EP0689217B1 - Vacuum tube, especially for circuit breaker or h.t. electrical switch, and switch incorporating such a tube - Google Patents

Vacuum tube, especially for circuit breaker or h.t. electrical switch, and switch incorporating such a tube Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0689217B1
EP0689217B1 EP95410054A EP95410054A EP0689217B1 EP 0689217 B1 EP0689217 B1 EP 0689217B1 EP 95410054 A EP95410054 A EP 95410054A EP 95410054 A EP95410054 A EP 95410054A EP 0689217 B1 EP0689217 B1 EP 0689217B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
contacts
mentioned
switch
rod
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
EP95410054A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0689217A1 (en
Inventor
Roger Bolongeat-Mobleu
Frédéric Burnaz
Hans Schellekens
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.)
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Original Assignee
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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 Schneider Electric Industries SAS filed Critical Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Publication of EP0689217A1 publication Critical patent/EP0689217A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0689217B1 publication Critical patent/EP0689217B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
    • H01H33/664—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
    • H01H33/6646—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings having non flat disc-like contact surface
    • 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
    • H01H33/12—Auxiliary contacts on to which the arc is transferred from the main contacts
    • H01H33/121—Load break switches
    • H01H33/125—Load break switches comprising a separate circuit breaker
    • 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
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
    • H01H33/664—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
    • H01H33/6641—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings making use of a separate coil
    • 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
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
    • H01H33/666—Operating arrangements
    • H01H33/6661—Combination with other type of switch, e.g. for load break switches

