EP3261105B1 - Electric line protection apparatus - Google Patents

Electric line protection apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3261105B1
EP3261105B1 EP17177474.8A EP17177474A EP3261105B1 EP 3261105 B1 EP3261105 B1 EP 3261105B1 EP 17177474 A EP17177474 A EP 17177474A EP 3261105 B1 EP3261105 B1 EP 3261105B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
mobile
line protection
electric line
mobile contact
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EP17177474.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3261105A1 (en
Inventor
Guillaume LACOMBE
Grégrory SCHMITT
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Hager Electro SAS
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Hager Electro SAS
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Publication of EP3261105A1 publication Critical patent/EP3261105A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/50—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position
    • H01H1/54—Means for increasing contact pressure, preventing vibration of contacts, holding contacts together after engagement, or biasing contacts to the open position by magnetic force
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H77/00—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting
    • H01H77/02—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism
    • H01H77/10—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening
    • H01H77/101—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening with increasing of contact pressure by electrodynamic forces before opening

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical line protection device of the differential switch type (RCCB).
  • RRCB differential switch type
  • This type of device is designed in particular to cut and establish current levels generally between 16 and 125 amperes.
  • a standard for this type of device states that it must be capable of breaking a maximum differential short-circuit current equal to ten times the rated current In.
  • a differential short-circuit current is a current that flows only through only one pole at a time. This current systematically triggers the lock of the device, because there is an intensity imbalance detected by a torus.
  • a balanced short-circuit current is a current that flows through all the poles of the same device at the same time. This type of current can, by the action of the repulsion forces, slightly open the contacts, without triggering the lock.
  • the electrical apparatus according to the invention sees these strong short-circuit currents balanced, and must support them without internal damage.
  • one of the solutions currently used consists of using tungsten to form the tablet of the moving contact. It may be specifically a tungsten-silver mixture (AgW) or a mixture of tungsten carbide-silver (AgCW). Tungsten correctly supports the effects of repulsion in terms of wear and gluing. However, it increases the risk of thermal runaway, that is to say overheating, which may melt the device. Therefore, with tungsten, it is generally necessary to use materials such as thermosets to make the components that carry them. fixed and mobile contacts, because they better support the heat and can contain the effects of a thermal runaway. However, this type of material requires a lot of caution when used in an industrial process.
  • tungsten is a poorly aged material, since it tends to oxidize, making the electrical connection defective between the pellets.
  • Another solution is based on increasing the contact force between the fixed contact and the movable contact, when closing the contacts.
  • This contact force is generally effected by means of a spring.
  • it is customary to choose a spring with a higher force.
  • the greater the contact force the greater the current through the contact point must be high to separate the movable contact of the fixed contact.
  • This solution however has the disadvantage of increasing consequently the arming force of the device to go from the OFF position (opening of the contacts) to the ON position (closing of the contacts), and requires a review of the ergonomics of the device. product.
  • This increase of the arming force to increase the contact force can also cause a creep effect of some parts over time and impair the operation of the device.
  • the publication FR 2 905 795 A1 discloses a contact device comprising first and second conductive members movable relative to each other, the first conductive element being fixed and the second conductive element being movable. Two pairs of contacts are provided on the first and second conductive elements, so as to establish a first and a second contact area, when two contacts come into contact. Furthermore, a current supply member, formed by a flexible conductor of the braid type, is electrically connected to the second conductive element to induce magnetic forces tending to keep the second movable conductive member in contact with the first fixed conductive element. In this device, the current supply member is connected to the second conductive element at the contact pair which is located near the mechanism for exerting a contact pressure force.
  • the publication BE 667 601 A discloses a contact device which comprises a fixed contact and a movable contact provided with a pivoting arm movable in rotation about an axis.
  • a flexible conductor in the form of a braid is connected to a lower end of the arm, which is opposite the end being able to form a contact zone between the movable contact and the fixed contact, which makes it possible to induce an electrodynamic force of attraction tending to increase the contact pressure.
  • the flexible conductor is connected to the lower end of the arm, opposite to the end forming contact point, and near the yoke and the tilting support.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the various disadvantages mentioned above, by means of an electrical apparatus of line protection, able to withstand balanced short-circuit currents (> 10 x In) and thus managed by a neighboring circuit breaker, by preventing the electrodynamic repulsion of the contacts without increasing the arming force of the device.
  • This device is characterized, in principal, in that the movable contact has a first proximal end of the contact carrier and a second distal end of the contact carrier, said conductor being connected at the second end of the movable contact and remotely from the pivot point.
  • the nominal contact force F1 is much lower than the repulsion forces Fr, and is not sufficient on its own to keep the contacts closed in the event of a balanced short circuit.
  • the main idea of this invention is to provide an additional contact force F2, which keeps the contacts closed, even if a short-circuit current greater than ten times the nominal current.
  • This additional contact force F2 is independent of the nominal contact force F1. This allows to maintain a suitable arming force, that is to say a manual operation of the controller where the hard point is passed by exerting a standard pressure by the user.
  • the additional contact force is therefore induced between the movable contact and the flexible conductor, the movable contact being electrically connected to said connection terminal via a flexible conductor of the braid type.
  • the idea is to connect the conductor at the end of the moving contact, that is to say as far as possible from the pivot point, in order to have a greater lever arm possible.
  • the magnetic field created by the driver when traversed by a strong short-circuit current generates a force F2 'which is applied to the contact mobile at the connection with the driver, and pushing the movable contact so as to rotate it in a couple C2.
  • F2 ' which is applied to the contact mobile at the connection with the driver, and pushing the movable contact so as to rotate it in a couple C2.
  • the elastic means creating the force F1 ' is, meanwhile, located above the pivot point, so on the other side of the protrusion and the connecting area of the driver.
  • the elastic means exerts a pressure on the first face of the movable contact.
  • the generated torque C1 thus rotates in the same direction as the pair C2, that is to say in the opposite direction of the torque Cr.
  • the objective is therefore that the sum of the couples C1 and C2 is greater than or equal to the torque Cr, in order to keep the contacts closed in the event of a balanced short-circuit.
  • the movable contact has an elongated section between the protuberance and the second end. The longer this section is, the longer the lever relative to the C2 pair will be long.
  • the ratio between the distance from the pivot point to the second end of the connection to the conductor and the distance from the pivot point to the point of contact is greater than 2.
  • the greater this ratio the greater the lever arm relative to the C2 pair is important, and the more force F2 will be able to counter the repulsion forces Fr.
  • This ratio is optimized at best according to the size of the device.
  • the apparatus is conventionally delimited by a housing, the distance between the pivot point and the second end of connection to the conductor being limited by the size of the housing.
  • the mobile contact must be integrated in the volume defined by the housing. Its pivot point and its point of contact being defined within the housing by the location of the lock, only its length can be modified, and is limited by geometric considerations relating to the housing.
  • the length of the flexible conductor is limited so that it does not diffuse too much heat within the device.
  • the elongation of the movable contact and its connection to the conductor at its second end consist of geometric changes easily achievable from an industrial point of view. It is therefore a technical solution that has the advantage of being simple to implement.
  • said protuberances protruding mobile and fixed contacts each consist of a rivet.
  • the additional forces F2 make it possible to counter the repulsion forces Fr.
  • the conductor, the moving contact and the fixed contact pass through this important balanced short-circuit current without causing any opening of the circuits. contacts, and therefore electric arc that should be able to support.
  • simple rivets can be fixed on the movable contact, as well as on the fixed contact. This is not only an economical solution, but also a guarantee of quality, compared to pellet-shaped protuberances whose specific surface is welded to the mobile / fixed contact. Indeed, in the case of pellets, there is a risk of being wrong face during welding. This risk is present, whether it is an automatic or manual process. If the chip is soldered to the wrong side, the electrical device is defective.
  • said rivet is composed of an alloy containing silver and tin, thus free of carbon or tungsten.
  • These materials age well, have a very good longevity, which allows the device to operate longer, compared to the devices of the prior art.
  • This type of material is healthy, compared to pellets that are often made of tungsten, which is a less robust material in the long term.
  • the protuberances of the invention could very well consist of pellets, both silver-tin alloy tungsten for example.
  • the apparatus comprises means of suction of the electric arc created between the fixed and movable contacts during the opening of the contacts.
  • said electric arc suction means consist of a blow plate surrounding the movable contact from the point of contact to the second end of the movable contact.
  • This sheet makes it possible to direct the electric arc towards the second end of the movable contact, that is to say at a distance from the lock and the contact-holder which constitutes a fragile and not very tight zone. This redirection makes it possible to better absorb the pollution of the electric arc, and to avoid damage within the device.
  • the blowing plate may have a U-shape and may comprise a first branch and a second branch substantially parallel to each other and facing one another, and which extend from a base forming part of the blow plate.
  • said flexible conductor has a rigid end connecting to the movable contact.
  • This rigid end makes it possible to better weld the conductor on the moving contact, and to have a robust connection.
  • This rigid end must however remain as small as possible, in order to leave a maximum of flexibility to the driver, who must be able to deform during the passage of a high short circuit current.
  • said flexible conductor comprises a deformable section depending on the position of the movable contact relative to the fixed contact. This deformable section starts as low as possible, at the second end of the movable contact, in order to obtain the longest lever arm between the pivot point and the place where the force F2 exerts itself (ie ie at the beginning of the deformable section).
  • the conductor preferably consists of a flat braid.
  • the deformable section is curved and comprises a first portion which extends from the second rigid end of the braid and is arranged facing the second side face of the movable contact and a second portion. which extends the first portion and extends to the first rigid end.
  • said deformable section is curved and extends, from the second end, in the extension of the second end of the movable contact and opposite the movable contact.
  • an electrical line protection apparatus of the differential switch type, is delimited by a housing 21 in which there is an arrangement of parts, including in particular at least one movable contact 1 and a fixed contact 2.
  • It can be for example a four-pole device, with three phases and a neutral.
  • the device When the fixed 2 and mobile 1 contacts are closed, the device is in the ON position. Conversely, when the fixed 2 and mobile 1 contacts are open, the device is in the OFF position.
  • the apparatus mainly comprises a cut-off device and a triggering device. We will not detail the operation and arrangement of these devices, because they are not the subject of the invention.
  • Each of the contacts 1,2 has a protuberance consisting of a rivet 8,9 in the example of the figure 1 , or in a pellet 8 ', 9' in the examples of figures 2 and 3 .
  • a protuberance consisting of a rivet 8,9 in the example of the figure 1 , or in a pellet 8 ', 9' in the examples of figures 2 and 3 .
  • the fixed contact 2 is embedded in a support 19 fixed with respect to the housing 21.
  • the movable contact 1 is in turn pivotally connected around a contact carrier 18.
  • These two contacts 1,2 each consist of a flat iron, with or without fold.
  • the movable contact 1 has a first end 10, a second end 11, a first lateral face 13 disposed opposite the fixed contact 2, and a second opposite lateral face 14.
  • a spring 5 is disposed between the movable contact 1 and the contact carrier 18.
  • This spring 5 here consists of a torsion spring 5 with two end arms 5a, 5b.
  • An end arm 5a bears on the first face 13 of the movable contact 1, while the other end arm 5b bears on the contact carrier 18.
  • the movable contact 1 rotates about a pivot point 6 located below the spring 5 and above the pellet 8 '. This rotational movement allows the moving contact 1 to be taken away from the fixed contact 2 in the OFF position of the device or against the fixed contact 2 in the ON position of the device.
  • the mobile contact 1 is connected to a connection terminal 4 of the apparatus, via a flexible braid 3, a rigid first end 16 of which is soldered to the terminal 4 and whose second rigid end 15 is soldered to the moving contact 1.
  • the second rigid end 15 is welded to the moving contact 1 on the side of the second lateral face 14 of the movable contact 1 in at least one welding point S ( figures 2 and 3
  • This braid 3 comprises a deformable central section 17 delimited by the two rigid ends 16, 15.
  • connection terminal 4 The current flows in the connection terminal 4, then in the braid 3, then in the moving contact 1, and finally in the fixed contact 2 if the contacts are closed.
  • the trigger device detects this anomaly and causes the opening of the contacts 1,2 via a lock and the contact carrier 18. It this is a case of usual operation of the differential switch.
  • the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a movable contact 1 with a portion 12 extended between the point of contact 7 and the second end 11, and with an electrical connection to the braid 3 which is is located exactly at the second end 11 on the side of its second side face 14. More particularly, the weld point S is located at the interface between the second end 11 of the movable contact 1, the side of the second side lateral 14 of the movable contact 1, and the second rigid end 15 of the braid 3.
  • the braid 3 is soldered away from the pivot point 6, and on the other hand, the contact point 7 is close to the pivot point 6.
  • pivot point 6 located near the point of contact 7 is meant a pivot point 6 located closer to the point of contact 7 than to the second end 11 or the weld point S, as illustrated by FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .
  • a conductor 3 connected remotely from the pivot point 6 is meant a weld point S closer to the point of contact 7 than the pivot point 6, as illustrated by FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .
  • the first arm 5a of the spring 5 bearing on the first side face 13 of the movable contact 1 creates a force F1 'which is applied at the first end 10 of the movable contact 1.
  • This force F1' is therefore applied above of pivot point 6 (considering the orientation of the pieces presented on the figures 1 , 2 and 3 ), and causes the pivoting of the movable contact 1 towards the fixed contact 2, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction on the figures 2 and 3 .
  • the rotation of the movable contact 1 is stopped by the fixed contact 2 which serves as a stop.
  • the spring 5 still exerting pressure on the movable contact 1, there is therefore a force F1 exerted on the fixed contact 2 from the point of contact 7.
  • This force F1 is therefore related to the force F1 '. It generates a torque C1 tending to rotate the movable contact 1 in the direction of the fixed contact 2, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction on the figure 2 .
  • This force F1 makes it possible to keep the contacts closed during a nominal current.
  • the braid 3 When the braid 3 is traversed by a current, it deforms and generates a magnetic field. By welding the braid 3 to the second end 11 of the moving contact 1, the short-circuit current passes from the braid 3 to the second end 11 of the moving contact 1. In this zone, the magnetic field created by the braid 3 and associated at the short-circuit current, generates an additional force F2 'which generates a torque C2 tending to rotate the movable contact 1 by bringing it closer to the fixed contact 2, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction on the figure 2 . Brought back to the point of contact, this pair D2 generates a force F2 directed according to the force F1, and which thus adds to the force F1 to counter the forces Fr of repulsion.
  • the short-circuit current is used for the creation of a force F2 making it possible to keep the contacts 1, 2 closed.
  • the sum of the couples C1 and C2 must be greater than or equal to the torque Cr, so that there is no separation of the contacts during the passage of a high short circuit current.
  • the ratio between the lever arm corresponding to the torque Cr, that is to say the distance d1 between the pivot point 6 and the contact point 7, and the lever arm corresponding to the torque C2, that is to say the distance d2 between the pivot point 6 and the second end 11 of the movable contact 1, is greater than or equal to 2.
  • the greater this ratio the greater the C2 pair will be important compared to Cr couple and will counter the forces of repulsion Fr.
  • the distance d2 is limited by the inner wall of the housing 21 in the vicinity of the second end of the movable contact 1, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .
  • the second rigid end 15 of the braid 3 is as short as possible, since the force F2 originates at the start of the flexible portion 17 of the braid 3.
  • the deformable central section 17 of the braid 3 can be curved.
  • the curved central deformable section 17 may comprise a first portion 17 'which extends from the second rigid end 15 of the braid 3, and is arranged opposite the second lateral face 14 of the movable contact 1.
  • central deformable 17 may comprise a second portion 17 "which extends the first portion 17 'and extends to the first rigid end 16.
  • the first portion 17' is disposed substantially opposite the portion 12 of the contact mobile 1.
  • the deformable central section 17 has a convex shape.
  • the curved central deformable section 17 extends, from the second end 15, in the extension of the second end 11 of the movable contact 1 and opposite the moving contact 1.
  • the deformable central portion 17 has a concave shape. Indeed, the deformable central section 17 of the braid 3 and the portion 12 forms a substantially U shape. By this arrangement, the current flowing in the movable contact 1 has no influence on the deformable central section 17 of FIG. the braid 3 and thus, the force F'2 does not decrease.
  • the current passing through the braid 3 creates repulsive forces F1TT and F2TT.
  • the repulsive force F1TT contributes to increasing the force F2 'and therefore contributes to increasing the force on the point of contact 7.
  • the fixed and mobile contacts 2 1 are equipped with pellets 8 ', 9', preferably designed in an alloy comprising silver and tin, or any other silver alloy.
  • a U-shaped blow plate 20 is provided around the movable contact 1, between the protuberance (rivet 8 or pad 8 ') and the second end 11, to direct the electric arc down the housing 21, according to its orientation on the figures 1 , 2 and 3 .
  • the U-shaped blow plate 20 may comprise a first branch 20a and a second branch 20c substantially parallel to each other and facing one another, and which extend from a base 20b forming part of the blowing plate 20.
  • the first branch 20a, the base 20b, and the second branch 20c may delimit a space in which the portion 12 of the movable contact 1 is contained. More particularly, this portion 12 extends between the second end 11 and the protuberance, which preferably has the form of a rivet 8 or a pellet 8 '. Moreover, the blast plate 20 can be arranged between the connection terminal 4 and the fixed contact 2.
  • the electric arc is thus brought away from the lock and the contact carrier 18, located in fragile and poorly sealed areas.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne un appareil électrique de protection de ligne, du type interrupteur différentiel (RCCB). Ce type d'appareil est conçu notamment pour couper et établir des niveaux de courant généralement compris entre 16 et 125 ampères.The invention relates to an electrical line protection device of the differential switch type (RCCB). This type of device is designed in particular to cut and establish current levels generally between 16 and 125 amperes.

