EP1602153A1 - Contact device for improving lifetime of electrical connections - Google Patents

Contact device for improving lifetime of electrical connections

Info

Publication number
EP1602153A1
EP1602153A1 EP03786039A EP03786039A EP1602153A1 EP 1602153 A1 EP1602153 A1 EP 1602153A1 EP 03786039 A EP03786039 A EP 03786039A EP 03786039 A EP03786039 A EP 03786039A EP 1602153 A1 EP1602153 A1 EP 1602153A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
foam
contact
electrical
conductors
copper
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03786039A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1602153B1 (en
Inventor
Michel Pillet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AMC SARL
Original Assignee
AMC SARL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AMC SARL filed Critical AMC SARL
Publication of EP1602153A1 publication Critical patent/EP1602153A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1602153B1 publication Critical patent/EP1602153B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/304—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member having means for improving contact
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
    • H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
    • H01R4/34—Conductive members located under head of screw
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S439/00—Electrical connectors
    • Y10S439/927—Conductive gasket

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices for improving and increasing the conductance of electrical connections and in particular relates to a contact device for improving the service life of electrical connections.
  • the maintenance of the connections requires to dismantle them in order to practice a resurfacing of the areas in contact.
  • the tools used for these resurfacing are generally rotary grinders. They degrade the total flatness of the surfaces in contact, which has the consequence of limiting the zones and the contact points. The contact areas being reduced, the connections are then subjected to concentrated electrical stresses on these areas and their degradation is even faster.
  • the first object of the invention is to provide a contact device for electrical connections in order to improve the electrical conductance of these connections and to slow down the degradation of the surfaces in contact.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a contact device for improving the electrical connections in order to increase the electrical performance of these connections when they are in an advanced state of degradation.
  • a third object of the invention is to provide a contact device for improving the electrical connections subjected to high intensity currents greater than 1000 A, in order to increase the electrical performance of these connections.
  • the object of the invention is therefore a contact device for improving the conductance of an electrical connection formed by two conductors in contact with each other essentially comprising an intermediate conductive element disposed between the two contact surfaces of the two connection conductors.
  • the intermediate conductive element is composed of electrically conductive foam composed of one or more materials, of high porosity and deformability in order to reduce the electrical resistance of the connection.
  • FIG. 1a shows a microscopic cross section of the copper foam
  • FIG. 1b represents a plate of copper foam according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2a shows a section of the electrical connection according to the invention before tightening
  • Figure 2b shows a section of the electrical connection according to the invention.
  • the intermediate conducting element used in the device according to the invention is a metallic foam 10 preferably produced according to the method described in patent application WO 02/059396, it being understood that the device according to The invention is not limited to the metal foams obtained by the process described in this document.
  • the metallic foam is preferably a copper foam. Its structure is cellular and its physical properties are mainly a high porosity and deformability and a low density of the order of 400g / m 2 . In comparison, the density of a copper sheet of the same thickness is of the order of 15 kg / m 2 .
  • FIG. 1a which illustrates in a microscopic, schematic and nonlimiting manner a section through a plate of copper foam 10 according to the invention
  • the honeycomb structure of the copper foam is such that it consists mainly of vacuum .
  • its surface has a multitude of contact points 11 of the order of a micron, the number of which reaches 30 points per mm 2 .
  • the thickness of the copper foam is of the order of 2 mm.
  • this copper foam constituting the intermediate conducting element according to the invention is cut to the size of the contact surface of the electrical connection described in FIG. 2 and has an opening 18 for the passage of the tightening bolt.
  • the copper foam thus cut has two peripheral seals 14 and 16.
  • the peripheral seals 14 and 16 can be produced in different ways. They can be impregnated in the foam or produced by depositing an elastomer type sealant on the periphery. But it is also possible to make seals by folding the edges of the foam plate at least once on itself or by rolling the edges of the foam plate.
  • Figures 2a and 2b show an electrical connection according to the invention.
  • the conductors 21 and 23 are located on either side of the copper foam 10 so that their surfaces 22 and 24 come into contact with the copper foam.
  • the copper foam constitutes an intermediate element between the two conductors of the electrical connection.
  • the electrical connection between the conductors 21 and 23 is made by tight contact thanks to a tightening means such as a tightening bolt 25 passing through the two conductors through an orifice provided for this purpose and through the opening 18 of copper foam 10.
