. If a fault is detected, there is a command to close the pair of trip contacts of the protection device in block 102. The protection device continues its detection of the fault in block 103 and, as long as the fault persists, the fault is maintained. closing the pair of trip contacts (block 102). If the measuring device no longer detects a fault but the current cut-off device is defective, the pair of trip contacts (block 104) is opened. Damage to the trip contacts then occurs.
Ce problème d' endommagement des contacts de déclenchement 6.1, 6.2 peut être résolu en prévoyant en outre dans le dispositif de protection 1, un relais d'interposition 7 ayant une bobine 7.3 montée en série avec les contacts 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement et au moins une paire de contacts 7.1, 7.2 montée en série avec la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation et la bobine de déclenchement 5. On se réfère à la figure 3A. Ce relais d'interposition 7 est choisi de manière à avoir une capacité de coupure bien plus importante que celle des contacts de déclenchement 6.1, 6.2, et suffisante pour couper le courant circulant dans la bobine de déclenchement 5. En cas de non ouverture des contacts 2.1, 2.2 de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 lors de l'apparition d'un courant de défaut, ce sont les contacts 7.1, 7.2 du relais 7 qui lorsqu'ils seront dans une position ouverte couperont le courant circulant dans de la bobine de déclenchement 5 dans la mesure où les contacts de signalisation 4.1, 4.2 ne se sont pas ouverts à cause de la défectuosité du dispositif de coupure de courant 20. Ceci évite d'endommager les contacts de déclenchement 6.1, 6.2 du dispositif de protection 1. Mais cette configuration souffre de plusieurs inconvénients. D'abord elle est onéreuse, de tels relais étant des composants onéreux. Un autre inconvénient lié au fait que l'on rajoute des composants est que la fiabilité du circuit dit de déclenchement, avec la bobine de déclenchement 5, la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement, le relais d' interposition 7 et la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation, est dégradée. Un autre inconvénient est que l'on accroît le retard au déclenchement à cause du temps de réponse de relais d'interposition. En effet, lorsque la bobine du relais est alimentée, elle n'actionne les contacts de la paire de contacts 6 pour les fermer qu'au bout d'un temps défini qui peut être de quelques millisecondes. Une autre solution connue est d' introduire dans le dispositif de protection 1 un dispositif de surveillance 8 du courant alimentant la bobine de déclenchement 5. On se réfère à la figure 3B. Dès que le défaut a disparu et que la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement devrait s'ouvrir bien que la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation soit en position fermée, le dispositif de surveillance 8 vérifie si du courant circule ou non dans la bobine de déclenchement 5 et n'autorise l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement qu'en l'absence de circulation de courant. Le dispositif de surveillance de courant 8 peut comporter, par exemple, un relais auxiliaire 8.1 et un interrupteur 8.2 à lames souples 8.6. Le relais auxiliaire 8.1 a sa bobine 8.3 montée en série avec la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement et sa paire de contacts 8.4 montée en série avec la bobine 8.5 de l'interrupteur à lames souples 8.2, la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation et la bobine de déclenchement 5. La bobine 8.5 de l'interrupteur à lames souples 8.2 est câblée en série avec la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement. Le passage du courant à travers la bobine 8.5 provoque la fermeture de l'interrupteur 8.2 à lames souples 8.6. Cette fermeture engendre l'auto- alimentation de la bobine 8.3, si bien que la paire de contacts 8.4 du relais auxiliaire 8.1 ne s'ouvrira pas. This problem of damage to the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 can be solved by further providing in the protection device 1, an interposing relay 7 having a coil 7.3 connected in series with the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of FIG. trip contacts and at least one pair of contacts 7.1, 7.2 connected in series with the pair of contacts of signaling and trip coil 5. Referring to FIG. 3A. This interposition relay 7 is chosen so as to have a much greater breaking capacity than that of the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2, and sufficient to cut off the current flowing in the trip coil 5. In case of non-opening of the contacts 2.1, 2.2 of the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cut-off device 20 when a fault current appears, it is the contacts 7.1, 7.2 of the relay 7 which when they are in an open position will cut off the current circulating in the trip coil 5 to the extent that the signaling contacts 4.1, 4.2 have not opened because of the failure of the current cutoff device 20. This avoids damaging the trip contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the protection device 1. But this configuration suffers from several disadvantages. Firstly, it is expensive, such relays being expensive components. Another drawback related to the fact that we add components is that the reliability of the so-called tripping circuit, with the tripping coil 5, the pair 6 of tripping contacts, the interposition relay 7 and the pair of contacts 4 signaling, is degraded. Another disadvantage is that the trip delay is increased because of the interposition relay response time. Indeed, when the relay coil is energized, it actuates the contacts of the pair of contacts 6 to close them only after a defined time which can be a few milliseconds. Another known solution is to introduce into the protection device 1 a monitoring device 8 of the current supplying the trip coil 5. Referring to FIG. 3B. As soon as the fault has disappeared and the pair of trip contacts 6 should open even though the pair 4 of signaling contacts is in the closed position, the monitoring device 8 checks whether current is flowing or not in the trip coil. 5 and authorizes the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts in the absence of current flow. The current monitoring device 8 may comprise, for example, an auxiliary relay 8.1 and a switch 8.2 with flexible blades 8.6. The auxiliary relay 8.1 has its coil 8.3 connected in series with the pair 6 of trip contacts and its pair of contacts 8.4 connected in series with the coil 8.5 of the reed switch 8.2, the pair 4 of signaling contacts and the 5. The coil 8.5 of the reed switch 8.2 is wired in series with the pair of trip contacts. The passage of the current through the coil 8.5 causes the closing of the switch 8.2 with blades 8.6. This closure generates the self-supply of the coil 8.3, so that the pair of contacts 8.4 of the auxiliary relay 8.1 will not open.
