RU2704918C2 - Device for signaling of electric failure in electric protection unit and unit containing such device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: present invention relates to a device for signalling of disconnection of an electrical protection unit, such as a circuit breaker, placed in an insulating shell, comprising a pair of contacts consisting of fixed and movable contacts, wherein said movable contact is actuated either manually or automatically, by means of a release mechanism comprising a magnetic release device, capable of being actuated in case of failure due to short circuit, and a thermal release device capable of being actuated in case failure occurs due to overload, wherein said support for the movable contact is pivotally mounted between the open position of the contacts and the closed position of the contacts and is connected to the handle by a transmitting means, wherein activation of one of said releases causes interruption of mechanical connection causing opening of contacts and comprises first signalling means S or means of signalling faults of any type, said device being intended for signalling of uncoupled state of assembly.

EFFECT: device is characterized by that it comprises second signalling means T, which can be disengaged only in case of short circuit, wherein said first signalling means S interacts with second signalling means T to distinguish between fault caused by overload and failure due to short circuit.

12 cl, 24 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for signaling the tripping of an electrical protection unit, such as a circuit breaker, housed in an insulating sheath containing a pair of contacts consisting of a fixed and movable contact, said movable contact being actuated either manually by a handle mechanically connected with a supporting device of a movable contact, said handle being mounted rotatably between the closed and open position of the contacts, or aromatically, by means of a trip mechanism comprising a magnetic release capable of being actuated in the event that a fault occurs due to a short circuit, and a thermal release capable of being actuated in the event that a fault occurs due to overload, wherein said movable support the contact is mounted rotatably between the closed position of the contacts and the open position of the contacts, and connected to the handle by means of a transmission means so as to form a tearable mechanism cal connection between the support and the handle, wherein activation of one of the gap causes releases the mechanical connection includes opening the contacts and comprising first means or signaling means for signaling the failure of any type, wherein said means for signaling the intended node disengaged condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known document EP 1542253, which describes a signaling device of the type mentioned above. In this document, the assembly contains means for signaling an automatic emergency trip, but this facility does not distinguish between the type of failure, that is, whether the failure was due to electrical overload or a short circuit.

Also known patents WO 2013114395 and EP 2083434, which allow to transmit a failure signal due to a short circuit.

The mentioned signaling devices do not allow to distinguish between failures of thermal origin and failures of magnetic origin.

Similarly, modern failure signaling modules transmit emergency trip signals, but also do not distinguish between the two types of failures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems and provides a device for signaling a malfunction in an electrical protection unit, said device making it possible to distinguish between a type of malfunction so as to more accurately inform a client of electrical malfunctions in an electrical installation.

In this regard, the present invention relates to a trip signaling device of an electrical protection assembly of the type mentioned above, said device being characterized in that it comprises second signaling means which can only be tripped in the event of a short circuit, said first signaling means interacting with a second signaling means so as to distinguish between a fault caused by an overload and a fault due to a short circuit.

In accordance with a specific feature, the second signaling means comprises a lever or a foot rotatably mounted relative to the shell of the assembly, said lever containing a first end cooperating with the striker of the magnetic release and a second end interacting with the indicator.

According to a particular embodiment, the first signaling means and the second signaling means respectively comprise a first indicator and a second indicator, said indicators visible through an opening in the shell of the assembly, the visibility of two indicators through the opening, indicating a magnetic type failure, while visibility one indicator indicates a failure due to overload.

According to another embodiment, the first and second signaling means are implemented using one indicator, referred to as a third indicator, said third indicator being able to take three positions, respectively, a first position corresponding to a closed position of the assembly, a second position corresponding to opening of contacts due to a fault due to overload, and a third position corresponding to opening in the event of a short circuit.

In accordance with a specific feature, this device comprises means for holding the third indicator in an intermediate position, or a second position, allowing the indicator to move to a third position in the case of magnetic disengagement through the use of magnetic forces generated by the brisk magnetic release.

According to another feature, the travel path set by the third indicator by the magnetic lever in the case of magnetic type trip is larger than the travel path given by the indicator by the mechanism for disengaging in the event of a failure due to overload.

In accordance with another feature, the magnetic forces exerted by the rotary lever will be sufficient to allow the third indicator to pass the locking elements or tubercles provided on the indicator and interacting with the edges bounding the opening of the assembly shell, the said locking elements or tubercles intended to block the aforementioned indicator in the position of thermal failure.

In accordance with another feature, this device comprises means for reinitializing the indicator (s) to the no-fail position of the node when the node closes.