Une norme relative à ce type d'appareil stipule qu'il doit être capable de couper un courant maximum de court-circuit différentiel égal à dix fois le courant nominal In. Un courant de court-circuit différentiel est un courant qui ne traverse qu'un seul pôle à la fois. Ce courant déclenche systématiquement la serrure de l'appareil, car il y a un déséquilibre d'intensité détecté par un tore.A standard for this type of device states that it must be capable of breaking a maximum differential short-circuit current equal to ten times the rated current In. A differential short-circuit current is a current that flows only through only one pole at a time. This current systematically triggers the lock of the device, because there is an intensity imbalance detected by a torus.

Tous les courants de court-circuit équilibrés supérieurs (>10 x In) sont coupés par un dispositif de type disjoncteur disposé en amont dans le coffret de distribution. Un courant de court-circuit équilibré est un courant qui traverse au même moment tous les pôles d'un même appareil. Ce type de courant peut, par l'action des forces de répulsion, légèrement ouvrir les contacts, sans toutefois faire déclencher la serrure.All higher balanced short-circuit currents (> 10 x In) are cut by a circuit-breaker device located upstream in the distribution box. A balanced short-circuit current is a current that flows through all the poles of the same device at the same time. This type of current can, by the action of the repulsion forces, slightly open the contacts, without triggering the lock.

Pour autant, l'appareil électrique selon l'invention voit passer ces forts courants de court-circuit équilibrés, et doit les supporter sans dommage interne.However, the electrical apparatus according to the invention sees these strong short-circuit currents balanced, and must support them without internal damage.

Or plus le courant de court-circuit est élevé, plus le point de contact de l'appareil, entre un contact mobile et un contact fixe, est sollicité. En l'espèce, il se produit une concentration de lignes de champ magnétique localement, au niveau de ce point de contact, vu la restriction de volume à cet emplacement au sein de l'appareil. Cela génère une densité de courant très élevée au niveau de ce point de contact, qui, couplée au champ magnétique, va créer des forces de Laplace, c'est-à-dire des forces électrodynamiques de répulsion des contacts qui repoussent le contact mobile du contact fixe.However, the higher the short-circuit current, the more the point of contact of the device between a movable contact and a fixed contact is solicited. In this case, there is a concentration of magnetic field lines locally, at this point of contact, given the restriction of volume at this location within the device. This generates a very high current density at this point of contact, which, coupled with the magnetic field, will create Laplace forces, that is, forces electrodynamic repulsive contacts that repel the moving contact of the fixed contact.