  • the device according to the invention can be used for a contact of a new electrical connection. In this case, it improves the homogeneity of the flow of current through the contacting surface. Indeed, in an electrical connection represented for example by the two conductors 21 and 23 in contact with each other, the contact is all the more important as it is located near the tightening means or tightening bolt 25. Consequently, the resistance and therefore the electrical losses of the electrical connection consisting of the conductors 21 and 23 in contact is minimal near the clamping means 25 and increases the further one moves away from it. This inhomogeneous distribution of the current favors a zone of higher current concentration and therefore an area more stressed and therefore degraded more quickly.
  • the contribution of the intermediate conductive element made of copper foam increases the points of contact between the two conductors 21 and 23 and therefore allows homogeneous distribution of the current over the entire contact surface. Thanks to this homogeneous distribution, there are no areas of current concentration therefore no areas more stressed and conducive to faster degradation.
  • the device according to the invention can also be advantageously used for a contact of a degraded or deformed electrical connection.
  • the conductors and the electrical connections are subjected to high intensity currents and to high temperatures.
  • the wear of the connections mainly takes the form of a deformation of the contact surfaces of the electrical connections. This results in significant electrical losses of up to several KW per connection and variations in the flow of current through these contacting surfaces.
  • the re-machining of the deformed contact surfaces is no longer necessary thanks to the addition of copper foam. A significant improvement is thus obtained in the electrical connections having degraded and deformed contact surfaces 22 and 24, even when deformations of the order of a millimeter are involved.
  • the deformability of the copper foam allows all of the foam 10 to conform to the degraded contours of the contacting surfaces 22 and 24, as described on the enlargement of FIG. 2b and thus 'Increase the contact surface and distribute the pressure exerted by the clamping means 25.
  • the tips 11 located on the surface of the copper foam multiply the contact points. This results in an improvement in the current flow conditions by reducing the electrical losses.
  • the tips 11 located on the surface of the copper foam also pierce the oxide layers which appear on the surface of the metals and therefore of the conductors 21 and 23, such as copper oxide or alumina for the 'aluminum. These layers have an insulating effect and act as resistors and therefore induce electrical losses.
  • the device according to the invention makes it possible to improve the electrical conductance of a used connection, even without cleaning it beforehand.
  • the peripheral seal 14 and 16 makes it possible to reduce the penetration of degrading external agents into the connection by creating a tight barrier at the periphery of the connection.
  • the degrading agents are generally liquids such as soda or washing water or any other polluting product transported by water.
  • Copper foam can be improved by depositing a product that improves heat transfer and electrical conductivity.
  • the use of silver copper foam as an intermediate conductive element improves the efficiency of the device according to the invention.
  • the drop in potential of a 1 dm 2 connection formed by two copper conductors is around 50 mV for a current with an intensity of 5000 A.
  • the drop in potential decreases to 26 mV and with a silvery copper foam, the potential drop is only 5 mV for identical temperature and pressure conditions in the three cases.
  • the silver is deposited on the copper foam by a conventional electrochemical process or under vacuum.
  • an intermediate conductive element composed of a silver foam is also possible without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the device according to the invention is all the more advantageous in that its efficiency increases with temperature. Indeed, the drop in potential of a connection of 1 dm 2 using the device according to the invention with a silver copper foam is of the order of a few mV for a current with an intensity of 5000 A and at temperature 300 ° C. This peculiarity is due to the fact that the tips 11 of the metallic foam (of copper, silver plated copper or silver) are soldered under the effect of temperature to the conductors 21 and 23 with which they are in contact.
  • metal foam is preferably used for the implementation of the invention, any other conductive foam composed of one or more materials could be used.
  • the device according to the invention has many other advantages. Its implementation is quick, easy and clean. It is particularly advantageous to improve the conductance of the copper / copper electrical connections but also of the connections between two different electrical conductors such as the aluminum / copper or steel / aluminum or steel / copper pairs. By reducing the electrical losses which it induces, the device according to the present invention makes it possible to slow down the degradation of the surface condition of the electrical connections subjected to high intensity currents.
  • the economic interests of this device are the reduction of costs due to the reduction of electrical losses and due to the reduction of maintenance and upkeep. In addition, these interests are part of an energy saving policy dictated by environmental standards.
  • copper foam according to the invention can also be envisaged to improve the thermal contact conductance and thus avoid heat losses due to the passage of heat from one material to another.

