EP0715324A1 - Electrical vacuum switch - Google Patents

Electrical vacuum switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0715324A1
EP0715324A1 EP95410129A EP95410129A EP0715324A1 EP 0715324 A1 EP0715324 A1 EP 0715324A1 EP 95410129 A EP95410129 A EP 95410129A EP 95410129 A EP95410129 A EP 95410129A EP 0715324 A1 EP0715324 A1 EP 0715324A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
crown
switch according
arcing
sectors
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
EP95410129A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0715324B1 (en
Inventor
Hans Schneider Electric Schellekens
Roger Schneider Electric Bolongeat-Mobleu
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric SE
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Publication of EP0715324A1 publication Critical patent/EP0715324A1/en
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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
    • H01H33/60—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
    • 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
    • H01H33/6644—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings having coil-like electrical connections between contact rod and the proper contact

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a switch intended to ensure breaking in an electrical circuit and mainly comprising a cartridge elongated under vacuum, said cartridge comprising a cylindrical envelope closed by two bottoms and containing two arcing contacts, one of which, fixed, is secured to one of the aforementioned funds while the other, mobile, is mounted to slide axially inside the cartridge between a closed position and a contact separation position causing the formation of an arc current , and means for producing an axial magnetic field in the region of the arc.
  • the ring-shaped coil is placed outside the cartridge in an annular housing formed in the bottom of the cartridge.
  • Patent application EP 0597434 is also known, describing vacuum interrupters in which the arcing contacts are formed so as to form a turn or else one or more portions of turn, making it possible to create the field during cutting. magnetic axial arc diffusion.
  • the present invention solves this problem and proposes an electric switch, in particular under vacuum, of a particularly simple design.
  • the present invention relates to an electric switch, characterized in that it comprises means for imposing on the arc current a path inclined relative to the plane of the contact surfaces of the arcing contacts, the current thus directed generating the aforementioned axial magnetic field.
  • the aforementioned means are carried by the arcing contacts.
  • each arcing contact comprises a conductive rod comprising at one of its ends a contact piece on which an electrode is fixed, the contact piece and the above-mentioned electrode being electrically connected by at least one portion conductive integral with the contact piece or the electrode, said portions being arranged so that the conductive portions of the fixed arcing contact are not opposite those belonging to the movable arcing contact.
  • the contact parts are in the form of a disc and the electrodes in the form of a crown or else of a disc.
  • the conductive portions are crown sectors, the sectors associated with the fixed arcing contact being angularly offset with respect to those associated with the movable arcing contact.
  • the aforementioned conductive portions came integrally with the contact parts and formed on the periphery of said parts.
  • each arcing contact comprises a crown sector.
  • each arcing contact comprises two crown sectors, diametrically opposite.
  • each arcing contact comprises three equidistant crown sectors.
  • each contact piece is in the form of a crown, said crown being constituted by the aforementioned conductive crown sectors and non-conductive crown sectors.
  • the abovementioned non-conducting crown sectors are made of an insulating or refractory material.
  • FIG. 1 we see a switch I with a vacuum interrupter C mainly comprising an insulating casing 1 of cylindrical shape closed by two metal bases 2, 3 and containing two arcing contacts 4, 5 respectively fixed and mobile extending coaxially inside said envelope 1.
  • One 4 of the contacts, said to be fixed, is integral with one 2 of the aforementioned funds 2, 3 of the envelope 1, while the other 5 of the contacts, said to be mobile, is slidably mounted through the other 3 of the two bottoms 2, 3.
  • This movable contact 5 is moved in translation by a control mechanism not shown, between a closed position allowing the passage of current between the contacts 4, 5 and a separation position (shown in Figure 1) in which an arc current "c" occurs between the contacts 4, 5 before obtaining the cut.
  • the two arcing contacts 4, 5 have the same structure and each consist of a conductive rod 6, 7 comprising at one of its ends a contact piece 8, 9 in the form of a disc which has come into shape with said rod 6 , 7. On the free end 8a, 9a of this disc-shaped part 8, 9 is fixed a conductive electrode 10, 11 in the form of a crown whose diameter is slightly greater than that of the disc-shaped part 8, 9.
  • the means used to produce an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone comprise means M carried by the arcing contacts 4, 5, to impose on the arcing current an inclined trajectory with respect to the plane P of the contact surfaces 4a, 5a of the arcing contacts 4, 5.
  • each contact piece 8, 9 is shaped into a ring 37, said ring 37 being formed at the periphery of the contact pieces 8, 9 and comprising conductive crown sectors 12 to 23 and non-conductive or poorly conductive crown sectors 25 to 36.
  • the crown 37 of each part 8, 9 is formed by three conductive sectors 18 to 23 and three non-conductive sectors 28, 29, 30 and 34,35,36
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate contact parts 8, 9 whose end in the form of a crown 37 consists by a single conductive crown sector 12, 13 and an insulating crown sector 25,31. In this case, as can be seen in FIG.
  • the two respective conducting sectors 12, 13 of the two contact parts 8, 9 will be placed so as to be diametrically opposite.
  • the contact parts 8, 9 each comprise two conductive sectors 14, 15, 16, 17 and two non-conductive sectors 26, 27 and 32.33.
  • the two conductive sectors 14 to 17 of each part 8, 9 are arranged so as to be diametrically opposite and the two parts 8, 9 are arranged with respect to each other so that the two diameters d, e, according to which sectors are placed on the two parts 8, 9 are perpendicular.
  • the conductive sectors 18 to 23 and the non-conductive sectors 28, 29, 30 and 34, 35, 36 are three in number and are equidistant, the conductive sectors 18 to 23 of the two parts 8, 9 being arranged to be angularly offset.
  • the operation of the switch in its three embodiments will be described briefly through the following with reference to the figures.
  • the arc current "c" passes from the crown sector 12 associated with the fixed contact 4 to the crown sector 13 associated with the movable contact 5, passing through the electrodes 10, 11 along an inclined path as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3.
  • the horizontal component of this current that is to say the area parallel to the contact surfaces 4a, 5a of the arcing contacts 4, 5, then generates an axial field localized, making it possible, by maintaining several small arches, to spread the arc.
  • the rod 6, 7, the contact piece 8, 9 and the conductive sectors 12 to 23 of each arcing contact 4, 5 advantageously forming a one-piece assembly will preferably be made of copper.
  • the electrodes 10, 11 will advantageously be made of a conductive material based on chromium and copper, while the non-conductive sectors 25 to 36 will be made of an insulating or refractory material.
  • an electrical switch has therefore been produced, in particular under vacuum, carrying out the breaking in the axial field, of particularly simple design since it does not require additional means for producing an axial field and the geometry and therefore the structure of the arcing contacts remains particularly simple.

