BE495993A - - Google Patents

Description

       

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  VOLTAGE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
OF THIS PROCESS.



   '(Inventors G. Frank, E. Marx and A.Schilling).



   Attempts have already been made to transform electrical voltages using mechanically actuated coupling devices. Until now, such proposals have only been successful for very low voltages or for very small currents. None of the known devices have succeeded, during the passage of current, in connecting the contacts between them with a small resistance, to avoid such wear of the contacts as to make any practical service impossible, and to render harmless the arcs which occur, in particular at high voltages and at great currents, before, as well as after coming into contact.



   Switching devices are known in particular in which reciprocating movement of one of the contacts is used for the purpose of transformation. The disadvantages of this type of transformer are the great accelerations which are necessary, as well as the strong pressures in the bearings, the small distances which one can obtain between the contacts and the fact that the arcs which occur destroy the contacts at important places for service.



   Rotary rectifiers are also known, for example needle rectifiers in which the current passes through sparks or through parts similar to brushes. With this type of rectifier we do not. can only use very small intensities, because otherwise what are called "round fires", that is to say arcs that do not go out.



   Finally, attempts have been made to replace the brushes of the collectors, such as those used in electrical machines, by rotary contact devices such as rollers or tilting discs. ,Such

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 Devices can also only be used for low voltages, because experience shows that the voltage difference existing between two neighboring switch elements should not exceed at most about 10 volts or at most 15 volts. The bridge connection which is then necessary between two successive switch elements also produces phenomena similar to short circuits which, at high currents, would destroy the switch elements and the rollers.



   The present invention is based on the discovery that it is possible to avoid these phenomena and these drawbacks, in the transformation of voltages and even high voltages, by causing an electrode to roll intermittently at least on a counter-electrode.



   By intermittent rolling is meant a contact with which the flow of current caused by the rolling movement is interrupted at times. Consequently, according to the invention, unlike the collectors in which the current always passes when the brushes are replaced by rollers, according to known proposals, the collector blades are, so to speak, separated from each other and a device for power outlet is added to each of these blades, which thus becomes an independent sector or segment, this device carrying the current only intermittently.



   This process has, over all the processes known hitherto, the decisive advantage that great currents can be employed during the duration of the current flow as a result of the intermittent rolling contact, than the arcs which are generally formed. at the end of the contact period do not damage the bearing electrodes, which can be used large gaps between the contacts during the shutdown period, as it is possible to avoid accumulations of insulating material near the stop zone and in particular in the regions in which arcs occur, and which can be adapted, to the end pieces of the contact paths, extinguisher nozzles such as those known in the devices of the motionless guy.



  On the other hand, it is difficult to apply methods using electrodes or contact pads with intermittent rolling contact, because the contacts are applied to each other under a certain pressure, and because it is necessary to avoid, by special measures, that the distance between the axes of rotation of the contacts does not change and especially does not decrease during the pe-. stop period, when there is no contact, because this would destroy the rolling contact tracks.



   The electrodes rolling on each other are also known per se; uses them, for example, for socket-outlets with roller (trolleys) in traction installations or to bring current to the moving contacts of coupling devices. As regards the methods and devices proposed for the first time, according to the invention, to operate intermittently, one cannot employ the roller devices used heretofore, because the rolling electrodes are applied under pressure such that 'they are on the counter electrode. This is hardly or not possible with the devices constructed according to the invention, because otherwise severe shocks would occur during rapid rotation.

   On the other hand, rolling contacts are a very special advantage in intermittent service. In fact, it is not possible, in continuous service, to avoid certain destruction phenomena at the time of ignition, as well as when an arc is formed when the contacts separate. However, in the case of rubbing contacts, inequalities existing on one of the contacts very quickly have a detrimental action on the contact path in question, while this drawback is completely avoided, according to the invention, by the invention. use of rolling contacts.



   According to the invention, at least one contact surface therefore rolls at least on a contact surface combined with a linear contact between

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 the contact surfaces. This is therefore the case in particular for an essential part of the duration of the passage of the current, preferably naturally for the entire duration of the passage of the current. For this, a whole series of possibilities are available, the external peripheral contact around parallel axes of sectors or of rotary segments with a cylindrical periphery being only one of these possibilities. It suffices first that a single electrode rotates, while another is fixed, an internal contact being possible as well as an external contact. You don't have to use parallel axes any more.

   It is also possible to use axes which cross each other and axes which are transverse or perpendicular to each other. One thus obtains conical peripheries with which the electrodes can also come into contact with each other internally as well as externally, the cylindrical peripheries thus representing only the limit case of conical peripheries.



  It is also possible to drive only one electrode, or to drive several or to drive all of them. This does not in any way exhaust the types of construction available either. On the contrary, we can use all the means of kinematics, as long as they lead to an intermittent rolling contact between two or more than two bodies without large movements relative to the point of contact. Some of these numerous possibilities will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.



   In carrying out the methods proposed according to the invention, particular account must be taken of the formation of arcs, which can be rendered harmless by a series of measures forming part of the method. The arcs which form after the end of the rolling operation must in particular be produced at such a distance from insulating materials that they are not deteriorated. As far as possible, such insulating materials should, moreover, not be in the vicinity of bearing electrodes. Such arcs are in particular extinguished by artificial means and they are also acted upon in such a way that they cannot have any harmful action. It will be shown, with reference to exemplary embodiments, how this takes place.



   A whole series of measures can also be taken to protect the active part of the bearing electrodes, the contact paths proper, from all other possibilities of deterioration, in particular by the mechanism producing the bearing. . One can also imagine the production of a sufficient contact pressure. It would first be possible to mount all the electrodes so that they are flexible, spring loaded for example, in order thus to obtain the necessary contact pressures.

   It would also be possible to arrange for the contact paths to be formed by several sections of contact path mounted flexible, for example spring-loaded, with respect to the other electrode bodies, or to make these contact path sections in such a manner. so that they are flexible in themselves, for example that they are spring in themselves, and to combine this measure again with one or more of the other measures proposed.



  Careful testing and careful observations have shown, however, that such a construction cannot completely solve the problems that arise. In fact, when the contact path is formed by several contact path sections, this inevitably constantly causes new mechanical shock phenomena which may cause collisions and give rise to arcs. There is a risk that the individual studs will get stuck together, causing service stoppages. Finally, each individual stud must be provided with its incoming and outgoing conductors, which makes it necessary to use complicated installations, lacking in clarity, expensive and whose operation is not perfectly guaranteed.



   To solve the problem which consists of eliminating these drawbacks, the pad forming a section of the contact path, rolling on the counter-electrode and flexible with respect to the other parts of an electrode , is consistent in itself.

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   -This coherent construction only provokes at the beginning of the - section of path, of contact a -unique -mechanical-shock which one can make himself master at this place in a sure way and on which one can count during the continmation of the eventful 'rolling contact path section -is pressed inwardly into. the radial direction.



   The current arrivals can be distributed at any places of the contact path section. One -electrodes rolling over one another, or both, or all, can be provided with flexible and consistent pads according to the invention - '. '.



  - -.



   Other characteristics and other details will be described and shown with the aid of the embodiments indicated in the accompanying drawings.



   Equally essential is the adjustment of the contact time between the electrodes and the timing of ignition. In particular, the duration of contact of the bearing electrodes µ must be matched with the phase position of the corresponding alternating voltage. ' For rectifiers and alternator switches, single-phase as well as polyphase, it is possible to reduce to a minimum the burning time of arcs which normally occur when the contacts separate. The adjustment will therefore be carried out in such a way that the voltage which is reestablished and which appears after the end of the current flow between the electrodes cannot precisely cause re-ignition, taking into account the necessary safety ...

   The setting then depends on the number of phases, the operating voltage, the operating current, the device mode (rectifier, alternator or inverter switch) and the construction of the extinguishing electrodes. In particular, the timing of the separation of the contacts is adjusted so that the distance between the rolling electrodes is just sufficient to prevent re-ignition taking into account the safety and the subsequent effect of the arcs. The timing of the separation of the contacts can also be adjusted so that the duration of. combustion of the arcs which occur at the moment of separation of the contacts is sufficient just to obtain between the electrodes the distance which is necessary to control the stop voltage.



     He. It is therefore necessary to adjust in particular the duration of contact of the bearing electrodes., '; as well as the time of ignition. Details will be described with reference to the drawing, which illustrate several embodiments by way of example.



   For large powers, polyphase devices are generally necessary. One could combine such switching devices. polyphase current directly by means of several bearing electrodes., However, to reduce the expenditure on manufacturing material, the bulk. and the cost price, it is proposed to mount more than two external bearing electrodes so that they are symmetrical with respect to the axis and add them to an internal-rolling electrode, all the rolling electrodes being-connected to the external circuits by means of current-taking devices.



   The proposed arrangement according to the invention not only has the advantages already mentioned; they also allow the use of common drive and adjustment devices for all the phases or at least for certain groups of rolling switches.



   For the contact transformers mentioned above and with alternating contact movement it was necessary, in order to be able to ensure a somewhat satisfactory practical service, to effect the separation and closure of the contacts at times when the current is weak. These times when the current is weak were produced by means of reaction coils containing an iron core with a hysteresis loop.

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 gular. The contacts used for this purpose deviate perpendicularly from each other to produce a stopping zone perpendicular to the extent of their surface, and they apply again to each other perpendicularly, culally to the extent of their surface.

   This method of establishing contacts has decisive drawbacks. First of all, an arc such as that which is produced for example during walking by a rapid variation in the load can cause destruction of the contacts. In addition, only small distances between the electrodes can be obtained, up to about three millimeters.



   The present invention further proceeds from the further discovery that these drawbacks can be avoided by employing, instead of spacer contacts, intermittently operated rolling contacts. The device proposed according to the invention is characterized by the connection of the intermittent rolling contacts with devices serving to ensure that the current is kept small at the time of the separation of the intermittent rolling contacts and that the restoring voltage is maintained. small, so that the arcs of separation are null or at least harmless. It is therefore possible in particular to mount rolling contacts in series with a reaction coil, these contacts positively producing stops in which the intensity is small.



   Intermittent rolling contacts can be employed in all arrangements in which spacer contacts have heretofore been employed. 11s have, over the contacts with spacing mentioned above the decisive advantage that an arc can form in principle, during separation of the contact, at the end of the contact. Such arcs therefore cannot damage the sections of the rolling contact paths proper, nor the contact paths. In the contact transformer used hitherto, it is necessary ,. when an arc has occurred, to replace the contacts with new ones, which leads to great expense and downtime in service.

   When, on the other hand, contacts rolling on top of each other, it is also possible to walk for a long time with intense arcs at the end of the rolling contacts without it being necessary to replace these contacts. In addition, since they run essentially around the circumference of a circle, the rolling contacts have the important advantage over the gap contacts that very large gaps between the electrodes can be employed during periods of stoppage. It is not difficult, for example, to give a value of one meter or more to the rotation circle of such rolling contacts.



  With these rolling contacts it is thus possible to master any voltage.



   If arcs or sparks occur before the contacts touch each other, these arcs and sparks occur, in the case of rolling contacts, in places which are not of importance to the rolling operation. proper. It would therefore not be necessary in principle, for rolling contacts, to use additional devices to prevent the production of arcs and to avoid an excessively rapid increase in current, especially as proposed, for devices constructed according to the The invention employs particular ignition tips or appendages which project beyond the raceways, so that any possibility of damage to the raceway is avoided, even in the case of intense arcs of long duration.



   However, the use, proposed according to the invention, of rolling contacts in combination with additional devices which keep the intensity of the current low at the moment of separation of the contacts and which also maintain a low voltage. return, has the particular advantage that the operational safety is further increased.



   In contact transformers known hitherto, the need also to avoid the formation of arcs between the contacts during switching.

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 sudden riations of the current oblige the use of fast switches causing a short-circuit, on the side corresponding to the rectifier on the transformers, in small fractions of an alternation o When using rolling contacts, the use of these fast switches are not necessary, because the persistence of individual arcs between the ends of the contacts is not harmful, as has already been said.



   In the case of gap contacts, the relative speed of the contacts before contact is made is very high. This is why the contacts lean on each other with a loud noise. The wear of the contacts is very great as a result of this shock-like application.



  The contacts also move away from each other with great mechanical forces and the relative speed between the contacts is already great after - a very short time after their separation. In this respect also the rolling contacts function in a much more advantageous manner. The relative speed at the time of contacting as well as immediately after contact separation can be kept very low; however the relative velocities are great before contacting as well as very soon after contact separation, due to movement of the contacts on circular paths. When using rolling contacts, the noise caused by operation is also very minimal.



   As already results from the above, it is not necessary, when using rolling contacts, to make the arcs disappear completely. This is why the choice of the kinds of iron used for the reaction coils described does not need to be as meticulous or to involve such high costs as for the contact transformers already known.



   Finally, rolling contacts still have the advantage of allowing, despite their small volume, the use of large currents, because the point of contact is constantly moving during the passage of current / contrary to what happens. with the gap contacts.



   According to the invention, instead of reaction coils, windings connected in series with the rolling contacts and in which voltages are periodically induced can be used to produce stops during which the current is not very intense. induced make it possible to keep the intensity of the current very low during the movement of the contacts apart, and also to keep the height of the return voltage small, which entails the risk of ignition return. This makes it possible to completely avoid or keep very small the arcs which, on the other hand, occur when the contacts separate and which can lead to deformation of the contacts over time.



   During load variations, it is necessary to ensure that the contacts come into contact with each other and separate at times corresponding to the periods during which the current is not very intense. This is why it is necessary to be able to vary the mechanical movement of the contacts during operation, as is already known for contact transformers. For rolling contacts to be employed according to the invention such variation can be effected more easily and at less expense than for spacer contacts. As has already been said above, it is possible to continuously modify, during walking and with small efforts, the relative position of segments or sectors containing sections of contact paths rolling over one another.



   The drawings show possible embodiments of the invention applied, by way of example, to various types of switching devices, several of these drawings being initially only schematic drawings.

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 Ticks intended to represent the principle of the invention, the others representing more construction details and corresponding to practical embodiments.



   In these drawings:
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section, perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the electrodes, of a switch provided with electrodes rolling over one another.



   Fig. 2 is a partial plane and a partial cross section of the electrodes at the height of the axis,
Fig. 3 is a section through a rolling electrode and its conjugate electrode, at the point of contact.



   Fig. 4 is a view of a variant shown in section in the same manner.



   Fig. 5 is a view of a third variant.



   Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a sector-shaped rolling electrode.



   Fig. 7 is a plane of the same rolling electrode perpendicular to the axis of rotation.



   Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, of a set of six rolling electrodes mounted in series.



