EP2827352B1 - Circuit breaker and method of manufacturing a circuit breaker - Google Patents

Circuit breaker and method of manufacturing a circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2827352B1
EP2827352B1 EP14177195.6A EP14177195A EP2827352B1 EP 2827352 B1 EP2827352 B1 EP 2827352B1 EP 14177195 A EP14177195 A EP 14177195A EP 2827352 B1 EP2827352 B1 EP 2827352B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit breaker
contact
plane
movable contact
free end
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14177195.6A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2827352A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Luc Ponthenier
Marc Rival
Guy Gastaldin
Alain Fayolle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2827352A1 publication Critical patent/EP2827352A1/en
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Publication of EP2827352B1 publication Critical patent/EP2827352B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts
    • H01H11/041—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts by bonding of a contact marking face to a contact body portion
    • H01H11/042—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts by bonding of a contact marking face to a contact body portion by mechanical deformation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/02—Contacts characterised by the material thereof
    • H01H1/021—Composite material
    • H01H1/023—Composite material having a noble metal as the basic material
    • H01H1/0237—Composite material having a noble metal as the basic material and containing oxides
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts
    • H01H11/041—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts by bonding of a contact marking face to a contact body portion
    • H01H11/043—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts by bonding of a contact marking face to a contact body portion by resistance welding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H11/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches
    • H01H11/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts
    • H01H11/048—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of electric switches of switch contacts by powder-metallurgical processes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/02—Contacts characterised by the material thereof
    • H01H1/0203—Contacts characterised by the material thereof specially adapted for vacuum switches
    • H01H2001/0205—Conditioning of the contact material through arcing during manufacturing, e.g. vacuum-depositing of layer on contact surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a circuit breaker and a method of manufacturing a moving contact included in such a circuit breaker.
  • Such a circuit breaker comprises a fixed electrical contact and a movable electrical contact having two stable positions: a closed position, where it is electrically connected to the fixed contact, and an open position, where it is electrically isolated from the fixed contact.
  • the fixed contact is connected to a first connection terminal and the movable contact is connected to a second connection terminal, the circuit breaker being capable of opening the electrical connection between the two connection terminals, for example in the event of detection of a fault .
  • a persistent challenge is therefore to increase the longevity of the electrical contacts used in a circuit breaker.
  • it is known to modify the structure of the surface or bearing zone of the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker, knowing that the circuit breakers considered operate according to two regimes called respectively breaking operation and electrical endurance operation.
  • breaking operation the circuit breaker is intended to interrupt, in the event of the appearance of an electrical fault, a current of the order of several kilo-amperes (kA), while during electrical endurance operation the circuit breaker is intended to interrupt currents of less than 1kA, more precisely of the order of 0 to 100 amperes (A).
  • a movable electrical contact of a circuit breaker which comprises a central body made of a first material and comprising a contact pad made of composite material, on a side face generally perpendicular to a support plane with a fixed contact.
  • the layout of the contact pad as described in this patent does not simultaneously promote excellent performance in breaking, by switching an electric arc formed between the fixed and moving contacts, and in electrical endurance.
  • the choice of a refractory material for the composite pad allows good performance in erosion of the moving contact, during operation in electrical endurance, but does not promote the generation of metal vapors necessary for good switching of the bow electrical, during breaking operation, while the choice of a low refractory material promotes arc switching in breaking but does not allow minimum erosion in electrical endurance.
  • FR-A1-2 633 855 an electrical contact capable of being integrated into a circuit breaker.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to propose a circuit breaker allowing optimal operation in breaking, while having an increased operating life in terms of electrical endurance.
  • the subject of the invention is a circuit breaker according to claim 1.
  • the circuit breaker further comprises one or more of the optional features of claims 2 to 8.
  • the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a circuit breaker according to claim 9.
  • the manufacturing method further comprises one or more of the optional features of claims 10 to 12.
  • the ability to break a high value short-circuit current is increased simultaneously with the number of opening/closing cycles at nominal current, during which the circuit breaker and the contacts operate in a stable manner, and this without a significant increase in contact resistance.
  • the positioning of the second part relative to the first part allows rapid switching of an electric arc, generated when the moving contact is opened, towards the interrupting chamber. This leads to an increase in the longevity of the moving contact, in breaking operation.
  • the second part which is intended to bear against the fixed contact when the moving contact is in the closed position, is made of a second material, distinct from the first material of the first part, forming the body of the moving contact, and allows to increase the resistance to erosion of the moving contact in electrical endurance.
  • a circuit breaker 10 comprises an electrical contact 12 movable with respect to a fixed electrical contact 14, as well as a tripping device 16 to which the movable contact 12 is connected.
  • the circuit breaker 10 also comprises a rod 18 around which is wound a coil 20 electrically connected to an arcing horn 22, on which the fixed contact 14 is positioned.
  • the circuit breaker 10 comprises an interrupting chamber 24, a switching horn 26 and a magnetic carcass 28 positioned close to the coil 20, the interrupting chamber 24 being arranged between the switching horn 26 and the magnetic carcass 28.
  • the movable contact 12 is in the closed position and is then electrically connected to the fixed contact 14.
  • the circuit breaker 10 comprises a first terminal E and a second terminal S for connecting an electrical circuit, not shown, intended to be connected by the circuit breaker 10.
  • a current I flows between the two terminals E and S passing through the fixed 14 and movable 12 contacts and through the coil 20.
  • the electrical connection between the connection terminals E, S is closed, in the closed position of the contact mobile 12.
  • the figure 2 presents the circuit breaker 10 when a fault current appears, involving the opening of the movable contact 12 with respect to the fixed contact 14 and the appearance of an electric arc A between the movable contact 12 and the fixed contact 14 Terminals E and S are, in this configuration, connected only by the electric arc A. This situation is transient, the interrupting chamber 24 being able to eliminate the electric arc A.
  • the circuit breaker 10 is capable of operating under two regimes, respectively called breaking operation and electrical endurance operation.
  • breaking operation the fault current which must be interrupted is of the order of several kilo-amperes, while during electrical endurance operation, the current which must be interrupted is less than 1 kA, for example order from 0 to 100 A.
  • rod 18 strikes tripping device 16, which is connected to a movable contact carrier, not shown, and causes the contact carrier to move. mobile which leads to the opening of the mobile contact 12 with respect to the fixed contact 14.
  • the picture 2 corresponds both to electrical endurance operation and to cut-off operation.
  • the figures 3 and 4 present the evolution of the displacement of arc A in the case of breaking operation.
  • the electric arc moves following the opening of the movable contact 12 in the direction of the switching horn 26 and along the arcing horn 22, as presented in picture 3 .
  • the arc is comprised between the moving contact 12 and the arcing horn 22 and moves until the switching of the electric arc A from the moving contact 12 to the switching horn 26.
  • the electric arc A is present between the arcing horn 22 and the switching horn 26, then comes to lodge in the arcing chamber 24, suitable for attenuating it, as visible at figure 4 .
  • the moving contact 12 is in the closed position and bearing against the fixed contact 14.
  • the moving contact 12 comprises a first part 33 and a second part 34, the second part 34 being arranged in an orifice 35 arranged in the first part 33.
  • the orifice 35 is blind and formed in the first part 33 at the level of a zone intended to be in contact with the fixed contact 14, when the movable contact is in the closed position.
  • the first part 33 is made of a first conductive material, the first material comprising for example copper or any other electrically conductive material.
  • the first part 33 surrounds the entire periphery of the second part 34, along a plane P parallel to a support plane X'Y' of the fixed 14 and mobile 12 contacts.
  • X a longitudinal axis of the movable contact 12 and Z an axis perpendicular to the support plane X'Y'.
  • the support plane X'Y' is for example substantially longitudinal and the axis Z is then a vertical axis.
  • the first material is suitable, for fault currents greater than 1 kA, to undergo vaporization in order to allow, as presented previously, the switching of the electric arc A of the movable contact 12, towards the interrupting chamber 24, during short-circuit breaking operation.
  • the first part 33 is covered with a silver coating 37 on its outer periphery, the thickness of which, measured along the Z axis, is between 2 and 40 micrometers.