Abstract

The switch includes the cartridge (C) which has a cylindrical envelope (1) closed by two end pieces (2,3) and containing two arc contacts. The fixed contact (4) is secured through one end piece (2). The moving contact (5) slides axially within the cartridge between open and closed positions. The arc current is constrained to follow a path inclined w.r.t. the plane (P) of the contact faces (4a,5a) so as to generate an axial magnetic field within the arcing region. This is achieved by arrangement of conducting portions connecting contact pieces (8,9) and electrodes (10,11) so that these portions do not face each other.

Description

La présente invention concerne un interrupteur destiné à assurer la coupure dans un circuit électrique et comprenant principalement une cartouche allongée sous vide, ladite cartouche comportant une enveloppe cylindrique obturée par deux fonds et renfermant deux contacts d'arc, dont l'un, fixe, est solidaire de l'un des fonds précités tandis que l'autre, mobile, est monté à coulissement axial à l'intérieur de la cartouche entre une position de fermeture et une position de séparation des contacts entraînant la formation d'un courant d'arc, et des moyens destinés à produire un champ magnétique axial dans la zone de formation de l'arc.The present invention relates to a switch intended to ensure breaking in an electrical circuit and mainly comprising a cartridge elongated under vacuum, said cartridge comprising a cylindrical envelope closed by two bottoms and containing two arcing contacts, one of which, fixed, is secured to one of the aforementioned funds while the other, mobile, is mounted to slide axially inside the cartridge between a closed position and a contact separation position causing the formation of an arc current , and means for producing an axial magnetic field in the region of the arc.

On connaît plusieurs moyens pour produire un champ magnétique axial dans la zone de formation de l'arc, ce champ magnétique permettant d'augmenter le pouvoir de coupure de la cartouche en engendrant une diffusion de l'arc et en évitant toute concentration d'énergie en un point particulier.Several means are known for producing an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone, this magnetic field making it possible to increase the breaking capacity of the cartridge by generating a diffusion of the arc and avoiding any concentration of energy. at a particular point.

