EP1376634B1 - Vacuum tube for an electrical protection apparatus such as a switch or a circuit breaker - Google Patents

Vacuum tube for an electrical protection apparatus such as a switch or a circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1376634B1
EP1376634B1 EP03354060A EP03354060A EP1376634B1 EP 1376634 B1 EP1376634 B1 EP 1376634B1 EP 03354060 A EP03354060 A EP 03354060A EP 03354060 A EP03354060 A EP 03354060A EP 1376634 B1 EP1376634 B1 EP 1376634B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shield
contact
contacts
cartridge according
vacuum cartridge
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EP03354060A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1376634A1 (en
Inventor
Serge Schneider Electric Industries SAS Olive
Hans Schneider Electric SAS Schellekens
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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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
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/24—Means for preventing discharge to non-current-carrying parts, e.g. using corona ring

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter for an electrical protection device such as a switch or a circuit breaker, said bulb comprising a substantially cylindrical envelope closed by two bottoms, two contacts extending axially inside the envelope, at least one said movable contact, is connected to a control mechanism and is slidably mounted between a closed position of the contacts allowing the passage of current and a position in which the contacts are separated and form an electric arc between them, and means for producing an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone.
  • a vacuum circuit breaker of the kind mentioned above is described in the documents From 19603158 FR 2.682.808 or FR 2,726,396 of the plaintiff. In this type of circuit breaker, the vacuum bulbs have under high currents, a breaking capacity which is limited by the following phenomenon.
  • the arc causes liquid material from the molten contact to the edge of the contacts.
  • This very hot liquid material (about 2000 °) is at the edge of the contacts at the time of the cut.
  • the recovery voltage imposed by the network is established between the two contacts.
  • the electric field generated by this voltage is maximum at the edges of the contacts. This causes the following undesirable phenomena. Firstly, while cooling, the liquid constantly emits metal vapors as well as gases. These emissions create a high gas density atmosphere which, in an environment normally under high vacuum, has a reduced dielectric strength. Second, the electric field, present just above the liquefied and very hot material, generates the emission of electrons by a thermo-electric mechanism.
  • the bulbs of the kind previously mentioned further comprise a metal screen acting as wall of the envelope.
  • This screen is connected to one of the contacts, usually in fixed contact, and secondarily produces a strengthening of the electric field created at the mobile contact.
  • the bulb is considered to be asymmetrical. The electric field is more intense at the edges of the moving contact than at the edges of the fixed contact.
  • the fixed contact is subjected to a negative voltage rather than the moving contact.
  • the hot material emits more electrons because of the presence of the reinforced electric field, which increases the risk of rebooting.
  • This asymmetry in terms of geometry also results in an asymmetry in terms of breaking capacity, the difference being of the order of 15% for a nominal current of 25 kAeff.
  • the present invention solves these problems and proposes a vacuum bulb with improved breaking capacity and whose breaking behavior is more symmetrical.
  • the ampoule made according to the invention can also be reduced in size.
  • the subject of the present invention is a vacuum interrupter according to claim 1.
  • the aforementioned screen is used to drive at least part of the current.
  • said screen comprises slots arranged such that said screen constitutes a coil.
  • the aforementioned screen is electrically connected to said contact and is sufficiently separated from said contact so that the liquid flowing on the contact surface of said contact can not reach said screen.
  • the aforementioned screen is present all around said contact.
  • the screen is shaped so as to create between said screen and said contact a ditch having a width of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.
  • the aforementioned ditch has a depth of about 5 mm.
  • the edge of the aforementioned screen is substantially at the same level as the contact pad, or is slightly less than the height of the height of the contact pad.
  • the aforementioned screen has a semi-annular shape and is fixed on the lower part of the movable contact.
  • the screen is made of the same material as the contact, for example copper.
  • the screen is made of a refractory material such as SiC.
  • the aforementioned screen is mounted around the moving contact.
  • said bulb comprises another said second screen, said screen being intended to protect the envelope of the metallization by the arc vapor and secondarily producing an increase in the value of the electric field on said contact.
  • said second screen is mounted between the so-called first screen and the envelope E of the bulb A.
  • the or each contact comprises at least one slot passing through said contact, said slots being arranged to receive the aforementioned liquid and to facilitate its flow.
  • said bulb comprises a so-called third screen, made of a conductive material, said screen being located inside the envelope E at the right of the separation interval of the contacts and being electrically connected to one contacts, said screen being located around the contacts at a predetermined position according to the position of the current leads so that when the arc tends to deviate from the aforementioned interval, this arc is placed between the contacts and the screen .
  • the inclination of the slots in the contacts is opposite to the inclination of the slots in the screen so that the liquid flowing through the slots of the contacts can not flow through the slots of the screen.
  • a vacuum bulb A intended in particular to be integrated in a medium voltage electrical circuit breaker in order to achieve the breaking of an electric circuit in the event of a fault or during a command of voluntary opening of the electric circuit.
  • This vacuum bulb A comprises a cylindrical envelope E closed by two bottoms 1.2 inside which are housed two arcing contacts 3,4, respectively a fixed arcing contact 3 and a movable arcing contact 4
  • This movable contact 4 is mechanically connected via an actuating rod 5 to a control device (not shown), said rod 5 being connected to said device by a 5a of its ends and being secured to the contact moving bow 4 by its opposite end 5b.
  • This control device is able to move the aforementioned rod 5 and the movable contact 4 in translation inside the envelope E between two positions respectively a closed position of the contacts corresponding to a normal operation of the apparatus and a position opening or separation of the contacts after the appearance of a fault in the electrical circuit to be protected or during a voluntary opening command of the electrical circuit.
  • an internal turn 6, 7 is mounted behind each of the contacts 3, 4, said turns 6, 7 constituting a means for producing an axial magnetic field capable of effecting a diffusion of the arc. created between the contacts after the separation of the contacts during the break.