   Fig. 9 is a plan of the device of FIG. 8, and
Fig. 10 is a side elevation of two sector-shaped rolling electrodes with rotating extinguisher nozzles and a central flow device.



   Fig. 11 is a horizontal section through the line XI-XI of FIG. 12 and shows a switching device comprising a fixed outer annular electrode and a rotating inner electrode, in the form of a sector or segment, the assembly being constructed in the style of a planet gear mechanism.



   Fig. 12 is a corresponding vertical cross section of this switching device taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 1
Fig. 13 is a view of an exemplary embodiment with two rotating electrodes touching each other on the outside, but having, in this case, conical contact surfaces instead of the cylindrical contact surfaces of the first exemplary embodiment. This figure is in particular a section on the line XIII-XIII of FIG. 14 with the corresponding elevations.



   Fig. 14 is a vertical cross section of the switching device taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 3.



   Fig. 15 is a horizontal section taken along the line XV-XV of FIG. 16, of a switching device comprising electrodes arranged parallel to the axis, touching each other on the outside, rotating without exception and having cylindrical contact paths.



   Fig. 16 is a set of vertical cross sections by the lines XVI-XVI and XVIa-XVIa of fig. 15.

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   Fig. 17 -is a set of rolling electrodes mounted in series and constructed like those of fig. 15 and 16, in horizontal section by the line XVII-XVII of fig. 16., '
Fig. 18 is a vertical cross section .. by the line
XVIII-XVIII of fig. 170
Fig. 19 is a detail view. ---.



   Fig. 20 is a cross section perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a rolling electrode and showing the coherent contact path pad of this electrode.



   Fig. 21 is a plan, of the initial part.



   Fig. 22 is a plan of the end portion of the contact path pad of fig. 20.



   Fig. 23 is a radial section of the rolling electrode of FIG. 20 on a smaller scale. -
Fig. 24 is a similar section of a non-resilient mounted contact path pad bearing electrode.



   Fig. 25, is a similar view of a device in which the coil springs are replaced by pressure membranes.



   Fig. 26 is a view of a device in which the coil springs are replaced by spring springs.



   Fig. 27 is a side elevation corresponding to fig. 26.



   Fig. 28 represents a possible embodiment, which differs from fig. 20, of the spring damping device, acting in the direction of the periphery, of the contact path pads. Fig. 29 shows the radial application under pressure of the contact path pads under the action of centrifugal forces.



   Fig. 30 is a radial section of a contact path pad, showing a practical embodiment of the current incoming and outgoing conductors.



   Fig. 31 is a view showing the arrangement of ignition electrodes on the electrode and the counter electrode, viewed looking in the direction of the axes of rotation.



   Fig. 32 is a view showing the subdivision of the ends of the contact path pads into individual contact fingers.



     La.figo 33 represents the arrangement and construction of ignition points to those of the ends of the contact chimney pads which are provided with extinguisher nozzles,, in cross section containing the axis of the nozzles, perpendicular to the axis / rotation. of a rolling electrode.



   Figo 34 is a plan of the mouth of the nozzle; seen looking in the direction of the axis of the nozzle.
Figo 35 shows the rotational arrangement of this mouthpiece ...., -. ,.



   Figo 36 is a view of a device comprising nozzles

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 additional for extinguishing fluids, in peripheral development, part in peripheral section.



   Fig. 37 is a radial section corresponding to FIG. 36.



   Fig. 38 is a view of a magnetic device for the production of electric magnetic fields serving to spread the foot of the arcs.



   Fig. 39 is the circuit diagram of a single-phase, full-race mounted, rolling rectifier.



   Fig. 40 is a view of the principle construction of the rectifier of which FIG. 39 is the circuit diagram.



   Fig. 41 is a detail of FIG. 40 on a larger scale.



   Fig. 42 is a schematic view of a basic regulating device by means of which it is possible to regulate the duration of contact and the moment of ignition by an angular movement of rolling electrodes in the form of sectors.



   Fig. 43 is an axial section XLIII-XLIII of fig. 42, showing the angular movement drive and adjustment device for the rolling electrodes of FIG. 42.



   Fig. 44 is a view of a possible embodiment of rolling electrodes, for the adjustment of the contact time by varying the distances between the axes.



   Fig. 45 is a plane of rolling electrodes fitted with ignition tabs.



   Fig. 46 is a similar view showing rolling electrodes fitted with combustion antennas.



   Figs. 47 to 52 are views of three-phase rolling change-over switches which can serve as rectifiers as well as alternator switches. While in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 47 to 49, separate drive motors are used to vary the phase position of the ignition and extinction electrodes for the two kinds of electrodes, in the example shown in FIGS. 50 to 52, only one internal ignition electrode is used for adjusting the ignition times, this electrode being movable with respect to its drive shaft, so that the contact time of the rolling contacts also varies during operation with the displacement of the ignition moments in time.

   Fig. 47 is a plan of the arrangement of the ignition electrode or electrodes in the elevation position IIIL-IIIL of FIG. 48.



   Fig. 48 is a longitudinal vertical section of the permutator by the lines IIL-IIL of ìg. 47 and 49.



   Fig. 49 is a plan of the set of extinguishing electrodes in the IL-IL height position of FIG. 48.



   Fig. 50 is a plan of the ignition electrodes of a permutator shown schematically by way of a second exemplary embodiment in the height position L-L of FIG. 51.



   Fig. 51 is a vertical longitudinal section of the permutator by the lines LI-LI of FIGS. 50 and 52.

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   Finally, fig. 52 is a plan of all the extinguishing electrodes in the height position LII-LII of fig. 51.



   The changeover device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which, like Figs. 3 to 10, are rather schematic, can serve as a rectifier as well as an alternator switch. 1 and 2 are sector-shaped rolling electrodes driven in opposite directions. synchronously with the alternating voltage. Electrode 1 rotates clockwise and electrode 2 rotates counterclockwise. When the rounded edges 3 and 4 of the electrodes 1 and 2 come into contact with each other, the current flow is opened. A special ignition device is not necessary. When the edges 5 and 6 later move away from each other, an arc occurs which is extinguished by the air current produced at this time by the extinguishing electrodes 7 and 8, which are screen-shaped.

   The adjustment of the position of the rolling electrodes relative to the phase position of the alternating voltage is carried out in such a way that the arc current passes through zero when the extinguishing electrodes are in a favorable position. The arc must therefore burn until this extinguishing position is reached o The arc is then pushed on the central electrodes 9 and 10 by currents of extinguishing fluid passing through the central openings made in the screen electrodes 7 and 8; it burns on these central openings, surrounded on all sides by the current of extinguishing fluid.



  The extinguisher fluid used is generally air. When the pressure ratio exceeds the critical value, current flows through the nozzle-shaped screen electrodes at the speed of sound. Arc remnants are therefore quickly removed. The feet of the arcs on the central electrodes 9, 10 are electrically separated by the screen electrodes 7, 8; the arcs burn at a great distance from the area in which the field strength is maximum at the time of the onset of the stop voltage. Deformation of the center electrodes after prolonged service has no influence on the stopping capacity;

   combustion products are continuously removed from the shutdown zone. In the case of the synchronous movement of extinguishing electrodes employed for the first time here in combination with intermittent bearing electrodes, it is necessary to add to these known properties the fact that the arcs are produced periodically in close proximity to the electrodes. flow outlet openings, that the direction of the arcs does not need to vary up to the extinction position and that the arcs travel, also have towards the central electrodes, even if there was no current of the extinguisher fluid itself o This flow can be aided by a magnetic field. The magnetic field of the arc current itself will also favor the path towards the central electrodes when the arrival of the current is favorable.

   The arrival of the current is favorable when the currents reach the edges 5 and 6 in the vicinity of the contact surface of the electrodes 1 and 2. It is also favorable, in the case of the device described here, that the extinguishing electrodes con- keep moving away from each other after the arc has been extinguished, so that a return to ignition during the main parts of the stopping time can be considered entirely impossible.



   The passage time of the current in the changeover valves varies with the load, because the duration of the overlap depends on the operating current. To adapt the junction duration of the bridge arcs to the duration of the current flow, we can still use, in addition to the mechanical valve described, other electrodes coming into contact with each other or rolling on each other intermittently. These additional rolling contacts are designated 11 and 12 in figs. 1 and 2.



  In this case they are made in the form of sectors; like sectors 1 and 2. However, they do not need any extinguishing device. The sector, It gives way to the axial sheath 13, which rotates with the axial sheath 14 carrying the sector -1. These two sheaths 13 and 14 can be rotated in their relative position during the march. It is the same for the

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 sector 12. This makes it possible to vary the duration of the passage of the current in a continuous progressive manner, so that the ignition and extinction of the arcs can be caused at the most favorable times.



   The mouths of the extinguisher electrodes 7 and 8, which look at each other, are mounted to rotate about their central axis, in order to distribute the combustion over the surface of the screen electrodes.



   Inside the hollow shafts 13, 14 for driving the rolling electrodes 1, 2, 11, 12 is the tubular sheath 13, in which a slot 16 is made. The extinguishing fluid leaving the casing 20 enters through this slot. or this recess 16 inside the tubular sheath 15 and flows in the direction of the arrow. The tubular sheath 15 may be rotated during operation or slid longitudinally, in order to be able to regulate the period during which the extinguishing fluid must circulate, as well as the intensity of this flow.



   The current arrives at the rolling electrodes and at the extinguishing electrodes by the brushes 17 and 18. The driving of the directions of rotation takes place by means of the sets of bevel wheels 19, which provide its own drive to each rolling device. Depending on the height of the voltage, some parts of the drive device must be made of insulating material. The whole device is mounted in the cylindrical pressure casing 20, into which compressed air is supplied through the inlet pipe 21.



   Instead of the devices shown in fig. 1 and 2, it is also possible to use only one electrode serving as a rolling electrode; this electrode rolls on one or on two counter-electrodes or extinguishing electrodes. This counter electrode or these counter electrodes are then stationary; a mechanism acts so that the rolling contact performs only a rolling movement at its points of contact with the counter electrodes. The arrangement can also be such that only one of the rolling contacts is provided with an extinguishing electrode combined with it.



   One or both of the contact paths of two electrodes rolling over one another are usually made up of light and moving parts, so that the contacting, which must take place with a certain pressure application, does not give rise to too hard impacts.



   There is a whole series of possibilities for the construction of the contact path. Some of these possibilities are shown by way of example in figs. 3 to 7.



   In fig. 3 the individual pads 22 of the contact path are held by claws -23, 24 is the counter-contact, which is made in the form of a smooth disc. During the rotation the individual pads 22 of the contact path come out applied to the counter-electrodes 24 by the centrifugal forces.



   In fig. 4 a rubber buffer 25 is mounted between the individual pads 22 of the contact path and the part 26.



   In fig, 5, a rubber ring 27 is mounted on the contact 28; conductor 29 wound in a tight helix is mounted so that the counter electrode 24 rolls on it.



   Fig. 6 shows one of the rolling sectors carrying metal pieces in the form of scales 30 separately attached to the sector.



  These metal parts are spring loaded. As shown in fig. 7, there is. three rows, staggered between them, of individual blocks of this kind

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 re for the raceway. The sectors can be made with individual light and spring loaded raceway studs, the same or different.



   The individual bearings of the raceway can be coals or metal parts containing coal.



   It is not necessary in all cases to use extinguishing electrodes on which a flow of particular extinguishing fluid acts. In this case the ends of the contacts, the ends on which the arcs are formed, can be simple antennas 31 (see fig. 6).



  A magnetic field or an air current produced by the rotating motion of the sector can cause the arcs to advance each time on the antennas.



  Additional air currents can also be used when using antennas. Such an additional air stream can be produced in the direction of the arrow through the nozzle 32 (Fig. 6). This current of air rapidly increases the arc which occurs at the moment of separation of the contacts and thus prevents deterioration of the contact path and excessive combustion of the ends of this contact path. The simplification of the construction of extinguishing electrodes in the form of combustion antennas is particularly suitable for low voltage installations.



   The foot of the arc on the cathode and that of the anode travel under the action of a movement of the electrodes, of a gas current or of a magnetic field, at different speeds on manufacturing materials different. There are materials on which the foot of the arc can be made to travel over the cathode more easily than that of the anode; for other manufacturing materials it is the foot of the arc on the anode that moves the most easily. This fact can be taken into account in the choice of the material of manufacture for the parts on which the arcs are to run, when the permutators are to be used only in a determined direction for the current.



   For rolling contacts set in motion of the type described, it is possible to use series connections and groupings of the most diverse kinds, as is known per se. By way of example, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a series connection of six rolling contacts 33 to 38 having extinguishing channels. Two neighboring rolling contacts must be driven in reverse. The rolling contact shown on the left turns in each case in the opposite direction to the movement of the hands of a watch. It is in the position shown for the bearing electrodes that -, - is located. precisely the most favorable extinction position.

   All the bearing electrodes are combined in a long insulating cylinder 39. This cylinder can also be in several parts for the purpose of assembly and repairs.



   Fig. 9 shows the arrangement of the bevel drive devices shown here by way of example. Two neighboring rotary contacts can be charged during the stop time with a peak voltage of up to about 100,000 volts when a pressure of a few atmospheres is maintained in the cylinder. Obviously, this fact must be taken into account when isolating the drive devices. The driving device of figo 9 can be made of insulating material as much as necessary. The size of the pressure envelope must at least be such that the quantity of extinguishing fluid necessary for extinguishing an arc is accumulated in this envelope.

   The compressed air inlet line can then be relatively small, because the casing can be gradually refilled during the remainder of the stop and contact time.



   Such series arrangements of several sets of valves

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 can of course also be provided with the additional ignition electrodes or preliminary electrodes shown in figs. 1 and 2, as well as shut-off devices for compressed air. The bearing electrodes which contain the shut-off devices, the so-called extinguishing electrodes, the pre-electrodes or the ignition electrodes, the displacement devices for the ignition electrodes and the shut-off devices for the extinguishing fluid can be actuated by common drive devices.



   Fig. 10 shows a means for producing a double stopping path by means of two rolling contacts 40 and 41 by the additional mounting of a fixed flow device 42. The arc which forms at the time of Contact spacing during rotation of the rolling contacts is driven by its foot points inside the extinguishing channels which are located at the end of the contacts. The central part of the arc approaches 42 from the top, and is driven by the channels 43 and 44 in the central axis of the whole device. The current of extinguishing fluid exits the flow device 42 in the direction of the arrow.

   The combustion of the arc, combustion which begins at the moment of separation of the contacts and which ends approximately in the position shown in fig. 10, lasts longer than in devices without a fluid flow device 42. On the other hand, this device can be loaded with a stop voltage twice as high. It is also possible to mount several intermediate flow devices of this type between the extinguisher nozzles taken in pairs. There may also be two or more inlets of extinguishing fluid, causing a stream directed vertically upward in the figure. (See 32 in fig 6).