Le brevet FR 2.677.487 de la demanderesse décrit un interrupteur électrique du genre mentionné, dans lequel le champ magnétique axial est engendré par le courant parcourant une bobine solidaire du fond de la cartouche et disposée coaxialement à cette cartouche au droit de l'intervalle de séparation des contacts d'arc.The patent FR 2,677,487 of the applicant describes an electrical switch of the kind mentioned, in which the axial magnetic field is generated by the current flowing through a coil integral with the bottom of the cartridge and arranged coaxially with this cartridge at the interval of separation of arcing contacts.

Dans le document FR 2.682.808 appartenant également à la demanderesse, la bobine en forme d'anneau est placée à l'extérieur de la cartouche dans un logement annulaire formé dans le fond de la cartouche.In document FR 2,682,808 also belonging to the applicant, the ring-shaped coil is placed outside the cartridge in an annular housing formed in the bottom of the cartridge.

On connaît également la demande de brevet EP 0597434, décrivant des interrupteurs sous vide dans lesquels les contacts d'arc sont constitués de manière à former une spire ou bien une ou plusieurs portions de spire, permettant de créer, lors de la coupure, le champ magnétique axial de diffusion de l'arc.Patent application EP 0597434 is also known, describing vacuum interrupters in which the arcing contacts are formed so as to form a turn or else one or more portions of turn, making it possible to create the field during cutting. magnetic axial arc diffusion.

Et l'on connaît enfin la possibilité de placer une spire ou un circuit magnétique derrière chaque contact.And we finally know the possibility of placing a turn or a magnetic circuit behind each contact.

Toutes ces réalisations nécessitent donc soit l'utilisation d'éléments additionnels, tels une bobine ou un circuit magnétique, soit la réalisation de contacts de forme complexe, d'où il résulte un coût de fabrication important des interrupteurs dans lesquels ils sont destinés à être utilisés.All these embodiments therefore require either the use of additional elements, such as a coil or a magnetic circuit, or the production of contacts of complex shape, which results in a significant manufacturing cost of the switches in which they are intended to be used.

La présente invention résout ce problème et propose un interrupteur électrique, notamment sous vide de conception particulièrement simple.The present invention solves this problem and proposes an electric switch, in particular under vacuum, of a particularly simple design.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un interrupteur électrique, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens pour imposer au courant d'arc une trajectoire inclinée par rapport au plan des surfaces de contact des contacts d'arc, le courant ainsi dirigé générant le champ magnétique axial précité.To this end, the present invention relates to an electric switch, characterized in that it comprises means for imposing on the arc current a path inclined relative to the plane of the contact surfaces of the arcing contacts, the current thus directed generating the aforementioned axial magnetic field.

Suivant une réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens précités sont portés par les contacts d'arc.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned means are carried by the arcing contacts.

Suivant une caractéristique particulière, chaque contact d'arc comprend une tige conductrice comportant à l'une de ses extrémités une pièce de contact sur laquelle est fixée une électrode, la pièce de contact et l'électrode précitée étant reliées électriquement par au moins une portion conductrice solidaire de la pièce de contact ou de l'électrode, lesdites portions étant agencées de manière que les portions conductrices du contact d'arc fixe ne soient pas en regard de celles appartenant au contact d'arc mobile.According to a particular characteristic, each arcing contact comprises a conductive rod comprising at one of its ends a contact piece on which an electrode is fixed, the contact piece and the above-mentioned electrode being electrically connected by at least one portion conductive integral with the contact piece or the electrode, said portions being arranged so that the conductive portions of the fixed arcing contact are not opposite those belonging to the movable arcing contact.

Suivant une autre caractéristique particulière, les pièces de contact sont en forme de disque et les électrodes en forme de couronne ou bien de disque.According to another particular characteristic, the contact parts are in the form of a disc and the electrodes in the form of a crown or else of a disc.

Suivant une autre caractéristique, les portions conductrices sont des secteurs de couronne, les secteurs associés au contact d'arc fixe étant décalés angulairement par rapport à ceux associés au contact d'arc mobile.According to another characteristic, the conductive portions are crown sectors, the sectors associated with the fixed arcing contact being angularly offset with respect to those associated with the movable arcing contact.