  • a metal screen 9 is mounted around the end 5b of the actuating rod 5 connected to the moving contact 4, said screen 9 and a part of another screen 1 being located around the moving contact 4 and producing an increase in the electric field created at the moving contact during the break.
  • a vacuum interrupter A according to an embodiment no longer part of the invention and further comprising elements mentioned above, a screen 11 for reducing the electric field to the edges of the contact 4.
  • This screen 11, semi form -annual is disposed around the periphery of the movable contact 4, and has two circular edges 11a, 11b of different diameters.
  • This screen 11 is connected electrically in contact with moving arc 4 by its lower circular edge 11b and is sufficiently separated from said contact 4 so that the liquid, flowing over the contact surface under the arc pressure, can not reach said screen 11.
  • a ditch 14 is thus created between the contact 4 and the screen 11, said ditch 14 having a depth of 5 mm and a width of between 0.5 and 4 mm.
  • the shape of the screen 11 is such that the value of the electric field at the edges of the contact 4 is substantially reduced.
  • the edge 11a of said screen 11 is flush with the contact pad or is at a height slightly less than that of the contact pad, the difference being between 0 and 5 mm when the screen 11 is slightly set back by relative to the contact 4.
  • the screen 11 must have good thermal resistance, because projections of drops from the contact 4 may subject it to thermal shock.
  • the screen 11 is preferably made of copper orbien in the same material as the contact 4.
  • this screen 11 may be made of a refractory material such as SiC, with the exception of insulators.
  • the breaking capacity of the bulb A of this figure is 20% higher than that of the figure 1 .
  • the protective screen 11 according to the invention substantially reduces the distance between the movable contact 4 and the metal envelope E. Thus, despite the fact that the screen 11 substantially reduces this distance, a net increase in the power of cut as indicated by curve 2 on the figure 7 , while curve 1 represents the behavior of a bulb of the prior art.
  • This curve represents on the ordinate the cutoff power P in percentage, and on the abscissa, the distance 1 from the screen relative to the wall in mm.
  • the screen 11 because of the screen 11, the distance between the movable contact 4 and the wall of the envelope E has been reduced and is now 9 mm whereas it was initially 13 mm.
  • the screen 11 thus has a very high electric field which does not degrade the breaking power.
  • the screen 11 is arranged around the movable contact 4, as illustrated on the figures 2 , 3 , but another screen can also be placed, in addition to the first, around the fixed contact 3.
  • This screen 11 can also be used advantageously in bulbs of the symmetrical type with floating screen as shown in FIG. figure 4 .
  • This bulb has indeed, for each of the contacts 3,4, an internal coil 6,7 located behind the contact 3,4, a metal screen 8,9 here in the form of a cup extending in the vicinity of the wall of the envelope, between the inner coil 6,7 and the envelope, and two screens 10,11 according to the invention respectively arranged around the fixed contact 3 and around the moving contact 4.
  • the contacts are provided with slots 12 as described in the French patent application FR 2 808 617 . These slots 12 are made in the contacts 3,4 so as to receive and facilitate the flow of the contact liquid towards the surfaces under the contact surfaces, the liquid coming from the melting of the contact material under the effect of the concentration of the arc during the cut.
  • slots 12 make it possible to increase the contact surface between the arcing contacts 3,4 and the liquid so as to create concealed surfaces for the arc but accessible to the liquid.
  • This arrangement has the effect of accelerating the cooling of said contact material despite the concentration of the arc during the cut. With these provisions, it elapses more time before the liquid reaches the edges of the contacts 3a, 4a. Thus, the liquid reaches the edges of the contacts 3a, 4a at a time when the current values are very high.
  • the movable contact 4 is provided with a screen 11 according to the invention.
  • the bulb described in this figure comprises, at each of the contacts 3,4, a ring 15,16 placed above the ditch 13,14 separating the screen 10,11 and the contact 3,4. With this arrangement, the liquid can flow freely through the slots 12.
  • the breaking capacity is increased, the value of this increase can be up to 60% of the breaking capacity associated with a bulb according to the figure 1 .
  • this physical continuity can also be achieved with rings having a reduced diameter, which are no longer in contact with the screen.
  • This physical continuity can also be achieved by means of studs or sectors of rings.
  • the screen could be of a shape other than semi-annular, for example rectangular etc ...
  • the invention may also be advantageously implemented in an ampoule as described in the patent FR 2,745,118 .
  • said bulb further comprises another screen made of conductive material and electrically connected to one of the contacts, said screen being located inside the envelope to the right of the separation interval of the contacts and located around the contacts at a predetermined position according to the position of the current leads so that when the arc tends to deviate from the aforementioned range, this arc is placed between the contacts and the 'screen.
  • the switch of this embodiment has an improved breaking capacity, this breaking capacity can be obtained by producing a smaller magnetic field and the ability to hold the permanent current is increased.
  • the use of a screen according to the invention in such a switch makes it possible to further increase the breaking capacity.
  • On the figure 9 we see another embodiment of the invention, in which the screen is used to drive part of the current.
  • the screen with the slots thus fulfills three functions which are respectively to prevent splashes of liquid metal, to mechanically support the contact ring and the current conductor and to strengthen or create the axial magnetic field between the contacts.
  • the figure 8 illustrates the relationship between the breaking capacity c and the diameter of the contacts d for an ampoule according to the invention and for a bulb according to the prior art.
  • the current c in k A eff is represented on the ordinate, while on the abscissa is represented the diameter d of the contacts in mm.
  • the points represented by squares represent values obtained with a conventional bulb having an outer turn (12kv).
  • the points represented by triangles represent values obtained with a bulb having an inner turn (24kv).
  • the circles correspond to demonstrated values.
  • the dark line represents the limit for a bulb of the conventional type using an axial field while the light line represents the limit for a bulb according to the invention. It can thus be seen on this curve that the values of the breaking capacity for the same contact diameter are greater in the case of an ampoule according to the invention than those for an ampoule according to the prior art. As a result, the same value of breaking capacity can be obtained with a contact diameter value decreased by one third.
  • the bulb according to the invention has a more symmetrical behavior cut, especially when the bulb is of the type having slots. Thus, the dielectric strength after the cut does not vary substantially with the polarity of the recovery voltage.

