EP3249673B1 - Mechanism for signalling an electrical fault in an electric protection device, and electric protection device including such a mechanism - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for signaling the tripping of an electrical protection device such as a circuit breaker housed in an insulating box containing a pair of fixed and mobile contacts, said mobile contact being able to be actuated either manually by a handle mechanically connected to a device. support of the movable contact, said lever being mounted to pivot between a closed position and an open position of the contacts, either automatically by means of a trigger mechanism comprising a magnetic trip device capable of being activated upon occurrence a short-circuit fault and a thermal trip device able to be activated when an overload fault occurs, said movable contact support being mounted in rotation between an open position of the contacts and a closed position of the contacts. contacts and connected to the handle by a transmission means so as to form a link between the support and the handle breakable mechanical, the activation of one of the trip units causing the breaking of the mechanical link causing the separation of the contacts, and so-called first signaling means capable of tripping only on a short-circuit fault, as well as a device electrical protection device comprising such a device.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

We know the document EP 2 975 628 describing a device comprising two signaling means respectively two indicators in the form of two indicator lights, one of the indicator lights being intended to signal the presence of a fault of magnetic origin, the other indicator being intended to indicate any type of fault.
We also know the document EP 1 906 426 describing a signaling device comprising the characteristics of the preamble of the new claim 1.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for signaling an electrical fault in an electrical protection device, of simplified design, as well as to an electrical protection device comprising such a device.

To this end, the present invention relates to a signaling device of the type previously mentioned, the so-called first signaling means comprising means for blocking the aforementioned lever in an intermediate position situated between the two positions of the lever corresponding respectively to a position open and in a closed position of the device, upon the appearance of a fault of magnetic origin, these means being controlled by the movable core of the magnetic trip device, these means comprising a so-called first lever, said return, mounted articulated around a fixed axis relative to the housing of the device, this return lever comprising a first end part intended to cooperate with the movable core and a second end part intended to cooperate with the base of the lever, the aforementioned return lever cooperating with the movable core by means of a said second lever mounted articulated with respect to the housing of the apparatus, said second lever ier comprising a first end part mounted to rotate about an axis integral with the movable core and a second end part comprising a hooking element able to cooperate with a hooking element of complementary shape belonging to the first part of the aforementioned end of the return lever, so that the hooking position of the two levers relative to each other corresponds to a closed position of the contacts during normal operation of the device, and that upon the appearance of a fault of magnetic origin, the displacement of the mobile core causes the disengagement of the two fastening elements with respect to each other, this disengagement allowing the return of the return lever to a locking position of the lever in the aforementioned intermediate position, this device being characterized in that the aforementioned return lever comprises a so-called third end portion capable of cooperating with an indicator so to signal the presence or absence of a fault of magnetic origin, and in that this indicator comprises a reset means capable of being operated by a user so as to return the return lever to a position of hooking with the lever said second, after locking the lever in the intermediate position, in order to release the lever and allow its movement to continue towards the open position.
This prevents the device from being closed again if the reset has not been carried out.

According to another characteristic, this indicator is rotatably mounted relative to the housing of the device, said indicator cooperating with the said third end portion mentioned above of the return lever and comprising a surface visible to a user through an opening of the housing. the apparatus, this visible surface comprising means for indicating the presence or absence of a fault of magnetic origin as a function of the rotational position of this indicator.

According to another characteristic, this indicator comprises at least one colored surface portion on its visible surface, the appearance of this color through the opening of the case indicating the occurrence of a fault of magnetic origin.

According to one particular characteristic, this third end part comprises a rod comprising an axis, this axis being able to cooperate with a groove provided in the aforementioned indicator, such that the rotational drive of the return lever in one direction causes rotation in the opposite direction of the indicator.

Advantageously, this reset means comprises an element forming a finger projecting from said aforementioned surface of the indicator.