  Such currents are directed in the opposite direction or almost in the opposite direction to the directions of rotation of the contacts; they thus prevent the entrainment of arcs which occur when the contacts separate. Such a device can be envisioned when using arc antennas (31, fig.6) as well as when using extinguishing electrodes according to fig. 1.



   Rolling contacts of the type just described can also be used for switches and switches in a corresponding manner.



   . It may be necessary, especially in the case of high voltages, to mount special ignition devices, appendages or tips, on the leading edges of the rotating sectors or segments, so that an arc first occurs. between these points of contact. When the rolling contacts touch each other, it is then sufficient to bypass the voltage drop on this ignition arc. To reduce the wear of the rolling contacts it is also necessary that there is no relative movement between the two contacts at the meeting point. For rolling contacts which rotate at the same speed in opposite directions, this is then the case when the contact diameters are kept equal.



   The valve assemblies shown in the drawings have only been shown for one phase each time. For polyphase installations, a separate valve assembly can be used for each phase. We then have this advantage that we can, if necessary, use large spacings between the valves. In multiphase devices, on the other hand, individual rollers of pairs of rollers taken in pairs can be combined with one another.



   It comes within the scope of the invention that the arc length of a contact path and the distance between two contact points having different potentials in the rolling movement, seen in the direction of the periphery and / or in the axial direction, are of the same order of magnitude.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 14>

 



   The production of a linear contact is, however, in no way linked to the contact, on their outer periphery, of electrodes in the form of sectors or segments with parallel axes. It can also be obtained in the case of an internal contact with a closed annular contact path, that is to say with closed electrode rollers. Figures 11 and 12 represent such a disposition.
In this exemplary embodiment, one of the electrodes is made in the form of a closed ring. The manufacture of such a ring is simpler than that of a sector-shaped electrode.

   When some slippage occurs during the rotation of the electrodes or in the intervening intervals, the ring electrode wears out all around its perimeter and evenly, while otherwise only the short sector-shaped pieces are worn. subject to wear and tear and consumption.



   In fig. 11 and 12 the outer cover 44 carries the bearings 45 and 46. The cover 44 further comprises the cylindrical part 47, inside which the insulating sleeve 48 is mounted with the two cylindrical rolling contact tracks 49 and 50. The rolling contact paths are provided with current inlets 51 and 52. The cover 44 is further provided with the internal teeth 53.



   The rotating part is constituted by a shaft 54, which is mounted in the side walls 55 and 56 of an inner housing. This internal box is driven, via the coupling 57, by a synchronous motor which is not shown and whose speed per second is equal to a quarter of the frequency of the AC network. The toothed wheel 58 of insulating material meshes with the internal toothing 53 of the cover 44. The diameter of the pitch circle of this toothed wheel 58 coincides with the diameter of the surface of the contact paths in the form of segments or sectors 59 and 60. These Contact paths are held by outer clamps 61 and 62, as well as by the central support parts 63, which are to be arranged first.

   Springs 64 press the contact paths outward. The side walls 55, 56 of the inner case finally carry a semi-cylindrical delimitation 65 and a counterweight 66, which serves to ensure the balance of the masses during rotation.



   During this rotation, the contact paths 59, 60 roll on the contact paths 49, 50 which are made in the form of closed rings.



  A linear contact is then obtained without relative displacement of the surfaces, as this corresponds to the meaning of the invention. The current flows each time only during a part of the period of the voltage of the alternating current.



   The cylindrical contact paths 49, 50 do not need to be constituted by a continuous cylinder; they can also be made up of or contain individual segments.



   The device of FIGS. 11 and 12 therefore consist of two rolling devices mounted in series. This has the particular advantage that the current inlets 51, 52 can be matched to the fixed electrodes 49, 50, so that there is no need for special devices for the outlet.



   If the closed annular electrode is inside and the sector-shaped electrode is outside with an axis rotating in a circular path around the axis of): -, inner electrode, the it is easier to observe the electrodes.



   It is also possible to use a closed annular electrode in a device with two juxtaposed rolling electrodes rotating in opposite directions.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 15>

 
In addition, a linear contact can be obtained for the rolling contacts by means of conical electrodes. The relative position of the axes of the cones and the angles at the apex of the cones must then be chosen from. way that the points that are on the contact line of electro-. des have the same speed. As a borderline case of conical electrodes, it is correspondingly possible to use cylindrical electrodes.



   The pins 13 and 14 represent alternatively electrodes of this kind with intermittent bearing and conical surface. In this case the synchronous motor 67, the shaft of which is vertical, has a speed per second which is only equal to half the frequency of the alternating current network. It drives the electrode 70, which is at the top and which is provided with segments or sectors 68, 69. The counter-electrode 71, which is on the left and whose axis of rotation is horizontal, has no device. training. It is rotatably mounted on the bolt 72, which is held by the support 73. The discs 70 and 71 touch each other on the line 74, which is inclined 45 relative to the two axes of the discs.



  In this way the surface points which touch each other have the same speed. If the axes of the two discs make an angle different from 90 and if the discs have different diameters, it is also necessary that the extension of the contact line 74 passes through the point of intersection of the two axes of rotation.



   When the disc 70 rotates, the disc 71 is driven at the same time by friction, by the segments 68, 69; the speed of the disc 71 thus remains somewhat lower than that of the disc 70, so that during a fairly long running period all the parts of the conical surface of the disc 71 also wear out. The contact surface between the two disc-shaped wheels may be formed by contact paths or elements of contact paths flexible with respect to the rest of the body of the disc.



   The current arrives at the discs 70 and 71 by means of brushes 75, 76.



   Figs. 15 and 16 show the permutator with cylindrical electrodes of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to an embodiment which comes closer to the practical construction. 77, 78 are the two shafts which turn the contact rollers 1, 2. The shaft 77 is driven, via the coupling 79, by a synchronous motor, not shown. In the device shown here, which includes a segment or a sector on each rotating device, the synchronous motor must have, per second, a speed equal to the frequency of the AC network. The toothed wheels 80, 81, 82 and 83 impart to the device shown on the right and which comprises the shaft 78, a rotational movement in the direction opposite to that of the device shown on the left.

   Lines 84 and 85, which correspond to sections of circular arcs, show the position of the contact paths which roll over each other during the rotational movement. The direction of rotation is indicated by the two arrows 86, 87.



   The actual contact paths, which roll over one another, are of light construction; during rotation they are pressed one on the other, for example by springs 88, which ensures good contact under the necessary contact pressure.



   As the electrodes rotate, the ignition appendages 89, 90 first approach until discharge takes place between them when the voltage is high. The ignition arc thus initiated opens the passage for the current. Shortly afterwards, the edges 3 and 4 of the actual contact paths 84, 85 come into contact with each other, which has the effect of short-circuiting the ignition arc. The result of the ignition electrodes 89, 90 is that there exists between the contact paths 84, 85 a

  <Desc / Clms Page number 16>

 shortly before they come into contact with each other, only a voltage which is low, that is to say the voltage of the ignition arc. As a result, the bearing electrodes are also immune to any damage, even in continuous operation.



   During the passage of the current proper, the contact paths 84, 85 roll one on top of the other. In the exemplary embodiment shown the diameters of the two raceways are the same, because the speeds of the two devices to bearing are the same. The two contact paths which are in contact with each other therefore have no relative speed on their contact line This is essential, because it would occur, in the case of a relative displacement of the surfaces coming to be applied to each other. on the others, sliding friction and wear of the electrodes. The cylindrical shape of the two electrode surfaces further results in that linear contact occurs, so that the transmission resistance that occurs is minimal.



   Extinguishing electrodes in the form of nozzles 7, 8 are arranged at the end of the rolling electrodes 1, 2. A current of air indicated by arrows 91 passes through these nozzles. air 91 can be caused by an effective pressure in the pressure tank 20, which can be filled, through the inlet opening 92, with compressed air or other extinguishing fluid or gas under pressure. On the other hand, it is also possible to obtain the air stream 91 by sucking air behind the nozzle-shaped electrodes 7, 8. It is then not necessary to mount the nozzle. entire device in the pressure vessel.



  This air current, which passes through the nozzles 7,8, has the effect that the arcs which generally occur at the time of the separation of the contacts 84, 85 are entrained in the central axis of the nozzles 7,8. The feet of the arches thus move towards the parts 9,10 of the electrodes, parts which are located near the central axis of the nozzles 7,8; during the most advantageous extinction time the arc is then located approximately in a straight line between these two central electrodes 9,10e In figs 15 and 16 the rotating electrodes are represented precisely in a position in which the extinction of the arc can take place in the most favorable way, because in this position the two nozzles face each other, their approximately plane surfaces being parallel to each other.

   The use of nozzles of this kind in the center of which there are counter electrodes is known per se for the extinction of arcs in high pressure arc valves. These nozzles have the advantage that the arcs which cross them are kept rectilinear by the air current, that any great elongation of the arc is avoided, that the feet of the arcs are separated electrically by screens and that heated, ionized gas particles are rapidly expelled from the electric field. What is new here, however, is that the nozzles rotating on both sides are adapted to the ends of electrodes rolling over each other, so that the feet of the arcs are quickly drawn into the nozzles by the bearing electrodes.



   It is particularly important that the feet of the arcs do not remain stopped at points which touch each other, during the passage of the current itself, so that the linear contact is maintained as long as possible in a perfect state. - This rapid movement of driving the feet of the arches to move them away from the contact paths can be further encouraged by additional air currents. These additional air currents can be sent, for example, through the insulating material pipes 93, 94, to the places where the arcs occur each time. On the other hand, these additional air currents must not have a deleterious influence on the extinguisher current passing through the nozzles.



   It is also important that there is no

  <Desc / Clms Page number 17>

 mins of contact, insulating materials on which the arc can pass or which the arc can deteriorate. It is the need to use insulating materials cooperating alternately with good conductive materials. which has so far been the cause of the failure of most mechanical rectifiers.



   Secondary electrodes or ignition electrodes 11, 12 are employed in addition to the main electrodes or extinguishing electrodes 1, 2. The secondary electrode 11, which is also in the form of a segment or sector, is shown. in section in fig. 15, and the secondary electrode 12 is shown in elevation. The secondary electrodes 11, 12 can be rotated relative to the main electrodes during walking.

   This relative movement can be effected, for example, by means of levers 95, 96 acting, through sheaths 97, 98, oblique or spiral slots 99, 100, on bolts 101 mounted in the hollow shafts 13 of the secondary electrodes. 11, 12. If, in the event of an increase in the load of a polyphase device, rectifier or alternator switch, the overlap time is increased and consequently the entire duration of the passage of the transformation sections, the previous electrodes, ignition electrodes or secondary electrodes 11, 12, will be rotated in the direction of rotation, relative to the main electrodes or extinguishing electrodes 1,2 in such a way that the arcs go out, at the end of the passage time,

   for example when the axes of the two extinguishing nozzles are in the same direction. It is then that the extinction of the arc is the most favorable and that the efficiency of the transformation is maximum. For polyphase converter devices, it is also possible to bring together all the prior electrodes, ignition electrodes or secondary electrodes 11, 12 by separating them from the main sectors or segments 1, 2 and causing these to be driven by the main motor, by means of a coupling which can be operated while driving, or by a special motor whose position can be adjusted in phase. A single adjustment device is then sufficient for all the previous sectors or segments 11, 12.



   When using prior sectors or segments of this kind, the ignition points already described 89,90 are found on the rotating edges of these secondary electrodes, because the passage of the current, open, on these electrodes ignition, thus starts by ignition.



  The main electrodes 1,2 still touch each other for the duration of the contact between the prior electrodes or secondary electrodes 11, 12, so that consequently no ignition arcs are produced on the main electrodes. No arc extinguishing device is therefore necessary at the end of the secondary electrodes. The first contacts between the electrode rollers naturally take place in the form of shocks.



  These shocks can cause vibrations of the electrodes, which sometimes move away from each other during these vibrations. When they move apart in this way, small arcs usually form which destroy the contact paths after long periods of service. Such destruction can be avoided by dividing the beginning of the contact paths into tabs whose front edges are staggered on the periphery.



  Such tabs 102 are shown in Fig. 15.



   The in-phase position of the front electrodes and the main electrodes can be varied with respect to the alternating voltage by means of the synchronous drive motor. As for the phase position of this drive motor with respect to the AC network, it can be varied, for example by mechanically rotating the frame of this drive motor, or by mounting a rotary regulator in front of it. this drive motor.



   The gas flow through the nozzles will not be established until

  <Desc / Clms Page number 18>

 moment when this gas flow is necessary, that is to say in the vicinity of the duration of combustion of the arcs. Such periodic control of the gas streams can be effected, for example, by means of pipes 15 pierced with openings 16. These pipes are fixed; there is therefore a flow of gas only when the nozzles 7,8 are on the side of the openings 16. The pipes 15 can however be moved around the periphery, by means of gears 103, 104, as well as tourniquets 105, 106, if necessary during operation, to vary the opening time for the stream of extinguishing fluid.

   It is also possible, by means of pinions 107, 108 and by means of a toothed rack carried by the pipes 15, to impart an axial longitudinal movement to these pipes 15 and thus to cause a variation of the opening sections 16,
It is also possible to arrange for the settings of the ignition angles, of the position of the prior electrodes, of the laps. opening time, as well as opening sections for the extinguishing fluid streams take place automatically as a function of the loads, voltage heights or other values of speed of the converter device., Such control devices automatic tuning can operate eg using photocells.

   The switching devices described operate in the most advantageous manner. when the arcs which occur periodically are extinguished at the moment when the extinguisher nozzles are symmetrically opposite each other. If the duration of combustion of the arcs is longer than that which corresponds to this state of affairs, which is the most favorable, automatic advancement of the prior electrodes 11, 12 can be carried out by means of photocells, and vice versa.



   The rotation of the rolling electrodes in opposite directions can be effected in the simplest way by mounting, on each of the two shafts 77, 78, a flat wheel whose diameter of the pitch circle is equal to the diameter of the raceways. contact. In this case at least one of the flat wheels will be made of an insulating material, so that the rolling electrodes are electrically insulated from one another. In Figs 15 and 16, at least parts of the frame 20 are made of insulating materials. However, the use of only two flat wheels has the drawback that the distance between the axes of rotation can only be varied little or not.



