EP3857585B1 - Electric arc-extinguishing device for an electrical protection unit, and electrical protection apparatus incorporating said device - Google Patents

Electric arc-extinguishing device for an electrical protection unit, and electrical protection apparatus incorporating said device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3857585B1
EP3857585B1 EP18796707.0A EP18796707A EP3857585B1 EP 3857585 B1 EP3857585 B1 EP 3857585B1 EP 18796707 A EP18796707 A EP 18796707A EP 3857585 B1 EP3857585 B1 EP 3857585B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electric arc
restrike
splitting
zone
extinguishing device
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EP18796707.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3857585A1 (en
Inventor
Gauthier DÉPLAUDE
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Hager Electro SAS
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Hager Electro SAS
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H01H9/362—Mounting of plates in arc chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H01H2009/365—Metal parts using U-shaped plates

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of devices for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protective device, preferably of the modular type, as well as the field of electrical protective devices, preferably of the modular type, integrating such extinguishing devices. of an electric arc.
  • an electrical protection device comprises at least one pair of contacts which includes a fixed contact and a moving contact.
  • This pair of contacts can adopt two stable positions, namely a so-called closed position, in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact, and an open position of the contacts, in which the movable contact is at a distance from the contact. fixed. If a fault appears on the line to be protected by the electrical protection device, a mechanical lock makes it possible to switch the pair of contacts from their closed position to their open position. Under these conditions, an electric arc is created between the fixed contact and the movable contact and, more particularly, at their respective electrodes. In order to control this electric arc, an extinguishing chamber or interrupting chamber is generally provided in the electrical protection device.
  • This extinguishing chamber comprises a device for extinguishing an electric arc which has the function of splitting the electric arc formed at the level of the pair of contacts into a plurality of small split electric arcs.
  • maximum compactness is sought. Therefore, in order to increase the voltage of the electric arc and thus limit and rapidly reduce the intensity to zero, so as to isolate the fault, it is known, rather than lengthen the column of the electric arc and thus increase its tension, to split it into a plurality of small fractionated electric arcs to obtain a similar or even improved effect.
  • This splitting of the electric arc is usually carried out by means of a plurality of conductive splitting plates which the extinguishing device comprises which are mounted parallel to each other.
  • this plurality of small split electric arcs can become unstable within the plurality of splitter plates. More particularly, it happens that one of the split electric arcs escapes from the splitting zone to come close to the entrance zone of the plurality of splitting plates, which causes a re-ignition of the electric arc and a decrease in the value of the voltage, and then impacts the performance of the protective electrical device. This restrike phenomenon can lead to the destruction of the electrical protection device, even before the current can be cut following the occurrence of the fault, which is not desirable.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a solution aiming to avoid the re-ignition of the electric arc, having a limited size and aiming to improve the performance and the robustness of the electrical protection device in which the device of extinction is intended to be integrated.
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is designed to be arranged only opposite the positioning zone P, which makes it possible to propose an extinguishing device 1 of compact form, since said at least least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" remains confined at the level of the positioning zone P, which has the advantage of not increasing its size.
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" cannot in any case be placed outside this positioning zone P. It is therefore particularly suitable for being integrated into an electrical device of protection 2 compact and in particular of the modular type. In addition, this particular selection makes it possible not to degrade the performance of the electrical protection device 2 in which it is intended to be integrated.
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" forms a barrier to movement in the second re-ignition direction D2 of a fractional electric arc EF, which is located either at the level of the column of the fractional electric arc EF, or at the level of the feet of the fractional electric arc EF ( figures 3A and 3B ).
  • This barrier to movement advantageously opposes a low resistance to the entry of the electric arc, which has been created between the movable contact 16 and the fixed contact 15 due to the particular configuration of said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11 ', 11", when the latter moves in the first splitting direction D1.
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is made of electrically insulating material, this provides an significant and optimal gain in arc voltage by gas-producing effect and by increasing the pressure within the electric arc extinguishing chamber. Therefore thanks to this advantageous configuration, initially the electric arc, which was created between the movable contact 16 and the fixed contact 15, during the opening of the latter, moves at the level of the entry zone 8, then in a second time the electric arc is split at the level of the bottom of the notch 6. A plurality of split electric arcs EF is then created in the split zone ( figures 3A and 3B ).