Landscapes

  • Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
  • Contacts (AREA)
  • Conductive Materials (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Powder Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Non-Insulated Conductors (AREA)

Abstract

The improved life contact mechanism has two conductors (21,23) with an insertion element placed between the two conductor surfaces (22,24). The insertion element (10) is electrically conducting and made of several rubber materials having porosity and high deformability reducing electrical connection resistance.

Description

Dispositif de contact pour améliorer la durée de vie des connexions électriques Contact device to improve the service life of electrical connections
Domaine techniqueTechnical area
La présente invention concerne les dispositifs d'amélioration et d'augmentation de la conductance des connexions électriques et concerne en particulier un dispositif de contact pour améliorer la durée de vie des connexions électriques .The present invention relates to devices for improving and increasing the conductance of electrical connections and in particular relates to a contact device for improving the service life of electrical connections.
Etat de la techniqueState of the art
Dans le domaine de l' électrotechnique de puissance, les connexions électriques des cuves d' électrolyse ou des fours d'aciérie sont soumises à des courants de haute intensité (I > 1000 A) et à des températures élevées. Il en résulte des pertes électriques importantes pouvant atteindre plusieurs KW par connexion et la perte de rendement qui en découle est un problème majeur. La dégradation de ces connexions est irréversible. En effet, la dégradation des surfaces en contact induit des variations de la densité du courant à travers cette surface. Il s'ensuit des pertes électriques par effet Joule et par la même une augmentation des températures ce qui accélère la dégradation des connexions mais également des conducteurs et peut même entraîner leur fusion.In the field of electrical power engineering, the electrical connections of electrolytic cells or steel furnaces are subjected to high intensity currents (I> 1000 A) and to high temperatures. This results in significant electrical losses of up to several KW per connection and the resulting loss of efficiency is a major problem. The degradation of these connections is irreversible. Indeed, the degradation of the surfaces in contact induces variations in the density of the current through this surface. It follows electrical losses by Joule effect and by the same an increase in temperatures which accelerates the degradation of the connections but also of the conductors and can even involve their fusion.
La maintenance des connexions nécessite de les démonter afin de pratiquer un re-surfaçage des zones en contact. Les outils employés pour ces re-surfaçages sont en général des disqueuses rotatives. Elles dégradent la planéité totale des surfaces en contact ce qui a pour conséquence de limiter les zones et les points de contact. Les zones de contact étant réduites, les connexions subissent alors des contraintes électriques concentrées sur ces zones et leur dégradation est encore plus rapide.The maintenance of the connections requires to dismantle them in order to practice a resurfacing of the areas in contact. The tools used for these resurfacing are generally rotary grinders. They degrade the total flatness of the surfaces in contact, which has the consequence of limiting the zones and the contact points. The contact areas being reduced, the connections are then subjected to concentrated electrical stresses on these areas and their degradation is even faster.
Pour retrouver les surfaces de contact des connexions d'origine, le démontage total des connexions est nécessaire afin de ré-usiner sur machine les surfaces de contact. Mais cette opération est lourde et coûteuse.To find the contact surfaces of the original connections, total disassembly of the connections is necessary in order to re-machine the contact surfaces on the machine. However, this operation is cumbersome and costly.
Exposé de l'invention C'est pourquoi le premier but de l'invention est de fournir un dispositif de contact pour connexions électriques afin d'améliorer la conductance électrique de ces connexions et de ralentir la dégradation des surfaces en contact . Un autre but de l'invention est de fournir un dispositif de contact pour améliorer les connexions électriques afin d'augmenter les performances électriques de ces connexions lorsqu'elles sont dans un état de dégradation avancée. Un troisième but de l'invention est de fournir un dispositif de contact pour améliorer les connexions électriques soumises à des courants de haute intensité supérieur à 1000 A, afin d'augmenter les performances électriques de ces connexions . L'objet de l'invention est donc un dispositif de contact pour améliorer la conductance d'une connexion électrique formée par deux conducteurs en contact l'un avec l'autre comprenant essentiellement un élément conducteur intercalaire disposé entre les deux surfaces de contact des deux conducteurs de la connexion. Selon la caractéristique principale de l'invention, l'élément conducteur intercalaire est composé de mousse électriquement conductrice composée d'un ou plusieurs matériaux, de porosité et de déformabilité élevées afin de réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion.Disclosure of