  • the second part 34 is made of a second conductive material distinct from the first material. It comprises a free end 38 projecting from the first part 33 along the Z axis and an inner end 39 located opposite the free end 38 along the direction of the Z axis.
  • the second part 34 comprises a body 40 extending, along the Z axis, between the inner end 39 and the free end 38.
  • the second part 34 is generally perpendicular to the support plane X'Y' of the fixed 14 and mobile 12 contacts.
  • second part 34 is for example in the shape of a cylinder, or in other words in the shape of a wire.
  • the orifice 35 opens, towards the outside of the movable contact 12, at the level of a bearing surface 41 of the movable contact 12 against the fixed contact 14 in the closed position of the movable contact.
  • the second part 34 is surrounded over its entire periphery with the first material constituting the first part 33 along the plane P parallel to the support plane X'Y'.
  • the second material making up the second part 34 is a composite comprising a refractory element, preferably a metal oxide, for example, a silver-based pseudo alloy capable of being put into wire form and preferably a alloy of zinc and silver, such as an alloy of silver and zinc oxide, denoted Ag-ZnO, or more preferably an alloy of silver and zinc oxide comprising 8% zinc and 92% silver, denoted Ag-ZnO/92-8.
  • a refractory element preferably a metal oxide, for example, a silver-based pseudo alloy capable of being put into wire form and preferably a alloy of zinc and silver, such as an alloy of silver and zinc oxide, denoted Ag-ZnO, or more preferably an alloy of silver and zinc oxide comprising 8% zinc and 92% silver, denoted Ag-ZnO/92-8.
  • This second material is resistant to erosion with respect to the electric arc A, particularly in the case of operation in electrical endurance.
  • the second material is more resistant to erosion than the first material.
  • the height H 34 of the second part 34 is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.
  • the diameter D 40 of the central body 40 measured parallel to the support plane X'Y' is between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.2 mm.
  • the free end 38 protrudes relative to the first part 33 by a height H 38 , measured along the Z axis, and by a value between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm.
  • the free end 38 is generally in the shape of a spherical or cylindrical cap, as seen in figure 7 , with a diameter D 38 between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm parallel to the support plane X'Y'.
  • the second part 34 is slightly flared over its height.
  • the second part 34 comprises on a first portion H 341 , of its height H 34 , a decreasing diameter then on a second portion H 342 , of its height H 34 , an increasing diameter.
  • the second portion H 342 is farther from the support surface 41 than the first portion H 341 .
  • the second part 34 has, parallel to the support plane X'Y', a minimum diameter for a plane P" passing through an intermediate point 42 strictly between the free 38 and inner 39 ends.
  • Flaring of the second part 34 promotes the attachment of the second part 34 with the first part 33, which surrounds it.
  • the width W33 of the first part 33 measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and parallel to the support plane X'Y', is between 1.6 mm and 3 mm.
  • the second part 34 is resistant to the electric arc during electrical endurance operation and erodes moderately, but sufficiently, so that the first part 33 composed of the first material remains flush with the second part 34, during opening/closing cycles of the movable contact 12.
  • the second material makes it possible to avoid, during the opening/closing cycles at the level of the bearing surface 41, the formation of oxide, without however promoting welding of the moving contact 12 with fixed contact 14.
  • the height H 34 of the second part 34 is between 1mm and 5mm allows good attachment of the second part 34 with the first part 33.
  • the mixed composition of the movable contact 12, at the level of the support plane X'Y' makes it possible to have, on the one hand, a support surface 41 resistant to erosion due to the presence of the second material, and on the other hand, good switching of the electric arc A, in breaking operation, thanks to the presence of the first material making up the first part 33.
  • the second metal oxide material makes it possible to ensure strong resistance to erosion during operation in electrical endurance, while ensuring good stability of the contact resistance between the movable contact 12 and the fixed contact 14.
  • the first material comprising for example copper, makes it possible to ensure the switching of the electric arc in the interrupting chamber as explained above, and this despite the presence of the second part 34.
  • the electric arc A sometimes tends to remain on the fixed contact 14 and mobile 12, but the vaporization of the first m material which makes up the first part 33, promotes the switching of the electric arc A in the interrupting chamber 24 intended to attenuate the electric arc A.
  • the speed of the switching of the electric arc A is linked to the ionization of the medium at the level of the bearing surface 41, when the arc A appears, knowing that this ionization is obtained by vaporization of the first part 33.
  • This rapid switching is important for two reasons: one is to limit the erosion of the moving contact 12 and the second part 34, and the other is to limit the electrical energy in the chamber cutoff 24.
  • the method of manufacturing the circuit breaker 10 and more particularly the moving contact 12 comprises various steps.
  • the first step 120 consists in drilling the orifice 35 in the first part 33, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support plane X'Y' of the fixed 14 and mobile 12 contacts.
  • the orifice 35 pierced is non-opening and provided in the first part 33 at an area intended to be in contact with the fixed contact 14, when the movable contact 12 is in the closed position.
  • the orifice 35 is, for example, pierced so that no tear appears on the edges of the orifice 35.
  • a second step 130 consists in preparing the second part 34 composed of the second material. Indeed, given that the orifice 35, pierced during step 120, has a diameter of between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.2 mm, the dimensions of the orifice 35 does not allow the second part 34 to be sintered directly in the orifice 35.
  • the second part 34 must therefore be prepared, that is to say sintered, spun or extruded before insertion.
  • the second part 34 is cut to the desired length before being inserted into the orifice 35 and its height, measured perpendicular to its circular section, is, at this moment, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably equal to 2 mm.
  • the height of the second part 34, measured perpendicular to the support plane X'Y' when the second part 34 is positioned in the first part 33, is chosen to be greater than the height of the orifice 35, measured perpendicular to the plane of support X'Y', of less than 0.6 mm, so that the free end 38 protrudes from the first part 33 at the end of the manufacture of the movable contact 12.
  • the diameter of the second part 34 is smaller than the diameter of the orifice 35 so that the second part 34 is inserted into the orifice 35.
  • the second part 34 is in the form of a cylinder with a circular base, with a ratio of the height of the second part 34, on the diameter, measured parallel to its circular section, of the second part 34, greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.
  • the second part 34 is positioned in the orifice 35, and protrudes in height, along the Z axis, from the orifice 35.
  • a fourth step 150 following step 140, the second part 34 is assembled to the first part 33, and a shaped electrode, fixed on a welder-type machine, inserts the second part 34 at the bottom of the orifice 35. More specifically, the fourth step 150 consists of forming in a welder under current, with application of a pressure of 20 to 80 kg/mm 2 by means of the shaped electrode, of the second part 34 with the first part 33. This electrode shapes the second part 34 so that it includes the first portion H 341 and the second portion H 342 , that is to say so that it has a flared shape.
  • the electrode is positioned opposite and in contact with the second part 34, in order to form the free end 38 in the form of a spherical or cylindrical cap, insert the second part 34 at the bottom of the orifice 35 and inflate the second part 34 at the level of the inner end 29 in order to have a flare of the second part 34 in the orifice 35.
  • the rise in temperature is less than 200° C., in order to do not change the mechanical properties of the materials. So the maximum temperature reached by the first part 33 is less than 200°C.
  • a duration of the passage of the current through the second material 34 is preferably between 0.1 s and 0.5 s. Raising the temperature to less than 200° C.
  • the temperature is maintained below 200° C. thanks to the control of the cooling of the movable contact 12 and of the crossing it.
  • the free end 38 is formed so as to protrude with respect to the first part by a height comprised between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, and to be in the shape of a spherical or cylindrical cap.
  • the movable contact 12, following step 150, comprises a second part 34 and a first part 33 whose dimensions are similar to those presented above with regard to the figures 5 to 7 .
  • the movable contact 12 thus manufactured comprises the second part 34 which is strongly attached to the first part 33 and surrounded by the first part 33, so that the movable contact 12 has an optimal behavior when the circuit breaker operates both in electrical endurance, that 'in cut.
  • the longevity of the circuit breaker 10 comprising the movable contact 12 is increased compared to existing circuit breakers.
  • the first part 33 is, prior to the drilling step 120, covered with a layer of silver Ag to a thickness of 2 to 40 micrometers.
  • the second part 34 is not positioned perpendicular to the support plane X'Y', and during the drilling step 120 the orifice is drilled in a direction not perpendicular to the support plane X'Y '.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Contacts (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un disjoncteur et un procédé de fabrication d'un contact mobile compris dans un tel disjoncteur.The present invention relates to a circuit breaker and a method of manufacturing a moving contact included in such a circuit breaker.

