EP0517618B1 - Appareil de coupure en charge pour circuit électrique - Google Patents

Appareil de coupure en charge pour circuit électrique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0517618B1
EP0517618B1 EP92420154A EP92420154A EP0517618B1 EP 0517618 B1 EP0517618 B1 EP 0517618B1 EP 92420154 A EP92420154 A EP 92420154A EP 92420154 A EP92420154 A EP 92420154A EP 0517618 B1 EP0517618 B1 EP 0517618B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
resistor
movable contact
temperature coefficient
positive temperature
resistors
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP92420154A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0517618A1 (fr
Inventor
Louis Marcel Jean Chanois
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.)
STOPCIRCUIT
STOPCIRCUIT SA
Original Assignee
STOPCIRCUIT
STOPCIRCUIT SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by STOPCIRCUIT, STOPCIRCUIT SA filed Critical STOPCIRCUIT
Publication of EP0517618A1 publication Critical patent/EP0517618A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0517618B1 publication Critical patent/EP0517618B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/42—Impedances connected with contacts
    • 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
    • H01H33/16—Impedances connected with contacts
    • H01H33/161—Variable impedances
    • H01H2033/163—Variable impedances using PTC elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a load cut-off device for an electrical circuit, this device possibly being in particular a switch-circuit breaker, but the field of the invention also encompasses contactors, switches, circuit breakers, relays and other similar devices. More particularly, this invention relates to a cut-off device under load called “cut-off without arc” or “clean cut-off", that is to say an apparatus provided with provisions which eliminate the risk of arcing between its contacts, when the relevant electrical circuit is cut under high current.
  • French patent 8507804/2581790 in the name of the Applicant, describes a breaker-breaker with clean cut, of a particular structure.
  • This switch-circuit breaker is of the type comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact, latching and tripping control members, means for hooking the movable contact carrier and the control member in the latched position, and means for actuating, in the direction of detachment, the means for hooking the mobile contact holder and the control member and neutralizing it, the mobile contact and the control member being subjected to the action of spring means tending to keep them in the tripped position.
  • an auxiliary resistive circuit is provided disposed between the fixed and movable contacts, so as to interpose between them, when the movable contact is moved in the opening direction, an electrical resistance of value growing.
  • This resistance makes it possible to reach, just before the total opening of the contacts, a current intensity low enough to reduce the risk of arcing; conversely, when the switch closes, the auxiliary resistance circuit introduces a resistance of decreasing value, also advantageous.
  • This auxiliary resistive circuit is associated with the fixed contact, and it is arranged on the path of the mobile contact, or of an auxiliary contact associated with the mobile contact, to serve as a sliding track.
  • the auxiliary resistance circuit is presented as a graphite or charged ceramic or doped polymer track, along which the movable contact or the auxiliary contact slides, the variable useful length (between the fixed contact and the movable or auxiliary contact ) of this track defining the value of the resistance inserted.
  • the movable contact or the auxiliary contact has entirely left this track.
  • the value of the resistance inserted during opening or closing varies according to purely "mechanical” criteria, depending on the movement of the movable contact in the direction of opening or closing , and it is practically not influenced by physical factors such as the intensity of the current or the temperature.
  • the present invention aims to improve the kind of embodiment mentioned in the first place, so as to further improve the conditions under which the intensity of the current is lowered during the opening of the switch-circuit breaker or other similar breaking device, without altering the structure and functioning of the circuit under normal conditions.
  • the subject of the invention is essentially a cut-off device under load for an electrical circuit, of the type known as "arcless cut-off” or “clean cut-off”, comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact with which means are associated for opening / closing control, and an auxiliary resistive circuit arranged so as to interpose between the fixed contact and the movable contact, when the latter is moved in the opening direction, an electrical resistance of increasing value, the device being characterized in that the auxiliary resistive circuit comprises at least one resistance with positive temperature coefficient temporarily inserted in the circuit traversed by the electric current during the movement of opening of the movable contact, the resistance or resistors with positive temperature coefficient being kept out of the circuit traversed by this electric current, when the breaking device is in the closed position.
  • the auxiliary resistive circuit comprises at least one resistance with positive temperature coefficient temporarily inserted in the circuit traversed by the electric current during the movement of opening of the movable contact, the resistance or resistors with positive temperature coefficient being kept out of the circuit traversed by this electric current
