EP3332414A1

EP3332414A1 - Mechanical cut-off apparatus for a high-voltage or very high-voltage electric circuit with splitting device

Info

Publication number: EP3332414A1
Application number: EP16756727.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Maxime GERY; Paul Vinson
Original assignee: SuperGrid Institute SAS
Current assignee: SuperGrid Institute SAS
Priority date: 2015-08-07
Filing date: 2016-07-28
Publication date: 2018-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-28
Also published as: US20190355534A1; CN111599630B; EP3332414B1; WO2017025678A1; CN111599630A; CN108028146A; US20180233309A1; US10354819B2; FR3039924B1; US10763060B2; FR3039924A1; CN108028146B; ES2908223T3

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanical cut-off apparatus for an electric circuit comprising two electrodes mobile with respect to one another, and comprising an electric arc splitting device (48) comprising a multitude of distinct conducting elements separated and isolated electrically from one another. According to the invention, the splitting device comprises a first part and a second part, mobile with respect to one another between: - a position of electrical contact, and - a separated position of the two parts. The splitting device (48) comprises at least one series of said distinct conducting elements which, in the electrical closure position of the electrodes of the mechanical apparatus, are disposed along the continuous conducting electrical path of the nominal electric current through the apparatus defined by the two parts of the splitting device in the electrical contact position.

Description

MECHANICAL CUTTING APPARATUS FOR A HIGH VOLTAGE OR VERY HIGH ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT

VOLTAGE WITH FRACTION DEVICE

The invention relates to the technological field of high-voltage electrical circuit breakers.

In a traditional way, power grids across a region, country or continent, in which electrical currents are transported over several tens, hundreds or thousands of kilometers, are alternating-current systems. high tension. The evolution of these networks today tends towards the interconnection of infrastructures to result in meshed networks, that is to say networks comprising several possible paths between two given points of the network. Furthermore, it has been proposed to develop networks or portions of very high voltage DC networks, possibly integrated within mail networks, including portions of AC networks.

One of the problems in mesh networks lies in the ability to perform charge current transfers between the various branches of the network for the reorganization of power flows, which requires the opening or closing of high voltage electrical circuits. This problem is even more acute when it comes to circuits in DC voltage. A conventional approach would be to use, as switching devices, circuit breakers which are known to be designed to allow in particular an opening in charge of the electrical circuit in which they are interposed. However, circuit breakers are complex, expensive and bulky devices for network protection functions, which would be underutilized in this case. It would therefore be interesting to use, for performing these load transfer functions, simpler design devices, such as disconnectors, although these devices are not primarily designed to perform circuit interruptions under load. In the usual way and to ensure the safety of goods and people during interventions, there are disconnectors at each end of line. It is therefore wise to make the most of these devices.

Furthermore it is known to use, in particular, for high-voltage circuits, devices called "metal casing" where the active cutting members are enclosed in a sealed chamber filled with an insulating fluid. Such a fluid may be a gas, commonly sulfur hexafluoride (SF ₆ ), but liquids or oils are also used. This fluid is chosen for its insulating nature, in particular so as to have a dielectric strength greater than that of dry air at equivalent pressure. In particular, metal-enclosed devices can be designed more compactly than devices where the cut-off and insulation are made in the air.

A conventional disconnector comprises in particular two electrodes which are held by insulating supports in fixed positions remote from the peripheral wall of an enclosure which is at ground potential. These electrodes are electrically connected or electrically separated according to the position of a movable connection member forming part of one of the electrodes, for example a sliding tube actuated by a control. The tube is generally carried by an electrode, to which it is electrically connected, and the separation of the tube of the opposite electrode is likely to create an electric arc which can lengthen during the opening movement of the disconnector during which the tube moves away from the opposite electrode. A disconnector has traditionally two electrical contact torques carried by the tube and the two electrodes. The first torque is the one through which the rated current passes in the fully closed position of the device. This current pathway that we will name nominal path has a path of least electrical resistance thus reducing the conduction losses in steady state This contact torque is supported by a second called contact arcs or secondary contact torque. The two contacts of this couple are intended to stay in direct contact during the separation of the first couple so as not to have arc phenomenon on the first and thus ensure a good state of electrical conduction in fully closed position. Conversely, the contacts of the secondary torque separate last and see the establishment of the electric arc. They must resist this wear. Arrived at a sufficient arc length, and after a sufficient time, the electric arc stops.

A disconnector is usually located in an electrical substation.

It is connected to the other elements of the substation, for example by connecting bars. On each side of the disconnector, we can find other elements of a substation such as a circuit breaker, a power transformer, an overhead crossing ...

The use of such a disconnector without specific device to facilitate the cut could cover the weakest constraints load transfer cases, but is unsuitable for circuits that have significant loop impedances.

Indeed, in this case, the opening can produce arcs capable of stretching to large lengths and this can cause some problems. An arc too long between the connecting member and the opposite electrode can degenerate and evolve into a short circuit. For example, in a disconnector of the type described above, an arc can be established between the live electrode and the wall of the enclosure connected to the ground. In a less extreme case, the arc extinction times may be too long and damage the parts constituting it and thus jeopardize the insulation of the system.

In certain circuit breakers designed to operate at medium voltage and alternating, there is provided an arc splitting chamber which is disjoint and offset from the zone in which the movable connecting member moves. An electric arc which would be formed for example at the opening of the circuit is divided into multiple arcs. Such circuit breakers require that means be provided for causing the displacement of the arc from the zone of displacement of the movable member towards the fractionation chamber, for example by the implementation of a magnetic field, which can be created by permanent magnets or induced by a flow of current in a magnetic circuit. In both cases this aspect is complex to manage and requires many trips and returns during the design phases to achieve to route the arc in the fractionation chamber, because the behavior of the system is variable depending on the intensity of the currents to be switched. Moreover, this fractionation chamber constitutes an additional bulk. In the case of a device in a metal envelope, this volume of the tank should also be isolated from the ground potential so as to guarantee electrical insulation. This would result in large vessel sizes and disadvantageous costs.

There is therefore still a need to create a high-voltage circuit breaker that is compact and capable of opening a circuit under its nominal load current under conditions that do not affect the safety or longevity of the apparatus, in particular. taking into account, in particular, the regulatory constraints.

For this purpose the invention proposes an apparatus for mechanical breaking of a high voltage or very high voltage electrical circuit, of the type comprising two electrodes which are intended to be electrically connected respectively to an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the electrical circuit, the two electrodes of the mechanical apparatus being movable relative to each other in an opening movement, between at least one electrical opening position and at least one electrical closing position in which they establish a nominal electrical connection of the apparatus, said nominal electrical connection permitting the passage of a nominal electrical current through the apparatus, and of the type comprising an electric arc splitting device comprising a multitude of distinct conducting elements, which for least one active state of the splitter, are separated and electrically isolated from one another in order to define ir in an insulating fluid surrounding a multitude of separate successive free elementary paths in which arcs are likely to be established at the opening and / or closing of the electrical circuit. According to a first aspect of the invention, the apparatus is characterized in that the fractionating device comprises a first part and a second part, among which at least one is movable relative to the other according to a relative spacing movement. enter :

at least one electrical contact position of the two parts defining a continuous conductive electrical path for the nominal electric current through the apparatus, and

- at least one position separated from the two parts,

and in that the splitter device comprises at least one of said discrete conductive elements which are arranged along the continuous conductive electrical path, defined by the two parts of the splitter in electrical contact position, for the rated electrical current at the through the device.

According to a second aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first but which is independent of it, the apparatus defined above is characterized in that the fractionation device comprises a first part and a second part, among which at least one is movable relative to the other according to a relative movement of spacing between:

at least one electrical contact position of the two parts, and at least one position separated from the two parts,

in that one of the two relatively mobile parts of the fractionating device comprises an elongate contactor, the contactor being electrically connected, at least for a phase of breaking the contact, with one of the portions of the electrical circuit, and the other of the two parts relatively movable of the fractionating device comprises an insulating body on which is arranged said series of distinct conductive elements, and in that the contactor and the series of distinct conductive elements are respectively arranged such that, in the position of electrical contact of the two parts, the separate conductive elements are arranged on the insulating body successively along the elongated contactor.

According to a third aspect of the invention, which can be combined with the first but which is independent of it, the apparatus defined above is characterized in that the fractionating device comprises a first portion and a second portion, among which at least one is movable relative to the other in a relative movement of spacing between:

in that each of the two relatively movable parts of the fractionator comprises an insulating body on which is arranged a series of distinct electrically isolated conductor elements from each other, and in that the two series of discrete conductive elements are arranged respectively in such a way that :

in the relative electrical contact position of the two parts, each distinct conducting element of the two series, with the exception of end elements, is in electrical contact with two successive distinct conducting elements of the other series;

in at least one spaced relative position, and preferably in any relative position spaced apart from the two parts, distinct from the relative electrical contact position of the two parts, each distinct conducting element of the two series is separated from the distinct conducting elements of the other part; series.

According to optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination, in connection with any aspect of the invention:

in the electrically closed position of the electrodes of the mechanical apparatus, the nominal electric current flows in a main continuous conductive electrical path, and the continuous conductive electrical path for the nominal electrical current defined by the two parts of the fractionation device in position. electrical contact means constitutes a secondary continuous conductive electrical path through the apparatus, along which are disposed said separate conductive elements;

in the electrically closed position of the electrodes of the mechanical apparatus, the nominal electrical current flows along the continuous conductive electrical path for the nominal electric current defined by the two parts of the fractionating device in the contact position, which constitutes a main continuous electrical conductor path through the apparatus, along which said discrete conductive elements are arranged;

at least one of the parts of the splitting device comprises said series of distinct conducting elements arranged along the continuous conductive electrical path;

for said position separated from its two parts, the fractionation device defines, between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit, a preferential electrical path comprising, alternately, conducting sections comprising the distinct conducting elements, and insulating sections; including successive distinct elementary free paths;

for said separated position, the sum of the lengths of the elementary free paths distinct from the preferential electrical path is greater than the length of the movement of separation of the two parts between their contact position and said spaced apart position;

- In their contact position, the two parts of the fractionator are in electrical contact by a multitude of separate electrical contacts each of which implements at least one of the separate conductive elements;

- The relative movement of spacing of the two parts is controlled by the opening movement of the electrode of the device between their extreme positions of opening and closing.

According to optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination, in connection with the second aspect of the invention:

- that extreme remote position, the contactor is separated from the separate conductive elements;

the contactor is elongated in a helical curve;

the insulating body on which the series of distinct conducting elements is arranged forms a channel in which the contactor extends in the contact position, the channel being at least partially released from the contactor in spaced apart or intermediate positions to form a preferential path of electric arc between two successive distinct conducting elements.