L' inconvénient de cette configuration est encore son coût et la dégradation de la fiabilité du dispositif de protection. EXPOSÉ DE L' INVENTION The disadvantage of this configuration is its cost and the degradation of the reliability of the protection device. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif de protection à associer à un dispositif de coupure de courant circulant dans un circuit électrique comportant au moins une paire de contacts de déclenchement à durée de vie accrue.  The present invention relates to a protection device to be associated with a current cut-off device circulating in an electrical circuit comprising at least one pair of tripping contacts with increased lifetime.
Un autre but de l'invention est de proposer un tel dispositif de protection dont le risque d' endommagement est réduit et dont le coût est également réduit par rapport à l'art antérieur qui prévoyait l'ajout de composants. Un autre but de l'invention est de proposer un tel dispositif de protection dont la fiabilité est accrue par rapport à l'art antérieur qui prévoyait l'ajout de composants.  Another object of the invention is to provide such a protection device whose risk of damage is reduced and whose cost is also reduced compared to the prior art which provided for the addition of components. Another object of the invention is to provide such a protection device whose reliability is increased compared to the prior art which provided for the addition of components.
Pour y parvenir, la présente invention propose, en cas de défaut de prévoir une temporisation permettant de détecter la défaillance du dispositif de coupure de courant et d'empêcher l'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement tant qu'un opérateur n'est pas intervenu, si en fin de temporisation le défaut persiste. Cette temporisation est indépendante de la mise en œuvre de moyens pour actionner un dispositif de coupure et de protection amont, mais elle est utilisée pour son action sur les contacts de déclenchement de la bobine de déclenchement de l'ouverture du dispositif de protection selon 1 ' invention .  To achieve this, the present invention proposes, in the event of failure to provide a delay for detecting the failure of the current cut-off device and to prevent the opening of the pair of trip contacts until an operator is did not intervene, if at the end of the delay the fault persists. This delay is independent of the implementation of means for actuating a cut-off and upstream protection device, but it is used for its action on the tripping contacts of the tripping coil of the opening of the protection device according to 1 ' invention.
Plus précisément, la présente invention est un dispositif de protection à associer à un dispositif de coupure de courant dans un circuit électrique, ce dispositif de coupure de courant étant pourvu d'au moins une paire de contacts électriques ; en particulier, le circuit électrique comprend une bobine de déclenchement en série avec des contacts destinés à couper le courant dans cette bobine lors de l'ouverture du disjoncteur. Le dispositif de protection comporte un dispositif de mesure destiné à détecter un défaut dans le circuit électrique, au moins une paire de contacts de déclenchement apte à prendre une position fermée ou une position ouverte et destinée à alimenter une bobine de déclenchement destinée à manœuvrer la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant et un dispositif de commande qui commande la paire de contacts de déclenchement en fonction d'un signal provenant du dispositif de mesure. Le dispositif de commande commande : More specifically, the present invention is a protective device to be associated with a current cut-off device in an electric circuit, this current-breaking device being provided with minus a pair of electrical contacts; in particular, the electrical circuit comprises a tripping coil in series with contacts for cutting the current in this coil when opening the circuit breaker. The protection device comprises a measuring device for detecting a fault in the electrical circuit, at least one pair of trip contacts capable of taking a closed position or an open position and intended to supply a trigger coil intended to maneuver the pair. of the current cutoff device and a controller which controls the pair of trip contacts in accordance with a signal from the measuring device. The control device controls:
le lancement d'une temporisation par les moyens de temporisation et la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement en cas de détection d'un défaut par le dispositif de mesure,  initiating a delay by the delay means and closing the pair of trip contacts in the event of detection of a fault by the measuring device,
à l'issue de la temporisation, en cas de disparition du défaut détecté par le dispositif de mesure, l'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement,  at the end of the delay, in case of disappearance of the fault detected by the measuring device, the opening of the pair of trip contacts,
à l'issue de la temporisation, en cas de persistance du défaut détecté par le dispositif de mesure, l'interdiction de l'ouverture jusqu'à l'intervention d'un opérateur,  at the end of the delay, in case of persistence of the fault detected by the measuring device, the prohibition of the opening until the intervention of an operator,
la temporisation étant suffisamment longue pour qu'à son achèvement, la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant ait eu le temps de s'ouvrir et débutant suffisamment tôt pour qu'à son lancement la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant n'ait pas eu le temps de s'ouvrir, dans la mesure où le dispositif de coupure de courant est en état de fonctionner . the delay being long enough that at its completion, the pair of contacts of the power cut-off device has had time to open and start sufficiently early so that at its launch the The pair of contacts of the current cut-off device did not have time to open, as long as the cut-off device is in working order.
Une valeur typique de la temporisation se situera entre environ 100 et 150 millisecondes.  A typical timeout value will be between about 100 and 150 milliseconds.
Le lancement de la temporisation et la commande de la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement sont sensiblement simultanés.  The initiation of the timer and the control of the closing of the pair of trip contacts are substantially simultaneous.