  The distance of which the contact paths, which are preferably elastic, must be pushed back at the time of each contact results from the separation between the two rolling devices. The size of this distance is important for service, as well as for obtaining the most favorable application pressure. This is why it is advantageous to be able to vary the spacing of the axes of the rotating devices, if necessary, during operation. So that this does not cause any difficulty in the drive, it is possible, for example, to use more than two planar wheels, for example four, as shown in figs. 15 and 16, To allow a good engagement of these toothed wheels, the toothed wheels 81, 82 are mounted on a pair of scissors 109 which can be rotated by means of the rod 110.

   Instead of four flat wheels or can also use chain wheels or bevel wheels mounted in a corresponding way. In this case too, care must naturally be taken to ensure the essential electrical insulation.



   There is shown, in FIGS. 15 and 16, main electrodes and secondary electrodes of the same type having the same diameter and rotating in opposite directions. To take into account the polarity, as well as for reasons of bulk and economy of weight, it is also possible to give different diameters or different widths to the electrodes, to make them of different materials, etc. When the two electrodes are provided with a driving device, it is necessary, in order to avoid relative movements, to ensure that the speeds of rotation are inversely proportional to the diameters. In addition, it is not necessary to provide the two electrodes with an elastic and spring-loaded contact path.

   It is enough,

  <Desc / Clms Page number 19>

 in order to avoid violent shocks and to obtain the necessary contact pressure, only one electrode is provided with an elastic contact path.



   In fig. 17,18 there is shown the assembly in series, shown schematically in figs 8 and 9, of several sectors or segments 33 to 38 with the preliminary segments 111 to 118, We thus obtain three sections of bearing, of separation and stopper which are connected in series and which, when the voltage is properly distributed, can withstand three times the voltage value of a separation section. The stopping capacity of the entire device, measured in volts, will therefore be about three times as large as the stopping capacity of a section.

   Since it is possible, with an individual section in compressed air, to control voltages whose peak value is up to approximately 100,000 volts, the stopping capacity of the device of the pins 17, 18 is therefore extremely large. The device shown in FIG. 17 moreover largely corresponds to that of FIGS. 8 and 15, so that the description given in relation to these figures is still valid, in all its essential points, for FIGS. 17 and 18. However, the following differences should be noted:
Each running device carries a planar wheel outside the pressure vessel 20. It has been assumed that the planar wheels 119, 120 are of insulating material and the planar wheels 121, 122 are of metal.



  If the insulation requires it, we can also make all the flat wheels in insulating material. Each rotating device has segments of the same nature, so that the drive must take place at a speed per second which is equal to half the frequency of the AC network.



   For greater clarity, the current inlet brushes as well as the regulating drive device for the preliminary electrodes and the pipes 15 with the aid of which the periodic control of the air takes place have been omitted in figs. 17 and 18.



   Finally, fig. 19 shows an additional air exhaust device, device slightly modified from that of FIG. 10, for the production of a two-part stopper section. 1, 2 are the rotating sectors and 7, 8 designate the nozzles arranged at the ends of the segments. The additional discharge device 42 has the openings 43,44, through which a current of air passes in the direction indicated by the arrow 123. When the sectors rotate in the directions indicated by the arrows 124, 125, arcs occur. each time the contacts separate near point 125. The feet of these arcs are drawn into nozzles 7,8 by air currents 91, in the manner already described.

   As the rotation continues, the arc is divided each time in the middle by the metal pipe 42. Two arcs are formed, the inner feet of which are drawn into the openings 43,44. The two parts of each arch meet again inside the discharge device 42, so that it does not exist, in the position shown in FIG. 19, that an arc burning approximately in the median axis of the extinguisher device. This arc is kept straight by the air currents which run along it, four in all, and quickly extinguished when the current becomes zero.



   To promote combustion of arcs in a straight line in the median axis of the extinguisher device, a metal disk 126 in the form of a lens located at the same electric potential as the device 42 is mounted inside this device 42. The potential of the evacuation device 42 must moreover be electrically controlled so that it has an average value between those of the potentials of the two sectors 1, 2.



   The contact paths of the bearing electrodes must be

  <Desc / Clms Page number 20>

 drawn up in a particularly careful manner. By rolling electrodes we will also mean fixed electrodes, which do not rotate, when other rotating electrodes rotate on them. Long series of tests have shown in this respect that unitary and coherent contact paths, that is to say not broken down into individual contact paths, and elastic with respect to the rest of the body of the electrode are essentially capable of satisfying, in continuous operation, all extremely severe mechanical, thermal and electrical requirements, without deterioration in service, when given the form which has been shown in figs. 20 to 38.



   In fig. 20, 127 designates the continuous contact path pad, which pad is curved roughly rectangular at its beginning 128 and at its end 129. As shown in FIG. 20, this contact path stud is formed by three sheets similar to lined sheets, that is to say by the spring support metal 127, which may be for example steel or bronze, by the outer sheet 130 of good conductive contact materials, such as silver, nickel, gold, copper or alloys of these metals, and finally by the sheet 131, which is closest to the axis of the rolling electrode and which may also be made of contact materials.

   It is also possible to make the spring support 127 alone in several sheets of the same material or of different materials, in order to obtain better elasticity and greater resistance to frequent bending. Conversely, in simple cases, the contact path pad can also be made of a single material, for example steel, bronze or copper, metals which can also serve as contact material or be silver, gold or galvanically copper plated.



  The doubling or the galvanic deposition can also be replaced by any other combination.



   As the cross section of FIG. 23, the elastic contact path pad can be held by two claws 132, 133 fixed to the disc-shaped rotating body 134 In FIG. 20 only the rear claw 133 can be seen in its part which engages over the contact path stud.



   The cohesive spring block formed by the parts 127, 130 and 131 is applied under pressure to the claws by the helical springs 135 to 144. These helical springs are mounted in cylindrical bores of the annular part 145, which is engaged on the disc 134.



  At their outer end, the helical springs 135 to 144 are immobilized by spring plates 1460 The spring plates are mounted on the studs 147, which are immobilized in the countersinks of the annular part 145 so as to be unable to move sideways. The helical springs are therefore held at their two ends to avoid any lateral buckling. This represented possibility of immobilizing the helical springs is naturally only one example. Internal guide bolts or other construction parts of any kind can also be used to hold the coil springs.



   The pads 147 may be formed by several pieces of thin sheet metal superimposed, so that they have sufficient flexibility. The contact rivets 146 are riveted to the contact plates 147 and to the spring plate 146. The surface of the rivet head is coated, by lining or otherwise, with a contact material which is in intimate contact with the sheet. extreme lower 131 of the contact path pad.



   As has already been said, the spring support sheet of the contact path pad is bent at approximately right angles at its ends 128 and 1290 It is moreover constituted by a piece of bent sheet metal, of rectangular cross section, which can be made fa-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 21>

 cile in a simple way. After a long continuous service the contact path stud can be replaced by a new one, simply and conveniently.



   The contact path pad formed by the parts 127, 130, 131 is applied under pressure to the counter-electrode during operation by the measures described. The counter electrode can also be equipped with a single contact path pad, which is coherent and elastic with respect to other parts of the electrode. It is also possible to provide the counter-electrode with several individual contact path pads which are elastic with respect to the other parts of the electrode. However, the elasticity with respect to the other parts of the electrode is not an imperative requirement if the bearing electrode considered previously is provided with elastic contact path pads. The counter-electrode can therefore also be constituted by a fixed contact path pad or by individual fixed contact path pads.

   The fixed studs should also be interchangeable, as they are subject to some wear during long continuous service. Fig. 24 shows by way of example the method of fixing a fixed pad 150 held by the claws 151 and 152. The counter-electrode 149 can also be constituted by a continuous cylindrical disc or else a flexible annular contact strip can be fixed. on this counter electrode.



   The elastic contact path pad shown in FIG.



  25 can also be applied under pressure by the elastic membrane 153 and via contact rivets 154 to the claws attached to the segment-shaped disc. It is also possible to use, to apply the contact path pad under pressure on the claws, elastic sheet metal parts 155; like those shown in fig. 26 and 27,
During operation, the spring contact path pads are periodically pushed back, up to a distance determined by the counter electrodes. The forces that the counter-electrodes have to overcome for this are the centrifugal force of the parts to be pushed back and the compressive force of the elastic device.

   The parts to be pushed back are, when helical springs like those of fig. 20: the contact path pad, the contact rivets, the spring plates, as well as part of the pads 147 and the coil springs. The sum of these efforts must be large enough to produce a sufficiently high pressure between the two electrodes which roll on one another. The magnitude of this necessary contact pressure depends on the intensity that the rolling change-over switch must allow. Too great an increase in the contact pressure naturally leads to too much wear of the contact paths.



   The driving depth of the elastic contact path pads, that is to say the distance up to which the contact path pads are periodically pushed back is therefore a value which has a very significant influence on the service. convenient. Contact wear also increases when this distance is unnecessarily too great; on the other hand, if the driving depth is too small .; arcs may occur between the contacts, so that the expense of manufacturing materials would become unnecessarily large. Under these conditions, it is undesirable for the opposing force to increase continuously when the contact path studs are pushed back strongly.

   This is why one can employ, according to the invention, known springs whose compressive force does not increase when they are compressed.



   During walking, a longitudinal force is exerted on the contact path pads and generally tends to move these pads in the direction of the periphery. It is therefore necessary to compensate for this displacement force by an antagonistic force which prevents the block from undergoing a long displacement.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 22>

 gitudinal permanent. Therefore, in Figs. 26, 27 and 30, the contact path pads 156 are provided with lateral appendages 157 which engage in openings in the device in the form of claws supporting the contact path pads. In fig. 30, these lateral appendages of the contact path pads serve at the same time to conduct the current.



   A longitudinal displacement of the contact path pads can also be prevented by spring forces allowing each time a certain longitudinal displacement during a contact period. During stopping, when the current is not flowing, the contact path pad can then be returned by the spring to its original position. In fig.



  The leaf springs 158 and 159 are intended to cause this periodic return of the contact path pad. These springs 158, 159 are held by screws 160 which at the same time serve to prevent the ring 145 from rotating, which ring is fixed to the segment-shaped disc. In Fig. 28 a coil spring 161 carrying a clamp 162 serves to prevent longitudinal displacement of the contact path pad 156. To this end, the contact path pad 156 is extended beyond its point of contact with the counter-electrode 163, so that the clamp 162 does not interfere with the rolling movement.



   Fig. 29 shows a new example of a device for producing a pressure force on a contact path pad. The free space included within the claw device contains the good conductive liquid 164, which is forced against the metal tape 165 as a result of centrifugal force during the rotation of the device. Seal rings 166 prevent liquid from escaping to the outside o Rivets 167 transfer liquid pressure to rolling contact 156. Conductive liquid at the same time provides conductive communication between the ring-shaped disc and the contact pad. contact path. The liquid which is a good conductor can be, for example, mercury. Construction parts that come into contact with mercury should be made of iron. Instead of a liquid which is a good conductor, it is also possible to use a paste.



   In the components for conducting the current, the elastic pads of the contact paths must be the subject of particular attention. As the elastic pads of the contact paths are periodically brought back over a distance equal to the driving depth, it is necessary that the current arrivals perform a corresponding movement. It is therefore necessary to ensure that no breakage of the manufacturing material results.



  Experience shows that such ruptures occur particularly easily near the attachment points. For this reason, the inlet pipes must be guided in such a way that they are not bent near these fixing points, even when the contacts move. Fig. 30 shows an example of a suitable arrangement for this purpose. Current arrivals; which are composed of strands or sheets of thin metal, are designated by 168. It can be seen that when the contact path pad 156 makes a downward movement, the current inlets 168 are only bent or straightened over their free length.



   The electrical communication between the movable contact path pad and the current source or consumer apparatus can be further improved by employing a contact material 169 to form the interior surface of the prongs 132 and 133 (Fig. 4). The movable sheet 130 in contact material is then connected in a good conductive manner, via the construction parts 169, to the brush 170, which the brush holder 171 presses on the part 172, arranged for this purpose, of the disc-shaped disc. segment 1340 As shown in fig 23, the contact plates 147 are also electrically connected to the rotating disc 172.

   During the rolling movement, the contact surface 130 deviates well from the contacts 169, but this spacing takes place on very elastic contacts and on only a small part of the movable contact path pad.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 23>

 



   It is also important that the radial path that the contact path pad periodically traverses is distributed approximately equally over the entire free length of the current inlet pipe. Fig. 27 is an exemplary embodiment. The connections between the contact path pad and the rotating ring-shaped disc are shown in dashed lines by lines 173. These connections are seen to apply tightly to the springs 155 during rotation as a result of the central force. trifuge that occurs, and that they are thus evenly curved as the contact path pad moves radially.



   Particular importance must be attached to the shape and the method of support of the beginnings of the contact paths, where the first contact occurs each time and the opening of the passage of the current. As the movable pads of the contact paths are periodically pushed back to a certain depth of depression, a shock occurs at the moment of contact which, if the construction is not rational, leads to a rebound, to the formation of arcs and destruction of the contact path. The risk of rebounding is reduced when the beginnings of the studs are rounded in such a way that the relative speed between the two contacts which come to meet at the moment of contact is as small as possible and that it does not increase appreciably immediately afterwards. the first contact.

   This rounding must be such that the first contact between the pads takes place in the plane or close to the plane passing through the two axes of rotation.



   Further, according to the invention, the spring force by which the beginning of the contacts is pressed against the support should be greater than the spring forces acting on the central part of the contact path pads. The same is true for the final ends of the contact path pads. Here too care must be taken that the elastic contact path pad follows the receding counter electrode fairly quickly, as otherwise a premature separation movement with arcing would occur. Fig. 20 clearly shows this irregular distribution of spring forces.

   At the start of the contact the two helical springs 143, 144 and at the end of the contact the two helical springs 135, 136 are mounted one inside the other, so that very large spring forces are obtained; the springs 139, 140, on the other hand, are weaker than the springs 138, 141 and for their part these are weaker than the springs 137, 142.



  Fig. 28 also shows the increase in the application force at the start of contact due to the small spacing between the contact rivets 174, 175 and 176.



   Moreover, any formation of arcs between the beginnings of the contacts can also be avoided by subdividing the beginnings of the contacts, as has already been explained in relation to FIG. 15, in 102, in individual tabs 177 to 183 (fig. 32) whose peripheral lpngueur is staggered. During the rolling movement, the tongue 177 is the first to come into contact with the counter-electrode, then it is successively the tongues 181, 176 etc. If one tab moves away from the counter electrode again as a result of the kickback which occurs after contacting it, the next tab has engaged in the meantime so that no arc is formed.



   It is also necessary to take care that the pads of the contact paths are not damaged, when the operating voltage is high, by the disruptive discharge sparks which may already occur before the contact between the electrodes or the electrodes. contact paths which approach each other. Such deterioration or similar disturbance, as has already been said, can be avoided by mounting ignition electrodes near the beginning of the contacts, so that the disruptive discharge sparks which occur in case of high voltage

  <Desc / Clms Page number 24>

 spring between these electrodes and not on the contact paths.