According to optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination, in connection with the third aspect of the invention;

- The relative spacing movement of the two parts of the splitter simultaneously causes the establishment or simultaneously the elimination of the electrical contact between all the distinct conductive elements of the two series;

- To ensure the contact at each contact provided, there are provided means for compensating geometric dispersions.

the distinct conducting elements of at least one of the two series are elastic

- To ensure the contact at each contact provided, is interposed elastic contact elements.

in the separated position, distinct elementary free paths are created on the one hand between a distinct conducting element of a first series and a distinct conducting element proximal to the other series, and secondly between said distinct proximal conducting element of the other series and another distinct conducting element of the first series;

- Insulating obstacles are provided to limit the occurrence of arcing between two adjacent separate conductive elements of the same series;

for each of the parts of the fractionating device, the distinct conducting elements of the same series are arranged on the insulating body in a helical arrangement, and the two helices of the two parts are coaxial and nested;

for each of the parts of the splitting device, the distinct conducting elements of one and the same series are arranged on the insulating body in several parallel rows, and the rows of the two parts are parallel and interleaved;

- a rated load current through the connection apparatus is likely to transit, in the electrical contact position of the two parts of the splitter, by the separate conductive elements of the splitter.

a first of the two electrodes is fixed and a second of the two electrodes comprises a mobile connection member;

a first of the two parts of the fractionation device is carried by the first electrode; a second of the two parts of the fractionating device is carried by the first part of the fractionator or by the first electrode, with the possibility of relative movement of spacing between the contact position and the spaced position; the movable connection member is in contact with the second part of the splitting device between a closed position of the movable connection member and an intermediate position of the movable connection member corresponding to the position separated from the two parts of the device splitting; and the movable connecting member is spaced apart from the second portion of the splitter between its intermediate position and an extreme open position;

between the closing and intermediate positions of the mobile connection member, at least one separate conducting element of the splitting device is electrically connected to the mobile connection member by the contact of the mobile connection member with the second part; the splitter device;

a nominal charging current through the connection apparatus is capable of passing, in the position of electrical contact between the two parts of the splitting device, an electrical contact between the movable connection member and the second part of the splitter device. splitting ;

the apparatus comprises a sealed enclosure enclosing an insulating fluid and in which at least the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged, and at least a portion of the distinct conducting elements of the fractionating device is housed in an internal cavity arranged in the first or the second electrode;

the internal cavity is arranged inside an envelope determined by a conductive peripheral surface of the first electrode;

at least the second electrode comprises a movable connection member with an opening movement with respect to the first electrode, between an extreme position of electrical opening and an extreme electric closing position in which i! establishes a nominal electrical connection with the first electrode, and the internal cavity is arranged inside an envelope determined by a conductive peripheral surface of the movable connection member;

at least one of the parts of the fractionation device is carried by the first electrode, and the relative spacing displacement of the two parts is controlled by the opening movement of the electrodes between their extreme open and closed positions;

the preferential electrical path is superimposed on the trajectory of at least one of the two parts of the fractionating device in its relative spacing movement;

in their relative position of contact, the two parts of the fractionation device establish a continuous conductive electrical path between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit;

the distinct elementary free paths are arranged in series along the preferential electric path;

two successive distinct elementary free paths are electrically connected by one of the distinct conducting elements, each elementary free path being defined between two distinct proximal conducting elements;

a distinct conductive element connects at most two distinct elementary free paths;

at least some of the distinct elementary free paths extend along a path that has a non-zero component projection in a direction perpendicular to the path of the opening movement of the electrodes;

at least some of the distinct elementary free paths extend with overlap in the direction of the relative movement of spacing of the two parts of the device, with at least one other distinct elementary free path.

Various other characteristics appear from the description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a switching device of the type of that of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of a switchgear according to the invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of a splitter for an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 4 to 7 are diagrammatic views in axial section, for different relative positions of the components, of the fractionation device of FIG. 3 and a mobile connection member for an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 8 and 9 are schematic views of a device of the type of that of Figs 4 to 7, in section through a plane containing the axial direction, respectively illustrating the positions of Figs. 4 and 7.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a portion of the fractionator of FIG. 3.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of a splitter for an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views respectively illustrating a first and a second portion of the fractionation device of FIG. 11. Figure 14 is a perspective view, in partial section, illustrating the fractionation device of FIG. 11, assembled.

Figures 15 and 16 schematically illustrate the respective position of distinct conducting elements of the two parts of the device of FIG. 11, according to a view unrolled flat.

Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of a splitter for an apparatus according to the invention.

Figures 18 to 20 respectively show, in partial cutaway perspective, three distinct relative positions of the two parts of the fractionator of FIG. 17.

Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view partially broken away is illustrating the implementation of a splitter device of FIG. 17 in a switchgear.

It is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the main components of an apparatus for mechanical breaking of a high voltage or very high voltage electrical circuit according to the invention.

Such an apparatus is intended to open or close an electrical circuit in which nominal currents, that is to say, established currents for which the apparatus is intended to operate in a continuous manner without damage, under a voltage, are likely to flow. greater than 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc, see even under very high voltage, that is to say a voltage greater than 50 000 V AC or 75 000 V DC.

The apparatus is a mechanical cutoff device insofar as the opening of the electrical circuit is obtained by separating and spacing two contact pieces so as to interrupt the flow of a current through the apparatus. Of course, the closing of the electrical circuit is obtained by the displacement until the two contact parts come into contact so as to restore a flow of current through the apparatus. In its exemplary embodiments which will be described below, the mechanical switchgear is a disconnector. However, the invention could be implemented in the context of a circuit breaker, or a switch. In the exemplary embodiments, the cut-off apparatus is provided for cutting a single electrical circuit, for example a phase, but the invention could be implemented in an apparatus intended to cut off several electrical circuits, then including, for example at within the same enclosure, several devices of cut in parallel.

The invention will more particularly be described in the context of a cutoff device of the type called "under metal envelope". The apparatus 10 thus comprises an enclosure 12 delimited by a peripheral wall 14. The peripheral wall 14 delimits an internal volume 16 of the enclosure 12 and is provided with a series of openings 18 allowing, at least for maintenance operations or mounting, access to the internal volume 16 from outside the enclosure, or allowing the volume 16 to be placed in communication with another volume of another enclosure contiguous to the peripheral wall 14 around the opening. Preferably, in the operating configuration of the apparatus, the chamber 12 is sealed with respect to the outside of the peripheral wall 14. The openings of this wall are thus intended to be closed, for example by portholes, hoods or are intended to put in communication the internal volume 16 of the chamber 12 with another enclosure itself sealed, by matching the opening with a corresponding opening of the other enclosure. Thanks to this seal, the internal volume 16 of the chamber 12 can be filled with an insulating fluid that can be separated from the atmospheric air. The fluid may be a gas or a liquid. The pressure of the fluid may be different from the atmospheric pressure, for example a pressure greater than 3 bars absolute, or at very low pressures, possibly close to the vacuum. The insulating fluid may be air, especially air, preferably at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. However, preferably, the fluid is chosen for its high insulating properties, for example having a dielectric strength higher than that of dry air under conditions of equivalent temperature and pressure.

In general, the apparatus 10 comprises at least two electrodes which are intended to be electrically connected respectively to an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the electrical circuit to be cut, and which are movable relative to one another according to a opening movement, between at least one electrical open position, corresponding to an open state of the apparatus, and an electrical closing position in which they establish a nominal electrical connection of the apparatus, thus corresponding to a closed state of the device. In the present text, the opening movement can be effected in the direction of opening, from the electrical closing position to the electrical opening position, or in the closing direction, from the opening position. electric at the electrical closing position. In the example illustrated, the apparatus 10 comprises in particular a first fixed electrode 20 and a second electrode 22 which comprises a fixed main body and a mobile connection member 24.

In the illustrated example, each electrode 20, 22 is fixed in the chamber 12 via an insulating support 26, here represented as having for example a bowl shape, fixed on the peripheral wall 14 so as to close an opening 18 provided for this purpose, the electrode being arranged on an inner side of the support 26. On the outer side of the support 26 with respect to the internal volume 16, the support 26 carries a connection terminal 28, 30 which is electrically connected to the corresponding electrode 20, 22. The connection terminals 28, 30 are thus arranged outside the enclosure 12. One of the terminals is intended to be connected to an upstream portion (not shown) of the electrical circuit while the other of the terminals is intended to be connected to a downstream portion (not shown) of the electrical circuit. In an arbitrary manner, and without this having any particular significance as to the polarity or the direction of current flow, the portion which is connected to the first electrode 20 by the connection terminal is referred to as the upstream portion of the electrical circuit. 28. As a result, the downstream portion of the electrical circuit is the portion which is connected to the second electrode 22, via the connection terminal 30.

Each electrode 20, 22 is permanently electrically connected to the connecting terminal 28, 30 associated, regardless of the open or closed state of the switchgear.

Each electrode 20, 22 comprises a fixed main body made of conducting material, in particular a metallic material, of which a conductive outer peripheral surface 32, 34 has a substantially convex geometry and devoid of projecting parts. As will be seen below, each electrode 20, 22 has an internal cavity 31, 33 contained within the envelope defined by the conductive outer peripheral surface 32, 34 of the fixed main body.

In the example shown, the peripheral wall 14 has a generally cylindrical geometry about a central axis Al and the two electrodes 20, 22, with their associated terminals 28, 30 have an elongate shape, respectively along an axis A2 and an axis A3. In this example, the axes A2 and A3 are parallel. The axes A2 and A3 are perpendicular to the central axis Al of the wall 14 and are offset relative to each other in the direction of this axis A1. In addition to this offset in the direction of the central axis Al, terminals 28 and 30 are arranged opposite each other on each side of the central axis Al.

The main bodies of the two electrodes 20, 22 are arranged in the internal volume 16 in a fixed manner, spaced apart from the peripheral wall 14 of the enclosure 12, and spaced apart from one another so that a gap of inter-electrode electrical isolation is arranged in the direction of the central axis Al, between the portions vis-à-vis their respective outer peripheral surfaces 32, 34.

In the example illustrated, the mobile connection member 24 of the second electrode of the apparatus comprises a sliding tube 36, of axis A1, which is slidably guided along the central axis Al, which will arbitrarily be described as longitudinal. in a cylindrical internal cavity of Al axis of the fixed main body of the second electrode 22. The connecting member 24 is movable in an opening movement relative to the opposite electrode 20, between an extreme position of electrical opening, visible in FIG. 2, and an extreme electric closing position, wherein the electrical connection member 24 establishes a nominal electrical connection with said opposite electrode 20. In the illustrated example, the sliding tube 36 of the movable connecting member 24 is realized preferably of conductive material, for example of metal, and is electrically connected to the main body of the second electrode, thus electrically connected to the associated connection terminal 30 permanently, regardless of the position of the mobile connection member 24.

In the illustrated example, when it is in its extreme open position, the connection member 24 is entirely received inside the corresponding cavity of the second electrode so as to minimize the risk of an electric arc, In its extreme closing position, the connecting member 24 is moved longitudinally along the central axis A1 in the direction of the first electrode 20, across the inter-electrode electrical isolation space. In known manner, the connecting member 24 is moved between these two extreme positions by a control mechanism 42 which, in this embodiment comprises a connecting rod 44 movable in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A1 and itself controlled by a rotary lever 46.

In an arbitrary manner, the longitudinal movement of the connecting member 24 will be described as "forward" in the direction from its extreme open position to its extreme closed position, that is to say on the right on the left in Fig. 3. The opposite direction is arbitrarily referred to as "backward".

It is known that a major problem in this type of cut-off device is related to the appearance of electric arcs at the opening of the circuit, and sometimes to the closing of the circuit, especially if this opening or closing is performed while the electric circuit is under tension and carries a large current. To treat this problem, the apparatus 10 according to the invention comprises an electric arc splitting device 48.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electric arc splitting device 48 is advantageously contained, at least partially, preferably substantially, more preferably entirely, in the internal cavity of one of the electrodes, in this case in the first electrode 20. By being thus disposed inside the envelope determined by the conductive peripheral surface 32, the electric arc splitting device can be integrated into the apparatus 10 without disturbing the electric fields prevailing in the internal volume when the apparatus is in its closed state. Because of this, i! It is not necessary to modify the design of the device to continue to respect the dielectric strength of the device. Of course, by housing the electric arc splitting device at least in part, and preferably substantially or entirely, in this cavity of the electrode, it limits the need to enlarge the device, including the need for to increase the internal volume, which is favorable to a good compactness of the apparatus. Some cylindricity can thus be retained for the shape of the tank which is advantageous in terms of compactness of the substation. Preferably, the fractionation device is entirely received inside the internal cavity.

Of course, the fractionating device 48 could also advantageously be housed inside the mobile connection member 24, or in a cavity of the main body of the second electrode 22. The fractionation device 48 could thus be housed in a cavity arranged inside an envelope determined by a conductive peripheral surface of the sliding tube 36.

The operation of a first embodiment of a fractionation device will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10.

On the Fîg. 3, there is illustrated the main components of a first embodiment of a fractionation device 48 may be implemented in the invention. Figs. 4-7 illustrate different positions relative of these different components. Figs. 8 and 9 are schematic views in top view for a contact position and for a position away from the device.

This first embodiment comprises a first portion 50 and a second portion 52 which are movable relative to each other in a relative movement of spacing, here in the direction of the central axis Al, between at least one electrical contact position, visible in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, and a position separated from the two parts, visible in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9. The relative distance movement here is a pure translation along the axis Al.