  • the invention is based on the principle of insertion between the contact fixed and the movable contact, during the opening movement of the latter, of at least one resistance with a positive temperature coefficient, also known by the abbreviated designation "PTC", which is an electrical resistance whose ohmic value is a strongly increasing function of temperature.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • the passage of a current of high intensity in this resistance causes its immediate heating and consequently a sudden increase in its ohmic value, from where an acceleration of the lowering of this intensity, the current being very quickly reduced to a residual current of a few amperes, and the effect being all the more significant the higher the initial current.
  • the resistance or resistors with a positive temperature coefficient are kept outside the circuit and are not requested by any electric current and voltage, which preserves them and offers extended possibilities of circuit operation, in voltage and running.
  • the auxiliary resistive circuit comprises at least two resistors with a positive temperature coefficient, arranged so as to be inserted successively between the fixed contact and the movable contact when the latter is moved in the direction of the opening.
  • the resistors with a positive temperature coefficient are of increasing values, considered in their order of insertion between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening movement.
  • the first resistance with positive temperature coefficient inserted intervenes to lower the strongest currents and limit them to a residual current
  • the second resistance with positive temperature coefficient in series with the first (which did not intervene ) once inserted, intervenes to lower the medium or low currents and also limit them to a residual current.
  • Two or more resistors with a positive temperature coefficient can, according to this principle, be successively inserted in series in the circuit between the fixed contact and the movable contact.
  • the auxiliary resistive circuit can also comprise at least one ordinary electrical resistance, which during the opening movement of the movable contact is inserted in series with the resistance or resistors with positive temperature coefficient.
  • the ordinary electrical resistance (s) are arranged so as to be inserted between the fixed contact and the movable contact, during the opening movement, after the resistance (s) with positive temperature coefficient, therefore at the end opening; in this case, the ordinary resistance has no particular function during opening, but it intervenes on closing to protect the resistance or resistors with a positive temperature coefficient, by limiting the intensity of the current to an admissible value. .
  • the ordinary electrical resistance or resistors are arranged so as to be inserted between the fixed contact and the movable contact, during the opening movement, before the resistance (s) with positive temperature coefficient, therefore at the start of opening, which makes it possible to lower the intensity of the current to an admissible value by the resistance (s) with positive temperature coefficient.
  • the auxiliary resistance circuit also comprises at least one varistor, mounted in parallel with respect to at least one resistance with positive temperature coefficient.
  • the load breaking device advantageously comprises an insulating support which carries the fixed contact and several fixed conductive pads, all placed on the path of the movable contact, the resistors with a positive temperature coefficient and the ordinary resistor (s) being inserted between the fixed contact and the first fixed stud and / or between the pairs of successive fixed studs, the movable contact being able to cooperate simultaneously with two successive studs during its opening or closing movement.
  • FIGS 1 to 5 are partial and simplified views of a load breaking device, such as a circuit breaker, these figures essentially showing the parts concerned by the present invention, while the control members and the housing do not are not shown.
  • the apparatus comprises an insulating support 1 in the form of a circular sector, which carries a fixed contact 2.
  • the support 1 is crossed by an axis 3, on which is mounted a pivoting movable contact 4, able to cooperate in a particular angular position with the fixed contact 2.
  • the mobile contact 4 here has a stirrup configuration, with two opposite branches located on either side of the support 1.
  • the fixed contact 2 is also possible in the manner of a plastic cone.
  • a helical spring 8, mounted around the pivot axis 3, ensures the pressure of the two branches of the movable contact 4 on the fixed contact 2 and on the pads 5, 6 and 7.
  • An electrical input conductor 9 is connected to the movable contact 4, while an electrical output conductor 10 is connected to the fixed contact 2.
  • first electrical resistance with positive temperature coefficient 11 Between this fixed contact 2 and the first fixed stud 5 is inserted a first electrical resistance with positive temperature coefficient 11. Between the first fixed stud 5 and the second fixed stud 6 is inserted a second electrical resistance with positive temperature coefficient 12, of higher ohmic value. An ordinary electrical resistance 13 is inserted between the second fixed stud 6 and the third fixed stud 7.
  • Figure 1 shows the cut-off device in the closed position or "engaged” position.