  • the first and second median axes M1, M2 each extend in a transverse direction which is in the direction of the width l1 of the splitting plate 3.
  • Each splitting plate 3 comprises two main faces 12.
  • the largest dimension of extension of said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" extends in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral edge 5 of said at least one splitter plate 3, facing which the anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is arranged ( figure 3B , 5 , 6A , 8 , 9 and 11 ).
  • said at least one anti-restart element 11, 11', 11" is arranged upstream of the splitting zone 9 of the electric arc ( figures 3A and 3B ).
  • This arrangement forms an obstacle preventing the return of a fractionated electric arc EF which would be located in the splitting zone 9 in the second restart direction D2 towards the entry zone 8, without hindering either the passage of the electric arc, nor the splitting of the electric arc and without creating additional space.
  • the predetermined length L1 is less ( figure 3B , 5 , 6A , 9 and 11 ) or equal ( figure 8 ) to a width l1 of the splitter plate 3.
  • the predetermined length L1 is preferably at least greater than or equal to three quarters of the width lb1 of the branch 10.
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11" consists of a projecting portion of predetermined length L1 which projects from at least one of the two support elements 4 ( figure 3B , 4 , 5 , 6A 6B , 7 , 8 ) or at least one separate support piece ( figure 10 and 11 ).
  • the separate support piece may consist of a part of an envelope of the electrical protection device 2, for example, a side wall 23 of the envelope, a portion of which is located at the level of the extinguishing chamber 22 of the electric arc.
  • the protruding portion may consist of an elongated element, preferably rectilinear.
  • This particularly advantageous arrangement according to the first possibility makes it possible to take advantage of the existence of the two support elements 4, which have the primary function of supporting the splitting plates 3, or of a separate support piece, to arrange said at least one 11, 11" anti-reboot element. This also results in ease of putting implementation of the present invention at the time of assembly of the electrical protection device 2, since no other additional part must be added or added.
  • said at least one of the support elements 4 comprises a plate 13 comprising two large side edges 14 and said projecting portion of said at least one anti-reboot element 11 projects from a large side edges 14 ( figure 3B , 4 , 5 , 6A , 6B , 7 , 8 ).
  • Plate 13 is preferably perforated.
  • each support element 4 comprises a plate 13 comprising a plurality of projecting portions forming a plurality of anti-reboot elements 11 and the projecting portions of one of the plates 13 are located opposite protruding portions of the other of the plates 13 ( figure 5 , 6A and 6B ).
  • the pair of plate 13, optionally perforated, each provided with protruding portions constitutes two parts.
  • Each part then has the shape of a comb having an L-shaped section, the teeth of which correspond to the projecting portions ( figure 4 ).
  • These parts may have come from molding.
  • these plates 13 provided with projecting portions can be made of a polymer material, for example polyamide.
  • each perforated plate 13 has two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 13'.
  • One of the rows R2 is located in the immediate vicinity of the side edge 14 from which the projecting portions extend.
  • the protruding portions of length L1 and of thickness e are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a regular interval by a perforation 13'.
  • the protruding portions consist of straight elongated elements.
  • the projecting portions of a perforated plate 13 are fourteen in number.
  • the perforations 13' of each row R1, R2 are thirteen in number.
  • the fractionation plates 3 are thirteen in number.
  • a perforation 13' is provided to form a fixing with a tab 3' protruding from the side edge 5 of the splitting plate 3.
  • the tabs 3' are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 13'.
  • each support element 4 comprises a plate 13 comprising a plurality of projecting portions and the projecting portions of one of the plates 13 are connected to the projecting portions of the other of the plates 13, so as to form a plurality of anti-reboot elements 11 of predetermined length L1 substantially equal to the width l1 of the splitter plate 3 ( figure 7 and 8 ).
  • Plate 13 is preferably perforated.
  • each perforated plate 13 has two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 13'.
  • One of the rows R2 is located in the immediate vicinity of the side edge 14 from which extend the protruding portions which in this example are in the form of rectilinear elongated elements.