Abstract

A semi-annular conducting shield (11) is electrically connected around the periphery of a movable arcing contact (4) so as to withstand the electric field arising from the recovery voltage imposed by the power system after breaking. The physical continuity on the stationary and movable arcing contacts (3,4), is achieved by the rings arranged on the contact surface of the movable and stationary contacts, respectively.

Description

La présente invention concerne une ampoule à vide pour un appareil de protection électrique tel un interrupteur ou un disjoncteur, ladite ampoule comprenant une enveloppe de forme sensiblement cylindrique fermée par deux fonds, deux contacts s'étendant axialement à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe, dont l'un au moins dit contact mobile, est relié à un mécanisme de commande et est monté coulissant entre une position de fermeture des contacts permettant le passage du courant et une position dans laquelle les contacts sont séparés et forment un arc électrique entre eux, ainsi qu'un moyen de production d'un champs magnétique axial dans la zone de formation de l'arc.
Un disjoncteur à vide du genre précédemment mentionné est décrit dans le documents DE 19603158 FR 2.682.808 ou FR 2 726 396 de la demanderesse.
Dans ce type de disjoncteur, les ampoules à vide ont sous des courants forts, un pouvoir de coupure qui est limité par le phénomène suivant. Lors du passage du courant, l'arc entraîne de la matière liquide provenant du contact en fusion, jusqu'au bord des contacts. Ce matériau liquide très chaud (environ 2000°) se trouve au bord des contacts au moment de la coupure. Après la coupure, la tension de rétablissement imposée par le réseau s'établit entre les deux contacts. Compte tenu de la forme géométrique des contacts, le champ électrique engendré par cette tension est maximum aux bords des contacts. Ceci engendre les phénomènes indésirables suivants. Premièrement, en refroidissant, le liquide émet en permanence des vapeurs métalliques ainsi que des gaz. Ces émissions créent une atmosphère à haute densité de gaz laquelle, dans un environnement normalement sous vide poussé, a une tenue diélectrique réduite. Deuxièmement, le champ électrique, présent juste au-dessus de la matière liquéfiée et très chaude, engendre l'émission d'électrons par un mécanisme thermo-électrique. Ces électrons libres ionisent la vapeur et le gaz. Ces deux phénomènes conjugués conduisent ensuite à des réamorçages et à la défaillance de l'ampoule en coupure. En outre, le champ électrique risque de déformer la surface du liquide augmentant encore le champ électrique davantage. Ceci est un phénomène néfaste qui s'auto-amplifie et qui peut conduire à un réamorçage.The present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter for an electrical protection device such as a switch or a circuit breaker, said bulb comprising a substantially cylindrical envelope closed by two bottoms, two contacts extending axially inside the envelope, at least one said movable contact, is connected to a control mechanism and is slidably mounted between a closed position of the contacts allowing the passage of current and a position in which the contacts are separated and form an electric arc between them, and means for producing an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone.
A vacuum circuit breaker of the kind mentioned above is described in the documents From 19603158 FR 2.682.808 or FR 2,726,396 of the plaintiff.
In this type of circuit breaker, the vacuum bulbs have under high currents, a breaking capacity which is limited by the following phenomenon. When the current passes, the arc causes liquid material from the molten contact to the edge of the contacts. This very hot liquid material (about 2000 °) is at the edge of the contacts at the time of the cut. After the break, the recovery voltage imposed by the network is established between the two contacts. Given the geometrical shape of the contacts, the electric field generated by this voltage is maximum at the edges of the contacts. This causes the following undesirable phenomena. Firstly, while cooling, the liquid constantly emits metal vapors as well as gases. These emissions create a high gas density atmosphere which, in an environment normally under high vacuum, has a reduced dielectric strength. Second, the electric field, present just above the liquefied and very hot material, generates the emission of electrons by a thermo-electric mechanism. These free electrons ionize steam and gas. These two conjugated phenomena then lead to reboots and the failure of the bulb in cut. In addition, the electric field may deform the surface of the liquid further increasing the electric field. This is a harmful phenomenon that self-amplifies and can lead to a reboot.

Pour pallier ces inconvénients dans les ampoules industrialisées, certaines mesures ont été prises qui consistent à respecter une distance, dite distance optimale, entre les contacts et la paroi de l'enveloppe, laquelle distance garantit un pouvoir de coupure maximum. Ceci impose donc des contraintes tenant au volume de l'ampoule.
D'autre part, certaines des ampoules du genre précédemment mentionné, telle que décrite dans le document FR 2 726 396 comportent en outre un écran métallique faisant office de paroi de l'enveloppe. Cet écran est relié à l'un des contacts, le plus souvent au contact fixe, et produit secondairement un renforcement du champ électrique crée au niveau du contact mobile. Ainsi, diélectriquement, l'ampoule est considérée comme étant asymétrique. Le champ électrique est plus intense aux bords du contact mobile qu'aux bords du contact fixe. Et, selon la polarité de la tension de rétablissement, la tenue diélectrique après la coupure est plus ou moins bonne. Ainsi, il est préférable que ce soit le contact fixe qui soit soumis à une tension négative plutôt que le contact mobile. Lorsque le contact mobile est soumis à une tension négative par rapport au contact fixe, la matière chaude émet d'avantage d'électrons à cause de la présence du champ électrique renforcé, ce qui augmente les risques de réamorçage. Cette asymétrie en terme de géométrie se traduit également par une asymétrie en terme de pouvoir de coupure, la différence étant de l'ordre de 15% pour un courant nominal de 25kAeff.To overcome these drawbacks in industrialized bulbs, certain measures have been taken which consist in respecting a distance, said optimum distance, between the contacts and the wall of the envelope, which distance ensures maximum breaking capacity. This therefore imposes constraints on the volume of the bulb.
On the other hand, some of the bulbs of the kind previously mentioned, as described in the document FR 2,726,396 further comprise a metal screen acting as wall of the envelope. This screen is connected to one of the contacts, usually in fixed contact, and secondarily produces a strengthening of the electric field created at the mobile contact. Thus, dielectrically, the bulb is considered to be asymmetrical. The electric field is more intense at the edges of the moving contact than at the edges of the fixed contact. And, depending on the polarity of the recovery voltage, the dielectric strength after the cutoff is more or less good. Thus, it is preferable that the fixed contact is subjected to a negative voltage rather than the moving contact. When the moving contact is subjected to a negative voltage relative to the fixed contact, the hot material emits more electrons because of the presence of the reinforced electric field, which increases the risk of rebooting. This asymmetry in terms of geometry also results in an asymmetry in terms of breaking capacity, the difference being of the order of 15% for a nominal current of 25 kAeff.

La présente invention résout ces problèmes et propose une ampoule à vide à pouvoir de coupure amélioré et dont le comportement en coupure est plus symétrique. L'ampoule réalisée selon l'invention peut également être réduite en taille.The present invention solves these problems and proposes a vacuum bulb with improved breaking capacity and whose breaking behavior is more symmetrical. The ampoule made according to the invention can also be reduced in size.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet une ampoule à vide selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a vacuum interrupter according to claim 1.

Selon une caractéristique particulière, l'écran précité est utilisé pour conduire au moins une partie du courant.According to a particular characteristic, the aforementioned screen is used to drive at least part of the current.