the invention This is why the first object of the invention is to provide a contact device for electrical connections in order to improve the electrical conductance of these connections and to slow down the degradation of the surfaces in contact. Another object of the invention is to provide a contact device for improving the electrical connections in order to increase the electrical performance of these connections when they are in an advanced state of degradation. A third object of the invention is to provide a contact device for improving the electrical connections subjected to high intensity currents greater than 1000 A, in order to increase the electrical performance of these connections. The object of the invention is therefore a contact device for improving the conductance of an electrical connection formed by two conductors in contact with each other essentially comprising an intermediate conductive element disposed between the two contact surfaces of the two connection conductors. According to the main characteristic of the invention, the intermediate conductive element is composed of electrically conductive foam composed of one or more materials, of high porosity and deformability in order to reduce the electrical resistance of the connection.
Description brève des figuresBrief description of the figures
Les buts, objets et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit faite en référence aux dessins dans lesquels :The objects, objects and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description made with reference to the drawings in which:
La figure la représente de façon microscopique une coupe transversale de la mousse de cuivre, La figure lb représente une plaque de la mousse de cuivre selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention,FIG. 1a shows a microscopic cross section of the copper foam, FIG. 1b represents a plate of copper foam according to an embodiment of the invention,
La figure 2a représente une coupe de la connexion électrique selon l'invention avant le serrage, La figure 2b représente une coupe de la connexion électrique selon l'invention.Figure 2a shows a section of the electrical connection according to the invention before tightening, Figure 2b shows a section of the electrical connection according to the invention.
Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention
En référence à la figure 1, l'élément conducteur intercalaire utilisé dans le dispositif selon l'invention est une mousse métallique 10 fabriquée de préférence selon la méthode décrite dans la demande de brevet WO 02/059396, étant entendu que le dispositif selon l'invention ne se limite pas aux mousses métalliques obtenues par le procédé décrit dans ce document. La mousse métallique est préférentiellement une mousse de cuivre. Sa structure est alvéolaire et ses propriétés physiques sont principalement une porosité et une déformabilité élevées et une faible densité de l'ordre de 400g/m2. En comparaison la densité d'une feuille de cuivre de même épaisseur est de l'ordre de 15kg/m2.With reference to FIG. 1, the intermediate conducting element used in the device according to the invention is a metallic foam 10 preferably produced according to the method described in patent application WO 02/059396, it being understood that the device according to The invention is not limited to the metal foams obtained by the process described in this document. The metallic foam is preferably a copper foam. Its structure is cellular and its physical properties are mainly a high porosity and deformability and a low density of the order of 400g / m 2 . In comparison, the density of a copper sheet of the same thickness is of the order of 15 kg / m 2 .
Selon la figure la qui illustre de façon microscopique, schématique et non limitative une coupe d'une plaque de mousse de cuivre 10 selon l'invention, la structure alvéolaire de la mousse de cuivre est telle qu'elle est constituée en majeure partie de vide. De ce fait, sa surface comporte une multitude de pointes de contact 11 de l'ordre du micron dont le nombre atteint 30 pointes par mm2. L'épaisseur de la mousse de cuivre est de 1' ordre de 2 mm.According to FIG. 1a which illustrates in a microscopic, schematic and nonlimiting manner a section through a plate of copper foam 10 according to the invention, the honeycomb structure of the copper foam is such that it consists mainly of vacuum . As a result, its surface has a multitude of contact points 11 of the order of a micron, the number of which reaches 30 points per mm 2 . The thickness of the copper foam is of the order of 2 mm.
Selon un des modes de réalisation de l'invention, cette mousse de cuivre constituant l'élément conducteur intercalaire selon l'invention est découpée à la taille de la surface de contact de la connexion électrique décrite dans la figure 2 et comporte une ouverture 18 pour le passage du boulon de serrage. La mousse de cuivre ainsi découpée comporte deux joints périphériques d'étanchéité 14 et 16. Les joints périphériques d'étanchéité 14 et 16 peuvent être réalisés de différentes façons. Ils peuvent être imprégnés dans la mousse ou bien réalisés par la dépose d'un produit d'étanchéité de type élastomère sur la périphérie. Mais il est également possible de réaliser des joints en repliant les bords de la plaque de mousse au moins une fois sur elle-même ou bien en roulant les bords de la plaque de mousse.According to one of the embodiments of the invention, this copper foam constituting the intermediate conducting element according to the invention is cut to the size of the contact surface of the electrical connection described in FIG. 2 and has an opening 18 for the passage of the tightening bolt. The copper foam thus cut has two peripheral seals 14 and 16. The peripheral seals 14 and 16 can be produced in different ways. They can be impregnated in the foam or produced by depositing an elastomer type sealant on the periphery. But it is also possible to make seals by folding the edges of the foam plate at least once on itself or by rolling the edges of the foam plate.
