EP1764811B1 - Circuit breaker with a reduced size arc chamber - Google Patents

Circuit breaker with a reduced size arc chamber Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1764811B1
EP1764811B1 EP06354024A EP06354024A EP1764811B1 EP 1764811 B1 EP1764811 B1 EP 1764811B1 EP 06354024 A EP06354024 A EP 06354024A EP 06354024 A EP06354024 A EP 06354024A EP 1764811 B1 EP1764811 B1 EP 1764811B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
separators
switchgear device
separator
electric switchgear
length
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EP06354024A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1764811A1 (en
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Marc c/o Schneider Electric Industries SAS Rival
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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
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/46—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using arcing horns

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical breaking device comprising at least one electrical pole comprising a fixed contact member of conductive material, a movable contact member capable of passing from a closed position in which it is in contact with the body fixed contact, in an open position where the two contact members are separated.
  • the electrical breaking device comprises an arc extinction chamber comprising two parallel lateral flanges placed on either side of a median longitudinal plane, a rear wall, a lower arc of conductive material, electrically connected to the contact member fixed and extending near the rear wall. Said lower horn is bordered by a periphery of gasogenic material.
  • the arc extinction chamber comprises a stack of separators extending from one lateral flange to the other, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane, at least two of the separators comprising a notch extending along the longitudinal median plane.
  • a high-voltage low-voltage cut-off device When a high-voltage low-voltage cut-off device is used to cut low-intensity electrical currents at relatively high voltages, of the order of 600 volts effective in single-phase, or 1000 volts effective three-phase, the breaking chambers support important thermal and mechanical stresses. Said low intensity electric currents are of the order of 5 to 15 times the rated current.
  • the dimensions of the breaking chambers must respect certain design rules in order to provide an energy exchange volume necessary for the extinction of the arc.
  • the depth of the arc extinguishing chamber ie its longitudinal dimension between the inlet of the chamber and the exhaust wall of the gases, must be sufficient to provide the volume of energy exchange necessary for the extinction of the arc.
  • the document FR2604026 discloses a cut-off device whose lower bow horn widens from its anterior part close to the contacts to its posterior part close to the bottom of the extinguishing chamber.
  • the enlarged posterior portion constitutes a collector portion whose area is smaller than the section of an arc root for an arc that would be formed with a constant electrical current density corresponding to the nominal breaking current.
  • the goal here is to bring the arc to the collector and stabilize it.
  • the stabilized arc then develops essentially in the middle part of the chamber.
  • Such a configuration is effective only if the longitudinal dimension of the chamber, that is to say the depth between the fixed contact zone and the rear wall of the chamber used for the extraction of gases is important.
  • the width of the chamber can be reduced because it is not used for the extinction of the arc.
  • the solution described in the patent FR2803687 comprises a device whose lower arcuate horn is biased to the same degree on the two most lateral parts of the posterior end zone. This makes it possible to affirm that the two lateral parts of the chamber contributed in proportions very close to the absorption of the energy released by the arc, and therefore to the extinction thereof. This is due to the particular shape of the bow horn which promotes rapid lateral oscillation of the arc from one side to the other of the posterior end zone of the bow horn. This arrangement makes it possible to make full use of the available width of the chamber, and thus to obtain the cut arc high voltage, above 600 volts effective for the phase, with a shallow chamber. This type of solution finds a particularly powerful application in terms of volume reduction in terms of chamber depth.
  • the invention is preferably applied to a relatively wide pole, in particular a pole whose distance between the contact zone of the fixed contact member and the bottom wall of the chamber is less than the distance between the flanges. side of the room. It also applies to a pole whose bow horn less than one length, measured in the longitudinal median plane, which is less than the widest width of the posterior part of the arc horn, measured along a perpendicular axis in the median longitudinal plane.
  • the invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, so as to provide a reduced arc extinction chamber allowing the extinction of the arc at the time of the cutting of low intensity currents under significant tensions.
  • the arc extinguishing chamber of the cut-off device comprises at least one regenerative separator placed parallel to the lower arc horn, said at least one separator comprising at least one metal surface covering at least half of the notches according to the longitudinal median plane.
  • the metal surface of said at least one regenerative separator is at least equal to a quarter of the area of the arc extinguishing chamber in the XY plane, said metal surface being substantially centered with respect to the bottom of the indentations of the separators.
  • the width and the length of the regenerative separator are respectively at least equal to 50% of the width and the length of said separators.
  • the regenerative separator comprises a notch extending along the longitudinal median plane, the length of said notch being less than the length of the notches of the other separators.
  • the length of the notch is less than or equal to 60% of the length of the notches.
  • the length of the indentation is between 20 and 50% of the length of the indentations.
  • said at least one separator has a thickness greater than that of the other separators.
  • said at least one regenerative separator is placed between the lower arcuate horn and the first separator.
  • the electrical breaking device comprises a single regenerative separator.
  • the electrical cut-off device comprises an upper arc of conductive material substantially parallel to separators.
  • the upper arcuate horn forms an angle with all the separators.
  • the upper arcuate horn has a flap extending parallel to the posterior wall toward the anterior arcuate horn, the movable contact member being adapted to be, in the open position , opposite said flap.
  • the lower horn is bordered by a protruding periphery relative to the posterior portion of said lower bow horn.
  • a power low-voltage multipole cut-off device 10 comprises a molded insulating casing 12 enclosing a known type of control mechanism 14, provided with a transverse switching bar 16 common to all the poles, journalled in bearings provided in the housing 12.
  • Each pole comprises a fixed contact member 20, a movable contact member 22 and an arc extinction chamber 24 located near the fixed contact member 20.
  • the fixed contact member 20 comprises a current supply zone 26 mounted in the bottom of the housing 12, partially under the arc extinguishing chamber 24.
  • the fixed current supply zone 26 comprises a contact strip 36 which cooperates with contact pads 58 of the contact fingers 46 of the movable contact member 22.
  • the contact fingers 46 are electrically connected to the current supply area 40 via a cage 42.
  • the fixed current supply range 26 extends towards the interior of the chamber 24 by a lower conductive arc-horn 34.
  • the current-supplying zone 26 and the arc-horn 34 consist of various metallic materials drivers, and are at the same potential.
  • the lower arch horn 34 intended to receive the root of the arc when the arc extends from the fixed contact strip 36 towards the inside of the chamber 24.
  • the lower arch horn 34 constituted by a conductive metal plate is fixed by an outer face to the beach 26 of the fixed contact member 20. It has an inner face located inside the chamber 24.
  • the posterior portion of the arcuate horn 34 extends near the rear wall 72 of the arc extinguishing chamber 24.
  • the lower arcuate horn 34 is fixed on a bottom consisting of a plate of insulating material 90, in this case polyamide 6-6 loaded with 30% glass fiber. Said plate has an imprint corresponding to the shape of the lower arcuate horn and in which is housed the arc horn 34.