The present invention also relates to an electrical protection unit comprising a signaling device having the aforementioned features, taken individually or in combination.

Said assembly advantageously comprises a mobile set of equipment comprising the aforementioned movable contact support device that is rotatably mounted between the two aforementioned positions and connected to the handle by means of transmitting means so as to form a torn mechanical connection between the device and the handle, the assembly being characterized in that that it contains a signaling device having the above features, taken individually or in combination, and that the aforementioned mobile set of equipment has a different profile depending on the contact opening speed, wherein said speed is different depending on whether the opening is manual or is caused by an electrical failure, said profile being such that said set of equipment drives the aforementioned the first means of signaling only in case of automatic opening of contacts due to a failure.

According to a specific feature, the aforementioned mobile set of equipment comprises a transmission link pivotally mounted at one of its ends on a handle and pivotally connected at its other end to a hook, said hook pivotally mounted on a movable contact support device, interacts with a release means and comprises means for actuating signaling means in case of opening of contacts due to a failure.

In accordance with a specific feature of the invention, said assembly is a circuit breaker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent, however, from the following detailed description provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of example only, in which:

- Figures 1 to 13 are partial perspective or side views of an apparatus for controlling an electrical protection assembly comprising a failure alarm device according to a first embodiment of the invention, while Figures 14 to 24 are partial perspective or side views of the same assembly comprising a signaling device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

- Figures 1 and 2 more specifically illustrate two indicators of the signaling device according to the invention, designed to interact with the hole in the shell.

- Figures 3 and 4 illustrate, respectively, a signaling device for any type of failure and a magnetic tripping signaling device, said two signaling devices constituting a signaling device according to the invention,

- Figures 5 to 8 more specifically illustrate the principle of operation of the first means of signaling, or means of signaling any type of failure,

- Figures 9 to 11 more specifically illustrate the principle of operation of the magnetic trip signaling means, referred to as second signaling means,

- Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the reinitialization of the two indicators in the position without fail, when the node closes,

- Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the principle of operation of the indicator containing three positions, in accordance with the second embodiment of the signaling device according to the invention,

- Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the same signaling device in position 0 of the indicator corresponding to the closed position of the node,

- Figures 18 and 19 more specifically illustrate the principle of operation of the means for signaling any type of failure in accordance with the second embodiment in the event of a trip of magnetic or thermal origin,

- Figures 20 and 21 more specifically illustrate tripping due to thermal failure,

- Figure 22 illustrates, in a plan view, an indicator in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, and

- Figures 23 and 24 more specifically illustrate tripping due to a failure of magnetic origin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TWO SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The figures show a part of a device for controlling a miniature electric circuit breaker with a molded insulating sheath 1, said circuit breaker being of the type described in more detail in EP 1975971. This control device 2 comprises a movable contact support device 3, said movable contact 4 being designed to fixed contact interactions 5.

A hole is provided on the front surface 8 of the shell for passing through the handle 6, which is mounted with a limited rotation on the axis 11 of the shell between the closed position in which the contacts 4, 5 are closed and the open position corresponding to the opening of the contacts 4, 5.

The handle 6 is equipped with an internal support plate 9 connected to the transmission link 10 in order to form a fork swivel device, the joint 12 (figure 16) which is eccentric relative to the fixed axis 11 of the handle 6.

The handle 6 is pressed counterclockwise in the direction of the open position of the contacts by means of a return spring (not shown). The fixed contact 5 is connected to the frame of the electromagnetic release 13. The movable contact 4 is mounted on the supporting device 3 of the movable contact 4, said support 3 is pivotally mounted around the axis of rotation 14, the rotational plate 15 is also mounted to rotate around this axis 14 of rotation.

The release lever 16, controlled by the striker 28 of the electromagnetic release 13, and the thermal or bimetal release 18, or other auxiliary element, is pivotally mounted on the axis 17 (figure 18) located on the plate 15 with a predetermined offset relative to the aforementioned axis of rotation 14.

A torn mechanical connection is present between the transmission link 10 and the plate 15 for actuating the contact support device 3.

In the closed position of the release mechanism, the connection allows manual control of the mechanism through the handle. The displacement of the release lever 16 in the disengaged position under the influence of the releases causes an instant break in the mechanical connection, actuating the automatic trip mechanism, regardless of the handle 6.

