EP0037765A1 - Circuit interrupter with an arc rotated by a permanent magnet - Google Patents

Circuit interrupter with an arc rotated by a permanent magnet Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0037765A1
EP0037765A1 EP81400459A EP81400459A EP0037765A1 EP 0037765 A1 EP0037765 A1 EP 0037765A1 EP 81400459 A EP81400459 A EP 81400459A EP 81400459 A EP81400459 A EP 81400459A EP 0037765 A1 EP0037765 A1 EP 0037765A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
permanent magnet
arc
annular
switch according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP81400459A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0037765B1 (en
Inventor
Georges Bernard
Serge Olive
Francesco Scarponi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Merlin Gerin SA
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Merlin Gerin SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Merlin Gerin SA filed Critical Merlin Gerin SA
Publication of EP0037765A1 publication Critical patent/EP0037765A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0037765B1 publication Critical patent/EP0037765B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/04—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H33/18—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet
    • H01H33/182—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet using permanent magnets

Definitions

  • the present invention aims to allow the realization of a permanent magnet switch ensuring an energetic blowing of the arc without risk of demagnetization of the magnet.
  • the switch according to the invention is characterized in that the permanent magnet is attached to the rear face of the annular electrode and has a combined central recess of the central orifice of the annular electrode, so as to prevent the 'hooking of the arc on the central part of the magnet and to maintain the arc in the annular zone of maximum intensity of the magnetic blowing field.
  • the magnet By placing the magnet in the immediate vicinity of the annular electrode forming the migration path of the arc root and inside the contact, the magnet generates an intense blowing field in the arc zone while being sheltered from any demagnetizing field generated by the currents flowing through the contact which externally surrounds the magnet.
  • the central recess of the annular electrode and of the permanent magnet prevents any catching of the arc on the central part of the contact in the zone of zero field.
  • there remains no metal part capable of attracting the arc there remains no metal part capable of attracting the arc, and the latter is maintained on the annular tracks in the zone of maximum blowing without making use of insulating coatings subjected to the action. of the arc.
  • the permanent magnet can be shaped as a solid cylinder with axial magnetization having a central blind recess, or according to another embodiment as a torus with radial magnetization.
  • An insulating layer separates the permanent magnet from the contact that surrounds it so as to electrically and thermally insulate lie the magnet.
  • the central recess of the magnet is covered with a metal screen protecting the magnet, while the opposite rear face of the magnet is in thermal contact with a metal piece of heat removal to prevent any excessive heating of the magnet.
  • This metal part can be arranged in a magnetic bolt for strengthening and optimal orientation of the lines of force of the magnetic blowing field.
  • the envelope is filled with an electronegative gas such as sulfur hexafluoride and according to an important development of the invention, the magnetic blowing of the arc is combined with a pneumatic blowing obtained by a subdivision of the volume of the envelope in two chambers, one of which contains the separable contacts and the other of which constitutes an exhaust volume of the gases compressed by the action of the arc, the communication between the two chambers being arranged as a pneumatic blowing nozzle of the arc.
  • This communication can be constituted by the tubular movable contact passing through the partition separating the two chambers.
  • the internal space of the tubular contact communicates with the two chambers respectively by radial orifices and by the open end forming the contact surface.
  • an insulating casing 10 of cylindrical shape is closed at its ends by bottoms 12, 14, the casing being filled with an electronegative gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride, advantageously under pressure.
  • an electronegative gas such as sulfur hexafluoride
  • Inside the envelope 10 are axially disposed a fixed contact, designated by the general reference 16, and a movable contact 18,. mounted for axial sliding and secured to a control rod 20, which crosses the bottom 14 in a sealed manner.
  • An internal partition 22 subdivides the internal volume of the casing 10 into two chambers 24 and 26, the movable contact 18 passing through the partition 22.
  • the chamber 24 constitutes the switch-off chamber in which the contacts 16, 18 are arranged, while the chamber 26 constitutes an exhaust volume of the gases compressed by the action of the arc drawn in the chamber 24.
  • the movable tubular contact 18 constitutes a communication between the chambers 24, 26, the internal volume 28 of the tubular contact communicating on the one hand by radial orifices 30 with the chamber 26, and by the open end 32 with the chamber 24.
  • the annular edge 34 of the movable contact 18 constitutes the annular contact surface cooperating by abutment in the closed position of the switch with the fixed contact 16.
  • the edge 34 constitutes an annular track for migration of the drawn arc root between the separate contacts 16, 18.
  • the fixed contact 16 in the form of a hollow cylinder with a diameter equivalent to that of the movable contact 18 has on its flat face opposite the movable contact 18 an annular electrode or contact surface 36 cooperating in the closed position with the conjugate annular surface 34
  • a permanent magnet 38 in the form of a cylinder the bottom of which is attached to the rear face of the annular electrode 36.
  • the permanent magnet 38 with axial magnetization present in its part central opposite the orifice of the annular electrode 36 a recess or blind hole 40.
  • a metal screen 42 covers the wall of the recess 40 and is connected to the circular edges of the electrode 36.
  • the face of the magnet 38 opposite the movable contact 18 is covered on its outer periphery by the annular electrode 36 and on its central part by the metal screen 42.
  • the fixed contact 16 is attached and fixed to the bottom 12 of the casing 10, which is crossed by a terminal 44 for supplying the current.
  • the permanent magnet 38 is electrically and thermally insulated from the fixed contact 16 by an insulating layer 46 covering on the one hand the cylindrical surface of the magnet 38 and on the other hand the flat face attached to the electrode 36..11 is clear that the current flowing through the fixed contact 16 remains confined in the external cylindrical part of the contact 16 and does not generate any magnetic field inside the contact capable of demagnetizing the permanent magnet 18.
  • the rear face of the permanent magnet 38 is attached to a magnetic carcass 48 which facilitates the cooling by thermal conduction of the magnet 38.
  • the presence of the carcass 48 increases the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 38 and this carcass 48 is advantageously extended by a crown 50 external of the contact 16.
  • FIG. 1 on which the lines of force 51 of the magnet 38, are shown. it can be seen that the part 50 of the carcass 48 modifies the orientation of the lines of force, so as to orient the latter substantially horizontally in the figure in the separation zone of the contacts 16, 18.
  • the contacts 16, 18 are made of a material non-magnetic.
  • the permanent magnet 38, 52 can be a ferrite magnet or a metallic magnet or any other suitable type and the insulating layer 46, interposed between the magnet and the contact, can be based on polytetrafluoroethylene.
  • the assembly is particularly simple and does not require a large operating force. None of the parts are subjected to electrodynamic forces of repulsion which pose serious problems in rotary arc switches using the blow coils.