  • the portion of the plate 90 not covered by the arcuate horn extends to the flanges 68 and the rear wall 72. It has a periphery 92 forming a protruding shoulder in the chamber 24 and flush with the periphery of the inner face Alternatively, the periphery 92 may protrude inwardly from the chamber to a height greater than that of the inner face of the bow horn.
  • the perimeter 92 has a rounded C-shaped shape which follows the shape of the rim of the posterior portion of the arcuate horn so as to constitute a separation between the posterior portion of the horn and the posterior wall 72 of the chamber. one side, and between the rear part and the side flanges 68 on the other hand.
  • the movable contact member 22 comprises meanwhile a conductive fixed range of current supply 40, a support cage 42 pivotally mounted about an axis 44 fixed relative to the housing 12.
  • the movable contact member 22 may comprise preferably a plurality of contact fingers 46.
  • the contact fingers 46 pivot about a common geometric axis 50, fixed relative to the cage 42, and are returned to the fixed contact member 20 by pressure springs of contact 52.
  • a coupling rod 54 serves for coupling between the cage 42 of the movable contact member 22 and a crank 56 of the switching bar 16 of the mechanism 14.
  • Each finger 46 comprises a contact pad 58 intended to ensure contact with the contact strip 36 of the fixed contact member 20 when the apparatus is in the closed position.
  • the movable contact member 22 preferably comprises a lug 60 protruding beyond the contact pad towards the quenching chamber 24.
  • the contact fingers 46 are electrically connected to the current supply range. 40 through braids.
  • the extinguishing chamber 24 comprises two lateral flanges 68 of insulating material, which are parallel to the section plane of the figure 1 . Said flanges are located equidistant from either side of the cutting plane, so that it forms a median longitudinal geometric plane 70 of the chamber 24 and the pole.
  • a rear exhaust gas wall 72 is arranged behind the extinguishing chamber 24, perpendicular to the lateral flanges 68. This wall 72 has one or more exhaust ports for the cutoff gases.
  • An anterior opening 76 is arranged near the contact strip 36, opposite the rear wall 72.
  • Separators 78 consisting of flat metal plates extend perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane 70 of the front opening 76 to the rear wall 72. The separators 78 are spaced apart from each other so as to allow the possibility of a gas flow between the front opening 76 and the wall 72. They are supported laterally by the lateral flanges 68.
  • Each separator 78 has an anterior stop defining in the plane of the plate an indentation 80 for capturing the electric arc.
  • This notch 80 has approximately a concave curved shape in U or V. In addition this notch 80 extends along the longitudinal median plane 70.
  • the extinction chamber 24 comprises at least one regenerative separator 79 positioned parallel to and as close as possible to the lower arc horn 34.
  • Said regenerative separator 79 is positioned substantially parallel to the separators 78.
  • the at least one a regenerative separator 79 is placed between the lower arc horn 34 and the first of the separators 78.
  • the distance separating the regenerative separator 79 from said horn is substantially equal to the thickness of the separators 78.
  • Said at least one regenerative separator 79 is generally made of a metallic material similar to that of the other separators 78.
  • said at least one separator 79 preferably has a thickness greater than that of the other separators 78.
  • a single regenerative separator 79 is placed next to the lower arcuate horn 34
  • the separator comprises at least one metal surface which is at least equal to a quarter of the area of the arc extinguishing chamber in the XY plane.
  • said metal surface is arranged relative to the other separators 78 so as to cover at least half of the notches 80 in the longitudinal median plane 70.
  • said metal surface is substantially centered with respect to the bottom 81 of the notches 8 of the separators 78.
  • the width and the length of the regenerative separator 79 are respectively at least equal to 50% of the width I and the length L of the separators 78.
  • the regenerative separator is placed and held in a not shown frame, two sides of which are fixed on the side flanges 68.
  • the frame may be made for example of a ceramic material.
  • the regenerative separator 79 comprises an anterior stop defining in the plane of the separator a notch 100. Said notch extends along an axis y parallel to the longitudinal median plane 70.
  • the notch 100 is less shallow than that of the other separators 78. Indeed, the length of said notch along the y-axis is less than the length Lech notch 80 other separators 78.
  • the length of the notch 100 of said at least one regenerative separator 79 is less than or equal to 60% of the length of the notch of the notches 80.
  • the length of the notch 100 is preferably between 20 and 50% of the length of the notch of the notches 80 of the other separators 78 .
  • the operation of the device according to this preferred embodiment is as follows. In the closed position, the switching bar 16 locked by the mechanism 14, keeps the cage 42 in the position illustrated on the figure 1 .
  • the springs 52 provide a contact pressure between the movable contact finger 22 and the fixed arcing contact 20.
  • an electronic trigger acts on the mechanism 14 which causes the opening of the contacts.
  • the rotation of the switching shaft 16 rotates the cage 42 about its axis of rotation 44.
  • the contact fingers 22 pivot very slightly about the axis of rotation 50, in the counterclockwise direction, under the effect of the contact pressure springs 52, while remaining in contact with the bar 26. Then they meet a stop of the cage 42, and are integrally driven with the cage 42 in rotation clockwise about the axis rotation 44, so that they separate from the bar 26.
  • An arc arises between the fixed and movable contacts 20, 22.
  • the root of the arc immediately migrates on the rim of the front part of the horn. lower arc 34 and then inwardly of the chamber 24.
  • the arc penetrating the chamber 24 divides more or less in contact with the separators 78, 79 in elementary arcs, each elementary arc constituting a series electrical connection between two adjacent separators 78 or between the lower arc horn 34 and the regenerator separator 79 facing it.
  • the root arc tends to cause the ablation of the perimeter 92 of gasogenic material with a large emission of gas, especially hydrogen.
  • This emission of gas in the immediate vicinity of the root of the arc causes a constriction of the root arc and leads to a cooling of the arch foot.
  • a higher dielectric regeneration is observed locally, which makes it possible to obtain a zone with low ionization near the lower part of the quenching chamber 24.
  • a metal regenerator separator 79 of sufficient mass and surface makes it possible to accelerate the cooling of the arch foot significantly. Given that the arch foot is both circumscribed and located mainly at the center of the regenerative separator 79, the edge of said separator next to the opening zone is not vaporized by the electric arc. The presence of this cooler zone on the front edge of the regenerator separator 79 limits the risk of reclasking the arc in this zone.
  • Local cooling of the electric arc must preferably be carried out as close as possible to the lower and / or upper edges of the extinguishing chamber 24.
  • the extinction chamber 24 comprises an upper arc horn 96.
  • This arc horn facilitates the insertion of the arc into the arc chute and forces the arc to move in the separators 78 over the entire height of the interrupting chamber.
  • the upper arc horn 96 is intended to receive the head of the electric arc at the end of opening of the movable contact member 22. It is constituted by a metal plate. This metal plate may be substantially parallel to the separators 78 or formed at an angle ⁇ with them. According to the example described, the upper arc horn 96 forms an angle ⁇ with all the separators 78. The positioning of the upper arcuate horn is made so that the movable contact comes close to said plate in the open position.
  • the height of the stack of the separators 78 may be greater than the displacement stroke of the moving contact 22. It is then necessary to extend the upper arc horn 96 in a parallel direction. at the posterior wall 72. A flap 98 then extends parallel to the posterior wall (72) in the direction of the anterior bow horn (34). The presence of this flap 98 tends to reduce the area of the front opening 76 so that the movable contact 22 in the open position is opposite said flap 98.
  • the bow head switches on the upper bow horn 96, and a secondary bow is formed in series with the first, between the flap 98 and the movable contact fingers 22.
  • the curved shape of the notch 80 of the separators 78 comprises with a notch 82 narrower and asymmetrical.
  • the separators 78 are then stacked so that the notches 82 are alternately on one lateral side and the other side of the chamber 24.