Avantageusement, les portions conductrices précitées sont venues de matière avec les pièces de contact et formées à la périphérie desdites pièces.Advantageously, the aforementioned conductive portions came integrally with the contact parts and formed on the periphery of said parts.

Suivant une réalisation particulière, chaque contact d'arc comporte un secteur de couronne.According to a particular embodiment, each arcing contact comprises a crown sector.

Suivant une variante de réalisation, chaque contact d'arc comporte deux secteurs de couronne, diamétralement opposés.According to an alternative embodiment, each arcing contact comprises two crown sectors, diametrically opposite.

Selon une autre variante, chaque contact d'arc comporte trois secteurs de couronne équidistants.According to another variant, each arcing contact comprises three equidistant crown sectors.

Suivant une autre caractéristique, l'extrémité de chaque pièce de contact est en forme de couronne, ladite couronne étant constituée par les secteurs de couronne conducteurs précités et des secteurs de couronne non conducteurs.According to another characteristic, the end of each contact piece is in the form of a crown, said crown being constituted by the aforementioned conductive crown sectors and non-conductive crown sectors.

Avantageusement, les secteurs de couronne non conducteurs précités sont réalisés en un matériau isolant ou réfractaire.Advantageously, the abovementioned non-conducting crown sectors are made of an insulating or refractory material.

Mais d'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront mieux dans la description détaillée qui suit et se réfère aux dessins annexés donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple et dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 illustre, dans une vue en coupe, un interrupteur à vide conforme à une réalisation particulière de l'invention;
  • les figures 2, 4 et 6 illustrent respectivement, dans des vues éclatées, l'un des contacts d'arc de l'interrupteur, suivant trois réalisations différentes de l'invention;
  • les figures 3, 5 et 7 illustrent respectivement, dans des vues en perspective, les deux contacts d'arc suivant les trois réalisations précitées de l'invention.
However, other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better in the detailed description which follows and which refers to the appended drawings given solely by way of example and in which:
  • Figure 1 illustrates, in a sectional view, a vacuum switch according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
  • Figures 2, 4 and 6 respectively illustrate, in exploded views, one of the arcing contacts of the switch, according to three different embodiments of the invention;
  • Figures 3, 5 and 7 respectively illustrate, in perspective views, the two arcing contacts according to the three aforementioned embodiments of the invention.

Sur la figure 1, on voit un interrupteur I à ampoule sous vide C comprenant principalement une enveloppe isolante 1 de forme cylindrique fermée par deux fonds métalliques 2, 3 et renfermant deux contacts d'arc 4, 5 respectivement fixe et mobile s'étendant coaxialement à l'intérieur de ladite enveloppe 1. L'un 4 des contacts, dit fixe, est solidaire de l'un 2 des fonds précités 2, 3 de l'enveloppe 1, tandis que l'autre 5 des contacts, dit mobile, est monté coulissant à travers l'autre 3 des deux fonds 2, 3. Ce contact mobile 5 est mû en translation par un mécanisme de commande non représenté, entre une position de fermeture autorisant le passage du courant entre les contacts 4, 5 et une position de séparation (représentée sur la figure 1) dans laquelle un courant d'arc "c" se produit entre les contacts 4, 5 préalablement à l'obtention de la coupure.In FIG. 1, we see a switch I with a vacuum interrupter C mainly comprising an insulating casing 1 of cylindrical shape closed by two metal bases 2, 3 and containing two arcing contacts 4, 5 respectively fixed and mobile extending coaxially inside said envelope 1. One 4 of the contacts, said to be fixed, is integral with one 2 of the aforementioned funds 2, 3 of the envelope 1, while the other 5 of the contacts, said to be mobile, is slidably mounted through the other 3 of the two bottoms 2, 3. This movable contact 5 is moved in translation by a control mechanism not shown, between a closed position allowing the passage of current between the contacts 4, 5 and a separation position (shown in Figure 1) in which an arc current "c" occurs between the contacts 4, 5 before obtaining the cut.