  • the plurality of rectilinear elongated elements form a center distance between the two perforated plates 13 which are kept parallel to each other and at a distance.
  • Each rectilinear elongated element has a length L1 and a thickness of zero.
  • the plurality of rectilinear elongated elements are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a regular interval by a perforation 13'. These rectilinear elongated elements are fourteen in number.
  • the perforations 13' of each row R1, R2 are thirteen in number.
  • the fractionation plates 3 are thirteen in number.
  • a perforation 13' is provided to form a fixing with a tongue 3' protruding from the side edge 5 of the splitting plate 3.
  • the tongues 3' are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 13'.
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11 is arranged opposite and at a distance from the main face 12 of at least one splitter plate 3 ( figure 6B ).
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11' consists of at least one coating layer extending only over all or part of the positioning zone P ( figure 9 ).
  • said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is arranged facing and in contact with the main face 12 of at least one splitter plate 3.
  • the electric arc extinguishing device 1 comprises a plurality of central anti-reignition elements 11, 11', 11" which each extend between two adjacent splitter plates 3 ( figure 3A , 6B , 8 and 11 ).
  • the thickness e of the anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is preferably strictly less than the distance interval I between two adjacent splitting plates 3 and greater than half the distance I between two fractionation plates 3.
  • This advantageous arrangement facilitates the insertion/integration of said at least one anti-reignition element 11, 11', 11" between two adjacent splitter plates 3. Furthermore, the resistance to splitting of the electric arc, which could provide said at least one anti-reboot element 11, is thus limited.
  • the electric arc extinguishing device 1 comprises at least one end anti-reignition element 11, 11', 11" placed opposite an end splitting plate 3 ( Figures 3A, 3B , 5 , 6A , 8 and 11 ).
  • the extinguishing device 1 has thirteen fractionation plates 3, including two end fractionation plates 3, twelve central anti-reboot elements 11 and two of anti-reboot elements 11 extremal.
  • the extinguishing device 1 can be configured so that between each adjacent splitter plate 3 is arranged a central anti-reboot element 11, or for a number n of splitter plates 3, n-1 number of element anti-reboot 11 central.
  • the extinguishing device 1 can be configured so that in front of the two end fractionation plates 3 is arranged an end anti-reboot element 11, ie two end anti-reboot elements 11 in total.
  • the electrical protective device 2 is characterized in that the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22 comprises the electric arc extinguishing device 1 according to the invention.
  • the electrical protection device 2 comprises an envelope which comprises two side walls 23, the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22 being delimited at least by the two side walls 23 on at least one of which said at least one anti-reboot element 11" ( figure 10 and 11 ).
  • This particularly advantageous arrangement makes it possible to take advantage of the existence of at least one side wall 23, the main function of which is to mechanically maintain the various components of the electrical protection device 2, in order to place said at least one anti-reboot element 11 ".
  • This also results in an ease of implementation of the present invention at the time of assembly of the electrical protection device 2, since no other additional part has to be added.
  • the side walls 23 and said at least one anti-reboot element 11" can be made of a polymer material, for example polyamide.
  • At least one of the side walls 23 comprises a plurality of anti-reboot elements 11" consisting of a plurality of projecting portions of predetermined length L1 ( figure 10 and 11 ).
  • the protruding portions of length L1 and of thickness e are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a regular interval.
  • the protruding portions consist of straight elongated elements.
  • either only one of the side walls 23 can comprise the plurality of anti-reboot elements 11", or each of the side walls 23 can comprise the plurality of anti-reboot elements 11".
  • the component Ue can be of the order of 18 volts, while the second component E0 can be a few volts per millimeter. It therefore follows from this relationship that to increase the voltage of the electric arc Uarc, it is better to split the electric arc into a multitude of fractionated electric arcs EF, in order to maximize the preponderant term Ue, rather than to lengthen the electric arc is the choice that is made in the present invention which seeks to favor compactness.
  • the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22 can be divided into three subassemblies.
  • the fixed contact 15 comprises an electrode or contact patch 24, which can be made of silver graphite alloy (AgC).
  • the movable contact 16 can itself be made of silver-plated copper (Cu/Ag). The electric arc is formed in this first sub-assembly when the fixed/mobile contacts 15, 16 open.