Un tel disjoncteur comprend un contact électrique fixe et un contact électrique mobile ayant deux positions stables : une position fermée, où il est relié électriquement au contact fixe et une position ouverte, où il est isolé électriquement du contact fixe. Le contact fixe est relié à une première borne de connexion et le contact mobile est relié à une deuxième borne de connexion, le disjoncteur étant propre à ouvrir la liaison électrique entre les deux bornes de connexion, par exemple en cas de détection d'un défaut.Such a circuit breaker comprises a fixed electrical contact and a movable electrical contact having two stable positions: a closed position, where it is electrically connected to the fixed contact, and an open position, where it is electrically isolated from the fixed contact. The fixed contact is connected to a first connection terminal and the movable contact is connected to a second connection terminal, the circuit breaker being capable of opening the electrical connection between the two connection terminals, for example in the event of detection of a fault .

Dans le domaine des disjoncteurs, il est connu que la présence d'un défaut électrique au niveau du disjoncteur provoque une brusque ouverture de ses contacts électriques. Cette ouverture rapide est généralement accompagnée de la naissance d'un arc électrique susceptible d'endommager les contacts du disjoncteur, et plus particulièrement les surfaces ou zones d'appui de ces contacts.In the field of circuit breakers, it is known that the presence of an electrical fault at the level of the circuit breaker causes a sudden opening of its electrical contacts. This rapid opening is generally accompanied by the birth of an electric arc liable to damage the contacts of the circuit breaker, and more particularly the surfaces or support zones of these contacts.

Un enjeu persistant est donc d'augmenter la longévité des contacts électriques utilisés dans un disjoncteur. Pour cela, il est connu de modifier la structure de la surface ou zone d'appui des contacts électriques du disjoncteur, sachant que les disjoncteurs considérés fonctionnent suivant deux régimes appelés respectivement fonctionnement en coupure et fonctionnement en endurance électrique. Lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure le disjoncteur est destiné à interrompre, en cas d'apparition d'un défaut électrique, un courant de l'ordre de plusieurs kilo-ampères (kA), tandis que lors d'un fonctionnement en endurance électrique le disjoncteur est destiné à interrompre des courants inférieurs à 1kA, plus précisément de l'ordre de 0 à 100 ampères (A).A persistent challenge is therefore to increase the longevity of the electrical contacts used in a circuit breaker. For this, it is known to modify the structure of the surface or bearing zone of the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker, knowing that the circuit breakers considered operate according to two regimes called respectively breaking operation and electrical endurance operation. During breaking operation, the circuit breaker is intended to interrupt, in the event of the appearance of an electrical fault, a current of the order of several kilo-amperes (kA), while during electrical endurance operation the circuit breaker is intended to interrupt currents of less than 1kA, more precisely of the order of 0 to 100 amperes (A).

On connait du document FR-A-2 890 487 un contact électrique mobile d'un disjoncteur, qui comprend un corps central réalisé en un premier matériau et comportant une pastille de contact en matériau composite, sur une face latérale globalement perpendiculaire à un plan d'appui avec un contact fixe. La disposition de la pastille de contact telle que décrite dans ce brevet ne favorise pas simultanément d'excellentes performances en coupure, par commutation d'un arc électrique formé entre les contacts fixe et mobile, et en endurance électrique. Plus précisément, le choix d'un matériau réfractaire pour la pastille composite permet une bonne performance en érosion du contact mobile, lors d'un fonctionnement en endurance électrique, mais ne favorise pas la génération de vapeurs métalliques nécessaires à une bonne commutation de l'arc électrique, lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure, tandis que le choix d'un matériau peu réfractaire favorise la commutation d'arc en coupure mais ne permet pas une érosion minimale en endurance électrique.We know from the document FR-A-2 890 487 a movable electrical contact of a circuit breaker, which comprises a central body made of a first material and comprising a contact pad made of composite material, on a side face generally perpendicular to a support plane with a fixed contact. The layout of the contact pad as described in this patent does not simultaneously promote excellent performance in breaking, by switching an electric arc formed between the fixed and moving contacts, and in electrical endurance. More specifically, the choice of a refractory material for the composite pad allows good performance in erosion of the moving contact, during operation in electrical endurance, but does not promote the generation of metal vapors necessary for good switching of the bow electrical, during breaking operation, while the choice of a low refractory material promotes arc switching in breaking but does not allow minimum erosion in electrical endurance.

De plus, on connait de FR-A1-2 633 855 un contact électrique propre à être intégré dans un disjoncteur.Moreover, we know of FR-A1-2 633 855 an electrical contact capable of being integrated into a circuit breaker.

Cependant, les documents FR-A-2 890 487 et FR-A1-2 633 855 ne permettent pas la réalisation d'une solution permettant un fonctionnement optimal du disjoncteur et des contacts à la fois en endurance électrique et en coupure.However, the documents FR-A-2 890 487 and FR-A1-2 633 855 do not allow the realization of a solution allowing an optimal operation of the circuit breaker and the contacts at the same time in electrical endurance and in breaking.

Le but de la présente invention est donc de proposer un disjoncteur permettant un fonctionnement optimal en coupure, tout en ayant une longévité de fonctionnement accrue en endurance électrique.The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a circuit breaker allowing optimal operation in breaking, while having an increased operating life in terms of electrical endurance.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un disjoncteur selon la revendication 1.To this end, the subject of the invention is a circuit breaker according to claim 1.

Selon des aspects avantageux de l'invention, le disjoncteur comprend en outre une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques optionnelles des revendications 2 à 8.According to advantageous aspects of the invention, the circuit breaker further comprises one or more of the optional features of claims 2 to 8.

L'invention a également pour objet un procédé de fabrication d'un disjoncteur selon la revendication 9.The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a circuit breaker according to claim 9.

Selon d'autres aspects avantageux de l'invention, le procédé de fabrication comprend en outre une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques optionnelles des revendications 10 à 12.According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the manufacturing method further comprises one or more of the optional features of claims 10 to 12.