The release lever 16 is connected to the return spring 27, designed to guarantee automatic restoration of the mechanical connection when the handle 6 is moved to the open position, following the release failure of the mechanism. The torn mechanical connection includes a hook 19 pivotally mounted on the axis 20 of the plate 15. On the opposite side of this axis, the sharp end 21 of the hook 19 interacts with the locking latch 22 with the locking latch 22 located on the leg of the release lever 16. The transmission link 10 is connected to the hook 19 and the plate 15 at the point 23 of the joint, capable of moving in case of disengagement in two consecutive holes in the plate 15. The point 23 of the joint is located between the axis 20 of the joint of the hook 19 on the plate and the sharp end 21 snap hook. The connection constitutes a decreasing step in the kinematic chain of the mechanism, providing a reduction in the tripping force arising from thermal magnetic tripping, as described in more detail in patent EP 1975971.

The principles of operation of the control device will be described later in the materials of this application with reference to the figures.

When the control device 2 is in the open position of the contacts 4, 5, the handle 6 is in the open position.

When the handle 6 is actuated to close the contacts, this biases the link 10, which is adjacent to the plate 15 and to the hook 19. The hook 19 is closed on the trip rod (or lever) 16.

Link 10 adjacent to the plate 15 and the hook 19, rotates the plate 15 around its axis 14 until then, until the contacts 4, 5 are closed.

The link continues to follow the path of its movement until it crosses the dead point of the fork swivel formed by the handle 6 and link 10. After that, the mechanism assumes an equilibrium position that keeps the contacts 4, 5 closed.

To open the contacts 4, 5 manually, the handle 6 is moved until it crosses the dead point of the fork swivel in the other direction. When the handle 6 reaches the end of the path of its movement, the mechanism returns to the equilibrium position, while the contacts are open.

When the contacts 4, 5 are closed and the trip pin 16 is actuated, the hook 19 is released, but the handle 6 does not immediately return to its open position. The balance of forces exerted by link 10 to the mechanism is violated. The plate 15 rotates around its axis 14 and opens the contacts 4, 5. The hole 25 provided in the hook 19 makes it possible to rotate the hook 19 around the axis 20, and this hole 25 in the hook, as well as the holes in the plate 15 make it possible to rotate the plate when the handle is still held in the closed contact position. After that, the handle spring returns the handle to the open contact position, and the link returns the hook to its original position. The spring for displacing the hook and for reinstalling the rod returns them to a position in which the hook 19 can be locked on the rod 16 when the handle 6 is actuated to close the contacts 4, 5. The holes provided in the plate 15 participate in the direction of the link 10 s in order to return it to a position adjacent to the plate.

This control device 2 also contains means for signaling S about the tripped state of the electrical protection unit following a short circuit or overload, this means which is not active in the case of manual opening. A specific embodiment of this tool is described in more detail in patent EP 1542253.

According to a specific embodiment of this signaling means described in patent EP 1542253, said hook is pivotally mounted on a movable contact support device, interacts with a trip means and comprises means for activating the aforementioned signaling means, in the present case, the first indicator 32, in the case of opening following any type of failure. Since both the handle 6 and the supporting device 3 of the movable contact 4 are returned to the open position by means of a spring, the inertia of the handle, the hook and the device, and the return force of the springs, respectively, of the handle and the supporting device, are determined so that the speed of rotation of the hook in case of opening upon occurrence The failure was much faster than the crank speed.

According to the invention, the control device also comprises second signaling means T, intended to signal only the tripped state of the assembly in the event of a short circuit. This second signaling means T comprises a foot 34 rotatably about an axis 14 corresponding to the axis of the aforementioned mechanism, said foot 34 mechanically connected via one of its ends to the striker 28 of the magnetic release means 13, and acting through its other end on the second indicator 33.

The operating principles of the signaling device according to the invention, containing the aforementioned first S and second signaling means T, will be described later in the materials of this application with reference to the figures.

In figures 1 to 4, two indicators 32, 33 are visible through the hole 7 in the shell 1 of the node, respectively, indicating, for indicator 32, located to the right, tripping without identifying the type of failure, and, for indicator 33, located to the left, tripping of magnetic type . The mentioned visible configuration of the two indicators 32, 33 means that there has been a trip of magnetic origin. The first indicator 32, located to the right, was offset by the hook during rotation of the plate 15, which brought the hook into a forward rotational movement, as more fully explained in the document EP 1542253. The indicator 33, located to the left, indicated by reference, as the second indicator, was shifted by the aforementioned rotational arm 34, which was actuated by moving the hammer 28 in the event of a failure due to a short circuit.