  • the second sub-assembly also called the prechamber, are located two conductive horns 25 and 26 which face each other and which delimit the prechamber 27. Their function is to guide the electric arc towards the plurality of splitting plates 3.
  • One of the conductive horns 25 carries the fixed contact 15.
  • the conductive horns 25, 26 are preferably made of mild steel coated with copper or nickel.
  • the conductive horns 25, 26 diverge from the first subset to the third subset.
  • the pre-chamber 27 can also comprise two insulating cheeks 27' facing each other and which are mounted on the side walls 23.
  • these insulating cheeks 27' can be made of polymer, such as polyamide.
  • the insulating cheeks 27' have the function of forming exhaust channels C for the expulsion of the ionized gases created within the chamber 22 for extinguishing the electric arc.
  • the extinguishing device 1 of the electric arc is arranged the extinguishing device 1 of the electric arc according to the invention.
  • This third sub-assembly therefore comprises at least a plurality of electric arc splitter plates 3 arranged substantially parallel to each other and being held together by a distance interval I between two adjacent splitter plates 3 by two support elements 4 arranged on at least part of each side edge 5 that each of the splitter plates 3 comprises.
  • One of the conductive horns 26 extends into this third sub-assembly.
  • the splitter plates 3 can be made of mild steel coated with copper or nickel.
  • the two support elements 4 can be made of insulating material, for example, of insulating cardboard.
  • the width l1 of the splitter plates 3 occupies substantially the entire width lm of the electrical protection device 2, this width possibly being one module, as explained below ( figure 2B and 3B ).
  • the width l1 can be substantially between 13 and 15 millimeters, while the width lm of the electrical protection device 2 can be 18 millimeters.
  • the electrical protection device 2 is preferably of the modular type, and thus has a width lm which is a multiple of a module, that is to say that the distance between the two side walls 23 of the casing of the electrical protection device 2 corresponds to a multiple of a standardized value, called module.
  • the width of a module is substantially of the order of 18 millimeters.
  • the electrical protection device 2 has a width lm of a single module ( figure 2B and 3B ).
  • the electrical protection device 2 may consist of a circuit breaker or a differential circuit breaker, preferably of the modular type.
  • the electrical protective device 2 can be provided to protect a single line (electrical protective device 2 monopolar) or several lines (electrical protective device 2 multipolar).
  • the first line can comprise a first connection terminal 28 and a second connection terminal 29 between which the fixed contact 15 and the movable contact 16 are arranged.
  • the first connection terminal 28 is preferably provided to be electrically connected to the electrical network
  • the second connection terminal 29 is preferably designed to be electrically connected to a load of an electrical installation.
  • the fixed contact 15 can be electrically connected to the first connection terminal 28 and the movable contact 16 can be electrically connected to the second connection terminal 29.
  • the magnetic actuator 21 is electrically connected, on the one hand, to the first connection terminal 28 and, on the other hand, to the fixed contact 15, between the latter.
  • the magnetic actuator 21 comprises a coil 30 surrounding a mobile core 31 in translation which can strike the trigger 19, so as to actuate the mechanical lock 18.
  • the mobile core 31 is configured to move in the event of a short-circuit.
  • the thermal actuator 21' is electrically connected, on the one hand, to the second connection terminal 29 and, on the other hand, to the movable contact 16, between the latter.
  • the thermal actuator 21' can consist of a bimetallic strip, electrically connected or not to the moving contact 4 by a flexible conductor (not shown) such as a conductive braid, arranged to actuate the trigger 19' under the effect of a deformation of the bimetallic strip so as to actuate the mechanical lock 18.
  • a flexible conductor such as a conductive braid
  • the bimetallic strip is deformed by direct or indirect heating of the flexible conductor, in the event of prolonged overcurrent.

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  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des dispositifs d'extinction d'un arc électrique pour un appareil électrique de protection, préférentiellement de type modulaire, ainsi que le domaine des appareils électriques de protection, préférentiellement de type modulaire, intégrant de tels dispositifs d'extinction d'un arc électrique.The present invention relates to the field of devices for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protective device, preferably of the modular type, as well as the field of electrical protective devices, preferably of the modular type, integrating such extinguishing devices. of an electric arc.