Grâce à l'invention, la capacité à couper un courant de court-circuit de forte valeur est augmentée simultanément avec le nombre de cycles d'ouverture/fermeture à courant nominal, pendant lesquels le disjoncteur et les contacts fonctionnent de manière stable, et ceci sans augmentation significative de la résistance de contact. En effet, dans le contact mobile, le positionnement de la deuxième partie par rapport à la première partie, permet une commutation rapide d'un arc électrique, généré à l'ouverture du contact mobile, vers la chambre de coupure. Ceci conduit à une augmentation de la longévité du contact mobile, en fonctionnement en coupure. De plus la deuxième partie, qui est destinée à être en appui contre le contact fixe lorsque le contact mobile est en position fermée, est en un deuxième matériau, distinct du premier matériau de la première partie, formant le corps du contact mobile, et permet d'augmenter la résistance à l'érosion du contact mobile en endurance électrique.Thanks to the invention, the ability to break a high value short-circuit current is increased simultaneously with the number of opening/closing cycles at nominal current, during which the circuit breaker and the contacts operate in a stable manner, and this without a significant increase in contact resistance. Indeed, in the moving contact, the positioning of the second part relative to the first part, allows rapid switching of an electric arc, generated when the moving contact is opened, towards the interrupting chamber. This leads to an increase in the longevity of the moving contact, in breaking operation. In addition, the second part, which is intended to bear against the fixed contact when the moving contact is in the closed position, is made of a second material, distinct from the first material of the first part, forming the body of the moving contact, and allows to increase the resistance to erosion of the moving contact in electrical endurance.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lumière de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple non limitatif, et faite en se référant aux dessins sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un disjoncteur dans lequel un contact mobile est en position fermée et relié électriquement à un contact fixe,
  • la figure 2 est une représentation schématique du disjoncteur de la figure 1, le contact mobile étant en position ouverte par rapport au contact fixe, un arc électrique apparaissant entre le contact fixe et le contact mobile,
  • les figures 3 et 4 montrent le déplacement de l'arc électrique de la figure 2 suite à l'ouverture du contact mobile,
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique, de côté, du contact mobile de la figure 1 en appui sur le contact fixe 14,
  • la figure 6 est une vue de dessous du contact mobile de la figure 1,
  • la figure 7 est une représentation à plus grande échelle de la zone VII de la figure 5, et
  • la figure 8 est un organigramme des étapes d'un procédé de fabrication du contact mobile selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic representation of a circuit breaker in which a movable contact is in the closed position and electrically connected to a fixed contact,
  • the picture 2 is a schematic representation of the circuit breaker of the figure 1 , the movable contact being in the open position with respect to the fixed contact, an electric arc appearing between the fixed contact and the movable contact,
  • the figures 3 and 4 show the displacement of the electric arc from the figure 2 following the opening of the mobile contact,
  • the figure 5 is a schematic side view of the moving contact of the figure 1 pressing on the fixed contact 14,
  • the figure 6 is a bottom view of the mobile contact of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 7 is a larger scale representation of Zone VII of the figure 5 , and
  • the figure 8 is a flowchart of the steps of a method of manufacturing the moving contact according to the invention.

Sur la figure 1, un disjoncteur 10 comprend un contact électrique 12 mobile par rapport à un contact électrique fixe 14, ainsi qu'un dispositif de déclenchement 16 auquel est relié le contact mobile 12. Le disjoncteur 10 comprend également une tige 18 autour de laquelle est enroulée une bobine 20 reliée électriquement à une corne d'arc 22, sur laquelle est positionné le contact fixe 14.On the figure 1 , a circuit breaker 10 comprises an electrical contact 12 movable with respect to a fixed electrical contact 14, as well as a tripping device 16 to which the movable contact 12 is connected. The circuit breaker 10 also comprises a rod 18 around which is wound a coil 20 electrically connected to an arcing horn 22, on which the fixed contact 14 is positioned.

Le disjoncteur 10 comprend une chambre de coupure 24, une corne de commutation 26 et une carcasse magnétique 28 positionnée à proximité de la bobine 20, la chambre de coupure 24 étant disposée entre la corne de commutation 26 et la carcasse magnétique 28.The circuit breaker 10 comprises an interrupting chamber 24, a switching horn 26 and a magnetic carcass 28 positioned close to the coil 20, the interrupting chamber 24 being arranged between the switching horn 26 and the magnetic carcass 28.

A la figure 1, le contact mobile 12 est en position fermée et est alors relié électriquement au contact fixe 14.To the figure 1 , the movable contact 12 is in the closed position and is then electrically connected to the fixed contact 14.

En outre, le disjoncteur 10 comprend une première borne E et une deuxième borne S de connexion d'un circuit électrique, non représentés, destinées à être reliés par le disjoncteur 10. Ainsi, à la figure 1, un courant I circule entre les deux bornes E et S en passant par les contacts fixe 14 et mobile 12 et par la bobine 20. Autrement dit, la liaison électrique entre les bornes de connexion E, S est fermée, en position fermée du contact mobile 12.In addition, the circuit breaker 10 comprises a first terminal E and a second terminal S for connecting an electrical circuit, not shown, intended to be connected by the circuit breaker 10. Thus, at the figure 1 , a current I flows between the two terminals E and S passing through the fixed 14 and movable 12 contacts and through the coil 20. In other words, the electrical connection between the connection terminals E, S is closed, in the closed position of the contact mobile 12.

La figure 2 présente le disjoncteur 10 lors de l'apparition d'un courant de défaut, impliquant l'ouverture du contact mobile 12 par rapport au contact fixe 14 et l'apparition d'un arc électrique A entre le contact mobile 12 et le contact fixe 14. Les bornes E et S sont, dans cette configuration, reliées uniquement par l'arc électrique A. Cette situation est transitoire, la chambre de coupure 24 étant propre à éliminer l'arc électrique A.The figure 2 presents the circuit breaker 10 when a fault current appears, involving the opening of the movable contact 12 with respect to the fixed contact 14 and the appearance of an electric arc A between the movable contact 12 and the fixed contact 14 Terminals E and S are, in this configuration, connected only by the electric arc A. This situation is transient, the interrupting chamber 24 being able to eliminate the electric arc A.

Le disjoncteur 10 est propre à fonctionner sous deux régimes, appelés respectivement fonctionnement en coupure et fonctionnement en endurance électrique. Lors du fonctionnement en coupure le courant de défaut qui doit être interrompu est de l'ordre de plusieurs kilo-ampères, tandis que lors du fonctionnement en endurance électrique, le courant qui doit être interrompu est inférieur à 1 kA, par exemple de l'ordre de 0 à 100 A.The circuit breaker 10 is capable of operating under two regimes, respectively called breaking operation and electrical endurance operation. During breaking operation, the fault current which must be interrupted is of the order of several kilo-amperes, while during electrical endurance operation, the current which must be interrupted is less than 1 kA, for example order from 0 to 100 A.

Lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure et de l'apparition d'un courant de défaut, la tige 18 percute le dispositif de déclenchement 16, qui est relié à un porte-contact mobile, non représenté, et provoque le déplacement du porte-contact mobile qui conduit à l'ouverture du contact mobile 12 par rapport au contact fixe 14.During breaking operation and the appearance of a fault current, rod 18 strikes tripping device 16, which is connected to a movable contact carrier, not shown, and causes the contact carrier to move. mobile which leads to the opening of the mobile contact 12 with respect to the fixed contact 14.

Dans le cas du fonctionnement en endurance électrique, il n'y a pas de percussion du dispositif de déclenchement 16 et du porte-contact mobile par la tige 18, lors de l'ouverture du contact mobile 12 par rapport au contact fixe 14. Cette ouverture se fait par l'intermédiaire d'un mécanisme, non représenté, actionnant le porte-contact mobile. Dans le cas du fonctionnement en endurance électrique, l'arc A est de plus petite dimension que lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure et reste plus longtemps sur les deux contacts mobile 12 et fixe 14, à l'ouverture du contact mobile 12, que lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure.In the case of operation in electrical endurance, there is no percussion of the trigger device 16 and of the movable contact carrier by the rod 18, when the opening of the movable contact 12 relative to the fixed contact 14. This opening is done by means of a mechanism, not shown, actuating the movable contact carrier. In the case of operation in electrical endurance, the arc A is of smaller dimension than during a cut-off operation and remains longer on the two movable 12 and fixed 14 contacts, when the movable contact 12 opens, than during cut-off operation.

La figure 2 correspond aussi bien à un fonctionnement en endurance électrique, qu'à un fonctionnement en coupure.The picture 2 corresponds both to electrical endurance operation and to cut-off operation.