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter, in particular intended to ensure the interruption of an electrical circuit in a circuit breaker or medium voltage switch, as well as a switch incorporating such a bulb.
  • an electric vacuum interrupter switch described in the patent document French 2,655,766 of the applicant mainly comprising a watertight enclosure filled with a gas with high dielectric strength, in which is disposed a cartridge with vacuum containing a pair of arcing contacts respectively fixed and movable, a pair of main contacts electrically connected in parallel with said arcing contacts, and a control mechanism for said contacts to open the arcing contacts after the contacts and close them before the main contacts.
  • the two aforementioned arcing contacts each have a disc-shaped contact piece.
  • the fixed contact is integral with one aforementioned bottoms while the movable contact is slidably mounted in the other of the two bottom of the envelope being connected to said control mechanism ensuring the closing and separation of the contacts in order to cut the electrical circuit.
  • the present invention overcomes these drawbacks and provides a vacuum interrupter for simple design, especially for a medium electrical switch or circuit breaker tension, making it possible to obtain, by a more homogeneous distribution of the arc produced between the two arcing contacts, improved breaking capacity, while generating a cost of reduced manufacturing.
  • the present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter as described in claim 1.
  • the aforementioned first and second fixed contacts each have a disc-shaped contact part, the two parts being substantially the same diameter and placed opposite one another.
  • the second fixed contact consists mainly by two cylindrical parts, respectively upper and lower diameters different, the upper part of larger diameter forming the aforementioned contact part.
  • the above-mentioned upper part has an orifice used for guiding in translation of the aforementioned rod while the aforementioned lower part comprises a recess for housing a sealing bellows mounted around the rod
  • it comprises a ceramic envelope, of substantially cylindrical in shape and closed by two electrically connected metal bottoms to the two switch contacts.
  • it comprises a plate made of ceramic or analog, on which are fixed the second fixed contact and a cup closed by a cover to which the aforementioned first fixed contact, the cup and the cover are fixed being made of a conductive material and the two fixed contacts being connected respectively electrically at the two switch contacts.
  • the first and second fixed contacts as well as the aforementioned rod are made of a refractory material.
  • the invention also relates to an electric switch comprising an enclosure airtight filled with sulfur hexafluoride, in which is placed a vacuum interrupter comprising the described characteristics, taken alone or in combination, a pair of main contacts electrically connected in parallel with said arcing contacts, and a operating mechanism to open the arcing contacts after the main contacts and the close before the main contacts.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a circuit breaker incorporating a bulb under vacuum, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an axial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the bulb under empty.
  • FIG 1 we see a vacuum interrupter 38 according to a first embodiment of the invention used in a circuit breaker.
  • the wall 12 metallic or insulating may be that of a gas-insulated installation or station, or that of one pole or of the three poles of the circuit breaker.
  • the pole shown in Figure 1 has two sealed feedthroughs 14,16 of input and output conductors 18 of the current, which terminate outside the enclosure 10 by pads 22 of connection and inside, respectively by a support 24 of a fixed main contact 26 and by a support 28 of a movable main contact 30, in the form of a knife pivotally mounted on a fixed axis 32.
  • the movable main contact 30 In the closed position, the movable main contact 30 is aligned, and at contact of the fixed main contact 26 to close the main circuit, constituted by the input conductor 18, support 24, main contacts fixed 26, and mobile 30, support 28 and the output conductor 20.
  • the supports 24,28 are extended by arms 34,36 extending transversely and framing by their free ends the cartridge to empty 38.
  • the cylindrical casing 40 of the cartridge 38 is closed in a sealed manner its two ends by metallic bottoms 42,44, each mechanically connected and electrically at the free end of the associated arm 34.36.
  • the axis of the cartridge is substantially parallel to the main contacts 26.30 aligned in the closed position and three contacts 46, 47, 48 are arranged coaxially in the cartridge 38.
  • the first 46 of these contacts is fixed and consists of a contact piece in the form of disc 51, carried by a rod 51a fixed to the upper bottom 42 of the casing 40.
  • This envelope 40 also includes a second fixed contact 47 consisting of two parts cylindrical, respectively upper 45 and lower 43, of different diameters.
  • the upper part 45 forms another disc-shaped contact part 53, the diameter corresponds to that of the first fixed contact 51, while the lower part 43 is fixed to its base, on the lower bottom 44 of said envelope 40.
  • the upper part 45 comprises a cylindrical recess 50 in which a rod 48 constituting the third contact, is mounted sliding.
  • the lower part 43 of the second fixed contact 47 comprises a recess 41 for housing a sealing bellows 49 mounted around the rod 48.
  • a rotary control shaft 52 passes through the wall 12 and carries at its internal end a crank 54, connected on the one hand by an articulated rod 56 to the main knife 30 and on the other leaves by a link 58 and a buttonhole 60 to the rod 48.
  • a buttonhole 60 formed in the link 58, is mounted to slide a pin 62 carried by the crank 54 so as to constitute a dead-stroke connection which is stressed in extension by a spring 64.
  • the mechanism is arranged so that during an operation opening of the circuit breaker, controlled by a rotation of the shaft 52 in the direction of clockwise, the movable main contact 30 opens first, the arcing contacts 46.48 remaining closed at first thanks to the dead race 60.62.
  • the current which went through the main contacts 26.30 is switched in the arc circuit without training of arcing on the main contacts 26.30.
  • Continued rotation of the shaft 52 causes the opening of the arcing contacts 46,48 and the final opening of the circuit breaker.
  • the process closing controlled by a reverse rotation of the shaft 52, first closes the arcing contacts 46,48, then the main contacts 26,30.
  • the cylindrical casing 40 of the vacuum cartridge 38 is made of ceramic or glass with a smooth outer surface, the axial length of which defines the critical line of flight of the cartridge 38. This axial length is determined as a function of the tension, to ensure holding sufficient dielectric and this length is significantly less than that of a cartridge placed in the air. At medium voltage this length is less than or close to 15 cm and the reduced size of the vacuum cartridge 38 facilitates its housing.
  • the bottom 42 of the cartridge 38 disposed on the side of the fixed contact 46 carries on its internal face to cartridge 38 a coil (not shown), coaxial with envelope 40 and connected electrically in series of arcing contacts 46, 48, said coil producing a field axial magnetic between the arcing contacts 46, 48 intended to diffuse the electric arc so to improve the breaking capacity.
  • the envelope of the bulb is constituted by a flat ceramic 70, on which is brazed a metallic cup 71 closed by a cover 72 also metallic.
  • the ceramic plate 70 has an orifice 70a on the edges of which the part is welded lower 43 of the second fixed contact 47, the shape of which corresponds to that described previously.
  • the first fixed contact 46 comprises a contact part 51, in the form of disc, and a stepped part 51b, welded to the edge of an orifice 46a formed in the abovementioned cover 72, around which a coil 73 is fixed. Note the presence of a cup 74 intended to protect the ceramic plate 70 against plasma projections during the formation of the arc.
  • one of the main contacts 26 of the circuit breaker is electrically connected, by through the arm 34, to the coil 73, while the other main contact 30 is connected electrically via the arm 36 to the second fixed contact 47 constituting one 44 bottoms of the bulb, the rod 48 being connected as before to the link 58.
  • this bulb is the same as that corresponding to the first realization of the bulb and will therefore not be described.
  • a vacuum bulb of simple design as well than a switch or circuit breaker whose breaking capacity is improved due to the more homogeneous distribution of the electric arc between the fixed contacts.
  • This bulb also has a reduced manufacturing cost because it requires a less important control because the movable contact is reduced to a simple rod.

Landscapes

  • High-Tension Arc-Extinguishing Switches Without Spraying Means (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une ampoule sous vide, notamment destinée à assurer la coupure d'un circuit électrique dans un disjoncteur ou un interrupteur moyenne tension, ainsi qu'un interrupteur intégrant une telle ampoule.The present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter, in particular intended to ensure the interruption of an electrical circuit in a circuit breaker or medium voltage switch, as well as a switch incorporating such a bulb.