  These ignition electrodes do not come into contact with each other, so that some combustion wear on these electrodes has no detrimental effect; the induction of the circuits, moreover, only allows the intensity to increase slowly, so that the wear by combustion is also minimal. Fig. 21 shows the contact path pad of FIG. 20 looking at the median axis of the rolling electrode. In figs 20 and 21, 89 are still the ignition points which have already been mentioned in the description of fig. 16 The ignition tips 89 are also visible in the fiog. 31 and 32, Fig. 31 clearly shows that during an upward movement of the two rolling electrodes it is first of all the ignition electrodes which first approach each other, so that the first disruptive discharge takes place between them.



   It had already been said that the operating conditions at the ends of the contact path pads are similar to those at the start of these pads. At the ends of the studs, a chamfer also prevents sudden separation of the contacts and the formation of arcs that it causes. A particularly important fact which should be added with regard to the shape to be given to the end of the contacts is that the arcs which occur at this point must not lead to intolerable modifications of the contacts, even after a long continuous service Some arcing is necessary in particular at the end of the contacts in a multi-phase service and at high voltages;

   at this point, the arcs must burn until the contacts are far enough apart to prevent any re-ignition caused by the voltage return. On the feet of the arches some wear of the material of manufacture occurs as a result of combustion, but this wear can be made without inconvenience by fitting parts of movable electrodes to the ends of the contacts.



  Such a mobile part can be constituted for example by a cylindrical roller on the periphery of which the foot of the arc travels in each case. During the movement of the contact path pad, such a roller meets the counter-electrode at the end of each contact time and the roller thus continues its movement. Such a roller 184 is shown near the end of the contact in FIGS. 20 and 22. As can be seen from the radial elevation of the contact path pad 127, 130, 131 in Fig. 22, the roller can be made so as not to fill the entire width of the contact.



   The pins 33 and 34 represent another embodiment of a movable electrode part at the end of the contact. 156 is still the rotatably mounted electrode roller. At its end is a nozzle 7 through which passes the air current which serves to separate the foot of the arc and to extinguish the latter. The transition between the contact path pad 156 and the nozzle 7 is formed by the burn and wear tip 185, which rotates slowly and can slide. As shown in figo 38, too great advancement of this tip 185 is prevented on both sides, because the edge of the nozzle 7 protrudes a part of the head of the combustion and wear tip o The spring 186 ensures that this point 185 always advances to this stop.

   Further, the tip 185 is kept in slow rotation by a drive device not shown and through the helical wheel 187 When the head of the tip is burnt, corresponding advancement and replacement. of the burnt manufacturing material therefore takes place automatically.
When nozzles are fitted at the end of the contact paths to ensure the extinction of the arc, it is possible to ensure that the edge of the nozzle, the edge on which the feet of the arcs pass through the nozzle, can rotate and slide, as shown for example in figa 35. This rotating part of the electrode is designated by 188 in fig 35.

   The leaf spring 189 engages in recesses 190 formed in the lower part of the edge 188 of the nozzle.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 25>

 presented in figo 35 it has been assumed that a possible rotation of the part 188 is carried out by hand. Such a rotation causes at the same time an advancement of the edge of the nozzle, because the part 188 is applied to the part 192 by means of a screw thread 1910. It is also possible to ensure that this advancement is automatic.



   It is particularly important that the feet of the arcs move away very quickly from the contact path pads after the electrodes have separated from each other; otherwise these arc feet run the risk of slowly deteriorating the contact path pads from their ends. In the examples of rotation of FIGS. 9 and 19 it has been proposed to use additional air currents produced each time via a nozzle disposed near the point of separation, to prevent the feet of the arcs from being drawn by the ends of the contacts.

   However, at very high voltages, for which a certain arc length is necessary, this can have the disadvantage that the result is damage to the outlet nozzle by the arcs. This is why it is advantageous to have two openings for the inlet of the fluid stream, through which openings are made to enter air streams from both sides at the point of separation of the contacts. These inlet openings can in particular be located near the point of separation if they rotate with the moving contacts.



  Figs. 36 and 37 represent such an arrangement. The two inlet openings are designated 193, 194 The outlet portions of these openings are in the clamps 132, 133 which hold the contact path pad 156. Line 195 indicates the end of the pad. contact path. It can be seen that this stud is located precisely near the air currents indicated by arrows 196, 197. Thanks to this device with rotating air inlets it is easily possible at the same time to control the additional air current, because it is only needed for a small part of the rotational movement, that is, for the duration of the arc burning. This control can be effected by means of a sheath 15 mounted inside the hollow drive shaft 197.



   In addition, the formation of magnetic fields has already been proposed for the spacing of the feet of the arcs. The magnets intended to produce these fields can also be combined with rotating electrodes, which makes it possible to concentrate the magnetic field very strongly where it is needed. Fig. 38 represents a device of this kind. 198 designates the iron core with coils 199 and 200, which core must produce the magnetic field. The pole pieces 201,202, which are also. visible in fig. 36 replace part of the claws by which the contact path pad 156 is immobilized. We see in fig. 36 and 38 that the magnetic field can be made very strong near the end of the contact, which end is indicated by line 195.

   The excitation current of these magnets also only needs to flow during a small part of the rotational movement. A coupling device by which this excitation current is periodically switched on and off can be coupled with the rotational movement.



   For practical service it is very essential that the relative position of the contact path pads be established in such a way that the driving depth already mentioned reaches a favorable value of a few tenths of a millimeter, and that this distance is maintained approximately constant while walking. As the wear on the electrodes is very minimal, a penetration depth once established persists for a long time. However, after long periods of service it is useful to adjust this driving depth to bring it back to the most favorable value. For this, it is ensured that the support of at least one of two contact path pads cooperating with each other can be moved during walking.

   After each movement the stud must be fixed in the new position, otherwise the relative position of the path studs

  <Desc / Clms Page number 26>

 contact would be modified by the tremors produced during walking.



  In order to be able to determine how far one must advance at least one of the rolling electrodes, it is necessary that the depth of depression can be read while walking o As these are short journeys, such a The reading device will be made on an enlarged scale o The forward effort can also be taken as a measure of the distance up to which one of the rolling devices must be advanced in relation to the other o If the device is constructed in such a way that advancement can only take place automatically with a determined maximum force, the rational sinking depth will always be obtained. Figures 39 441 show by way of example devices in which these characteristics are realized.



   Fig. 39 schematically shows the assembly of a single-phase rolling rectifier constructed according to the invention, with full-path assembly. The synchronous motor 67 which, in the example shown, must rotate at 1000 rpm for a frequency of 50 periods for the alternating current, directly drives the central contact device. The spatial arrangement is shown in fig 40, The motor 67 rotates with a vertical axis It drives the contact disc 203 through the intermediary of the continuous shaft 204 A toothed wheel 205 fixed on the shaft 204 meshes with the other two toothed wheels 206 and 207. The toothed wheel 205 is made of metal and it has been assumed that the two toothed wheels 206 and 207 are made of synthetic material to ensure silent operation.

   It is also necessary to ensure, by an oblique toothing of the planar wheels, a walking as far as possible without shock. The couplings 208, 209 and 210 are mounted above the toothed wheels. The two couplings 209 and 210 are constructed in such a way that the two bearing housings 212,213 can be moved a few millimeters, during operation, relative to the central bearing housing 2110 The three contact discs 203, 214 and 215 are mounted to the- above the bearing housings; they are mounted at the highest point so that they can be easily observed during operation and easily replaced if necessary. The metal discs 216, 217 and 218 on which the brushes 219 rub are electrically connected to the three contacts of each rolling device.
Figo 39 shows the progress of the current.

   The ends of the center tap transformer winding 220 terminate at the brushes of the discs 216 and 218, The center of this transformer winding is connected to the DC conductor 221 and the brushes of the center contact disc 217 are connected to the another direct current conductor 222. The moment at which the contact is made can be adjusted at will in its phase position with respect to the alternating voltage by means of the helical wheel 223. A rotation of this helical wheel rotates l. ring 224, to which the frame and stator of motor 67 are attached.

   It is therefore possible to arrange for the rolling contacts to cut a part of the AC voltage curve at will. In this case the contacts are shown with the same length as the gaps existing between them, so that a contact is given each time during an alternation of the alternating voltage. The rolling rectifier can be used for both poles of direct current. Without arcing extinguishing devices, it is suitable for supplying direct voltage consumption devices that do not produce antagonistic voltage. By turning the helical wheel 223, the rectifier can also be adjusted so that it operates without arcs, even in the case of great intensities of regime.



   The handwheels 225 and 226 make it possible to bring the two bearing bodies 212 and 213 close to the bearing body 211 and to move them away therefrom. The handwheel 227 makes it possible, with the aid of the conical sheaths 228 and 229 to immobilize the bearing body 212 in a determined position, so that the relative position of the rolling bodies cannot vary under the action. trepidations. When we turn the steering wheel

  <Desc / Clms Page number 27>

 225 the needle 230 moves on a circular graduated scale and indicates the angle of rotation, and hence the path of advance on an enlarged scale.



   Another possibility has been shown on the left side of fig. 40. The bolt 231 has in its central part a thread which engages in a counter-thread of the plate 232. The disc 233 is fixed on the bolt 231. When the flywheel 226 is rotated, the button lon 231 usually runs at the same time. However, as fig. 41 shows it on a larger scale, the connection between the parts 226 and 233 is such that one can exert, by means of the flywheel 226, only a determined maximum moment. To achieve this, a small threaded rod 234 is inserted at a point on flywheel 226 with a coil spring by which ball 236 is driven into corresponding recesses in disc 233.

   When a great opposing force opposes a movement of the bearing housing to the right, a great torque is also required to turn the bolt 231 and the disc 233. The ball 236 then comes out when the handwheel is turned. 226, recesses formed on a circular circumference, so that the rotation of the flywheel does not cause any further advancement of the bearing housing 2130
A corresponding result can also be obtained with the aid of friction rollers, with which also only a certain maximum torque can be transmitted which can be selected.



   For service monitoring it is desirable to continuously observe, by means of a measuring device, the established sinking depth at a given time. Such a check can be carried out, for example, by means of a measuring electrode capacitively coupled with the elastic rolling contact. In fig. 20, 237 designates such a measuring electrode. In an apparatus which has been constructed this electrode is, for example, at a distance of 1 mm from the extreme inner sheet 131 of the contact path pad 127, 130, 131.

   This measuring electrode ends, via the arrival line 238, at the contact 239, which rubs on the ring 240. It is thus possible to lead to the outside a circuit whose resistance is given mainly by the existing capacitance. between the measuring electrode 237 and the rolling contact. For a driving depth of 0.1 mm this capacity will, for example, vary periodically by 10%, which is easy to observe and monitor by means of a measuring device.



   Another way to monitor the contact pressure and the rational operation of the contact path pads is to use a measuring device to continuously monitor the voltage drop between the rolling contacts. Such a measuring device can be connected via an auxiliary permutator whose movement is coupled with that of the main permutator.

   Such an auxiliary permutator is shown in FIGS. 39 and 40. The cylindrical roller 241 carries three metal segments interconnected and by which a circuit is periodically closed by the intermediary of the rollers 242 and 243. It is easy to adjust this auxiliary permutator so that its duration of contact coincides with that of the main change-over switch, which allows the voltage drop between the main contacts to be measured very precisely through it. For this auxiliary change-over switch, rolling contacts with intermittent operation can of course also be used.



   It is also possible to arrange the electrical contacts in such a way that they come into action when a determined insertion depth is reached. Such a contact is designated by 44 in Fig. 20. When the driving depth reaches a determined value, the curved end 128 of the rolling contact path meets this contact 244 by means of the appendix 245 and a circuit is thus closed

  <Desc / Clms Page number 28>

 via the inlet line 246, the friction contact 247 and the friction ring 248. After a determined wear of the electrodes, by friction or after a certain period of operation,

   the support play take-up device can then be put into action until the contacts 244 and 245 touch each other. Starting from the in-phase position of the contact moment, the moment of ignition of the rolling change-over switch can be monitored at the same time.



   The depth of contact insertion can also be monitored by means of coil springs, the electrical resistance of which decreases continuously as they are compressed. It is necessary to ensure that the pitch of these coil springs increases. gradually, so that part of the turns of such a spring are applied to each other when the spring is compressed, which electrically short-circuits them. If the electrical resistance of such a coil spring is monitored during operation by means of an auxiliary circuit, then a measure of the distance to which the coil spring is periodically compressed is obtained.

   For a determined depression depth, the resistance of such a coil spring will therefore vary by a determined value which can be measured.



   According to the invention the same measurements which serve to monitor the driving depth can also be used to continuously monitor the nature of the contact path pads, because contact faults are manifested by inequalities and fluctuations in the contact path. sinking depth. If a rolling contact has, for example, a roughness or if a similar unevenness is caused by uneven driving, electric arcs easily occur in such places whereby such a fault is continuously increased. It is then still possible to continue the service for a while, but the rolling contacts will gradually be completely destroyed.

   Such inequalities are also manifested in the measuring devices already described serving to control the driving depth, so that these measuring devices can also be used to monitor the good condition of the contacts.



   The arcs which occur in the event of contact faults can also be detected by means of photocells or by means of heat-sensitive receiving devices.



   When the operating current is high, the rolling contacts and their incoming wires become very hot. It is then necessary to provide channels for the cooling air and to arrange these channels so that movement of the air is necessarily produced by the centrifugal force. Such cooling air channels are shown in fig. 23. Arrows 248 indicate the path followed by the cooling air. The position of such cooling air channels 250 is also shown in dashed lines in FIG. 20.



   Correct operation and low wear of consistent resilient contacts is aided by as precise as possible the construction of the bearings and contacts. It may be useful to end with a lathe and grind the contact path pads on the completed interchange, so that there are only very small deviations from a circular or cylindrical path and surfaces. of the contact path. For such machining, of the contact path pads in the device ready for operation, it is necessary, if necessary, to reduce the speed with respect to normal service. Simple devices can be used for this purpose. During this machining, the resiliently mounted contacts must not be pressed.

   This result can also be obtained with the help of simple means.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 29>

 



   It has already been said that it is necessary to use a drive device with equal operation and without shocks to ensure a perfect service of rolling switches, so as to avoid pendular movements or - oscillations, of the rolling contacts during operation. market.



   It is in the principle of the invention that the arc length of a contact path pad and the distance between two potential contact points differ from the rolling motion have the same order of magnitude in the peripheral direction and / or in the axial direction. The absolute magnitude can be adapted to the circumstances of the moment, depending on the voltage, by varying the diameter of the rolling electrodes and consequently the arc length of the pads of the rolling tracks.