La présente invention concerne également un procédé de protection d' au moins une paire de contacts de déclenchement d'un dispositif de protection à associer à un dispositif de coupure de courant dans un circuit électrique, ce dispositif de coupure de courant étant pourvu d'au moins une paire de contacts, comportant  The present invention also relates to a method for protecting at least one pair of tripping contacts of a protection device to be associated with a device for breaking a current in an electric circuit, this current-breaking device being provided with least one pair of contacts, including
- une étape de détection d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique,  a step of detecting a fault in the electrical circuit,
- une étape de fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement qui est destinée à alimenter une bobine de déclenchement devant manœuvrer la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant pour l'ouvrir. Il comporte en outre :  - A step of closing the pair of trip contacts which is intended to supply a trip coil to maneuver the pair of contacts of the current cutoff device to open. It furthermore comprises:
-une étape de lancement d'une temporisation,  a step of launching a delay,
- une étape de détection d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique à l'issue de la temporisation, et une étape d' ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement si le défaut a disparu ou  a step of detecting a fault in the electrical circuit after the delay, and a step of opening the pair of trip contacts if the fault has disappeared or
- une étape d'interdiction de l'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement si, le défaut persiste, l'étape d'interdiction se poursuivant jusqu'à une intervention d'un opérateur, la temporisation débutant suffisamment tôt pour qu'à son lancement la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant n'ait pas eu le temps de s'ouvrir et est suffisamment longue pour qu'à son achèvement, la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant ait eu le temps de s'ouvrir, dans la mesure où le dispositif de coupure de courant est en état de fonctionner. a step of prohibiting the opening of the pair of trip contacts if, the defect persists, the prohibition step continues until an intervention by an operator, the delay starting sufficiently early so that at its launch the pair of contacts of the power failure device did not have time to s to open and is sufficiently long that upon completion, the pair of contacts of the current cut-off device has had time to open, as long as the current cut-off device is in working order.
L'étape d'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement peut n' intervenir que si le défaut a disparu à l'issue de la temporisation.  The opening step of the trip contact pair can take place only if the fault has disappeared after the delay.
En variante, l'étape d'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement peut intervenir si le défaut a disparu alors que la temporisation coure encore .  As a variant, the step of opening the pair of trip contacts can take place if the fault has disappeared while the delay is still running.
Il est préférable que l'étape de lancement de la temporisation et l'étape de fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement soient sensiblement simultanées. En effet, la temporisation est là pour qu'une vérification de la présence ou non du défaut puisse être faite après que le dispositif de coupure de courant a reçu un ordre d'ouverture.  It is preferable that the delay initiation step and the closing step of the trip contact pair are substantially simultaneous. Indeed, the delay is there for a verification of the presence or absence of the fault can be made after the current cutoff device has received an order of opening.
BRÈVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description d'exemples de réalisation donnés, à titre purement indicatif et nullement limitatif, en faisant référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels : la figure 1 (déjà décrite) montre de manière schématique un dispositif de protection d'un dispositif de coupure de courant de l'art antérieur ; The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of exemplary embodiments given, purely by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 (already described) schematically shows a device for protecting a current-breaking device of the prior art;
les figures 2A, 2B (déjà décrites) montrent sous forme de chronogrammes l'état du dispositif de mesure, de la paire de contacts de déclenchement d'un dispositif de protection conforme à l'art antérieur, de la paire de contacts de signalisation et de la paire de contacts d'un dispositif de coupure de courant lorsque le dispositif de coupure de courant est en état de fonctionner d'une part et hors d'état de fonctionner d' autre part ;  FIGS. 2A, 2B (already described) show in chronogram form the state of the measuring device, the pair of trip contacts of a protection device according to the prior art, the pair of signaling contacts and the pair of contacts of a power failure device when the current cutoff device is operable on the one hand and out of order on the other hand;
la figure 2C (déjà décrite) est un organigramme illustrant les différentes étapes employées lors du fonctionnement d'un dispositif de protection de l'art antérieur ;  FIG. 2C (already described) is a flowchart illustrating the various steps used during the operation of a protective device of the prior art;
les figures 3A, 3B (déjà décrites) sont des représentations schématiques de dispositif de protection de l'art antérieur incluant des composants supplémentaires montés avec la paire de contacts de déclenchement ;  Figs. 3A, 3B (already described) are schematic representations of prior art protective device including additional components mounted with the pair of trip contacts;
les figures 4A, 4B sont deux variantes d'organigrammes illustrant le procédé de protection d'un dispositif de protection d'un dispositif de coupure de courant objet de l'invention ;  FIGS. 4A, 4B are two alternative flowcharts illustrating the method of protecting a device for protecting a current-breaking device that is the subject of the invention;
la figures 4C illustre de manière schématique un dispositif de protection d'un dispositif de coupure de courant selon l'invention ;  FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a device for protecting a current-breaking device according to the invention;
les figures 4D et 4E montrent sous forme de chronogrammes, l'état du dispositif de mesure, de la paire de contacts de déclenchement d'un dispositif de protection selon l'invention, de la paire de contacts de signalisation et de la paire de contacts d'un dispositif de coupure de courant lorsque le dispositif de coupure de courant est en état de fonctionner d'une part et hors d'état de fonctionner d'autre part. FIGS. 4D and 4E show, in the form of timing diagrams, the state of the measuring device, of the pair of trip contacts of a switching device. protection according to the invention, the pair of signaling contacts and the pair of contacts of a power cut-off device when the power failure device is in working condition on the one hand and out of state to operate on the other hand.