Abstract

L'invention est relative à un interrupteur à arc tournant utilisant un aimant permanent (38) de soufflage magnétique de l'arc. L'aimant permanent est logé à l'intérieur du contact fixe (16) en étant isolé électriquement et thermiquement de ce dernier par une couche isolante (46). L'aimant permanent (38) est accolé à la surface annulaire de contact (36) à proximité immédiate de la zone de coupure et il présente un évidement (40) conjugué à l'ouverture central de la surface annulaire (36). Le soufflage magnétique est avantageusement combiné à un soufflage pneumatique par échappement des gaz chauffés vers une chambre (26) d'expansion.The invention relates to a rotary arc switch using a permanent magnet (38) for magnetic arc blowing. The permanent magnet is housed inside the fixed contact (16) while being electrically and thermally isolated from the latter by an insulating layer (46). The permanent magnet (38) is attached to the annular contact surface (36) in the immediate vicinity of the cutting zone and it has a recess (40) combined with the central opening of the annular surface (36). The magnetic blowing is advantageously combined with a pneumatic blowing by escaping the heated gases towards an expansion chamber (26).

Description

L'invention est relative à un interrupteur à arc tournant comprenant :

  • - une enveloppe étanche remplie d'un gaz à rigidité diélectrique élevée,
  • - une paire de contacts logés dans ladite enveloppe et ayant des surfaces annulaires de contact, aboutées en position de fermeture, lesdits contacts étant séparables par un mouvement relatif dans une direction perpendiculaire aux surfaces annulaires de contact,
  • - un logement cylindrique ménagé à l'intérieur de l'un des contacts,
  • - une électrode annulaire coiffant le rebord du fond du logement cylindrique en regard de l'autre contact et ayant une face antérieure constituant la surface annulaire du contact associée
  • - un aimant permanent logé dans ledit logement pour engendrer un champ magnétique dans la zone annulaire de séparation des contacts et imposer une rotation de l'arc tiré entre les contacts séparés sur lesdites surfaces annulaires.
The invention relates to a rotary arc switch comprising:
  • - a sealed envelope filled with a gas with high dielectric strength,
  • a pair of contacts housed in said envelope and having annular contact surfaces, abutted in the closed position, said contacts being separable by a relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the annular contact surfaces,
  • - a cylindrical housing arranged inside one of the contacts,
  • an annular electrode covering the edge of the bottom of the cylindrical housing opposite the other contact and having an anterior face constituting the annular surface of the associated contact
  • - A permanent magnet housed in said housing to generate a magnetic field in the annular contact separation zone and to impose a rotation of the arc drawn between the separated contacts on said annular surfaces.

On connaît les avantages des interrupteurs à arc tournant, notamment la force réduite de commande et l'érosion limitée des contacts et des interrupteurs à bobine de soufflage de l'arc ont déjà été réalisés et donnent satisfaction. Ces interrupteurs connus comprennent des dispositifs de mise en circuit de la bobine lors de l'apparition de l'arc, généralement à électrode de commutation ce qui complique l'agencement des contacts de l'appareil. La commutation s'effectue avec un certain retard et il subsiste toujours le risque d'une migration de l'arc mettant hors circuit la bobine et handicapant la coupure.The advantages of rotating arc switches are known, in particular the reduced control force and the limited erosion of the contacts and of arc blow coil switches have already been achieved and are satisfactory. These known switches include devices for circuiting the coil when the arc appears, generally with a switching electrode, which complicates the arrangement of the contacts of the device. Switching takes place with a certain delay and there is always the risk of a migration of the arc putting the coil out of circuit and handicapping the breaking.