Selon une autres caractéristique, ledit écran comprend des fentes agencées de telle manière que ledit écran constitue une bobine.According to another characteristic, said screen comprises slots arranged such that said screen constitutes a coil.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran précité est relié électriquement audit contact et est suffisamment séparé dudit contact pour que le liquide s'écoulant sur la surface de contact dudit contact ne puisse atteindre ledit écran.According to another characteristic, the aforementioned screen is electrically connected to said contact and is sufficiently separated from said contact so that the liquid flowing on the contact surface of said contact can not reach said screen.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran précité est présent tout autour dudit contact.According to another characteristic, the aforementioned screen is present all around said contact.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran est conformé de manière à créer entre ledit écran et ledit contact un fossé présentant une largeur comprise entre 0,5 mm et 4 mm.According to another characteristic, the screen is shaped so as to create between said screen and said contact a ditch having a width of between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

Selon une autre caractéristique, le fossé précité présente une profondeur d'environ 5mm.According to another characteristic, the aforementioned ditch has a depth of about 5 mm.

Selon une autre caractéristique, le bord de l'écran précité est sensiblement au même niveau que la pastille de contact, ou est d'une hauteur légèrement inférieure à la hauteur de cette pastille de contact.According to another feature, the edge of the aforementioned screen is substantially at the same level as the contact pad, or is slightly less than the height of the height of the contact pad.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran précité présente une forme semi-annulaire et est fixé sur la partie inférieure du contact mobile.According to another characteristic, the aforementioned screen has a semi-annular shape and is fixed on the lower part of the movable contact.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran est réalisé dans le même matériau que le contact, par exemple en cuivre.According to another characteristic, the screen is made of the same material as the contact, for example copper.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran est réalisé dans un matériau réfractaire tel le SiC.According to another characteristic, the screen is made of a refractory material such as SiC.

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'écran précité est monté autour du contact mobile.According to another characteristic, the aforementioned screen is mounted around the moving contact.

Selon une autre caractéristique, ladite ampoule comporte un autre écran dit second, ledit écran étant destiné à protéger l'enveloppe de la métallisation par la vapeur d'arc et produisant secondairement une augmentation de la valeur du champ électrique sur ledit contact.According to another characteristic, said bulb comprises another said second screen, said screen being intended to protect the envelope of the metallization by the arc vapor and secondarily producing an increase in the value of the electric field on said contact.

Selon une autre caractéristique, ledit second écran est monté entre l'écran dit premier, et l'enveloppe E de l'ampoule A.According to another characteristic, said second screen is mounted between the so-called first screen and the envelope E of the bulb A.

Selon une autre caractéristique, le ou chaque contact comporte au moins une fente traversant ledit contact, lesdites fentes étant agencées de manière à recevoir le liquide précité et à faciliter son écoulement.According to another characteristic, the or each contact comprises at least one slot passing through said contact, said slots being arranged to receive the aforementioned liquid and to facilitate its flow.

Selon une autre caractéristique, ladite ampoule comporte un écran dit troisième, réalisé en un matériau conducteur, ledit écran étant situé à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe E au droit de l'intervalle de séparation des contacts et étant relié électriquement à l'un des contacts, ledit écran étant localisé autour des contacts en une position prédéterminée en fonction de la position des amenées de courant de manière que lorsque l'arc tend à dévier de l'intervalle précité, cet arc se place entre les contacts et l'écran.According to another characteristic, said bulb comprises a so-called third screen, made of a conductive material, said screen being located inside the envelope E at the right of the separation interval of the contacts and being electrically connected to one contacts, said screen being located around the contacts at a predetermined position according to the position of the current leads so that when the arc tends to deviate from the aforementioned interval, this arc is placed between the contacts and the screen .

Selon une autre caractéristique, l'inclinaison des fentes dans les contacts est opposée à l'inclinaison des fentes dans l'écran de telle manière que le liquide s'écoulant à travers les fentes des contacts ne peut pas s'écouler à travers les fentes de l'écran.According to another characteristic, the inclination of the slots in the contacts is opposite to the inclination of the slots in the screen so that the liquid flowing through the slots of the contacts can not flow through the slots of the screen.

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, y compris les exemples d'ampoules à vide selon réalisations ne faisant plus partie de l'invention, mais cependant utiles pour comprendre l'invention. Dans ces dessins:

  • La figure 1 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une ampoule à vide selon l'art antérieur,
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'une ampoule à vide selon une réalisation ne faisant plus partie de l'invention,
  • La figure 3 est une vue en coupe axiale de l'ampoule à vide selon la figure précédente,
  • La figure 4 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une ampoule selon une réalisation particulière de l'invention du type symétrique,
  • La figure 5 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une ampoule selon une réalisation ne faisant plus partie de l'invention,
  • La figure 6 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une ampoule selon l'invention, avec fentes et anneaux,
  • La figure 7 est un graphe illustrant la relation entre le pouvoir de coupure et la distance entre les contacts et la paroi, pour une ampoule selon l'art antérieur et une ampoule selon l'invention,
  • La figure 8 est une représentation graphique illustrant la relation entre le pouvoir de coupure et le diamètre des contacts pour une ampoule selon l'art antérieur et une ampoule selon l'invention, et
  • La figure 9 est une vue en coupe axiale illustrant une autre réalisation de l'invention.
But other advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description which follows and refers to the accompanying drawings given solely by way of example, including examples of vacuum bulbs according to embodiments no longer part of the scope of the invention. invention, but nevertheless useful for understanding the invention. In these drawings:
  • The figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a vacuum interrupter according to the prior art,
  • The figure 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum interrupter according to an embodiment which is no longer part of the invention,
  • The figure 3 is an axial sectional view of the vacuum interrupter according to the preceding figure,
  • The figure 4 is an axial sectional view of an ampoule according to a particular embodiment of the invention of the symmetrical type,
  • The figure 5 is an axial sectional view of a bulb according to an embodiment which is no longer part of the invention,
  • The figure 6 is an axial sectional view of an ampoule according to the invention, with slots and rings,
  • The figure 7 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the breaking capacity and the distance between the contacts and the wall, for a bulb according to the prior art and a bulb according to the invention,
  • The figure 8 is a graphical representation illustrating the relationship between the breaking capacity and the contact diameter for a bulb according to the prior art and a bulb according to the invention, and
  • The figure 9 is an axial sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