   When explaining fig. 1 to 41 it has already been necessary to mention, on several occasions, adjustment methods and adjustment devices, without which the devices shown in the figures would have been incomprehensible. Figs. 42 to 44 represent once again systematically and schematically the conditions to be considered.



   Fig. 42 schematically shows two rolling electrodes 1 and 2 in the form of a segment or a sector rotating with the shafts 77, 78 in the direction of arrows 251 and 252. The rotation is synchronous with the alternating voltage to be transformed; for 60 periods it is, for example, 3600 rpm. The passage of current from one sector to the other is initiated when the edge 4 of the rolling electrode 2 comes close enough to the electrode 1. The contact between the electrodes lasts until l 'edge 253 of electrode 1 abandons electrode 2. It can therefore be seen that if the electrode 2 is rotated, for example in the direction of clockwise movement to vary its angular position, the contact between the electrodes takes place later. However, the separation between the electrodes will take place at the same time.

   This means that such a clockwise rotation has the effect of delaying the timing of ignition and shortening the burning time.



  * On the other hand, if we rotated electrode 1 to change its angular position with respect to electrode 2, the moment of ignition would not change, but the duration of contact between the electrodes. would be changed. One or the other of these means can be used according to the conditions of the service of the permutator.



   If we rotate the two electrodes in the same way to modify their position in phase with respect to the alternating voltage, we vary not only the moment of the entry into contact of the electrodes, but also the moment of the separation between the electrodes, maintaining the duration of the contact in their in-phase position.



   Fig. 43 shows, also schematically and by way of example, a practical possibility for carrying out the adjustment. 1 and 2 are also the two electrodes, which are shown partly in section. 77 and 78 denote the rotation shafts. The drive takes place by means of the synchronous motor 67. The two shafts 254 and 77 must rotate relative to each other during operation. This result is obtained by means of the sheath 255, which can be raised or lowered during walking by means of a fork which is not shown. The sheath 255 has slots 256 and 257 in which slide bolts 258 and 259 which are integral with the shafts.

   By tilting or raising the slot 257, this is achieved that when the sheath 255 is moved upwards the shaft 77 rotates relative to the shaft 254 in the opposite direction to that of the rotation;
The shaft 260 is driven by means of the two wheels

  <Desc / Clms Page number 30>

 planes 261 and 262 which are rigidly connected to shafts 5 and 18 respectively. Instead of the two flat wheels 261, 262, it is also possible, for example, to use four flat wheels of smaller diameter, two of which are wedged on the shafts 77 and 260, while the other two wheels are arranged between these two first ones. Rotation of shaft 77 relative to shaft 254 therefore acts in the same way on shaft 260, which causes the two sectors or segments to rotate by the same angle in opposite directions.



   By axial displacements the sheath 261 leads to a rotation of the shafts 78 and 260 with respect to one another. The two slots 262 and
263 are for example inclined on the axis. Using the sheath 261, the angular position of the segment 2 can therefore be adjusted with a view to the advance or the delay.



   The contact time that can be obtained in the maximum case by means of this device is given by the length of the contact path.



   This length must therefore correspond to the maximum duration of passage of the current. On the other hand, the contact time can be adjusted and reduced to zero.



   The adjustment and the change of the angular position can moreover be obtained also in another way, for example by rotation of the phase position of the drive motors by means of induction regulators, by stators that the It is possible to rotate, by mounting several adjustable windings on the motors, by differentials, etc. In many cases, especially where there are separate ignition electrodes and extinguishing electrodes, separate electric motors will have to be employed for driving these two types of electrodes.
Fig. 44 shows another possibility of adjusting the contact time.

   The sectors 264, 265 rotate in the manner described for FIG. 42. The contact path of electrode 265 is flexible, so that it is pushed back on each contact with electrode 264.



   When electrode 265 occupies the position shown in solid lines, the contact time corresponds to the length of the rolling contact path of electrode 264. However, if the shaft 266 is moved to the left, the electrode 265 comes to occupy the position shown as a pull-out. The contact between the two electrodes then already takes place at point 267, while the separation between the two electrodes only takes place at point
268. The contact time has therefore been increased in a manner corresponding to the peripheral distance between points 267 and 268. In principle, it is also possible to have recourse to other displacements of the relative position of the axes of the electrodes. rolling, movements which are accompanied by a variation in the duration of contact.



   In the devices of fig. 42 and 44, the establishment and separation of the contact takes place according to the adjustment of the position of the electrodes at different points of the rolling contact paths. For continuous long-term service, the closing and opening sparks or arcs which then occur can however lead to a deterioration of the rolling contact paths, even if these paths are established for very favorable values of contact time and ignition points.

   As the actual contact path pads which cause the current to flow during the main part of the current flow time must be such that they are not affected, as far as possible, by traces of sparks or of arcs, the places where the separation of the contacts takes place are reported, according to another characteristic of the invention, in planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation and other than the paths on which the contact takes place during the passage of the current itself. Figs. 45 and 46 schematically represent such devices. 156 denote the pro-rolling contact paths

  <Desc / Clms Page number 31>

 previously called which rotate around the axes 77,78 The rolling contact paths are immobilized by the claws. The contacts 156 are arranged between these claws.

   The pin 45 represents the rolling contact paths before they come into contact with each other, that is to say a little before ignition. The tongues 89 are already very close to the contact 149, so that the ignition is initiated between 89 and 149. It can be seen that the ignition sparks cannot damage the actual bearing contact paths 1560
Fig. 46 schematically represents the contacts a little before their separation.

   The two combustion antennas 89 which still touch the contact path 149 after the removal of the contact between 149 and 156 are connected to the end of the rolling contact path 156 The arcs of separation can therefore only occur between 149 and 89; they have therefore also been removed from the actual rolling contact paths 156.



   The devices shown in fig. 42 to 46 are mainly suitable for current permutators in which strong arcs of ignition and separation do not occur. When intense interrupting arcs are to be expected, it is necessary to use, at the ends of the rolling contacts, arc extinguishing devices similar to those of the embodiments described above. The ignition point and the contact time are then adjusted by relative rotation or by variations in the distance from axis to axis of ignition electrodes and extinguishing electrodes.



   According to another characteristic of the invention, the adjustment of the duration of contact between the rolling electrodes can take place entirely automatically. As has already been said, it is necessary, especially when the voltage is high, for an arc to burn each time after the end of the metallic contact between the rolling contacts, until the distance between the electrodes has been reached. reaches a fairly large value. The combustion of such an arc can be recognized by the shape and duration of the tension between the two bearing contacts. Even when the device operates with very low operating voltages, it can be seen, by the voltage oscillogram, whether the rolling contacts stop touching at the desired moment, that is to say when the current is the same. smaller possible.

   According to observations on which the invention is based, this course of the voltage between the rolling contacts can be used to ensure the automatic adjustment of the contact time and if necessary also of the ignition times. A section of the total voltage curve during and immediately after contact between the electrodes can be used for this purpose. Instead of the voltage, it is also possible to use, for the adjustment of the duration of contact, the variations, over time, of the power loss on the contacts during and immediately after the establishment of the contact.



   For small current changeover installations which only need to be adjusted infrequently, an acoustic signal should be used to ensure proper adjustment and monitoring. The voltage existing between the rolling contacts can be driven directly or by means of an intermediate device, preferably in the form of the curve section already mentioned, to a buzzer warning the service personnel that a variation of the setting position of the segments is necessary. This ringing then also produces an intense sound when arcs are formed on the rolling contacts during the flow of current proper, as a result of a mechanical fault. The acoustic warning device therefore serves at the same time to monitor the good condition of the rolling contacts.



   It is generally appropriate for rectifiers to ensure that ignition occurs as early as possible to obtain advantageous curve shapes and advantageous power factors, thus

  <Desc / Clms Page number 32>

 than a favorable course of the stop voltage. This is why it is advantageous, in the case of the rectifier, to carry out the adjustment of the duration of the contact by rotating the extinguishing electrodes. In the case of the converter-alternator, on the other hand, the most advantageous switch-off moment is fixed, because the switch-off must surely be completed before the phase intersection. Therefore, in the case of the alternator converter, the adjustment of the combustion time must be effected by varying the time of ignition.



   In the case of consumer devices subject to sudden and strong load fluctuations, a danger for current changeover installations can arise from the load suddenly falling from a large value to a small value. When the load is large, the contact time of the electrodes is set to a relatively long time, because the overlap time is large for a large load.



  A sudden decrease in the load, the adjustment position of the electrodes not changing, would result in the electrodes still touching each other while the stop voltage is already rising. This would result in phenomena similar to short circuits. This is why, according to the invention, it is necessary for the adjustment of the contact time to take place more rapidly than the load variations. When, for example, large DC feedback coils are used, the currents cannot. vary that slowly. The variation of the duration of contact can then take place without difficulty more quickly than the variation of the intensity; we can at least provoke it just as quickly.

   This consideration must be taken into account for the mechanical construction of the electrodes and their driving devices, the setting of which must be varied in order to act on the contact time. These electrode parts must be constructed so as to be light and easily movable.



   When using photocells, cells sensitive to heat or the course of the voltage, for the automatic adjustment of the duration of contact or the ignition times, the adjustment must be directed in the direction improvement. The direction of adjustment required can be determined by the direction of the electric current. For automatic adjustment, it is therefore possible to use current sense relays.
Polyphase devices will finally be further described with reference for example to the two exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 47 to 52.



   The current changeover device shown first in FIGS. 47 to 49 is constituted., For each unit, by one inner rolling electrode and three outer rolling electrodes. The internal electrodes are connected to the direct current side and the external three phase electrodes from the alternating current network or from the transformer. The device is driven at a speed equal to half the frequency of the AC network.



   269 designates an inner ignition electrode which carries the two contact paths 270 and 271. These contact paths alternately come into contact with the corresponding contact paths of the outer bearing electrodes. At the time shown the contact paths tact of the rolling electrodes 261 and 273 just touch each other, so that the current of the phase connected to 273 passes into the direct current network when the device is a rectifier.



   Fig. 48 is a longitudinal section passing through the plane represented by 11L - 11L in the figs 47 and 49, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows. Ignition electrodes 269, 272, 273 and 274 are on top and extinguishing electrodes 275, 276, 277 and 278 are on

  <Desc / Clms Page number 33>

 low. The rolling contacts 279 and 280 of the electrodes 275 and 277 are about to come into contact with each other. This contact is established in the manner already described, before the rolling contacts of the electrodes 269 and 273 have separated, so that there is no need to mount arc extinguishing devices on the ignition electrodes 269, 278, 273 and 274. The ignition electrodes and the corresponding extinguishing electrodes are electrically connected between they.

   These connections are indicated by yokes 261.



   It is necessary to be able to vary the phase position of the ignition electrodes and the extinguishing electrodes during operation, in order to be able to adjust at will the moment of ignition and the duration during which the contacts touch each other.
In fig. 47 to 49 is shown by way of example for an adjustment of this type the use of separate drive motors for the two kinds of electrodes. The motor 282 drives the ignition electrodes via bevel gears 283 and 284, via toothed wheels 285, 286 and 287, via movable couplings 288 and via the motor. intermediary of trees 289.

   The motor 290 drives the extinguishing electrodes via bevel gears 291 and 292, via toothed wheels 293 to 295, via movable couplings 296, as well as via gears 293 to 295. 'hollow shafts mounted on each side of the couplings 296. The phase position of the drive motors can be varied and adjusted, for example by means of induction regulators mounted in front, stators which can be made. rotating or using motors with several windings.



   For current changeover devices of the polyphase type for large currents, current taps of the types known hitherto are difficult to suffice, because the available space is limited by the bearing electrodes, which are very close to each other. However, the device, known hitherto, of cylindrical friction surfaces and brushes precisely requires a lot of space for large intensities, so that the entire device would be very bulky and lack clarity.

   This is why it has been indicated by way of example, in FIG. 48, for socket-outlets other than the brush-type construction, devices with rolling contacts 297, 298 and 299, with which it is also possible to pick up large currents with a small space requirement. The rolling contact device 297 consists, for example, of a rotating disc 300 and a fixed disc 301, these discs having conical rolling surfaces.



  The passage of current between these two discs is made possible by means of bevel wheels 302 which spring forces press towards the median axis, which axis is perpendicular to their axis of rotation. The rolling contact device 299 operates in a similar fashion; however, the conical rollers 303 which ensure the passage of the current are now inside, so that they are pressed outwards by centrifugal force. The rolling receptacle 298 contains a cap 304 into which the shaft 289 engages at its upper end. Spring rings 305 are mounted between shaft 289 and cap 304 to conduct current.



   The current permutator shown in fig. 47 to 49 can be used as rectifier or alternator converter of three-phase current. For current permutators of more than three phases, it is advisable to juxtapose several sets of three-phase current permutators of this kind. These assemblies can be driven by the same synchronous motors. This possibility is indicated in fig. 47 to 49; the rectangles 306 indicated in dashed lines represent current changeover assemblies of the same kind which can be connected by means of ac-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 34>

 couplings 307 to the central permutator assembly shown in detail.



   In the case of rolling current changeover devices, the direction of the current can, in principle, be chosen at will. If the direction of the current is fixed and if it does not change, one can take into account the polarity in the conformation, the choice of the materials of manufacture, the calculation of the cooling and the choice of the diameter of the rollerso In principle, however , a three-phase current assembly like the one shown in FIGS.

   47 to 49 can be used for the production or for the retransformation of a direct voltage positive as well as negative When it is a question of producing or transforming a direct voltage, as well positive as negative, by employing a full path assembly, with the same current changeover installation, it is advisable to use two three-phase current assemblies like that of figs 47 to 49 and to use them, one for the positive conductor and the other for the negative direct current conductor In multiphase installations with integral assembly, the current changeover switches for one polarity on one side, and the current changeover switch for the other polarity on the other side of the motors d 'training.



   In principle, more than three outer rollers can also be combined with one inner roller. The number of rollers must always be 1 greater than the number of phases. In the integral assembly the number of rollers is double.



   In figs 47 to 49, neither air currents, nor their adjustment, nor magnetic deviations are shown. These arrangements, operations and phenomena can also be controlled and adjusted at the same time with the segments or rolling sectors.



   Under these conditions, it is not necessary to give the same diameter to the different rolling sectors. To take account of the polarity, of greater fatigue for the internal rolling electrodes of polyphase devices, or for reasons of reduction of the bulk, it is also possible to envisage making co-operation between them. Bearing electrodes, the contact path of which has a diameter inversely proportional to the speed. It is thus possible to combine with a large internal rolling electrode several or many smaller external rolling electrodes. It is possible, without difficulty, to take account of the speed differences by mounting intermediate transmissions or by similar means.