Les figures 3 et 4 présentent l'évolution du déplacement de l'arc A dans le cas d'un fonctionnement en coupure. Dans ce cas, l'arc électrique se déplace suite à l'ouverture du contact mobile 12 en direction de la corne de commutation 26 et le long de la corne d'arc 22, comme présenté à la figure 3. Plus précisément, l'arc est compris entre le contact mobile 12 et la corne d'arc 22 et se déplace, jusqu'à la commutation de l'arc électrique A du contact mobile 12 vers la corne de commutation 26. Suite à cette commutation, l'arc électrique A est présent entre la corne d'arc 22 et la corne de commutation 26, puis vient se loger dans la chambre de coupure 24, propre à l'atténuer, comme visible à la figure 4.The figures 3 and 4 present the evolution of the displacement of arc A in the case of breaking operation. In this case, the electric arc moves following the opening of the movable contact 12 in the direction of the switching horn 26 and along the arcing horn 22, as presented in picture 3 . More precisely, the arc is comprised between the moving contact 12 and the arcing horn 22 and moves until the switching of the electric arc A from the moving contact 12 to the switching horn 26. Following this switching , the electric arc A is present between the arcing horn 22 and the switching horn 26, then comes to lodge in the arcing chamber 24, suitable for attenuating it, as visible at figure 4 .

Sur la figure 5, le contact mobile 12 est en position fermée et en appui contre le contact fixe 14. Le contact mobile 12 comprend une première partie 33 et une deuxième partie 34, la deuxième partie 34 étant disposée dans un orifice 35 agencé dans la première partie 33.On the figure 5 , the moving contact 12 is in the closed position and bearing against the fixed contact 14. The moving contact 12 comprises a first part 33 and a second part 34, the second part 34 being arranged in an orifice 35 arranged in the first part 33.

Plus précisément, l'orifice 35 est non débouchant et ménagé dans la première partie 33 au niveau d'une zone destinée à être en contact avec le contact fixe 14, lorsque le contact mobile est en position fermée.More specifically, the orifice 35 is blind and formed in the first part 33 at the level of a zone intended to be in contact with the fixed contact 14, when the movable contact is in the closed position.

La première partie 33 est en un premier matériau conducteur, le premier matériau comportant par exemple du cuivre ou en tout autre matériau conducteur d'électricité. La première partie 33 entoure toute la périphérie de la deuxième partie 34, suivant un plan P parallèle à un plan X'Y' d'appui des contacts fixe 14 et mobile 12.The first part 33 is made of a first conductive material, the first material comprising for example copper or any other electrically conductive material. The first part 33 surrounds the entire periphery of the second part 34, along a plane P parallel to a support plane X'Y' of the fixed 14 and mobile 12 contacts.

On note X un axe longitudinal du contact mobile 12 et Z un axe perpendiculaire au plan d'appui X'Y'. Le plan d'appui X'Y' est par exemple sensiblement longitudinal et l'axe Z est alors un axe vertical.We note X a longitudinal axis of the movable contact 12 and Z an axis perpendicular to the support plane X'Y'. The support plane X'Y' is for example substantially longitudinal and the axis Z is then a vertical axis.

Le premier matériau est propre, pour des courants de défaut supérieurs à 1kA, à subir une vaporisation afin de permettre, comme présenté précédemment, la commutation de l'arc électrique A du contact mobile 12, vers la chambre de coupure 24, lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure de court-circuit.The first material is suitable, for fault currents greater than 1 kA, to undergo vaporization in order to allow, as presented previously, the switching of the electric arc A of the movable contact 12, towards the interrupting chamber 24, during short-circuit breaking operation.

En complément, la première partie 33 est recouverte d'un revêtement 37 en argent sur sa périphérie extérieure, dont l'épaisseur mesurée suivant l'axe Z, est comprise entre 2 et 40 micromètres.In addition, the first part 33 is covered with a silver coating 37 on its outer periphery, the thickness of which, measured along the Z axis, is between 2 and 40 micrometers.

La deuxième partie 34 est en un deuxième matériau conducteur distinct du premier matériau. Elle comprend une extrémité libre 38 en saillie de la première partie 33 suivant l'axe Z et une extrémité intérieure 39 située à l'opposé de l'extrémité libre 38 selon la direction de l'axe Z. La deuxième partie 34 comprend un corps central 40 s'étendant, suivant l'axe Z, entre l'extrémité intérieure 39 et l'extrémité libre 38. La deuxième partie 34 est globalement perpendiculaire au plan d'appui X'Y' des contacts fixe 14 et mobile 12. La deuxième partie 34 est par exemple en forme d'un cylindre, ou autrement dit en forme de fil.The second part 34 is made of a second conductive material distinct from the first material. It comprises a free end 38 projecting from the first part 33 along the Z axis and an inner end 39 located opposite the free end 38 along the direction of the Z axis. The second part 34 comprises a body 40 extending, along the Z axis, between the inner end 39 and the free end 38. The second part 34 is generally perpendicular to the support plane X'Y' of the fixed 14 and mobile 12 contacts. second part 34 is for example in the shape of a cylinder, or in other words in the shape of a wire.

L'orifice 35 débouche, vers l'extérieur du contact mobile 12, au niveau d'une surface d'appui 41du contact mobile 12 contre le contact fixe 14 en position fermée du contact mobile. Ainsi, lorsque le contact mobile 12 est en position fermée, la deuxième partie 34, et plus précisément son extrémité libre 38, est en appui contre le contact fixe 14, comme présenté à la figure 5.The orifice 35 opens, towards the outside of the movable contact 12, at the level of a bearing surface 41 of the movable contact 12 against the fixed contact 14 in the closed position of the movable contact. Thus, when the movable contact 12 is in the closed position, the second part 34, and more precisely its free end 38, bears against the fixed contact 14, as shown in figure 5 .

La deuxième partie 34 est entourée sur toute sa périphérie du premier matériau constituant la première partie 33 suivant le plan P parallèle au plan d'appui X'Y'.The second part 34 is surrounded over its entire periphery with the first material constituting the first part 33 along the plane P parallel to the support plane X'Y'.

Le deuxième matériau composant la deuxième partie 34 est un composite comportant un élément réfractaire, de préférence un oxyde métallique, par exemple, un pseudo alliage à base d'argent apte à être mis sous forme filaire et de préférence un alliage de zinc et d'argent, tel qu'un alliage d'argent et d'oxyde de zinc, noté Ag-ZnO, ou de préférence encore un alliage d'argent et d'oxyde de zinc comprenant 8% d'oxyde de zinc et 92% d'argent, noté Ag-ZnO/92-8. Ce deuxième matériau est résistant à l'érosion vis-à-vis de l'arc électrique A, particulièrement dans le cas d'un fonctionnement en endurance électrique. Le deuxième matériau est plus résistant à l'érosion que le premier matériau.The second material making up the second part 34 is a composite comprising a refractory element, preferably a metal oxide, for example, a silver-based pseudo alloy capable of being put into wire form and preferably a alloy of zinc and silver, such as an alloy of silver and zinc oxide, denoted Ag-ZnO, or more preferably an alloy of silver and zinc oxide comprising 8% zinc and 92% silver, denoted Ag-ZnO/92-8. This second material is resistant to erosion with respect to the electric arc A, particularly in the case of operation in electrical endurance. The second material is more resistant to erosion than the first material.

La hauteur H34 de la deuxième partie 34, mesurée suivant l'axe Z, est comprise entre 1 mm et 5 mm, de préférence entre 1 mm et 3 mm.The height H 34 of the second part 34, measured along the Z axis, is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.

De même, le diamètre D40 du corps central 40, mesuré parallèlement au plan d'appui X'Y' est compris entre 0,8 mm et 1,4 mm, de préférence entre 1 mm et 1,2 mm.Similarly, the diameter D 40 of the central body 40, measured parallel to the support plane X'Y' is between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.2 mm.