Les deux contacts d'arc 4, 5 ont la même structure et sont constitués chacun par une tige conductrice 6, 7 comportant à l'une de ses extrémités une pièce de contact 8, 9 en forme de disque venue de forme avec ladite tige 6, 7. Sur l'extrémité libre 8a, 9a de cette pièce en forme de disque 8, 9 est fixée une électrode conductrice 10, 11 en forme de couronne dont le diamètre est légèrement supérieur à celui de la pièce en forme de disque 8, 9.The two arcing contacts 4, 5 have the same structure and each consist of a conductive rod 6, 7 comprising at one of its ends a contact piece 8, 9 in the form of a disc which has come into shape with said rod 6 , 7. On the free end 8a, 9a of this disc-shaped part 8, 9 is fixed a conductive electrode 10, 11 in the form of a crown whose diameter is slightly greater than that of the disc-shaped part 8, 9.

Suivant une réalisation particulière de l'invention, les moyens utilisés pour produire un champ magnétique axial dans la zone de formation de l'arc, comprennent des moyens M portés par les contacts d'arc 4, 5, pour imposer au courant d'arc une trajectoire inclinée par rapport au plan P des surfaces de contact 4a, 5a des contacts d'arc 4, 5.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the means used to produce an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone, comprise means M carried by the arcing contacts 4, 5, to impose on the arcing current an inclined trajectory with respect to the plane P of the contact surfaces 4a, 5a of the arcing contacts 4, 5.

En se reportant aux figures, on voit qu'à cet effet, l'extrémité 8a, 9a de chaque pièce de contact 8, 9 est conformée en couronne 37, ladite couronne 37 étant formée à la périphérie des pièces de contact 8, 9 et comportant des secteurs de couronne conducteurs 12 à 23 et des secteurs de couronne non conducteurs ou peu conducteurs 25 à 36. Sur la figure 1, qui correspond au mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 6 et 7, la couronne 37 de chaque pièce 8,9 est constituée par trois secteurs conducteurs 18 à 23 et trois secteurs non conducteurs 28, 29, 30 et 34,35,36 Les figures 2 et 3 illustrent des pièces de contact 8, 9 dont l'extrémité en forme de couronne 37 est constituée par un seul secteur de couronne conducteur 12, 13 et un secteur de couronne isolant 25,31. Dans ce cas, comme ceci est visible sur la figure 3, les deux secteurs conducteurs 12, 13 respectifs des deux pièces de contact 8, 9 seront placés de manière à être diamétralement opposés. Sur les figures 4 et 5, les pièces de contact 8, 9 comportent chacune deux secteurs conducteurs 14, 15, 16, 17 et deux secteurs non conducteurs 26, 27 et 32,33. Les deux secteurs conducteurs 14 à 17 de chaque pièce 8, 9 sont agencés de manière à être diamétralement opposés et les deux pièces 8, 9 sont agencées l'une par rapport à l'autre de façon que les deux diamètres d, e, selon lesquels les secteurs sont placés sur les deux pièces 8, 9 soient perpendiculaires. Sur les figures 6 et 7, les secteurs conducteurs 18 à 23 et les secteurs non conducteurs 28, 29, 30 et 34, 35, 36 sont au nombre de trois et sont équidistants, les secteurs conducteurs 18 à 23 des deux pièces 8, 9 étant agencés de manière à être décalés angulairement.
Le fonctionnement de l'interrupteur dans ses trois formes de réalisation va être décrit brièvement à travers ce qui suit en référence aux figures.Referring to the figures, it can be seen that for this purpose, the end 8a, 9a of each contact piece 8, 9 is shaped into a ring 37, said ring 37 being formed at the periphery of the contact pieces 8, 9 and comprising conductive crown sectors 12 to 23 and non-conductive or poorly conductive crown sectors 25 to 36. In FIG. 1, which corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the crown 37 of each part 8, 9 is formed by three conductive sectors 18 to 23 and three non-conductive sectors 28, 29, 30 and 34,35,36 Figures 2 and 3 illustrate contact parts 8, 9 whose end in the form of a crown 37 consists by a single conductive crown sector 12, 13 and an insulating crown sector 25,31. In this case, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the two respective conducting sectors 12, 13 of the two contact parts 8, 9 will be placed so as to be diametrically opposite. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact parts 8, 9 each comprise two conductive sectors 14, 15, 16, 17 and two non-conductive sectors 26, 27 and 32.33. The two conductive sectors 14 to 17 of each part 8, 9 are arranged so as to be diametrically opposite and the two parts 8, 9 are arranged with respect to each other so that the two diameters d, e, according to which sectors are placed on the two parts 8, 9 are perpendicular. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the conductive sectors 18 to 23 and the non-conductive sectors 28, 29, 30 and 34, 35, 36 are three in number and are equidistant, the conductive sectors 18 to 23 of the two parts 8, 9 being arranged to be angularly offset.
The operation of the switch in its three embodiments will be described briefly through the following with reference to the figures.