Des structures bien connues ne sont pas représentées en détail afin de ne pas alourdir inutilement la description qui suit. EXPOSÉ DÉTAILLÉ DE MODES DE RÉALISATION PARTICULIERS  Well-known structures are not shown in detail so as not to unnecessarily burden the description which follows. DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
On se réfère à la figure 4C qui montre de manière schématique le dispositif de protection associé à un dispositif de coupure de courant selon l'invention. Les figures 4A et 4B sont deux variantes d'un organigramme relatif au procédé de protection d'au moins une paire de contacts de déclenchement objet de l'invention. Le dispositif de protection est proche à celui de la figure 1, et peut comprendre les moyens tels que décrit dans le document EP 0 820 081 ; par contre, pour la protection des contacts de déclenchement de la bobine, on ne prévoit pas de rajouter de composant entre la paire de contacts de déclenchement et la bobine de déclenchement d'une part et la paire de contacts de signalisation. La seule différence se situe au niveau du dispositif de commande 1.2 de la position de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement qui inclut maintenant des moyens de temporisation et est apte à lancer ladite temporisation TA. Ce dispositif de commande 1.2 commande la paire de contacts de déclenchement en fonction d'un signal provenant du dispositif de mesure du dispositif de protection. Il comporte de manière conventionnelle un circuit électronique qui inclut la temporisation TA et un relais de commande de la paire de contacts de déclenchement. Les dispositifs de commande, de manière connue sont réalisés à base de microprocesseurs qui ont des horloges aptes à réaliser la temporisation, mais d'autres alternatives sont possibles. Referring to Figure 4C which shows schematically the protective device associated with a current cut-off device according to the invention. FIGS. 4A and 4B are two variants of a flowchart relating to the method of protecting at least one pair of triggering contacts which is the subject of the invention. The protection device is close to that of FIG. 1, and may include the means as described in document EP 0 820 081; on the other hand, for the protection of the trip contacts of the coil, it is not expected to add component between the pair of trip contacts and the trip coil on the one hand and the pair of signaling contacts. The only difference is at the level of the control device 1.2 of the position of the pair of trip contacts which now includes timing means and is able to initiate said timer TA. This control device 1.2 controls the pair of tripping contacts as a function of a signal coming from the measuring device of the device. protection. It conventionally includes an electronic circuit which includes the timer TA and a control relay of the pair of trip contacts. The control devices, in known manner are made based on microprocessors that have clocks capable of performing the delay, but other alternatives are possible.
En revenant sur la figure 4A, l'organigramme commence par un bloc 401 de détection de la présence d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique par le dispositif de mesure du dispositif de protection. S'il n'y a pas de défaut, il ne se passe rien et la surveillance de l'apparition d'un défaut continue. Les mesures sont faites de manière classique en prélevant des valeurs au secondaire de transformateurs de tension et/ou courant (non représentés) installés sur des conducteurs du circuit électrique 3 à surveiller. Le dispositif commande 1.2 du dispositif de protection 1 utilise des programmes de calcul pour comparer ces valeurs mesurées, après conversion en numérique, faites à un instant donné avec des valeurs de référence propres au circuit électrique sous protection.  Returning to FIG. 4A, the flowchart begins with a block 401 for detecting the presence of a fault in the electric circuit by the device for measuring the protection device. If there is no fault, nothing happens and the monitoring of the occurrence of a fault continues. The measurements are made in a conventional manner by taking values from the secondary voltage transformers and / or current (not shown) installed on conductors of the electrical circuit 3 to monitor. The control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 uses calculation programs to compare these measured values, after conversion into digital, made at a given time with reference values specific to the electrical circuit under protection.
Dès qu'un défaut de courant et/ou de tension est détecté et que les critères de déclenchement sont satisfaits, ces critères étant par exemple une surintensité simple ou une surintensité combinée avec une tension faible, le dispositif de commande 1.2 du dispositif de protection 1 commande la fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement du dispositif de protection (bloc 402) . Une temporisation est alors lancée de préférence simultanément à la commande de la fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement (bloc 403) . Le dispositif de protection 1 sait quand il commande la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement. Par contre il ne sait pas quand sera effective la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement. As soon as a current and / or voltage fault is detected and the trip criteria are satisfied, these criteria being for example a simple overcurrent or a combined overcurrent with a low voltage, the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 controls the closing of the pair 6 of tripping contacts of the protection device (block 402). A timer is then preferably launched simultaneously with the controlling the closure of the pair 6 of trip contacts (block 403). The protection device 1 knows when it controls the closing of the pair of trip contacts. On the other hand, it does not know when the closing of the pair of trip contacts will be effective.
En variante, on pourrait envisager que la temporisation débute un peu plus tard après la commande de la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement, ou un peu plus tôt entre la détection du défaut et la commande de la fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement.  Alternatively, one could consider that the delay starts a little later after the control of the closing of the pair of trip contacts, or a little earlier between the detection of the fault and the control of the closure of the pair of contacts 6 trigger.
Dans tous les cas, la temporisation débute avant que la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant ait eu le temps de s'ouvrir. Ce temps correspond bien sûr à un fonctionnement satisfaisant du dispositif de coupure de courant. Cela signifie donc que la temporisation débute avant que la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation n'ait matériellement pu s ' ouvrir .  In all cases, the timer starts before the pair of contacts of the power failure device has had time to open. This time of course corresponds to a satisfactory operation of the power failure device. This therefore means that the timer starts before the pair 4 of signaling contacts has materially been able to open.
De plus, la temporisation a une durée suffisante pour qu'une fois achevée, la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 a eu suffisamment de temps pour s'ouvrir dans la mesure où le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 n'est pas défectueux. On règle la temporisation avec une marge confortable pour éviter qu'elle ne se termine avant que la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 ne se soit suffisamment ouverte pour assurer la coupure du courant dans le circuit électrique 3, en particulier si le mouvement relatif des contacts 2.1, 2.2 est lent. En pratique, la temporisation pourra avoir une durée comprise entre 100 et 150 millisecondes, si l'on considère que lorsque le dispositif de coupure de courant est en état de fonctionner il s'écoule environ 60 ms après la fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement pour que sa paire de contacts s'ouvre et que le courant de défaut soit coupé. On verra lors de la description des figures 4D et 4E la durée typique tcoup de la temporisation TA. In addition, the time delay has a sufficient duration so that once completed, the pair of contacts 2 of the current cut-off device 20 has had sufficient time to open as long as the current cut-off device 20 is not defective. The delay time is set with a comfortable margin to prevent it from ending before the pair of contacts 2 of the current cut-off device 20 is sufficiently open to cut off the current in the electric circuit 3, particularly if the relative movement of the contacts 2.1, 2.2 is slow. In practice, the time delay may have a duration of between 100 and 150 milliseconds, if it is considered that when the power cut-off device is in working order, it elapses about 60 ms after the closure of the pair 6 of contacts. trigger so that its pair of contacts opens and the fault current is cut. In the description of FIGS. 4D and 4E, the typical duration tcoup of the timer TA will be seen.
La fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement entraîne l'alimentation en courant de la bobine de déclenchement 5, l'ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 dans la mesure où ce dernier n'est pas défectueux et cette ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure 20 entraîne l'ouverture de la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation.  Closing the pair 6 of trip contacts causes the power supply of the trip coil 5, the opening of the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cutoff device 20 to the extent that it is not defective and this opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the cutoff device 20 causes the opening of the pair 4 of signaling contacts.
Sur la figure 4A, la vérification par le dispositif de mesure 1.1 du dispositif de protection 1 de la présence ou non d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique 3 a lieu à la fin de la temporisation TA (bloc 404) . Si le dispositif de mesure 1.1 n'a pas détecté de défaut sur le circuit électrique 3, le dispositif de commande 1.2 du dispositif de protection 1 commande l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement, cette ouverture peut se faire sans risque d' endommagement de ses contacts 6.1, 6.2 puisque la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation s'est ouverte entraînée par l'ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 qui n'est pas défectueux (bloc 405) . In FIG. 4A, the verification by the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device 1 of the presence or absence of a fault in the electric circuit 3 takes place at the end of the timer TA (block 404). If the measuring device 1.1 has not detected a fault on the electrical circuit 3, the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 controls the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts, this opening can be done without risk of damage to its contacts 6.1, 6.2 since the pair 4 of signaling contacts has been opened by the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current cutoff device 20 which is not defective (block 405).
Si au contraire, le dispositif de mesure 1.1 détecte toujours au bloc 404 un défaut dans le circuit électrique 3, cela signifie que la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 ne s'est pas ouverte. Le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est défectueux. La paire 4 de contacts de signalisation ne s'est donc pas ouverte non plus puisqu'elle est liée mécaniquement à la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20. Le dispositif de commande 1.2 du dispositif de protection 1 interdit l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement jusqu'à l'intervention d'un opérateur (bloc 406) . Cette interdiction d'ouverture assure que les contacts 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement ne seront pas endommagés puisqu' ils sont bloqués en fermeture. Une alarme pourra être actionnée pour avertir un opérateur de la nécessité d'une intervention. Cet opérateur devra intervenir pour que la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement se retrouve dans une condition favorable à son ouverture, c'est à dire sans circulation de courant dans la bobine de déclenchement 5 et donc dans la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement. Il commandera son ouverture. Le risque d' endommagement aura disparu lorsque la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement ne sera plus parcourue par du courant .  If, on the other hand, the measuring device 1.1 always detects a fault in the electrical circuit 3 at block 404, this means that the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20 has not opened. The current cutoff device 20 is defective. The pair 4 of signaling contacts has therefore not opened either since it is mechanically connected to the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20. The control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 prohibits the opening from the pair 6 of trip contacts until the intervention of an operator (block 406). This opening prohibition ensures that the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair of trip contacts 6 will not be damaged since they are blocked in closing. An alarm can be activated to warn an operator of the need for intervention. This operator will have to intervene so that the pair 6 of tripping contacts is found in a condition favorable to its opening, that is to say without current flow in the tripping coil 5 and therefore in the pair 6 of tripping contacts. He will command his opening. The risk of damage will disappear when the pair 6 of trip contacts will no longer be traversed by current.
L'organigramme de la figure 4B est identique à celui de la figure 4A, jusqu'au bloc 403. Au lieu de vérifier si le défaut persiste à la fin de la temporisation TA, cette vérification (bloc 404') débute plus tôt alors que la temporisation TA continue de courir. Si lors de la vérification le défaut à disparu, le dispositif de commande 1.2 du dispositif de protection 1 commande l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement, cette ouverture peut se faire sans risque d' endommagement de ses contacts 6.1, 6.2 puisque la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation s'est ouverte entraînée par l'ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 qui n'est pas défectueux (bloc 405'). Si au contraire, le dispositif de mesure 1.1 détecte toujours au bloc 404' un défaut dans le circuit électrique 3, cela signifie que la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 ne s'est pas ouverte. Le dispositif de commande 1.2 vérifie si oui ou non la temporisation TA est arrivée à échéance (bloc 406') . Si la temporisation TA n'est pas écoulée, le dispositif de mesure 1.1 continue sa surveillance (bloc 404') . Si la temporisation TA est écoulée cela signifie que le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 est défectueux. Le dispositif de commande 1.2 du dispositif de protection 1 interdit alors l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement jusqu'à l'intervention d'un opérateur (bloc 407' ) . The flowchart of FIG. 4B is identical to that of FIG. 4A, up to block 403. Instead of checking whether the fault persists at the end of FIG. the timer TA, this check (block 404 ') starts earlier while the timer TA continues to run. If during the check the fault has disappeared, the control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 controls the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts, this opening can be done without risk of damage to its contacts 6.1, 6.2 since the pair 4 of signaling contacts has been opened by the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current-breaking device 20 which is not defective (block 405 '). If, on the other hand, the measuring device 1.1 always detects a fault in the electrical circuit 3 at block 404 ', this means that the pair 2 of contacts of the current cut-off device 20 has not opened. The control device 1.2 checks whether or not the timer TA has expired (block 406 '). If the timer TA has not elapsed, the measuring device 1.1 continues its monitoring (block 404 '). If the timer TA has elapsed, it means that the power failure device 20 is defective. The control device 1.2 of the protection device 1 then prohibits the opening of the pair 6 of trip contacts until the intervention of an operator (block 407 ').
On peut se référer à la figure 4D qui montre sous forme de chronogramme l'état de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement, de la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation et de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant lors d'un fonctionnement satisfaisant du dispositif de coupure de courant . 4D, which shows in chronogram form the state of the pair 6 of trip contacts, the pair 4 of signaling contacts and the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cut-off device. a satisfactory operation of the power failure device.
