EP0327460A1 - Automatically opening electric switch, in particular a differential interrupter - Google Patents

Abstract

This relates to an electrical interrupter of the type comprising, between a rotatably mounted control handle (11) and a contact holder (12), which, itself also mounted rotatably, carries at least one contact (13), a sudden-release mechanism (14) which is under the control of a cam (25) coaxial with the control handle (11) and mounted freely rotatably in relation to the latter, with, associated with this cam (25), ratchets (26, 30) able to drive and retain it. According to the invention, a slider (87) meshes via a finger (88) with the cam (25) and a latching lever (89), which is mounted rotatably and able to hook up with the contact holder (12), has a ramp (92) through which it interferes with the path of a pin (93) integral with the slider (87), with, bearing on the latter, contact pressure means (124) able to act in closure mode on the contact holder (12). Application, in particular, to differential interrupters. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates generally to electrical switches with automatic cut-off, that is to say electrical switches in which, on manual intervention by an operator, the opening of the contacts and their closing develop according to a process which, once initiated by such an operator, escapes the action of this one and no longer depends on him, the opening of the contacts being able moreover to intervene systematically on the intervention of any detection organ, such as this is for example the case in differential switches, that is to say in switches comprising, as detection member, a relay sensitive to a possible differential current.

More specifically, the present invention relates to electrical switches of the kind comprising, in a housing, between a control lever rotatably mounted relative to said housing and a contact support which, also mounted rotatably relative to said housing, carries at least a contact, a mechanism with abrupt triggering capable of causing the automatic pivoting of said contact support between a closed position, for which it applies, against a fixed contact, the contact which it carries, commonly called movable contact, and a position of opening for which it maintains this movable contact away from the fixed contact.

It is this abrupt triggering mechanism which ensures the automatic cut off sought.

Most often, to date, this abruptly triggering mechanism is a mechanism with passing neutral, an axis belonging to one of its constituents being suddenly removed from the alignment of two others when it is forced to reach and cross that line.

The electric switches with automatic cut-off implementing such a mechanism with sudden release have given and still give satisfaction, at least at the opening.

However, they can sometimes prove to be less effective at closure.

In document GB-A-233.094, a cam is used, which, coaxial with the control handle, is mounted freely rotatable relative to the latter, with pawls specific to its drive and to its retention.

If the corresponding mechanism is indeed a mechanism with abrupt triggering on opening, it is not the same at closing.

Indeed, with this mechanism, this closure is done gradually.

The present invention generally relates to a provision ensuring a sudden release on closure, thereby allowing to dominate satisfactorily such closure, and further leading to other advantages.

More specifically, it relates to an electric switch with automatic cut-off of the kind comprising, in a housing, between a control lever mounted rotatably with respect to said housing and a contact support, which, too, mounted rotatably with respect to said housing , carries at least one contact, a mechanism with abrupt triggering capable of causing the automatic pivoting of said contact support between a closed position, for which it applies against a fixed contact the contact which it carries, commonly called movable contact, and a open position for which it maintains this movable contact away from the fixed contact, said sudden release mechanism being under the control of a cam which, coaxial with the control handle, is freely rotatable relative to the latter, with , associated with said cam, on the one hand, a first pawl, hereinafter called movable pawl, which, rotatably mounted on the control handle, is able to cooperate with a first notch of the cam, for driving it in one direction, and, on the other hand, a second pawl, hereinafter said fixed pawl, which, mounted to rotate relative to the housing, is able to cooperate with a second notch of the cam, for retaining the latter in the opposite direction to the previous one, this electric switch being generally characterized in that, the mechanism with sudden release comprising a slide mounted movable in translation relative to the housing, said slide meshes with a finger with the cam, and said snap-action mechanism further comprises a latching lever which, rotatably mounted relative to the housing has, on the one hand, a notch by which it is able to be hooked on a notch of the contact support, for retaining the latter, and, on the other hand, a ramp by which, for its pivoting, and thus the release of said contact support, it interferes with the path of a pin integral with the slide, and elastic contact pressure means able to act in closing on the contact support.

Thus, all of the constituents of the abruptly triggered mechanism implemented according to the invention are organized around a cam, and not around three axes to be aligned.