De manière connue, un appareil électrique de protection comprend au moins une paire de contacts qui comporte un contact fixe et un contact mobile. Cette paire de contacts peut adopter deux positions stables à savoir, une position dite de fermeture, dans laquelle le contact fixe et le contact mobile sont en contact, et une position d'ouverture des contacts, dans laquelle le contact mobile est à distance du contact fixe. En cas d'apparition d'un défaut sur la ligne à protéger par l'appareil électrique de protection, une serrure mécanique permet de faire basculer la paire de contacts de leur position de fermeture vers leur position d'ouverture. Dans ces conditions un arc électrique est créé entre le contact fixe et le contact mobile et, plus particulièrement, au niveau de leurs électrodes respectives. Afin de maîtriser cet arc électrique, une chambre d'extinction ou chambre de coupure est généralement prévue dans l'appareil électrique de protection. Cette chambre d'extinction comprend un dispositif d'extinction d'un arc électrique qui a pour fonction de fractionner l'arc électrique formé au niveau de la paire de contacts en une pluralité de petits arcs électriques fractionnés. En effet, dans les appareils électriques de protection de type modulaire, une compacité maximale est recherchée. C'est pourquoi, afin d'augmenter la tension de l'arc électrique et ainsi limiter et faire baisser rapidement l'intensité pour qu'elle soit égale à zéro, de sorte à isoler le défaut, il est connu, plutôt que d'allonger la colonne de l'arc électrique et ainsi augmenter sa tension, de le fractionner en une pluralité de petits arcs électriques fractionnés pour obtenir un effet similaire voire amélioré. Ce fractionnement de l'arc électrique est habituellement réalisé au moyen d'une pluralité de plaques de fractionnement conductrices que comprend le dispositif d'extinction qui sont montées parallèles entre elles. Il a toutefois été constaté qu'après fractionnement de l'arc électrique, cette pluralité de petits arcs électriques fractionnés peut devenir instable au sein de la pluralité de plaques de fractionnement. Plus particulièrement, il arrive qu'un des arcs électriques fractionnés s'échappe de la zone de fractionnement pour arriver à proximité de la zone d'entrée de la pluralité de plaques de fractionnement, ce qui provoque un réamorçage de l'arc électrique et une diminution de la valeur de la tension, et impacte alors la performance de l'appareil électrique de protection. Ce phénomène de réamorçage peut mener à la destruction de l'appareil électrique de protection, avant même que le courant n'est pu être coupé suite à la survenue du défaut, ce qui n'est pas souhaitable.In known manner, an electrical protection device comprises at least one pair of contacts which includes a fixed contact and a moving contact. This pair of contacts can adopt two stable positions, namely a so-called closed position, in which the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact, and an open position of the contacts, in which the movable contact is at a distance from the contact. fixed. If a fault appears on the line to be protected by the electrical protection device, a mechanical lock makes it possible to switch the pair of contacts from their closed position to their open position. Under these conditions, an electric arc is created between the fixed contact and the movable contact and, more particularly, at their respective electrodes. In order to control this electric arc, an extinguishing chamber or interrupting chamber is generally provided in the electrical protection device. This extinguishing chamber comprises a device for extinguishing an electric arc which has the function of splitting the electric arc formed at the level of the pair of contacts into a plurality of small split electric arcs. Indeed, in electrical protective devices of the modular type, maximum compactness is sought. Therefore, in order to increase the voltage of the electric arc and thus limit and rapidly reduce the intensity to zero, so as to isolate the fault, it is known, rather than lengthen the column of the electric arc and thus increase its tension, to split it into a plurality of small fractionated electric arcs to obtain a similar or even improved effect. This splitting of the electric arc is usually carried out by means of a plurality of conductive splitting plates which the extinguishing device comprises which are mounted parallel to each other. However, it has been found that after splitting the electric arc, this plurality of small split electric arcs can become unstable within the plurality of splitter plates. More particularly, it happens that one of the split electric arcs escapes from the splitting zone to come close to the entrance zone of the plurality of splitting plates, which causes a re-ignition of the electric arc and a decrease in the value of the voltage, and then impacts the performance of the protective electrical device. This restrike phenomenon can lead to the destruction of the electrical protection device, even before the current can be cut following the occurrence of the fault, which is not desirable.