A l'instant tO, un défaut apparaît sur le circuit électrique en aval du dispositif de coupure de courant. L'allure des courant et tension dans le circuit électrique au niveau du dispositif de mesure est indiquée. Un courant de défaut apparaît mais n'est pas encore détecté par le dispositif de protection. A l'instant tl, le dispositif de mesure du dispositif de protection détecte le défaut. Le dispositif de commande du dispositif de protection est activé et à l'instant t2 la paire de contacts de déclenchement se ferment alimentant la bobine de déclenchement. Dans cet exemple, à cet instant t2 la temporisation débute également. Elle pourrait débuter avant ou après comme on l'a expliqué plus haut. La bobine de déclenchement 5 est excitée par la circulation de courant suite à la fermeture de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement. A l'instant t3, la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant ainsi que la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation s'ouvrent. L'ouverture de la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation coupe le courant d'excitation qui circule dans la bobine de déclenchement 5. Ses contacts 4.1, 4.2 sont dimensionnés à cet effet, c'est- à-dire qu'ils résistent à l'arc électrique inévitable qui apparaît lors de l'ouverture.  At time t0, a fault appears on the electrical circuit downstream of the current cut-off device. The shape of the current and voltage in the electrical circuit at the measuring device is indicated. A fault current appears but is not yet detected by the protection device. At time t1, the measuring device of the protection device detects the fault. The control device of the protection device is activated and at time t2 the pair of trip contacts close energizing the trip coil. In this example, at this time t2 the timer also begins. It could begin before or after as explained above. The trip coil 5 is energized by the current flow following the closure of the pair 6 of trip contacts. At time t3, the pair 2 of the contacts of the current cut-off device and the pair 4 of signaling contacts open. The opening of the pair 4 of signaling contacts interrupts the excitation current flowing in the tripping coil 5. Its contacts 4.1, 4.2 are dimensioned for this purpose, that is, they resist unavoidable electric arc that appears when opening.
A l'instant t4 le défaut à disparu, cela signifie que le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 a coupé le courant dans le circuit électrique 3.  At time t4 the fault has disappeared, this means that the current cut-off device 20 has cut off the current in the electric circuit 3.
A l'instant t5, le dispositif de mesure du dispositif de protection détecte que le courant s'est annulé dans le circuit électrique 3 et que le défaut a disparu. Mais l'ouverture de la paire 6 de contacts déclenchement du dispositif de protection ne peut intervenir avant l'achèvement de la temporisation TA. C'est à la fin de la temporisation TA que la paire de contacts de déclenchement sera actionnée ou pas. At time t5, the device for measuring the protection device detects that the current has canceled in the electrical circuit 3 and that the fault has disappeared. But the opening of the pair 6 of triggering contacts of the protection device can not occur before the completion of the timer TA. It is at the end of timer TA that the pair of trip contacts will be actuated or not.
L'instant t6 marque la fin de la temporisation TA. Le défaut n'est plus détecté par le dispositif de mesure 1.1 puisque le dispositif de coupure de courant 20 a coupé le courant dans le circuit électrique 3. A l'instant t7, la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement s'ouvre. La paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement est autorisée à s'ouvrir car le dispositif de commande a été activé dès la détection de la disparition du défaut avant la fin de la temporisation TA, mais cette activation était sans action puisque la temporisation TA n'était pas achevée. La bobine de déclenchement 5 n'est plus excitée car aucun courant ne circule, il a été coupé à l'instant t3 lors de l'ouverture de la paire 4 de contacts de signalisation. Il n'y pas de risque d' endommagement des contacts 6.1, 6.2 de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement .  The time t6 marks the end of the timer TA. The fault is no longer detected by the measuring device 1.1 since the current cut-off device 20 has cut off the current in the electric circuit 3. At time t7, the pair 6 of trip contacts opens. The pair 6 of tripping contacts is allowed to open because the control device has been activated as soon as the fault has been detected before the end of the timer TA, but this activation was ineffective since the timer TA was not active. not completed. The trip coil 5 is no longer energized because no current flows, it was cut at time t3 when opening the pair 4 of signaling contacts. There is no risk of damage to the contacts 6.1, 6.2 of the pair 6 of tripping contacts.
Dans la variante illustrée à la figure 4B, la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement se serait ouverte à l'instant t5 lorsque le dispositif de mesure du dispositif de protection détecte que le courant s'est annulé dans le circuit électrique 3 et que le défaut a disparu.  In the variant illustrated in FIG. 4B, the pair 6 of trip contacts would have opened at time t5 when the measuring device of the protection device detects that the current has canceled in the electric circuit 3 and that the fault has disappeared.
Sur ces figures 4D et 4E, on a appelé tcoup la durée de la temporisation TA. On se réfère de nouveau à la figure 4D. La durée tcoup sera typiquement réglée de manière à être supérieure à la somme de : In these FIGS. 4D and 4E, the duration of the delay TA is called tcoup. Reference is again made to Figure 4D. The duration tcoup will typically be set to be greater than the sum of:
•L'intervalle de temps entre l'alimentation de la bobine de déclenchement 5 et la disparition du défaut grâce à l'ouverture de la paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de courant 20, soit t4-t2. Cet intervalle de temps vaut typiquement 60 ms ;  • The time interval between the supply of the trip coil 5 and the disappearance of the fault through the opening of the pair 2 of contacts of the current device 20, t4-t2. This time interval is typically 60 ms;
•l'intervalle de temps entre la disparition du défaut et l'acquisition de cette information par le dispositif de mesure 1.1, soit t5-t4. Cet intervalle de temps vaut typiquement 40 ms .  The time interval between the disappearance of the defect and the acquisition of this information by the measuring device 1.1, that is t5-t4. This time interval is typically 40 ms.
•une marge dite de sécurité qui est typiquement de 40 ms .  • a security margin that is typically 40 ms.