Abstract

The device has an arc chute (24) with two parallel flanges placed on sides of a longitudinal mid-plane. The chute has a bottom arcing horn (34) electrically connected to a stationary contact part (20) and extends close to a rear wall. The horn receives an arc root when an arc extends from a stationary contact strip (36) towards the inside of the chute. The chute has a stack of separators (78) with notches extending in the mid-plane and regenerating separators (79) that are placed in a parallel manner and comprise metallic surfaces which cover half of the notches.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

L'invention est relative à un dispositif de coupure électrique comprenant au moins un pôle électrique comprenant un organe de contact fixe en matériau conducteur, un organe de contact mobile apte à passer d'une position fermée dans laquelle il est en contact avec l'organe de contact fixe, à une position ouverte où les deux organes de contact sont séparés. Le dispositif de coupure électrique comprend une chambre d'extinction d'arc comportant deux flasques latéraux parallèles placés de part et d'autre d'un plan longitudinal médian, une paroi postérieure, une corne d'arc inférieure en matériau conducteur, reliée électriquement à l'organe de contact fixe et s'étendant à proximité de la paroi postérieure. Ladite corne inférieure est bordée par un pourtour en matériau gazogène. La chambre d'extinction d'arc comporte un empilement de séparateurs s'étendant d'un flasque latéral à l'autre, sensiblement perpendiculairement au plan médian longitudinal, au moins deux des séparateurs comportant une échancrure s'étendant selon le plan médian longitudinal.The invention relates to an electrical breaking device comprising at least one electrical pole comprising a fixed contact member of conductive material, a movable contact member capable of passing from a closed position in which it is in contact with the body fixed contact, in an open position where the two contact members are separated. The electrical breaking device comprises an arc extinction chamber comprising two parallel lateral flanges placed on either side of a median longitudinal plane, a rear wall, a lower arc of conductive material, electrically connected to the contact member fixed and extending near the rear wall. Said lower horn is bordered by a periphery of gasogenic material. The arc extinction chamber comprises a stack of separators extending from one lateral flange to the other, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane, at least two of the separators comprising a notch extending along the longitudinal median plane.

ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUESTATE OF THE ART

Lorsqu'un dispositif de coupure basse tension de forte intensité est utilisé pour couper des courants électriques de faible intensité sous des tensions relativement élevées, de l'ordre de 600 Volts efficaces en monophasé, ou 1000 Volts efficaces triphasés, les chambres de coupure supportent des contraintes thermiques et mécaniques importantes. Lesdits courants électriques de faible intensité sont de l'ordre de 5 à 15 fois le courant nominal.When a high-voltage low-voltage cut-off device is used to cut low-intensity electrical currents at relatively high voltages, of the order of 600 volts effective in single-phase, or 1000 volts effective three-phase, the breaking chambers support important thermal and mechanical stresses. Said low intensity electric currents are of the order of 5 to 15 times the rated current.

Les dimensions des chambres de coupure doivent respecter certaines règles de conception afin de fournir un volume d'échange énergétique nécessaire à l'extinction de l'arc.The dimensions of the breaking chambers must respect certain design rules in order to provide an energy exchange volume necessary for the extinction of the arc.

La profondeur de la chambre d'extinction d'arc, c'est à dire sa dimension longitudinale entre l'entrée de la chambre et la paroi d'échappement des gaz, doit être suffisant pour pourvoir au volume d'échange énergétique nécessaire à l'extinction de l'arc. Cependant, il s'avère souvent souhaitable de réduire la taille de ces chambres de coupure afin de pouvoir proposer des dispositifs de coupure de tailles réduites.The depth of the arc extinguishing chamber, ie its longitudinal dimension between the inlet of the chamber and the exhaust wall of the gases, must be sufficient to provide the volume of energy exchange necessary for the extinction of the arc. However, it is often desirable to reduce the size of these interrupting chambers in order to be able to provide cut-off devices of reduced size.

Le document FR2604026 décrit un dispositif de coupure dont la corne d'arc inférieure s'élargit de sa partie antérieure proche des contacts à sa partie postérieure proche du fond de la chambre d'extinction. La partie postérieure élargie constitue une partie collectrice dont la surface est plus faible que la section d'une racine d'arc pour un arc qui serait formé avec une densité de courant électrique constante correspondant au courant de rupture nominal. L'objectif est ici d'amener l'arc sur la partie collectrice et de l'y stabiliser. L'arc stabilisé se développe alors essentiellement dans la partie médiane de la chambre. Une telle configuration n'est efficace que si la dimension longitudinale de la chambre, c'est-à-dire sa profondeur entre zone de contact fixe et la paroi postérieure de la chambre servant à l'extraction des gaz est importante. La largeur de la chambre peut être réduite, car elle n'est pas exploitée pour l'extinction de l'arc.The document FR2604026 discloses a cut-off device whose lower bow horn widens from its anterior part close to the contacts to its posterior part close to the bottom of the extinguishing chamber. The enlarged posterior portion constitutes a collector portion whose area is smaller than the section of an arc root for an arc that would be formed with a constant electrical current density corresponding to the nominal breaking current. The goal here is to bring the arc to the collector and stabilize it. The stabilized arc then develops essentially in the middle part of the chamber. Such a configuration is effective only if the longitudinal dimension of the chamber, that is to say the depth between the fixed contact zone and the rear wall of the chamber used for the extraction of gases is important. The width of the chamber can be reduced because it is not used for the extinction of the arc.

La solution décrite dans le brevet FR2803687 comporte un dispositif dont la corne d'arc inférieure est sollicitée à un même degré sur les deux parties les plus latérales de la zone d'extrémité postérieure. Ceci permet d'affirmer que les deux parties latérales de la chambre ont contribué dans des proportions très proches à l'absorption de l'énergie dégagée par l'arc, donc à l'extinction de celui-ci. Ceci est du à la forme particulière de la corne d'arc qui favorise une oscillation latérale rapide de l'arc d'un côté à l'autre de la zone d'extrémité postérieure de la corne d'arc. Cette disposition permet d'utiliser pleinement la largeur disponible de la chambre, et donc d'obtenir la coupure d'arc de tension élevée, au-dessus de 600 volts efficaces pour la phase considérée, avec une chambre de faible profondeur. Ce type de solution trouve une application particulièrement performante en terme de réduction de volume en terme de profondeur de chambre. L'invention s'applique de manière préférentielle à un pôle relativement large, en particulier un pôle dont la distance entre la zone de contact de l'organe de contact fixe et la paroi du fond de la chambre est inférieure à la distance entre les flasques latéraux de la chambre. Il s'applique également à un pôle dont la corne d'arc inférieure à une longueur, mesurée dans le plan médian longitudinal, qui est inférieure à la plus grande largeur de la partie postérieure de la corne d'arc, mesurée suivant un axe perpendiculaire au plan longitudinal médian.The solution described in the patent FR2803687 comprises a device whose lower arcuate horn is biased to the same degree on the two most lateral parts of the posterior end zone. This makes it possible to affirm that the two lateral parts of the chamber contributed in proportions very close to the absorption of the energy released by the arc, and therefore to the extinction thereof. This is due to the particular shape of the bow horn which promotes rapid lateral oscillation of the arc from one side to the other of the posterior end zone of the bow horn. This arrangement makes it possible to make full use of the available width of the chamber, and thus to obtain the cut arc high voltage, above 600 volts effective for the phase, with a shallow chamber. This type of solution finds a particularly powerful application in terms of volume reduction in terms of chamber depth. The invention is preferably applied to a relatively wide pole, in particular a pole whose distance between the contact zone of the fixed contact member and the bottom wall of the chamber is less than the distance between the flanges. side of the room. It also applies to a pole whose bow horn less than one length, measured in the longitudinal median plane, which is less than the widest width of the posterior part of the arc horn, measured along a perpendicular axis in the median longitudinal plane.