Sur les figures 1 à 6, on voit une ampoule à vide A destinée notamment à être intégrée dans un disjoncteur électrique moyenne tension afin de réaliser la coupure d'un circuit électrique en cas de défaut ou lors d'une commande d'ouverture volontaire du circuit électrique.
Sur la figure 1, on voit une ampoule à vide A selon l'art antérieur.
Cette ampoule à vide A comprend une enveloppe cylindrique E obturée par deux fonds 1,2 à l'intérieur de laquelle sont logées deux contacts d'arc 3,4, respectivement un contact d'arc fixe 3 et un contact d'arc mobile 4. Ce contact mobile 4 est relié mécaniquement par l'intermédiaire d'une tige d'actionnement 5 à un dispositif de commande (non représenté), ladite tige 5 étant reliée audit dispositif par l'une 5a de ses extrémités et étant solidarisée au contact d'arc mobile 4 par son extrémité opposée 5b. Ce dispositif de commande est apte à déplacer la tige précitée 5 et le contact mobile 4 en translation à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe E entre deux positions respectivement une position de fermeture des contacts correspondant à un fonctionnement normal de l'appareil et une position d'ouverture ou de séparation des contacts après l'apparition d'un défaut dans le circuit électrique à protéger ou lors d'une commande d'ouverture volontaire du circuit électrique. On voit également qu'une spire interne 6,7 est montée à l'arrière de chacun des contacts 3,4, lesdites spires 6,7 constituant un moyen de production d'un champ magnétique axial apte à réaliser une diffusion de l'arc créé entre les contacts après la séparation des contacts lors de la coupure. On voit également qu'un écran métallique 9 est monté autour de l'extrémité 5b de la tige d'actionnement 5 reliée au contact mobile 4, ledit écran 9 et une partie d'un autre écran 1 étant situés autour du contact mobile 4 et produisant une augmentation du champ électrique créé au niveau du contact mobile pendant la coupure.
Sur les figures 2 et 3, on voit une ampoule à vide A selon une réalisation ne faisant plus partie de l'invention et comprenant en outre des éléments mentionnés précédemment, un écran 11 destiné à réduire le champ électrique aux bords du contact 4. Cet écran 11, de forme semi-annulaire, est disposé tout autour de la périphérie du contact mobile 4, et présente deux bords circulaires 11a,11b de diamètres différents. Cet écran 11 est relié électriquement au contact d'arc mobile 4 par son bord circulaire inférieur 11b et est suffisamment séparé dudit contact 4 pour que le liquide, s'écoulant par-dessus la surface de contact sous la pression d'arc, ne puisse atteindre ledit écran 11. Un fossé 14 est ainsi créé entre le contact 4 et l'écran 11, ledit fossé 14 ayant une profondeur de 5mm et une largeur comprise entre 0,5 et 4 mm. La forme de l'écran 11 est telle que la valeur du champ électrique aux bords du contact 4 est sensiblement réduite. Ainsi, le bord 11a dudit écran 11 est à fleur de la pastille de contact ou est à une hauteur légèrement inférieure à celle de la pastille de contact, la différence étant comprise entre 0 et 5 mm lorsque l'écran 11 est légèrement en retrait par rapport au contact 4. L'écran 11 doit présenter une bonne résistance thermique, car des projections de gouttes en provenance du contact 4 peuvent lui faire subir des chocs thermiques. Ainsi, l'écran 11 est de préférence réalisé en cuivre oubien dans le même matériau que le contact 4. Alternativement, cet écran 11 peut être réalisé dans un matériau réfractaire comme le SiC, à l'exception des isolants. Le pouvoir de coupure de l'ampoule A de cette figure est supérieur de 20% à celui de la figure 1. L'écran protecteur 11 selon l'invention diminue sensiblement la distance entre le contact mobile 4 et l'enveloppe métallique E. Ainsi, malgré le fait que l'écran 11 diminue de manière sensible cette distance, on obtient une augmentation nette du pouvoir de coupure comme indiqué par la courbe 2 sur la figure 7, alors que la courbe 1 représente le comportement d'une ampoule de l'art antérieur. Cette courbe représente en effet en ordonnée le pouvoir de coupure P en pourcentage, et en abscisse, la distance 1 de l'écran par rapport à la paroi en mm. Dans cette réalisation, du fait de l'écran 11, la distance entre le contact mobile 4 et la paroi de l'enveloppe E a été réduite et est maintenant de 9 mm alors qu'elle était initialement de 13 mm. L'écran 11 présente de ce fait un champ électrique très élevé qui ne dégrade pas le pouvoir de coupure.
De préférence, l'écran 11 est disposé autour du contact mobile 4, comme illustré sur les figures 2,3, mais un autre écran peut également être placé, en outre du premier, autour du contact fixe 3.
Cet écran 11 peut également être utilisé avantageusement dans des ampoules du type symétrique avec écran flottant tel qu'illustré sur la figure 4. Cette ampoule présente en effet, pour chacun des contacts 3,4, une spire interne 6,7 située derrière le contact 3,4, un écran métallique 8,9 ici en forme de coupelle s'étendant au voisinage de la paroi de l'enveloppe, entre la spire interne 6,7 et l'enveloppe, et deux écrans 10,11 selon l'invention disposés respectivement autour du contact fixe 3 et autour du contact mobile 4.
Sur la figure 5, laquelle décrit une réalisation qui ne fait plus partie de l'invention, les contacts sont munis de fentes 12 telle que décrite dans la demande de brevet français FR 2 808 617 . Ces fentes 12 sont réalisées dans les contacts 3,4 de manière à recevoir et faciliter l'écoulement du liquide de contact en direction des surfaces situées sous les surfaces de contact, le liquide provenant de la fusion du matériau de contact sous l'effet de la concentration de l'arc pendant la coupure. Ces fentes 12 permettent d'augmenter la surface de contact entre les contacts d'arc 3,4 et le liquide de manière à créer des surfaces cachées pour l'arc mais accessibles au liquide. Cette disposition a pour effet d'accélérer le refroidissement dudit matériau de contact malgré la concentration de l'arc pendant la coupure.
Grâce à ces dispositions, il s'écoule d'avantage de temps avant que le liquide n'atteigne les bords des contacts 3a,4a. Ainsi, le liquide atteint les bords des contacts 3a,4a en un moment où les valeurs de courant sont très élevées.
Dans la réalisation décrite sur cette figure, le contact mobile 4 est pourvu d'un écran 11 selon l'invention. Les effets avantageux associés à l'écran 11 qui entoure le contact 4 se trouvent renforcés par la présence des fentes 12 dans les contacts 3,4, puisque le liquide d'une part, n'atteint pas l'écran 11, et de plus atteint plus tardivement les bords des contacts 3a,4a.
Sur la figure 6, on voit une ampoule A selon l'invention, comportant une spire extérieure 17 et comportant en outre deux anneaux15,16 permettant de réaliser la continuité physique entre les deux contacts 3,4 en position fermée.
Les contacts 3,4 de l'ampoule A de la figure précédente présentent une usure plus importante que les ampoules standard pour les raisons suivantes : le liquide créé lors de la coupure, ne stagne pas à la surface et l'augmentation du pouvoir de coupure fait croître encore d'avantage cette érosion. Il est alors avantageux de séparer l'endroit où est réalisée la continuité physique en position fermée des contacts 3,4, permettant la conduction du courant, de l'emplacement sur les contacts présentant une usure maximale. Or, il est connu que le champ magnétique axial créé par les spires externes et internes stabilise bien l'arc et l'entraîne plutôt vers l'endroit où il est le plus fort, au moins pour des courants forts. C'est à ces endroits là que l'érosion sera la plus élevée. Il est alors avantageux de réaliser la continuité physique ailleurs. Cette continuité physique peut être réalisée au moyen de plusieurs pièces pouvant prendre la forme d'un anneau 15,16. A cet effet, l'ampoule décrite sur cette figure comporte, au niveau de chacun des contacts 3,4, un anneau 15,16 placé au dessus du fossé 13,14 séparant l'écran 10,11 et le contact 3,4. Grâce à cette disposition, le liquide peut s'écouler librement au travers des fentes 12. Dans cette réalisation, le pouvoir de coupure est augmenté, la valeur de cette augmentation pouvant aller jusqu'à 60% du pouvoir de coupure associé à une ampoule selon la figure 1.