Deux phénomènes sont observables sous l'influence de ces forts courants traversant le point de contact :

  • si la répulsion est importante, il se produit un arc électrique conséquent qui peut entamer le point de contact d'autant plus vite que le courant est élevé. Cela signifie qu'il y a une détérioration du contact mobile et/ou du contact fixe au niveau du point de contact. L'interrupteur est donc détérioré.
  • si la répulsion est modérée, il peut se produire un collage des contacts au niveau du point de contact. Cela signifie que la matière fond suite à un échauffement local, puis que le contact mobile se retrouve « soudé » au contact fixe suite à un refroidissement. L'interrupteur ne peut donc plus couper la charge.
Au niveau du point de contact, le contact fixe et le contact mobile sont chacun équipés d'une pastille ou d'un rivet. Le contact entre les deux pastilles ou les deux rivets forme le point de contact. Les deux pastilles ou les deux rivets sont notamment en contact l'un contre l'autre en position de fermeture des contacts.Two phenomena are observable under the influence of these strong currents crossing the point of contact:
  • if the repulsion is important, there arises a consequent electric arc which can start the point of contact all the more quickly that the current is high. This means that there is a deterioration of the moving contact and / or the fixed contact at the point of contact. The switch is damaged.
  • if the repulsion is moderate, there may be sticking of the contacts at the point of contact. This means that the material melts following a local heating, and that the movable contact is found "welded" to the fixed contact after cooling. The switch can no longer cut the load.
At the point of contact, the fixed contact and the movable contact are each equipped with a pellet or a rivet. The contact between the two pellets or the two rivets forms the point of contact. The two pellets or the two rivets are in particular in contact against each other in the closed position of the contacts.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Pour contrer les phénomènes cités, l'une des solutions couramment mises en oeuvre consiste à utiliser du tungstène pour former la pastille du contact mobile. Il peut s'agir plus précisément d'un mélange tungstène-argent (AgW) ou d'un mélange de carbure de tungstène-argent (AgCW). Le tungstène supporte correctement les effets de la répulsion en termes d'usure et de collage. Cependant, il augmente le risque d'emballement thermique, c'est-à-dire de surchauffe, qui risque de faire fondre l'appareil. De ce fait, avec du tungstène, il est en général nécessaire d'utiliser des matériaux tels que les thermodurcissables pour réaliser les composants qui portent les contacts fixes et mobiles, car ils supportent mieux la chaleur et permettent de contenir les effets d'un emballement thermique. Cependant, ce type de matériau nécessite beaucoup de précautions lorsqu'il est utilisé dans un processus industriel.In order to counter the phenomena mentioned, one of the solutions currently used consists of using tungsten to form the tablet of the moving contact. It may be specifically a tungsten-silver mixture (AgW) or a mixture of tungsten carbide-silver (AgCW). Tungsten correctly supports the effects of repulsion in terms of wear and gluing. However, it increases the risk of thermal runaway, that is to say overheating, which may melt the device. Therefore, with tungsten, it is generally necessary to use materials such as thermosets to make the components that carry them. fixed and mobile contacts, because they better support the heat and can contain the effects of a thermal runaway. However, this type of material requires a lot of caution when used in an industrial process.

D'autre part, le tungstène est un matériau qui vieillit mal, puisqu'il a tendance à s'oxyder, rendant la connexion électrique défectueuse entre les pastilles. De plus, il réduit fortement la mobilité de l'arc électrique lors des coupures, ce qui signifie que l'arc électrique reste localisé précisément entre les deux pastilles, alors qu'il est normalement préférable d'aspirer l'arc électrique vers une zone adaptée à cet effet. Il est donc nécessaire de prévoir des échappements dans les chambres de coupure vers l'extérieur de l'appareil pour permettre d'évacuer les gaz produits par l'arc et donc pour limiter l'usure du point de contact. Or ces ouvertures favorisent l'entrée de pollutions provenant de l'extérieur dans l'appareil. Tous ces inconvénients imposent actuellement la conception de pastilles ayant un volume conséquent.On the other hand, tungsten is a poorly aged material, since it tends to oxidize, making the electrical connection defective between the pellets. In addition, it greatly reduces the mobility of the electric arc during cuts, which means that the electric arc remains located precisely between the two pellets, while it is normally preferable to draw the electric arc to a zone adapted for this purpose. It is therefore necessary to provide exhausts in the cutoff chambers to the outside of the device to allow evacuate the gases produced by the arc and thus to limit the wear of the contact point. But these openings favor the entry of pollution from outside in the device. All these disadvantages currently require the design of pellets having a large volume.

Une autre solution repose sur l'augmentation de la force de contact entre le contact fixe et le contact mobile, lors de la fermeture des contacts. Cette force de contact s'effectue en général au moyen d'un ressort. Pour l'augmenter, il est d'usage de choisir un ressort présentant une force plus élevée. Ainsi, plus la force de contact est importante, plus le courant traversant le point de contact doit être élevé pour séparer le contact mobile du contact fixe. Cette solution présente cependant l'inconvénient d'augmenter par conséquent la force d'armement de l'appareil pour passer de la position OFF (ouverture des contacts) à la position ON (fermeture des contacts), et nécessite de revoir l'ergonomie du produit. Cette augmentation de la force d'armement pour augmenter la force de contact peut également entraîner un effet de fluage de certaines pièces dans le temps et altérer le fonctionnement de l'appareil.Another solution is based on increasing the contact force between the fixed contact and the movable contact, when closing the contacts. This contact force is generally effected by means of a spring. To increase it, it is customary to choose a spring with a higher force. Thus, the greater the contact force, the greater the current through the contact point must be high to separate the movable contact of the fixed contact. This solution however has the disadvantage of increasing consequently the arming force of the device to go from the OFF position (opening of the contacts) to the ON position (closing of the contacts), and requires a review of the ergonomics of the device. product. This increase of the arming force to increase the contact force can also cause a creep effect of some parts over time and impair the operation of the device.

La publication FR 2 905 795 A1 décrit un dispositif de contact comprenant des premier et deuxième éléments conducteurs mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre, le premier élément conducteur étant fixe et le deuxième élément conducteur étant mobile. Deux paires de contact sont prévues sur les premier et deuxième éléments conducteurs, de sorte à établir une première et une deuxième zone de contact, lorsque deux contacts viennent en contact. Par ailleurs, un organe d'amenée du courant, formé par un conducteur souple du genre tresse, est raccordé électriquement au deuxième élément conducteur pour induire des efforts magnétiques tendant à maintenir le deuxième élément conducteur mobile en contact avec le premier élément conducteur fixe. Dans ce dispositif, l'organe d'amenée du courant est raccordé au deuxième élément conducteur au niveau de la paire de contact qui située à proximité du mécanisme permettant d'exercer un effort de pression de contact.The publication FR 2 905 795 A1 discloses a contact device comprising first and second conductive members movable relative to each other, the first conductive element being fixed and the second conductive element being movable. Two pairs of contacts are provided on the first and second conductive elements, so as to establish a first and a second contact area, when two contacts come into contact. Furthermore, a current supply member, formed by a flexible conductor of the braid type, is electrically connected to the second conductive element to induce magnetic forces tending to keep the second movable conductive member in contact with the first fixed conductive element. In this device, the current supply member is connected to the second conductive element at the contact pair which is located near the mechanism for exerting a contact pressure force.

Par ailleurs, la publication BE 667 601 A décrit un dispositif de contact qui comprend un contact fixe et un contact mobile muni d'un bras pivotant mobile en rotation autour d'un axe. Un conducteur flexible sous la forme d'une tresse est raccordé à une extrémité inférieure du bras, qui est opposée à l'extrémité pouvant former une zone de contact entre le contact mobile et le contact fixe, ce qui permet d'induire une force électrodynamique d'attraction ayant tendance à augmenter la pression de contact. Dans ce dispositif de contact, le conducteur flexible est raccordé à l'extrémité inférieure du bras, opposée à l'extrémité formant point de contact, et à proximité de la chape et du support basculant.In addition, the publication BE 667 601 A discloses a contact device which comprises a fixed contact and a movable contact provided with a pivoting arm movable in rotation about an axis. A flexible conductor in the form of a braid is connected to a lower end of the arm, which is opposite the end being able to form a contact zone between the movable contact and the fixed contact, which makes it possible to induce an electrodynamic force of attraction tending to increase the contact pressure. In this contact device, the flexible conductor is connected to the lower end of the arm, opposite to the end forming contact point, and near the yoke and the tilting support.

Toutefois, conformément à l'art antérieur connu de ces documents, les effets des efforts magnétiques induits par la présence d'un organe d'amenée du courant du genre tresse ne sont pas maximaux.However, according to the known prior art of these documents, the effects of the magnetic forces induced by the presence of a braid-type current supply member are not maximal.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention a pour objectif de pallier les différents inconvénients énoncés ci-dessus, au moyen d'un appareil électrique de protection de ligne, capable de supporter les courants de court-circuit équilibrés (>10 x In) et donc gérés par un disjoncteur voisin, en empêchant la répulsion électrodynamique des contacts sans augmenter la force d'armement de l'appareil.The present invention aims to overcome the various disadvantages mentioned above, by means of an electrical apparatus of line protection, able to withstand balanced short-circuit currents (> 10 x In) and thus managed by a neighboring circuit breaker, by preventing the electrodynamic repulsion of the contacts without increasing the arming force of the device.