Sur la figure 4E, on est dans le cas où le circuit de coupure de courant 20 est défectueux, sa paire 2 de contacts ne pouvant s'ouvrir de manière à interrompre le courant dans le circuit électrique 3.  In FIG. 4E, it is in the case where the current-breaking circuit 20 is defective, its pair 2 of contacts being unable to open so as to interrupt the current in the electric circuit 3.
L'enchaînement des opérations est identique à ce qui a été décrit précédemment entre les instants tO et t2. La temporisation débute également à l'instant t2. La paire 2 de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant 20 ne s'ouvre pas à l'instant que nous avons appelé t3 sur la figure 4C puisqu'il est défectueux. La paire 4 de contacts de signalisation ne s'ouvre pas non plus. L'instant t3 sur la figure 4D marque la fin de la temporisation TA. Le défaut est toujours détecté par le dispositif de mesure 1.1 du dispositif de protection. Le dispositif de protection sait alors que le dispositif de coupure de courant est défectueux. Dans ce cas, le défaut est éliminé à un instant t4 par l'ouverture des contacts d'un autre dispositif de coupure de courant (non visible) placé en amont du dispositif de coupure de courant défectueux, par exemple par un procédé selon EP 0 820 081. Le dispositif de mesure 1.1 ne détecte plus aucun défaut dans le circuit électrique 3. A l'instant t5, bien que le dispositif de mesure 1.1 ne détecte plus de défaut dans le circuit électrique 3, le dispositif de commande 1.2 est sans action sur le changement de position de la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement. Elle reste bloquée en position fermée tant qu'un opérateur n'est pas intervenu. A l'instant t6, l'opérateur est intervenu et la paire 6 de contacts de déclenchement est passée en position ouverte. Elle n'a pas subi d' endommagement . The sequence of operations is identical to that previously described between times t0 and t2. The timer also starts at time t2. The pair 2 of the contacts of the current cut-off device 20 does not open at the instant we have called t3 in FIG. 4C since it is defective. The pair 4 of signaling contacts does not open either. Time t3 in FIG. 4D marks the end of timer TA. The fault is always detected by the measuring device 1.1 of the protection device. The protection device then knows that the power failure device is defective. In this case, the fault is eliminated at a time t4 by the opening of the contacts of another power failure device (not visible) placed upstream of the defective power failure device, for example by a method according to EP 0 820 081. The measuring device 1.1 no longer detects any defect in the electrical circuit 3. At time t5, although the measuring device 1.1 no longer detects a fault in the electrical circuit 3, the control device 1.2 has no effect on the change of position of the pair 6 of contacts of trigger. It remains locked in the closed position until an operator intervenes. At time t6, the operator has intervened and the pair 6 of trip contacts has moved to the open position. It has not been damaged.
Avant d'effectuer cette opération d'ouverture, l'opérateur doit faire en sorte que le courant dans la bobine de déclenchement est bien interrompu, par exemple en coupant les polarités d'alimentation ou en provoquant manuellement l'ouverture du dispositif de coupure de courant.  Before performing this opening operation, the operator must ensure that the current in the trip coil is interrupted, for example by cutting off the supply polarities or by manually opening the cut-off device. current.
Le dispositif de protection selon l'invention est fiable et n'apporte aucun surcoût matériel par rapport aux solutions connues comme celles illustres aux figures 3A, 3B. Il suffit de prévoir dans le dispositif de commande la temporisation TA, cette solution ne nécessitant qu'un développement logiciel.  The protection device according to the invention is reliable and provides no material overhead compared to known solutions such as those shown in Figures 3A, 3B. It is sufficient to provide in the control device the timer TA, this solution requiring only software development.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de protection d'un dispositif de coupure de courant (20) à associer à un circuit électrique (3) , ce dispositif de coupure de courant (20) étant pourvu d'au moins une paire (2) de contacts électriques, comportant un dispositif de mesure (1.1) destiné à détecter un défaut dans le circuit électrique, au moins une paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement apte à prendre une position fermée ou une position ouverte et destinée à alimenter une bobine de déclenchement (5) destinée à manœuvrer la paire (2) de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant (20), un dispositif de commande (1.2) qui commande la paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement en fonction d'un signal fourni par le dispositif de mesure (1.1), des moyens de temporisation (TA) ; caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de commande (1.2) commande 1. Device for protecting a current-breaking device (20) to be associated with an electric circuit (3), this current-breaking device (20) being provided with at least one pair (2) of electrical contacts, having a measuring device (1.1) for detecting a fault in the electrical circuit, at least one pair (6) of trip contacts adapted to assume a closed position or an open position and for supplying a trip coil (5) for manipulating the pair (2) of contacts of the current cut-off device (20), a control device (1.2) which controls the pair (6) of trip contacts in accordance with a signal provided by the measuring device (1.1), delay means (TA); characterized in that the control device (1.2) controls
lors de la détection d'un défaut par le dispositif de mesure (1.1) : le lancement d'une temporisation par les moyens de temporisation (TA) et la fermeture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement (6) ;  when a fault is detected by the measuring device (1.1): initiating a delay by the delay means (TA) and closing the pair of trip contacts (6);
à l'issue de la temporisation, en cas de disparition du défaut détectée par le dispositif de mesure : l'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement ; ou  at the end of the delay, in case of disappearance of the fault detected by the measuring device: the opening of the pair of trip contacts; or
à l'issue de la temporisation, en cas de persistance du défaut détectée par le dispositif de mesure, l'interdiction de l'ouverture jusqu'à l'intervention d'un opérateur, la temporisation étant suffisamment longue et débutant suffisamment tôt pour qu'à son achèvement, la paire de contacts (2) du dispositif de coupure de courant (20) ait eu le temps de s'ouvrir et qu'à son lancement la paire de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant n'ait pas eu le temps de s'ouvrir, dans la mesure où le dispositif de coupure de courant est en état de fonctionner. at the end of the delay, in case of persistence of the fault detected by the measuring device, the prohibition of the opening until the intervention of an operator, the timer being sufficiently long and starting sufficiently early so that upon completion, the pair of contacts (2) of the current cut-off device (20) has had time to open and at its launch the pair of contacts the current cut-off device did not have time to open, as long as the current cut-off device is in working order.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la temporisation dure entre environ 100 et 150 millisecondes. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the time delay lasts between about 100 and 150 milliseconds.
3. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel le dispositif de commande (1.2) lance la temporisation et commande la fermeture de la paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement sensiblement simultanément. 3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control device (1.2) initiates the timer and controls the closing of the pair (6) of tripping contacts substantially simultaneously.
4. Procédé de protection d'au moins une paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement d'un dispositif de protection (1) à associer à un dispositif de coupure de courant (20) dans un circuit électrique (3), ce dispositif de coupure de courant (20) étant pourvu d'au moins une paire (2) de contacts, comportant 4. A method for protecting at least one pair (6) of tripping contacts of a protection device (1) to be associated with a current cut-off device (20) in an electric circuit (3). power cutoff (20) being provided with at least one pair (2) of contacts, comprising
une étape de détection d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique (3) ,  a step of detecting a fault in the electric circuit (3),
une étape de fermeture de la paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement qui est destinée à alimenter une bobine de déclenchement (5) devant manœuvrer la paire (2) de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant (20) pour l'ouvrir, a step of closing the pair (6) of trip contacts which is intended to supply a trigger coil (5) to maneuver the pair (2) of contacts of the power cut-off device (20) to open it,
caractérisé en ce qu' il comporte une étape de lancement d'une temporisation ;  characterized in that it comprises a step of launching a timer;
- une étape de détection d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique à l'issue de la temporisation ; et une étape d'ouverture de la paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement si le défaut a disparu ou une étape d'interdiction de l'ouverture de la paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement si le défaut persiste, l'étape d'interdiction se poursuivant jusqu'à une intervention d'un opérateur,  a step of detecting a fault in the electrical circuit after the delay; and a step of opening the pair (6) of trip contacts if the fault has disappeared or a step of prohibiting the opening of the pair (6) of trip contacts if the fault persists, step d prohibition continuing until intervention by an operator,
la temporisation étant suffisamment longue et débutant suffisamment tôt pour qu'à son achèvement, la paire (2) de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant ait eu le temps de s'ouvrir et qu'à son lancement la paire (2) de contacts du dispositif de coupure de courant n'ait pas eu le temps de s'ouvrir, dans la mesure où le dispositif de coupure de courant (20) est en état de fonctionner. the delay time being sufficiently long and starting sufficiently early so that at its completion, the pair (2) of contacts of the power cut-off device has had time to open and at its launch the pair (2) of contacts the current cut-off device has not had time to open, since the current cut-off device (20) is in working order.
5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel la temporisation dure entre environ 100 et 150 millisecondes . The method of claim 4, wherein the time delay is between about 100 and 150 milliseconds.
6. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 4 ou 5, dans lequel l'étape de lancement de la temporisation et l'étape de fermeture de la paire (6) de contacts de déclenchement sont sensiblement simultanées. 6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the step of starting the timer and the closing step of the pair (6) of trip contacts are substantially simultaneous.
7. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6, dans lequel l'étape d'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement intervient si le défaut a disparu à l'issue de la temporisation. 7. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the step of opening the pair of trip contacts occurs if the fault has disappeared after the delay.
8. Procédé selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6, dans lequel l'étape d'ouverture de la paire de contacts de déclenchement intervient si le défaut a disparu alors que la temporisation coure encore. 8. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the step of opening the trip contact pair occurs if the fault has disappeared while the timer is still running.
EP11719809A 2010-05-11 2011-05-10 Protection device to be associated with a current cutout device in an electrical circuit with increased lifetime Withdrawn EP2569796A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1053659A FR2960093B1 (en) 2010-05-11 2010-05-11 PROTECTIVE DEVICE TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH A CURRENT CUTTING DEVICE IN AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT WITH INCREASED LIFETIME
PCT/EP2011/057544 WO2011141473A1 (en) 2010-05-11 2011-05-10 Protection device to be associated with a current cutout device in an electrical circuit with increased lifetime

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EP2569796A1 true EP2569796A1 (en) 2013-03-20

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EP (1) EP2569796A1 (en)
CN (1) CN102971820A (en)
FR (1) FR2960093B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011141473A1 (en)

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JP2015142181A (en) * 2014-01-27 2015-08-03 キヤノン株式会社 Control apparatus and control method

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US3842249A (en) * 1971-10-19 1974-10-15 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electrical system with programmed computer control and manually initiated control means
FR2751483B1 (en) * 1996-07-18 1998-08-28 Gec Alsthom T & D Sa METHOD FOR PROTECTING THE BREAKDOWN OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER
GB9822515D0 (en) * 1998-10-16 1998-12-09 Alstom Uk Ltd Improvements relating to monitoring apparatus for electrical circuits
US6377431B1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2002-04-23 Eaton Corporation Non-automatic power circuit breaker including trip mechanism which is disabled after closure of separable contacts
US6707655B2 (en) * 2000-12-27 2004-03-16 Abb Technology Ag Adaptive protection for recloser control
DE102004036252A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2006-03-23 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Relay-based electrical switching system has a control arrangement that is designed or programmed to detect particular disruption effects and trigger corresponding reaction measures, e.g. predefined switching plans

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FR2960093A1 (en) 2011-11-18
CN102971820A (en) 2013-03-13
US20130114176A1 (en) 2013-05-09
WO2011141473A1 (en) 2011-11-17
FR2960093B1 (en) 2013-07-05

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