In the exemplary embodiment of the breaking device described, the fractionation device is arranged in the apparatus so that:

in an extreme position of closure of the mobile connection member 24, corresponding to the electrical closing position of the electrodes, the mechanical apparatus, the nominal electrical current, or at least a large part thereof, flows in accordance with a main continuous conductive electrical path, in this case directly between the movable connecting member 24 and the main body of the first electrode 20, without this majority of the rated current intensity passing through the fractionator 48. As it can be seen in FIG. 4, the nominal current, or at least a majority of it, flows through a pair of main contacts here formed by the front end 25 of the sliding tube 36 of the movable connection member 24 and a contact surface 21 of the main body of the first electrode 20.

On the other hand, for positions of the movable connecting member 24 between the extreme closed position illustrated in FIG. 4, and a position illustrated in FIG. 5, and for which the contact between the main contacting torque is lost, a secondary continuous conductive electrical path is defined for the nominal electrical current through the apparatus. This secondary continuous conductive electrical path is defined through the fractionator 48, as long as both parts of the Fractional device are still in their relative position of electrical contact.

In this embodiment, each of the two parts 50, 52 comprises an insulating body on which is arranged a series of distinct conductive elements electrically insulated from each other, a series of course containing several distinct conductive elements. As will be visible later:

in the position of contact of the two parts 50, 52, each conductive element of the two series, with the exception of end elements, is in electrical contact with two successive distinct conducting elements of the other series;

- In any position separated from the two parts, distinct from the electrical contact position of the two parts, each conductive element of the two series is separated from the conductive elements separate from the other series.

In FIG. 3, it is understood that the first part comprises a carriage which carries a plurality of bars 54, which extend in the transverse direction and which are made of insulating material, in which is arranged a first series of distinct conductive elements 53, visible on the Fig. 8, 9 and 10, which have for example a jumper shape.

The bars 54 are carried for example by a "U" -shaped frame 55 which extends in a plane containing the central axis Al and the transverse direction of the bars 54, the frame 55 being open towards the rear, in this case towards the second electrode 22. The insulating bars 54 have the shape of parallelepipeds which extend in the transverse direction and of which a rearward facing face 83 has recesses 84. The bars 54 form an insulating body for the first time. part 50 of the device.

The insulating body for the first part 50 of the device is preferably made at least in part of one or more insulating materials so as to allow electrical isolation between two adjacent separate conductive elements of the same part. Preferably, the insulation obtained prevents any dielectric breakdown or displacement of the arc electrical, in the material of the insulating body, between two adjacent distinct conducting elements during the interruption phase of the arc in particular. The insulating body is for example composed based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and / or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), and / or polyoxymethylene (POM). In addition to the insulating nature, such materials advantageously have a strong ablative character to effectively cool the arcs and thus increase the voltage at their terminals which will have the effect of promoting the extinguishing process. The main material constituting the bars 54 preferably has a dielectric strength greater than 5 kV / mm, and preferably a good wear resistance caused by the electric arc.

Jumpers 53 made of conductive material are embedded in the insulating bars 54 so that each of the two ends of the jumpers 53 are flush with the outside of the insulating strip in one of the recesses 84 of the rear face of the strip 54 to form an electrical contact 81. In the illustrated example, each jumper 53 thus has a base portion, transverse, embedded in the bar 54, and two parallel portions which extend axially towards the rear and whose free ends open out of the material of the bar 54 in the recesses 84 to form the electrical contacts 81, as seen in FIG. 10. The recesses 84 are also open in a lower face of the bars. In the illustrated example, the bars 54 are contiguous to each other in the direction of the axis Al but the depth of the recesses 84 in this direction provides a space between the electrical contacts 81 of the jumpers and the front face of the bar 54 immediately adjacent. Each bar 54 has several jumpers 53 arranged side by side in the transverse direction. Due to the multiplicity of the bars 54, the jumpers 53 are thus arranged in parallel rows.

In the invention, the distinct conductive elements are made for example of metal. Their conductive nature results in a resistivity of less than 10 ^{~ 6} Ohm. m. In the illustrated example, each bar 54 comprises, on either side of the jumper alignment 53, single pads 57 having a base portion embedded in the bar 54, and a rear portion extending axially towards the rear and whose free end opens out of the material of the bar 54 in a recess 84 to form an electrical contact 81 similar to those of the riders 53 and aligned therewith. For all the bars, it is, in this embodiment, provided that a first of these single pads 57, carried by a bar 54, here the one arranged forward along the axis Al, forms a main terminal before 61 which is intended to be electrically connected to a portion of the electrical circuit to be cut. In this embodiment, the front main terminal 61 is permanently connected to the associated connection terminal 28, therefore to the upstream portion of the electrical circuit.

In this embodiment, a second of these single pads 57, carried by a bar 54, here that arranged rearwardly along the axis Al, forms a rear main terminal 63 which is intended to be electrically connected to the other portions. of the electric circuit to be cut. It will be seen later that this electrical connection is effective only for certain positions of the mobile connection member.

The other single pads are intended to be electrically connected in pairs, a single pad 57 on a strip 54 being electrically connected to another single pad 57 located on the same transverse side, for example, on one of the immediately adjacent strips, for example by a conductive bridge 65. The set of two single pads 57 joined by the same conductor bridge 65 thus forms the equivalent of a jumper having two electrical contacts, and thus forms a separate conductive element within the meaning of the invention.

The second portion 52 of the splitter 48 also includes a carriage which is mechanically linked to the carriage of the first portion by a slide link 72, thereby providing the relative movement capability between the two parts of the device. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, the transverse ends of the bars 54 are provided with each of a cylindrical bore Al axis to allow the mounting of the bars on two parallel rods Al axis belonging to the second portion 52 to form the slide connection between the two parts 50, 52.

The carriage of the second part may comprise a base plate 74, preferably made of insulating material, which extends in a plane parallel to the axis A1 and to the transverse direction. The second part 52 carries a series of distinct conductive elements, here made in the form of forks 76 with two branches 78 of conductive material extending vertically upwards from the base plate 74, that is to say according to a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the Al axis and the transverse direction. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the two branches 78 of each fork 76 are joined by a lower conductor crossbar 80 by which each fork 76 is fixed on the upper face of the base plate 74. The upper free end portion of each branch 78 forms an electrical contact 82 intended to cooperate with an electrical contact 81 of the jumpers 53 of the first portion 50. The forks 76 of the second portion 52 are also arranged in parallel transverse rows, each row corresponding to a jumper row 53 of the first part. The electrical contacts 82 of the forks 76 may be made in continuity with the rest of the fork, or in the form of inserts. In this case, one can choose, for the electrical contacts 82, a different conductive material from those used for the rest of the fork 76, including a material having good resistance to arcing. They can thus be made from tungsten or cupro-tungsten, the rest of the range then being made for example based on copper.

As can be seen in particular in Figs. 8 to 10, the two parts 50, 52 are arranged relative to each other so that each branch 78 of fork 76 is engaged in a recess 84, vertically from the bottom, so that a electrical contact 82 of each branch 78 of the forks 76 is facing, in the direction of the axis Al, with an electrical contact 81 of a jumper 53 of the first part. It will thus be noted that the base plate 74 of the second part 52 is arranged below the insulating strips 54. Thus, for example, in FIG. 9, that, for each of the parts 50, 52 of the fractionating device, the distinct conducting elements of the same series are arranged on the insulating body 54, 74 of the corresponding part in several parallel rows, and that the rows of the two parts are parallel and nested, in the sense that a row of elements of a series, thus belonging to a part of the splitting device, is arranged between two rows of elements of the other series, thus belonging to the other party of the fractionator.

We see in FIG. 10 that the recesses 84 have a dimension in the direction of the axis A1 which allows, by a relative axial displacement of the two parts 50, 52 of the fractionating device, an electrical contact position illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, and a spaced apart position without electrical contact illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9. The relative movement, which is here determined by the slideway, is a pure translational movement along the axis Al,

This embodiment of the invention therefore comprises two distinct series of distinct conductive elements, one carried by the first part and the other carried by the second part. For at least one active state of the splitting device, corresponding here to a position spaced apart from the two parts of the device, the distinct conducting elements are separated and electrically isolated from each other in order to define, in the surrounding insulating fluid, a multitude of paths elementary free successive distinct CLE in which electric arcs are likely to be established at the opening and / or closing of the electrical circuit. Each elementary free path CLE is a free space between two distinct conducting elements in the surrounding insulating fluid, that is to say a path without solid obstacle, in particular without solid insulating obstacle.

For a position separated from its two parts, the splitter device 48 defines, between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit, a preferential electrical path comprising, alternately, conductive sections comprising the discrete conductive elements, here the jumpers 53 and the forks 76, and insulating sections comprising the successive distinct free elementary paths.

The successive distinct CLE elemental free paths are considered as insulating sections insofar as they correspond to space in a fluid which, as defined above, is preferably more insulating than dry air, in the absence of an electric arc. . In the presence of an electric arc, it goes without saying that the distinct elementary free paths lose their insulating character.

Note however that the jumpers 53 are shifted transversely relative to the forks so that each fork 76 is intended to come into contact, in a position of contact of the two parts 50, 52, by its two contacts 82, with two contacts 81 belonging to two adjacent riders in the corresponding row. Thus, in the contact position, a fork 76 establishes an electrical connection between two adjacent jumpers 53. One of these adjacent jumpers may comprise two single pads 57 connected by a conductive bridge 65, a fork being in contact with one of the pads and another fork, belonging to another row, being in contact with the other of the pads.

In this embodiment, in the separated position, distinct elementary free paths are created, on the one hand between a jumper 53 of the first series and a fork 76 proximal to the other series, carried by the second part 52, and on the other hand between said proximal fork 76 and another rider 53 of the first series.

In this first embodiment, the splitter device 48 comprises a contactor 39 which is arranged at the rear end of the device, and which is thus carried by the carriage of the second part of the splitter device. This contactor 39 is intended to be in contact with the connection member 24 when the device is in its closed state, in this example more particularly with a contactor 38 of the connection member 24. On the contrary, when the device 24 has reached an open position, the electrical contact between the contactor 38 of the body mobile connection 24 and the contactor 39 is broken. The contactor 39 is electrically connected to one of the separate elements of the splitter 48, more specifically to that which acts as a rear main terminal 63. In this first embodiment, the contactor 39 is electrically connected to the rear terminal 63. carried by the first part of the fractionator 48.

The first embodiment of the invention further comprises an end-of-travel absorption mechanism of the movable connection member which makes it possible to ensure an intermediate state of the switchgear between the corresponding nominal closing state. at the extreme closing position of the movable connecting member 24, as illustrated in FIG. 4, and a secondary closing state of the apparatus corresponding to the position illustrated in FIG. 5.

To do this, the end-of-stroke absorption mechanism allows the two parts 50, 52 of the splitter device 48 to move together in the direction of movement of the mobile connection member 24, so in this case according to the direction of the Al axis, from a position of first contact of the two parts shown in FIG. 5 to an offset position shown in FIG. 4.

In the position of FIG. 4, the movable connecting member 24 is in direct contact with the body of the electrode by the contact surface 21. Preferably the contact is a radial contact between a cylindrical portion of the front end 25 of the sliding tube 36 and the contact surface 21, to ensure electrical contact even in case of dispersion of positions in the direction of the axis Al. In this state of the apparatus, the nominal electric current, or at least a large part of it ci, circulates in a main continuous conductive electrical path, in this case directly between the movable connecting member 24 and the main body of the first electrode 20.

Moving back to the position shown in FIG. 5, the front end 25 of the sliding tube 36 loses contact with the contact surface 21. However, until the position of FIG. 5, it will be seen that a Secondary continuous conductive electrical path is defined for the rated electrical current through the device. This secondary continuous conductive electrical path is defined through the fractionator 48, as long as the two parts of the fractionator are still in their relative electrical contact position. For all positions between those of FIG. 4 and that of the Fîg. 5, the contactor 38 of the movable connection member is in contact with the contactor 39 carried by the first electrode 20 to establish secondary continuous conductive electrical path through the splitter whose two parts are in the electrical contact position.