En position fermée de l'interrupteur I, pour passer du contact fixe 4 au contact mobile 5, le courant traverse successivement la tige 6 du contact fixe 4, la pièce de contact 8, les secteurs conducteurs, l'électrode 10 du contact fixe 4, puis l'électrode 11 du contact mobile 5, les secteurs conducteurs du contact mobile 5, la pièce de contact 9 et la tige du contact mobile 7.
En position de séparation des contacts d'arc 4, 5 préalablement à la coupure, le courant acheminé par la tige 6 du contact d'arc fixe 4 traverse la pièce de contact 8 du contact d'arc fixe 4 puis atteint les secteurs conducteurs. Suivant la réalisation illustrée sur les figures 2 et 3, le courant d'arc "c" passe du secteur de couronne 12 associé au contact fixe 4 au secteur de couronne 13 associé au contact mobile 5, en passant par les électrodes 10, 11 suivant une trajectoire inclinée telle que représentée en pointillés sur la figure 3. La composante horizontale de ce courant, c'est-à-aire parallèle aux surfaces de contact 4a, 5a des contacts d'arc 4, 5, génère alors un champ axial localisé, permettant l'obtention, par le maintien de plusieurs petits arcs, d'une diffusion de l'arc.In the closed position of the switch I, to pass from the fixed contact 4 to the movable contact 5, the current passes successively through the rod 6 of the fixed contact 4, the contact piece 8, the conductive sectors, the electrode 10 of the fixed contact 4 , then the electrode 11 of the movable contact 5, the conductive sectors of the movable contact 5, the contact piece 9 and the rod of the movable contact 7.
In the separation position of the arcing contacts 4, 5 prior to breaking, the current supplied by the rod 6 of the fixed arcing contact 4 passes through the contact piece 8 of the fixed arcing contact 4 and then reaches the conductive sectors. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the arc current "c" passes from the crown sector 12 associated with the fixed contact 4 to the crown sector 13 associated with the movable contact 5, passing through the electrodes 10, 11 along an inclined path as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 3. The horizontal component of this current, that is to say the area parallel to the contact surfaces 4a, 5a of the arcing contacts 4, 5, then generates an axial field localized, making it possible, by maintaining several small arches, to spread the arc.

Lorsque les secteurs sont au nombre de deux ou de trois par pièce de contact, comme illustré sur les figures 4 à 7, on obtient plusieurs courants d'arc de direction inclinée par rapport aux mêmes surfaces de contact, d'où il résulte la création d'un champ magnétique axial.When the sectors are two or three in number per contact piece, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, there are obtained several arc currents of inclined direction with respect to the same contact surfaces, from which the creation results. of an axial magnetic field.

On notera que la tige 6, 7, la pièce de contact 8, 9 ainsi que les secteurs conducteurs 12 à 23 de chaque contact d'arc 4, 5 formant avantageusement un ensemble monobloc, seront de préférence réalisés en cuivre. Les électrodes 10, 11 seront avantageusement réalisées en un matériau conducteur à base de chrome et de cuivre, tandis que les secteurs non conducteurs 25 à 36 seront réalisés en un matériau isolant ou bien réfractaire.Note that the rod 6, 7, the contact piece 8, 9 and the conductive sectors 12 to 23 of each arcing contact 4, 5 advantageously forming a one-piece assembly, will preferably be made of copper. The electrodes 10, 11 will advantageously be made of a conductive material based on chromium and copper, while the non-conductive sectors 25 to 36 will be made of an insulating or refractory material.

On a donc réalisé grâce à l'invention un interrupteur électrique, notamment sous vide, réalisant la coupure en champ axial, de conception particulièrement simple puisqu'il ne nécessite pas de moyens additionnels de production d'un champ axial et que la géométrie et donc la structure des contacts d'arc restent particulièrement simples.Thanks to the invention, an electrical switch has therefore been produced, in particular under vacuum, carrying out the breaking in the axial field, of particularly simple design since it does not require additional means for producing an axial field and the geometry and therefore the structure of the arcing contacts remains particularly simple.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et illustrés qui n'ont été donnés qu'à titre d'exemple. C'est ainsi par exemple que l'on pourrait envisager que les secteurs conducteurs soient réalisés sur les électrodes plutôt que sur les pièces de contact. De même, on pourrait supprimer les secteurs non conducteurs, surtout dans le cas ou chaque pièce de contact comporte au moins deux secteurs conducteurs.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only by way of example. Thus, for example, it could be envisaged that the conductive sectors are produced on the electrodes rather than on the contact parts. Similarly, the non-conductive sectors could be eliminated, especially in the case where each contact piece comprises at least two conductive sectors.