L'appareil électrique de protection de ligne selon l'invention, du type interrupteur différentiel, comporte de façon classique :

  • un dispositif de coupure comportant une serrure mécanique, un dispositif de déclenchement apte à faire basculer ladite serrure,
  • un contact fixe et un contact mobile fixé à un porte-contact rotatif,
  • une manette de commande du contact mobile entraînant ledit contact mobile à distance ou vers le contact fixe, ladite manette étant reliée au porte-contact par l'intermédiaire de la serrure mécanique apte à basculer en entraînant l'ouverture/fermeture des contacts suite à une action manuelle sur la manette ;
  • le dispositif de déclenchement étant apte à faire basculer la serrure du dispositif de coupure pour ouvrir les contacts en cas d'apparition d'un courant de court-circuit différentiel, donc inférieur à un seuil d'intensité prédéterminé, et apte à laisser les contacts fermés en cas d'apparition d'un courant de court-circuit équilibré, donc supérieur audit seuil d'intensité prédéterminé,
  • en position de fermeture des contacts, ledit contact mobile est maintenu contre ledit contact fixe au niveau d'un point de contact sous l'action d'un moyen élastique disposé entre le contact mobile et le porte-contact et induisant une force de contact nominale F1 appliquée sur le contact fixe,
  • des moyens de transformation du courant de court-circuit en force supplémentaire de contact F2 appliquée sur le contact fixe et dirigée selon la force de contact F1, la somme des forces F1 et F2 étant au moins égale aux forces électrodynamiques de répulsion Fr des contacts engendrés par le courant de court-circuit équilibré,
  • une borne de raccordement, le contact mobile étant relié électriquement à ladite borne de raccordement via un conducteur souple du type tresse, lesdits moyens de transformation consistant en un agencement spécifique entre le conducteur, le contact mobile et le contact fixe,
  • le contact mobile étant agencé pour pivoter autour d'un point de pivot localisé à proximité du point de contact.
The electrical line protection device according to the invention, of the differential switch type, comprises conventionally:
  • a cut-off device comprising a mechanical lock, a triggering device adapted to tilt said lock,
  • a fixed contact and a movable contact fixed to a rotary contact holder,
  • a control lever of the movable contact driving said movable contact at a distance or towards the fixed contact, said lever being connected to the contact-holder by means of the mechanical lock able to switch by causing the opening / closing of the contacts following a manual action on the joystick;
  • the trigger device being able to switch the lock of the cut-off device to open the contacts in case of occurrence of a differential short-circuit current, therefore less than a predetermined intensity threshold, and able to leave the contacts closed in the event of occurrence of a balanced short-circuit current, therefore greater than said predetermined intensity threshold,
  • in the closed position of the contacts, said movable contact is held against said fixed contact at a point of contact under the action of a resilient means disposed between the movable contact and the contact carrier and inducing a nominal contact force F1 applied on the fixed contact,
  • means for transforming the short-circuit current into an additional contact force F2 applied to the fixed and directed contact according to the contact force F1, the sum of the forces F1 and F2 being at least equal to the electrodynamic repulsion forces Fr contacts generated by the balanced short-circuit current,
  • a connection terminal, the movable contact being electrically connected to said connection terminal via a flexible conductor of the braid type, said transformation means consisting of a specific arrangement between the conductor, the moving contact and the fixed contact,
  • the movable contact being arranged to pivot about a pivot point located near the point of contact.

Cet appareil se caractérise, à titre principal, en ce que le contact mobile comporte une première extrémité proximale du porte-contact et une seconde extrémité distale du porte-contact, ledit conducteur étant raccordé au niveau de la seconde extrémité du contact mobile et à distance du point de pivot.This device is characterized, in principal, in that the movable contact has a first proximal end of the contact carrier and a second distal end of the contact carrier, said conductor being connected at the second end of the movable contact and remotely from the pivot point.

La force de contact nominale F1 est bien inférieure aux forces de répulsion Fr, et ne suffit pas à elle seule pour maintenir les contacts fermés en cas de court-circuit équilibré.The nominal contact force F1 is much lower than the repulsion forces Fr, and is not sufficient on its own to keep the contacts closed in the event of a balanced short circuit.

L'idée principale de cette invention consiste à prévoir une force de contact supplémentaire F2, qui permette de garder les contacts fermés, même en cas d'un courant de court-circuit supérieur à dix fois le courant nominal. Cette force de contact supplémentaire F2 est indépendante de la force de contact nominale F1. Cela permet de conserver une force d'armement convenable, c'est-à-dire un actionnement manuel de la manette où le point dur est passé en exerçant une pression standard par l'utilisateur. La force de contact supplémentaire est donc induite entre le contact mobile et le conducteur souple, le contact mobile étant relié électriquement à ladite borne de raccordement via un conducteur souple du type tresse.The main idea of this invention is to provide an additional contact force F2, which keeps the contacts closed, even if a short-circuit current greater than ten times the nominal current. This additional contact force F2 is independent of the nominal contact force F1. This allows to maintain a suitable arming force, that is to say a manual operation of the controller where the hard point is passed by exerting a standard pressure by the user. The additional contact force is therefore induced between the movable contact and the flexible conductor, the movable contact being electrically connected to said connection terminal via a flexible conductor of the braid type.

Dans l'art antérieur le conducteur souple était raccordé au contact mobile au voisinage du point de pivot, et n'induisait donc aucune force dans ce secteur. Lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit dans le conducteur, ce dernier génère un champ magnétique tout autour de la zone de raccordement avec le contact mobile. Ce champ magnétique, couplé au courant, induit une force qui s'applique au niveau de cette zone de raccordement. Or une force qui s'applique au voisinage du point de pivot ne permet pas de déplacer le contact mobile. Ainsi, dans l'art antérieur, l'effet du conducteur sur le contact mobile est quasiment nul.In the prior art the flexible conductor was connected to the moving contact in the vicinity of the pivot point, and thus did not induce any force in that sector. When passing a short-circuit current in the conductor, the latter generates a magnetic field all around the connection area with the movable contact. This magnetic field, coupled to the current, induces a force that applies at this connection area. But a force that applies in the vicinity of the pivot point does not move the movable contact. Thus, in the prior art, the effect of the conductor on the moving contact is almost zero.

De la même manière, même avec un conducteur souple raccordé au contact mobile à distance du point de pivot, si ce dernier est éloigné du point de contact, la force F2 exercée au point de contact sera fortement diminuée, ce qui ne permettra pas de contrer les forces de répulsion Fr. Pour que l'invention fonctionne, il est donc essentiel de positionner les points de pivot et de contact à la fois proches l'un de l'autre et éloignés de la zone de raccordement avec le conducteur souple.In the same way, even with a flexible conductor connected to the moving contact at a distance from the pivot point, if the latter is away from the point of contact, the force F2 exerted at the point of contact will be greatly reduced, which will not allow to counter In order for the invention to work, it is therefore essential to position the pivot and contact points both close to each other and away from the connection zone with the flexible conductor.

Le contact mobile consiste en un fer plat comportant :

  • ladite première extrémité coopérant avec le moyen élastique,
  • une première face depuis laquelle saille une protubérance apte à venir au contact d'une protubérance similaire saillant du contact fixe, le contact entre ces deux protubérances correspondant au point de contact entre le contact fixe et le contact mobile,
  • un point de pivot autour duquel il tourne pour s'éloigner ou s'approcher du contact fixe, ledit point de pivot étant disposé entre la première extrémité et la protubérance,
  • ladite seconde extrémité à laquelle est fixé le conducteur, sur une deuxième face opposée à la première face contenant la protubérance.
The moving contact consists of a flat iron comprising:
  • said first end cooperating with the elastic means,
  • a first face from which protrudes a protrusion capable of coming into contact with a similar protuberance protruding from the fixed contact, the contact between these two protuberances corresponding to the point of contact between the fixed contact and the moving contact,
  • a pivot point about which it turns to move away from or approach the fixed contact, said pivot point being disposed between the first end and the protuberance,
  • said second end to which is attached the conductor, on a second face opposite to the first face containing the protuberance.

Dans la présente invention, l'idée est de raccorder le conducteur au niveau de l'extrémité du contact mobile, c'est-à-dire le plus loin possible du point de pivot, afin d'avoir un bras de levier le plus grand possible. Le champ magnétique créé par le conducteur lorsqu'il est parcouru par un fort courant de court-circuit, génère une force F2' qui s'applique sur le contact mobile au niveau du raccordement avec le conducteur, et qui pousse le contact mobile de manière à le faire tourner selon un couple C2. Ainsi, plus l'emplacement du raccordement est éloigné du point de pivot, plus le bras de levier sera important, et plus le couple C2 permettant de faire pivoter le contact mobile sera grand. Pour que le couple C2 et la force F2 puissent contrer les forces de répulsion Fr et le couple Cr engendré par les effets électrodynamiques, il est nécessaire que les forces F2 et Fr soient opposées. Les forces de répulsion Fr s'exercent sur le contact mobile au niveau de la première face accueillant la protubérance. Il est donc nécessaire que le raccordement du conducteur soit réalisé sur la face opposée à cette première face pour que la force F2 et le couple C2 soient opposés à la force Fr et au couple Cr, le point de pivot étant situé bien au-dessus de la protubérance et de la zone de raccordement du conducteur.In the present invention, the idea is to connect the conductor at the end of the moving contact, that is to say as far as possible from the pivot point, in order to have a greater lever arm possible. The magnetic field created by the driver when traversed by a strong short-circuit current, generates a force F2 'which is applied to the contact mobile at the connection with the driver, and pushing the movable contact so as to rotate it in a couple C2. Thus, the more the location of the connection is away from the pivot point, the greater the lever arm will be, and the greater the C2 torque to rotate the movable contact will be large. In order for the pair C2 and the force F2 to be able to counteract the repulsion forces Fr and the torque Cr generated by the electrodynamic effects, it is necessary for the forces F2 and Fr to be opposite. The repulsion forces Fr are exerted on the moving contact at the first face hosting the protuberance. It is therefore necessary for the connection of the conductor to be made on the face opposite this first face so that the force F2 and the torque C2 are opposite the force Fr and the torque Cr, the pivot point being situated well above the protuberance and the connection area of the driver.

Le moyen élastique créant la force F1' est, quant à lui, situé au-dessus du point de pivot, donc de l'autre côté de la protubérance et de la zone de raccordement du conducteur.The elastic means creating the force F1 'is, meanwhile, located above the pivot point, so on the other side of the protrusion and the connecting area of the driver.