On connaít un interrupteur électrique à ampoule sous vide décrit dans le document de brevet français 2.655.766 de la demanderesse comprenant principalement une enceinte étanche remplie d'un gaz à rigidité diélectrique élevée, dans laquelle est disposée une cartouche à vide contenant une paire de contacts d'arc respectivement fixe et mobile, une paire de contacts principaux connectés électriquement en parallèle desdits contacts d'arc, et un mécanisme de commande desdits contacts pour ouvrir les contacts d'arc après les contacts principaux, et les fermer avant les contacts principaux. Les deux contacts d'arc précités portent chacun une pièce de contact en forme de disque. Le contact fixe est solidaire de l'un des fonds précités tandis que le contact mobile est monté coulissant dans l'autre des deux fonds de l'enveloppe en étant relié audit mécanisme de commande assurant la fermeture et la séparation des contacts afin de réaliser la coupure du circuit électrique.We know an electric vacuum interrupter switch described in the patent document French 2,655,766 of the applicant mainly comprising a watertight enclosure filled with a gas with high dielectric strength, in which is disposed a cartridge with vacuum containing a pair of arcing contacts respectively fixed and movable, a pair of main contacts electrically connected in parallel with said arcing contacts, and a control mechanism for said contacts to open the arcing contacts after the contacts and close them before the main contacts. The two aforementioned arcing contacts each have a disc-shaped contact piece. The fixed contact is integral with one aforementioned bottoms while the movable contact is slidably mounted in the other of the two bottom of the envelope being connected to said control mechanism ensuring the closing and separation of the contacts in order to cut the electrical circuit.

Or, si cette ampoule sous vide utilisée pour un interrupteur donne satisfaction de façon générale, elle présente cependant certains inconvénients. L'un de ces inconvénients tient en ce que lors de la fermeture des contacts, les deux disques sont rarement exactement parallèles l'un par rapport à l'autre. Il en résulte que l'obtention d'un contact immédiat sur toute la surface des disques est difficile à obtenir, ce qui engendre une concentration de l'arc électrique à la périphérie des disques, diminuant le pouvoir de coupure. Un autre de ces inconvénients tient en ce que la force nécessaire pour maintenir le contact entre les deux disques est importante et nécessite l'utilisation d'un mécanisme de commande en conséquence.However, if this vacuum interrupter used for a switch gives satisfactory satisfaction generally, however, it has certain drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that that when closing the contacts, the two discs are rarely exactly parallel to each other. It follows that obtaining immediate contact on the whole surface of the discs is difficult to obtain, which generates a concentration of the arc electric on the periphery of the discs, reducing the breaking capacity. Another one of these disadvantages is that the force required to maintain contact between the two discs is important and requires the use of a control mechanism in result.

On connaít également du document US-A-4.171.474, qui décrit l'état de la technique le plus proche, une ampoule du genre précédemment mentionné, comportant en outre un deuxième contact fixe solidaire du second fond précité et dans lequel une tige constituant le contact mobile précité, est montée coulissante.We also know from document US-A-4,171,474, which describes the closest state of the art, a bulb of the kind previously mentioned, further comprising a second fixed contact secured to the aforementioned second bottom and wherein a rod constituting the aforementioned movable contact, is slidably mounted.

La présente invention resout ces inconvénients et propose une ampoule sous vide de conception simple, notamment pour un interrupteur ou un disjoncteur électrique moyenne tension, permettant d'obtenir, par une répartition plus homogène de l'arc produit entre les deux contacts d'arc, un pouvoir de coupure amélioré, tout en engendrant un coût de fabrication réduit.The present invention overcomes these drawbacks and provides a vacuum interrupter for simple design, especially for a medium electrical switch or circuit breaker tension, making it possible to obtain, by a more homogeneous distribution of the arc produced between the two arcing contacts, improved breaking capacity, while generating a cost of reduced manufacturing.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet une ampoule sous vide telle que décrite dans la revendication 1.To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter as described in claim 1.

Selon une réalisation particulière de l'invention, les premier et second contacts fixes précités comportent chacun une partie de contact en forme de disque, les deux parties étant sensiblement de même diamètre et placées en regard l'une de l'autre.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned first and second fixed contacts each have a disc-shaped contact part, the two parts being substantially the same diameter and placed opposite one another.

Selon une caractéristique particulière, le second contact fixe est constitué principalement par deux parties cylindriques, respectivement supérieure et inférieure de diamètres différents, la partie supérieure de plus grand diamètre formant la partie de contact précitée.According to a particular characteristic, the second fixed contact consists mainly by two cylindrical parts, respectively upper and lower diameters different, the upper part of larger diameter forming the aforementioned contact part.