When the control lever is tilted to the closed position, the slide, driven by the cam, even when the contact support is retained by the latching lever, progressively bandages the elastic contact pressure means bearing on this contact support, so that, when in its path, it causes the latching lever to retract retaining this contact support until then, these elastic contact pressure means, thus released, suddenly relax and then ensure the sudden closure sought.

Thanks to such an arrangement, the conditions under which this abrupt closure takes place can be perfectly controlled and dominated.

In addition, with the cam implemented according to the invention, it is also easier to organize at will, around such a cam, the various constituents to be used, which is advantageously favorable for mounting by simple stacking of these, for the benefit of the corresponding assembly costs.

Finally, easily made of synthetic material, these constituents, which are numerous, advantageously contribute to the insulation of the assembly.

Admittedly, it is known from document DE-B-1. 210.069, the use of a slider to ensure the sudden tilting of a contact.

But, in this document, the intervention of this slider results directly from the action exerted on the corresponding control lever, and there is neither any engagement of the slider with any cam, nor the cooperation of this slider with a latching lever capable of retaining, and releasing in a timely manner, the support of the contact to be controlled.

It is therefore, in this document DE-B-1.210.069, a mechanism of a very different nature from that of the electric switch of the invention.

The same is true for document DE-C-656.585.

• la figure 1 est, avec des arrachements locaux, et l'omission de certains constituants, une vue en perspective, de principe, d'un interrupteur électrique à coupure automatique suivant l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est, à échelle différente, et avec des arrachements locaux, une vue partielle, en élévation, suivant la flèche II de la figure 1, de ceux des constituants de cet interrupteur électrique qui sont concernés par le mécanisme à déclenchement brusque mis en oeuvre dans celui-ci, pour la position d'ouverture de ces constituants, et abstraction faite des moyens élastiques qui leur sont associés ;
• la figure 3 est une vue partielle en élévation analogue à celle de la figure 2, mais avec les moyens élastiques associés aux constituants en cause ;
• les figures 4 et 5 sont, à échelle inférieure, des vues partielles en élévation, qui, également analogues à celle de la figure 2, illustrent, chacune respectivement, deux positions successives de ces constituants, entre leur position d'ouverture et leur position de fermeture ;
• la figure 6 est, à l'échelle des figures 4 et 5, une vue partielle en élévation pour cette position de fermeture.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is, with local cutaway, and the omission of certain components, a perspective view, in principle, of an electric switch with automatic cut according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is, on a different scale, and with local cutaways, a partial view, in elevation, along arrow II of Figure 1, of those of the components of this electrical switch which are affected by the abrupt triggering mechanism set work in it, for the open position of these constituents, and disregarding the elastic means associated with them;
• Figure 3 is a partial elevational view similar to that of Figure 2, but with the elastic means associated with the constituents in question;
• Figures 4 and 5 are, on a smaller scale, partial elevation views, which also similar to that of Figure 2, each illustrate two successive positions of these constituents, respectively, between their open position and their position of closing ;
• Figure 6 is, on the scale of Figures 4 and 5, a partial elevational view for this closed position.

As illustrated in these figures, the electric switch with automatic cut-off according to the invention is of the type comprising, in a housing 10, between a control handle 11 rotatably mounted relative to said housing 10 and a contact support 12 which, also mounted rotatably with respect to said housing 10, carries at least one contact 13, a snap mechanism 14 capable of causing the automatic pivoting of said contact support 12 between a closed position, FIG. 4, for which it applies against a fixed contact 15, the contact 13 which it carries, hereinafter called mobile contact, and an open position, FIGS. 1 to 3, for which it maintains this mobile contact 13 away from said fixed contact 15, and vice versa.

As, in the embodiment shown, a bipolar electric switch, there are, each associated respectively with two fixed contacts 15, two movable contacts 13.

Therefore, the contact support 12, in this embodiment, is split into two separate parts.

However, these being in practice integral with one another, they will be considered below as constituting one and the same part, being then indistinctly designated by the one and the same reference 12.

Thus, in what follows, this reference 12 indifferently designates sometimes only one of the parts in question, and sometimes all of them.

It will be the same, below, for at least some of the other components of the electrical switch according to the invention.

It goes without saying, moreover, that, as a variant, the contact support 12, and it is the same for this or that other of the constituents which will follow, can be formed in one and the same piece.

Be that as it may, each of the contact couples formed by a fixed contact 15 and the corresponding movable contact 13 is interposed, independently of the other, between an input terminal 16A and an output terminal 16B, FIG. 1.