Par conséquent, pour qu'il créé une force F1 qui puisse contrer les forces de répulsion Fr, le moyen élastique exerce une pression sur la première face du contact mobile. Le couple engendré C1 tourne ainsi dans le même sens que le couple C2, c'est-à-dire en sens inverse du couple Cr. L'objectif est donc que la somme des couples C1 et C2 soit supérieure ou égale au couple Cr, afin de maintenir les contacts fermés en cas de court-circuit équilibré.Therefore, for it to create a force F1 that can counter the repulsion forces Fr, the elastic means exerts a pressure on the first face of the movable contact. The generated torque C1 thus rotates in the same direction as the pair C2, that is to say in the opposite direction of the torque Cr. The objective is therefore that the sum of the couples C1 and C2 is greater than or equal to the torque Cr, in order to keep the contacts closed in the event of a balanced short-circuit.

Pour augmenter encore cette force F2, le contact mobile comporte un tronçon allongé entre la protubérance et la seconde extrémité. Plus ce tronçon est long, plus le bras de levier relatif au couple C2 sera long.To further increase this force F2, the movable contact has an elongated section between the protuberance and the second end. The longer this section is, the longer the lever relative to the C2 pair will be long.

Selon une configuration possible, le rapport entre la distance du point de pivot à la seconde extrémité de raccordement au conducteur et la distance du point de pivot au point de contact, est supérieur à 2. Plus ce rapport est grand, plus le bras de levier relatif au couple C2 est important, et plus la force F2 sera capable de contrer les forces de répulsion Fr. Ce rapport est optimisé au mieux selon l'encombrement de l'appareil.According to one possible configuration, the ratio between the distance from the pivot point to the second end of the connection to the conductor and the distance from the pivot point to the point of contact is greater than 2. The greater this ratio, the greater the lever arm relative to the C2 pair is important, and the more force F2 will be able to counter the repulsion forces Fr. This ratio is optimized at best according to the size of the device.

En effet, l'appareil est classiquement délimité par un boîtier, la distance entre le point de pivot et la seconde extrémité de raccordement au conducteur étant limitée par l'encombrement du boîtier. En effet, le contact mobile doit pouvoir être intégré dans le volume défini par le boîtier. Son point de pivot et son point de contact étant définis au sein du boîtier par l'emplacement de la serrure, seule sa longueur peut être modifiée, et est limitée par des considérations géométriques relatives au boîtier.Indeed, the apparatus is conventionally delimited by a housing, the distance between the pivot point and the second end of connection to the conductor being limited by the size of the housing. Indeed, the mobile contact must be integrated in the volume defined by the housing. Its pivot point and its point of contact being defined within the housing by the location of the lock, only its length can be modified, and is limited by geometric considerations relating to the housing.

Par ailleurs, la longueur du conducteur souple est limitée afin qu'il ne diffuse pas trop de chaleur au sein de l'appareil.Furthermore, the length of the flexible conductor is limited so that it does not diffuse too much heat within the device.

L'allongement du contact mobile et son raccordement au conducteur au niveau de sa seconde extrémité consistent en des modifications géométriques facilement réalisables d'un point de vue industriel. Il s'agit donc d'une solution technique qui présente l'avantage d'être simple de mise en oeuvre.The elongation of the movable contact and its connection to the conductor at its second end consist of geometric changes easily achievable from an industrial point of view. It is therefore a technical solution that has the advantage of being simple to implement.

De préférence, lesdites protubérances saillant des contacts mobile et fixe consistent chacune en un rivet. Ceci n'est possible que parce que les forces supplémentaires F2 permettent de contrer les forces de répulsion Fr. Cela signifie que le conducteur, le contact mobile et le contact fixe voient passer cet important courant de court-circuit équilibré sans provoquer d'ouverture des contacts, et donc d'arc électrique qu'il faudrait être capable de supporter. Ainsi, de simples rivets peuvent être fixés sur le contact mobile, ainsi que sur le contact fixe. Il s'agit d'une solution non seulement économique, mais également gage de qualité, par rapport à des protubérances en forme de pastille dont une face spécifique se soude au contact mobile/fixe. En effet, dans le cas des pastilles, il existe un risque de se tromper de face lors de la soudure. Ce risque est présent, qu'il s'agisse d'un processus automatique ou manuel. Si la pastille est soudée du mauvais côté, l'appareil électrique est alors défaillant.Preferably, said protuberances protruding mobile and fixed contacts each consist of a rivet. This is possible only because the additional forces F2 make it possible to counter the repulsion forces Fr. This means that the conductor, the moving contact and the fixed contact pass through this important balanced short-circuit current without causing any opening of the circuits. contacts, and therefore electric arc that should be able to support. Thus, simple rivets can be fixed on the movable contact, as well as on the fixed contact. This is not only an economical solution, but also a guarantee of quality, compared to pellet-shaped protuberances whose specific surface is welded to the mobile / fixed contact. Indeed, in the case of pellets, there is a risk of being wrong face during welding. This risk is present, whether it is an automatic or manual process. If the chip is soldered to the wrong side, the electrical device is defective.

Avec l'utilisation de rivet, ce risque est inexistant.With the use of rivet, this risk is non-existent.

De préférence, ledit rivet est composé d'un alliage contenant de l'Argent et de l'Etain, donc exempt de carbone ou de tungstène. Ces matériaux vieillissent bien, présentent une très bonne longévité, ce qui permet à l'appareil de fonctionner plus longtemps, comparé aux appareils de l'art antérieur. Ce type de matériaux est sain, comparé aux pastilles qui sont souvent réalisées en tungstène, qui est un matériau moins robuste à long terme.Preferably, said rivet is composed of an alloy containing silver and tin, thus free of carbon or tungsten. These materials age well, have a very good longevity, which allows the device to operate longer, compared to the devices of the prior art. This type of material is healthy, compared to pellets that are often made of tungsten, which is a less robust material in the long term.

Cependant, les protubérances de l'invention pourraient très bien consister en des pastilles, aussi bien en alliage Argent-Etain qu'en tungstène par exemple.However, the protuberances of the invention could very well consist of pellets, both silver-tin alloy tungsten for example.

Optionnellement, l'appareil comporte des moyens d'aspiration de l'arc électrique créé entre les contacts fixe et mobile lors de l'ouverture des contacts.Optionally, the apparatus comprises means of suction of the electric arc created between the fixed and movable contacts during the opening of the contacts.

Plus précisément, lesdits moyens d'aspiration de l'arc électrique consistent en une tôle de soufflage entourant le contact mobile depuis le point de contact jusqu'à la seconde extrémité du contact mobile. Cette tôle permet donc de diriger l'arc électrique vers la seconde extrémité du contact mobile, c'est-à-dire à distance de la serrure et du porte-contact qui constitue une zone fragile et peu étanche. Cette redirection permet de mieux absorber la pollution de l'arc électrique, et d'éviter les dégradations au sein de l'appareil.More specifically, said electric arc suction means consist of a blow plate surrounding the movable contact from the point of contact to the second end of the movable contact. This sheet makes it possible to direct the electric arc towards the second end of the movable contact, that is to say at a distance from the lock and the contact-holder which constitutes a fragile and not very tight zone. This redirection makes it possible to better absorb the pollution of the electric arc, and to avoid damage within the device.

Plus particulièrement, la tôle de soufflage peut présenter une forme de U et peut comprendre une première branche et une deuxième branche sensiblement parallèles entre elles et en regard l'une de l'autre, et qui s'étendent d'une base faisant partie de la tôle de soufflage.More particularly, the blowing plate may have a U-shape and may comprise a first branch and a second branch substantially parallel to each other and facing one another, and which extend from a base forming part of the blow plate.

De préférence, ledit conducteur souple comporte une extrémité rigide de raccordement au contact mobile. Cette extrémité rigide permet de mieux souder le conducteur sur le contact mobile, et d'avoir une liaison robuste. Cette extrémité rigide doit cependant rester la plus petite possible, afin de laisser un maximum de souplesse au conducteur, qui doit être capable de se déformer lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit élevé. Pour se faire, ledit conducteur souple comporte un tronçon déformable en fonction de la position du contact mobile par rapport au contact fixe. Ce tronçon déformable démarre le plus bas possible, au niveau de la seconde extrémité du contact mobile, afin d'obtenir le bras de levier le plus long entre le point de pivot et le lieu où s'exerce la force F2 (c'est-à-dire au début du tronçon déformable). Le conducteur consiste de préférence en une tresse plate.Preferably, said flexible conductor has a rigid end connecting to the movable contact. This rigid end makes it possible to better weld the conductor on the moving contact, and to have a robust connection. This rigid end must however remain as small as possible, in order to leave a maximum of flexibility to the driver, who must be able to deform during the passage of a high short circuit current. To do this, said flexible conductor comprises a deformable section depending on the position of the movable contact relative to the fixed contact. This deformable section starts as low as possible, at the second end of the movable contact, in order to obtain the longest lever arm between the pivot point and the place where the force F2 exerts itself (ie ie at the beginning of the deformable section). The conductor preferably consists of a flat braid.

Selon une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, le tronçon déformable est courbé et comprend une première portion qui s'étend de la seconde extrémité rigide de la tresse et est disposé en regard de la seconde face latérale du contact mobile et une deuxième portion qui prolonge la première portion et s'étend jusqu'à la première extrémité rigide.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the deformable section is curved and comprises a first portion which extends from the second rigid end of the braid and is arranged facing the second side face of the movable contact and a second portion. which extends the first portion and extends to the first rigid end.

Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation de l'invention, ledit tronçon déformable est courbé et s'étend, à partir de la seconde extrémité, dans le prolongement de la seconde extrémité du contact mobile et à l'opposé du contact mobile.According to a second embodiment of the invention, said deformable section is curved and extends, from the second end, in the extension of the second end of the movable contact and opposite the movable contact.

Présentation des figuresPresentation of figures

L'invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description explicative détaillée qui va suivre, de plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre d'exemples purement illustratifs et non limitatifs, en référence aux dessins schématiques annexés.The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more clearly apparent in the following detailed explanatory description of several embodiments of the invention given as examples. purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

Sur ces dessins :

  • la figure 1 représente en vue de coupe une partie de l'intérieur d'un appareil selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 montre schématiquement les interactions entre différentes pièces de l'appareil dans une première variante de réalisation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 montre schématiquement les interactions entre différentes pièces de l'appareil dans une deuxième variante de réalisation selon l'invention ;
  • les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues en perspective de l'intérieur d'un appareil dans la première variante de réalisation selon l'invention.
On these drawings:
  • the figure 1 represents in sectional view part of the interior of an apparatus according to the invention;
  • the figure 2 shows schematically the interactions between different parts of the apparatus in a first embodiment according to the invention;
  • the figure 3 schematically shows the interactions between different parts of the apparatus in a second embodiment according to the invention;
  • the Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the interior of an apparatus in the first embodiment according to the invention.