To do this, the transverse base of the U-shaped frame 55, belonging to the first part 50, is integral with a guide assembly 56 which extends rearwardly from the base of the U. The guide assembly 56 is longitudinally slidably received within a base 58, which is here cylindrical and which is intended to be fixed in the inner cavity 31 of the first electrode 20. The base 58 has for example a tubular body of Al axis whose front portion has a fastening flange 62 on the main body of the first electrode 20 and whose rear portion has an inner radial flange 64 intended to form a stop, longitudinally rearward, for the entire 56. The base 58 is therefore fixed in the mechanical cut-off device. The guide assembly 56, and with it the whole of the first portion 50 of the fractionating device, is indeed intended to slide in the longitudinal direction of the axis A1 inside the base 58 between a position advanced offset shown in FIG. 4 is a retracted position illustrated in FIG. 5 in which the guide assembly 56 abuts longitudinally rearwardly against the inner radial flange 64 of the base 58. The guide assembly 56 is biased elastically in the longitudinal direction towards its retracted position, for example by a coil spring 66 which is held inside the base 58 by a front closure plate 68, the spring 66 being compressed along the axis A1 between the closure plate 68 and the guide assembly 56. finger indexing member 70 is fixed on the guide assembly 56 so as to protrude radially outwardly relative to an outer cylindrical wall of the guide assembly 56 and to be received in a longitudinal slot of the tubular body of the base 58 for angularly indexing the first part 50.

The different operational positions of the fractionation system 48 will now be described with reference to Figs. 4-7.

The Fíg. 7 corresponds to an extreme position of opening of the connection member 24. This position corresponds to the position of the connection member 24 to obtain the desired breaking capacity of the apparatus and the nominal isolation distance for the expected service conditions of the device. It generally corresponds to the most retracted position of the connection member 24 permitted by the control mechanism 42 illustrated in FIG. 2. In this position of the connection member 24, the fractionating device 48 is subjected only to the force of the spring 66, which thus urges the first portion 50 towards its retracted position illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7. In this open state of the apparatus, the second part 52 of the fractionator 48, which in this embodiment is carried by the first part 50, is urged by an elastic member, for example a spring 90, to a position spaced from this first part, in this case retracted rearward in the direction of the axis Al. This spaced position is defined for example by a mechanical stop acting between the two parts 50, 52, according to the direction of their relative movement. In this relative position of the two parts, there is no electrical contact between the two parts 50, 52, in particular no electrical contact between the distinct conductor elements of the first part, namely the jumpers 53, and the conductive elements separate from the second part, namely the forks 76. Note that there is then a significant distance between the contactor 39 of the fractionator, in this case carried by the second part 52, at its rear end, and the contactor 38 of the connection member 24. It will be understood that this state of the apparatus corresponds to its open state in which no electrical connection is established through the apparatus between the two upstream and downstream portions of the electrical circuit, at least under the nominal operating conditions of the the device.

By a displacement of the connection member 24 according to its opening movement, here in the direction of closing the electrical circuit, we arrive at its intermediate position illustrated in FIG. 6 which corresponds to the position for which is established the first contact between the contactor 38 of the connection member 24 and the contactor 39 of the fractionating device 48. For this position, there has not yet been any relative displacement of the two parts of the splitter device between them, which are therefore still in their spaced apart relative position, or of displacement of the whole of the splitter device 48 relative to the base 58, and therefore with respect to the first electrode 20. this intermediate position of the connection member 24, for which an electrical contact is established between the connection member 24 is the fractionator 48, the switchgear is still in an electrical open state. There is no direct electrical contact between the upstream and downstream parts of the electrical circuit to be cut. On the other hand, it is possible that the electrical insulation capacitance of the cut-off device in this position or an intermediate position between that of FIG. 6 and FIG. 5, namely the maximum voltage that it is likely to withstand between the two upstream and downstream portions of the electric circuit without arcing, is less than its electrical insulation capacity corresponding to the extreme open position of the In fact, in this state, the rear terminal terminal 63 of the fractionation device is brought to the potential of the downstream portion of the electrical circuit, via the mobile connection member 24 and the contactors 38. and 39.

By continuing the displacement of the connection member 24 according to its opening movement, always in the direction of the closure of the electric circuit, it arrives at the position illustrated in FIG. 5 which corresponds to the position for which the two parts 50, 52 of the splitter device are in the electrical contact position. In this position, all the electrical contacts between the distinct conducting elements of a part and the distinct conducting elements of the other part are realized and effective. Thus, the contacts 82 of the forks 76 bear on the contacts 81 of the jumpers 53 so as to ensure electrical contact between the different distinct conductor elements. Note also that in this position, as can be seen in FIG. 8, a front end fork 76V contacts the front main terminal 61 and a rear end fork 76 is in electrical contact with the rear main terminal 63. In the illustrated example, the front main terminals 61 and rear 63 are formed by unique pads 57 carried by its first part of the device. However, the two terminals could be carried by the second part of the device, or it could also provide that a main terminal is carried by the first part and the other main terminal is carried by the second part.

For this relative position of contact of the two parts 50, 52, it can advantageously be provided that it corresponds not to a position of first contact of the different distinct conductive elements 76, 53 but rather that it corresponds to a relative position of the two parts beyond a position of first contact, forward in the direction of relative movement of the two parts. This is permitted in this embodiment by the fact that the contacts 82 of the forks 76 are arranged at the free end of the branches 78 of the U-shaped forks 76, which branches 78 extend perpendicular to the direction of the relative movement of the forks 76. two parts, are likely to deform elastically to absorb the displacement of the base plate 74 of the second part, which carries the base of the forks 76, beyond a position of first contact. This gives the two parts 81, 82 in contact a sufficient pressure to let the current flow without deterioration during the establishment time of the nominal current along the secondary continuous conductive electrical path. A similar result could be obtained by providing that the riders 53 are mounted in the bars 54 with a possibility of movement in the direction of the relative movement of the two parts, preferably being elastically biased towards a position retracted rearwardly along the axis Al. The electrical contact position as illustrated in particular in FIG. . 5 and in FIG. 8 is preferably determined by a mechanical stop between the two parts of the fractionator 48, preventing these two parts from continuing their relative movement toward each other.

From this relative position of the various components of the apparatus, illustrated in FIG. 5, the switchgear is in an electrical closed state in which a secondary electrical connection of the apparatus is established. In this position, a nominal electric current is able to pass through the switching device 10. This nominal electric current flows according to the secondary direct electrical conductor circuit through the fractionating device before traveling according to the main continuous electrical conductor circuit when the torque main electrical contacts 21, 25 are in contact as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Note therefore the continued movement of the connecting member 24 to its closed end position illustrated in FIG. 4, beyond, forwards, from the position illustrated in FIG. 5. This displacement is in particular allowed by the end-of-stroke absorption mechanism, all the two parts of the splitter device 48 thus moving together in the direction of the movement of the connecting member, in this case by the sliding of the guiding assembly 56 of the first part 50 in the base 58. The two parts of the fractionating device are of course in their relative position of electrical contact.

It will therefore be noted that in this embodiment, between the positions of FIGS. 4 and 5, as long as the pair of main contacts 21, 25 are not in contact, a nominal charging current through the breaking device transits, in the electrical contact position of the two parts 50, 52 of the fractionating device. 48, by the separate conductive elements 76, 53 of the fractionator 48 which are arranged along secondary continuous electrical circuit. Referring to FIG. 8 and assuming that the main front terminal 57 of the fractionator is electrically permanently connected to the upstream portion of the electrical circuit to be cut, in particular by the main body of the first electrode 20 and the connection terminal 28, Indeed, it understands that the electric current is then led, by direct conduction, from the front terminal terminal 57 to a first jumper 53 of the first part, by the front end fork 76V. This first jumper 53 conducts the current to a second fork 76, adjacent to the first, through their respective contacts vis-à-vis, and the second fork leads the current to a second jumper 53 adjacent to the first jumper, through of their respective contacts vis-à-vis. This conduction of the current continues through the different successive distinct conducting elements, the two series of distinct conductors being interposed relative to each other along the continuous conducting electrical path, in the sense that the nominal electric current flows in passing. alternatively a conductive element distinct from a series, carried by one part of the fractionation device, to a conductive element distinct from the other series, carried by the other part of the fractionation device.

Thus, in their relative contact position, the separate conductive elements 53, 76 respectively forming part of two parts 50, 52 of the fractionation device establish, by their contacting, a continuous conductive electrical path, that is to say without interruption of the electrical conduction in conductive solid medium, between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit. This continuous conductive electrical path is, in the absence of contact between the main contacts 21, 25, a path of least electrical resistance between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit for the contact position of the organs of the apparatus. The separate conductive elements are arranged in series along the continuous conductive electrical path. We now describe a step of opening the electrical circuit, possibly performed under load, during the flow of a nominal current through the device.

In the state of FIG. 4, the apparatus simultaneously presents the main continuous conductive electrical path, directly from the main body of the fixed electrode 20 to the movable connection member 24, through the main contacts 21, 25, and the secondary continuous conductive electrical path. However, the main continuous conductive electrical path preferably has a lower resistivity so that a majority of the nominal current through the apparatus flows along the main continuous conductive electrical path rather along the secondary continuous conductive electrical path.

Starting from the state described with reference to FIG. 4, the movable connecting member 24 is controlled to move back. Until the position of FIG. 5, the whole of the fractionating device 48 moves back with the connection member 24 insofar as the guide assembly 56 of its first part 50 of the device 48 can slide freely relative to the base 58. movement, the nominal electric current flows through the switchgear. However, this nominal electric current is transferred from the main direct electrical conductor path to the secondary continuous conductive electrical path, through the splitter 48, due to the interruption of the main continuous conductive electrical path by breaking the contact at the main contacts. 21, 25. However, as the two continuous conductive electrical paths were established, this transfer is done without risk of creating an electric arc.

Arriving at the position of FIG. 5, corresponding to a first intermediate position of the movable connection member 24, the guide assembly 56 comes into abutment against the radial collar 64 of the base 58, preventing any subsequent movement of the first portion 50 of the device 48 towards the rear. In this state, the rated current is likely circulating along the secondary continuous conductive electrical path through the fractionator 48.

When the movable connection member 24 continues its rearward opening movement, in the direction of opening, beyond the position of the ig. 5, the spring 90 which is arranged between the two parts of the fractionating device pushes the second part 52 of the device 48 by keeping it supported by its contactor 39 on the contactor 38 of the movable connection member. The two parts 50, 52 therefore deviate from one another according to their spacing movement, and the contacts between the forks 76 and the jumpers 53, that is to say the electrical contacts between the two parts 50, 52 of the device are broken simultaneously, with geometrical dispersions. In this state, we therefore notice that it is created simultaneously, at each of the contacts 81, 82 of the forks 76 with the jumpers 53, a distinct elementary free path CLE corresponding to the free space in the insulating fluid which is created between the two contacts 81, 82 due to the relative spacing of the two parts 50, 52. It can be considered that for the position of FIG. 5, each distinct free elementary path CLE has a zero length when the two parts are in the contact position, and the length of each elementary free path increases progressively from this zero value, simultaneously for all the elementary free paths, and proportionally at the spacing of the two parts 50, 52 of the fractionator 48 from the electrical contact position towards at least one position apart from the two parts.

For the position immediately following the loss of the contact, this length of the elementary free paths is so small that electric arcs are likely to be established at each of the elementary free paths CLE. In the presence of these arcs, a current flows through the switchgear 10 and through the splitter 48. By the configuration of the system, the electric arcs that appear in the elementary free paths are arranged in series according to the flow path of the current. Indeed, the current is then constrained to circulate along the preferential electrical path comprising, alternately, conductive sections comprising the distinct conductive elements, here the jumpers 53 and the forks 76, and "insulating" sections comprising successive separate elementary free paths. Again, it is understood that in the presence of an arc, an elementary free path CLE has lost its insulating character but is likely to find it once the arc goes out.

At each distinct elementary free path, the electric arc in the elementary path creates an arc voltage opposite to the voltage across the electrical apparatus between the two upstream and downstream portions of the electrical circuit to be cut. In known manner, this arc voltage has a value which, as a first approximation and for a constant current, can be written in the form:

or :

Uo is a constant, generally of the order of 10 to 25 V;

k is a multiplicative factor that can be considered constant;

ICLE is a value representative of the length of the elementary free path, that is to say a value representative of the distance, for the position considered, between the contact 81 of a jumper 53 with the contact 82 opposite a fork 76.