According to another characteristic, this third end part comprises an arm comprising an axis, this axis being able to cooperate with a groove provided in the aforementioned indicator, such that the driving in rotation of the return lever in one direction causes a rotation in the opposite direction of the indicator.

A further subject of the present invention is an electrical protection device comprising a signaling device comprising the previously mentioned characteristics taken alone or in combination.

According to another characteristic, this device comprises a signaling device comprising the previously mentioned characteristics taken alone or in combination, as well as a so-called second signaling means, able to signal the triggered state of the device regardless of the type of fault. , the activation of the two signaling means signaling a fault of the magnetic type, while the activation of a single signaling means signaling an overload fault.

According to a particular embodiment, this device is a circuit breaker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 est une vue partielle en plan, illustrant un appareil de protection électrique comportant un dispositif de signalisation d'un défaut électrique selon l'invention, en position ouverte des contacts de l'appareil,
• La figure 2 est une vue similaire à la précédente, en position fermée des contacts de l'appareil,
• La figure 3 est une vue similaire à la précédente, lors de l'apparition d'un défaut d'origine magnétique, l'appareil étant encore en position fermée,
• La figure 4 est une vue similaire à la précédente, après l'ouverture du mécanisme de l'appareil,
• La figure 5 est une vue similaire à la précédente, en position de signalisation du défaut, et
• La figure 6 est une vue similaire aux précédentes, destinée à illustrer la manœuvre destinée à supprimer la signalisation du défaut.

However, other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly in the detailed description which follows and refers to the appended drawings given solely by way of example and in which:

• The figure 1 is a partial plan view, illustrating an electrical protection device comprising an electrical fault signaling device according to the invention, in the open position of the device contacts,
• The figure 2 is a view similar to the previous one, in the closed position of the device contacts,
• The figure 3 is a view similar to the previous one, when a fault of magnetic origin appears, the device still being in the closed position,
• The figure 4 is a view similar to the previous one, after opening the device mechanism,
• The figure 5 is a view similar to the previous one, in the fault signaling position, and
• The figure 6 is a view similar to the previous ones, intended to illustrate the maneuver intended to suppress the fault signaling.

In the figures, we see a multipolar miniature electrical circuit breaker with a molded insulating case 1 known in particular from the patent. EP 1 975 971 and comprising per pole, a control device 2 for the contacts of the apparatus, this control device comprising a device for signaling a fault according to the invention. In a manner known per se, this control device comprises a support device 3 for the movable contact 4 of the apparatus, this movable contact 4 cooperating with a fixed contact 5.
An opening 7 is provided in the front face 8 of the housing for the passage of a handle 6 mounted with limited pivoting on an axis 11 of the housing between a closed position in which the contacts 4,5 are closed, and a position of opening corresponding to the separation of the contacts. The handle 6 is equipped with an internal base 9 coupled to a transmission rod 10 to constitute a toggle device whose articulation 12 is eccentric with respect to the fixed axis 11 of the handle 6.
The handle 6 is urged in the counterclockwise direction towards the open position of the contacts by a return spring (not shown). The fixed contact 5 is secured to the frame of the electromagnetic release 13. The movable contact 4 is fixed to the support device 3 of the movable contact 4, said support 3 being articulated on a pivot 14, the rotary plate 15 being mounted so as to rotate around the same. pivot 14.
A trigger lever 16 controlled by the striker 18 of the electromagnetic trigger 13 and the bimetallic strip of the thermal trigger (not shown) or of an external auxiliary, is pivotally mounted on a pin 17 carried by the plate 15 with a predetermined offset relative to to the aforementioned pivot 14.