L'emploi d'aimants permanents de soufflage de l'arc permet de remédier à ces inconvénients, mais l'intensité du champ magnétique de soufflage et par conséquence le pouvoir de coupure sont limités. Il n'est donc pas étonnant qu'aucun de ces interrupteurs ne se soit imposé malgré leur simplicité et leur faible coût.The use of permanent arc blowing magnets overcomes these drawbacks, but the intensity of the magnetic blowing field and consequently the breaking capacity are limited. It is therefore not surprising that no of these switches is not imposed despite their simplicity and low cost.

La présente invention a pour but de permettre la réalisation d'un interrupteur à aimant permanent assurant un soufflage énergique de l'arc sans risque de désaimantation de l'aimant.The present invention aims to allow the realization of a permanent magnet switch ensuring an energetic blowing of the arc without risk of demagnetization of the magnet.

L'interrupteur selon L'invention est caractérisé par le fait que l'aimant permanent est accolé à la face postérieure de l'électrode annulaire et présente un évidement central conjugué de l'orifice central de l'électrode annulaire, de manière à empêcher l'accrochage de l'arc sur la partie centrale de l'aimant et à maintenir l'arc dans la zone annulaire d'intensité maximale du champ magnétique de soufflage.The switch according to the invention is characterized in that the permanent magnet is attached to the rear face of the annular electrode and has a combined central recess of the central orifice of the annular electrode, so as to prevent the 'hooking of the arc on the central part of the magnet and to maintain the arc in the annular zone of maximum intensity of the magnetic blowing field.

En disposant l'aimant à proximité immédiate de l'électrode annulaire formant la piste de migration de la racine d'arc et à l'intérieur du contact, l'aimant engendre un champ intense de soufflage dans 1a zone d'arc tout en étant à l'abri de tout champ démagnétisant engendré par les courants parcourant le contact qui entoure extérieurement l'aimant. L'évidement central de l'électrode annulaire et de l'aimant permanent évite tout accrochage de l'arc sur la partie centrale du contact dans la zone de champ nul. Dans l'intervalle de coupure délimité par les contacts il ne subsiste aucune pièce métallique susceptible d'attirer l'arc, et ce dernier est maintenu sur les pistes annulaires dans la zone de soufflage maximal sans faire usage de revêtements isolants soumis à l'action de l'arc.By placing the magnet in the immediate vicinity of the annular electrode forming the migration path of the arc root and inside the contact, the magnet generates an intense blowing field in the arc zone while being sheltered from any demagnetizing field generated by the currents flowing through the contact which externally surrounds the magnet. The central recess of the annular electrode and of the permanent magnet prevents any catching of the arc on the central part of the contact in the zone of zero field. In the cut-off interval delimited by the contacts, there remains no metal part capable of attracting the arc, and the latter is maintained on the annular tracks in the zone of maximum blowing without making use of insulating coatings subjected to the action. of the arc.

L'aimant permanent peut être conformé, selon l'un des modes de réalisation de l'invention, en cylindre plein à aimantation axiale présentant un évidement central borgne, ou selon un autre mode de réalisation en tore à aimantation radiale.According to one of the embodiments of the invention, the permanent magnet can be shaped as a solid cylinder with axial magnetization having a central blind recess, or according to another embodiment as a torus with radial magnetization.

Une couche isolante sépare l'aimant permanent du contact qui l'entoure de façon à isoler électriquement et thermiquement l'aimant. L'évidement central de l'aimant est recou- vert d'un écran métallique de protection de l'aimant, tandis que la face opposée arrière de l'aimant est en contact thermique avec une pièce métallique d'évacuation des calories pour éviter tout échauffement excessif de l'aimant. Cette pièce métallique peut être agencée en culasse magnétique de renforcement et d'orientation optimale des lignes de force du champ magnétique de soufflage.An insulating layer separates the permanent magnet from the contact that surrounds it so as to electrically and thermally insulate lie the magnet. The central recess of the magnet is covered with a metal screen protecting the magnet, while the opposite rear face of the magnet is in thermal contact with a metal piece of heat removal to prevent any excessive heating of the magnet. This metal part can be arranged in a magnetic bolt for strengthening and optimal orientation of the lines of force of the magnetic blowing field.

L'enveloppe est remplie d'un gaz électronégatif tel que l'hexafluorure de soufre et selon un développement important de l'invention, le soufflage magnétique de l'arc est combiné à un soufflage pneumatique obtenu par une subdivision du volume de l'enveloppe en deux chambres, dont l'une contient les contacts séparables et dont l'autre constitue un volume d'échappement des gaz comprimés par l'action de l'arc, la-communication entre-les deux chambres étant agencée en buse de soufflage pneumatique de l'arc. Cette communication peut être constituée par le contact mobile tubulaire traversant la cloison de séparation des deux chambres. L'espace interne du contact tubulaire communique avec les deux chambres respectivement par des orifices radiaux et par l'extrémité ouverte formant la surface de contact.The envelope is filled with an electronegative gas such as sulfur hexafluoride and according to an important development of the invention, the magnetic blowing of the arc is combined with a pneumatic blowing obtained by a subdivision of the volume of the envelope in two chambers, one of which contains the separable contacts and the other of which constitutes an exhaust volume of the gases compressed by the action of the arc, the communication between the two chambers being arranged as a pneumatic blowing nozzle of the arc. This communication can be constituted by the tubular movable contact passing through the partition separating the two chambers. The internal space of the tubular contact communicates with the two chambers respectively by radial orifices and by the open end forming the contact surface.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre de deux modes de mise en oeuvre, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs et représentés au dessin annexé, dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un interrupteur selon l'invention, représenté en position ouvert;
  • la figure 2 est une vue partielle, analogue à celle de la figure 1, d'une variante de réalisation.
Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of two modes of implementation, given by way of nonlimiting examples and represented in the appended drawing, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a switch according to the invention, shown in the open position;
  • Figure 2 is a partial view, similar to that of Figure 1, of an alternative embodiment.