  • the movable contact 4 is pressed against the fixed contact 2.
  • the electric current thus flows directly, through the contacts 2 and 4, from the input conductor 9 to the output conductor 10, without passing through the resistors with a positive temperature coefficient 11 and 12 and the resistor 13 which are then kept outside the circuit traversed by this current.
  • the movable contact 4 pivots passing successively from the fixed contact 2 to the first fixed pad 5, from the first pad 5 to the second pad 6, and from the second pad 6 to the third pad 7, before reaching the beyond this last pad 7.
  • the first resistor with a positive temperature coefficient 11 is temporarily inserted in the circuit traversed by the electric current between the input conductor 9 and the output conductor 10. If the current is initially of high intensity, the resistance with positive temperature coefficient 11 heats up quickly, and its ohmic value increases suddenly, which contributes to considerably limit the intensity of this current. On the other hand, the first resistance with a positive temperature coefficient 11 does not see its value suddenly increased, if it is traversed by a current of relatively low intensity.
  • the second resistance with a positive temperature coefficient 12 does not intervene.
  • this second resistance with positive temperature coefficient 12 sees its ohmic value increase suddenly, if the first resistance with positive temperature coefficient 11 has not intervened previously, therefore for a current of medium or low initial intensity; the intervention of the second resistor with a positive temperature coefficient 12 leads to lowering the intensity of this current to an even lower value.
  • the movable contact 4 is wide enough to be able to be in momentary support on two successive pads, the next pad being therefore reached before this contact leaves the previous pad so that during the opening movement the values resistors 11, 12 and 13 can only be added.
  • the operation of the device also requires that between each of the pairs of successive studs the voltage difference remains limited, and is for example below a maximum value of 20 volts.
  • the movable contact 4 When closing, the movable contact 4 describes a reverse movement from the previous one, and it first reaches the third fixed stud 7, as shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the resistor 13 inserted in the circuit protects the second resistance with positive temperature coefficient 12, by limiting the intensity of the current to a value admissible by the latter.
  • suitable means measure the intensity of the current thus limited, and control the continuation of the movement of the movable contact 4 towards the fixed contact 2 if the measured current is weak, or the return of the movable contact to the open position if the current measured is too strong.
  • the two resistors with a positive temperature coefficient 11 and 12 therefore practically do not intervene during the closing movement described by the movable contact 4.
  • FIG. 6 gives the electrical diagram corresponding to the embodiment previously described, with the use of the same numerical references.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates, in the form of an electrical diagram, a first variant which comprises, between the fixed contact 4 and the first two fixed pads 5 and 6, an association of resistors with positive temperature coefficients 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b in series , and varistors (resistors varying as a function of the electrical voltage) 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b in series; these provide voltage protection for resistors with a positive temperature coefficient, with respect to which they are connected in parallel.
  • a resistor 13 is always inserted between the last two fixed studs 6 and 7. This variant allows the use of the breaking device under a voltage greater than the admissible voltage by a single resistor with a positive temperature coefficient.
  • FIG. 8 shows another variant, in which a first ordinary resistor 16 is inserted between the fixed contact 2 and the first fixed stud 5, a second ordinary resistor 17 is inserted between the first stud fixed 5 and the second fixed stud 6, and a resistor with a positive temperature coefficient 18 is inserted between the second fixed stud 6 and the third and last fixed stud 7.
  • This arrangement makes it possible, when cutting, to lower first the intensity of the current, by the resistor 16 then by the resistor 17 added to the previous one, so as to reduce this intensity to an admissible value by the resistor with positive temperature coefficient 18.
  • it is important that 'between the consecutive pads the voltage is kept below a maximum value, for example 20 volts, during the opening process.
  • FIGS. 1 to 5 show resistors in the form of components separated from the fixed contact 2 and from the fixed pads 5, 6 and 7, and connected to the latter by conductors such as that indicated in 19;
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a different embodiment, in which the resistors with a positive temperature coefficient 11 and 12, and the resistor 13, are in the form of strips inserted directly between the fixed contact 2 and the pads 5, 6 and 7
  • the operating principle is not modified by this configuration and it always requires that, in its movement, the movable contact 4 reach the next pad before having completely left the previous pad.
  • the resistors with a positive temperature coefficient may in particular be made of polymer or ceramic.