In the embodiment shown, each of the input 16A and output 16B terminals thus implemented comprises, on the one hand, a tongue 17, which, for an input terminal 16A, is in continuity with the fixed contact 15 corresponding and which, for an output terminal 16B, is electrically connected with the corresponding movable contact 13, for example by a braid, not visible in the figures, on which is, for example, positioned the associated measuring torus, and, on the other hand, for clamping an electrical conductor on this tongue 17, a clamp 18 with clamping screw 19.

To simplify Figure 1, only one of the input terminals 16A has all of its components shown in this Figure 1; for the other input terminal 16A, and for the output terminals 16B, one or other of these constituents is missing.

These provisions are well known in themselves, and not being in themselves part of the present invention, they will not be described in more detail here.

Likewise, known per se, and relating to those skilled in the art, the housing 10, which has only been shown diagrammatically, by its outline, in FIG. 1, will not be described in detail here.

In practice, in the embodiment shown, there is associated, with this housing 10, at least one flange 20 which, in addition to the control lever 11 and the contact support 12, carries all of the components of the snap-action mechanism 14, and which is adapted to be attached to the housing 10 and to be suitably secured thereto.

In practice, two flanges 20 are provided, each being respectively disposed on either side of all of the constituents concerned.

Only one of these flanges 20 is visible in the figures.

Relating to those skilled in the art, these flanges 20 will not be described in all their details here either.

Only the elements necessary for an understanding of the invention will occasionally be mentioned.

Thus, for example, that the axis 22 around which is rotatably mounted the control handle 11 is engaged with the bore of a cylindrical boss 23 provided projecting for this purpose on one of them.

In practice, the snap-action mechanism 14 is under the control of a cam 25 which, coaxial with the control handle 11, is freely rotatable relative to the latter, with, associated with said cam 25, of a part, a first pawl 26, here called movable pawl, which, rotatably mounted on the control handle 11, is adapted, by a spout 27, to cooperate with a first notch 28 of the cam 25, for driving it ci, in a direction, along arrow F1 of FIG. 2, and, on the other hand, a second pawl 30, here called a fixed pawl, which, mounted rotatably relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10, is capable, by a notch 31, of cooperating with a second notch 32 of the cam 25, for retaining the latter in the opposite direction to the previous one.

The cam 25 extends, overall, entirely within the overall contour of the control handle 11.

Its first notch 28 is formed by means of a projecting spout 34, and, likewise, its second notch 32, which is disposed in a generally diametrically opposite position relative to the previous one, is formed by a projecting spout 35 .

However, for reasons which will appear below, this second notch 32 is in continuity with one of the flanks of a re-entrant dihedral 36 affecting in hollow the edge of this cam 25.

As indicated above for the contact support 12, the cam 25 thus formed is in practice split into two parts, which, engaged in rotation on the same axis 22 as the control lever 11, are each respectively attached to the two sides of the latter this.

The movable pawl 26 and the fixed pawl 30 are generally disposed in generally opposite positions relative to each other on either side of the cam 25, and therefore on either side of the control lever 11 .

The movable pawl 26, which is constituted by a single piece, is in the general form of a yoke, having, on the one hand, two arms 37, by which it is articulated, by an axis 38, on a boss 39 provided radially projecting for this purpose on the control lever 11, and the ends of which, for cooperation with the two constituent parts of the cam 25, each form a spout 27, and, on the other hand, connecting these arms 37 to their base, a cross 40.

For reasons which will appear below, this cross member 40 has, on the side of the control lever 11, projecting in the direction of the latter, a finger 41, and, on the opposite side, a boss 42.

In practice, the movable pawl 26 thus formed and the control handle 11 have in common elastic return means, which, bearing on a flange 20, jointly urge the control handle 11 towards its open position and the movable pawl 26 in the direction of the cam 25.

In the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in FIG. 3 alone, these elastic return means consist of a torsion spring 43, the central torsion part 44 of which is engaged on a cylindrical boss 45 of the control lever 11, and one of which, 46, of the branches, bears on a pin 47 provided projecting for this purpose on a flange 20 while the other, 48, bears on the finger 41 of the movable pawl 26.

Like the movable pawl 26, the fixed pawl 30 is constituted by a single piece.