Sur les figures, une enveloppe isolante 10 de forme cylindrique est obturée à ses extrémités par des fonds 12, 14, l'enveloppe étant remplie d'un gaz électronégatif, tel que l'hexafluorure de soufre, avantageusement sous pression. A l'intérieur de l'enveloppe 10 sont disposés axialement un contact fixe, désigné par le repère général 16, et un contact mobile 18,. monté à coulissement axial et solidarisé à une tige de commande 20, qui traverse d'une manière étanche le fond 14.. Une cloison interne 22 subdivise le volume interne de l'enveloppe 10 en deux chambres 24 et 26, le contact mobile 18 traversant la cloison 22. La chambre 24 constitue la chambre de coupure de l'interrupteur dans laquelle sont disposés les contacts 16, 18, tandis que la chambre 26 constitue un volume d'échappement des gaz comprimés par l'action de l'arc tiré dans la chambre 24. Le contact mobile tubulaire 18 constitue une communication entre les chambres 24, 26, le volume interne 28 du contact tubulaire communiquant d'une part par des orifices radiaux 30 avec la chambre 26, et par l'extrémité ouverte 32 avec la chambre 24. Le bord annulaire 34 du contact mobile 18 constitue la surface annulaire de contact coopérant par aboutement en position de fermeture de l'interrupteur avec le contact fixe 16. Le bord 34 constitue une piste annulaire de migration de la racine d'arc tiré entre les contacts séparés 16, 18.In the figures, an insulating casing 10 of cylindrical shape is closed at its ends by bottoms 12, 14, the casing being filled with an electronegative gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride, advantageously under pressure. Inside the envelope 10 are axially disposed a fixed contact, designated by the general reference 16, and a movable contact 18,. mounted for axial sliding and secured to a control rod 20, which crosses the bottom 14 in a sealed manner. An internal partition 22 subdivides the internal volume of the casing 10 into two chambers 24 and 26, the movable contact 18 passing through the partition 22. The chamber 24 constitutes the switch-off chamber in which the contacts 16, 18 are arranged, while the chamber 26 constitutes an exhaust volume of the gases compressed by the action of the arc drawn in the chamber 24. The movable tubular contact 18 constitutes a communication between the chambers 24, 26, the internal volume 28 of the tubular contact communicating on the one hand by radial orifices 30 with the chamber 26, and by the open end 32 with the chamber 24. The annular edge 34 of the movable contact 18 constitutes the annular contact surface cooperating by abutment in the closed position of the switch with the fixed contact 16. The edge 34 constitutes an annular track for migration of the drawn arc root between the separate contacts 16, 18.