Selon une autre caractéristique, la partie supérieure précitée comporte un orifice servant au guidage en translation de la tige précitée alors que la partie inférieure précitée comporte un évidement destiné au logement d'un soufflet d'étanchéité monté autour de la tigeAccording to another characteristic, the above-mentioned upper part has an orifice used for guiding in translation of the aforementioned rod while the aforementioned lower part comprises a recess for housing a sealing bellows mounted around the rod

Suivant une caractéristique particulière, elle comporte une enveloppe en céramique , de forme sensiblement cylindrique et fermée par deux fonds métalliques reliés électriquement aux deux contacts de l'interrupteur.According to a particular characteristic, it comprises a ceramic envelope, of substantially cylindrical in shape and closed by two electrically connected metal bottoms to the two switch contacts.

Suivant une variante de réalisation, elle comporte une plaque réalisée en céramique ou analogue, sur laquelle sont fixés le second contact fixe et une coupelle fermée par un couvercle sur lequel est fixé le premier contact fixe précité, la coupelle et le couvercle étant réalisés en un matériau conducteur et les deux contacts fixes étant reliés respectivement électriquement aux deux contacts de l'interrupteur. According to an alternative embodiment, it comprises a plate made of ceramic or analog, on which are fixed the second fixed contact and a cup closed by a cover to which the aforementioned first fixed contact, the cup and the cover are fixed being made of a conductive material and the two fixed contacts being connected respectively electrically at the two switch contacts.

Avantageusement, les premier et second contacts fixes ainsi que la tige précités sont réalisés en un matériau réfractaire.Advantageously, the first and second fixed contacts as well as the aforementioned rod are made of a refractory material.

L'invention a également pour objet un interrupteur électrique comprenant une enceinte étanche remplie d'hexafluorure de soufre, dans laquelle est disposée une ampoule sous vide comportant les caractéristiques décrites prises seules ou en combinaison, une paire de contacts principaux connectés électriquement en parallèle desdits contacts d'arc, et un mécanisme de commande pour ouvrir les contacts d'arc après les contacts principaux et les fermer avant les contacts principaux.The invention also relates to an electric switch comprising an enclosure airtight filled with sulfur hexafluoride, in which is placed a vacuum interrupter comprising the described characteristics, taken alone or in combination, a pair of main contacts electrically connected in parallel with said arcing contacts, and a operating mechanism to open the arcing contacts after the main contacts and the close before the main contacts.

Mais d'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaítront mieux dans la description détaillée qui suit et se réfère aux dessins annexés donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple et dans lesquels :But other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better in the detailed description which follows and refers to the appended drawings given only as a example and in which:

La figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un disjoncteur intégrant une ampoule sous vide, selon une réalisation particulière de l'invention.Figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a circuit breaker incorporating a bulb under vacuum, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

La figure 2 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une variante de réalisation de l'ampoule sous vide.Figure 2 is an axial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the bulb under empty.

Sur la figure 1, on voit une ampoule sous vide 38 suivant une première réalisation de l'invention utilisée dans un disjoncteur. Cette figure correspond à celle du brevet français précité, et on reconnaít le disjoncteur moyenne tension à enceinte étanche 10, dont la paroi 12 métallique ou isolante peut être celle d'une installation ou d'un poste à isolation gazeuse, ou celle d'un pôle ou des trois pôles du disjoncteur. Le pôle représenté à la figure 1 comporte deux traversées étanches 14,16 de conducteurs 18 d'entrée et de sortie 20 du courant, qui se terminent à l'extérieur de l'enceinte 10 par des plages 22 de raccordement et à l'intérieur, respectivement par un support 24 d'un contact principal fixe 26 et par un support 28 d'un contact principal mobile 30, en forme de couteau monté à pivotement sur un axe fixe 32. En position de fermeture le contact principal mobile 30 est aligné, et au contact du contact principal fixe 26 pour fermer le circuit principal, constitué par le conducteur d'entrée 18, le support 24, les contacts principaux fixe 26, et mobile 30, le support 28 et le conducteur de sortie 20. Les supports 24,28 sont prolongés par des bras 34,36 s'étendant transversalement et encadrant par leurs extrémités libres la cartouche à vide 38. L'enveloppe cylindrique 40 de la cartouche 38 est obturée d'une manière étanche à ses deux extrémités par des fonds métalliques 42,44, chacun relié mécaniquement et électriquement à l'extrémité libre du bras associé 34,36. L'axe de la cartouche est sensiblement parallèle aux contacts principaux 26,30 alignés en position de fermeture et trois contacts 46, 47, 48 sont disposés coaxialement dans la cartouche 38.In Figure 1, we see a vacuum interrupter 38 according to a first embodiment of the invention used in a circuit breaker. This figure corresponds to that of the French patent above, and we recognize the medium voltage circuit breaker with sealed enclosure 10, the wall 12 metallic or insulating may be that of a gas-insulated installation or station, or that of one pole or of the three poles of the circuit breaker. The pole shown in Figure 1 has two sealed feedthroughs 14,16 of input and output conductors 18 of the current, which terminate outside the enclosure 10 by pads 22 of connection and inside, respectively by a support 24 of a fixed main contact 26 and by a support 28 of a movable main contact 30, in the form of a knife pivotally mounted on a fixed axis 32. In the closed position, the movable main contact 30 is aligned, and at contact of the fixed main contact 26 to close the main circuit, constituted by the input conductor 18, support 24, main contacts fixed 26, and mobile 30, support 28 and the output conductor 20. The supports 24,28 are extended by arms 34,36 extending transversely and framing by their free ends the cartridge to empty 38. The cylindrical casing 40 of the cartridge 38 is closed in a sealed manner its two ends by metallic bottoms 42,44, each mechanically connected and electrically at the free end of the associated arm 34.36. The axis of the cartridge is substantially parallel to the main contacts 26.30 aligned in the closed position and three contacts 46, 47, 48 are arranged coaxially in the cartridge 38.