L'extrémité libre 38 dépasse par rapport à la première partie 33 d'une hauteur H38, mesurée suivant l'axe Z, et de valeur comprise entre 0,05 mm et 0,3 mm. L'extrémité libre 38 est globalement en forme de calotte sphérique ou cylindrique, comme visible à la figure 7, avec un diamètre D38 compris entre 0,8 mm et 1,4 mm parallèlement au plan d'appui X'Y'.The free end 38 protrudes relative to the first part 33 by a height H 38 , measured along the Z axis, and by a value between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm. The free end 38 is generally in the shape of a spherical or cylindrical cap, as seen in figure 7 , with a diameter D 38 between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm parallel to the support plane X'Y'.

Comme observé à la figure 7, la deuxième partie 34 est légèrement évasée sur sa hauteur. Ainsi, en partant de la surface d'appui 41 ou du plan d'appui X'Y' et en allant, suivant l'axe Z, vers l'intérieur du contact mobile 12, c'est-à-dire vers l'extrémité intérieure 39, la deuxième partie 34 comprend sur une première portion H341, de sa hauteur H34, un diamètre décroissant puis sur une deuxième portion H342, de sa hauteur H34, un diamètre croissant. La deuxième portion H342 est plus éloignée de la surface d'appui 41 que la première portion H341. Autrement dit, la deuxième partie 34 présente, parallèlement au plan d'appui X'Y' un diamètre minimal pour un plan P" passant par un point intermédiaire 42 strictement compris entre les extrémités libre 38 et intérieure 39.As observed at the figure 7 , the second part 34 is slightly flared over its height. Thus, starting from the support surface 41 or the support plane X'Y' and going, along the Z axis, towards the inside of the movable contact 12, that is to say towards the inner end 39, the second part 34 comprises on a first portion H 341 , of its height H 34 , a decreasing diameter then on a second portion H 342 , of its height H 34 , an increasing diameter. The second portion H 342 is farther from the support surface 41 than the first portion H 341 . In other words, the second part 34 has, parallel to the support plane X'Y', a minimum diameter for a plane P" passing through an intermediate point 42 strictly between the free 38 and inner 39 ends.

L'évasement de la deuxième partie 34 favorise l'accroche de la deuxième partie 34 avec la première partie 33, qui l'entoure. La largeur W33 de la première partie 33, mesurée perpendiculairement à l'axe longitudinal X et parallèlement au plan d'appui X'Y', est comprise entre 1,6 mm et 3 mm.Flaring of the second part 34 promotes the attachment of the second part 34 with the first part 33, which surrounds it. The width W33 of the first part 33, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and parallel to the support plane X'Y', is between 1.6 mm and 3 mm.

La deuxième partie 34 est résistante à l'arc électrique lors d'un fonctionnement en endurance électrique et s'érode de manière modérée, mais suffisante, pour que la première partie 33 composée du premier matériau reste affleurant à la deuxième partie 34, au cours des cycles d'ouverture/fermeture du contact mobile 12. Le deuxième matériau permet d'éviter au cours des cycles d'ouverture/fermeture au niveau de la surface d'appui 41 la formation d'oxyde, sans pour autant favoriser une soudure du contact mobile 12 avec le contact fixe 14.The second part 34 is resistant to the electric arc during electrical endurance operation and erodes moderately, but sufficiently, so that the first part 33 composed of the first material remains flush with the second part 34, during opening/closing cycles of the movable contact 12. The second material makes it possible to avoid, during the opening/closing cycles at the level of the bearing surface 41, the formation of oxide, without however promoting welding of the moving contact 12 with fixed contact 14.

Le fait que la hauteur H34 de la deuxième partie 34 soit comprise entre 1mm et 5mm permet une bonne solidarisation de la deuxième partie 34 avec la première partie 33.The fact that the height H 34 of the second part 34 is between 1mm and 5mm allows good attachment of the second part 34 with the first part 33.

La composition mixte du contact mobile 12, au niveau du plan d'appui X'Y' permet d'avoir, d'une part, une surface d'appui 41 résistante à l'érosion du fait de la présence du deuxième matériau, et d'autre part, une bonne commutation de l'arc électrique A, en fonctionnement en coupure, grâce à la présence du premier matériau composant la première partie 33. Le deuxième matériau en oxyde métallique permet d'assurer une forte tenue en érosion lors d'un fonctionnement en endurance électrique, tout en assurant une bonne stabilité de la résistance de contact entre le contact mobile 12 et le contact fixe 14. Le premier matériau, comportant par exemple du cuivre, permet d'assurer la commutation de l'arc électrique dans la chambre de coupure comme expliqué précédemment, et ceci malgré la présence de la deuxième partie 34. En effet, à cause de la présence de la deuxième partie 34, l'arc électrique A a parfois tendance à rester sur le contact fixe 14 et mobile 12, mais la vaporisation du premier matériau qui compose la première partie 33, favorise la commutation de l'arc électrique A dans la chambre de coupure 24 destinée à atténuer l'arc électrique A.The mixed composition of the movable contact 12, at the level of the support plane X'Y' makes it possible to have, on the one hand, a support surface 41 resistant to erosion due to the presence of the second material, and on the other hand, good switching of the electric arc A, in breaking operation, thanks to the presence of the first material making up the first part 33. The second metal oxide material makes it possible to ensure strong resistance to erosion during operation in electrical endurance, while ensuring good stability of the contact resistance between the movable contact 12 and the fixed contact 14. The first material, comprising for example copper, makes it possible to ensure the switching of the electric arc in the interrupting chamber as explained above, and this despite the presence of the second part 34. Indeed, because of the presence of the second part 34, the electric arc A sometimes tends to remain on the fixed contact 14 and mobile 12, but the vaporization of the first m material which makes up the first part 33, promotes the switching of the electric arc A in the interrupting chamber 24 intended to attenuate the electric arc A.

Plus spécifiquement, la rapidité de la commutation de l'arc électrique A est liée à l'ionisation du milieu au niveau de la surface d'appui 41, lors de l'apparition de l'arc A, sachant que cette ionisation est obtenue par vaporisation de la première partie 33. Cette commutation rapide est importante pour deux raisons : l'une est de limiter l'érosion du contact mobile 12 et de la deuxième partie 34, et l'autre est de limiter l'énergie électrique dans la chambre de coupure 24.More specifically, the speed of the switching of the electric arc A is linked to the ionization of the medium at the level of the bearing surface 41, when the arc A appears, knowing that this ionization is obtained by vaporization of the first part 33. This rapid switching is important for two reasons: one is to limit the erosion of the moving contact 12 and the second part 34, and the other is to limit the electrical energy in the chamber cutoff 24.

La combinaison de la résistance à l'érosion de la deuxième partie 34 et de la commutation rapide de l'arc électrique A de la première partie 33, lors d'un fonctionnement en coupure permet d'augmenter la durée de vie du contact mobile 12, et donc également celle du disjoncteur 10.The combination of the resistance to erosion of the second part 34 and the rapid switching of the electric arc A of the first part 33, during breaking operation, makes it possible to increase the service life of the moving contact 12 , and therefore also that of circuit breaker 10.

Le procédé de fabrication du disjoncteur 10 et plus particulièrement du contact mobile 12 comprend différentes étapes. La première étape 120 consiste à percer l'orifice 35 dans la première partie 33, suivant une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan d'appui X'Y' des contacts fixe 14 et mobile 12. Au cours de l'étape 120, l'orifice 35 percé est non débouchant et ménagé dans la première partie 33 au niveau d'une zone destinée à être en contact avec le contact fixe 14, lorsque le contact mobile 12 est en position fermée. L'orifice 35 est, par exemple, percé de manière à ce qu'aucune déchirure n'apparaisse sur des bords de l'orifice 35.The method of manufacturing the circuit breaker 10 and more particularly the moving contact 12 comprises various steps. The first step 120 consists in drilling the orifice 35 in the first part 33, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support plane X'Y' of the fixed 14 and mobile 12 contacts. During step 120, the orifice 35 pierced is non-opening and provided in the first part 33 at an area intended to be in contact with the fixed contact 14, when the movable contact 12 is in the closed position. The orifice 35 is, for example, pierced so that no tear appears on the edges of the orifice 35.