Description détailléedetailed description

En référence à la figure 1, un appareil électrique de protection de ligne, du type interrupteur différentiel, est délimité par un boîtier 21 dans lequel se trouve un agencement de pièces, dont notamment au moins un contact mobile 1 et un contact fixe 2.With reference to the figure 1 , an electrical line protection apparatus, of the differential switch type, is delimited by a housing 21 in which there is an arrangement of parts, including in particular at least one movable contact 1 and a fixed contact 2.

Il peut s'agir par exemple d'un appareil tétrapolaire, avec trois phases et un neutre.It can be for example a four-pole device, with three phases and a neutral.

Lorsque les contacts fixe 2 et mobile 1 sont fermés, l'appareil est en position ON. A l'inverse, lorsque les contacts fixe 2 et mobile 1 sont ouverts, l'appareil est en position OFF.When the fixed 2 and mobile 1 contacts are closed, the device is in the ON position. Conversely, when the fixed 2 and mobile 1 contacts are open, the device is in the OFF position.

L'appareil comporte principalement un dispositif de coupure et un dispositif de déclenchement. Nous ne détaillerons pas le fonctionnement et l'agencement de ces dispositifs, car ils ne font pas l'objet de l'invention.The apparatus mainly comprises a cut-off device and a triggering device. We will not detail the operation and arrangement of these devices, because they are not the subject of the invention.

Chacun des contacts 1,2 comporte une protubérance consistant en un rivet 8,9 dans l'exemple de la figure 1, ou en une pastille 8',9' dans les exemples des figures 2 et 3. Lorsque les protubérances se retrouvent l'une contre l'autre, il existe alors un point de contact 7 entre le contact fixe 2 et le contact mobile 1.Each of the contacts 1,2 has a protuberance consisting of a rivet 8,9 in the example of the figure 1 , or in a pellet 8 ', 9' in the examples of figures 2 and 3 . When the protuberances are found against each other, there is then a point of contact 7 between the fixed contact 2 and the movable contact 1.

Le contact fixe 2 est encastré dans un support 19 fixe par rapport au boîtier 21.The fixed contact 2 is embedded in a support 19 fixed with respect to the housing 21.

Le contact mobile 1 est quant à lui en liaison pivot autour d'un porte-contact 18.The movable contact 1 is in turn pivotally connected around a contact carrier 18.

Ces deux contacts 1,2 consistent chacun en un fer plat, avec ou sans pli.These two contacts 1,2 each consist of a flat iron, with or without fold.

Comme cela est mieux représenté en figures 2 et 3, le contact mobile 1 comporte une première extrémité 10, une seconde extrémité 11, une première face latérale 13 disposée en vis-à-vis du contact fixe 2, et une seconde face latérale opposée 14.As is best represented in figures 2 and 3 the movable contact 1 has a first end 10, a second end 11, a first lateral face 13 disposed opposite the fixed contact 2, and a second opposite lateral face 14.

Un ressort 5 est disposé entre le contact mobile 1 et le porte-contact 18. Ce ressort 5 consiste ici en un ressort 5 de torsion avec deux bras d'extrémité 5a, 5b. Un bras d'extrémité 5a prend appui sur la première face 13 du contact mobile 1, tandis que l'autre bras d'extrémité 5b prend appui sur le porte-contact 18.A spring 5 is disposed between the movable contact 1 and the contact carrier 18. This spring 5 here consists of a torsion spring 5 with two end arms 5a, 5b. An end arm 5a bears on the first face 13 of the movable contact 1, while the other end arm 5b bears on the contact carrier 18.

Le contact mobile 1 tourne autour d'un point de pivot 6 se trouvant en-dessous du ressort 5 et au-dessus de la pastille 8'. Ce mouvement de rotation permet au contact mobile 1 d'être emmené à distance du contact fixe 2, en position OFF de l'appareil ou contre le contact fixe 2 en position ON de l'appareil. Le contact mobile 1 est relié à une borne 4 de raccordement de l'appareil, via une tresse 3 souple dont une première extrémité rigide 16 est soudée à la borne 4 et dont la seconde extrémité rigide 15 est soudée au contact mobile 1.The movable contact 1 rotates about a pivot point 6 located below the spring 5 and above the pellet 8 '. This rotational movement allows the moving contact 1 to be taken away from the fixed contact 2 in the OFF position of the device or against the fixed contact 2 in the ON position of the device. The mobile contact 1 is connected to a connection terminal 4 of the apparatus, via a flexible braid 3, a rigid first end 16 of which is soldered to the terminal 4 and whose second rigid end 15 is soldered to the moving contact 1.

Plus particulièrement, la seconde extrémité rigide 15 est soudée au contact mobile 1 du côté de la seconde face latérale 14 du contact mobile 1 en au moins un point de soudure S (figures 2 et 3).Cette tresse 3 comporte un tronçon central déformable 17 délimité par les deux extrémités rigides 16,15. Ainsi, lors des mouvements de rotation du contact mobile 1, la tresse 3 peut se déformer tout en assurant la connexion électrique avec la borne 4 de raccordement.More particularly, the second rigid end 15 is welded to the moving contact 1 on the side of the second lateral face 14 of the movable contact 1 in at least one welding point S ( figures 2 and 3 This braid 3 comprises a deformable central section 17 delimited by the two rigid ends 16, 15. Thus, during the rotational movements of the movable contact 1, the braid 3 can be deformed while ensuring the electrical connection with the connection terminal 4.

Le courant circule dans la borne 4 de raccordement, puis dans la tresse 3, puis dans le contact mobile 1, et enfin dans le contact fixe 2 si les contacts sont fermés.The current flows in the connection terminal 4, then in the braid 3, then in the moving contact 1, and finally in the fixed contact 2 if the contacts are closed.

Lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit différentiel, donc inférieur à dix fois le courant nominal, le dispositif de déclenchement détecte cette anomalie et provoque l'ouverture des contacts 1,2 via une serrure et le porte-contact 18. Il s'agit d'un cas de fonctionnement habituel de l'interrupteur différentiel.During the passage of a differential short-circuit current, therefore less than ten times the rated current, the trigger device detects this anomaly and causes the opening of the contacts 1,2 via a lock and the contact carrier 18. It this is a case of usual operation of the differential switch.

Lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit équilibré, dit « élevé », c'est-à-dire supérieur à dix fois le courant nominal, le rôle de cet interrupteur différentiel selon l'invention est de ne pas déclencher et de garder les contacts 1,2 fermés. Il s'agit d'un cas de fonctionnement inhabituel de l'appareil du fait de l'impact des forces électrodynamiques sur le point de contact 7.During the passage of a balanced short-circuit current, called "high", that is to say greater than ten times the nominal current, the role of this differential switch according to the invention is not to trigger and keep the contacts closed. This is a case of unusual operation of the apparatus due to the impact of electrodynamic forces on the point of contact 7.

Pour pouvoir répondre à ces exigences, l'appareil selon l'invention est doté d'un contact mobile 1 avec une portion 12 rallongée entre le point de contact 7 et la seconde extrémité 11, et avec un raccordement électrique à la tresse 3 qui se situe exactement au niveau de la seconde extrémité 11 du côté de sa seconde face latérale 14. Plus particulièrement, le point de soudure S est situé au niveau de l'interface entre la seconde extrémité 11 du contact mobile 1, du côté de la seconde face latérale 14 du contact mobile 1, et la seconde extrémité rigide 15 de la tresse 3.In order to meet these requirements, the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a movable contact 1 with a portion 12 extended between the point of contact 7 and the second end 11, and with an electrical connection to the braid 3 which is is located exactly at the second end 11 on the side of its second side face 14. More particularly, the weld point S is located at the interface between the second end 11 of the movable contact 1, the side of the second side lateral 14 of the movable contact 1, and the second rigid end 15 of the braid 3.

D'une part, la soudure de la tresse 3 est loin du point de pivot 6, et d'autre part, le point de contact 7 est proche du point de pivot 6. Ces considérations géométriques spécifiques permettent de créer une force qui contribuera à conserver les contacts 1,2 fermés lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit élevé, comme cela sera expliqué ci-dessous, au regard des figures 2 et 3 notamment.On the one hand, the braid 3 is soldered away from the pivot point 6, and on the other hand, the contact point 7 is close to the pivot point 6. These specific geometrical considerations make it possible to create a force which will contribute to keep the contacts closed when passing a high short-circuit current, as will be explained below, with regard to figures 2 and 3 especially.

On entend par point de pivot 6 localisé à proximité du point de contact 7, un point de pivot 6 localisé plus près du point de contact 7 que de la seconde extrémité 11 ou du point de soudure S, comme l'illustrent les figures 2 et 3.By pivot point 6 located near the point of contact 7, is meant a pivot point 6 located closer to the point of contact 7 than to the second end 11 or the weld point S, as illustrated by FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .

On entend par un conducteur 3 raccordé à distance du point de pivot 6, un point de soudure S plus près du point de contact 7, que du point de pivot 6, comme l'illustrent les figures 2 et 3.By a conductor 3 connected remotely from the pivot point 6, is meant a weld point S closer to the point of contact 7 than the pivot point 6, as illustrated by FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .

Le premier bras 5a du ressort 5 en appui sur la première face latérale 13 du contact mobile 1 créé une force F1' qui s'applique au niveau de la première extrémité 10 du contact mobile 1. Cette force F1' est donc appliquée au-dessus du point de pivot 6 (en considérant l'orientation des pièces présentées sur les figures 1, 2 et 3), et provoque le pivotement du contact mobile 1 vers le contact fixe 2, c'est-à-dire dans le sens antihoraire sur les figures 2 et 3.The first arm 5a of the spring 5 bearing on the first side face 13 of the movable contact 1 creates a force F1 'which is applied at the first end 10 of the movable contact 1. This force F1' is therefore applied above of pivot point 6 (considering the orientation of the pieces presented on the figures 1 , 2 and 3 ), and causes the pivoting of the movable contact 1 towards the fixed contact 2, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction on the figures 2 and 3 .