Le premier 46 de ces contacts, est fixe et est constitué par une pièce de contact en forme de disque 51, portée par une tige 51a fixée sur le fond supérieur 42 de l'enveloppe 40. Cette enveloppe 40 comporte également un second contact fixe 47 constitué par deux parties cylindriques, respectivement supérieure 45 et inférieure 43, de diamètres différents. La partie supérieure 45 forme une autre pièce de contact en forme de disque 53, dont le diamètre correspond à celui du premier contact fixe 51, alors que la partie inférieure 43 est fixée à sa base, sur le fond inférieur 44 de ladite enveloppe 40. La partie supérieure 45 comporte un évidement cylindrique 50 dans lequel une tige 48 constituant le troisième contact, est montée coulissante. La partie inférieure 43 du second contact fixe 47 comporte un évidement 41 destiné au logement d'un soufflet d'étanchéité 49 monté autour de la tige 48. n est facile de voir que les bras 34,36, les fonds 42,44 et les contacts d'arc 46,48 forment un circuit auxiliaire d'arc connecté en parallèle des contacts principaux 26,30.The first 46 of these contacts is fixed and consists of a contact piece in the form of disc 51, carried by a rod 51a fixed to the upper bottom 42 of the casing 40. This envelope 40 also includes a second fixed contact 47 consisting of two parts cylindrical, respectively upper 45 and lower 43, of different diameters. The upper part 45 forms another disc-shaped contact part 53, the diameter corresponds to that of the first fixed contact 51, while the lower part 43 is fixed to its base, on the lower bottom 44 of said envelope 40. The upper part 45 comprises a cylindrical recess 50 in which a rod 48 constituting the third contact, is mounted sliding. The lower part 43 of the second fixed contact 47 comprises a recess 41 for housing a sealing bellows 49 mounted around the rod 48. it is easy to see that the arms 34,36, the bottoms 42,44 and the arcing contacts 46,48 form an auxiliary arc circuit connected in parallel with the main contacts 26.30.

Un arbre rotatif 52 de commande traverse la paroi 12 et porte à son extrémité interne une manivelle 54, reliée d'une part par une bielle articulée 56 au couteau principal 30 et d'autre part par une biellette 58 et une boutonnière 60 à la tige 48. Dans la boutonnière 60, ménagée dans la biellette 58, est monté à coulissement un tourillon 62 porté par la manivelle 54 de manière à constituer une liaison à course morte sollicitée en extension par un ressort 64. Le mécanisme est agencé de manière qu'au cours d'une manoeuvre d'ouverture du disjoncteur, commandée par une rotation de l'arbre 52 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, le contact principal mobile 30 s'ouvre en premier, les contacts d'arc 46,48 restant en un premier temps fermés grâce à la course morte 60,62. Le courant qui passait par les contacts principaux 26,30 est commuté dans le circuit d'arc sans formation d'arc sur les contacts principaux 26,30. Une rotation poursuivie de l'arbre 52 provoque l'ouverture des contacts d'arc 46,48 et l'ouverture définitive du disjoncteur. La manoeuvre de fermeture, commandée par une rotation inverse de l'arbre 52, ferme en premier les contacts d'arc 46,48, puis les contacts principaux 26,30.A rotary control shaft 52 passes through the wall 12 and carries at its internal end a crank 54, connected on the one hand by an articulated rod 56 to the main knife 30 and on the other leaves by a link 58 and a buttonhole 60 to the rod 48. In the buttonhole 60, formed in the link 58, is mounted to slide a pin 62 carried by the crank 54 so as to constitute a dead-stroke connection which is stressed in extension by a spring 64. The mechanism is arranged so that during an operation opening of the circuit breaker, controlled by a rotation of the shaft 52 in the direction of clockwise, the movable main contact 30 opens first, the arcing contacts 46.48 remaining closed at first thanks to the dead race 60.62. The current which went through the main contacts 26.30 is switched in the arc circuit without training of arcing on the main contacts 26.30. Continued rotation of the shaft 52 causes the opening of the arcing contacts 46,48 and the final opening of the circuit breaker. The process closing, controlled by a reverse rotation of the shaft 52, first closes the arcing contacts 46,48, then the main contacts 26,30.