Une deuxième étape 130 consiste à préparer la deuxième partie 34 composée du deuxième matériau. En effet, étant donné que l'orifice 35, percé lors de l'étape 120, a un diamètre compris entre 0,8 mm et 1,4 mm, de préférence compris entre 1 mm et 1,2 mm, les dimensions de l'orifice 35 ne permettent pas de fritter la deuxième partie 34 directement dans l'orifice 35. La deuxième partie 34 doit donc être préparée, c'est à dire frittée, filée, ou extrudée avant insertion. Ainsi, lors de l'étape 130, la deuxième partie 34 est coupée à la longueur désirée avant d'être insérée dans l'orifice 35 et sa hauteur, mesurée perpendiculairement à sa section circulaire, est, à cet instant, de préférence comprise entre 1 mm et 5mm, de préférence encore entre 1 mm et 4 mm, préférentiellement égale à 2 mm. La hauteur de la deuxième partie 34, mesurée perpendiculairement au plan d'appui X'Y' lorsque la deuxième partie 34 est positionnée dans la première partie 33, est choisie supérieure à la hauteur de l'orifice 35, mesurée perpendiculairement au plan d'appui X'Y', de moins de 0,6 mm, afin que l'extrémité libre 38 dépasse de la première partie 33 à l'issue de la fabrication du contact mobile 12. Le diamètre de la deuxième partie 34 est inférieur au diamètre de l'orifice 35 de manière à ce que la deuxième partie 34 soit insérée dans l'orifice 35. De plus, après la deuxième étape 130, la deuxième partie 34 est en forme de cylindre à base circulaire, avec un ratio de la hauteur de la deuxième partie 34, sur le diamètre, mesuré parallèlement à sa section circulaire, de la deuxième partie 34, supérieur à 1, de préférence supérieur à 2.A second step 130 consists in preparing the second part 34 composed of the second material. Indeed, given that the orifice 35, pierced during step 120, has a diameter of between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.2 mm, the dimensions of the orifice 35 does not allow the second part 34 to be sintered directly in the orifice 35. The second part 34 must therefore be prepared, that is to say sintered, spun or extruded before insertion. Thus, during step 130, the second part 34 is cut to the desired length before being inserted into the orifice 35 and its height, measured perpendicular to its circular section, is, at this moment, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably equal to 2 mm. The height of the second part 34, measured perpendicular to the support plane X'Y' when the second part 34 is positioned in the first part 33, is chosen to be greater than the height of the orifice 35, measured perpendicular to the plane of support X'Y', of less than 0.6 mm, so that the free end 38 protrudes from the first part 33 at the end of the manufacture of the movable contact 12. The diameter of the second part 34 is smaller than the diameter of the orifice 35 so that the second part 34 is inserted into the orifice 35. In addition, after the second step 130, the second part 34 is in the form of a cylinder with a circular base, with a ratio of the height of the second part 34, on the diameter, measured parallel to its circular section, of the second part 34, greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.

Puis, au cours d'une troisième étape 140, la deuxième partie 34 est positionnée dans l'orifice 35, et dépasse en hauteur, suivant l'axe Z, de l'orifice 35.Then, during a third step 140, the second part 34 is positioned in the orifice 35, and protrudes in height, along the Z axis, from the orifice 35.

Au cours d'une quatrième étape 150, suite à l'étape 140, la deuxième partie 34 est assemblée à la première partie 33, et une électrode de forme, fixée sur une machine de type soudeuse, vient insérer la deuxième partie 34 au fond de l'orifice 35. Plus précisément, la quatrième étape 150 consiste en le formage dans une soudeuse sous courant, avec application d'une pression de 20 à 80 kg/ mm2 au moyen de l'électrode de forme, de la deuxième partie 34 avec la première partie 33. Cette électrode façonne la deuxième partie 34 de sorte qu'elle comprenne la première portion H341 et la deuxième portion H342, c'est-à-dire de sorte qu'elle ait une forme évasée. Plus particulièrement, l'électrode vient se positionner en regard et au contact de la deuxième partie 34 , afin de former l'extrémité libre 38 en forme de calotte sphérique ou cylindrique, insérer la deuxième partie 34 au fond de l'orifice 35 et gonfler la deuxième partie 34 au niveau de l'extrémité intérieure 29 afin d'avoir un évasement de la deuxième partie 34 dans l'orifice 35. Au cours de cette étape, l'élévation de la température est inférieure à 200°C, afin de ne pas changer les propriétés mécaniques des matériaux. Ainsi, la température maximale atteinte par la première partie 33 est inférieure à 200°C. De plus, une durée du passage du courant à travers le deuxième matériau 34 est de préférence comprise entre 0,1 s et 0,5 s. L'élévation de la température à moins de 200°C et la maitrise de la durée de passage du courant permettent le gonflement de l'extrémité intérieure 39, ce qui permet de garantir une bonne adhérence entre la première partie 33 et la deuxième partie 34, sans modification notable des propriétés métallurgiques de la première partie 33, notamment de la dureté de Vickers du premier matériau de la première partie 33. La température est maintenue inférieure à 200°C grâce à la maitrise du refroidissement du contact mobile 12 et du courant le traversant.During a fourth step 150, following step 140, the second part 34 is assembled to the first part 33, and a shaped electrode, fixed on a welder-type machine, inserts the second part 34 at the bottom of the orifice 35. More specifically, the fourth step 150 consists of forming in a welder under current, with application of a pressure of 20 to 80 kg/mm 2 by means of the shaped electrode, of the second part 34 with the first part 33. This electrode shapes the second part 34 so that it includes the first portion H 341 and the second portion H 342 , that is to say so that it has a flared shape. More particularly, the electrode is positioned opposite and in contact with the second part 34, in order to form the free end 38 in the form of a spherical or cylindrical cap, insert the second part 34 at the bottom of the orifice 35 and inflate the second part 34 at the level of the inner end 29 in order to have a flare of the second part 34 in the orifice 35. During this step, the rise in temperature is less than 200° C., in order to do not change the mechanical properties of the materials. So the maximum temperature reached by the first part 33 is less than 200°C. In addition, a duration of the passage of the current through the second material 34 is preferably between 0.1 s and 0.5 s. Raising the temperature to less than 200° C. and controlling the duration of the passage of the current allow the swelling of the inner end 39, which makes it possible to guarantee good adhesion between the first part 33 and the second part 34 , without significant modification of the metallurgical properties of the first part 33, in particular of the Vickers hardness of the first material of the first part 33. The temperature is maintained below 200° C. thanks to the control of the cooling of the movable contact 12 and of the crossing it.

Au cours de la quatrième étape 150 d'assemblage, l'extrémité libre 38 est formée de manière à dépasser par rapport à la première partie d'une hauteur comprise entre 0,05 mm et 0,3 mm, et à être en forme de calotte sphérique ou cylindrique.During the fourth assembly step 150, the free end 38 is formed so as to protrude with respect to the first part by a height comprised between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, and to be in the shape of a spherical or cylindrical cap.

Le contact mobile 12, suite à l'étape 150, comprend une deuxième partie 34 et une première partie 33 dont les dimensions sont similaires à celles présentées précédemment en regard des figures 5 à 7.The movable contact 12, following step 150, comprises a second part 34 and a first part 33 whose dimensions are similar to those presented above with regard to the figures 5 to 7 .

Le contact mobile 12 ainsi fabriqué comprend la deuxième partie 34 qui est fortement accrochée à la première partie 33 et entourée de la première partie 33, de sorte que le contact mobile 12 a un comportement optimal lorsque le disjoncteur fonctionne aussi bien en endurance électrique, qu'en coupure. Ainsi, la longévité du disjoncteur 10 comprenant le contact mobile 12 est augmentée par rapport aux disjoncteurs existants.The movable contact 12 thus manufactured comprises the second part 34 which is strongly attached to the first part 33 and surrounded by the first part 33, so that the movable contact 12 has an optimal behavior when the circuit breaker operates both in electrical endurance, that 'in cut. Thus, the longevity of the circuit breaker 10 comprising the movable contact 12 is increased compared to existing circuit breakers.