Au contraire, l'invention comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci sont effectuées suivant son esprit.On the contrary, the invention includes all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if these are carried out according to the spirit.

Claims (11)

Interrupteur électrique destiné à assurer la coupure dans un circuit électrique, du genre comprenant une cartouche allongée sous vide, ladite cartouche comportant une enveloppe cylindrique obturée par deux fonds et renfermant deux contacts d'arc dont l'un, fixe, est solidaire de l'un des fonds précités tandis que l'autre, mobile, est monté à coulissement axial à l'intérieur de la cartouche entre une position de fermeture et une position de séparation des contacts entraînant la formation d'un courant d'arc entre les contacts, et des moyens destinés à produire un champ magnétique axial dans la zone de formation de l'arc, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens (M) pour imposer au courant d'arc (c) une trajectoire inclinée par rapport au plan (P) des surfaces de contact (4a, 5a) des contacts d'arc (4, 5), le courant ainsi dirigé générant le champ magnétique axial précité.Electric switch intended to ensure breaking in an electrical circuit, of the type comprising a cartridge elongated under vacuum, said cartridge comprising a cylindrical envelope closed by two bottoms and containing two arcing contacts, one of which, fixed, is integral with the one of the aforementioned funds while the other, mobile, is mounted to slide axially inside the cartridge between a closed position and a contact separation position causing the formation of an arc current between the contacts, and means intended to produce an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone, characterized in that it comprises means (M) for imposing on the arc current (c) a trajectory inclined relative to the plane ( P) of the contact surfaces (4a, 5a) of the arcing contacts (4, 5), the current thus directed generating the above-mentioned axial magnetic field. Interrupteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens précités (M) sont portés par les contacts d'arc (4, 5).Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned means (M) are carried by the arcing contacts (4, 5). Interrupteur selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que chaque contact d'arc (4, 5) comprend une tige conductrice (6, 7) comportant à l'une de ses extrémités une pièce de contact (8, 9) sur laquelle est fixée une électrode (10, 11), la pièce de contact (8, 9) et l'électrode précitée (10, 11) étant reliées électriquement par au moins une portion conductrice (12 à 23) solidaire de la pièce de contact (8, 9) ou de l'électrode (10, 11), lesdites portions (12 à 23) étant agencées de manière que les portions conductrices (12,14,15,18,19,20) du contact d'arc fixe (4) ne soient pas en regard de celles (13,16,17,21,22,23) appartenant au contact d'arc mobile (5).Switch according to claim 2, characterized in that each arcing contact (4, 5) comprises a conductive rod (6, 7) comprising at one of its ends a contact piece (8, 9) on which is fixed an electrode (10, 11), the contact piece (8, 9) and the aforementioned electrode (10, 11) being electrically connected by at least one conductive portion (12 to 23) integral with the contact piece (8, 9) or the electrode (10, 11), said portions (12 to 23) being arranged so that the conductive portions (12,14,15,18,19,20) of the fixed arcing contact (4) are not opposite those (13,16,17,21,22,23) belonging to the movable arcing contact (5). Interrupteur selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les pièces de contact (8, 9) sont en forme de disque et les électrodes (10, 11) en forme de couronne ou de disque.Switch according to Claim 3, characterized in that the contact parts (8, 9) are in the form of a disc and the electrodes (10, 11) in the form of a crown or disc. Interrupteur selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les portions conductrices (12 à 23) sont des secteurs de couronne, les secteurs (12,14,15,18,19,20) associés au contact d'arc fixe (4) étant décalés angulairement par rapport à ceux (13,16,17,21,22,23) associés au contact d'arc mobile (5).Switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the conductive portions (12 to 23) are crown sectors, the sectors (12,14,15,18,19,20) associated with the fixed arcing contact (4) being angularly offset from those (13,16,17,21,22,23) associated with the movable arcing contact (5). Interrupteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 5, caractérisé en ce que les portions conductrices précitées (12 à 23) sont venues de matière avec les pièces de contact (8, 9) et formées à la périphérie desdites pièces.Switch according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the aforementioned conductive portions (12 to 23) came integrally with the contact parts (8, 9) and formed at the periphery of said parts. Interrupteur selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que chaque contact d'arc (4,5) comporte un secteur de couronne (12, 13).Switch according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each arcing contact (4,5) comprises a crown sector (12, 13). Interrupteur selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que chaque contact d'arc (4,5) comporte deux secteurs de couronne (14, 15, 16, 17), diamétralement opposés.Switch according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each arcing contact (4,5) comprises two crown sectors (14, 15, 16, 17), diametrically opposite. Interrupteur selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que chaque contact d'arc (4,5) comporte trois secteurs de couronne (18 à 23) équidistants.Switch according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each arcing contact (4,5) comprises three equidistant crown sectors (18 to 23). Interrupteur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité de chaque pièce de contact (8, 9) est en forme de couronne, ladite couronne (37) étant constituée par les secteurs de couronne conducteurs précités (12 à 23) et des secteurs de couronne non conducteurs (25 à 36).Switch according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the end of each contact piece (8, 9) is in the form of a crown, said crown (37) being constituted by the abovementioned conductive crown sectors ( 12 to 23) and non-conductive crown sectors (25 to 36). Interrupteur selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que les secteurs de couronne non conducteurs précités (25 à 36) sont réalisés en un matériau isolant ou réfractaire.Switch according to claim 10, characterized in that the aforementioned non-conducting crown sectors (25 to 36) are made of an insulating or refractory material.
EP95410129A 1994-11-29 1995-11-10 Electrical vacuum switch Expired - Lifetime EP0715324B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9414430A FR2727565B1 (en) 1994-11-29 1994-11-29 ELECTRIC SWITCH, ESPECIALLY VACUUM
FR9414430 1994-11-29
US08/653,242 US5726406A (en) 1994-11-29 1996-05-24 Electrical vacuum switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0715324A1 true EP0715324A1 (en) 1996-06-05
EP0715324B1 EP0715324B1 (en) 2002-05-08