On notera que cette continuité physique pourra également être réalisée avec des anneaux ayant un diamètre réduit, lesquels ne sont plus en contact avec l'écran. On peut également réaliser cette continuité physique au moyen de plots ou de secteurs d'anneaux.
On notera également que l'écran pourrait être d'une autre forme que semi-annulaire, par exemple rectangulaire etc...
L'invention pourra également être mise en application avantageusement dans une ampoule telle que décrite dans le brevet FR 2 745 118 . Dans cette réalisation de l'ampoule non illustrée sur les dessins, ladite ampoule comporte en outre un autre écran réalisé en matériau conducteur et relié électriquement à l'un des contacts, ledit écran étant situé à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe au droit de l'intervalle de séparation des contacts et localisé autour des contacts en une position prédéterminée en fonction de la position des amenées de courant de manière que lorsque l'arc tend à dévier de l'intervalle précité, cet arc se place entre les contacts et l'écran. L'interrupteur de cette réalisation présente un pouvoir de coupure amélioré, ce pouvoir de coupure pouvant être obtenu en produisant un champ magnétique moindre et dont la capacité à tenir le courant permanent est augmenté.
L'utilisation d'un écran selon l'invention dans un tel interrupteur, permet d'accroître d'avantage le pouvoir de coupure.
Sur la figure 9, on voit une autre réalisation de l'invention, dans laquelle l'écran est utilisé pour conduire une partie du courant. Dés qu'une partie du courant passe par l'écran, il est possible de donner à ce courant un sens de rotation de façon que le champs magnétique axial soit renforcé. Cette rotation du courant peut être générée avantageusement par des fentes 18 inclinées prévues dans l'écran 11.
On notera que l'inclinaison des fentes dans la spire constituée par l'écran est opposée à l'inclinaison des fentes dans le contact. Les premières servent à générer le champs magnétique axial tandis que les dernières servent à faire écouler le liquide (métal fondu). Il est clair qu' à cause de ces inclinaisons différentes, le liquide qui s'écoule sur le contact est projeté contre la partie massive de l'écran. Ainsi, les fentes dans l'écran ne laissent pas passer de projections de liquide. L'écran avec les fentes remplit ainsi trois fonctions qui sont respectivement d'éviter des projections de métal liquide, de supporter mécaniquement l'anneau de contact et le conducteur de courant et de renforcer ou de créer le champ magnétique axial entre les contacts.
La figure 8 illustre la relation entre le pouvoir de coupure c et le diamètre des contacts d pour une ampoule selon l'invention et pour une ampoule selon l'art antérieur. Le courant c en k A eff est représenté en ordonnée, tandis qu'en abscisse est représenté le diamètre d des contacts en mm. Sur cette figure, les points représentés par des carrés représentent des valeurs obtenues avec une ampoule classique comportant une spire extérieure (12kv). Les points représentés par des triangles représentent des valeurs obtenues avec une ampoule comportant une spire intérieure (24kv). Les cercles correspondent à des valeurs démontrées. Le trait foncé représente la limite pour une ampoule du type classique utilisant un champ axial tandis que le trait clair représente la limite pour une ampoule selon l'invention.
On voit ainsi sur cette courbe que les valeurs du pouvoir de coupure pour un même diamètre de contact sont supérieures dans le cas d'une ampoule selon l'invention à celles concernant une ampoule selon l'art antérieur. Il en résulte qu'une même valeur de pouvoir de coupure peut être obtenue avec une valeur de diamètre de contact diminuée d'un tiers.
En outre, l'ampoule selon l'invention présente un comportement plus symétrique en coupure, en particulier lorsque l'ampoule est du type comportant des fentes. Ainsi, la tenue diélectrique après la coupure ne varie pratiquement pas avec la polarité de la tension de rétablissement.On the Figures 1 to 6 , we see a vacuum bulb A intended in particular to be integrated in a medium voltage electrical circuit breaker in order to achieve the breaking of an electric circuit in the event of a fault or during a command of voluntary opening of the electric circuit.
On the figure 1 , we see a vacuum bulb A according to the prior art.
This vacuum bulb A comprises a cylindrical envelope E closed by two bottoms 1.2 inside which are housed two arcing contacts 3,4, respectively a fixed arcing contact 3 and a movable arcing contact 4 This movable contact 4 is mechanically connected via an actuating rod 5 to a control device (not shown), said rod 5 being connected to said device by a 5a of its ends and being secured to the contact moving bow 4 by its opposite end 5b. This control device is able to move the aforementioned rod 5 and the movable contact 4 in translation inside the envelope E between two positions respectively a closed position of the contacts corresponding to a normal operation of the apparatus and a position opening or separation of the contacts after the appearance of a fault in the electrical circuit to be protected or during a voluntary opening command of the electrical circuit. It can also be seen that an internal turn 6, 7 is mounted behind each of the contacts 3, 4, said turns 6, 7 constituting a means for producing an axial magnetic field capable of effecting a diffusion of the arc. created between the contacts after the separation of the contacts during the break. We also see that a metal screen 9 is mounted around the end 5b of the actuating rod 5 connected to the moving contact 4, said screen 9 and a part of another screen 1 being located around the moving contact 4 and producing an increase in the electric field created at the moving contact during the break.
On the figures 2 and 3 , we see a vacuum interrupter A according to an embodiment no longer part of the invention and further comprising elements mentioned above, a screen 11 for reducing the electric field to the edges of the contact 4. This screen 11, semi form -annual, is disposed around the periphery of the movable contact 4, and has two circular edges 11a, 11b of different diameters. This screen 11 is connected electrically in contact with moving arc 4 by its lower circular edge 11b and is sufficiently separated from said contact 4 so that the liquid, flowing over the contact surface under the arc pressure, can not reach said screen 11. A ditch 14 is thus created between the contact 4 and the screen 11, said ditch 14 having a depth of 5 mm and a width of between 0.5 and 4 mm. The shape of the screen 11 is such that the value of the electric field at the edges of the contact 4 is substantially reduced. Thus, the edge 11a of said screen 11 is flush with the contact pad or is at a height slightly less than that of the contact pad, the difference being between 0 and 5 mm when the screen 11 is slightly set back by relative to the contact 4. The screen 11 must have good thermal resistance, because projections of drops from the contact 4 may subject it to thermal shock. Thus, the screen 11 is preferably made of copper orbien in the same material as the contact 4. Alternatively, this screen 11 may be made of a refractory material such as SiC, with the exception of insulators. The breaking capacity of the bulb A of this figure is 20% higher than that of the figure 1 . The protective screen 11 according to the invention substantially reduces the distance between the movable contact 4 and the metal envelope E. Thus, despite the fact that the screen 11 substantially reduces this distance, a net increase in the power of cut as indicated by curve 2 on the figure 7 , while curve 1 represents the behavior of a bulb of the prior art. This curve represents on the ordinate the cutoff power P in percentage, and on the abscissa, the distance 1 from the screen relative to the wall in mm. In this embodiment, because of the screen 11, the distance between the movable contact 4 and the wall of the envelope E has been reduced and is now 9 mm whereas it was initially 13 mm. The screen 11 thus has a very high electric field which does not degrade the breaking power.