In the embodiment shown, it is in the form of a frame, which, by one, 49, of its crosspieces, is engaged in rotation on an axis 50 fixed relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10, this axis 50 being for example engaged for this purpose with a cylindrical boss 51 of one of these flanges 20, and the two uprights 52 of which each have the notch 31 adapted to cooperate with the second notch 32 constituent parts of the cam 25.

For the pivoting stress of the fixed pawl 30 thus formed, in the direction for which, according to arrow F2 in FIG. 2, it is able to engage, by its notch 31, with the notch 32 of the cam 25, this cam 25 has a ramp 53 whose path interferes with an arm 54 provided for this purpose on this fixed pawl 30.

In the embodiment shown, the ramp 53 of the cam 25 is formed by that of the sides of its re-entering dihedral 36 which is opposite to its notch 32, and the arm 54 of the fixed pawl 30 extends from its cross 49 , substantially perpendicular to its uprights 52.

The fixed pawl 30 is associated with elastic return means which urge it to pivot in the opposite direction to the previous one, that is to say in the opposite direction to that for which it is able to engage with the corresponding notch 32 of cam 25.

In the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in FIG. 3 alone, these elastic return means comprise a torsion spring 55, the central torsion part 56 of which is engaged on a smaller diameter extension 57 of the boss cylindrical 51 corresponding to the flange 20 concerned and one of which, 58, of the branches bears on a pin 59 provided for projecting for this purpose on this flange 20 while the other, 60, relates to a lug 61 also provided laterally projecting at this effect on that of the uprights 52 of this fixed pawl 30 which is close to this flange 20.

With the fixed pawl 30 is associated a locking lever 62, which, rotatably mounted relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10, is able, by a spoiler 63, to hold said fixed pawl 30 in engagement with the notch 32 corresponding to the cam 25, carrying, then, simply by its free end, and as shown in FIG. 4, on the crosspiece 64 of this fixed pawl 30 opposite to that, 49, from which extends its arm 54.

In practice, this locking lever 62 is rotatably engaged on a fixed axis 65 engaged with a cylindrical boss 66 of one of the flanges 20, and it is associated with elastic return means which permanently urge its spoiler 63 towards of the cross member 64 of the fixed pawl 30.

In the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in FIG. 3 alone, these elastic return means consist of a torsion spring 67, the central torsion part 68 of which is engaged on the corresponding cylindrical boss 66 of the flange 20 concerned, and one of which, 69, of the branches is supported on a pin 70 provided projecting for this purpose on this flange 20 while the other, 71, relates to a lug 72 also provided laterally projecting for this purpose on the locking lever 62.

The locking lever 62 is also associated with an unlocking lever 73, which, rotatably mounted relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10, being, in practice, engaged in rotation, for this purpose, on the axis 22 of the control lever 11, comprises, on the one hand, at the end of a finger 74, a boss 75, by which it interferes with the path of a boss 76 which, for him, has radially projecting, the control lever 11, and, on the other hand, a lug 77 by which, after bypassing the locking lever 62, it is able to act on this locking lever 62.

In the embodiment shown, and for reasons which, not being apparent from the present invention, will not be developed here, this unlocking lever 73 is extended by an arm 78 on the other side of the axis 22 of the control lever 11.

Being, in practice, a differential switch, that is to say a switch comprising a relay 79 sensitive to a differential current, the striker 80 of this sensitive relay 79 is able to act on the lever locking 62 by means of a reset lever 81 rotatably mounted relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10.

In the embodiment shown, this reset lever 81 is rotatably engaged on the axis 65 of the locking lever 62, the latter forming a yoke between the arms of which it extends, and it comprises, with firstly, a rigid arm 82, by which it is capable of acting on the striker 80 of the sensitive relay 79, and by means of which said striker 80 is capable of acting on said locking lever 62, and, secondly, an elastically deformable arm 83 on which the fixed pawl 30 carries.

In practice, this elastically deformable arm 83 itself comprises a rigid U-shaped part 84 of which the rigid arm 82 is integral, and a butt-shaped spring 85 which, by its base, is engaged with the part rigid 84, and which, by its free end, bears on the crosspiece 64 of the fixed pawl 30.

At the end of the locking lever 62, there is provided, for the action of the striker 80 of the sensitive relay 79, a screw 86 making it possible to adjust the corresponding operating stroke.