Cependant la solution du brevet FR2803687 ne peut pas s'adapter à des dispositifs de coupure dont la chambre de coupure doit aussi être réduite dans sa largeur tout en gardant les mêmes proportions dans les autres directions.However the solution of the patent FR2803687 can not adapt to cut-off devices whose cut-off chamber must also be reduced in width while keeping the same proportions in the other directions.

EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

L'invention vise donc à remédier aux inconvénients de l'état de la technique, de manière à proposer une chambre d'extinction d'arc de taille réduite permettant l'extinction de l'arc au moment de la coupure de courants de faible intensité sous des tensions importantes.The invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, so as to provide a reduced arc extinction chamber allowing the extinction of the arc at the time of the cutting of low intensity currents under significant tensions.

La chambre d'extinction d'arc du dispositif de coupure selon l'invention comporte au moins un séparateur régénérateur placé parallèlement à la corne d'arc inférieure, ledit au moins un séparateur comportant au moins une surface métallique recouvrant au moins la moitié des échancrures selon le plan médian longitudinal.The arc extinguishing chamber of the cut-off device according to the invention comprises at least one regenerative separator placed parallel to the lower arc horn, said at least one separator comprising at least one metal surface covering at least half of the notches according to the longitudinal median plane.

De préférence, la surface métallique dudit au moins un séparateur régénérateur est au moins égale au quart de la surface de la chambre d'extinction d'arc dans le plan XY, ladite surface métallique étant sensiblement centrée par rapport au fond des échancrures des séparateurs.Preferably, the metal surface of said at least one regenerative separator is at least equal to a quarter of the area of the arc extinguishing chamber in the XY plane, said metal surface being substantially centered with respect to the bottom of the indentations of the separators.

De préférence, la largeur et la longueur du séparateur régénérateur sont respectivement au moins égale à 50% de la largeur et de la longueur desdits séparateurs.Preferably, the width and the length of the regenerative separator are respectively at least equal to 50% of the width and the length of said separators.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, le séparateur régénérateur comporte une échancrure s'étendant selon le plan médian longitudinal, la longueur de ladite échancrure étant moins grande que la longueur des échancrures des autres séparateurs.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the regenerative separator comprises a notch extending along the longitudinal median plane, the length of said notch being less than the length of the notches of the other separators.

Avantageusement, la longueur de l'échancrure est inférieure ou égale à 60% de la longueur des échancrures.Advantageously, the length of the notch is less than or equal to 60% of the length of the notches.

Avantageusement, la longueur de l'échancrure est comprise entre 20 et 50% de la longueur des échancrures.Advantageously, the length of the indentation is between 20 and 50% of the length of the indentations.

De préférence, ledit au moins un séparateur comporte une épaisseur supérieure à celle des autres séparateurs.Preferably, said at least one separator has a thickness greater than that of the other separators.

De préférence, ledit au moins un séparateur régénérateur est placé entre la corne d'arc inférieure et le premier séparateur.Preferably, said at least one regenerative separator is placed between the lower arcuate horn and the first separator.

De préférence, le dispositif de coupure électrique comporte un seul séparateur régénérateur.Preferably, the electrical breaking device comprises a single regenerative separator.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, le dispositif de coupure électrique comporte une corne d'arc supérieure en matériau conducteur sensiblement parallèle à des séparateurs.According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical cut-off device comprises an upper arc of conductive material substantially parallel to separators.

De préférence, la corne d'arc supérieure forme un angle avec l'ensemble des séparateurs.Preferably, the upper arcuate horn forms an angle with all the separators.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulier, la corne d'arc supérieure comporte un rabat s'étendant parallèlement à la paroi postérieure en direction de la corne d'arc antérieure, l'organe de contact mobile étant destiné à être, en position d'ouverture, en vis à vis dudit rabat.In a particular embodiment, the upper arcuate horn has a flap extending parallel to the posterior wall toward the anterior arcuate horn, the movable contact member being adapted to be, in the open position , opposite said flap.

Avantageusement, la corne inférieure est bordée par un pourtour saillant par rapport à la partie postérieure de ladite corne d'arc inférieure.Advantageously, the lower horn is bordered by a protruding periphery relative to the posterior portion of said lower bow horn.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre d'un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention, donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et représenté au dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue d'un pôle d'un appareillage selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, en coupe suivant un plan longitudinal médian d'une chambre de coupure de ce pôle ;
  • la figure 2 représente une vue du dessus du pôle de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 représente en perspective éclatée d'une partie du pôle de la figure 1, montrant notamment la chambre d'extinction d'arc ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue de dessus d'un séparateur régénérateur selon un premier mode préférentiel de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 représente une vue de dessus d'un séparateur de la chambre d'extinction selon la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 6 représente une vue de dessus d'un séparateur régénérateur selon un second mode préférentiel de réalisation de l'invention.
Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, and represented in the accompanying drawing in which:
  • the figure 1 represents a view of a pole of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention, in section along a median longitudinal plane of a breaking chamber of this pole;
  • the figure 2 represents a view from above of the pole of the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 3 represents in perspective exploded part of the pole of the figure 1 , showing in particular the arc extinction chamber;
  • the figure 4 represents a view from above of a regenerator separator according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 5 represents a view from above of a separator of the extinguishing chamber according to the figure 1 ;
  • the figure 6 represents a top view of a regenerator separator according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE D'UN MODE DE REALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Selon le mode préférentiel de réalisation de l'invention, en référence aux figures 1 à 3, un dispositif de coupure multipolaire basse tension de puissance 10 comporte un boîtier isolant moulé 12 renfermant un mécanisme de commande 14 de type connu, muni d'un barreau de commutation transversal 16 commun à l'ensemble des pôles, tourillonnant dans des paliers ménagés dans le boîtier 12. Chaque pôle comporte un organe de contact fixe 20, un organe de contact mobile 22 et une chambre d'extinction d'arc 24 située à proximité de l'organe de contact fixe 20.According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 3 a power low-voltage multipole cut-off device 10 comprises a molded insulating casing 12 enclosing a known type of control mechanism 14, provided with a transverse switching bar 16 common to all the poles, journalled in bearings provided in the housing 12. Each pole comprises a fixed contact member 20, a movable contact member 22 and an arc extinction chamber 24 located near the fixed contact member 20.