A breakable mechanical connection is formed between the transmission rod 10 and the drive plate 15 of the contact support device 3 4.
In the locked position, the link allows manual control of the mechanism by lever 6. The movement of the trigger lever 16 to the triggered position under the action of the triggers, causes the momentary rupture of the mechanical link, causing the automatic triggering of the mechanism. , independently of the handle 6. The triggering lever 16 is associated with a return spring intended to ensure the automatic re-establishment of the mechanical link when the handle 6 is actuated towards the open position, following a triggering of the mechanism on fault. .
The breakable mechanical connection comprises a hook 19 pivotally mounted on an axis 20 of the plate 15. Opposite this axis, the spout 21 of the hook 19 cooperates in the locked position of the connection with a retaining notch 22 ( fig.4 ) located on the arm of the release lever 16. The transmission rod 10 is coupled to the hook 19 and to the plate 15 at an articulation point 23 capable of moving during the release in two consecutive openings 24 and 26 of the plate 15. This point of articulation 23 is located between the axis of articulation 20 ( fig.3 ) of the hook 19 on the plate and the nozzle 21 ( fig.4 ) of the hooking hook. The connection constitutes a reduction stage in the kinematic chain of the mechanism, allowing a reduction in the tripping force coming from the magnetothermal trip unit.
The hook 19 also comprises a bean-shaped or V-shaped opening 25 which, together with the openings 24 and 26 of the plate, are intended to allow the rotation of the contact carrier plate 15, during a triggering, while the rod 10 is blocked by handle 6, itself held in the contact closed position.
The opening 26 provided in the plate 15 also makes it possible to guide the travel of the rod when the lever returns to the open position of the contacts, after tripping. The two openings 24, 26 of the plate 15 extend relative to each other so as to form a V.
The fault signaling device according to the invention comprises a set of two levers respectively a so-called first lever 27 or a return lever intended to cooperate with the handle 6, and a said second lever 28 intended to cooperate with the movable core 29. This said second lever 28 is mounted articulated about an axis 30 fixed relative to the housing of the device, said lever comprising two parts end 28a, 28b located on either side of said axis 30. One of the end parts, called the first 28a, of this lever, is mounted articulated around an end part 29a of the movable core 29 of the electromagnetic trigger 13, this end part of the movable core being located opposite the part of the striker 18 cooperating with the trigger lever 16, while the other end part 28b of this lever, called the second part end 28b, comprises a hooking element 33. This hooking element 33 is intended to cooperate with a hooking element of complementary shape 34 belonging to the said first lever or return lever 27, which return lever 27 is mounted articulated around an axis 35 of the housing of the appa reil, such that, in the hooked position between the two levers 27,28, the rotation of the second lever 28 in the clockwise direction causes the rotation of the return lever 27 in the counterclockwise direction. So ( fig.4 ), this return lever 27 comprises three end parts, namely respectively a first part 27a comprising the aforementioned fastening element 33, a second part 27b intended to cooperate with a signaling means 39 of a fault. magnetic origin, and a third part 27c intended to cooperate with the handle 6 as will be explained in what follows. This second part 27b comprises a rod 37 comprising at its free end an axis 37a able to cooperate with a groove 39a belonging to an indicator element 39, which indicator 39 being mounted to rotate relative to another fixed axis 39b of the housing, so so that the rotation of the return lever 27 causes a corresponding rotation in the opposite direction of the indicator 39.
This indicator 39 ( fig.5 ) comprises a tubular portion 39c, from which extend, on either side of the aforementioned axis 39b, a U-shaped portion 39d and a finger member 39e.
The third part 27c of the return lever 27 comprises a branch 38a having at its free end a substantially planar surface 38b able to cooperate with a part of the base 9 of the lever 6.