The snap-action mechanism 14 also includes a slide 87, which, mounted movable in translation relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10, engages, by a finger 88, with the cam 25, a lever attachment 89, which, rotatably mounted relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10, has, on the one hand, a notch 90, by which it is capable of being hooked on a notch 91 of the contact support 12, for retaining the latter, and, on the other hand, a ramp 92, by which, for its pivoting, and thus the release of said contact support 12, it interferes with the path of a pin 93 secured to the slide 87 , and, as explained later, elastic contact pressure means capable of acting in closing on the contact support 12 while in practice bearing on said slide 87.

In the embodiment shown, the slide 87, which, like the contact support 12 and the cam 25, is split into two pieces each arranged respectively on either side of the control lever 11, while the lever d hooking 89 forms a single piece, comprises, overall, two angled branches, namely, a branch 94, which carries its finger 88, and a branch 95 at the end of which it has a transversely projecting finger 96 by which it is able to act on the corresponding movable contact 13 for driving the opening thereof, while the pin 93 which it carries extends substantially in its elbow region, at the intersection of its branches 94 and 95.

The slide 87 thus formed is associated with elastic return means which permanently urge it to open.

In the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in FIG. 3 alone, these elastic return means consist of a torsion spring 97, the central torsion part 98 of which is engaged on a cylindrical boss 99 of a flanges 20, and one of which, 100, of branches, bears on the cylindrical boss 101 of this flange 20 around which the control lever 11 pivots while the other, 102, bears on a shoulder 103 provided, laterally, in oblique, for this purpose, on the internal flank of the branch 95 of the slide 87.

For cooperation with the finger 88 of this slide 87, the cam 25 has, angularly halfway between its notches 28 and 32, a recess 104, and, for example, and as shown, a notch, which extends substantially radially, and in which said finger 88 is engaged.

In practice, in the embodiment shown, this finger 88 passes right through the slider 87, and, as shown diagrammatically in broken lines in FIGS. 1 and 2, it thus participates in the sliding guide of the latter, in being for this purpose engaged with a groove 105 of the flange 20 close.

It is the same for the finger 96, the latter being engaged with a groove 106 integral with the flange 20 near.

The attachment lever 89, which forms a single piece, is, in the embodiment shown, in the form of a yoke, which, by its median zone, intermediate between its notch 90 and its ramp 92, is engaged rotating on a fixed axis 107 engaged with a cylindrical boss 108 of the flange 20, and at the end of each of the two branches of which is provided such a notch 90, for cooperation, each respectively, with the two component parts of the contact support 12.

The hooking lever 89 thus formed is associated with elastic return means which permanently urge it in the direction of the corresponding notch 91 of this contact support 12.

In the embodiment shown, and as can be seen in FIG. 3 alone, these elastic return means consist of a torsion spring 109, the central torsion part 110 of which is engaged on a cylindrical boss 108 of the lever d attachment 89 and of which one, 111, of the branches, is supported on a pin 112 provided for projecting for this purpose on the flange 20 close while the other, 113, relates to a lug 114 also provided laterally projecting for this purpose on the attachment lever 89, on the side of its ramp 92.

The contact support 12 is rotatably engaged on a fixed axis 115 engaged with a cylindrical boss 116 of at least one flanges 20.

The movable contacts 13, which surround it, are attached to it laterally, for example by crimping.

In the embodiment shown, the contact support 12 is able, by an appendix 117, to cooperate with the boss 42 of the movable pawl 26, first in thrust, for the escape of this movable pawl 26 relative to the notch 28 of the control lever 11, then in support, for the retention in the closed position thereof.

In addition, in this embodiment, it meshes, by an arm 118 provided for this purpose with a finger 119, with a position indicator 120, which, rotatably mounted relative to the flanges 20, and therefore relative to the housing 10 , being engaged for this purpose in rotation on a fixed axis 121 carried by the flange 20, has, radially, in hollow, a notch 122 with which is engaged said finger 119, and which is thus capable of occupying, level with the front wall of the housing 10, one or the other of two distinct positions, one opening, FIGS. 1 to 3, the other closing, FIG. 6.

Finally, and as can be seen in FIG. 3 alone, the elastic contact pressure means interposed between the slider 87 and the contact support 12 are constituted, in the embodiment shown, by a torsion spring 124 of which the central torsion part 125 is engaged on the cylindrical boss 116 of the flange 20 concerned, and one of which, 126, of the branches bears on a boss 127 provided laterally for this purpose projecting from the external flank of the branch 95 of the slide 87 while the other, 128, bears on a lug 129 also provided laterally projecting for this purpose on the contact support 12.