L'organe de contact fixe 20 comporte une plage d'amenée de courant 26 montée dans le fond du boîtier 12, partiellement sous la chambre d'extinction d'arc 24. La plage fixe d'amenée de courant 26 comporte une barrette de contact 36 qui coopère avec des pastilles de contact 58 des doigts de contact 46 de l'organe de contact mobile 22. Les doigts de contact 46 sont reliés électriquement à la plage d'amenée de courant 40 par l'intermédiaire d'une cage 42.The fixed contact member 20 comprises a current supply zone 26 mounted in the bottom of the housing 12, partially under the arc extinguishing chamber 24. The fixed current supply zone 26 comprises a contact strip 36 which cooperates with contact pads 58 of the contact fingers 46 of the movable contact member 22. The contact fingers 46 are electrically connected to the current supply area 40 via a cage 42.

La plage fixe d'amenée de courant 26 se prolonge vers l'intérieur de la chambre 24 par une corne d'arc inférieure conductrice 34. La plage d'amenée de courant 26 et la corne d'arc 34 sont constitués de divers matériaux métalliques conducteurs, et sont à un même potentiel.The fixed current supply range 26 extends towards the interior of the chamber 24 by a lower conductive arc-horn 34. The current-supplying zone 26 and the arc-horn 34 consist of various metallic materials drivers, and are at the same potential.

La corne d'arc inférieure 34, destinée à réceptionner la racine de l'arc lorsque l'arc s'étend depuis la barrette de contact fixe 36 vers l'intérieur de la chambre 24. La corne d'arc inférieure 34 constituée par une plaque métallique conductrice est fixée par une face externe à la plage 26 de l'organe de contact fixe 20. Elle comporte une face interne située à l'intérieur de la chambre 24. La partie postérieure de la corne d'arc 34 s'étend à proximité de la paroi postérieure 72 de la chambre d'extinction d'arc 24.The lower arch horn 34, intended to receive the root of the arc when the arc extends from the fixed contact strip 36 towards the inside of the chamber 24. The lower arch horn 34 constituted by a conductive metal plate is fixed by an outer face to the beach 26 of the fixed contact member 20. It has an inner face located inside the chamber 24. The posterior portion of the arcuate horn 34 extends near the rear wall 72 of the arc extinguishing chamber 24.

La corne d'arc inférieure 34 est fixée sur un fond constitué par une plaque en matériau isolant 90, en l'occurrence du polyamide 6-6 chargé à 30% de fibre de verre. Ladite plaque comporte une empreinte correspondant à la forme de la corne d'arc inférieure et dans laquelle vient se loger la corne d'arc 34.The lower arcuate horn 34 is fixed on a bottom consisting of a plate of insulating material 90, in this case polyamide 6-6 loaded with 30% glass fiber. Said plate has an imprint corresponding to the shape of the lower arcuate horn and in which is housed the arc horn 34.

La partie de la plaque 90 non recouverte par la corne d'arc s'étend jusqu'aux flasques 68 et la paroi postérieure 72. Elle présente un pourtour 92 formant un épaulement saillant dans la chambre 24 et affleurant à la périphérie de la face interne de la corne d'arc 34. Alternativement, le pourtour 92 peut faire saillie vers l'intérieur de la chambre jusqu'à une hauteur supérieure à celle de la face interne de la corne d'arc.The portion of the plate 90 not covered by the arcuate horn extends to the flanges 68 and the rear wall 72. It has a periphery 92 forming a protruding shoulder in the chamber 24 and flush with the periphery of the inner face Alternatively, the periphery 92 may protrude inwardly from the chamber to a height greater than that of the inner face of the bow horn.

Le pourtour 92 a une forme arrondie en forme de C qui épouse la forme du rebord de la partie postérieure de la corne d'arc de manière à constituer une séparation entre la partie postérieure de la corne et la paroi postérieure 72 de la chambre d'une part, et entre la partie postérieure et les flasques latéraux 68 d'autre part.The perimeter 92 has a rounded C-shaped shape which follows the shape of the rim of the posterior portion of the arcuate horn so as to constitute a separation between the posterior portion of the horn and the posterior wall 72 of the chamber. one side, and between the rear part and the side flanges 68 on the other hand.

L'organe de contact mobile 22 comporte quant à lui une plage fixe conductrice d'amenée de courant 40, une cage support 42 montée pivotante autour d'un axe 44 fixe par rapport au boîtier 12. L'organe de contact mobile 22 peut comporter de préférence une pluralité de doigts de contacts 46. Les doigts de contact 46 pivotent autour d'un axe géométrique commun 50, fixe par rapport à la cage 42, et sont rappelés vers l'organe de contact fixe 20 par des ressorts de pression de contact 52. Une bielle d'accouplement 54 sert à l'accouplement entre la cage 42 de l'organe de contact mobile 22 et une manivelle 56 du barreau de commutation 16 du mécanisme 14. Chaque doigt 46 comporte une pastille de contact 58, destinée à assurer le contact avec la barrette de contact 36 de l'organe de contact fixe 20 lorsque l'appareil est dans la position fermée.The movable contact member 22 comprises meanwhile a conductive fixed range of current supply 40, a support cage 42 pivotally mounted about an axis 44 fixed relative to the housing 12. The movable contact member 22 may comprise preferably a plurality of contact fingers 46. The contact fingers 46 pivot about a common geometric axis 50, fixed relative to the cage 42, and are returned to the fixed contact member 20 by pressure springs of contact 52. A coupling rod 54 serves for coupling between the cage 42 of the movable contact member 22 and a crank 56 of the switching bar 16 of the mechanism 14. Each finger 46 comprises a contact pad 58 intended to to ensure contact with the contact strip 36 of the fixed contact member 20 when the apparatus is in the closed position.

En outre, l'organe de contact mobile 22 comporte de préférence un ergot 60 faisant saillie au-delà de la pastille de contact vers la chambre d'extinction 24. Les doigts de contact 46 sont reliés électriquement à la plage d'amenée de courant 40 par l'intermédiaire de tresses.In addition, the movable contact member 22 preferably comprises a lug 60 protruding beyond the contact pad towards the quenching chamber 24. The contact fingers 46 are electrically connected to the current supply range. 40 through braids.