L'enveloppe cylindrique 40 de la cartouche à vide 38 est en céramique ou en verre avec une surface externe lisse, dont la longueur axiale définit la ligne de fuite critique de la cartouche 38. Cette longueur axiale est déterminée en fonction de la tension, pour assurer une tenue diélectrique suffisante et cette longueur est notablement inférieure à celle d'une cartouche placée dans l'air. En moyenne tension cette longueur est inférieure ou voisine de 15 cm et l'encombrement réduit de la cartouche à vide 38 facilite son logement. The cylindrical casing 40 of the vacuum cartridge 38 is made of ceramic or glass with a smooth outer surface, the axial length of which defines the critical line of flight of the cartridge 38. This axial length is determined as a function of the tension, to ensure holding sufficient dielectric and this length is significantly less than that of a cartridge placed in the air. At medium voltage this length is less than or close to 15 cm and the reduced size of the vacuum cartridge 38 facilitates its housing.

Le fond 42 de la cartouche 38 disposé du côté du contact fixe 46 porte sur sa face interne à la cartouche 38 une bobine (non représentée), coaxiale à l'enveloppe 40 et connectée électriquement en série des contacts d'arc 46, 48, ladite bobine produisant un champ magnétique axial entre les contacts d'arc 46, 48 destiné à diffuser l'arc électrique afin d'améliorer le pouvoir de coupure.The bottom 42 of the cartridge 38 disposed on the side of the fixed contact 46 carries on its internal face to cartridge 38 a coil (not shown), coaxial with envelope 40 and connected electrically in series of arcing contacts 46, 48, said coil producing a field axial magnetic between the arcing contacts 46, 48 intended to diffuse the electric arc so to improve the breaking capacity.

En fonctionnement, lorsqu'on ouvre les contacts principaux 26, 30 par rotation de l'arbre de commande 52 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, les contacts fixe 46 et mobile 48 sont tout d'abord fermés, puis réouverts de façon à créer un arc électrique entre les deux contacts fixes 46, 47 réalisant la coupure du circuit électrique. Dans cette réalisation, le contact étant presque ponctuel entre le contact fixe 46 et le contact mobile 48, l'arc électrique, diffusé par le champ magnétique, est réparti uniformément entre les deux contacts fixes 46, 47, ce qui améliore le pouvoir de coupure du disjoncteur.In operation, when the main contacts 26, 30 are opened by rotation of the shaft 52 clockwise, the fixed 46 and movable 48 contacts are first closed, then reopened to create an electric arc between the two fixed contacts 46, 47 carrying out the breaking of the electrical circuit. In this realization, the contact being almost punctual between fixed contact 46 and movable contact 48, the arc electric, diffused by the magnetic field, is distributed evenly between the two fixed contacts 46, 47, which improves the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker.

En se référant maintenant à la figure 2, on voit une autre réalisation de l'invention, suivant laquelle l'enveloppe de l'ampoule est constituée par une céramique plate 70, sur laquelle est brasée une coupelle métallique 71 fermée par un couvercle 72 également métallique. La plaque en céramique 70 comporte un orifice 70a sur les bords duquel est soudée la partie inférieure 43 du second contact fixe 47, dont la forme correspond à celle décrite précédemment. Le premier contact fixe 46 comprend une partie de contact 51, en forme de disque, et une partie étagée 51b, soudée sur le bord d'un orifice 46a ménagé dans le couvercle précité 72, autour duquel est fixé une bobine 73. On notera la présence d'une coupelle 74 destinée à assurer la protection de la plaque de céramique 70 contre les projections de plasma lors de la formation de l'arc.Referring now to FIG. 2, we see another embodiment of the invention, according to which the envelope of the bulb is constituted by a flat ceramic 70, on which is brazed a metallic cup 71 closed by a cover 72 also metallic. The ceramic plate 70 has an orifice 70a on the edges of which the part is welded lower 43 of the second fixed contact 47, the shape of which corresponds to that described previously. The first fixed contact 46 comprises a contact part 51, in the form of disc, and a stepped part 51b, welded to the edge of an orifice 46a formed in the abovementioned cover 72, around which a coil 73 is fixed. Note the presence of a cup 74 intended to protect the ceramic plate 70 against plasma projections during the formation of the arc.