Le contact fixe 16 en forme de cylindre creux d'un diamètre équivalent à celui du contact mobile 18 présente sur sa face plane en regard du contact mobile 18 une électrode ou surface annulaire 36 de contact coopérant en position de fermeture avec la surface annulaire conjuguée 34. A l'intérieur du cylindre creux formant le contact 16 est disposé un aimant permanent 38 en forme de cylindre dont le fond est accolé à la face postérieure de l'électrode annulaire 36. L'aimant permanent 38 à aimantation axiale présente dans sa partie centrale en regard de l'orifice de l'électrode annulaire 36 un évidement ou trou borgne 40. Un écran métallique 42 recouvre la.paroi de l'évidement 40 et se raccorde aux bords circulaires de l'électrode 36. Il est facile de voir que la face de l'aimant 38 en regard du contact mobile 18 est recouverte sur son pourtour externe par l'électrode annulaire 36 et sur sa partie centrale par l'écran métallique 42. Le contact fixe 16 est accolé et fixé au fond 12 de l'enveloppe 10, lequel est traversé par une borne 44 d'amenée du courant. L'aimant permanent 38 est isolé électriquement et thermiquement du contact fixe 16 par une couche isolante 46 recouvrant d'une part la surface cylindrique de l'aimant 38 et d'autre part la face plane accolée à l'électrode 36..11 est clair que le courant parcourant le contact fixe 16 reste confiné dans la partie cylindrique externe du contact 16 et n'engendre aucun champ magnétique à l'intérieur du contact susceptible de démagnétiser l'aimant permanent 18. La face postérieure de l'aimant permanent 38 est accolée à une carcasse magnétique 48 qui facilite le refroidissement par conduction thermique de l'aimant 38. La présence de la carcasse 48 accroit l'intensité- du champ magnétique engendrée par l'aimant 38 et cette carcasse 48 se prolonge avantageusement par une couronne 50 externe du contact 16. En se référant plus particulièrement à la figure 1, sur laquelle sont représentées les lignes de force 51 de l'aimant 38,. on voit que la partie 50 de la carcasse 48 modifie l'orientation des lignes de force, de manière à orienter ces dernières sensiblement horizontalement sur la figure dans la zone de séparation des contacts 16, 18. Les contacts 16, 18 sont en un matériau amagnétique.The fixed contact 16 in the form of a hollow cylinder with a diameter equivalent to that of the movable contact 18 has on its flat face opposite the movable contact 18 an annular electrode or contact surface 36 cooperating in the closed position with the conjugate annular surface 34 Inside the hollow cylinder forming the contact 16 is disposed a permanent magnet 38 in the form of a cylinder, the bottom of which is attached to the rear face of the annular electrode 36. The permanent magnet 38 with axial magnetization present in its part central opposite the orifice of the annular electrode 36 a recess or blind hole 40. A metal screen 42 covers the wall of the recess 40 and is connected to the circular edges of the electrode 36. It is easy to see that the face of the magnet 38 opposite the movable contact 18 is covered on its outer periphery by the annular electrode 36 and on its central part by the metal screen 42. The fixed contact 16 is attached and fixed to the bottom 12 of the casing 10, which is crossed by a terminal 44 for supplying the current. The permanent magnet 38 is electrically and thermally insulated from the fixed contact 16 by an insulating layer 46 covering on the one hand the cylindrical surface of the magnet 38 and on the other hand the flat face attached to the electrode 36..11 is clear that the current flowing through the fixed contact 16 remains confined in the external cylindrical part of the contact 16 and does not generate any magnetic field inside the contact capable of demagnetizing the permanent magnet 18. The rear face of the permanent magnet 38 is attached to a magnetic carcass 48 which facilitates the cooling by thermal conduction of the magnet 38. The presence of the carcass 48 increases the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 38 and this carcass 48 is advantageously extended by a crown 50 external of the contact 16. With particular reference to FIG. 1, on which the lines of force 51 of the magnet 38, are shown. it can be seen that the part 50 of the carcass 48 modifies the orientation of the lines of force, so as to orient the latter substantially horizontally in the figure in the separation zone of the contacts 16, 18. The contacts 16, 18 are made of a material non-magnetic.

L'interrupteur selon l'invention fonctionne de la manière suivante :