In practice, there are thus two torsion springs 124, one per component constituting the contact support 12 and per component constituting the slide 87.

In the open position, Figures 1 to 3, the control lever 11 is tilted on a first side, the left side in these figures, and it is resiliently held in this tilting position by the spring 43 constituting its elastic means reminder, this spring 43 acting on it by means of the movable pawl 26 which is coupled to it.

Jointly, under the stress, for the most part, of the spring 97 constituting its elastic return means, and, to a certain extent, of the spring 124 constituting the elastic contact pressure means, the slider 87 is in the retracted opening position , and the cam 25 with which it meshes with its finger 88 is then circularly supported, by its notch 28, against the spout 27 of the movable pawl 26.

In engagement, by its notch 90, with the notch 91 of the contact support 12, the latching lever 89, maintained in the corresponding position by the spring 109 constituting its elastic return means, maintains this support in the open position contact 12.

The movable contacts 13 are therefore thus kept apart from the fixed contacts 15.

As a corollary, under the bias of the spring 55 constituting its elastic return means, the fixed pawl 30 is out of service, its notch 31 being at a distance from the notch 32 of the cam 25, while the end of its arm 54 is in the vicinity immediately from the base of ramp 53 of the latter and that its crosspiece 64 extends to the root of the spoiler 63 of the locking lever 62.

Under the stress of the spring 67 constituting its elastic return means, the locking lever 62, for its part, is in abutment against the lug 77 of the unlocking lever 73, and, the latter being jointly in abutment, by its boss 75, against the boss 76 of the control lever 11, under the stress of the same spring 67, the screw 86 carried by the locking lever 62 is spaced from the arm 82 of the reset lever 81, however, the latter , under the bias of the spring 55 constituting the elastic return means of the fixed pawl 30, and by means of the latter, is applied against the striker 80 of the sensitive relay 79.

If, from this open position, the control handle 11 is tilted, from left to right, along the arrow F1 in FIG. 2, the movable pawl 26 which it carries carries with it, in the same direction, the cam 25, due to the fact that, through its beak 27, it then meshes with the notch 28 thereof.

This results in a displacement of the slide 87 from the right to the left, along the arrow F3 of Figures 2 and 3, so that the spring 124 constituting the elastic contact pressure means, bearing against the lug 129 of the support contact 12 still retained in the open position by the latching lever 89, is progressively bandaged.

When, in its path, the pin 93 of the slide 87 comes to bear on the ramp 92 of the latching lever 89, as shown in Figure 4, it gradually causes the tilting against the spring 109 constituting its elastic means reminder, according to arrow F4 in this figure 4.

As a corollary, during its drive by the movable pawl 26, the cam 25 causes, by its ramp 53, a pivoting, along the arrow F2 of FIGS. 2 and 4, of the fixed pawl 30, this ramp 53 coming to bear against the end of the arm 54 of this fixed pawl 30, and, because of its obliquity, then constraining this arm 54, and therefore the fixed pawl 30, to follow it.

This pivoting of the fixed pawl 30 progressively leads its notch 31 to engage on the path of the notch 32 of the cam 25.

It also leads it to follow, through its crosspiece 64, the spoiler 63 of the locking lever 62, until it is released, as shown in FIG. 5.

Thus released, and under the bias of the spring 67 constituting its elastic return means, the locking lever 62 pivots about the axis 65, along the arrow F5 in FIG. 5, which leads it to be carried, by the screw 86 that it carries, on the arm 82 of the reset lever 81, itself in contact with the striker 80 of the sensitive relay 79.

The pivoting of the control lever 11 being continued, along the arrow F1 of FIG. 5, the notch 90 of the hooking lever 89 escapes the notch 91 of the contact support 12.

The contact support 12 being thus released, the spring 124 constituting the elastic contact pressure means suddenly relaxes, causing the rotation of this contact support 12 about its axis 115, along arrow F6 of FIG. 6, which leads, on the one hand, each movable contact 13 to be applied against the corresponding fixed contact 15, and, on the other hand, the position indicator 120 to pivot from one to the other of its positions, thus signaling the closure when carried out.