La chambre d'extinction 24 comporte deux flasques latéraux 68 en matériau isolant, qui sont parallèles au plan de coupe de la figure 1. Lesdits flasques sont situés à égale distance de part et d'autre du plan de coupe, de sorte que celui-ci constitue un plan géométrique longitudinal médian 70 de la chambre 24 et du pôle. Une paroi postérieure 72 d'échappement des gaz est agencée à l'arrière de la chambre d'extinction 24, perpendiculairement aux flasques latéraux 68. Cette paroi 72 comporte un ou plusieurs orifices d'échappement des gaz de coupure. Une ouverture antérieure 76 est agencée à proximité de la barrette de contact 36, à l'opposé de la paroi postérieure 72. Des séparateurs 78 constitués par des plaques métalliques planes s'étendent perpendiculairement au plan longitudinal médian 70 de l'ouverture antérieure 76 à la paroi postérieure 72. Les séparateurs 78 sont disposés à distance les uns des autres de manière à laisser la possibilité d'une circulation de gaz entre l'ouverture antérieure 76 et la paroi postérieure 72. Ils sont supportés latéralement par les flasques latéraux 68.The extinguishing chamber 24 comprises two lateral flanges 68 of insulating material, which are parallel to the section plane of the figure 1 . Said flanges are located equidistant from either side of the cutting plane, so that it forms a median longitudinal geometric plane 70 of the chamber 24 and the pole. A rear exhaust gas wall 72 is arranged behind the extinguishing chamber 24, perpendicular to the lateral flanges 68. This wall 72 has one or more exhaust ports for the cutoff gases. An anterior opening 76 is arranged near the contact strip 36, opposite the rear wall 72. Separators 78 consisting of flat metal plates extend perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane 70 of the front opening 76 to the rear wall 72. The separators 78 are spaced apart from each other so as to allow the possibility of a gas flow between the front opening 76 and the wall 72. They are supported laterally by the lateral flanges 68.

Chaque séparateur 78 possède une arrête antérieure définissant dans le plan de la plaque une échancrure 80 de captation de l'arc électrique. Cette échancrure 80 présente approximativement une forme incurvée concave en U ou en V. En outre cette échancrure 80 s'étend selon le plan médian longitudinal 70.Each separator 78 has an anterior stop defining in the plane of the plate an indentation 80 for capturing the electric arc. This notch 80 has approximately a concave curved shape in U or V. In addition this notch 80 extends along the longitudinal median plane 70.

La chambre d'extinction 24 comporte au moins un séparateur régénérateur 79 positionné parallèlement et au plus près de la corne d'arc inférieure 34. Ledit séparateur régénérateur 79 est positionné sensiblement parallèlement aux séparateurs 78. Dans l'exemple de réalisation, ledit au moins un séparateur régénérateur 79 est placé entre la corne d'arc inférieure 34 et le premier des séparateurs 78. La distance séparant le séparateur régénérateur 79 de ladite corne est sensiblement égale à l'épaisseur des séparateurs 78. Ledit au moins un séparateur régénérateur 79 est généralement réalisé dans un matériau métallique similaire à celui des autres séparateurs 78. En outre, ledit au moins un séparateur 79 comporte de préférence une épaisseur supérieure à celle des autres séparateurs 78.The extinction chamber 24 comprises at least one regenerative separator 79 positioned parallel to and as close as possible to the lower arc horn 34. Said regenerative separator 79 is positioned substantially parallel to the separators 78. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one a regenerative separator 79 is placed between the lower arc horn 34 and the first of the separators 78. The distance separating the regenerative separator 79 from said horn is substantially equal to the thickness of the separators 78. Said at least one regenerative separator 79 is generally made of a metallic material similar to that of the other separators 78. In addition, said at least one separator 79 preferably has a thickness greater than that of the other separators 78.

Selon les différents modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessous, un seul séparateur régénérateur 79 est placé à coté de la corne d'arc inférieure 34According to the various embodiments described below, a single regenerative separator 79 is placed next to the lower arcuate horn 34

Selon le premier mode préférentiel de l'invention, le séparateur comporte au moins une surface métallique qui est au moins égale au quart de la surface de la chambre d'extinction d'arc dans le plan XY. En outre, ladite surface métallique est disposée par rapport aux autres séparateurs 78 de manière à recouvrir au moins la moitié des échancrures 80 selon le plan médian longitudinal 70.According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the separator comprises at least one metal surface which is at least equal to a quarter of the area of the arc extinguishing chamber in the XY plane. In addition, said metal surface is arranged relative to the other separators 78 so as to cover at least half of the notches 80 in the longitudinal median plane 70.

Comme représenté sur la figure 4, ladite surface métallique est sensiblement centrée par rapport au fond 81 des échancrures 8 des séparateurs 78.As shown on the figure 4 said metal surface is substantially centered with respect to the bottom 81 of the notches 8 of the separators 78.

La largeur et la longueur du séparateur régénérateur 79 sont respectivement au moins égale à 50% de la largeur I et de la longueur L des séparateurs 78.The width and the length of the regenerative separator 79 are respectively at least equal to 50% of the width I and the length L of the separators 78.

Le séparateur régénérateur est placé et maintenu dans un cadre non représenté dont deux cotés sont fixés sur les flasques latéraux 68. Le cadre peut être réalisé par exemple dans un matériau céramique.The regenerative separator is placed and held in a not shown frame, two sides of which are fixed on the side flanges 68. The frame may be made for example of a ceramic material.

Selon un second mode préférentiel de réalisation de l'invention, le séparateur régénérateur 79 comporte une arrête antérieure définissant dans le plan du séparateur une échancrure 100. Ladite échancrure s'étend selon un axe y parallèle au plan médian longitudinal 70. L'échancrure 100 est moins profonde que celle des autres séparateurs 78. En effet, la longueur de ladite échancrure selon l'axe y est moins grande que la longueur Léch des échancrures 80 des autres séparateurs 78. A titre d'exemple, la longueur de l'échancrure 100 dudit au moins un séparateur régénérateur 79 est inférieure ou égale à 60% de la longueur Léch des échancrures 80. La longueur de l'échancrure 100 est comprise de préférence entre 20 et 50% de la longueur Léch des échancrures 80 des autres séparateurs 78.According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the regenerative separator 79 comprises an anterior stop defining in the plane of the separator a notch 100. Said notch extends along an axis y parallel to the longitudinal median plane 70. The notch 100 is less shallow than that of the other separators 78. Indeed, the length of said notch along the y-axis is less than the length Lech notch 80 other separators 78. For example, the length of the notch 100 of said at least one regenerative separator 79 is less than or equal to 60% of the length of the notch of the notches 80. The length of the notch 100 is preferably between 20 and 50% of the length of the notch of the notches 80 of the other separators 78 .

Le fonctionnement du dispositif selon ce mode de réalisation préférentiel est le suivant. En position de fermeture, le barreau de commutation 16 verrouillé par le mécanisme 14, maintient la cage 42 dans la position illustrée sur la figure 1. Les ressorts 52 assurent une pression de contact entre le doigt de contact mobile 22 et le contact d'arc fixe 20.The operation of the device according to this preferred embodiment is as follows. In the closed position, the switching bar 16 locked by the mechanism 14, keeps the cage 42 in the position illustrated on the figure 1 . The springs 52 provide a contact pressure between the movable contact finger 22 and the fixed arcing contact 20.