En utilisation, lorsque cette ampoule est utilisée dans un disjoncteur tel que décrit précédemment, l'un des contacts principaux 26 du disjoncteur est relié électriquement, par l'intermédiaire du bras 34, à la bobine 73, tandis que l'autre contact principal 30 est relié électriquement par l'intermédiaire du bras 36 au second contact fixe 47 constituant l'un 44 des fonds de l'ampoule, la tige 48 étant reliée comme précédemment à la biellette 58.In use, when this bulb is used in a circuit breaker as described previously, one of the main contacts 26 of the circuit breaker is electrically connected, by through the arm 34, to the coil 73, while the other main contact 30 is connected electrically via the arm 36 to the second fixed contact 47 constituting one 44 bottoms of the bulb, the rod 48 being connected as before to the link 58.

Le fonctionnement de cette ampoule est le même que celui correspondant à la première réalisation de l'ampoule et ne sera donc pas décrit.The operation of this bulb is the same as that corresponding to the first realization of the bulb and will therefore not be described.

On a donc réalisé, grâce à l'invention, une ampoule sous vide de conception simple, ainsi qu'un interrupteur ou disjoncteur dont le pouvoir de coupure est amélioré du fait de la répartition plus homogène de l'arc électrique entre les contacts fixes. Cette ampoule présente en outre un coût de fabrication réduit car elle nécessite un mécanisme de commande moins important du fait que le contact mobile se réduit à une simple tige.We therefore achieved, thanks to the invention, a vacuum bulb of simple design, as well than a switch or circuit breaker whose breaking capacity is improved due to the more homogeneous distribution of the electric arc between the fixed contacts. This bulb also has a reduced manufacturing cost because it requires a less important control because the movable contact is reduced to a simple rod.

Claims (5)

  1. A vacuum cartridge, notably for a medium voltage electrical circuit breaker or switch, of the kind comprising an enclosure (40) of appreciably cylindrical shape closed by two end-plates (42, 44) electrically connected respectively to two main contacts (26, 30) of the switch, two contacts extending axially inside the enclosure, one whereof is fixed to one of the above-mentioned end-plates whereas the other, movable, contact is slidingly mounted with respect to the other of the two end-plates (42, 44) and is connected to a mechanism performing movement of said movable contact between a closed position of the stationary and movable contacts and a separated position of the two contacts for breaking of the electrical circuit, said cartridge comprising a second stationary contact (47) securedly united to the above-mentioned second end-plate (44) and in which a rod (48), forming the above-mentioned movable contact, is slidingly mounted, characterised in that said cartridge comprises means (73) for producing an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone, said rod (48) being brought into contact with the first stationary contact (46), then separated from this contact (46) to generate an electric arc distributed uniformly by the axial magnetic field between the two above-mentioned stationary contacts (46, 47) in order to perform breaking of the electrical circuit.
  2. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned first and second stationary contacts (46, 47) each comprise a disk-shaped contact part (51, 53), the two parts being appreciably of the same diameter and located facing one another.
  3. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the second stationary contact (47) is formed mainly by two cylindrical parts, respectively upper and lower (45, 43), of different diameters, the upper part (45) of larger diameter forming the above-mentioned contact part (53).
  4. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the above-mentioned upper part (45) comprises an orifice (50) serving the purpose of guiding the above-mentioned rod (48) in translation, whereas the above-mentioned lower part (43) comprises a recess (41) designed for housing a sealing bellows (49) fitted around the rod (48).
  5. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that it comprises a ceramic enclosure (40) of appreciably cylindrical shape closed by two metal end-plates (42, 44) electrically connected to the two contacts (26, 30) of the switch.
EP95410054A 1994-06-20 1995-06-07 Vacuum tube, especially for circuit breaker or h.t. electrical switch, and switch incorporating such a tube Expired - Lifetime EP0689217B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9407615A FR2721434B1 (en) 1994-06-20 1994-06-20 Vacuum interrupter, in particular for circuit breaker or medium voltage electric switch and switch incorporating such a bulb.
FR9407615 1994-06-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0689217A1 EP0689217A1 (en) 1995-12-27
EP0689217B1 true EP0689217B1 (en) 2001-11-07

Family

ID=9464479

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95410054A Expired - Lifetime EP0689217B1 (en) 1994-06-20 1995-06-07 Vacuum tube, especially for circuit breaker or h.t. electrical switch, and switch incorporating such a tube