   Figs. 50 to 52 represent a current permutation installation of a slightly different type. In figs 50 to 52 parts similar to those of figs 47 to 49 are designated by the same reference numbers. The device of figs 50 to 52 however differs from that of figs. 47 to 49 by the following points.



   To adjust the ignition times, in the device of figs 50 to 52, only the internal ignition electrode 269 is used. Its position in phase is adjusted by means of the sheath 308, the displacement of which is axial causes a relative rotation of the ignition electrode 269 with respect to its drive shaft. This displacement of the ignition points simultaneously varies the duration of contact of the whole of the rolling contact device. Whether the current changeover device of Figs 47 to 49 or the significantly simpler device of Figs 50 to 52 can be used depends on the consuming device to be supplied.



   The device of figo 51 further comprises mercury pots for the socket. The 309 pots rotate with the electrodeso

  <Desc / Clms Page number 35>

 A mass of mercury is accumulated inside. Bolts 310 connected to the phases of the alternating current or to the direct current conductor plunge into this mass in order to pick up the current.



   Finally, in fig. 52, nozzles by which the arcs produced at the moment of separation of the contacts are extinguished, are indicated at the ends of the extinguishing electrodes.



   When the speed entity is particularly large, it is necessary to mount in parallel several rolling contacts per phase. In this case, care must be taken, by means of feedback coils or by connecting these rolling contacts to different transformer windings, that the rolling contacts connected in parallel conduct approximately the same current.



   The methods developed according to the invention and the devices constructed according to the invention as well as their assemblies are well suited for all kinds of transformations, for example for the rectification of alternating voltages, for the transformation of direct voltages into alternating voltages, for the transformation of alternating voltages of a given frequency and of a given number of phases into alternating voltages of another frequency and, where appropriate, of another number of phases.

   The particular advantage of the transformations carried out according to the invention is that the voltage drop is extremely small and does not exceed a fraction of a volt and, moreover, that a range of inten - sity as large as desired, on the one hand for very small operating voltages and, on the other hand, for high voltages reaching several hundred thousand volts.

   As for the advantages concerning the service, one will quote: insensitivity to the ambient temperature, the possibility of coming into action immediately, even after long stops, the insensitivity to the vibrations and the possibility of building the device in a workshop. any mechanical construction without particularly trained personnel
Where, in the foregoing, bearing electrodes, pre and main electrodes, extinguishing electrodes and ignition electrodes, electrode rollers, rollers have been referred to in the form of a sector or of a segment, these general designations are understood to mean all the types of electrodes which can be envisaged according to the rules of kinematics.

   By the expression "electrode" is also meant all the parts of the electrodes, in particular the parts movable with respect to the rest of the body of the electrode, especially the elastic contact paths, as well as the individual pads of the contact paths, except which could result from contrary indications.



   CLAIMS.



   1.- A method of transforming voltages, including high voltages and at large currents, characterized in that at least one electrode is made to roll intermittently on at least one counter-electrode.


    

Claims (1)