In this embodiment, it is understood that, simultaneously by creating a multitude of elementary free paths in the preferential electrical path through the splitter device 48, an elementary free path is generated at each elementary free path current, these arc voltages adding up because the elementary free paths are in series along the preferential electric path. Thus, for a splitter device simultaneously creating N elementary free paths (which, in the example illustrated, assumes (N / 2) -1 distinct conductive elements in the first series and N / 2 distinct element conductors in the second series, plus the front and rear terminals), an accumulated arc voltage at least equal to N x Uo is immediately created along the preferential electric path.

It is also understood that, as the two parts of the splitter 48 are spaced apart, the kx ICLE portion of the arc voltage at each arc increases proportionally to the spacing of the two parts, and for the fractionation device as a whole, this part of accumulated arc voltage increases with the factor N of the number of elementary free paths, so very quickly

In this first exemplary embodiment, the first series of distinct conductive elements, carried by the first part 50, comprises 4 rows of three jumpers 53, each row being bordered by a single stud 57 at each transverse end, the second series of distinct conductor elements, carried by the second portion 50, comprises four rows of four forks 76. At its opening, the fractionator 48 thus simultaneously forms thirty-two separate elementary free paths CLE in series along the preferential electric path,

Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, even for a small relative spacing of the two parts of the splitting device, so even for a small relative displacement of the two electrodes in their opening movement, an arc voltage is created. cumulative, which is rapidly important and whose value increases very rapidly with the relative displacement of the two electrodes.

In addition, thanks to the arrangement of the splitter device 48 inside a cavity 31 of one of the electrodes, the electric arcs are confined inside the electrode and have little risk of degenerating. towards the wall 14 of the enclosure.

When the system reaches the position of the ig. 6, the accumulated arc voltage through the splitter 48 may have reached a value such that it has led to the disappearance of the electric arc. In the position illustrated in FIG. 6, the second portion 52 of the device 48 reaches its maximum spacing position relative to the first portion 50 and can no longer move back towards the second electrode 22. In any case, when the mobile connection member 24 continues its recoil movement from the position of FIG. 6 to that of FIG. 7, the contactor 38 of the connection member 24 loses contact with the contactor 39 of the fractionator 48, and moves away from it. If an electric current was still present at the time of the loss of contact (assuming that the electric arcs in the fractionator were not yet extinguished) an electric arc is likely to be created between the two contactors 38 and 39, in the same way as in a conventional device. However, this arc between the two contactors 38 and 39, creating an additional arc voltage in addition to the accumulated arc voltage inside the splitter 48, should normally lead to the extinction of the arcs. in the apparatus, this for a relatively small distance away from the two contactors 38 and 39, sufficiently low value not to create risks of seeing the arc degenerate to the wall 14 of the device.

We will now describe a second embodiment of the invention implementing the same operating principle, simply with a geometric configuration different from the separate conductive elements. Like the first embodiment, this second embodiment has two parts movable relative to each other between a contact position and a remote position. Each portion 50, 52 comprises an insulating body, the insulating body of each portion carrying a series of distinct conductive elements. As in the first embodiment, a multitude of distinct elementary free paths are created simultaneously, with geometrical dispersions, in series along a preferential electrical path through the splitter, the individual length of these electrical paths increasing simultaneously. and proportionally to the spacing of the two parts of the device.

As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 12, the first portion 50 comprises an insulating body 92, here tubular, axis Al, in which are plugged primary contact plates 94 of material conductor, which each form a separate conductive element of the first portion 50. Each primary wafer 94 extends radially inwardly, towards the axis A1, from an inner cylindrical wall 96 of the tubular insulating body 92. Each wafer primary 94 has a shape of angular sector of ring, Al axis, having an angular extent around the axis Al, for example between 5 ° and 30 °, preferably between 10 ° and 20 °, and an extent radial to the axis A1 from the inner cylindrical wall 96, to an inner diameter of the plates 94. The primary plates 94 therefore each have a front face and a rear face substantially flat and contained in a plane perpendicular to the Al axis.

The primary wafers 94 are preferably all of identical shape. As can be seen in Figs. 11 and 12, the primary plates 94 are received in corresponding housings 95 formed in the insulating body 92 and are arranged in a helical configuration. Thus, two successive primary plates 94 are offset longitudinally in the direction of the axis Al. The axial offset D of two adjacent plates, measured for example between the respective rear faces of two adjacent primary plates, is for example between 0.5 and 20. mm, preferably between 1 and 5 mm. In this embodiment, two adjacent primary plates 94 are further angularly offset so as not to present opposite portion in the axial direction. Between two adjacent primary plates, for example, a primary angular jump SI is provided around the axis A1, this angular jump SI being measured between facing edges, one of which belongs to one of the platelets and the other to the following wafer, this angular jump IF can advantageously be between 0.5 ° and 30 °, preferably between 5 ° and 20 ^e . Thus, in projection in the direction of the axis Al, two adjacent primary plates 94 do not overlap. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, by looking at the set of primary plates 94 in the direction of the axis A1, from the rear end of the fractionating device 48, two adjacent primary plates 94 are arranged such that the primary wafer 94 which is angularly offset in the clockwise direction relative to the other primary wafer is also axially offset forwardly with respect to this other primary wafer. Each primary wafer 94, with the exception of a front end primary wafer 94V and a rear end primary wafer 94, is thus framed by two adjacent primary wafers, which are the primary wafers that are closest to the primary wafer. 94 considered, both angularly and axially, and the three platelets being considered as successive in the first series of platelets. In the illustrated example, a front end plate 94V is provided to form a front terminal terminal intended to be electrically connected, preferably permanently, to a portion of the electrical circuit to be cut, for example to an upstream portion.

In the illustrated example, each revolution of the helix according to which the primary plates 94 are arranged comprises eight primary pads separated and electrically insulated from each other. In this example, it is expected that the helix has 8 turns, or 64 primary plates 94.

In the illustrated example, the first portion 50 of the fractionator 48 further comprises an outer casing 97 which is in the form of a tubular piece Al axis, preferably made of electrically insulating material, for example PTFE. The internal diameter of the tubular outer shell 97 is preferably substantially equal to the outer diameter of the insulating body 92 of the first portion 50 so that the latter, equipped with its primary plates 94, is received inside the outer casing 97. This outer casing 97 has, at its forward axial end, a radial collar which allows it to be connected to an annular guide assembly 56 which, as in the first embodiment, is intended to be slidably received according to the present invention. Al axis in a base 58 to form a mechanism for absorbing the end of travel of the connection member 24, as has been described in connection with the first embodiment. The second part 52 of the fractionating device 48, visible on (a FIG. 13, comprises an insulating body 98, here cylindrical with an axis A1 and whose outer diameter is chosen to allow the sliding of the insulating body 98 along the axis Al, in the center of the set of primary plates 94 of the first part 50, preferably without contact.This cylindrical insulating body 98, which may be tubular or which may be solid, bears radially outwardly relative to at its cylindrical outer circumferential surface 100, a series of secondary contact plates 102, forming as many distinct conducting elements of the second part 52.

Each secondary wafer 102 is thus anchored in the insulating body 100. Each secondary wafer 102 extends radially outwardly from an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical insulating body 98. Each secondary wafer 102 has the general shape of a ring angular sector, of axis A1, having an angular extent around the axis A1, for example between 5 ° and 30 °, preferably between 10 ° and 20 °, and a radial extent with respect to the axis A1 from the outer cylindrical surface 100. The secondary plates 102 have, in this embodiment, each a substantially flat front face and contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis A1

In the example illustrated, the secondary plates 102 each have a rear face having two contact elements offset along the direction of the axis A1. The contact elements here consist of two surface elements 104, 106, each of which is substantially plane. and contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis A1, the two planes of the two contact elements 104, 106 being offset axially by an axial offset value D equal to the axial offset D between two adjacent primary plates 94 of the first series. Indeed, in a relative position of electrical contact of the two parts, and except possibly the end plates of the two series, a secondary wafer 102 of the second part is intended to come into contact simultaneously with two adjacent primary wafers 94 of the first part, and vice versa a primary wafer 94 of the first series is intended to come into contact simultaneously with two adjacent secondary wafers 102 of the second part. The surface elements 104, 106 may advantageously be made of a conductive material different from that of a main body of the secondary wafer, possibly more resistant to electric arcs.

Similarly and corresponding to the arrangement of the primary plates 94 of the first part 50, the secondary plates 102 are arranged in a helix. Thus, two adjacent secondary plates 102 are angularly offset relative to each other by an angular jump S2 about the axis A1 and are axially offset by an axial offset D in the direction of the axis A1. Preferably , the angular extent of a wafer of one of the series is greater than the angular jump between the two adjacent wafers of the other series with which said wafer is intended to come into contact.

In the illustrated example, each revolution of the helix in which the secondary plates 102 are arranged has eight secondary plates separated and electrically insulated from each other on the insulating body 98. In this example, it is expected that the propeller comprises eight turns, or sixty-four secondary pads 102.

As seen in FIG. 14, the second part 52 is received coaxially inside the tubular body 92 of the first part 50, and hence inside the outer casing 97. The latter has, at its rear end, a wall annular transverse pierced at its center with an orifice 106 to allow the passage, with sliding along the axis Al, of the rear end of the cylindrical insulating body 98 of the second part. As seen in FIG. 13, this rear end of the insulating cylindrical body 98 carries a contactor 39 intended to come into electrical contact with the contactor 38 of the connection member 24, as explained in the context of the first embodiment of FIG. production. In this second embodiment, the contactor 39 is for example electrically connected to a rear terminal block 102R rear end of the series of pads 102 of the second part, which forms a rear terminal for the splitter 48.

The splitter device 48 is thus assembled, for each of the parts 50, 52 of the fractionating device, the separate conductive elements 94, 102 of the same series are arranged on the insulating body which carries them in a helical arrangement, and the two propellers of both parts are coaxial and nested. For assembly, it is possible for the primary plates 94 to be plugged into the corresponding housings 95 of the insulating tubular body 92 of the first part, radially from the outside towards the inside, after the first part 50, provided with its secondary plates 102, will have been engaged coaxially in the center of the tubular insulating body 92.

The two parts 50, 52 of the fractionator 48 are slidable relative to each other in a spacing movement between a contact position illustrated in FIG. 15 and a spaced apart position illustrated in FIG. 16. In this example, the relative movement of spacing of the two parts 50, 52 is a pure translation movement along the axis Al.

As for the first embodiment, an elastic return member is provided, for example a spring, preferably between the two moving parts of the splitter device 48 so that, in the absence of contact with the mobile connection member 24 both parties occupy their relative positions. As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 16, in this separated position, all the distinct conductive elements, in this case the primary plates 94 and the secondary plates 102, are separated from each other in the axial direction of the movement of separation of the two parts, preventing any electrical connection through a solid material between these distinct conductive elements. Under the effect of the displacement of the connection member 24, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 for the first embodiment, the two parts of the fractionating device can be brought into the contact position in which each of the plates of a series is connected to two plates of the other series to create a solid electrical connection, in the sense of a continuity of solid conductors electrically connected, through the fractionating device, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

To ensure the contact at each contact provided, there may be provided means for compensating geometric dispersions, for example by providing that the plates of at least one of the two series are elastic, or by interposing elastic contact elements.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the fractionation device 48 according to this second embodiment can be integrated within the cavity 31 of the first electrode, or, in another variant, in a cavity of the connection member. 24. Similarly, the switchgear equipped with this second embodiment of a fractionator 48 may be in the four states shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 for the first embodiment, depending on the position of the connecting member 24.

In these first and second embodiments, in the electrical contact position of the two parts of the splitting device, the distinct conducting elements, in this case of the two series, are electrically connected to the electrical circuit, and form part of this circuit. in the sense that they are not only at the potential of this circuit, but that they are actually traversed by the nominal electric current, or in any case likely to be traversed by this nominal electric current in the case where the apparatus comprises a main continuous conductive electrical path, in the extreme closed position of the movable connecting member, and a secondary continuous conductive electrical path through the splitting device when the movable connecting member has begun to depart from its extreme closing position.