  • En position fermée de l'interrupteur, le courant passe du contact fixe 16 vers le contact mobile 18 par les surfaces annulaires de contact aboutées 34, 36 d'une manière bien connue des spécialistes. Le courant parcourant les contacts 16, 18 ne traverse pas l'aimant permanent 38 et n'engendre aucun champ magnétique susceptible de démagnétiser l'aimant logé à l'intérieur du contact fixe 16. L'aimant 38 engendre un champ magnétique présent en permanence. L'ouverture des contacts par coulissement vers le bas sur la figure du contact mobile 18 provoque une séparation des surfaces annulaires de contact 34, 36 et l'arc tiré entre les surfaces annulaires 34, 36 s'étend sensiblement dans la direction axiale de l'interrupteur. Le champ magnétique de l'aimant 38, qui est présent dès l'apparition de l'arc, provoque. la rotation de l'arc sur les pistes annulaires formées par les surfaces de contact 34, 36 et l'extinction rapide de l'arc d'une manière bien connue. Il convient de noter que l'arc est maintenu sur les pistes annulaires 34, 36 du fait de l'absence de toute autre pièce métallique dans cette zone. L'écran 42 protège l'aimant 38 de l'action de l'arc, notamment des gaz ionisés chauds. Aucune pièce isolante n'est présente dans la zone de coupure. L'extinction de l'arc est favorisée par l'écoulement gazeux s'échappant par le contact tubulaire 18 vers la chambre 26. Il est à noter que la présence de L'évidement 40 permet une disposition de l'aimant permanent 38 à proximité immédiate de la zone de coupure, l'intensité du champ magnétique de soufflage étant de plus accrue par la carcasse 48, 50. Malgré cette disposition de l'aimant permanent à proximité de la zone de coupure cet aimant est parfaitement protégé d'une part par l'écran métallique 42 et d'autre part par la couche isolante 46 de séparation du contact fixe 16. La carcasse 48 constitue un radiateur d'évacuation de calories évitant tout échauffement excessif de l'aimant 38 et ce dernier, logé à l'intérieur du contact 16, est à l'abri de tout champ de démagnétisation. La combinaison des particularités selon l'invention permet la réalisation d'un interrupteur fiable susceptible d'être utilisé pour la coupure de courants importants de moyenne tension. La figure 2 illustre une variante de réalisation dans laquelle les mêmes numéros de repère sont utilisés pour désigner des pièces identiques ou analogues à celles de la figure 1. Dans la variante selon la figure 2, l'aimant permanent 52, logé à l'intérieur du contact fixe 16, est en forme de tore dont le diamètre de l'ouverture centrale 54 correspond sensiblement au diamètre du trou central de l'électrode annulaire 36. Le tore est aimanté radialement et il est facile de voir que les lignes de force 51t schématiquement représentées sur la figure 2, présentent une configuration voisine de celle obtenue par l'aimant cylindrique plein 38 dans la variante selon la figure 1. La carcasse 48 est supprimée et l'écran 42 est transformé en un écran en forme de virole 56 gainant intérieurement le tore 52. La partie cylindrique du contact 16 peut être en un matériau ferromagnétique diminuant la réluctance du circuit magnétique. La forme tubulaire de l'aimant permanent 52 autorise un échappement des gaz à travers le contact fixe 16 et un double soufflage de l'arc. Il est inutile de décrire le fonctionnement de cette variante de réalisation, fonctionnement absolument identique à celui décrit ci- dessus.
The switch according to the invention operates as follows:
  • In the closed position of the switch, the current flows from the fixed contact 16 to the movable contact 18 through the annular abutting contact surfaces 34, 36 in a manner well known to specialists. The current flowing through the contacts 16, 18 does not pass through the permanent magnet 38 and does not generate any magnetic field capable of demagnetizing the magnet housed inside the fixed contact 16. The magnet 38 generates a magnetic field which is permanently present . The opening of sliding contacts in the figure of the movable contact 18 causes separation of the annular contact surfaces 34, 36 and the arc drawn between the annular surfaces 34, 36 extends substantially in the axial direction of the switch. The magnetic field of the magnet 38, which is present from the appearance of the arc, causes. the rotation of the arc on the annular tracks formed by the contact surfaces 34, 36 and the rapid extinction of the arc in a well known manner. It should be noted that the arc is maintained on the annular tracks 34, 36 due to the absence of any other metallic part in this zone. The screen 42 protects the magnet 38 from the action of the arc, in particular from hot ionized gases. No insulating part is present in the cut-off zone. The extinction of the arc is favored by the gas flow escaping through the tubular contact 18 towards the chamber 26. It should be noted that the presence of the recess 40 allows an arrangement of the permanent magnet 38 nearby. immediate of the cut-off zone, the intensity of the magnetic blowing field being further increased by the casing 48, 50. Despite this arrangement of the permanent magnet near the cut-off zone this magnet is perfectly protected on the one hand by the metal screen 42 and on the other hand by the insulating layer 46 for separating the fixed contact 16. The carcass 48 constitutes a heat dissipation radiator preventing any excessive heating of the magnet 38 and the latter, housed at the inside the contact 16, is protected from any demagnetization field. The combination of the features according to the invention allows the production of a reliable switch capable of being used for breaking large currents of medium voltage. FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the same reference numbers are used to designate parts identical or similar to those of FIG. 1. In the alternative according to FIG. 2, the permanent magnet 52, housed inside of the fixed contact 16, is in the form of a torus whose diameter of the central opening 54 corresponds approximately to the diameter of the central hole of the annular electrode 36. The torus is magnetized radially and it is easy to see that the lines of force 51 t schematically represented in FIG. 2, have a configuration close to that obtained by the magnet full cylindrical 38 in the variant according to FIG. 1. The carcass 48 is eliminated and the screen 42 is transformed into a screen in the form of a ferrule 56 internally covering the torus 52. The cylindrical part of the contact 16 can be made of a decreasing ferromagnetic material the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. The tubular shape of the permanent magnet 52 allows an escape of gases through the fixed contact 16 and a double blowing of the arc. It is unnecessary to describe the operation of this alternative embodiment, operation absolutely identical to that described above.

L'aimant permanent 38, 52 peut être un aimant en ferrite ou un aimant métallique ou tout autre type approprié et la couche isolante 46, intercalée entre l'aimant et le contact, peut être a base de polytétrafluoréthylène. L'ensemble est particulièrement simple et ne nécessite pas une force de commande importante. Aucune des pièces n'est soumise à des forces électrodynamiques de répulsion qui posent des problèmes sérieux dans les interrupteurs à arc tournant utilisant les bobines de soufflage.The permanent magnet 38, 52 can be a ferrite magnet or a metallic magnet or any other suitable type and the insulating layer 46, interposed between the magnet and the contact, can be based on polytetrafluoroethylene. The assembly is particularly simple and does not require a large operating force. None of the parts are subjected to electrodynamic forces of repulsion which pose serious problems in rotary arc switches using the blow coils.

L'invention n'est bien entendu nullement limitée aux modes de mise en oeuvre plus particulièrement décrits.The invention is of course in no way limited to the embodiments more particularly described.

Claims (10)