La rotation du contact mobile 1 est stoppée par le contact fixe 2 qui fait office de butée. Le ressort 5 exerçant toujours une pression sur le contact mobile 1, il existe donc une force F1 s'exerçant sur le contact fixe 2 à partir du point de contact 7. Cette force F1 est donc en lien avec la force F1'. Elle génère un couple C1 ayant tendance à faire tourner le contact mobile 1 en direction du contact fixe 2, c'est-à-dire dans le sens antihoraire sur la figure 2. Cette force F1 permet de maintenir les contacts fermés lors d'un courant nominal.The rotation of the movable contact 1 is stopped by the fixed contact 2 which serves as a stop. The spring 5 still exerting pressure on the movable contact 1, there is therefore a force F1 exerted on the fixed contact 2 from the point of contact 7. This force F1 is therefore related to the force F1 '. It generates a torque C1 tending to rotate the movable contact 1 in the direction of the fixed contact 2, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction on the figure 2 . This force F1 makes it possible to keep the contacts closed during a nominal current.

Lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit équilibré à travers le contact mobile 1 et le contact fixe 2, apparaissent des forces de répulsion électrodynamiques Fr entre les deux contacts 1,2. Ces forces ont pour vocation de séparer les contacts 1,2. Par conséquent, ces forces Fr sont dirigées en sens inverse de la force F1, à partir du point de contact 7. Ces forces Fr génèrent un couple Cr ayant tendance à faire tourner le contact mobile 1 en l'éloignant du contact fixe 2, c'est-à-dire dans le sens horaire sur la figure 2.During the passage of a balanced short-circuit current through the movable contact 1 and the fixed contact 2, there appear electrodynamic repulsion forces Fr between the two contacts 1,2. These forces are intended to separate contacts 1,2. Therefore, these forces Fr are directed in the opposite direction of the force F1, from the point of contact 7. These forces Fr generate a torque Cr having a tendency to rotate the moving contact 1 away from the fixed contact 2, c 'ie clockwise on the figure 2 .

Ces forces Fr sont généralement plus importantes que la force F1, et cette dernière ne suffit pas à elle seule à contrer les forces Fr, et les contacts 1,2 s'ouvrent en créant des arcs électriques.These forces Fr are generally larger than the force F1, and the latter is not enough by itself to counter the forces Fr, and the contacts 1.2 open by creating arcs.

Lorsque la tresse 3 est parcourue par un courant, elle se déforme et génère un champ magnétique. En soudant la tresse 3 à la seconde extrémité 11 du contact mobile 1, le courant de court-circuit passe de la tresse 3 à la seconde extrémité 11 du contact mobile 1. Dans cette zone, le champ magnétique créé par la tresse 3 et associé au courant de court-circuit, génère une force F2' supplémentaire qui génère un couple C2 ayant tendance à faire tourner le contact mobile 1 en le rapprochant du contact fixe 2, c'est-à-dire dans le sens antihoraire sur la figure 2. Ramené au point de contact, ce couple D2 génère une force F2 dirigée selon la force F1, et qui s'ajoute ainsi à la force F1 pour contrer les forces Fr de répulsion.When the braid 3 is traversed by a current, it deforms and generates a magnetic field. By welding the braid 3 to the second end 11 of the moving contact 1, the short-circuit current passes from the braid 3 to the second end 11 of the moving contact 1. In this zone, the magnetic field created by the braid 3 and associated at the short-circuit current, generates an additional force F2 'which generates a torque C2 tending to rotate the movable contact 1 by bringing it closer to the fixed contact 2, that is to say in the counterclockwise direction on the figure 2 . Brought back to the point of contact, this pair D2 generates a force F2 directed according to the force F1, and which thus adds to the force F1 to counter the forces Fr of repulsion.

Ainsi, grâce à la disposition particulière de la tresse 3 par rapport au contact mobile 1, le courant de court-circuit est utilisé pour la création d'une force F2 permettant de maintenir les contacts 1,2 fermés.Thus, thanks to the particular arrangement of the braid 3 with respect to the movable contact 1, the short-circuit current is used for the creation of a force F2 making it possible to keep the contacts 1, 2 closed.

Plus la distance d2 entre le point de pivot 6 et la seconde extrémité 11 où s'exerce cette force F2 est importante, plus le bras de levier sera important, et plus le couple C2 sera important, ce qui est l'objectif de la présente invention.The greater the distance d2 between the pivot point 6 and the second end 11 where the force F2 is exerted, the greater the lever arm will be, and the greater the C2 torque will be important, which is the purpose of this invention.

Concrètement, la somme des couples C1 et C2 doit être supérieure ou égale au couple Cr, afin qu'il n'y ait pas de séparation des contacts lors du passage d'un courant de court-circuit élevé.Specifically, the sum of the couples C1 and C2 must be greater than or equal to the torque Cr, so that there is no separation of the contacts during the passage of a high short circuit current.

Plus précisément, il est recommandé que le rapport entre le bras de levier correspondant au couple Cr, c'est-à-dire la distance d1 entre le point de pivot 6 et le point de contact 7, et le bras de levier correspondant au couple C2, c'est-à-dire la distance d2 entre le point de pivot 6 et la seconde extrémité 11 du contact mobile 1, soit supérieur ou égal à 2. Plus ce rapport est grand, plus le couple C2 sera important par rapport au couple Cr et permettra de contrer les forces de répulsion Fr.More specifically, it is recommended that the ratio between the lever arm corresponding to the torque Cr, that is to say the distance d1 between the pivot point 6 and the contact point 7, and the lever arm corresponding to the torque C2, that is to say the distance d2 between the pivot point 6 and the second end 11 of the movable contact 1, is greater than or equal to 2. The greater this ratio, the greater the C2 pair will be important compared to Cr couple and will counter the forces of repulsion Fr.

La distance d2 est limitée par la paroi interne du boîtier 21 au voisinage de la seconde extrémité du contact mobile 1, comme illustré en figure 1.The distance d2 is limited by the inner wall of the housing 21 in the vicinity of the second end of the movable contact 1, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

Pour garder une distance d2 maximum, la seconde extrémité rigide 15 de la tresse 3 est la plus courte possible, étant donné que la force F2 prend naissance au niveau du démarrage de la partie souple 17 de la tresse 3.To keep a distance d2 maximum, the second rigid end 15 of the braid 3 is as short as possible, since the force F2 originates at the start of the flexible portion 17 of the braid 3.

Le tronçon central déformable 17 de la tresse 3 peut être courbé.The deformable central section 17 of the braid 3 can be curved.

Conformément à une première variante de réalisation selon l'invention illustrée aux figures 2, 4 et 5, le tronçon central déformable 17 courbé peut comprendre une première portion 17' qui s'étend de la seconde extrémité rigide 15 de la tresse 3, et est disposé en regard de la seconde face latérale 14 du contact mobile 1. En outre, le tronçon central déformable 17 peut comprendre une deuxième portion 17" qui prolonge la première portion 17' et s'étend jusqu'à la première extrémité rigide 16. Il en résulte que le premier tronçon 17' est disposé sensiblement en regard de la portion 12 du contact mobile 1.According to a first variant embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 , 4 and 5 , the curved central deformable section 17 may comprise a first portion 17 'which extends from the second rigid end 15 of the braid 3, and is arranged opposite the second lateral face 14 of the movable contact 1. central deformable 17 may comprise a second portion 17 "which extends the first portion 17 'and extends to the first rigid end 16. As a result, the first portion 17' is disposed substantially opposite the portion 12 of the contact mobile 1.

Dans cette configuration, le tronçon central déformable 17 présente une forme convexe.In this configuration, the deformable central section 17 has a convex shape.

Par ailleurs, de par cette disposition, lorsque du courant provenant de la borne de raccordement 4 circule dans la tresse 3, puis dans la portion 12 du contact mobile 1, le courant circulant dans la première portion 17' et le courant circulant dans la portion 12 du contact mobile 1 circulent dans des directions opposées. Il en résulte la génération d'une force de répulsion FCT entre la première portion 17' de la tresse 3 et la portion 12 du contact mobile 1, qui les repousse l'une de l'autre. Cette disposition tend à diminuer la force F2'.Moreover, by this arrangement, when current from the connection terminal 4 flows in the braid 3, then in the portion 12 of the movable contact 1, the current flowing in the first portion 17 'and the current flowing in the portion 12 of the movable contact 1 flow in opposite directions. This results in the generation of a repulsion force FCT between the first portion 17 'of the braid 3 and the portion 12 of the movable contact 1, which pushes them away from each other. This arrangement tends to reduce the force F2 '.

De manière alternative, et conformément à une deuxième variante de réalisation selon l'invention, illustrée à la figure 3, le tronçon central déformable 17 courbé s'étend, à partir de la seconde extrémité 15, dans le prolongement de la seconde extrémité 11 du contact mobile 1 et à l'opposé du contact mobile 1.Alternatively, and according to a second embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , the curved central deformable section 17 extends, from the second end 15, in the extension of the second end 11 of the movable contact 1 and opposite the moving contact 1.

Dans cette configuration, le tronçon central déformable 17 présente une forme concave. En effet, le tronçon central déformable 17 de la tresse 3 et la portion 12 forme sensiblement une forme de U. De par cette disposition, le courant circulant dans le contact mobile 1 n'a plus d'influence sur le tronçon central déformable 17 de la tresse 3 et ainsi, la force F'2 ne diminue pas.In this configuration, the deformable central portion 17 has a concave shape. Indeed, the deformable central section 17 of the braid 3 and the portion 12 forms a substantially U shape. By this arrangement, the current flowing in the movable contact 1 has no influence on the deformable central section 17 of FIG. the braid 3 and thus, the force F'2 does not decrease.

Au contraire, en formant une demi-boucle comme l'illustre la figure 3, le courant traversant la tresse 3 crée des forces de répulsion F1TT et F2TT. Avantageusement, la force de répulsion F1TT contribue à augmenter la force F2' et donc contribue à augmenter l'effort sur le point de contact 7.On the contrary, by forming a half-loop as illustrated by figure 3 the current passing through the braid 3 creates repulsive forces F1TT and F2TT. Advantageously, the repulsive force F1TT contributes to increasing the force F2 'and therefore contributes to increasing the force on the point of contact 7.