The pivoting of the control lever 11 being continued, the contact support 12 comes, very soon after, to act in thrust, by its appendage 117, on the boss 42 of the movable pawl 26, and, the latter therefore pivoting around its axis 38, along arrow F7 in FIG. 6, its beak 27 escapes the notch 28 of the cam 25.

This cam 25 being thus released, it is the object, under the stress of the spring 43 constituting its elastic return means, these intervening by by means of the movable pawl 26, in a retrograde movement around the axis 22, along arrow F8 in FIG. 6, which leads it to engage, by its notch 32, with the notch 31 of the fixed pawl 30, however, that the latter, under the bias of the spring 55 constituting its elastic return means, comes into abutment, by its crosspiece 64 against the spoiler 63 of the locking lever 62.

By the "hooking" thus produced between the crosspiece 64 of the pawl 30 and the spoiler 63 of the locking lever 62, the fixed pawl 30 is held in the closed position, against the spring 55 constituting its elastic return means , and, by the "hooking" produced between its notch 31 and the notch 32 of the cam 25, it itself holds this cam 25, and therefore the slide 87, which, due to the retrograde movement of the cam 25, slightly back, in the closed position.

The pivoting movement of the control lever 11 being continued, the boss 42 of the movable pawl 26 which it drives crosses, by elastic erasure of this movable pawl 26, the appendix 117 of the contact support 12, so that when, at the end of its pivoting movement, the control lever 11 is abandoned, it remains in the closed position which is then its, by pressing this boss 42 of the movable pawl 26 against this appendage 117 of the contact support 12, such that it is represented in figure 6.

If, from the closed position thus obtained, it is applied to the control lever 11, according to arrow F9 in FIG. 6, a tilting movement, from right to left, reverse of the previous one, and sufficiently accentuated so that, by elastic erasure, the boss 42 of the movable pawl 26 escapes the appendix 117 of the contact support 12, the control lever 11, thus freed, returns itself to the open position, under the biasing of the spring 43 constituting its elastic return means.

During its corresponding pivoting movement, it comes, through its boss 76 to interfere with the boss 75 of the unlocking lever 73, and the latter is therefore driven in rotation with it around the axis 22.

Acting, by its lug 77, on the locking lever 62, the unlocking lever 73 causes the breaking of the attachment previously established between the spoiler 63 of this locking lever 62 and the crosspiece 64 of the fixed pawl 30, so that , the latter returning to the open position under the bias of the spring 55 constituting its elastic return means, by pivoting, along the arrow F10 of FIG. 6, around the axis 50, it releases the cam 25 and therefore the slide 87 which meshes with it.

Under the stress of the spring 97 constituting its elastic return means, the slider 87, thus released, suddenly returns to the retracted open position, which, on the one hand, by its finger 96, also suddenly returns to the open position the movable contact 13, and therefore the contact support 12 carrying the latter, with, at the end of its travel, a new picking of this contact support 12 on the latching lever 89, the latter being urged accordingly by the spring 109 constituting its elastic return means as soon as the pin 93 of the slide 87 has abandoned its ramp 92, and which, on the other hand, by its finger 88, also causes the return of the cam 25 to the open position , with, at the end of the travel, a new hooking, on the latter, of the movable pawl 26.

In the case where, for the previous closed position, a sufficient differential current comes through the sensitive relay 79, it is the striker 80 of this sensitive relay 79 which, by means of the rigid arm 82 of the reset lever 81 , causes the locking lever 62 to pivot, leading to breakage of the coupling between the spoiler 63 of this locking lever 62 and the crosspiece 64 of the fixed pawl 30, with, then, the development of an identical opening process to the previous one.

The elastically deformable arm 83 of the rearming lever 81, which, during closing, has enabled, by means of the fixed pawl 30, and under the bias of the spring 55 constituting the elastic return means associated with this fixed pawl 30 , the resetting of the striker 80 of the sensitive relay 79, advantageously absorbs, during an opening, part of the shock energy developed, thus providing for the sensitive relay 79.

As is easy to understand, apart from the springs and the contacts, the various constituents of the electric switch with automatic cut-off according to the invention can advantageously be made of synthetic material, which contributes to the insulation of the together.

In addition, and as will be noted, the flanges 20 used in the embodiment shown carry all of the movable members internal to the housing 10, as well, moreover, as the sensitive relay 79, which, during assembly, advantageously makes it possible to report, first, on these support flanges 20, the various members concerned, and, then, after the necessary adjustments, to place everything in this housing 10, only the input and output and the fixed contact being directly attached to it.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, but encompasses any variant.