1. Interrupteur à arc tournant comprenant : - une enveloppe étanche (10) remplie d'un gaz à rigidité diélectrique élevée, - une paire de contacts (16, 18) logés dans ladite enveloppe et ayant des surfaces annulaires (34, 36) de contact aboutées en position de fermeture, lesdits contacts étant séparables par un mouvement relatif dans une direction perpendiculaire aux surfaces annulaires de contact, - un logement cylindrique ménagé à l'intérieur de l'un des contacts (16), - une électrode annulaire (36) coiffant le rebord du fond du logement cylindrique en regard de l'autre contact (18) et ayant une face antérieure constituant la surface annulaire du contact associé, - un aimant permanent (38) logé dans ledit logement pour engendrer un champ magnétique dans la zone annulaire de séparation des contacts et imposer une rotation de l'arc tiré entre les contacts séparés sur lesdites surfaces annulaires (34, 36), caractérisé par le fait que l'aimant permanent (38) est accolé à la face postérieure de l'électrode annulaire (36) et présente un évidement central (40) conjugué de l'orifice central de l'électrode annulaire (36), de manière à empêcher l'accrochage de l'arc sur la partie centrale de l'aimant et à maintenir l'arc dans la zone annulaire d'intensité maximale du champ magnétique de soufflage. 1. Rotating arc switch comprising: - a sealed envelope (10) filled with a gas with high dielectric strength, - a pair of contacts (16, 18) housed in said envelope and having annular contact surfaces (34, 36) abutted in the closed position, said contacts being separable by a relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the annular contact surfaces, - a cylindrical housing formed inside one of the contacts (16), - an annular electrode (36) covering the edge of the bottom of the cylindrical housing opposite the other contact (18) and having a front face constituting the annular surface of the associated contact, - a permanent magnet (38) housed in said housing to generate a magnetic field in the annular contact separation zone and to impose a rotation of the arc drawn between the separated contacts on said annular surfaces (34, 36), characterized by the causes the permanent magnet (38) to be attached to the rear face of the annular electrode (36) and has a central recess (40) conjugated with the central orifice of the annular electrode (36), so as to prevent the attachment of the arc on the central part of the magnet and to maintain the arc in the annular zone of maximum intensity of the magnetic blowing field. 2. Interrupteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit aimant permanent (38) en forme de cylindre plein présente sur sa face plane accolée à l'électrode annulaire (36) un trou borgne (40) central constituant ledit évidement et que les faces polaires dudit aimant sont constituées par les faces planes d'extrémité du cylindre.2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that said permanent magnet (38) in the shape of a solid cylinder has on its flat face contiguous to the annular electrode (36) a blind hole (40) central constituting said recess and that the polar faces of said magnet are formed by the flat end faces of the cylinder. 3. Interrupteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit aimant permanent (38) est en forme de tore aimanté radialement.3. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that said permanent magnet (38) is in the form of a radially magnetized torus. 4. Interrupteur selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit trou borgne (40) est revêtu d'un écran conducteur (42) de protection de l'aimant permanent (38) de l'action de l'arc.4. Switch according to claim 2, characterized in that said blind hole (40) is coated with a conductive screen (42) for protecting the permanent magnet (38) from the action of the arc. 5. Interrupteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par une couche isolante (46) de séparation de l'aimant permanent (38) du contact (16) associé pour isoler thermiquement et électriquement ledit aimant permanent.5. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an insulating layer (46) for separating the permanent magnet (38) from the contact (16) associated for thermally and electrically isolating said permanent magnet. 6. Interrupteur selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la face postérieure de l'aimant permanent est en bon contact thermique d'une carcasse (48) d'évacuation de calories.6. Switch according to claim 5, characterized in that the rear face of the permanent magnet is in good thermal contact with a carcass (48) for removing calories. 7. Interrupteur selon la revendication 1 ou 6, caractérisé par une carcasse (48) disposée à l'arrière de l'aimant permanent (38) pour renforcer le champ magnétique de soufflage, ladite carcasse (48) se prolongeant à l'extérieur du contact (16) pour donner un spectre optimal du champ dans la zone de séparation des contacts.7. Switch according to claim 1 or 6, characterized by a carcass (48) disposed at the rear of the permanent magnet (38) to strengthen the magnetic blowing field, said carcass (48) extending outside the contact (16) to give an optimal spectrum of the field in the contact separation zone. 8. Interrupteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par une cloison interne (22) de subdivision de ladite enveloppe en deux chambres (24, 26) et une buse de soufflage (28) faisant communiquer lesdites deux chambres pour permettre un échappement des gaz comprimés par l'action de l'arc tiré dans l'une des chambres (24) vers l'autre chambre (26).8. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an internal partition (22) of subdivision of said envelope into two chambers (24, 26) and a blowing nozzle (28) making said two chambers communicate to allow an escape gases compressed by the action of the arc drawn in one of the chambers (24) towards the other chamber (26). 9. Interrupteur selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que la buse est constituée par le contact tubulaire (18) traversant ladite cloison (22) et coopérant par aboutement en position fermée avec ledit un contact (16) entourant l'aimant permanent. 9 . Switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the nozzle is constituted by the tubular contact (18) passing through said partition (22) and cooperating by abutment in the closed position with said contact (16) surrounding the permanent magnet. 10. Interrupteur selon les revendications 2 et 8, caractérisé en ce que l'aimant permanent. (52) et le contact fixe (16) associé sont de forme tubulaire, et que le contact fixe (16) coopère avec un contact mobile tubulaire (18), l'ensemble étant agencé pour permettre un double soufflage pneumatique de l'arc tiré entre les contacts. (16, 18).10. Switch according to claims 2 and 8, characterized in that the permanent magnet. (52) and the associated fixed contact (16) are of tubular shape, and that the fixed contact (16) cooperates with a movable tubular contact (18), the assembly being arranged to allow a double pneumatic blowing of the drawn arc between contacts. (16, 18).
EP81400459A 1980-04-04 1981-03-24 Circuit interrupter with an arc rotated by a permanent magnet Expired EP0037765B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8007904A FR2480028A1 (en) 1980-04-04 1980-04-04 SWITCH WITH A ROTATING ARC BY ACTION OF A PERMANENT MAGNET
FR8007904 1980-04-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0037765A1 true EP0037765A1 (en) 1981-10-14
EP0037765B1 EP0037765B1 (en) 1984-08-01