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one contact surface is rolled intermittently on at least one counter-contact surface, with linear contact between the contact surfaces. 3.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 - 2, characterized in that one rolls at least one contact surface intermittently on at least one counter-contact surface, for an essential part of the passage time current, with a linear contact between <Desc / Clms Page number 36> the contact surfaces. 4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that one causes to roll intermittently at least one contact surface on at least one counter-contact surface, during the main part of the duration of the passage of the current, with a linear contact between the contact surfaces. 50- A method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one rotating electrode is rolled over at least one non-rotating counter electrode. 6. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one rotating electrode is rolled on a non-rotating annular counter-electrode. 7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that one rolls at least one rotating electrode roller on non-rotating counter-electrodes made in the form of arc sections and assembled in series together in ring shape. 8. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that one rolls at least one rotating electrode made in the form of an arc section on a closed non-rotating counter-electrode in the form of a ring. 9. - Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the axis of rotation of the rotary electrode is guided on a circular path concentric with the axis of symmetry of the closed electrode. 10. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that one rolls at least one rotating electrode in the form of a sector on a non-rotating closed electrode in the form of a ring. 11. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that one rolls at least one rotating electrode in the form of a segment on a closed non-rotating electrode in the form of a ring, 12. - Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotary electrode is rolled on the inner periphery of the non-rotary counter-electrode. 13. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotating electrode is rolled on the outer periphery of the non-rotating counter electrode. 14.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that one rolls one on the other or on each other at least two rotary electrodes. 15.- The method of claim 14, characterized in that one prints, at the point of contact., Peripheral speeds equal to the rotating electrodes and rolling over one another. 160- A method according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one rotary electrode is rolled on the inner periphery of a counter-electrode rotating in the same direction. 17. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one rotary electrode is rolled on the outer periphery of a counter-electrode rotating in the opposite direction. 180- Process according to one or more of claims 1 to <Desc / Clms Page number 37> 17, characterized in that the arcs formed at the end of the rolling contact are generated at such a distance from insulating materials that these insulating materials are not deteriorated. 19. A method according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the arcs formed at the end of the rolling contact are extinguished by artificial means. 20.- The method of claim 19, characterized in that the extinguishing fluid streams are produced synchronously with the rotation of at least one electrode. 21. - Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the arcs formed at the end of the rolling movement are driven out and separated from the rolling contact paths. 22. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the feet of the arcs formed at the end of the rolling movement are placed in nozzles. 23. A method according to claim 22, characterized by producing streams of extinguishing fluid by means of nozzles producing a current whose form of movement is similar to the rotational movement of at least one electrode. 24. A method according to one of claims 22 and 23, characterized in that the speed of air flow in the nozzles is periodically controlled. 25.- The method of claim 19, characterized by producing the stream of extinguishing fluid by means of suction of this fluid. 26. - A method according to claim 19, characterized by producing the stream of extinguishing fluid by creating a low pressure acting on this fluid. 27.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 'to 26, characterized in that the movement of the arc is accelerated, after the end of the rolling movement, by additional air currents. 280- A method according to one or more of claims 1 to 27, characterized by producing at least one additional air stream to drive the arcs away from the point at which they originate. 29.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 28, characterized -by producing at least one additional air stream to prevent arcs produced at the moment of separation of the contacts from being entrained by the electrodes. rolling. 30.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the movement of the arcs is accelerated by magnetic fields at the end of the rolling movement. 31.- A method according to one or more of claims 1 to 30 characterized by the production of magnetic fields to activate the movement of the arcs and bring them to the extinguishing position. 32.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that particular ignition electrodes are brought to the disruptive discharge position before starting the passage of the neck. <Desc / Clms Page number 38> rant, by means of contacts rolling over each other. 33.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the contact surfaces are resiliently pressed on each other. 34.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the adjustment is carried out in such a way that the voltage which returns after the end of the passage of the current between the electrodes can hardly cause new ignitions taking into account the essential safety. 35.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that the time of ignition is adjusted. 36. - Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that one varies the duration of the rolling movement. 37. An adjustment method according to claim 36, characterized in that the duration of the rolling movement is varied during walking. 38.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the moment of separation between the contacts is adjusted so that the distance between the electrodes is just sufficient to prevent back ignitions taking into account the safety and the subsequent effect of the ares. 39.- Adjustment method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the time of separation between the contacts is adjusted such that the duration of combustion of the arcs produced at the time of separation between the contacts are just enough for the distance between the electrodes to be obtained which is necessary to be in control of the stop voltage. 40.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the duration of the current flow is adjusted by varying the relative angular position of rolling electrodes in the form of sectors. 41.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the duration of the passage of the current is adjusted by varying the relative angular position of the rolling electrodes in the form of a segments. 42. - Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 41, characterized in that the contact time is adjusted by varying the position of at least one of the electrode axes rolling on top of each other. intermittently. 43. Adjustment method according to claim 42. characterized in that it causes an increase in the contact time by bringing together, and a reduction in the contact time by moving the axis of an electrode apart. bearing relative to the axis of the other bearing electrode. 44.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that the duration of the contact of rolling electrodes is automatically adjusted as a function of electrical phenomena produced during the coupling. 45.- Process according to one or more of claims 1 to <Desc / Clms Page number 39> 43, characterized in that the duration of contact is adjusted as a function of acoustic phenomena. 460- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 45, characterized in that unwinding operations are monitored as a function of acoustic phenomena. 47.- Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 46, characterized in that a sound is produced by means of the tension existing between rolling contacts cooperating with each other. 48.- A method according to claim 47, characterized in that a sound is produced by means of the voltage existing between the rolling electrodes during the passage of the current, as well as immediately after the passage of the current. 49.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 48, characterized in that the duration of the contact is adjusted in the case of rolling rectifiers comprising separate ignition and extinguishing electrodes by rotating extinguishing electrodes versus ignition electrodes. 50.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 48, characterized in that the duration of the contact is adjusted in the case of alternator switches comprising separate ignition electrodes and extinguishing electrodes by varying the position of at least one of the ignition electrodes. 51.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 50, characterized in that the duration of the contact is adjusted for a period of time equal to or less than a variation of the regime 1-intensity. 52. - Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 51, characterized in that, when using photocells to ensure the automatic adjustment of the contact time, the direction of the adjustment is established using direction of current. 53.- Adjustment method according to one or more of claims 1 to 52, characterized in that, when heat-sensitive cells are used to ensure the automatic adjustment of the duration of the contact, the direction of the adjustment is established according to the direction of current. 54.- Device for the practice of methods according to one or more of claims 1 to 53, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes carries a contact path making electrical contact intermittently by rolling on a counter-contact . 55.- Device according to claim 54, characterized by the arrangement of electrodes in the form of a rolling body touching one another along a line. 56. - Device according to one or both of claims 54 and 55, characterized in that at least one electrode has the shape of an arc section. 57.- Device according to claim 56, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes has the shape of a segment of a circular arc. 58.- Device according to claim 56, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes is constituted by a sector-shaped body. <Desc / Clms Page number 40> 59.- Device according to claim 57, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes is constituted by a body in the form of a segment. 60.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 59 characterized in that at least one of the electrodes does not rotate. 61.- Device according to claim 60, characterized by individual fixed and juxtaposed annular electrodes in the form of arc sections. 62.- Device according to claim 60, characterized in that at least one counter-electrode is constituted by a rotating contact roller and closed in the form of a ring. 63. - Device according to claim 60, characterized in that the electrode is constituted by a fixed and closed annular electrode. 64.- Device according to claim 63, characterized in that at least one counter-electrode is constituted by a rotating electrode in the form of an arc segment. 65. - Device according to claims 60, 63 and 64, charac- terized in that at least two rotary electrodes are added to a fixed electrode so that the current connections need only be made on the latter. 66. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 59, characterized in that each of the electrodes in contact with one another is rotatable. 67.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 59, characterized in that a drive device is added to only one of the electrodes which touch each other. 68.- Device according to any one of claims 54 to 67, characterized in that the rolling surfaces form part of surfaces ensuring linear contact between them. 69. - Device according to claim 68, characterized in that the rolling surfaces form part of conical surfaces. 70.- Device according to claim 68, characterized in that the rolling surfaces form part of cylindrical surfaces. 71. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 70, characterized in that those of the areas of the electrodes in which the arcs occur are constituted by free passageways for the gas. 72.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 71, characterized in that the contact paths of at least one of the rolling electrodes are separated from each other by a peripheral distance formed by gas passages and the order of magnitude of which is equal to the length of a contact path. 73.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 72, characterized in that when there is more than one pair of rolling electrodes the axial distances between the points where the electrodes touch each other are of the order of magnitude equal to the lengths of the adjoining contact paths. <Desc / Clms Page number 41> 74.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 73, characterized in that an arc extinguisher is mounted at the end of the conta.ct path of at least one rolling electrode. 75.- Device according to claim 74, characterized in that at least one arc extinguisher rotates with the rolling electrodes. 760- Device according to claim 74, characterized by such an arrangement of the arc extinguishers in the form of extinguisher nozzles that the plane determined by the longitudinal axes of the extinguishing nozzles is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the bearing electrode which carries the extinguisher nozzle. 77.- Device according to claim 74, characterized in that the arc extinguishers, which consist of ex- electrodes. extinction, bear rotating bodies capable of rotating around their longitudinal axis and having, for the feet of the arcs, surfaces on which the conditions of ignition, combustion and extinction are approximately the same for the arcs, independently of the walking time. 78.- Device according to claim 74, characterized in that at least one extinguisher electrode is arranged so as to be able to rotate about its longitudinal axis. 79.- Device according to claim 74, characterized by electrodes constituting wear members by combustion and arranged behind, in the direction of the flow of the extinguishing fluid, the flow nozzles, which are made in the form of screen electrodes. 80.- Device according to claim 74, characterized in that the rotation shaft of at least one rolling electrode is made so as to serve as an inlet and outlet pipe for the extinguishing fluid. 81.- Device according to claim 74, characterized by the provision, near the nozzles, of periodically effective opening and stopping devices for the stream of extinguishing fluid. 82.- Device according to claim 81, characterized in that at least the shaft of one of the rolling electrodes provided with extinguisher nozzles is made in the form of a hollow shaft and provided with control devices for the extinguisher fluid. 83.- Device according to claim 82, characterized in that the hollow shaft has, at the seat of the rolling electrode, a control slot formed in a tubular sheath guided so as to be able to slide in this slot and, if necessary also turn. 84. = - Device according to one or more of claims 74 to 83, characterized in, that the conformations of the rolling electrodes and of the extinguishing electrodes are matched to one another, producing fixed surfaces of large arc displacement. wide and small. 85.- Device according to claim 84, characterized in that the peripheral limitation of an extinguishing electrode coincides with the peripheral shape of the shape of the rolling electrode which receives it. 860- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 85, characterized by the provision of means for periodically controlling additional currents * 'of extinguishing fluid to ward off the arc. 87.- Device according to claim 86, characterized by <Desc / Clms Page number 42> at least one additional device mounted between two arc extinguishers, subdividing the shut-off passage and serving to produce a stream of extinguishing fluid. 88.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 87, characterized by such an arrangement of the arrival of the current at the points where arcs occur, on the contact surface of the rolling electrodes, that the loop of the arc or widened by the magnetic field of the arc current. 89. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 88, characterized by magnets rotating with the rolling electrodes. 90. - Device according to claim 89, characterized by devices for periodically switching on and off the excitation current of the magnets ensuring the movement of the arc. 91. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 90, characterized in that, when the voltage is low, metal blocks in the form of antennas are mounted at the ends of the contact paths instead of extinguisher nozzles. 92.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 90, characterized in that parts of movable electrodes are arranged at the ends of the contact paths for the production of sufficient quantities of material for combustion due to the arc. . 93. - Device according to claim 92, characterized by devices by which the movable combustion parts are kept in rotation by artificial means. 94.- Device according to claim 92, characterized by rollers mounted at the ends of the contact paths and on the surface of which the feet of the arcs travel. 95.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 90, characterized by sliding bolts arranged on the end portions of contact race studs and whose heads can adapt to rolling and combustion surfaces. 96. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 95, characterized by parts protruding from the electrode supports in the form of segments and not touching each other. 97. - Device according to claim 96, characterized by ignition tips arranged near the initial parts of contact paths, so that disruptive discharges already occur between them, when the operating voltage has a suitable height , before the rolling electrodes touch each other. 98.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 97, characterized in that the initial part of the contact path pads is divided into tabs preferably having different lengths. 99. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 98, characterized in that a container is arranged around the rolling electrodes and the arc chamber which they form. 100.- Device according to claim 99, characterized in that this container is pressure resistant. <Desc / Clms Page number 43> 101.- Device according to one or more of the claims. 54 to 100, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes is provided with individual elastic pads of contact paths on that of the contact paths which comes into contact with the counter-electrode. 102.- Device according to claim 101, characterized by a construction and an arrangement such as individual pads of contact paths that these pads are applied to the counter-electrode under the action of centrifugal forces. 1030- Device according to claim 102, characterized in that the individual pads of the contact paths have, relative to their support, a degree of freedom ensuring the effect of centrifugal forces. 1040- Device according to claim 101, characterized by rubber cushions arranged between the individual pads of the contact paths and those of the parts of the rolling electrodes which support them. 1050- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 104, characterized in that the contact path of a rolling electrode is constituted by a helical spring, the turns of which are closely spaced. 106. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 104, characterized in that the individual pads of contact paths are made and arranged in the form of scales. 107.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 106, characterized in that several rows of individual pads of contact paths are axially juxtaposed. 108. - Device according to claim 107, characterized in that the individual pads of contact paths of the different rows are offset from one another with the formation of an uninterrupted contact. 1090- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 108, characterized in that the individual pads of contact paths consist of materials containing carbon. 110.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 100, characterized in that a flexible contact path pad relative to the other parts of an electrode and rolling on a counter electrode is made in the form of a coherent pad. 111.- Device according to claim 110, characterized in that only one of several, preferably two rolling electrodes making contact at the considered moment is provided with a flexible and coherent contact path pad. 112.- Device according to one or both of claims 110 and 111, characterized in that a contact path pad is elastic in itself. 113.- Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 112, characterized in that a contact path stud is formed by several sheets. 114.- Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 113, characterized in that the sheets of a contact path pad are made of materials that differ from each other. 115.- Device according to one or more of the claims <Desc / Clms Page number 44> 110 to 114, characterized in that that of the sheets of a contact path pad which comes directly into contact with the counter-electrode consists of materials which are particularly suitable for serving as contact materials, in particular metals or compounds of metals that are good conductors of electricity. 116.- Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 115, characterized in that the backing sheet of the contact material sheet consists of resilient and tough manufacturing materials, such as steel or the like. . 117. - Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 116, characterized in that one of the sheets of a contact path pad, that which limits this pad on the side which is opposite the sheet coming directly in contact with the counter-electrode, is made of materials particularly suitable for serving as contact material, in particular of metals or compounds of metals which are good conductors. 118. - Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 117, characterized in that the contact path pads are made in the form of interchangeable elements. 119.- Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 118, characterized in that the contact chemihs pads mounted flexible with respect to the other parts of an electrode are also made in the form of interchangeable elements. 120. - Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 119, characterized in that the pads of flexible contact paths relative to the other parts of the electrodes are subjected to the influence of means by which these pads are applied under pressure, during the rotation of the electrode, on non-yielding construction parts. 121.- Device according to one or more of claims 110 to 120, characterized in that the contact path pads are maintained between the application members under pressure on one side and the claw devices limiting the distance of these pads on the other side. 122.- Device according to claim 120, characterized in that the contact path pads are maintained between pressure membranes on one side and claw devices limiting the distance between these pads on the other c8té. 123.- Device according to claim 120, characterized in that the contact pads are maintained between elastic application members under pressure, preferably at initial tension, on one side, and claw devices limiting the distance between these studs on the other side. 124. - Device according to claim 123, characterized in that the contact path pads are maintained between spring sheet metal parts on one side and claw devices limiting the distance between these pads on the other side. 125.- Device according to claim 123, characterized in that the contact path pads are maintained between helical springs on one side and claw devices limiting the distance between these pads on the other side. 126. - Device according to claim 125, characterized in that the helical springs are surrounded by construction parts which prevent them from buckling. ' 127. - Device according to claim 124, characterized by <Desc / Clms Page number 45> springs having a spring characteristic whereby the strong antagonistic force of the spring is independent of the stroke of the spring. 128.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by support elements preventing contact path pads from sliding longitudinally. 129. - Device according to claim 128, characterized in that the support elements are springs. 130. - Device according to Claim 110, characterized in that the elastic pads of contact paths are subjected to the action of heavy agents exposed to centrifugal forces. 131.- Device according to claim 130, characterized in that these agents are good conductive liquids. 132.- Device according to claim 130, characterized in that the agents in question are good conductive pastes. 133.- Device according to claim 110, characterized in that the conductors supplying the current to flexible pads of contact paths are arranged so as not to be able to buckle near their fixing points. 134.- Device according to claim 110, characterized in that in its part which is in contact with the pads of contact paths, the support surface of these pads is made of contact materials. 135. - Device according to claim 110, characterized by an arrangement and a construction such as current supply conductors to the movable contact path pads that the path periodically traveled by the contact path pad is roughly evenly distributed over the entire free length of the incoming current conductor. 136. - Device according to claim 110, characterized in that the contact path pads are bevelled in the part limiting the end attacked by the counter-electrode, to ensure a gentle application thereof. 137.- Device according to claim 120, characterized by a construction and an arrangement such as members by which the contact path pads are applied under pressure, during the rotation of the electrodes, on construction parts that do not yield, that the forces application under pressure on the part limiting the leading end of the counter-electrode (beginning of a part of the contact path) are greater than in the central part of the contact path pads. 138.- Device according to claim 120, characterized by a construction and such an arrangement of the members by which the contact path pads are applied ¯ under pressure, during the rotation of the electrodes, on construction parts not yielding, that the pressure application forces on the part limiting the trailing end of the counter-electrode (end of a contact path pad) are greater than in the central part of the contact path pads. , 139.- Device according to claim 110, characterized in that the end portions of the contact path pads are bevelled, so that they ensure a gentle lifting of the counter electrode. 140.- Device according to claim 110, characterized <Desc / Clms Page number 46> by adjusting devices serving to adjust the depth -d'installation 'of the flexible pads of contact paths during walking. - 141.- Device according to claim 140, characterized by means for moving the support of at least one of the rolling electrodes, during operation, in the radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the bearing electrode. 142.- Device according to claim 141, characterized by a fixing device serving to maintain the electrode support in its position after its displacement. 143.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by a device for monitoring the insertion depth of the flexible pads of contact paths during walking. 144.- Device according to claim 143, characterized by means serving to make visible, during walking, the momentary depth of depression of the flexible pads of contact paths. 145.- Device according to one of claims 143 and 144, or both, characterized by a device for making visible, during walking, on an enlarged scale, the momentary depth of depression of the flexible pads of contact paths. 146.- Device according to claim 141, characterized by means for advancing a rolling electrode with a determined maximum force, advantageously adjustable. 1470- Device according to claim 146, characterized by the insertion of friction rollers in the advancement mechanism, to adjust the position of the support of the rolling electrodes during operation. 148.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by a measuring electrode coupled to capacitance with a flexible contact path pad. 149.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by a control instrument for monitoring the voltage drop between the rolling electrodes. 150. - Device according to claim 110, characterized by an auxiliary current permutator serving to make the voltage drop perceptible during the duration of the current flow. 151.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by electrical contacts coming into action when a determined embedment depth is reached. 152.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by devices for monitoring the establishment of contact as soon as the rolling electrodes begin to touch. 153.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by devices for detecting contact faults during walking. 154.- Device according to claims 143 and 153, charac- terized by a construction such as devices for monitoring the driving depth of flexible pads of contact paths during walking, that contact faults are also indicated by the same device. <Desc / Clms Page number 47> 155.- Device according to claim 110, characterized by photocells serving to observe light phenomena between the rolling electrodes by triggering pulses to reduce, eliminate, measure, record and / or make these phenomena visible. 156. - Device according to claim 110, characterized by elements sensitive to heat or temperature and serving to determine the disturbances occurring on the rolling electrodes by triggering pulses to reduce, remove, measure, record and / or make these disturbances visible. 157.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 156, characterized by devices mounted near the rolling electrodes for supplying cooling air. 158.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 157, characterized by devices for rotating or grinding the rolling electrodes. 159. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 158, characterized by devices for reducing the speed of the rolling electrodes during the passage of the lathe or the grinding wheel. 160. - Device according to claim 158, characterized by construction parts serving to eliminate the degree of freedom resulting in the depression of the bearing electrodes pendànt the passage to the lathe or the grinding wheel. 161.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 160, characterized by uniform and shock-free walking devices, preventing pendular movements or oscillations of the rolling electrodes during walking. 162.- Device according to claim 110, characterized in that the arc length of a contact path pad and the distance between two contact points of different potentials during the rolling movement are equal as to their order. of magnitude in the peripheral and / or axial direction. 163. - Device for carrying out adjustment methods according to one or more of claims 34 to 44 and 49 to 53, characterized by means for varying the relative position of rolling electrodes during walking. 164. - Device according to claim 163, characterized by rolling electrodes in the form of sectors, similar to each other in their external shape and whose length of the contact paths corresponds to the greatest possible duration for the flow of current, in combination with means for varying the angular position between the winding electrodes during walking. 165. - Device characterized in that a rolling electrode serving to initiate the flow of current (ignition electrode) is attached to each rolling electrode provided with an arc extinguisher (extinguisher electrode). 166.- Device according to claims 163 and 165, characterized in that there is, when the ignition and extinguishing electrodes are separate, two drive devices by electric motor, one for each type of electrode, these devices being separated from one another. 167. - Device according to one or more of the claims <Desc / Clms Page number 48> 54 to 166, characterized in that the construction parts serving to adjust the contact time are arranged so as to allow, by the lightness of their construction and their good mobility, a rapid adjustment of the contact time. 168.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 167, characterized in that the places between which the passage of the current is initiated and the places where the separation of the contacts takes place, are reported in planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation other than the paths on which contact is formed during the flow of current proper. 169.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 168, characterized by a loudspeaker controlled by the electrical operations which take place in a rolling current changeover switch. 170.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 169, characterized in that the rolling electrodes made in the form of arc segments are completed, by internal linings of insulating materials, to form rolling bodies having a closed ring-shaped raceway. 171. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 170, characterized in that several rolling electrodes operating intermittently are connected in series. 1720- Device according to claim 171, characterized by a single drive device for the members common to several rolling electrodes, such as contact rollers, prior contacts, devices for moving prior contacts, if controlling fluid or extinguishing agent. 173. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 172, characterized in that it comprises, for each individual rolling electrode of a pair of rolling electrodes in rolling contact with one another, a device individual drive operating synchronously with the individual drive device of the other rolling electrode. 174. - Device according to claim 173, characterized in that the individual drive devices have a common group drive device. 175.- Device according to claim 174, characterized in that, when the rolling electrodes operate intermittently are connected in series, the group drives of the pairs of rolling electrodes have a drive device d. common set for the entire permutator. 176.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 175, characterized by at least one contactor rolling intermittently for each phase of polyphase installations. 177.- Device for polyphase transformation of electrical voltages according to one or more of claims 54 to 176, characterized in that more than two external rolling electrodes are joined to an internal rolling electrode symmetrically with respect to the axis , all the rolling electrodes being connected to the external circuits by means of socket-outlets. 178.- Device according to claim 177, characterized in that the number of electrically insulated rolling electrodes the <Desc / Clms Page number 49> each other in the single path arrangement is equal to the number of phases increased by 1, 179.- Device according to claim 177, characterized in that the number of rolling electrodes electrically insulated from each other in the full path assembly is equal to double the number of phases, increased by 2. 180.- Device according to claim 177, characterized by a drive device common to the rolling electrodes of several phases. 181.0 Device according to claim 177, characterized in that the adjustment of quantities such as the duration of contact, the moment of ignition, the currents, the magnetic deflection, is common to the rolling electrodes of several phases. 182.- Device according to claim 177, characterized in that, in polyphase installations, several sets of current permuta.teurs comprising several rolling devices are juxtaposed and driven in common. 183, - Device according to claim 182, characterized in that three outer electrodes distributed uniformly in a circle are added to each permutation assembly of a central electrode. 184.- Device according to claim 182, characterized in that an even number of permutator assemblies each comprising four rolling contact devices are combined in the polyphase assemblies of full path permutators, the central rolling electrodes of a group being connected to the positive direct current conductor, and the central rolling electrodes of the other group to the negative direct current conductor, by means of sockets. 185.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 184, cara.ctérisé by several rolling electrodes of different diameters. the speeds being determined in such a way that the peripheral speed is the same at the points of contact. 186.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 185, characterized in that the diameter, the conformation, the choice of the material of manufacture and the cooling of the rolling electrodes are determined as a function of the polarity. 187.- Device according to claim 182, characterized in that the individual rolling contacts are subdivided into parallel contacts in order to be able to use high currents. 188.- Device according to claim 187, characterized in that the parallel contacts conduct approximately the same intensity by virtue of the reaction coils. 189.- Device according to claim 187, characterized in that the parallel contacts conduct approximately the same intensity, being connected to different windings of transformers. 190.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 189, characterized by mercury clusters serving to collect the current on the rolling electrodes. 191. - Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 190, characterized by continuously rolling contact rollers and <Desc / Clms Page number 50> used to sense the current on the bearing electrodes. 192.0- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 191, characterized in that intermittent rolling contacts are connected to members maintaining a small value. The current at the time of separation of the contacts, as well as the return voltage , so that the arcs of separation are null or harmless 1930- Device according to claim 192, characterized by rolling contacts which are mounted in series with reaction coils forcing pauses during which the current is low. 1940- Device according to claim 192, characterized in that the rolling contacts are connected in series with a winding in which is produced an induced voltage eliminating the arcs which occur during the separation of the contacts or keeping them very small. 195.- Device according to one or more of claims 54 to 193, characterized by several sectors with variable relative position during operation, to cause the establishment and separation of contacts even in the event of variation of the electrical speed quantities during time period during which the current is low. In annex 14 drawings.