Claims (15)

1. An electric switch with automatic cut-off of the type comprising, in a housing (10), between a control lever (11) rotatably mounted with respect to said housing (10) and a contact support (12), which also rotatably mounted with respect to said housing (10), carries at least one contact (13), a snap-action mechanism (14) capable of causing the automatic pivoting of said contact support (12) between a closed position, for which it applies against a fixed contact (15) the contact (13) which it carries, hereinafter called mobile contact, and an open position for which it maintains this mobile contact (13) away from the fixed contact (15), said trigger mechanism abrupt (14) being under the control of a cam (25) which, coaxial with the control handle (11), is mounted freely rotatable relative to the latter, with, associated with said cam (25), on the one hand, a first pawl (26), hereinafter called movable pawl, which, rotatably mounted on the control handle (1 1), is able to cooperate with a first notch (28) of the cam (25), for driving it in one direction, and, on the other hand, a second pawl (30), said below fixed pawl, which, rotatably mounted relative to the housing (10), is capable of cooperating with a second notch (32) of the cam (25), for retaining the latter in the opposite direction to the previous one, characterized in that, the mechanism with abrupt release (14) comprising a slide (87) mounted movable in translation relative to the housing (10), said slide (87) meshes by a finger (88) with the cam (25), and said snap-action mechanism further comprises a hooking lever (89) which, rotatably mounted relative to the housing (10) has, on the one hand, a notch (90) by which it is capable of being hooked on a notch (91) of the contact support (12), for retaining the latter, and, on the other hand, a ramp (92) by which, for its pivoting, and thus the release of said contact support (12) , it interferes with c the path of a pin (93) integral with the slide (87), and elastic means of contact pressure (124) capable of acting in closing on the contact support (12). 2. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide (87) has a finger (96) by which it is able to act on the movable contact (13) for the drive in opening thereof. 3. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that the elastic contact pressure means (124) bear on the slide (87). 4. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, to the slide (87), are also associated elastic return means (97). 5. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, by an appendage (117), the contact support (12) is able to cooperate with a boss (42) of the movable pawl (26) , in particular in support, for the retention in the closed position of the control handle (11). 6. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that for the pivoting stress of the fixed pawl (30) in the direction for which it is able to engage with the notch (32) corresponding to the cam (25) said cam (25) has a ramp (53) whose path interferes with an arm (54) of said fixed pawl (30). 7. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, to the fixed pawl (30) are associated elastic return means (55) which bias it in pivoting in the opposite direction to that for which it is able to engage with the corresponding notch (32) of the cam (25). 8. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, with the fixed pawl (30) is associated a locking lever (62), which rotatably mounted relative to the housing (10), is suitable, by a spoiler (63), keeping said fixed pawl (30) in engagement with the corresponding notch (32) of the cam (25). 9. Electric switch according to claim 8, characterized in that, with the locking lever (62) is associated an unlocking lever (73) which, mounted rotatably relative to the housing (10), comprises, on the one hand, a boss (75), by which it interferes with the path of a boss (76) which comprises for it the control handle (11), and, on the other hand, a lug (77) by which it is able to act on the locking lever (62). 10. Electric switch according to any one of claims 8, 9, characterized in that, being a differential switch, that is to say a switch comprising a relay (79) sensitive to a current differential, the striker (80) of said sensitive relay (79) is capable of acting on the locking lever (62) by means of a reset lever (81) rotatably mounted relative to the housing (10). 11. Electric switch according to claim 10, characterized in that the reset lever (81) comprises a rigid arm (82), by which it is able to act on the striker (80) of the sensitive relay (79), and a elastically deformable arm (83), on which the fixed pawl (30) bears. 12. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the movable pawl (26) and the fixed pawl (30) are arranged in generally diametrically opposite positions relative to each other on the one hand and other of the cam (25). 13. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the movable pawl (26) and the control handle (11) have in common elastic return means (43), which, bearing on the housing (10), jointly urge the control handle (11) towards its closed position, and the movable pawl (26) towards the cam (25). 14. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, by an arm (118), the contact support (12) meshes with a position indicator (120) rotatably mounted relative to the housing ( 10). 15. Electric switch according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, to the housing (10), are associated two support flanges (20) carrying all of the internal movable members of this housing (10).

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