Les documents US 2009/0255904 A1 , FR 2 873 511 A1 , EP 1098331 A2 et US 2003/0094439 A1 , ont déjà fait état d'une telle problématique.The documents US 2009/0255904 A1 , FR 2 873 511 A1 , EP 1098331 A2 and US 2003/0094439 A1 , have already reported such a problem.

Dans le document US 2009/0255904 A1 , il est question de revêtir au moins un côté d'une plaque de fractionnement d'un matériau isolant, à l'exception d'une partie située à l'arrière de l'encoche de la plaque de fractionnement, qui en est dépourvue. Cette solution présente l'inconvénient de créer une très forte surpression dans l'appareil pouvant mener à son explosion.In the document US 2009/0255904 A1 , it is a question of coating at least one side of a splitter plate with an insulating material, with the exception of a part located at the rear of the notch of the splitter plate, which is devoid of it. This solution has the disadvantage of creating a very strong overpressure in the apparatus which can lead to its explosion.

Dans le document FR 2 873 511 A1 , il est proposé de rajouter des moyens isolants formant une barrière isolante entre les électrodes des contacts et l'extrémité amont de l'assemblage de plaques de fractionnement. Ces moyens isolants se présentent sous la forme de coiffes recouvrant cette extrémité amont. Toutefois, cette solution ne permet pas de fractionner l'arc électrique de manière satisfaisante du fait de la présence des coiffes et diminue la performance de l'appareil électrique. Par ailleurs, l'ajout de coiffes est intrusif et augmente l'encombrement.In the document FR 2 873 511 A1 , it is proposed to add insulating means forming an insulating barrier between the electrodes of the contacts and the upstream end of the assembly of splitting plates. These insulating means are in the form of caps covering this upstream end. However, this solution does not make it possible to split the electric arc in a satisfactory manner due to the presence of the caps and reduces the performance of the electrical device. Moreover, the addition of caps is intrusive and increases the bulk.

Enfin, le document US 2003/0094439 A1 enseigne de prévoir une plaque en matériau isolant au niveau de l'assemblage de plaques de fractionnement, soit à la place d'une plaque de fractionnement, soit en plus des plaques de fractionnement. Cette solution présente aussi l'inconvénient de diminuer la performance de l'appareil électrique de protection ou celui d'augmenter l'encombrement de la chambre de coupure.Finally, the document US 2003/0094439 A1 teaches to provide a plate of insulating material at the assembly of splitter plates, either instead of a splitter plate, or in addition to the splitter plates. This solution also has the disadvantage of reducing the performance of the electrical protection device or that of increasing the size of the extinguishing chamber.

La présente invention a pour but de pallier ces inconvénients en proposant une solution visant à éviter le réamorçage de l'arc électrique, présentant un encombrement limité et visant à améliorer la performance et la robustesse de l'appareil électrique de protection dans lequel le dispositif d'extinction est destiné à être intégré.The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a solution aiming to avoid the re-ignition of the electric arc, having a limited size and aiming to improve the performance and the robustness of the electrical protection device in which the device of extinction is intended to be integrated.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif d'extinction d'un arc électrique pour un appareil électrique de protection comprenant :

  • une pluralité de plaques de fractionnement de l'arc électrique disposées sensiblement parallèles les unes par rapport aux autres et étant maintenues entre elles d'un intervalle de distance I entre deux plaques de fractionnement adjacentes par deux éléments de support disposés sur au moins une partie de chaque bord latéral que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement,
    • chaque plaque de fractionnement comprenant, en outre, une encoche d'entrée de l'arc électrique, débutant au niveau d'un bord inférieur que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement, l'ensemble des encoches d'entrée formant une zone d'entrée de l'arc électrique agencée pour guider l'arc électrique vers une zone de fractionnement de l'arc électrique, située en aval de ladite zone d'entrée, selon un premier sens de fractionnement de l'arc électrique, de sorte à fractionner l'arc électrique en une pluralité d'arcs électriques fractionnés,
    • chaque encoche d'entrée de l'arc électrique délimitant deux branches que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement, chaque branche présentant une largeur lb1 variable en fonction du profil du bord de l'encoche d'entrée ou constante,
  • au moins un élément anti-réamorçage de l'arc électrique en matériau isolant électrique,
    • ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage étant disposé en regard d'une face principale d'au moins une plaque de fractionnement,
    • le dispositif d'extinction est caractérisé en ce que :
      • la face principale comprend une zone amont et une zone aval, disjointes l'une de l'autre, la zone amont étant située au niveau de la surface des branches et étant délimitée par le bord de l'encoche, et la zone aval correspondant à la surface restante de la face principale,
      • la face principale comprend, en outre, une zone de positionnement dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage en regard de laquelle est disposé ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage, la zone de positionnement s'étendant entre un premier axe médian de la zone amont et un deuxième axe médian de la zone aval,
      • ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage présente une longueur prédéterminée L1 configurée pour empêcher le retour de l'arc électrique, après son fractionnement en une pluralité d'arcs électriques fractionnés, selon un sens opposé au premier sens de fractionnement, dit deuxième sens de réamorçage.