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5591948A (en)
EP (1) EP0689217B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0845397A (en)
DE (1) DE69523669T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2721434B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TW389919B (en) * 1995-09-27 2000-05-11 Hitachi Ltd Insulated type switching device
NL1017985C2 (en) * 2001-05-03 2002-11-05 Holec Holland Nv Vacuum circuit breaker provided with a coaxial coil for generating an axial magnetic field near the contact members of the circuit breaker.
DE102005002139B4 (en) * 2005-01-13 2007-01-25 Siemens Ag Three-position switch with cam
EP2169795A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-03-31 Eaton Electric B.V. Switching installation with arc protection and arc protection method
FR2970809B1 (en) 2011-01-25 2013-02-22 Schneider Electric Ind Sas MEDIUM VOLTAGE CUTTING DEVICE COMPRISING A VACUUM BULB
DE102012025115A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-26 Technische Universität Braunschweig breakers
FR3037709B1 (en) 2015-06-22 2018-05-11 Schneider Electric Industries Sas VACUUM BULB AND ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE APPARATUS COMPRISING SUCH BULB
CN111816500B (en) * 2020-09-10 2020-12-15 广东电网有限责任公司东莞供电局 Arc extinguishing device of vacuum circuit breaker
CN113838701A (en) * 2020-11-27 2021-12-24 平高集团有限公司 Vacuum arc extinguish chamber and vacuum circuit breaker
EP4053871B1 (en) 2021-03-03 2024-08-14 ABB Schweiz AG A medium voltage switching apparatus

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3210505A (en) * 1962-04-03 1965-10-05 Gen Electric Electrode structure for an electric circuit interrupter
US3211866A (en) * 1963-02-05 1965-10-12 Gen Electric Vacuum type electric circuit interrupter with plural parallel-connected contact points
US3489873A (en) * 1967-11-06 1970-01-13 Gen Electric Triggered vacuum type circuit interrupter
US4171474A (en) * 1977-05-27 1979-10-16 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. Current interrupter electrode configuration
FR2655766B1 (en) 1989-12-11 1993-09-03 Merlin Gerin MEDIUM VOLTAGE HYBRID CIRCUIT BREAKER.
FR2677487B1 (en) * 1991-06-10 1993-09-03 Merlin Gerin ELECTRIC VACUUM SWITCH.
FR2682808B1 (en) * 1991-10-17 1997-01-24 Merlin Gerin HYBRID CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH AXIAL BLOWING COIL.
FR2682807B1 (en) * 1991-10-17 1997-01-24 Merlin Gerin ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH TWO VACUUM CARTRIDGES IN SERIES.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2721434A1 (en) 1995-12-22
JPH0845397A (en) 1996-02-16
FR2721434B1 (en) 1996-08-02
DE69523669T2 (en) 2002-08-01
EP0689217A1 (en) 1995-12-27
US5591948A (en) 1997-01-07
DE69523669D1 (en) 2001-12-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0433184B1 (en) Hybrid-medium high voltage circuit breaker
EP0538157B1 (en) Hybrid circuit-breaker with axial blow-out coil
EP0388323B1 (en) Autoexpansion electric circuit breaker with insulating gas
EP0542637B1 (en) Electrical circuit breaker with two vacuum switch tubes in series
EP0577530A1 (en) Self-blast switch or switch breaker
EP0680063B1 (en) Medium voltage electric switch
FR2738389A1 (en) HIGH VOLTAGE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT BREAKER
EP0689217B1 (en) Vacuum tube, especially for circuit breaker or h.t. electrical switch, and switch incorporating such a tube
EP0570264B1 (en) Sectionaliser with vertical contact opening and rockable column
CA2235082A1 (en) Circuit breaker with isolation switch
EP0693763B1 (en) M.T. electrical switches
EP0240397A1 (en) Self-blast electrical circuit breaker with a rotating arc
FR2576144A1 (en) HIGH VOLTAGE, COMPRESSED GAS, LOW-ENERGY CIRCUIT BREAKER
FR2744284A1 (en) Multiple phase voltage switch mechanism for medium voltage circuit breakers
EP0759629B1 (en) Circuit breaker with closing resistor and insertion device
EP0518786B1 (en) Electrical vacuum switch
EP0823721B1 (en) Self-blasting electrical circuit breaker with a rotating arc
FR2743936A1 (en) CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH DOUBLE MOTION OF CONTACTS
CA1273043A (en) Closing resistor dielectric gas high voltage circuit-breaker
FR2487570A1 (en) Compressed gas circuit breaker - has resistance arranged as stack of cylindrical discs to be inserted during closing of switch
EP0236641A1 (en) Isolator for a metal-clad high tension installation
EP1512160B1 (en) High voltage shielded gear comprising a circuit breaker with closure resistor mounted in a conducting bar
FR2505550A1 (en) Gas filled electric circuit breaker - uses permanent magnet surrounding conductive cylinder enclosing contacts to deflect arc
FR2676588A1 (en) Medium-voltage circuit breaker

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19960529

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19990525

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SA

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES GB IT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20011107

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69523669

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20011213

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20020110

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020530

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080613

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20080611

Year of fee payment: 14

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20090607

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090607

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100101