Preferably, the screen 11 is arranged around the movable contact 4, as illustrated on the figures 2 , 3 , but another screen can also be placed, in addition to the first, around the fixed contact 3.
This screen 11 can also be used advantageously in bulbs of the symmetrical type with floating screen as shown in FIG. figure 4 . This bulb has indeed, for each of the contacts 3,4, an internal coil 6,7 located behind the contact 3,4, a metal screen 8,9 here in the form of a cup extending in the vicinity of the wall of the envelope, between the inner coil 6,7 and the envelope, and two screens 10,11 according to the invention respectively arranged around the fixed contact 3 and around the moving contact 4.
On the figure 5 which describes an embodiment which is no longer part of the invention, the contacts are provided with slots 12 as described in the French patent application FR 2 808 617 . These slots 12 are made in the contacts 3,4 so as to receive and facilitate the flow of the contact liquid towards the surfaces under the contact surfaces, the liquid coming from the melting of the contact material under the effect of the concentration of the arc during the cut. These slots 12 make it possible to increase the contact surface between the arcing contacts 3,4 and the liquid so as to create concealed surfaces for the arc but accessible to the liquid. This arrangement has the effect of accelerating the cooling of said contact material despite the concentration of the arc during the cut.
With these provisions, it elapses more time before the liquid reaches the edges of the contacts 3a, 4a. Thus, the liquid reaches the edges of the contacts 3a, 4a at a time when the current values are very high.
In the embodiment described in this figure, the movable contact 4 is provided with a screen 11 according to the invention. The advantageous effects associated with the screen 11 surrounding the contact 4 are reinforced by the presence of the slots 12 in the contacts 3,4, since the liquid on the one hand, does not reach the screen 11, and moreover later reaches the edges of the contacts 3a, 4a.
On the figure 6 , we see a bulb A according to the invention, comprising an outer turn 17 and further comprising two rings15,16 for achieving physical continuity between the two contacts 3,4 in the closed position.
The contacts 3,4 of the bulb A of the preceding figure have a greater wear than the standard bulbs for the following reasons: the liquid created during the cutoff, does not stagnate on the surface and the increase of the power of cutoff further increases this erosion. It is then advantageous to separate the place where the physical continuity is achieved in the closed position of the contacts 3,4, allowing the conduction of the current, the location on the contacts having maximum wear. However, it is known that the axial magnetic field created by the outer and inner turns stabilizes the arc well and leads instead to where it is strongest, at least for strong currents. It is in these places that erosion will be highest. It is then advantageous to realize the physical continuity elsewhere. This physical continuity can be achieved by means of several pieces that can take the form of a ring 15,16. For this purpose, the bulb described in this figure comprises, at each of the contacts 3,4, a ring 15,16 placed above the ditch 13,14 separating the screen 10,11 and the contact 3,4. With this arrangement, the liquid can flow freely through the slots 12. In this embodiment, the breaking capacity is increased, the value of this increase can be up to 60% of the breaking capacity associated with a bulb according to the figure 1 .
Note that this physical continuity can also be achieved with rings having a reduced diameter, which are no longer in contact with the screen. This physical continuity can also be achieved by means of studs or sectors of rings.
Note also that the screen could be of a shape other than semi-annular, for example rectangular etc ...
The invention may also be advantageously implemented in an ampoule as described in the patent FR 2,745,118 . In this embodiment of the bulb not shown in the drawings, said bulb further comprises another screen made of conductive material and electrically connected to one of the contacts, said screen being located inside the envelope to the right of the separation interval of the contacts and located around the contacts at a predetermined position according to the position of the current leads so that when the arc tends to deviate from the aforementioned range, this arc is placed between the contacts and the 'screen. The switch of this embodiment has an improved breaking capacity, this breaking capacity can be obtained by producing a smaller magnetic field and the ability to hold the permanent current is increased.
The use of a screen according to the invention in such a switch makes it possible to further increase the breaking capacity.
On the figure 9 we see another embodiment of the invention, in which the screen is used to drive part of the current. As soon as a part of the current passes through the screen, it is possible to give this current a direction of rotation so that the axial magnetic field is reinforced. This rotation of the current can be advantageously generated by slits 18 inclined provided in the screen 11.
It will be noted that the inclination of the slots in the turn formed by the screen is opposite to the inclination of the slots in the contact. The former serve to generate the axial magnetic field while the latter serve to drain the liquid (molten metal). he is clear that because of these different inclinations, the liquid flowing on the contact is projected against the massive part of the screen. Thus, the slots in the screen do not let liquid splashes. The screen with the slots thus fulfills three functions which are respectively to prevent splashes of liquid metal, to mechanically support the contact ring and the current conductor and to strengthen or create the axial magnetic field between the contacts.
The figure 8 illustrates the relationship between the breaking capacity c and the diameter of the contacts d for an ampoule according to the invention and for a bulb according to the prior art. The current c in k A eff is represented on the ordinate, while on the abscissa is represented the diameter d of the contacts in mm. In this figure, the points represented by squares represent values obtained with a conventional bulb having an outer turn (12kv). The points represented by triangles represent values obtained with a bulb having an inner turn (24kv). The circles correspond to demonstrated values. The dark line represents the limit for a bulb of the conventional type using an axial field while the light line represents the limit for a bulb according to the invention.
It can thus be seen on this curve that the values of the breaking capacity for the same contact diameter are greater in the case of an ampoule according to the invention than those for an ampoule according to the prior art. As a result, the same value of breaking capacity can be obtained with a contact diameter value decreased by one third.
In addition, the bulb according to the invention has a more symmetrical behavior cut, especially when the bulb is of the type having slots. Thus, the dielectric strength after the cut does not vary substantially with the polarity of the recovery voltage.