Moreover, it is understood that, in these embodiments, the electric arc splitting device comprises distinct conducting elements, which, for at least one active state of the splitting device, corresponding, for these two embodiments, to the relative position separated from the two parts of the device, are separated and isolated electrically each other in order to define in the surrounding insulating fluid a multitude of successive distinct free elementary paths in which electric arcs are likely to be established at the opening and / or closing of the electrical circuit. The distinct elementary free paths are paths of least dielectric strength in the insulating fluid between two distinct proximal conducting elements belonging to one series carried by one part and the other to the other series carried by the other part, along which electric arcs are likely to be established at the opening and / or closing of the electrical circuit. It is along these elementary free paths that the dielectric breakdown occurs beyond a voltage difference threshold between the two proximal, distinct conductive elements.

For this first and second embodiment of the invention, an elementary free path, in the spaced apart position of the two parts of the device, is established between a conductive element distinct from a series, carried by one of the parts, and an element separate conductor of the other series, carried by the other party. In the first embodiment, such an elementary free path CLE is established between each contact 81 of a jumper 53 and the face-to-face contact 82 of a branch 78 of a fork 76. In the second embodiment of FIG. realization, such an elementary free path is established, in the spaced apart position of the two parts of the device, between the rear face of a primary wafer 94 and one of the two surface elements 104, 106 of a secondary wafer 102, in the fluid surrounding

In the exemplary embodiments, two successive distinct elementary free paths are electrically connected by one of the distinct conductive elements, and each elementary free path is defined between two distinct proximal conducting elements. In the first and second embodiments, two distinct proximal conductive elements do not belong to the same series and are carried by one part and the other by the other part of the device.

In addition, a separate conductive element preferably connects at most two distinct elementary free paths. In the first embodiment, insulating solid obstacles have advantageously been provided for limiting the appearance of electric arcs between two adjacent distinct conducting elements of the same series, that is to say in particular between two contacts 81 of two adjacent jumpers 53 on the same bar 54, or between two contacts 82 belonging to two adjacent forks 76 on the same row. These insulating obstacles are for example made in the form of insulating partitions 85 which extend rearwardly from a rear face of the bars to delimit the two recesses between them or to form two compartments within the same recess.

It is understood that when the two parts of the fractionation device are spaced apart, the fractionation device is theoretically insulating between the two upstream and downstream portions of the electrical circuit to be cut. However, this is only partially true since, in the event of a very high potential differential between the upstream portion and the downstream portion, electrical arcs can occur in the elementary free paths that are created. between the two parts of the fractionating device, leaving a flow of current through the fractionating device, at least up to a certain distance between the two parts.

In the fractionation device according to the invention, the separate elementary free paths are arranged in series along the preferential electric path, successively, forming as many relays, whose position is controlled, for a series of electric arcs likely to be established. .

It is noted that at least some of the distinct elementary free paths extend overlap in the direction of the relative movement of spacing of the two parts of the device, with at least one other distinct elementary free path. This allows, in a given space in the direction of separation of the two parts, to increase the number of arcs and / or to increase the cumulative total length of the distinct elementary free paths, and therefore, in the end, to increase the "arc length" and therefore the cumulative arc voltage within the device. In the first and second embodiment, it is noted that although the splitter is independent of the movable connecting member (they are not mechanically connected to each other other than via fixed parts of the apparatus), the relative displacement of spacing of the two parts 50, 52 is controlled by the opening movement of the electrodes of the apparatus between their extreme open and closed positions, in this case by the opening movement of the movable connection member 24. In these two embodiments, one of the two relatively movable parts of the fractionation device is carried by the other, and the two parts are carried by only one of the two electrodes. of the apparatus, in this case by the fixed electrode 20.

The size of this second embodiment of a splitter device 48 is substantially identical to that of the first embodiment, which allows its arrangement in a manner identical to that described above, for example inside. of the cavity 31 of the first electrode 20. It should be noted, however, that the second embodiment of the invention comprises, with similar bulk, more distinct elementary free paths, in this case 64. It is also noted that the generally cylindrical shape of the second embodiment can facilitate its integration into the arrangement generally used for these devices.

FIGS. 17 to 21 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention.

In the first two embodiments of the invention, the two relatively movable parts of the fractionation device were carried one by the other and one of the parts was secured to one of the electrodes of the breaking device. . The two relatively movable portions of the splitter device were therefore distinct from the movable connection member which, controlled from outside the enclosure of the apparatus, controls the opening or closing of the apparatus.

In this third embodiment of the invention, the fractionation device comprises two parts 50, 52 but, in this mode of embodiment, one of the parts is integral with one of the electrodes, in this case the first electrode 20, while the second part of the fractionation device is secured to the movable connection member 24 carried by the other electrode,

Moreover, in contrast to the first two embodiments in which the two relatively movable portions of the splitter each had a distinct series of distinct conductive elements, this third embodiment is distinguished in that only one of the two relatively mobile comprises a series of separate conductive elements, while the other part comprises a contactor. The series of distinct conductive elements naturally includes several distinct conducting elements.

Referring to Fig. 17, it will be seen that the first portion 50 has at least one cylindrical insulating body which carries a series of discrete conductive elements arranged in relation to one another on the insulating body according to an arrangement curve. . The discrete conductive elements are arranged successively along this arrangement curve, preferably at regular intervals. This curve could be a rectilinear curve, therefore a straight line but will preferably be a non-rectilinear curve, which could be a non-rectilinear curve in a plane but which will preferably be a three-dimensional curve that can not be inscribed in a plane. As explained further, this arrangement curve will define a preferential electrical path in an active state of the fractionator 48. In the example which will be described below, the arrangement curve is a helical curve with constant pitch.

Preferably, the spacing between two successive distinct conducting elements according to the arrangement curve of the successive distinct conducting elements is less than the spacing with any other non-successive conductive element according to the arrangement curve. This makes it possible in particular to prevent the appearance of an electric arc between two distinct non-successive conducting elements. In particular, in the case of a helical curve, the pitch of the helix is preferably greater than this spacing. However, other arrangements can be made to avoid such unwanted arcs between two discrete conductors not successive according to the layout curve.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 21, the insulating body of the first part 50 is made in two parts: an inner cylindrical part 110 of Al axis and an outer tubular cylindrical piece 112 of Al axis. Note, however, that the invention could be implemented work with only one of these two pieces. In the embodiment, the distinct conductive elements are made in the form of wafers 114 made at least partially of conductive material. These plates 114 are here substantially square shape and comprise in their center a circular bore.

In this embodiment with a body in two parts, it is provided that each plate 114, substantially flat, is received partly in a corresponding housing 116 formed in the outer cylindrical surface 118 of the inner cylindrical part 110, and partly in corresponding housings 120 arranged in an internal cylindrical surface 122 of the outer tubular cylindrical part 112. More specifically, it is here chosen that the housings 116 of the internal cylindrical part 110 are individual housings for each wafer 114. Preferably, the wafers 114 are received in these housings 116 of the inner part 110 so as to be locked in a preferred orientation. In the illustrated example, this preferred orientation corresponds to the arrangement of the plates each in a radial plane containing the axis A1, so as to protrude radially outwards with respect to the outer cylindrical surface 118 of the inner cylindrical part 110. Advantageously, a plurality of plates 114 may be contained in the same radial half plane containing the axis A1 and defined by this axis A1, being offset with respect to one another axially in the direction of the axis A1, a distance equal to the pitch of the helix of the layout curve. In the example illustrated, the housings 120 of the outer tubular cylindrical piece 112 are made in the form of grooves elongate in the direction of the axis Ai and opening into the internal cylindrical surface 122 of the outer tubular cylindrical part 112. This configuration is favorable to mounting since it is possible to arrange the plates 114 in their individual housings 116 in the inner part 110, then slide this assembly axially inside the outer tubular cylindrical piece 112, different aligned plates being received in the same groove 120. Of course, an opposite configuration could have been retained, with individual housing arranged in the outer part 112 and grooves in the inner part 110. Similarly, the plates 114 could be fixed in only one of the two internal or external parts, without being received, even partially, in a housing of the other of rooms.

According to an improvement, at least one of the two parts of the insulating body comprises a groove which extends according to the arrangement curve in which the plates 114 are arranged. This groove is intended to receive a contactor 128 of the second part 52 of the fractionator 48, at least in a relative position of electrical contact of the two parts of the fractionator. In this case, this groove is a groove elongated along a helix. In the example shown, the two parts of the insulating body are each provided with a groove. An internal groove 124 is formed in the outer cylindrical surface 118 of the inner part 110, having, in section perpendicular to the helical configuration curve of the plates, a section in an arc of a circle, for example semicircular open radially towards the outside in the outer cylindrical surface 118. An outer groove 126 is formed in the inner cylindrical surface 122 of the outer part 112, having, in section perpendicular to the helical configuration curve of the plates 114, a section in an arc of a circle, semicircular example, open radially inwards in the inner cylindrical surface 122. When the two inner 110 and outer 112 parts of the insulating body are mounted, the two inner grooves 124 and outer 126 are arranged facing one of the other along the helical curve of arrangement of plates, so as to form in the insulating body a channel of substantially circular section elongated according to the arrangement curve of the plates 114. The plates 114 are mounted in the insulating body so that their central bore is concentric with the channel section. formed by the inner grooves 124 and outer 126 in the insulating body.

It is also seen in FIG. 17 a front terminal plate 114V which is carried by the insulating body and which is intended to form a front terminal terminal electrically connected to one of the portions of the electrical circuit to cut, in this case the upstream portion connected to the first electrode 20.

The second part 52 of the fractionating device 48 essentially comprises a contactor 128 which is elongated according to a curve of identical arrangement to the arrangement curve of the plates 114 of the first part 50. The contactor 128 is made in such a way as to being conductive over its length and is intended to be worn, at its front end, by the movable connection member 24 by a fixing interface 130. In the example shown, the attachment interface 130 is made under the shape of a cylindrical barrel Al axis which is mounted on the movable connecting member 24 so as to be rotatable about the axis Al. The rotation of the barrel 130 around the axis Al can be a free rotation or a rotation controlled by the control mechanism 42. The switch 128 is arranged cantilevered forwardly relative to the barrel 130 so as to extend freely forward.

The contactor 128 is electrically connected to the other of the two portions of the electrical circuit to be cut, in this case to the downstream portion which is connected to the second electrode 22.

The displacement of the mobile connection member 24 according to its opening movement, in the direction of opening or closing of the electrical circuit, controlled by the control mechanism 42, therefore corresponds in this embodiment to the movement of the two parts 50 , 52 of the fractionator 48. In Figs. 18, 19, 20, various configurations of this third embodiment of a splitter device 48, corresponding to different operating states, have been illustrated. In these figures, the system is illustrated schematically by not showing the integration of the switch 128 on the connection member 24.

Fig. 18 illustrates a position of electrical contact of the two parts 50, 52 of the fractionator 48. In this advanced position, the switch 128 is arranged to be received in the channel formed by the internal helical grooves 124 and external 126 of the insulating body . In doing so, the switch 128 is therefore engaged in an interstitial space between the internal 110 and outer 112 parts of the insulating body of the first part. In this position, a free front end portion 129 of the contactor 128 is in electrical contact with the front terminal terminal board 114V. As a result, the downstream portion of the electrical circuit, permanently electrically connected to the contactor 128, is electrically connected by this electrical contact with the upstream portion of the electrical circuit, thus permitting the passage of the nominal current through the breaking device. , the nominal current flowing in the contactor 128. Thus, the two parts of the fractionation device establishes a continuous conductive electrical path, in particular along the contactor 128, between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit.

As for the first and the second embodiment, provision can be made for the two parts of the splitting device to establish, in the relative electrical contact position, a secondary continuous conductive electrical path that replaces a direct main direct conducting electrical path between the mobile connection member 24 and the main body of the fixed electrode 20, this as soon as the direct contact between the movable connection member 24 and the main body of the fixed electrode 20 is lost at a pair of main contacts. For this purpose, it is possible to provide an end-of-stroke absorption mechanism as described for the modes of previous achievements. However, such an end-of-stroke absorption mechanism is not illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 21.

In this way, in this position which is obtained for an electrical closing position of the electrodes of the mechanical apparatus, all the distinct conducting elements, which are part of the series carried by the first relatively mobile part of the fractionation device, are arranged along the continuous conductive electrical path.

In addition, with the configuration of the plates 114 which extend across the channel defined by the grooves 114, 116, the switch 128 is also engaged through the central hole! of each of the wafers 114.