Family

ID=9240661

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP81400459A Expired EP0037765B1 (en) 1980-04-04 1981-03-24 Circuit interrupter with an arc rotated by a permanent magnet

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4424428A (en)
EP (1) EP0037765B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5761223A (en)
CA (1) CA1154481A (en)
DE (1) DE3165171D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2480028A1 (en)
IN (1) IN154156B (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2515418A1 (en) * 1981-10-26 1983-04-29 Merlin Gerin SELF-EXPANSION AND PERMANENT MAGNET SWITCH
FR2526998A1 (en) * 1982-05-13 1983-11-18 Merlin Gerin ROTATING ARC SWITCH AND PERMANENT MAGNET
FR2824182A1 (en) * 2001-04-26 2002-10-31 Alstom Off axis diverted flux permanent magnet circuit breaker having permanent magnet thermal expansion chamber held and magnetic diversion circuit formed with additional annular poles side fixed/moving contacts formed.

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2679499B2 (en) * 1991-12-27 1997-11-19 三菱電機株式会社 Circuit breaker and switch operating mechanism
US6064024A (en) * 1999-06-25 2000-05-16 Eaton Corporation Magnetic enhanced arc extinguisher for switching assemblies having rotatable permanent magnets in housings mounted to fixed contacts
JP2012038684A (en) * 2010-08-11 2012-02-23 Fuji Electric Fa Components & Systems Co Ltd Contact device and electromagnetic switch using the same
JP6044378B2 (en) * 2013-02-13 2016-12-14 オムロン株式会社 Switching device
JP2023552893A (en) * 2021-02-26 2023-12-19 シァメン ホンファ エレクトリック パワー コントロールズ カンパニー リミテッド High voltage DC relay with permanent magnet arc extinction

Citations (8)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1042344A (en) * 1950-11-10 1953-10-30 Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Ag Electrical contact for extinguishing a breaking arc by electromagnet
DE967984C (en) * 1951-02-27 1958-01-02 Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Ag Switching contact with magnetic blowing
FR1171319A (en) * 1956-07-10 1959-01-23 C K D Modrany Electric switch with extinguishing chamber
FR1257305A (en) * 1959-04-30 1961-03-31 Thomson Houston Comp Francaise Vacuum switch
US3082307A (en) * 1959-04-30 1963-03-19 Gen Electric Vacuum type circuit interrupter
DE1236628B (en) * 1961-05-17 1967-03-16 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Electrical switch, especially contactor
FR2389219A1 (en) * 1977-04-29 1978-11-24 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie GAS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER
DE2752765A1 (en) * 1977-11-25 1979-05-31 Hermann Sturm Circuit breaker contact with increased capacity - is made from combination of contact conductor and permanent magnetic material to extinguish arc

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1042344A (en) * 1950-11-10 1953-10-30 Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Ag Electrical contact for extinguishing a breaking arc by electromagnet
DE967984C (en) * 1951-02-27 1958-01-02 Deutsche Edelstahlwerke Ag Switching contact with magnetic blowing
FR1171319A (en) * 1956-07-10 1959-01-23 C K D Modrany Electric switch with extinguishing chamber
FR1257305A (en) * 1959-04-30 1961-03-31 Thomson Houston Comp Francaise Vacuum switch
US3082307A (en) * 1959-04-30 1963-03-19 Gen Electric Vacuum type circuit interrupter
DE1236628B (en) * 1961-05-17 1967-03-16 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Electrical switch, especially contactor
FR2389219A1 (en) * 1977-04-29 1978-11-24 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie GAS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER
DE2752765A1 (en) * 1977-11-25 1979-05-31 Hermann Sturm Circuit breaker contact with increased capacity - is made from combination of contact conductor and permanent magnetic material to extinguish arc

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2515418A1 (en) * 1981-10-26 1983-04-29 Merlin Gerin SELF-EXPANSION AND PERMANENT MAGNET SWITCH
EP0078719A1 (en) * 1981-10-26 1983-05-11 Merlin Gerin Self-blast switch with permanent magnet
FR2526998A1 (en) * 1982-05-13 1983-11-18 Merlin Gerin ROTATING ARC SWITCH AND PERMANENT MAGNET
EP0095406A1 (en) * 1982-05-13 1983-11-30 Merlin Gerin Switch with rotating arc and permanent magnet
FR2824182A1 (en) * 2001-04-26 2002-10-31 Alstom Off axis diverted flux permanent magnet circuit breaker having permanent magnet thermal expansion chamber held and magnetic diversion circuit formed with additional annular poles side fixed/moving contacts formed.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2480028B1 (en) 1982-10-29
JPS5761223A (en) 1982-04-13
DE3165171D1 (en) 1984-09-06
US4424428A (en) 1984-01-03
CA1154481A (en) 1983-09-27
EP0037765B1 (en) 1984-08-01
IN154156B (en) 1984-09-29
FR2480028A1 (en) 1981-10-09

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