To this end, the invention relates to a device for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protective device comprising:
  • a plurality of electric arc splitter plates arranged substantially parallel to each other and being held together by an interval of distance I between two adjacent splitter plates by two support members arranged over at least a part of each side edge that each of the splitter plates comprises,
    • each splitter plate further comprising an electric arc entry notch, starting at a lower edge that each of the splitter plates comprises, the set of entry notches forming an entry zone of the electric arc arranged to guide the electric arc towards an electric arc splitting zone, located downstream of said entry zone, according to a first electric arc splitting direction, so as to split the electric arc into a plurality of split electric arcs,
    • each electric arc entry notch delimiting two branches that each of the splitting plates comprises, each branch having a variable width lb1 depending on the profile of the edge of the entry notch or constant,
  • at least one anti-reignition element of the electric arc made of electrical insulating material,
    • said at least one anti-reboot element being arranged facing a main face of at least one splitter plate,
    • the extinguishing device is characterized in that:
      • the main face comprises an upstream zone and a downstream zone, separate from each other, the upstream zone being located at the level of the surface of the branches and being delimited by the edge of the notch, and the downstream zone corresponding to the remaining surface of the main face,
      • the main face further comprises a zone for positioning said at least one anti-reboot element opposite which said at least one anti-reboot element is arranged, the positioning zone extending between a first median axis of the zone upstream and a second median axis of the downstream zone,
      • said at least one anti-restart element has a predetermined length L1 configured to prevent the return of the electric arc, after its splitting into a plurality of split electric arcs, in a direction opposite to the first splitting direction, called the second splitting direction reboot.

L'invention concerne également un appareil électrique de protection comprenant :

  • au moins une première ligne comprenant une paire de contacts respectivement un contact fixe et un contact mobile,
  • un organe de commande de la position du contact mobile, relié au contact mobile par l'intermédiaire d'une serrure mécanique apte à basculer entre deux positions stables correspondant respectivement à l'ouverture et à la fermeture des contacts fixe et mobile suite à une action sur l'organe de commande, ou à basculer dans une position d'ouverture des contacts fixe et mobile suite à une action mécanique d'au moins un déclencheur répercutant un défaut électrique sur ladite au moins une première ligne,
  • des moyens de déclenchement comportant au moins un actionneur magnétique et/ou thermique et/ou électronique prévu pour actionner ledit au moins un déclencheur en vue du déclenchement de la serrure mécanique, et
  • au moins une chambre d'extinction d'un arc électrique,
    appareil électrique de protection caractérisé en ce que la chambre d'extinction de l'arc électrique comprend le dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique selon la présente invention.
The invention also relates to an electrical protection device comprising:
  • at least a first line comprising a pair of contacts respectively a fixed contact and a movable contact,
  • a device for controlling the position of the movable contact, connected to the movable contact by means of a mechanical lock capable of switching between two stable positions corresponding respectively to the opening and closing of the fixed and movable contacts following an action on the control member, or to switch into an open position of the fixed and movable contacts following a mechanical action of at least one trigger affecting an electrical fault on said at least one first line,
  • triggering means comprising at least one magnetic and/or thermal and/or electronic actuator provided to actuate said at least one trigger with a view to triggering the mechanical lock, and
  • at least one electric arc extinguishing chamber,
    electrical protection apparatus characterized in that the electric arc extinguishing chamber comprises the electric arc extinguishing device according to the present invention.