Les figures 2a et 2b représentent une connexion électrique selon l'invention. Selon la figure 2a, les conducteurs 21 et 23 sont situés de part et d'autre de la mousse de cuivre 10 de façon à ce que leurs surfaces 22 et 24 entrent en contact avec la mousse de cuivre. Ainsi, la mousse de cuivre constitue un élément intercalaire entre les deux conducteurs de la connexion électrique. Selon la figure 2b, la connexion électrique entre les conducteurs 21 et 23 est réalisée par contact serré grâce à un moyen de serrage tel qu'un boulon de serrage 25 traversant les deux conducteurs par un orifice prévu à cet effet et à travers l'ouverture 18 de la mousse de cuivre 10.Figures 2a and 2b show an electrical connection according to the invention. According to Figure 2a, the conductors 21 and 23 are located on either side of the copper foam 10 so that their surfaces 22 and 24 come into contact with the copper foam. Thus, the copper foam constitutes an intermediate element between the two conductors of the electrical connection. According to FIG. 2b, the electrical connection between the conductors 21 and 23 is made by tight contact thanks to a tightening means such as a tightening bolt 25 passing through the two conductors through an orifice provided for this purpose and through the opening 18 of copper foam 10.
Le dispositif selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour un contact d'une connexion électrique neuve. Dans ce cas, il améliore l'homogénéité du passage du courant à travers la surface en contact. En effet, dans une connexion électrique représentée par exemple par les deux conducteurs 21 et 23 en contact l'un avec l'autre, le contact est d'autant plus important qu'il se situe à proximité du moyen de serrage ou boulon de serrage 25. Par conséquent, la résistance et donc les pertes électriques de la connexion électrique constituée des conducteurs 21 et 23 en contact est minimale près du moyen de serrage 25 et augmente plus on s'en éloigne. Cette répartition inhomogêne du courant favorise une zone de concentration de courant plus élevé et donc une zone davantage sollicitée et donc dégradée plus rapidement. L'apport de l'élément conducteur intercalaire constitué de mousse de cuivre augmente les points de contacts entre les deux conducteurs 21 et 23 et permet donc une répartition homogène du courant sur toute la surface de contact. Grâce à cette répartition homogène, il n'existe pas de zones de concentration de courant donc pas de zones davantage sollicitées et propices à une dégradation plus rapide .The device according to the invention can be used for a contact of a new electrical connection. In this case, it improves the homogeneity of the flow of current through the contacting surface. Indeed, in an electrical connection represented for example by the two conductors 21 and 23 in contact with each other, the contact is all the more important as it is located near the tightening means or tightening bolt 25. Consequently, the resistance and therefore the electrical losses of the electrical connection consisting of the conductors 21 and 23 in contact is minimal near the clamping means 25 and increases the further one moves away from it. This inhomogeneous distribution of the current favors a zone of higher current concentration and therefore an area more stressed and therefore degraded more quickly. The contribution of the intermediate conductive element made of copper foam increases the points of contact between the two conductors 21 and 23 and therefore allows homogeneous distribution of the current over the entire contact surface. Thanks to this homogeneous distribution, there are no areas of current concentration therefore no areas more stressed and conducive to faster degradation.
Le dispositif selon l'invention peut également être avantageusement utilisé pour un contact d'une connexion électrique dégradée ou déformée. Dans le domaine des cuves d' électrolyse et des .fours d'aciérie, les conducteurs et les connexions électriques sont soumis à des courants de haute intensité et à des températures élevées. L'usure des connexions se concrétise principalement par une déformation des surfaces de contact des connexions électriques. Il en résulte des pertes électriques importantes pouvant atteindre plusieurs KW par connexion et des variations du passage de courant à travers ces surfaces en contact. Le ré-usinage des surfaces de contact déformées n'est plus nécessaire grâce à l'apport de mousse de cuivre. On obtient ainsi une amélioration importante des connexions électriques présentant des surfaces de contact 22 et 24 dégradées et déformées, même lorsqu'il s'agit de déformations de l'ordre du millimètre. En effet, la déformabilité de la mousse de cuivre permet à l'ensemble de la mousse 10 d'épouser les contours dégradés des surfaces en contact 22 et 