The principles of operation of the first signaling means S, or means for signaling any type of failure, will be explained later in the materials of this application with reference, in particular, to figure 5. Thus, in the event of a failure of thermal origin, the deviation of the bimetal element 18 activates the sliding element 30, which the sliding element rotates the rod 16, which causes the release of the rod relative to the hook 19. After that, the hook 19 begins to rotate under the influence of the force of the link 10, and the rotation of the hook Single 19 causes the right indicator 32 in position visible failure.

In the event of a malfunction of magnetic origin, the firing pin 28 causes the rod 16 to rotate, which, in the same way as before, causes the right indicator 32 to move to the visible malfunction position.

The left indicator 32 of the second signaling means T is activated exclusively in the event of a magnetic failure by rotation of the lever 34, which is actuated by the striker 28 of the magnetic release 13.

Thus, the visibility of one indicator 32 through the hole indicates that a failure of thermal origin has occurred, while the visibility of two indicators 32, 33 indicates that a failure of magnetic origin has occurred.

Thus, in figures 6, 7 and 8, only the right indicator 32 is visible, which means that a thermal failure has occurred. In fact, in this case, the sliding element 30 brought the rod 16 into rotation, which caused the hook / rod connection to break, after which the hook turned and thus brought the first indicator 32 to the fault position. In this case, only the aforementioned indicator will be visible, since a thermal failure does not affect the aforementioned lever 34.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show a case in which a failure of magnetic origin has occurred. In this case, the second indicator 33 was activated by the lever 34, actuated by the striker 28, the first indicator 32, also in the fault position. Thus, the visibility of the two indicators 32, 33 allows you to transmit a signal of a failure of magnetic origin. Thus, it is possible to distinguish between failures of thermal origin and failures of magnetic origin.

In figures 12 and 13 it is seen that the plate 15 contains a spout 35, capable of interacting with a portion of 36 indicators 32, 33, extending essentially perpendicular to the plane of the said indicators, so as to return the two indicators to the position without failure, when the node closes after the called opening failure. Figures 14 to 24 illustrate another embodiment of a signaling device D according to the invention, in which this device comprises one indicator 37 having three positions for performing two functions previously performed by two indicators of the previous embodiment, that is, signaling of any type of failure and a magnetic failure alarm function.

Thus, the indicator 37, as shown in figures 14 and 15, can take three positions, that is, the first position indicated by reference as position 0, corresponding to the position without failure, the second position indicated by reference as thermal failure, in which the indicator is shifted by 2 , 5 mm relative to the first position, and a third position corresponding to the position of the magnetic failure, in which the indicator is offset 2.5 mm from the second position, which means that the indicator is located at a distance of 5 mm relative to position 0.

In figures 16 and 19, the indicator is in position 0, corresponding to the closed position of the node.

In figure 20, due to thermal failure, the deflection of the bimetallic element 18 actuated the sliding element 30, which rotated the rod 16, which caused the rod to be released relative to the hook 19. After that, the hook moved under the influence of the force of the link 10, and the rotation of the hook 19 caused moving the first indicator 32 to the intermediate fault position to transmit a thermal fault signal. In this case, the indicator path is limited by the rotation of the hook.

In the event that a failure of magnetic origin has occurred, the same effects are produced as in the signaling means S of any type of failure, but with movement carried out by the striker 28 of the magnetic release 13. However, in this case, the striker also rotates the lever 34, which causes an additional path of movement of the third indicator 37, allowing it to move to the second position of the failure, and thus transmit a signal of a failure of magnetic origin.

In the event that a thermal origin has occurred, the alarm means S of any type of failure directs the indicator to a second position 2.5 mm from the first.

The sequence of operation in the event of a failure of magnetic origin is the same as before, except for the fact that it is necessary to hold the indicator 37 in this position, allowing the movement of a single indicator, in the case of magnetic trip, in the third position by means of the lever 34, using increased magnetic forces, as illustrated in figures 23 and 24.

In this case, the movement path set by the indicator 37 by means of the lever 34 is larger than the movement path given by the indicator 37 by the hook 19. In addition, there will be enough magnetic forces to allow the indicator to pass the stop elements 38 or tubercles of the thermal failure position. These same locking elements will be enough to block the indicator in the heat failure position, whatever the energy transmitted to the hook through the indicator. Thanks to the invention, in this way, a device was provided that allows transmitting an emergency trip signal, distinguishing between thermal failure and magnetic failure, allowing more accurately to report to the customer about electrical failures in the electrical installation.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, which were provided by way of example only.