Landscapes

  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
EP92420154A 1991-06-07 1992-05-12 Appareil de coupure en charge pour circuit électrique Expired - Lifetime EP0517618B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9107194A FR2677485A1 (fr) 1991-06-07 1991-06-07 Appareil de coupure en charge pour circuit electrique.
FR9107194 1991-06-07

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0517618A1 EP0517618A1 (fr) 1992-12-09
EP0517618B1 true EP0517618B1 (fr) 1995-04-12

Family

ID=9413776

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92420154A Expired - Lifetime EP0517618B1 (fr) 1991-06-07 1992-05-12 Appareil de coupure en charge pour circuit électrique

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US5193041A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
EP (1) EP0517618B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE69202002T2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (1) FR2677485A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4340632A1 (de) * 1993-11-30 1995-06-01 Abb Patent Gmbh Elektrische Schalteinrichtung
US6659783B2 (en) 2001-08-01 2003-12-09 Tyco Electronics Corp Electrical connector including variable resistance to reduce arcing
FR2883658B1 (fr) * 2005-03-22 2009-04-24 Schneider Electric Ind Sas Dispositif de commutation d'un circuit electrique a ouverture sequentielle
FR2944911B1 (fr) * 2009-04-23 2012-12-28 Areva T & D Sa Interrupteur-sectionneur electrique rotatif de moyenne et haute tension a resistance
FR2967293A1 (fr) * 2010-11-08 2012-05-11 Abb France Dispositif de deconnexion electrique et parafoudre comprenant un tel dispositif
US8890019B2 (en) 2011-02-05 2014-11-18 Roger Webster Faulkner Commutating circuit breaker
ES2613669T3 (es) * 2011-09-30 2017-05-25 Alevo International, S.A. Disyuntor de conmutación
US8773235B2 (en) * 2011-11-30 2014-07-08 General Electric Company Electrical switch and circuit breaker
JP6200145B2 (ja) 2011-11-30 2017-09-20 ゼネラル・エレクトリック・カンパニイ セラミック、そのセラミックを使用する傾斜抵抗率モノリス、および製造方法
EP2599760B1 (en) * 2011-11-30 2016-08-24 General Electric Company Ceramic, graded resistivity monolith using the ceramic, and method of making
WO2015021010A1 (en) * 2013-08-05 2015-02-12 Faulkner Roger W Commutating switch with blocking semiconductor
EP4160637B1 (fr) 2021-10-01 2025-08-27 Schneider Electric Industries SAS Deconnexion de circuits haute tension

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2071447A (en) * 1934-03-24 1937-02-23 Hugh E Young Circuit breaker
US2443230A (en) * 1944-10-13 1948-06-15 Coursey William E De Nonarcing switch contact
US3529210A (en) * 1967-02-28 1970-09-15 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Current limiting circuit
US4093896A (en) * 1976-08-11 1978-06-06 Outboard Marine Corporation Speed control for rotatable element driven by direct current motors
DE2751452C2 (de) * 1977-11-18 1986-10-23 Brown, Boveri & Cie Ag, 6800 Mannheim Elektrisches Schaltgerät
US4583146A (en) * 1984-10-29 1986-04-15 General Electric Company Fault current interrupter
FR2581790B1 (fr) * 1985-05-13 1988-12-30 Stopcircuit Sa Interrupteur disjoncteur a coupure propre
WO1988004100A1 (fr) * 1986-11-28 1988-06-02 Budyko Viktor A Dispositif de commutation de circuits electriques sans production d'arc

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2677485A1 (fr) 1992-12-11
EP0517618A1 (fr) 1992-12-09
US5193041A (en) 1993-03-09
DE69202002D1 (de) 1995-05-18
FR2677485B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1994-04-22
DE69202002T2 (de) 1995-08-24

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