Dans les exemples des figures 2 et 3, les contacts fixe 2 et mobile 1 sont équipés de pastilles 8',9', de préférence conçues dans un alliage comprenant de l'Argent et de l'Etain, ou tout autre alliage d'argent.In the examples of figures 2 and 3 the fixed and mobile contacts 2 1 are equipped with pellets 8 ', 9', preferably designed in an alloy comprising silver and tin, or any other silver alloy.

Lors d'une ouverture des contacts 1,2 et de la création d'un arc électrique, une tôle de soufflage 20 en forme de U est prévue autour du contact mobile 1, entre la protubérance (rivet 8 ou pastille 8') et la seconde extrémité 11, afin de diriger l'arc électrique vers le bas du boîtier 21, selon son orientation sur les figures 1, 2 et 3. Plus particulièrement et comme l'illustrent notamment les figures 4 et 5, la tôle de soufflage 20 en forme de U peut comprendre une première branche 20a et une deuxième branche 20c sensiblement parallèles entre elles et en regard l'une de l'autre, et qui s'étendent d'une base 20b faisant partie de la tôle de soufflage 20.Upon opening of the contacts 1,2 and the creation of an electric arc, a U-shaped blow plate 20 is provided around the movable contact 1, between the protuberance (rivet 8 or pad 8 ') and the second end 11, to direct the electric arc down the housing 21, according to its orientation on the figures 1 , 2 and 3 . In particular and as illustrated in particular by Figures 4 and 5 , the U-shaped blow plate 20 may comprise a first branch 20a and a second branch 20c substantially parallel to each other and facing one another, and which extend from a base 20b forming part of the blowing plate 20.

La première branche 20a, la base 20b, et la deuxième branche 20c peuvent délimiter un espace dans lequel est contenue la portion 12 du contact mobile 1. Plus particulièrement, cette portion 12 s'étend entre la seconde extrémité 11 et la protubérance, laquelle se présente préférentiellement sous la forme d'un rivet 8 ou d'une pastille 8'. Par ailleurs, la tôle de soufflage 20 peut être disposée entre la borne de raccordement 4 et le contact fixe 2.The first branch 20a, the base 20b, and the second branch 20c may delimit a space in which the portion 12 of the movable contact 1 is contained. More particularly, this portion 12 extends between the second end 11 and the protuberance, which preferably has the form of a rivet 8 or a pellet 8 '. Moreover, the blast plate 20 can be arranged between the connection terminal 4 and the fixed contact 2.

L'arc électrique est donc amené à distance de la serrure et du porte-contact 18, localisée dans des zones fragiles et peu étanches.The electric arc is thus brought away from the lock and the contact carrier 18, located in fragile and poorly sealed areas.

En ce qui concerne la description ci-dessus, les relations dimensionnelles optimales pour les parties de l'invention, en incluant les variations de taille, de matériaux, de formes, de fonction et de modes de fonctionnement, d'assemblage et d'utilisation, sont considérées comme apparentes et évidentes pour l'homme du métier, et toutes les relations équivalentes à ce qui est illustré dans les dessins et ce qui est décrit dans le mémoire sont censées être incluses dans la présente invention.With respect to the above description, the optimal dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shapes, function and modes of operation, assembly and use are considered apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and all relationships equivalent to what is illustrated in the drawings and what is described in the specification are intended to be included in the present invention.

Claims (13)

  1. Electric line protection device, of the differential switch type, comprising:
    - a cut-off device comprising a mechanical lock, a triggering device which is able to switch said lock,
    - a fixed contact (2) and a mobile contact (1) fixed to a rotary contact holder (18),
    - a control lever of the mobile contact (1) driving said mobile contact (1) away from or towards the fixed contact (2), the said lever being connected to the contact holder (18) by means of the mechanical lock which is able to switch leading to the opening/closing of the contacts (1, 2) following a manual action on the lever;
    - the triggering device being able to switch the lock of the cut-off device to open the contacts (1, 2) in the case of a differential short-circuit current and able to leave the contacts (1, 2) closed in the case of a balanced short-circuit current;
    in a closed position of the contacts (1, 2), said mobile contact (1) being held against said fixed contact (2) at a contact point (7) under the action of an elastic element (5) arranged between the mobile contact (1) and the contact holder (18) and inducing a nominal contact force (F1) applied to the fixed contact (2),
    - means for transforming the balanced short-circuit current into an additional force of contact (F2) applied to the fixed contact (2) and directed according to the contact force (F1), the sum of the forces (F1 and F2) being at least equal to the electrodynamic repulsion forces (Fr) of the contacts generated by the balanced short-circuit current,
    - a connection terminal (4),
    the mobile contact (1) being connected electrically to said connection terminal (4) via a flexible conductor (3) of the braid type, said transformation means consisting of a specific arrangement between the conductor (3), the mobile contact (1) and the fixed contact (2),
    the mobile contact (1) being arranged to pivot about a pivot point (6) situated close to the contact point (7),
    the mobile contact (1) comprising a first end (10) proximal to the contact holder (18) and a second end (11) distal to the contact holder (18),
    the electric line protection device is characterised in that said conductor (3) is connected to the second end (11) of the mobile contact (1) and at a distance from the pivot point (6),
    and in that the ratio between the distance (d2) of the pivot point (6) to the second end (11) for connecting to the conductor (3) and the distance (d1) of the pivot point (6) to the contact point (7) is greater than 2.
  2. Electric line protection device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it is delimited by a housing (21), the distance (d2) between the pivot point (6) and the second end (11) for connecting to the conductor (3) being limited by the bulk of the housing (21).
  3. Electric line protection device according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the mobile contact (1) consists of a flat iron comprising:
    - said first end (10) cooperating with the elastic element (5),
    - a first face (13) from which a protuberance (8, 8') projects which is able to come into contact with a similar protuberance (9, 9') projecting from the fixed contact (2), the contact between these two protuberances (8, 8'; 9, 9') corresponding to the contact point (7) between the fixed contact (2) and the mobile contact (1),
    - the pivot point (6) around which it turns for moving away from or approaching the fixed contact (2), said pivot point (6) being arranged between the first end (10) and the protuberance (8, 8'),
    - said second end (11) to which the conductor (3) is fixed, on a second face (14) opposite the first face (13) containing the protuberance (8, 8').
  4. Electric line protection device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the mobile contact (1) comprises an elongated section between the protuberance (8, 8') and the second end (11).
  5. Electric line protection device according to any of claims 3 and 4, characterised in that said protuberances (8, 9) project from the mobile contact (1) and fixed contact (2), each consisting of a rivet.
  6. Electric line protection device according to the preceding claims, characterised in that said rivet (8, 9) is made from an alloy containing silver and tin.
  7. Electric line protection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises suction means for the electric arc created between the fixed contact (1) and mobile contact (2) during the opening of the contacts (1, 2).
  8. Electric line protection device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said suction means for the electric arc consist of a blower plate (20) surrounding the mobile contact (1) from the contact point (7) to the second end (11) of the mobile contact (1).
  9. Electric line protection device according to claim 8, characterised in that the blower plate (20) has a U shape and comprises a first branch (20a) and a second branch (20c) which are substantially parallel to one another and opposite one another and which extend from a base (20b) forming part of the blower plate (20).
  10. Electric line protection device according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said flexible conductor (3) comprises a rigid end (15) for connecting to the mobile contact (1).
  11. Electric line protection device according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that said flexible conductor (3) comprises a deformable section (17) as a function of the position of the mobile contact (1) relative to the fixed contact (2).
  12. Electric line protection device according to claims 10 and 11, characterised in that the mobile contact (1) comprises a first lateral face (13) arranged opposite the fixed contact (2) and a second opposite lateral face (14) and in that said deformable section (17) is delimited by a first rigid end (16) for connecting to the terminal (4) and by the rigid end (15) for connecting to the mobile contact (1), called second rigid end (15), and is curved and comprises a first portion (17'), which extends from the second rigid end (15) of the braid (3) and is arranged opposite the second lateral face (14) of the mobile contact (1), and a second portion (17"), which extends the first portion (17') and extends up to the first rigid end (16).
  13. Electric line protection device according to claims 10 and 11, characterised in that said deformable section (17) is delimited by a first rigid end (16) for connecting to the terminal (4) and by the rigid end (15) for connecting to the mobile contact (1), called second rigid end (15), and is curved and extends from the second end (15), in the extension of the second end (11) of the mobile contact (1) and opposite the mobile contact (1).
EP17177474.8A 2016-06-24 2017-06-22 Electric line protection apparatus Active EP3261105B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1655917A FR3053154B1 (en) 2016-06-24 2016-06-24 ELECTRICAL LINE PROTECTION APPARATUS

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EP3261105A1 EP3261105A1 (en) 2017-12-27
EP3261105B1 true EP3261105B1 (en) 2018-12-12

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ID=57121290

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17177474.8A Active EP3261105B1 (en) 2016-06-24 2017-06-22 Electric line protection apparatus

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EP (1) EP3261105B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3053154B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN114496676B (en) * 2020-10-26 2024-06-18 西门子能源国际公司 Arcing contact assembly and circuit breaker

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1053936A (en) * 1964-08-01
SU1045298A1 (en) * 1982-05-07 1983-09-30 Ленинградское Электромашиностроительное Объединение "Электросила" Им.С.М.Кирова Device for short-circuit leakage current protection
SU1056302A1 (en) * 1982-08-06 1983-11-23 Ленинградское Электромашиностроительное Объединение "Электросила" Им.С.М.Кирова Automatic circuit breaker
SU1467599A1 (en) * 1986-10-08 1989-03-23 Ленинградское Электромашиностроительное Объединение "Электросила" Им.С.М.Кирова Short-circuit protection device
FR2905795B1 (en) * 2006-09-12 2012-11-16 Schneider Electric Ind Sas CONTACT DEVICE FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC APPARATUS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3053154A1 (en) 2017-12-29
FR3053154B1 (en) 2019-08-09
EP3261105A1 (en) 2017-12-27

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