Preferably, the switch 128 is then in electrical contact with each of the wafers 114 along the platelet arrangement curve. The switch 128 is therefore preferably provided with an outer conductive surface along the length corresponding to the length of the arrangement curve of the wafers 114.

Fig. 19 illustrates a relative position of the two parts of the splitter 48 corresponding to an intermediate spaced position. This position may in particular correspond to an intermediate position of the mobile connection member. It is therefore found that the switch is moved backwards relative to the position of FIG. 18. In this intermediate position, the switch 128 is however still partially engaged in the defined channel along the layout curve of the wafers 114 of the first part, without however extending over the entire length of this channel. Thus, the free end 129 of the switch 128 is no longer in electrical contact with the terminal terminal 114V. As a result, the solid conductive path between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit to be cut is interrupted. Depending on the intermediate position, the switch 128 has also emerged and spaced a number of platelets from the first pads 114 in their order from front to back according to the platelet arrangement curve. In this position, each of the platelets of this platelet group 114, of which the contactor has emerged, is spaced and electrically isolated from other plates 114 (in the absence of arcing), and the switch 128, In contrast, the switch 128 remains engaged with the rest of platelets, that is, that is, with the group of successive plates which are arranged behind the free end 129 of the contactor along the arrangement curve of the plates, for the relative position considered of the switch 128 relative to the insulating body 110, 112 .

The relative movement of the switch 128 away from the wafers 114 carried by the insulating body of the first portion 50 is a movement in which the switch 128 moves in accordance with the arrangement curve of the wafers 114 on the insulating body. In the case illustrated, this movement is therefore a helical movement combining a translation along the axis A1 and a rotation about the axis Al, the two movements being proportional in the measurement of the pitch of the helix formed by the curve of arrangement of the wafers. The contactor extends along the same helix. In one embodiment in which the wafers are arranged for example on an arcuate curve contained in a plane, the contactor would have a shape of an arc of the same radius and the same center, and the relative movement would be a movement relative rotation around the center of the arc common to the arrangement curve pads and contactor.

In the position of FIG. 19, all the plates 114 located in front of the free end before 129 of the switch 128 are disengaged from the contactor. The portion of the channel, along the wafer arrangement curve, which is located between the front free end 129 of the switch 128 and the front end terminal 114 is released from the contactor. On this portion, there are therefore a number of platelets 114, said group before platelets, which are separated by distinct elementary free paths CLE which follow one another in series along the curve of arrangement of platelets.

In this intermediate spaced position, the splitter device 48 defines, between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the circuit electrical, a preferential electrical path comprising, between the front main terminal 114V and the front end of the contactor 128, alternating conductive sections comprising the distinct conductive elements, here comprising the distinct conductive elements of the front group of plates, all borne by the same relatively mobile part of the wafer device, and insulating sections (in the absence of electric arc) comprising the successive distinct elementary free paths defined between two successive plates 114 of the front group. In this embodiment, the elementary free paths are created between separate conductive elements 114 belonging to the same series, carried by the same relatively mobile part 50 of the fractionator 48.

It is illustrated in FIG. 20 an extreme spaced position of the two parts of the fractionation device in which the switch 128 is completely clear of the insulating body 110, 112 carrying the plates 114. The free end 129 of the contactor 128 is therefore arranged at a distance from a terminal plate rear 114R of the series of wafers of the fractionator, and therefore spaced apart wafers carried by the first part of the fractionator.

In this extreme remote position, the fractionating device 48 defines, between its upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit, a preferential electrical path comprising, alternately, conducting sections comprising the distinct conducting elements, here including all the elements distinct conductors, all carried by the same relatively mobile part of the wafer device, and insulating sections comprising the successive distinct elementary free paths defined between two successive wafers 114. The preferred electrical path also comprises an insulating section between the rear end plate 114R and the free end 129 of the contactor 128.

In the extreme spaced position, corresponding in this case to a maximum value of the spacing of the free end 129 before the contactor 128 relative to the rear end plate 114R, this distance is determined according to the dielectric strength that is desired for the device 10 in the open position of the electrical circuit.

In the example shown, the switch 128 comprises a main conductive portion which extends in a pattern identical to that of the wafers and which has a constant section in planes perpendicular to the arrangement curve. The main portion has a length, according to the arrangement curve, at least equal to the distance, according to the arrangement curve, between the front terminal terminal 114V and the rear end plate 114R of the series of chips of the fractionating device.

It will therefore be understood that, in this third embodiment, the preferential electrical path follows the arrangement curve of the plates 114 on the insulating body of the first part of the device. Therefore, it is understood that the switch 128 has an elongate shape along the path of the preferred electric circuit defined by the platelet arrangement curve.

It is understood here that the preferential electric path is superimposed on the path of at least one of the two parts of the fractionating device in its relative spacing movement, in this case for example to the trajectory of a point of the switch 128 by relative to the insulating body 110, 112. In this way, at least some of the distinct elementary free paths extend in a path that has a non-zero component in projection in a direction perpendicular to the path of the opening movement of the organ mobile connection, and they can thus have a cumulative length greater than the length according to which they extend in the direction of the axis Al. One can thus have an upper cumulative "length of arc", and / or multiply the number of electric arcs between two successive conductive elements.

More particularly, in the case where, as described above, a channel is formed in the insulating body, the insulating body being formed in an insulating material having ablation properties allowing a rise in local pressure and having a greater dielectric strength that the surrounding fluid present in the enclosure of the apparatus, the channel tends to better channel and cool any electrical arcs caused to propagate platelet platelets, each electric arc extending between two successive platelets and each wafer then forming a form of relay between two electric arcs. Such a channel notably makes it possible to avoid the appearance of an electric arc between two discrete conductive elements 114 that are not successive along the layout curve. It therefore makes it possible to reduce the pitch of the helix in the case of a helical layout curve. This effect is further strengthened that the outer diameter of the outer surface 118 of the inner portion 110 is close to the inner diameter of the inner cylindrical surface 122 of the outer portion 112 of the insulating body. The effect will be maximum if these two diameters are equal, the channel then having a closed section through the contact between the outer surface 118 of the inner portion 110 and the inner surface 122 of the outer portion 112.

Note here that the path of the switch 128 is a helical path, at least as long as the switch 128 is not completely clear of the series of separate conductive elements 114. In contrast, the path of the movable connecting member is, overall, a translation along the axis Al.

Note that the fact that the switch 128 is engaged in the holes of the wafers 114 represents a preferred embodiment related to the arrangement of the wafers across the passage of the switch 128 along the insulating body. However, one could also consider that the plates are arranged not across the passage of the switch 128 along the insulating body, but in the immediate vicinity of this passage, without electrical contact between the pad or pads and the switch 128, for example to a distance of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 2 mm. This proximity is chosen so that, at the passage of the end 129 of the switch 128 near a given wafer, a possible electric arc between this end a previous wafer along the curve clings to said given wafer. This ensures that successive arcs cling plate wafer along the arrangement curve between the front end plate and the front end 129 of the switch 128, until the complete extinction of the arcs when the cumulative length is sufficient.

It is illustrated in FIG. 21 a possible arrangement for such a splitting device in a switchgear of the type described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. It can be seen in this Figure that the first part 50 of the fractionating device 48 can be housed inside the internal cavity 31 of the first electrode 20. The second part 52 of the fractionating device 48 can then be housed at least partly inside an internal cavity 41 of the connection member 24. The latter may have, at least in its front part, a tubular sleeve 43 of Al axis, preferably made of conductive material, inside which the cavity 41 is arranged by being open towards the front in the direction of the first electrode 20. In the embodiment illustrated, it will preferably be provided (in a manner not shown) that the contactor 128, and possibly its barrel 130 can be axially movable relative to the tubular sleeve 43 of the movable connection member 24, for example by providing a relative movement of the switch 128 relative to the sleeve 43, or alternatively n providing that the sleeve 43 is telescopic. Such an arrangement will make it possible to ensure that, in an extreme open position of the movable connecting member, retracted towards the rear, the movable contactor 128 is received as much as possible inside the cavity 41. on the contrary, when the movable connection member is controlled towards its closed position, the sleeve 43 can be made to come into axial contact forwards with a bearing surface of the first electrode 20 or of the first part 50 of the fractionating device, from an intermediate position of the movable connecting member 24, the movable contactor 128 can further continue its movement to the relative position of contact illustrated in FIG. 18. Alternatively, it could of course be provided that the first part of the splitter device 48, comprising the insulating body 110, 112 carrying the plates 114, is rotatably mounted around the axis Al in the breaking device, the contactor 128 of the second part can then be fixed in rotation about the axis Al.

According to one variant, it could be chosen that the first part 50 of the device 48, comprising the insulating body provided with the plates 114, be axially movable in the apparatus, for example by being carried by the mobile connection member 24, the contactor 128 being then fixed, which can then be fixedly arranged in the apparatus, for example in the internal cavity 31 of the first electrode 20.

This third embodiment does not include an end-of-travel absorption device of the mobile connection member. However, one could provide one, according to the same concept as described in relation to the first and the second embodiment.

The fractionation devices described above each define, outside their contact position, a preferential electric path, along which an electric current is likely to circulate in case of dielectric breakdown due to a significant electrical potential difference, exceeding the dielectric strength between the two parts of the device. Along this preferential electrical path, the electric current flows either as a conduction in separate conductive elements, solid, or as an electric arc in the elementary free paths. The preferred electrical path may be considered as a path of least dielectric strength between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the electrical circuit for the spaced apart position or parts of the fractionation device.

In the examples above, it would also be possible to implement the invention in a switchgear in which, in the electrical closing position of the electrodes of the mechanical apparatus, there would be no direct contact between the mobile connection member and the fixed electrode, an electrical contact being then established only through the device of splitting. In this case, the nominal electric current would flow through the apparatus according to the continuous conductive electrical path defined by the two parts of the splitting device in the contact position, which would then constitute a main continuous conducting electrical path, along which are arranged said separate conductive elements.

In the exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the continuous or main conductive electrical path is formed by the solid or conductive material object or objects in which the nominal electric current flows when the two members of the apparatus are in the closed position. and / or when the two parts of the splitter are in the electrical contact position. Since the continuous conductive electrical path has several solid and conductive material objects, these objects are in electrical contact with each other. The continuous conductive electrical path therefore comprises a material aspect, that of the solid and conducting material objects that compose it, and a geometrical aspect, that of the shape of these objects.

In the exemplary embodiments, the discrete conductive elements extend over only a portion of the continuous conductive electrical path in the apparatus. The remainder of the continuous conductive electrical path includes in particular the electrodes, the connection terminals and the mobile connection member.

Within the meaning of the invention, the distinct conductive elements are arranged along the continuous, main or secondary conductive electrical path, in the sense that, for at least certain states of the apparatus in which the two parts of the splitter are in position relative electrical contact, the distinct conductive elements:

- are part of the solid and conductive material objects in which circulates the continuous conductive electric current, as in the first and second embodiments; and or

as in the third embodiment are arranged in close proximity, preferably in mechanical contact, more preferably in electrical contact with one or more material objects. solid conductors in which circulates the nominal electric current. For example, it will be considered that there is immediate proximity when, under the operating conditions when opening the device, the passage of the end of the switch 128 with respect to the wafer 114 causes the attachment of the electric arc to this one.

In the exemplary embodiments, the continuous conductive electrical path is, at least for the portion along which the distinct conducting elements are arranged, a single path, in the sense that it does not comprise parallel branches, at least in this portion. .

In the exemplary embodiments, the distinct elementary free paths correspond to geometric paths along which solid and conducting material objects are not found, but insulating fluid.

It can thus be considered that, in the relative electrical contact position of the two parts of the fractionating device, the distinct elementary free paths have a zero length.

In the exemplary embodiments, each of the distinct elementary free paths is created during the opening movement of the two organs of the apparatus, in the sense that the length of the elementary free paths varies, during the opening movement as it passes by. a zero value, at a value where a cumulative arc voltage across the splitter 48 is likely to reach a value such that it leads to the disappearance of the electric arc. Preferably, in an active state of the fractionator 48, the cumulative dielectric strength of the elementary free paths in the absence of an arc becomes significant, especially greater than 1 kV / mm.