En complément, lors de la fabrication du contact mobile, la première partie 33 est, préalablement à l'étape de perçage 120, recouverte d'une couche d'argent Ag sur une épaisseur de 2 à 40 micromètres.In addition, during the manufacture of the moving contact, the first part 33 is, prior to the drilling step 120, covered with a layer of silver Ag to a thickness of 2 to 40 micrometers.

En variante, la deuxième partie 34 n'est pas positionnée perpendiculairement au plan d'appui X'Y', et lors de l'étape de perçage 120 l'orifice est percé dans une direction non perpendiculaire au plan d'appui X'Y'.Alternatively, the second part 34 is not positioned perpendicular to the support plane X'Y', and during the drilling step 120 the orifice is drilled in a direction not perpendicular to the support plane X'Y '.

Claims (12)

  1. A circuit breaker (10) comprising:
    - a fixed contact (14), and
    - a movable contact (12) having two stable positions: a closed position, in which it is electrically connected to the fixed contact (14), and an open position, in which it is electrically insulated from the fixed contact (14); the movable contact (12) comprising a first part (33) made of a first conductive material and a second part (34) made of a second conductive material distinct from the first material,
    the second part (34) being disposed in an orifice (35) arranged in the first part (33) and comprising a free end (38) projecting from the first part (33), the said free end (38) being intended to bear against the fixed contact (14) in the closed position of the movable contact (12), the second part (34) being, in a plane (P) parallel to a bearing plane (X'Y') of the fixed (14) and movable (12) contacts, surrounded over its entire periphery by the first part (33),
    characterized in that the circuit breaker comprises a breaking chamber (24) suitable for attenuating an electric arc (A) generated when the movable contact (12) opens, the first material being suitable for undergoing vaporisation in order to enable the electric arc (A) to be switched from the movable contact (12) to the breaking chamber (24) for currents greater than 1 kA and in that the free end (38) of the second part (34) projects past the first part (33) by a height (H38) of between 0.05 and 0.3 mm perpendicular to the bearing plane (X'Y').
  2. The circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the free end (38) of the second part (34) has, in a plane (P') parallel to the support plane (X'Y'), a diameter (D38) of between 0.8 and 1.4 mm, the free end (38) preferably being in the form of a spherical or cylindrical cap.
  3. The circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first material of the first part (33) is a copper-based material.
  4. The circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second material is a silver-based composite material comprising a refractory element, preferably a metal oxide, more preferably still a silver-zinc oxide alloy (Ag-ZnO), more preferably still a silver-zinc oxide alloy comprising 8% zinc oxide and 92% silver (Ag-ZnO/92-8), and in that the second material is more erosion-resistant than the first material.
  5. The circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the height (H34) of the second part (34) in a direction perpendicular to the bearing plane (X'Y') is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.
  6. The circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second part (34) has, in a direction perpendicular to the support plane and opposite the free end (38), an inner end (39), and in that the second part (34) has, parallel to the support plane (XY'), a minimum diameter for a plane passing through an intermediate point (42) strictly included between the free (38) and inner (39) ends.
  7. The circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that the second part (34) is substantially perpendicular to the bearing plane (X'Y'), in that it comprises a central body (40) extending between the free (38) and inner (39) ends and in that the central body (40) has, parallel to the bearing plane (X'Y'), a diameter (D40) of between 0.8 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably of between 1 mm and 1.2 mm.
  8. The circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the orifice (35) is non-through and arranged in the first part (33) at the level of a zone intended to be in contact with the fixed contact (14), when the moving contact (12) is in the closed position.
  9. A method of manufacturing a circuit breaker (10), the circuit breaker comprising a fixed contact (14), the movable contact (12) having two stable positions: a closed position, where it is electrically connected to the fixed contact (14) and an open position, where it is electrically isolated from the fixed contact (14);
    the moving contact (12) comprising a first part (33) made of a first conductive material and a second part (34) made of a second conductive material distinct from the first material,
    the method comprising the following steps:
    - a) making (120) an opening (35) in the first part (33),
    - b) preparing (130) the second part (34) of suitable shape for insertion into the hole (35),
    - c) positioning (140) the second part (34) in the hole (35),
    - d) assembling (150) the second part (34) with the first part (33), the second part (34) comprising, after the step of assembling (150), a free end (38) projecting from the first part (33), said free end (38) being intended to bear against the fixed contact (14) in the closed position of the movable contact (12), and the second part (34) being, in a plane (P) parallel to a bearing plane (X'Y') of the fixed (14) and movable (12) contacts, surrounded over its entire periphery by the first part (33),
    characterised in that the free end (38) of the second part (34) projects past the first part (33) by a height (H38) of between 0.05 and 0.3 mm perpendicular to the bearing plane (X'Y'), the circuit breaker comprising a breaking chamber (24) suitable for attenuating an electric arc (A) generated when the movable contact (12) is opened and the first material being suitable for undergoing vaporisation in order to allow the electric arc (A) to be switched from the movable contact (12) to the breaking chamber (24) for currents greater than 1 kA.
  10. The method according to claim 9, characterised in that in the step of preparing (130), the second part (34) is sintered, extruded or spun, in that the height (H34) of the second part (34), measured perpendicularly to the bearing plane (X'Y') when the second part is positioned in the first part, is less than 0.6 mm greater than the height of the opening (35), measured perpendicularly to the bearing plane (X'Y').
  11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that after the step of preparing (130), the second part (34) is in the form of a cylinder with a circular base, with a ratio of the height (H34), measured perpendicularly to its circular cross-section, to the diameter, measured parallel to its circular cross-section, being greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.
  12. The method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the step of joining is carried out by forming the second part (34) with the first part (33) in a welding machine under current with the application of a pressure of 20 to 80 kg/mm2 by means of a forming electrode, and in that during the step of assembling (150) the maximum temperature reached by the first part is less than 200 °C, and the duration of the current flow through the second material (34) is preferably between 0.1 s and 0.5 s.
EP14177195.6A 2013-07-18 2014-07-16 Circuit breaker and method of manufacturing a circuit breaker Active EP2827352B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1357088A FR3008824B1 (en) 2013-07-18 2013-07-18 CIRCUIT BREAKER AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MOBILE CONTACT OF SUCH A CIRCUIT BREAKER

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2827352A1 EP2827352A1 (en) 2015-01-21
EP2827352B1 true EP2827352B1 (en) 2022-02-16

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14177195.6A Active EP2827352B1 (en) 2013-07-18 2014-07-16 Circuit breaker and method of manufacturing a circuit breaker

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EP (1) EP2827352B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2908603T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3008824B1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2733352A1 (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-10-25 Schneider Electric Sa Switch for current limiter

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2919851A1 (en) * 1978-05-17 1979-11-22 Johnson Matthey Co Ltd ELECTRICAL CONTACT AND IN PARTICULAR PROCEDURES FOR ITS MANUFACTURING
FR2633855B1 (en) * 1988-07-06 1994-05-06 Merlin Et Gerin METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE PART AND ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH CONTACT PELLET MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO THIS METHOD
US5140114A (en) * 1988-10-03 1992-08-18 Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. Electric contact with base metal
FR2890487B1 (en) 2005-09-05 2008-02-08 Schneider Electric Ind Sas METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRIC CONTACT, ELECTRICAL CONTACT PRODUCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS METHOD AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS COMPRISING SUCH A CONTACT

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2733352A1 (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-10-25 Schneider Electric Sa Switch for current limiter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3008824A1 (en) 2015-01-23
ES2908603T3 (en) 2022-05-03
EP2827352A1 (en) 2015-01-21
FR3008824B1 (en) 2015-09-18

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