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ID=26231579

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95410129A Expired - Lifetime EP0715324B1 (en) 1994-11-29 1995-11-10 Electrical vacuum switch

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US (1) US5726406A (en)
EP (1) EP0715324B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69526631T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2176300T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2727565B1 (en)

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FR2946790B1 (en) * 2009-06-10 2011-07-01 Areva T & D Sa CONTACT FOR MEDIUM VOLTAGE VACUUM BULB WITH IMPROVED ARC BREAKER, VACUUM BULB AND CIRCUIT BREAKER, SUCH AS AN ALTERNATOR DISCONNECT CIRCUIT BREAKER.
FR2946792A1 (en) * 2009-06-10 2010-12-17 Areva T & D Sa WINDING FOR CONTACT WITH IMPROVED ENDURANCE MEDIUM VOLTAGE VACUUM BULB, VACUUM BULB AND CIRCUIT BREAKER, SUCH AS AN ASSOCIATED ALTERNATOR DISCONNECT CIRCUIT BREAKER.
FR2946791B1 (en) * 2009-06-10 2011-09-23 Areva T & D Sa CONTACT FOR MEDIUM VOLTAGE VACUUM BULB WITH REINFORCED STRUCTURE, VACUUM BULB AND CIRCUIT BREAKER, SUCH AS AN ASSOCIATED ALTERNATOR DISCONNECT CIRCUIT BREAKER.
RU2449405C1 (en) * 2010-11-15 2012-04-27 Холдинговая компания "Новосибирский Электровакуумный Завод - Союз" в форме открытого акционерного общества Contact device for vacuum arc-quenching chamber
AU2013202778A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-10-02 Gen-Probe Incorporated Systems, methods, and apparatuses for performing automated reagent-based assays
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69526631T2 (en) 2002-11-21
FR2727565B1 (en) 1997-01-17
EP0715324B1 (en) 2002-05-08
ES2176300T3 (en) 2002-12-01
US5726406A (en) 1998-03-10
FR2727565A1 (en) 1996-05-31
DE69526631D1 (en) 2002-06-13

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