Bien entendu, l'invention selon les revendications anexées n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et illustrés qui n'ont été donnés qu'à titre d'exemples.Of course, the invention according to the anexed claims is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments which have been given only as examples.

Claims (17)

  1. A vacuum cartridge (A) for an electrical protection apparatus such as a switch or circuit breaker, said cartridge comprising an enclosure of substantially cylindrical shape closed by two end plates, two contacts extending axially inside the enclosure, at least one whereof, called the movable contact, is connected to an operating mechanism and is mounted sliding between a closed position of the contacts enabling the current to flow and a position wherein the contacts are separated and form an electric arc there between, and a means for producing an axial magnetic field in the arc formation zone, characterized in that it comprises a conducting shield (10,11) fitted around the periphery of each of the contacts (3,4), said shield (10,11) being shaped and arranged in such a way as to withstand the electric field arising from the recovery voltage imposed by the power system after breaking and to thus considerably reduce the electric field at the edge of said contact (3,4), and that the physical continuity on the contacts (3,4) in the closed position is achieved by means of a ring (15), ring sectors or studs arranged on the contact surface of one (3) of the contacts and situated respectively facing a ring (16), ring sectors or studs arranged on the contact surface of the other (4) of the contacts, these rings (15,16), ring sectors or studs being located above the trench (13,14) separating the shield from the associated contact (3,4).
  2. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the above-mentioned shield (10,11) is used to conduct at least part of the current.
  3. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that said shield (10,11) comprises slits (18) arranged in such a way that said shield (10,11) forms a coil.
  4. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the above-mentioned shield (10,11) is electrically connected to said contact (3,4) and is sufficiently separated from said contact (3,4) for the liquid flowing on the contact surface of said contact (3,4) cannot reach said shield (10,11).
  5. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the above-mentioned shield (10,11) is present around the whole of said contact (3,4).
  6. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the shield (10,11) is shaped in such a way as to create a trench (14) presenting a width comprised between 0.5 mm and 4 mm between said shield (10,11) and said contact (3,4).
  7. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that the above-mentioned trench (14) presents a depth of about 5 mm.
  8. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the edge (11a) of the above-mentioned shield (11) is substantially at the same level as the contact pad (3,4), or is of a slightly smaller height than the height of this contact pad (3,4).
  9. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the above-mentioned shield (11) presents a semi-annular shape and is fixed onto the bottom part of the movable contact (3,4).
  10. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the shield (11) is made from the same material as the contact (3,4), for example copper.
  11. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the shield (11) is made from a refractory material such as SiC.
  12. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the above-mentioned shield (11) is fitted around the movable contact (4).
  13. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises another shield (8,9,1), said second shield (8,9) being designed to protect the enclosure from metallization by the arc vapour and secondarily producing an increase of the value of the electric field on said contact (3,4).
  14. The vacuum cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that said second shield (8,9) is fitted between the shield (10,11) called the first shield and the enclosure E of the cartridge A.
  15. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the or each contact (3,4) comprises at least one slit (12) passing through said contact (3,4), said slits (12) being arranged in such a way as to receive the above-mentioned liquid and to facilitate its flow (3,4).
  16. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises a shield called the third shield, made of conducting material, said shield being situated inside the enclosure E facing the gap separating the contacts (3,4) and being electrically connected to one of the contacts (3,4), said shield being located around the contacts (3,4) in a preset position according to the position of the current inputs so that, when the arc tends to deviate from the above-mentioned gap, this arc places itself between the contacts (3,4) and the shield.
  17. The vacuum cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the incline of the slits (12) in the contacts (3,4) is opposite from the incline of the slits (12) in the shield (11) such that the liquid flowing through the slits (12) of the contacts cannot flow through the slits (18) of the shield (11).
EP03354060A 2002-06-27 2003-06-19 Vacuum tube for an electrical protection apparatus such as a switch or a circuit breaker Expired - Lifetime EP1376634B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR0208033A FR2841682B1 (en) 2002-06-27 2002-06-27 VACUUM BULB FOR AN ELECTRICAL PROTECTIVE APPARATUS SUCH AS A SWITCH OR CIRCUIT BREAKER
FR0208033 2002-06-27

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EP1376634A1 EP1376634A1 (en) 2004-01-02
EP1376634B1 true EP1376634B1 (en) 2008-12-17

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EP (1) EP1376634B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1312714C (en)
AT (1) ATE418151T1 (en)
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KR101992736B1 (en) 2015-04-22 2019-06-26 엘에스산전 주식회사 Contacting portion of vacuum interrupter
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CN1469405A (en) 2004-01-21
ES2316709T3 (en) 2009-04-16
ATE418151T1 (en) 2009-01-15
US6762388B2 (en) 2004-07-13
EP1376634A1 (en) 2004-01-02
CN1312714C (en) 2007-04-25
DE60325300D1 (en) 2009-01-29
FR2841682A1 (en) 2004-01-02
FR2841682B1 (en) 2004-12-10
US20040000536A1 (en) 2004-01-01

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