Sur détection d'un faible courant de défaut, un déclencheur électronique agit sur le mécanisme 14 qui provoque l'ouverture des contacts. La rotation de l'arbre de commutation 16 fait pivoter la cage 42 autour de son axe de rotation 44. Les doigts de contact 22 pivotent très légèrement autour de l'axe de rotation 50, dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, sous l'effet des ressorts de pression de contact 52, tout en restant en contact avec la barrette 26. Puis ils rencontrent une butée de la cage 42, et sont entraînés solidairement avec la cage 42 en rotation dans le sens horaire autour de l'axe de rotation 44, de sorte qu'ils se séparent de la barrette 26.Upon detection of a low fault current, an electronic trigger acts on the mechanism 14 which causes the opening of the contacts. The rotation of the switching shaft 16 rotates the cage 42 about its axis of rotation 44. The contact fingers 22 pivot very slightly about the axis of rotation 50, in the counterclockwise direction, under the effect of the contact pressure springs 52, while remaining in contact with the bar 26. Then they meet a stop of the cage 42, and are integrally driven with the cage 42 in rotation clockwise about the axis rotation 44, so that they separate from the bar 26.

Un arc naît entre les contacts fixe et mobile 20, 22. Par l'effet électrodynamique de boucle de courant dans l'organe de contact fixe 20, la racine de l'arc migre immédiatement sur le rebord de la partie antérieure de la corne d'arc inférieure 34 puis vers l'intérieur de la chambre 24. L'arc, en pénétrant dans la chambre 24, se divise plus ou moins au contact des séparateurs 78, 79 en arcs élémentaires, chaque arc élémentaire constituant une liaison électrique en série entre deux séparateurs 78 adjacents ou entre la corne d'arc inférieure 34 et le séparateur régénérateur 79 lui faisant face.An arc arises between the fixed and movable contacts 20, 22. By the electrodynamic effect of current loop in the fixed contact member 20, the root of the arc immediately migrates on the rim of the front part of the horn. lower arc 34 and then inwardly of the chamber 24. The arc penetrating the chamber 24 divides more or less in contact with the separators 78, 79 in elementary arcs, each elementary arc constituting a series electrical connection between two adjacent separators 78 or between the lower arc horn 34 and the regenerator separator 79 facing it.

En arrivant dans la partie postérieure de la chambre 24, la racine d'arc a tendance à provoquer l'ablation du pourtour 92 en matériau gazogène avec une importante émission de gaz, notamment d'hydrogène.Arriving in the rear part of the chamber 24, the root arc tends to cause the ablation of the perimeter 92 of gasogenic material with a large emission of gas, especially hydrogen.

Cette émission de gaz à proximité immédiate de la racine de l'arc provoque une constriction de la racine d'arc et conduit à un refroidissement du pied d'arc. On observe ainsi localement une régénération diélectrique plus élevée ce qui permet d'obtenir une zone peu ionisée à proximité de la partie inférieure de la chambre d'extinction 24.This emission of gas in the immediate vicinity of the root of the arc causes a constriction of the root arc and leads to a cooling of the arch foot. Thus, a higher dielectric regeneration is observed locally, which makes it possible to obtain a zone with low ionization near the lower part of the quenching chamber 24.

En outre, la présence d'un séparateur régénérateur 79 métallique de masse et de surface suffisante permet d'accélérer le refroidissement du pied d'arc de manière significative. Compte tenu que le pied d'arc est à la fois circonscrit et localisé principalement au niveau du centre du séparateur régénérateur 79, le bord dudit séparateur en regard de la zone d'ouverture n'est pas vaporisé par l'arc électrique. La présence de cette zone plus froide sur le bord antérieur du séparateur régénérateur 79 limite les risque de reclaquage de l'arc dans cette zone.In addition, the presence of a metal regenerator separator 79 of sufficient mass and surface makes it possible to accelerate the cooling of the arch foot significantly. Given that the arch foot is both circumscribed and located mainly at the center of the regenerative separator 79, the edge of said separator next to the opening zone is not vaporized by the electric arc. The presence of this cooler zone on the front edge of the regenerator separator 79 limits the risk of reclasking the arc in this zone.

Le refroidissement local de l'arc électrique doit être réalisé de préférence au plus proche des bords inférieur et/ou supérieur de la chambre d'extinction 24.Local cooling of the electric arc must preferably be carried out as close as possible to the lower and / or upper edges of the extinguishing chamber 24.

Il est à souligner que ce phénomène n'est significatif que pour la coupure de courants d'intensité faible sous une tension élevée. Lors de la coupure des courants d'intensité élevée sous une tension faible, l'arc envahit de manière classique la totalité de la chambre.It should be emphasized that this phenomenon is significant only for the breaking of currents of low intensity under a high voltage. When cutting high currents under low voltage, the arc conventionally invades the entire chamber.

Selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, la chambre d'extinction 24 comporte une corne d'arc supérieure 96. Cette corne d'arc facilite l'insertion de l'arc dans la chambre de coupure et force l'arc à se déplacer dans les séparateurs 78 sur toute la hauteur de la chambre de coupure. En outre, la corne d'arc supérieure 96 est destinée à réceptionner la tête de l'arc électrique en fin d'ouverture de l'organe de contact mobile 22. Elle est constituée par une plaque métallique. Cette plaque métallique peut être sensiblement parallèle aux séparateurs 78 ou formée un angle δ avec ces derniers. Selon l'exemple décrit, la corne d'arc supérieure 96 forme un angle δ avec l'ensemble des séparateurs 78. Le positionnement de la corne d'arc supérieur est réalisé de manière à ce que le contact mobile vienne à proximité de ladite plaque en position ouverture.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the extinction chamber 24 comprises an upper arc horn 96. This arc horn facilitates the insertion of the arc into the arc chute and forces the arc to move in the separators 78 over the entire height of the interrupting chamber. In addition, the upper arc horn 96 is intended to receive the head of the electric arc at the end of opening of the movable contact member 22. It is constituted by a metal plate. This metal plate may be substantially parallel to the separators 78 or formed at an angle δ with them. According to the example described, the upper arc horn 96 forms an angle δ with all the separators 78. The positioning of the upper arcuate horn is made so that the movable contact comes close to said plate in the open position.

Lorsque la chambre d'extinction est de taille réduite, la hauteur de l'empilement des séparateurs 78 peut être supérieure à la course de déplacement du contact mobile 22. Il est alors nécessaire de prolonger la corne d'arc supérieure 96 selon une direction parallèle à la paroi postérieure 72. Un rabat 98 s'étend alors parallèlement à la paroi postérieure (72) en direction de la corne d'arc antérieure (34). La présence de ce rabat 98 tend à réduire la surface de l'ouverture antérieure 76 de manière à ce que le contact mobile 22 en position ouverte se trouve en vis à vis avec ledit rabat 98. Ainsi, lorsque le mécanisme arrive en position ouverte, la tête d'arc commute sur la corne d'arc supérieure 96, et un arc secondaire se forme en série avec le premier, entre le rabat 98 et les doigts de contact mobile 22.When the extinguishing chamber is of reduced size, the height of the stack of the separators 78 may be greater than the displacement stroke of the moving contact 22. It is then necessary to extend the upper arc horn 96 in a parallel direction. at the posterior wall 72. A flap 98 then extends parallel to the posterior wall (72) in the direction of the anterior bow horn (34). The presence of this flap 98 tends to reduce the area of the front opening 76 so that the movable contact 22 in the open position is opposite said flap 98. Thus, when the mechanism arrives in the open position, the bow head switches on the upper bow horn 96, and a secondary bow is formed in series with the first, between the flap 98 and the movable contact fingers 22.