Preferably, each of the separate elementary free paths is created progressively during the opening movement of the two members of the apparatus. This progressive creation of the distinct elementary free paths from a zero value, which is allowed by the arrangement of the distinct conductive elements along the continuous conductive electrical path in which the nominal current circulates just before the loss of contact of the two parts of the splitting device, allows to control the place creation of the arches and does not require the intervention of a system to move an arc to a remote chamber as in the prior art.

In the embodiments in which the splitter device has a first portion 50 and a second portion 52 relatively movable relative to each other, each of the separate elementary free paths is created more particularly by the movement of spacing two parts of the device.

The distinct elementary free paths, or at least a part of them, can be created successively one after the other in time, in particular with a time shift related to the opening movement of the two electrodes of the apparatus, even to the movement of separation of the two parts of the splitter device when the latter comprises a first portion and a second portion movable relative to each other. This is the case in the third embodiment where the separate elementary free paths are created successively to each other as a function of the movement of the contactor backwards during the spacing movement of the contactor relative to the first portion 50 of the contactor. splitting device.

The distinct elementary free paths, or at least part of them, can be created simultaneously, as in the cases illustrated by the first mode and the second embodiment described above.

In the embodiments, for a spaced apart position, the sum of the lengths of the separate elementary free paths of the preferential electrical path is greater than the length of the spacing movement of the two relatively movable portions of the splitter between their contact position and said discarded position. This increase in the "arc length", and the possibility also of multiplying the arcs by multiplying the elementary free paths between two distinct proximal conducting elements makes it possible to increase the capacity of the splitting device, and therefore of the breaking device. , to extinguish an electric arc created at the opening by opposing a high arc voltage immediately or almost immediately, as in the first and the second embodiment of the invention. progressive way, as in the third embodiment. These two advantages can be obtained for a given compactness of the apparatus, particularly in the direction of movement of the movable connection member.

In the embodiments described, it is understood that the fractionation device creates, for at least one open position before an extreme open position, a multitude of distinct elementary paths, between a multitude of distinct electrically isolated conductor elements. each other. Preferably, the apparatus according to the invention comprises at least five distinct elementary paths, but preferably at least ten distinct elementary paths, more preferably at least 30 distinct elementary paths.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown because various modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

From the above description, it is clear that, beyond the embodiment of the fractionation device, there is a great interest in arranging the splitting device inside an internal cavity arranged in the first one. or the second electrode.

It is therefore conceivable the interest of an apparatus for mechanical breaking of a high voltage or very high voltage electrical circuit, of the type comprising two electrodes 20, 22, 24 which are intended to be electrically connected respectively to an upstream portion and a portion downstream of the electrical circuit, the two electrodes of the mechanical apparatus being movable relative to each other in an opening movement between at least one electrical opening position and at least one electrical closing position in which they establish a nominal electrical connection of the apparatus 10, said nominal electrical connection permitting passage of a nominal electrical current through the apparatus, and of the type comprising an electric arc splitting device 48 comprising a plurality of separate conductive elements which, for at least one active state of the splitter, are electrically isolated and isolated from each other s to define in a surrounding insulating fluid a multitude of successive distinct elementary free paths in which electric arcs are likely to be established on opening and / or closing of the electric circuit, and of the type comprising a sealed enclosure enclosing an insulating fluid and in which at least the first electrode is arranged 20 and the second electrode 22, this apparatus being characterized in that at least a portion of the separate conductive elements of the splitter device 48 are housed in an internal cavity provided in the first or second electrode.

In such an apparatus, the fractionation device is advantageously designed as described in the above examples, which have the advantage of a great compactness favoring their housing in an internal cavity of relatively small size, but other designs are also possible.

In such an apparatus, the internal cavity is advantageously arranged inside an envelope determined by a conductive peripheral surface of the first electrode. As a variant, at least the second electrode comprises a movable connection member 24 in an opening movement with respect to the first electrode, between an extreme electrical opening position and an extreme electrical closing position in which it establishes an electrical connection. nominal with the first electrode 20, and the internal cavity is arranged inside an envelope determined by a conductive insulating peripheral surface of the mobile connection member 24,

Claims

1 - Device for mechanical shutdown of a high voltage or very high voltage electrical circuit, of the type comprising two electrodes (20, 22, 24) which are intended to be electrically connected respectively to an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the electrical circuit, the two electrodes of the mechanical apparatus being movable relative to each other in an opening movement between at least one electrical opening position and at least one electrical closing position in which they establish an electrical connection nominal of the apparatus (10), said nominal electrical connection permitting the passage of a nominal electrical current through the apparatus, of the type comprising an electric arc splitting device (48) comprising a multitude of conductive elements (53, 76, 94, 102, 114), which, for at least one active state of the fractionation device (48), are separated and electrically isolated from each other es in order to define in a surrounding insulating fluid a multitude of successive distinct elementary free paths (CLE) in which electric arcs are capable of being established on opening and / or closing of the electric circuit, the fluid pressure being greater at 3 absolute bars,

characterized in that the splitter comprises a first portion (50) and a second portion (52), of which at least one is movable relative to the other in a relative spacing movement between:

- at least one position separated from the two parts,

and in that the splitter (48) comprises at least one of said discrete conductive elements which are arranged along the continuous conductive electrical path, defined by the two parts of the splitter in electrical contact position, for the current electrical rating through the device. 2 - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the electrical closing position of the electrodes (20, 22, 24) of the mechanical apparatus, the nominal electric current flows in a main continuous conductive electrical path, and in that that the continuous conductive electrical path for the nominal electric current defined by the two parts of the splitter in the electrical contact position constitutes a secondary continuous conductive electrical path through the apparatus, along which said separate conductive elements are disposed.

3 - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the electrical closing position of the electrodes (20, 22, 24) of the mechanical apparatus, the nominal electric current flows in the continuous conductive electrical path for the nominal electric current defined by the two parts of the splitting device in contact position, which constitutes a main continuous conducting electrical path through the apparatus, along which are disposed said separate conductive elements.

4 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the parts (50, 52) of the fractionator comprises said series of separate conductive elements (53, 76, 94, 102, 114 ) arranged along the continuous conductive electrical path.

5 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for said spaced apart position of its two parts (50, 52), the splitter (48) defines between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the circuit electric, a preferential electrical path comprising, alternately, conductive sections comprising the discrete conductive elements (53, 76, 94, 102, 114), and insulating sections comprising successive distinct free elementary paths (CLE).

6 - Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that for said spaced position, the sum of the lengths of the elementary free paths (CLE) distinct from the preferential electrical path is greater than the length of the movement of separation of the two parts between their position of contact and said spaced position. 7 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in their position of contact, the two parts (50, 52) of the fractionator are in electrical contact by a multitude of separate electrical contacts (81, 82 , 104, 106) each of which implements at least one of the distinct conductive elements (53, 76, 94, 102).

8 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the relative movement of spacing of the two parts (50, 52) is controlled by the opening movement of the electrodes (20, 22, 24) of the device between their extreme positions of opening and closing.

9 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that one of the two parts (52) relatively movable fractionator (48) comprises an elongated contactor (128), the contactor being electrically connected, at least for a phase of breaking the contact, with one of the portions of the electric circuit, and the other (50) of the two relatively mobile parts of the fractionating device comprises an insulating body (110, 112) on which is arranged said series of elements separate conductors (114), and in that the contactor and the series of discrete conductive elements are respectively arranged such that, in the position of electrical contact of the two parts, the distinct conducting elements (114) are arranged on the insulating body (110, 112) successively along the elongated contactor (128).

10 - Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that in extreme remote position, the switch (128) is spaced apart from the distinct conductive elements (114).

11 - Apparatus according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the switch (128) is elongated in a helical curve.

12 - Apparatus according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the insulating body (110, 112) on which is arranged the series of separate conductive elements (114) forms a channel (122, 124) in which s extends the contactor (128) to the contact position, the channel being at least partially released from the contactor in remote positions or intermediate to form a preferential electric arc path between two successive discrete conductive elements (114).

13 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each of the two parts (50, 52) of the relatively movable fractionator comprises an insulating body (54, 74, 92, 98) on which is arranged a series of distinct conductive elements (94, 102) electrically insulated from each other, and in that the two sets of discrete conductive elements are respectively arranged such that:

in the relative position of electrical contact of the two parts, each distinct conducting element (94, 102) of the two series, with the exception of end elements, is in electrical contact with two successive distinct conducting elements (102, 94) of the other series;

- In any relative position separated from the two parts distinct from the relative position of electrical contact of the two parts, each separate conductive element (94, 102) of the two series is separated from the separate conductive elements (102, 94) of the other series.

14 - Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the relative spacing movement of the two parts (50, 52) of the splitter device (48) simultaneously causes the establishment or simultaneous removal of the electrical contact between all the conductive elements (94, 102) of the two series.

15 - Apparatus according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that, to ensure the contact at each contact provided, there is provided means for compensating geometric dispersions.

16 - Apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the distinct conductive elements of at least one of the two series are elastic.

17 - Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, to ensure the contact at each contact provided, is interposed elastic contact elements.

18 - Apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, in the separated position, separate elementary free paths (CLE) are created on the one hand between a distinct conductive element (94, 102) of a first series and a separate conductive element (102, 94) proximal to the other series, and secondly between said distinct proximal conductive element of the other series and another distinct conductive element of the first series.

19 - Apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that insulating barriers (85) are provided to limit the occurrence of arcing between two adjacent conductive elements (94, 102) of the same series .

20 - Apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that, for each of the parts (50, 52) of the fractionation device (48), the separate conductive elements (94, 102) of the same series are arranged on the insulating body (92, 98) in a helical arrangement, and in that the two helices of the two parts are coaxial and interleaved.

21 - Apparatus according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that, for each of the parts (50, 52) of the fractionator (48), the separate conductive elements (53, 76) of the same series are arranged on the insulating body (54, 74) in a plurality of parallel rows, and in that the rows of the two parts are parallel and interleaved.

22 - Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a nominal charging current through the connection apparatus is likely to pass, in the electrical contact position of the two parts (50, 52) of the device. splitting (48) by the separate conductive elements (53, 76, 94, 102) of the splitter (48).

23 - Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first electrode (20) is fixed and a second electrode (22) comprises a movable connecting member (24).

24 - Apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that a first portion (50) of the fractionator is carried by the first electrode (20), in that the second portion (52) of the fractionator (48) is carried by the first part (50) of the fractionating device or by the first electrode (20), with the possibility of relative movement of spacing between the contact position and the spaced apart position, in that the movable connecting member (24) is in contact with the second portion (52) of the splitter (48) between a closed position of the movable connecting member (24) and an intermediate position of the movable connecting member (24) corresponding to the spaced apart position of the two parts (50, 52) of the splitter (48), and that the movable connecting member (24) is spaced from the second portion (52) of the splitter (48) between its intermediate position and an extreme open position,

25 - Apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that, between the closed and intermediate positions of the movable connection member (24), at least one separate conductive element (63, 102R) of the fractionating device is electrically connected to the movable connecting member (24) by the contact (38, 39, 129, 114V) of the movable connecting member (24) with the second portion (52) of the fractionating device (48).

26 - Apparatus according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that a nominal charging current through the connection apparatus is likely to pass, in the electrical contact position of the two parts (50, 52) of the fractionator (48) by an electrical contact (38, 39, 129, 114V) between the movable connecting member (24) and the second portion (52) of the splitter (48).

27 - Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sealed enclosure (16) enclosing an insulating fluid and wherein are arranged at least the first electrode (20) and the second electrode (22), and in that at least a portion of the discrete conductive elements (53, 76, 94, 102, 114) of the splitter (48) are housed in an internal cavity (31) in the first or second electrode.

28 - Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the inner cavity (31) is arranged within a casing determined by a conductive peripheral surface (32) of the first electrode (20). 29 - Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that at least the second electrode comprises a movable connecting member (24) in an opening movement relative to the first electrode, between an extreme position of electrical opening and a extreme electric closing position in which it establishes a nominal electrical connection with the first electrode (20), and in that the internal cavity is arranged inside a casing determined by a conductive peripheral surface of the connection member mobile (24).

30 - Apparatus according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that at least one of the parts (50, 52) of the fractionation device (48) is carried by the first electrode (20), and in that the relative displacement of spacing of the two parts (50, 52) is controlled by the opening movement of the electrodes (20, 22, 24) between their extreme open and closed positions.