The operation of the signaling device according to the invention will be described below with reference to the figures.
On the figure 1 , the control device 2 is in an open position of the contacts 4,5, the handle 6 being in the open position.
In this position, the striker 18 is retracted inside the coil and the movable core 29 is in a position as far as possible from said coil. The hooking system is activated between the two levers 27,28, the hooking element 34 of the said second lever 28 being engaged with the corresponding hooking element 33 belonging to the return lever 27, so that the signaling means 39 does not signal any fault of magnetic origin. When handle 6 is actuated to close contacts 4,5 ( fig.2 ), the latter moves the connecting rod 10 which bears on the plate 15 and on the hook 19. The hook 19 is locked on the trigger bar (or lever). The connecting rod 10, resting on the plate 15 and on the hook 19, causes the plate to pivot about its axis 14 until the contacts 4,5 close.
The rod continues to travel until it crosses the neutral point of the toggle formed by the lever 6 and the rod 10. Then, the mechanism assumes the equilibrium position which maintains the contacts closed. Switching the device from the open position ( fig.1 ) to the closed position ( fig.2 ) does not cause any change in the position of the signaling means 39, because the striker 18, and therefore the mobile core, has not been set in motion.

To open the contacts 4,5 manually, the handle 6 is actuated from the closed position shown in the figure. figure 2 until it crosses the dead center of the knee lifter in the other direction. The mechanism then returns to the equilibrium position, with the contacts open, when the lever reaches the end of its travel, the position shown in the figure. figure 1 .
When the contacts are closed and under the effect of the appearance of a fault of magnetic origin, the trip bar 16 is actuated by the striker 18, as illustrated on the figure. figure 3 , the hook 19 is unlocked, but the lever 6 does not immediately return to its open position.
At the same time, the mobile core 29 unlocks the hooking between the two levers 27,28.

The balance of the forces exerted by the link 10 on the mechanism is broken. The plate 15 rotates around its axis 14 and opens the contacts, position shown in figure 4 . The opening 25 provided inside the hook 19, allows the rotation of the hook around the axis 20 and this opening 25 of the hook as well as the openings 24,26 of the plate 15, allow the rotation of the plate, the handle still being held in the closed contacts position.
Unlocking the hooking between the two levers 27,28 causes the return lever 27 to rotate clockwise under the effect of a spring, not shown, returning the return lever 27 in the direction of the handle 6, this movement of the return lever driving the indicator 39 in a position in which it indicates the presence of a fault of magnetic origin.
Then at the same time, as illustrated on the figure 5 , the spring of the lever 6 returns the latter to the open position of the contacts and the rod 10 returns the hook 19 to the initial position. The spring for biasing the hook 19 and resetting the bar 16 puts them back in a position that does not allow the hook to be locked on the bar when the handle is actuated to close the contacts. The openings 24, 26 provided in the plate 15 participate in guiding the rod 10 so as to bring it back into the bearing position on the plate.
On its return, the lever 6 is hooked by means of its base 9 on the second hooking element 34 forming a pawl, which being released from its hooking with the second lever 28.
The signaling means constituted by the indicator 39 then signals the presence of a defect of magnetic origin by a change of color appearing on the outer surface portion 39f of the tubular part 39c, this outer surface portion 39f being located at right of the aforementioned finger 39th, looking head-on at the figure 5 .
Note that in the case of a multi-pole circuit breaker, the signaling will only appear on the faulty pole.
The removal of the signaling of the fault of magnetic origin will be effected by resetting the so-called secondary lever 39, formed by the aforementioned indicator, this resetting being effected by an action of driving said secondary lever in rotation by the user clockwise as shown on the figure 6 . This clockwise rotation of the secondary lever 39 will cause the counterclockwise rotation of the return lever 27, which will release the latch between the return lever 27 and the main lever 6. This release of this hooking will allow the main handle of the circuit breaker to return to the open position.
The invention applies to any electrical device comprising a mechanism of the type mentioned above, such as a circuit breaker, a switch, a differential switch, a disconnector, auxiliary contacts, etc.