24, tel qu'il est décrit sur l'agrandissement de la figure 2b et ainsi d'augmenter la surface de contact et de répartir la pression exercée grâce au moyen de serrage 25. De plus, les pointes 11 situées à la surface de la mousse de cuivre multiplient les points de contacts. Il en résulte une amélioration des conditions de passage du courant par diminution des pertes électriques. En outre, les pointes 11 situées à la surface de la mousse de cuivre percent également les couches d'oxyde qui apparaissent à la surface des métaux et donc des conducteurs 21 et 23, tels que l'oxyde de cuivre ou l'alumine pour l'aluminium. Ces couches ont un effet isolant et agissent comme des résistances et induisent donc des pertes électriques. De ce fait, le dispositif selon l'invention permet d'améliorer la conductance électrique d'une connexion usagée et cela même sans la nettoyer au préalable . Le joint d'étanchéité périphérique 14 et 16 permet de réduire la pénétration d'agents extérieurs dégradants dans la connexion en créant une barrière étanche à la périphérie de la connexion. En effet, et en particulier dans le cas des cuves d' électrolyse chlore-soude, les agents dégradants sont généralement des liquides tels que de la soude ou de l'eau de lavage ou bien tout autre produit polluant transporté par l'eau.The device according to the invention can also be advantageously used for a contact of a degraded or deformed electrical connection. In the field of electrolytic cells and steel furnaces, the conductors and the electrical connections are subjected to high intensity currents and to high temperatures. The wear of the connections mainly takes the form of a deformation of the contact surfaces of the electrical connections. This results in significant electrical losses of up to several KW per connection and variations in the flow of current through these contacting surfaces. The re-machining of the deformed contact surfaces is no longer necessary thanks to the addition of copper foam. A significant improvement is thus obtained in the electrical connections having degraded and deformed contact surfaces 22 and 24, even when deformations of the order of a millimeter are involved. Indeed, the deformability of the copper foam allows all of the foam 10 to conform to the degraded contours of the contacting surfaces 22 and 24, as described on the enlargement of FIG. 2b and thus 'Increase the contact surface and distribute the pressure exerted by the clamping means 25. In addition, the tips 11 located on the surface of the copper foam multiply the contact points. This results in an improvement in the current flow conditions by reducing the electrical losses. In addition, the tips 11 located on the surface of the copper foam also pierce the oxide layers which appear on the surface of the metals and therefore of the conductors 21 and 23, such as copper oxide or alumina for the 'aluminum. These layers have an insulating effect and act as resistors and therefore induce electrical losses. As a result, the device according to the invention makes it possible to improve the electrical conductance of a used connection, even without cleaning it beforehand. The peripheral seal 14 and 16 makes it possible to reduce the penetration of degrading external agents into the connection by creating a tight barrier at the periphery of the connection. Indeed, and in particular in the case of chlor-soda electrolysis tanks, the degrading agents are generally liquids such as soda or washing water or any other polluting product transported by water.
La mousse de cuivre peut être améliorée par la dépose d'un produit améliorant le transfert thermique et la conductivité électrique. Ainsi, l'utilisation d'une mousse de cuivre argenté comme élément conducteur intercalaire améliore l'efficacité du dispositif selon l'invention. En effet, la chute de potentiel d'une connexion de 1 dm2 formée de deux conducteurs en cuivre est de l'ordre de 50 mV pour un courant d'une intensité de 5000 A. Avec une mousse de cuivre, la chute de potentiel diminue à 26 mV et avec une mousse de cuivre argentée, la chute de potentiel n'est plus que 5 mV pour des conditions de température et de pression identiques dans les trois cas. L'argent est déposé sur la mousse de cuivre par un procédé électrochimique classique ou sous vide .Copper foam can be improved by depositing a product that improves heat transfer and electrical conductivity. Thus, the use of silver copper foam as an intermediate conductive element improves the efficiency of the device according to the invention. Indeed, the drop in potential of a 1 dm 2 connection formed by two copper conductors is around 50 mV for a current with an intensity of 5000 A. With a copper foam, the drop in potential decreases to 26 mV and with a silvery copper foam, the potential drop is only 5 mV for identical temperature and pressure conditions in the three cases. The silver is deposited on the copper foam by a conventional electrochemical process or under vacuum.