Selon une variante de réalisation des différents modes de réalisation, la forme incurvée de l'échancrure 80 des séparateurs 78 comporte avec une encoche 82 plus étroite et dissymétrique. Les séparateurs 78 sont alors empilés de manière que les encoches 82 se trouvent alternativement d'un côté latéral et de l'autre de la chambre 24.According to an alternative embodiment of the various embodiments, the curved shape of the notch 80 of the separators 78 comprises with a notch 82 narrower and asymmetrical. The separators 78 are then stacked so that the notches 82 are alternately on one lateral side and the other side of the chamber 24.

Claims (13)

  1. An electric switchgear device (10) comprising at least one electric pole-unit comprising:
    - a stationary contact part (20) made of conducting material,
    - a movable contact part (22) able to move from a closed position wherein it is in contact with the stationary contact part to an open position wherein the two contact parts are separated,
    - an arc chute (24), comprising:
    - two parallel side flanges (68) placed on each side of a longitudinal mid-plane (70),
    - a rear wall (72),
    - a bottom arcing horn (34) made of conducting material electrically connected to the stationary contact part (20) and extending close to the rear wall (72), said bottom arcing horn (34) being surrounded by a periphery (92) made of gas-generating material,
    - a stack of separators (78) extending from one side flange to the other, substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal mid-plane (70), at least two of the separators comprising a notch (80) extending in the longitudinal mid-plane (70),
    characterized in that it comprises at least one regenerating separator (79) placed in parallel manner to the bottom arcing horn (34), said at least one regenerating separator comprising at least one metallic surface covering at least a half of the notches (80) in the longitudinal mid-plane (70).
  2. The electric switchgear device according to claim 1 characterized in that the metallic surface of said at least one regenerating separator (79) is at least equal to a quarter of the surface of the arc chute in the plane XY, said metallic surface being substantially centred with respect to the bottom (81) of the notches (80) of the separators (78).
  3. The electric switchgear device according to claim 2 characterized in that the width and length of the regenerating separator (79) are respectively at least equal to 50% of the width (I) and length (L) of said separators (78).
  4. The electric switchgear device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the regenerating separator (79) comprises a notch (100) extending in the longitudinal mid-plane (70), the length of said notch being smaller than the length (L1) of the notches (80) of the other separators (78).
  5. The electric switchgear device according to claim 4 characterized in that the length of the notch (100) is smaller than or equal to 60% of the length (L1) of the notches (80).
  6. The electric switchgear device according to claim 5 characterized in that the length of the notch (100) is comprised between 20 and 50% of the length (L1) of the notches (80).
  7. The electric switchgear device according to any one of the foregoing claims characterized in that said at least one separator (79) has a larger thickness than that of the other separators (78).
  8. The electric switchgear device according to any one of the foregoing claims characterized in that said at least one regenerating separator (79) is placed between the bottom arcing horn (34) and the first separator (78).
  9. The electric switchgear device according to any one of the foregoing claims characterized in that it comprises a single regenerating separator (79).
  10. The electric switchgear device according to any one of the foregoing claims characterized in that it comprises a top arcing horn (96) made of conducting material substantially parallel to the separators (78).
  11. The electric switchgear device according to claim 10 characterized in that the top arcing horn (96) forms an angle (δ) with the set of separators (78).
  12. The electric switchgear device according to claim 10 or 11 characterized in that the top arcing horn (96) comprises a flap (98) extending parallel to the rear wall (72) in the direction of the bottom arcing horn (34), the movable contact part (22) being designed to be facing said flap (98) in the open position.
  13. the electric switchgear device according to any one of the foregoing claims characterized in that the bottom arcing horn (34) is surrounded by a periphery (92) salient with respect to the rear part of said bottom arcing horn (34).
EP06354024A 2005-09-16 2006-07-25 Circuit breaker with a reduced size arc chamber Active EP1764811B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0509487A FR2891082B1 (en) 2005-09-16 2005-09-16 CUTTING DEVICE HAVING A REDUCED SIZE OF ARC EXTINGUISHING CHAMBER

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1764811A1 EP1764811A1 (en) 2007-03-21
EP1764811B1 true EP1764811B1 (en) 2008-11-05

Family

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EP06354024A Active EP1764811B1 (en) 2005-09-16 2006-07-25 Circuit breaker with a reduced size arc chamber

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US7459652B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1764811B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1933068B (en)
AT (1) ATE413686T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006003494D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2891082B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7875822B2 (en) * 2008-01-10 2011-01-25 General Electric Company Ablative-based multiphase current interrupter
US7705263B2 (en) * 2008-04-15 2010-04-27 General Electric Company Arc chute assembly for a circuit breaker
FR2983003B1 (en) 2011-11-22 2014-09-12 Schneider Electric Ind Sas DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROTECTION AGAINST AN ELECTRICAL ARC
US9064659B2 (en) * 2013-03-12 2015-06-23 Sensata Technologies Massachusetts, Inc. Circuit interruption device with constrictive arc extinguishing feature
CN106783417B (en) 2015-11-23 2020-08-11 森萨塔科技公司 Circuit breaker
EP3457423B1 (en) * 2017-09-15 2021-12-22 ABB Schweiz AG Change-over switch

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1963643A (en) * 1933-02-23 1934-06-19 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Circuit interrupter
US2468422A (en) * 1945-06-20 1949-04-26 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Arc chute
KR900007273B1 (en) 1986-09-16 1990-10-06 미쓰비시전기 주식회사 Circuit breaker
FR2803686B1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2002-02-22 Schneider Electric Ind Sa POLE FOR ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER, PROVIDED WITH AN ARC EXTINGUISHING CHAMBER WITH DIELECTRIC SHIELDS
FR2803687B1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2002-02-22 Schneider Electric Ind Sa POLE FOR ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER, PROVIDED WITH A WIDE ARC EXTINGUISHING CHAMBER
US6204465B1 (en) * 2000-04-03 2001-03-20 Eaton Corporation Circuit breaker with arc gas engaging paddles on a trip bar and/or crossbar
FR2807565B1 (en) * 2000-04-10 2003-03-14 Schneider Electric Ind Sa POLE FOR AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER LOW POWER VOLTAGE LIMITER AND CIRCUIT BREAKER PROVIDED WITH SUCH A POLE
US6297465B1 (en) * 2000-05-25 2001-10-02 Eaton Corporation Two piece molded arc chute
DE102004002932B4 (en) * 2004-01-14 2013-02-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Arc extinguishing device for an electrical switch
US7034242B1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-04-25 Eaton Corporation Arc chute and circuit interrupter employing the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE602006003494D1 (en) 2008-12-18
EP1764811A1 (en) 2007-03-21
US20070062912A1 (en) 2007-03-22
CN1933068A (en) 2007-03-21
CN1933068B (en) 2010-08-04
ATE413686T1 (en) 2008-11-15
FR2891082A1 (en) 2007-03-23
US7459652B2 (en) 2008-12-02
FR2891082B1 (en) 2007-10-19

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