On the contrary, the invention contains all the technical equivalents of the described means, as well as their combinations, if they are provided in accordance with the invention.

Claims (13)

1. A device for signaling the trip of an electrical protection assembly, such as a circuit breaker, housed in an insulating shell containing a pair of contacts consisting of a fixed and movable contact, said movable contact being actuated either manually by means of a handle mechanically connected to the supporting device a movable contact, wherein said handle is mounted rotatably between the closed and open position of the contacts, or automatically, by means of a trip a mechanism comprising a magnetic release capable of being driven in the event of a failure due to a short circuit, and a thermal release capable of being actuated in the event of a failure due to overload, said movable contact support being installed with the possibility of rotation between the closed position of the contacts and the open position of the contacts and is connected to the handle by means of a transmitting means so as to form a torn mechanical connection between the supports and a handle, wherein activation of one of the gap causes releases the mechanical connection includes opening the contacts and comprising first means or signaling means for signaling the failure of any type, wherein said agent is intended for signaling node of the disengaged condition, characterized in that said device comprises second signaling means T, which can only be tripped in the event of a short circuit, said first signaling means S and said second signaling means T interacting with an opening (7) belonging to the shell (1) of the assembly, thus that the activation of said two signaling means signals to the user about a failure of the magnetic type, while the activation of only the first signaling means S signals a failure of an overload. 2. The signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second signaling means T comprises a lever (34) or a leg mounted for rotation relative to the shell (1) of the assembly, said lever comprising a first end interacting with the striker (28) of the magnetic the release, and the second end interacting with the indicator (33). 3. The signaling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first signaling means S and the second signaling means T contain respectively a first indicator (32) and a second indicator (33), said indicators being visible through an opening (7) in the shell ( 1) node, and the visibility of two indicators through the hole indicates a magnetic type failure, while the visibility of one indicator signals a failure due to overload. 4. The signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first S and second T signaling means are implemented using one indicator, referred to as a third indicator (37), said third indicator being capable of taking three positions respectively, the first position corresponding to the closed position node, the second position corresponds to the opening of the contacts due to a failure due to overload, and the third position corresponds to the opening in the event of a short circuit. 5. The alarm device according to claim 4, characterized in that the said device comprises means for holding the third indicator (37) in an intermediate position, or a second position, allowing the indicator to move to a third position in the case of magnetic disengagement by using magnetic forces generated by the striker ( 28) magnetic release. 6. The signaling device according to claim 4, characterized in that the travel path specified by the third indicator (37) by means of the magnetic lever (34) in the event of a magnetic type trip is larger than the travel path specified by the indicator by the trip mechanism in the event of a failure due to overload. 7. The alarm device according to any one of paragraphs. 4 to 6, characterized in that the magnetic forces applied by means of the rotary lever (34) will be sufficient to allow the third indicator (37) to pass through the locking elements or tubercles (38) provided on the indicator and interacting with the edges bounding the hole ( 7) the shell (1) of the node, and the said locking elements or tubercles are designed to block the said indicator in the position of thermal failure. 8. The alarm device according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 4-6, characterized in that the said device comprises means for reinitializing the indicator (s) (32, 33, 37) in the position without failures of the node when the node is closed. 9. An electrical protection unit comprising an alarm device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. 10. An electrical protection assembly comprising a mobile set of equipment comprising the aforementioned movable contact support device (3) mounted rotatably between the two above-mentioned positions and connected to the handle (6) by means of a transmission means (10) so as to form a torn mechanical connection between the device (3) and the handle (6), characterized in that the said assembly comprises a signaling device D according to any one of paragraphs. 1 to 8, and the fact that the aforementioned mobile set of equipment has a different profile depending on the contact opening speed (4, 5), said speed being different depending on whether the opening is manual or it is caused by an electrical failure, said profile is such that said set of equipment activates the aforementioned first signaling means S only in case of automatic opening of contacts (4, 5) due to a failure. 11. The electrical protection unit according to claim 10, in which the aforementioned mobile set of equipment comprises a transmission link (10) pivotally mounted at one of its ends to a handle (6) and pivotally connected at its other end to a hook (19), wherein said hook (19) is pivotally mounted on the supporting device (3) of the movable contact (4), interacting with the releasing means (16) and containing means (21) for actuating the signaling means S in case of opening of the contacts (4, 5) due to a failure . 12. Node electrical protection according to any one of paragraphs. 9 to 11, wherein said assembly is a circuit breaker.

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