L'utilisation d'un élément conducteur intercalaire composé d'une mousse d'argent est également possible sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Le dispositif selon l'invention est d'autant plus avantageux, qu'il voit son efficacité augmenter avec la température. En effet, la chute de potentiel d'une connexion de 1 dm2 utilisant le dispositif selon l'invention avec une mousse de cuivre argentée est de l'ordre de quelques mV pour un courant d'une intensité de 5000 A et à la température de 300°C. Cette particularité est due au fait que les pointes 11 de la mousse métallique (de cuivre, de cuivre argenté ou d'argent) se soudent sous l'effet de la température aux conducteurs 21 et 23 avec lesquels elles sont en contact .The use of an intermediate conductive element composed of a silver foam is also possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The device according to the invention is all the more advantageous in that its efficiency increases with temperature. Indeed, the drop in potential of a connection of 1 dm 2 using the device according to the invention with a silver copper foam is of the order of a few mV for a current with an intensity of 5000 A and at temperature 300 ° C. This peculiarity is due to the fact that the tips 11 of the metallic foam (of copper, silver plated copper or silver) are soldered under the effect of temperature to the conductors 21 and 23 with which they are in contact.
Bien que la mousse de métal soit utilisée de préférence pour la mise en œuvre de l'invention, tout autre mousse conductrice composée d'un ou plusieurs matériaux pourrait être utilisée.Although the metal foam is preferably used for the implementation of the invention, any other conductive foam composed of one or more materials could be used.
Le dispositif selon l'invention présente de nombreux autres avantages. Sa mise en œuvre est rapide, facile et propre. Il est particulièrement avantageux pour améliorer la conductance des connexions électriques cuivre/cuivre mais également des connexions entre deux conducteurs électriques différents tels que les couples aluminium/cuivre ou acier/aluminium ou acier/cuivre. Par la diminution des pertes électriques qu'il induit, le dispositif selon la présente invention, permet de ralentir la dégradation de l'état de surface des connexions électriques soumises à des courants de haute intensité. Les intérêts économiques de ce dispositif sont la réduction des coûts dus à la diminution des pertes électriques et dus à la réduction de la maintenance et de l'entretien. De plus, ces intérêts s'inscrivent dans une politique d'économie d'énergie dictée par des normes environnementales .The device according to the invention has many other advantages. Its implementation is quick, easy and clean. It is particularly advantageous to improve the conductance of the copper / copper electrical connections but also of the connections between two different electrical conductors such as the aluminum / copper or steel / aluminum or steel / copper pairs. By reducing the electrical losses which it induces, the device according to the present invention makes it possible to slow down the degradation of the surface condition of the electrical connections subjected to high intensity currents. The economic interests of this device are the reduction of costs due to the reduction of electrical losses and due to the reduction of maintenance and upkeep. In addition, these interests are part of an energy saving policy dictated by environmental standards.
L'utilisation de la mousse de cuivre selon l'invention est envisageable également pour améliorer la conductance thermique de contact et éviter ainsi des pertes thermiques dus au passage de la chaleur d'un matériau à un autre .The use of copper foam according to the invention can also be envisaged to improve the thermal contact conductance and thus avoid heat losses due to the passage of heat from one material to another.
En outre, d'autres applications sont envisageables et généralisables aux connexions électriques et au transfert thermique des composants électriques tels que diodes, thyristors, etc.... De même pour améliorer le sertissage des cosses sur les conducteurs aluminium dans le domaine de l'automobile. Par conséquent, l'utilisation de l'invention peut être généralisée aux connexions électriques de faible intensité.In addition, other applications can be envisaged and generalizable to electrical connections and to the thermal transfer of electrical components such as diodes, thyristors, etc. Similarly, to improve the crimping of lugs on aluminum conductors in the field of automobile. Therefore, the use of the invention can be generalized to low intensity electrical connections.
Des essais ont été effectués afin de mettre en évidence les performances de la mousse métallique selon l'invention baptisée mousse conductrice écocontact . Les essais ont été effectués sur une connexion de 100 mm par 100 mm dégradée c'est à dire dont les surfaces de contact ne sont pas parfaitement planes . Quatre types de connexion ont été utilisés avec du cuivre, de l'aluminium, et de l'accier pour un courant allant de 1000 à 10000 A. Les résultats rapportés sur le tableau ci-après montrent que la chute de tension mesurée à la connexion est améliorée , grâce à la mousse conductrice écocontact de 82 à 91 %.Tests have been carried out in order to demonstrate the performance of the metal foam according to the invention, called eco-contact conductive foam. The tests were carried out on a degraded 100 mm by 100 mm connection, that is to say the contact surfaces of which are not perfectly flat. Four types of connection were used with copper, aluminum, and accelerating it for a current going from 1000 to 10000 A. The results reported in the table below show that the voltage drop measured at the connection is improved, thanks to the eco-contact conductive foam from 82 to 91%.