Claims (8)

1. Device for signalling the tripping of an electrical protection unit such as a circuit breaker housed in an insulating housing enclosing a pair of fixed and movable contacts, said movable contact being able to be actuated either manually by a handle linked mechanically to a movable contact support device, said handle being mounted to pivot between a position of closure and a position of opening of the contacts, or automatically via a trip mechanism comprising a magnetic trip with a mobile core that can be activated upon the occurrence of a short-circuit fault and a thermal trip that can be activated upon the occurrence of an overload fault, said movable contact support being mounted to rotate between a position of opening of the contacts and a position of closure of the contacts and linked to the handle by a transmission means so as to form, between the support and the handle, a breakable mechanical link, the activation of one of the trips leading to the breaking of the mechanical link resulting in the separation of the contacts, and so-called first signalling means that can be triggered only upon a short-circuit fault, the so-called first signalling means (S) comprising means for blocking the abovementioned handle (6) in an intermediate position situated between the two positions of the handle corresponding respectively to an open position and a closed position of the unit, upon the occurrence of a fault of magnetic origin, these means being controlled by the mobile core (29) of the magnetic trip (13), these means comprising a so-called first lever (27), called return lever, mounted articulated about an axis (35) that is fixed relative to the housing (1) of the device, this return lever (27) comprising a first end part (27a) intended to cooperate with the mobile core (29) and a second end part (27b) intended to cooperate with the base (9) of the handle (6), the abovementioned return lever (27) cooperating with the mobile core (29) via a so-called second lever (28) mounted articulated relative to the housing (1) of the unit, said second lever (28) comprising a first end part (28a) mounted to rotate about an axis secured to the mobile core (29) and a second end part (28b) comprising an attachment element (34) that can cooperate with an attachment element (33) of complementary form belonging to the above-mentioned first end part (27a) of the return lever (27), so that the position of attachment of the two levers (27, 28) relative to one another corresponds to a closed position of the contacts (4, 5) in a normal operation of the unit, and that, upon the occurrence of a fault of magnetic origin, the displacement of the mobile core (29) leads to the disengagement of the two attachment elements (33, 34) relative to one another, this disengagement allowing the return lever (27) to return into a position of blocking of the handle (6) in the abovementioned intermediate position, characterized in that the abovementioned return lever (27) comprises a so-called third end part (27c) that can cooperate with an indicator (39) so as to signal the presence or not of a fault of magnetic origin, and in that this indicator (39) comprises a reset means (39e) that can be operated by a user so as to return the return lever (27) into a position of attachment with the so-called second lever (28), after the blocking of the handle in an intermediate position, and do so in order to release the handle (6) and allow its displacement to the open position to continue.
2. Signalling device according to Claim 1, characterized in that this indicator (39) is mounted to rotate relative to the housing (1) of the unit, said indicator cooperating with the abovementioned so-called third end part (27c) of the return lever (27) and comprising a surface (39f) that is visible to a user through an aperture (7) of the housing (1) of the device, this visible surface (39f) comprising a means for indicating the presence or absence of a fault of magnetic origin depending on the rotational position of this indicator (39).
3. Signalling device according to Claim 2, characterized in that this indicator (39) comprises at least one coloured surface portion on its visible face (39f), the appearance of this colour through the aperture (7) of the housing (1) indicating the occurrence of a fault of magnetic origin.
4. Signalling device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that this third end part (27c) comprises a rod (37) comprising an axis (37a), this axis being able to cooperate with a groove (39a) provided in the abovementioned indicator (39), so that the rotational driving of the return lever (27) in one direction results in a rotation of the indicator (39) in an opposite direction.
5. Signalling device according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that this reset means comprises a finger-forming element (39e) protruding on the above-mentioned surface (39f) of the indicator (39).
6. Electrical protection unit comprising a signalling device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.
7. Electrical protection unit according to Claim 6, characterized in that it also comprises a so-called second signalling means T, that can signal the tripped state of the unit regardless of the type of fault, the activation of the two signalling means S, T signalling a fault of magnetic type, the activation of just one signalling means signalling an overload fault.
8. Electrical protection unit according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is a circuit breaker.

Images