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de contact pour améliorer la conductance d'une connexion électrique formée par deux conducteurs (21 et 23) en contact l'un avec l'autre comprenant essentiellement un élément conducteur intercalaire disposé entre les deux surfaces de contact (22 et 24) des deux conducteurs (21 et 23) de ladite connexion, ledit élément conducteur intercalaire étant constitué de mousse électriquement conductrice (10) composée d'un ou plusieurs matériaux, de porosité et de déformabilité élevées afin de réduire la résistance électrique de la connexion.1. Contact device for improving the conductance of an electrical connection formed by two conductors (21 and 23) in contact with each other essentially comprising an intermediate conductive element disposed between the two contact surfaces (22 and 24) of the two conductors (21 and 23) of said connection, said intermediate conducting element consisting of electrically conductive foam (10) composed of one or more materials, of high porosity and deformability in order to reduce the electrical resistance of the connection.
2. Dispositif de contact selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'intensité du courant est supérieure à 1000 A.2. Contact device according to claim 1, in which the intensity of the current is greater than 1000 A.
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel ledit élément conducteur intercalaire composé d'une mousse électriquement conductrice (10) comporte au moins un joint d'étanchéité périphérique (14 et 16) créant une barrière étanche aux agents extérieurs dégradants à la périphérie dudit élément conducteur intercalaire.3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said intermediate conductive element composed of an electrically conductive foam (10) comprises at least one peripheral seal (14 and 16) creating a barrier impervious to external degrading agents to the periphery of said intermediate conducting element.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite mousse est une mousse de cuivre.4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said foam is a copper foam.
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite mousse est une mousse de cuivre argenté.5. Device according to claim 3, wherein said foam is a silver copper foam.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite mousse est une mousse d'argent.6. Device according to claim 3, wherein said foam is a silver foam.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel ledit élément conducteur intercalaire est intercalé entre lesdits conducteurs (21 et 23) dont les surfaces (22 et 24) sont dégradées. 7. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said intermediate conductive element is interposed between said conductors (21 and 23) whose surfaces (22 and 24) are degraded.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit joint d'étanchéité (14 et 16) est réalisé par dépose d'un produit d'étanchéité de type élastomère sur la périphérie dudit élément conducteur intercalaire .8. Device according to claim 7, wherein said seal (14 and 16) is produced by depositing an elastomer type sealant on the periphery of said intermediate conductive element.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit joint d'étanchéité (14 et 16) est réalisé par au moins un pliage du bord dudit élément conducteur intercalaire. 9. Device according to claim 7, wherein said seal (14 and 16) is produced by at least one folding of the edge of said intermediate conductive element.
EP03786039A 2002-11-20 2003-11-20 Metal foaming material contact for electrical connections Expired - Lifetime EP1602153B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0214528 2002-11-20
FR0214528A FR2847391A1 (en) 2002-11-20 2002-11-20 Improved life contact connector mechanism having two conductors with intermediate insertion element placed between electrically conducting surfacers having several porous/high deformability rubber materials reducing electrical resistance
PCT/FR2003/003440 WO2004049515A1 (en) 2002-11-20 2003-11-20 Contact device for improving lifetime of electrical connections

Publications (2)

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EP1602153A1 true EP1602153A1 (en) 2005-12-07
EP1602153B1 EP1602153B1 (en) 2009-06-10

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EP03786039A Expired - Lifetime EP1602153B1 (en) 2002-11-20 2003-11-20 Metal foaming material contact for electrical connections

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US (1) US7229296B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1602153B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006506796A (en)
CN (1) CN100468875C (en)
AT (1) ATE433609T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003295045A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2506788C (en)
DE (1) DE60327951D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2847391A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004049515A1 (en)

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CA2506788C (en) 2012-06-12
DE60327951D1 (en) 2009-07-23
JP2006506796A (en) 2006-02-23
CN100468875C (en) 2009-03-11
ATE433609T1 (en) 2009-06-15
FR2847391A1 (en) 2004-05-21
WO2004049515A1 (en) 2004-06-10
EP1602153B1 (en) 2009-06-10
CN1714478A (en) 2005-12-28
CA2506788A1 (en) 2004-06-10
US20060051990A1 (en) 2006-03-09
AU2003295045A1 (en) 2004-06-18
US7229296B2 (en) 2007-06-12

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