L'invention sera mieux comprise, grâce à la description ci-après, qui se rapporte à plusieurs modes de réalisation préférés, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et expliqués avec référence aux dessins schématiques annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue d'élévation en plan d'un appareil électrique de protection de ligne modulaire, de type disjoncteur, selon l'invention, montrant une paire de contacts en position d'ouverture des contacts et comprenant une chambre d'extinction munie d'un dispositif d'extinction d'un arc électrique,
  • les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues schématiques en coupe de côté et de face de la chambre d'extinction munie d'un dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique connu de l'art antérieur,
  • les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues schématiques en coupe de côté et de face de la chambre d'extinction munie d'un dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique selon l'invention,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un élément de support, pour le maintien des plaques de fractionnement du dispositif d'extinction selon l'invention de l'arc électrique, qui est muni d'une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage sous forme d'une pluralité de portions saillantes,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en perspective du dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique selon l'invention dans une première variante de réalisation comprenant deux éléments de support tels qu'illustrés à la figure 4,
  • la figure 6A est une vue de face du dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique illustré à la figure 5,
  • la figure 6B est une vue de côté du dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique illustré à la figure 5, avec une portion de l'élément de support partiellement retirée pour montrer un élément anti-réamorçage sous forme d'une portion saillante,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective de deux éléments de support, pour le maintien des plaques de fractionnement du dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique selon l'invention, qui sont munis d'une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage sous forme d'une pluralité de portions saillantes reliées entre elles,
  • la figure 8 est une vue en perspective du dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique selon l'invention dans une deuxième variante de réalisation comprenant les deux éléments de support illustrés à la figure 7,
  • la figure 9 est une vue de face d'un dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique selon l'invention dans une troisième variante de réalisation, montrant une plaque de fractionnement qui est revêtue sur sa face principale d'une couche de revêtement formant un élément anti-réamorçage,
  • la figure 10 est une vue en perspective d'une paroi latérale de l'appareil électrique de protection modulaire selon l'invention, dans un mode de réalisation dans lequel la paroi latérale comprend, au niveau de la chambre d'extinction, une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage consistant en une pluralité de portions saillantes,
  • la figure 11 est une vue en perspective de la paroi latérale de la figure 10 sur laquelle est monté un dispositif d'extinction de l'arc électrique connu de l'art antérieur,
  • les figures 12 et 13 sont des vues schématiques d'une plaque de fractionnement montrant la face principale qui comprend une zone amont, une zone aval et une zone de positionnement,
  • la figure 14 montre des courbes A et B de l'évolution de la tension en fonction du temps d'un appareil électrique de protection intégrant le dispositif d'extinction selon l'invention, courbe A, et d'un appareil électrique de protection connu de l'art antérieur, courbe B.
The invention will be better understood, thanks to the description below, which relates to several preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a plan elevational view of an electrical modular line protection device, of the circuit breaker type, according to the invention, showing a pair of contacts in the open position of the contacts and comprising an extinguishing chamber provided with a device for extinguishing an electric arc,
  • them figures 2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional side and front views of the extinguishing chamber fitted with an electric arc extinguishing device known from the prior art,
  • them figures 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional side and front views of the extinguishing chamber provided with an electric arc extinguishing device according to the invention,
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of a support member, for holding the splitter plates of the extinguishing device according to the invention of the electric arc, which is provided with a plurality of anti-reignition elements in the form of a plurality of projecting portions,
  • the figure 5 is a perspective view of the electric arc extinguishing device according to the invention in a first embodiment variant comprising two support elements as illustrated in figure 4 ,
  • the Figure 6A is a front view of the electric arc extinguishing device illustrated in figure 5 ,
  • the figure 6B is a side view of the electric arc extinguishing device shown in figure 5 , with a portion of the support element partially removed to show an anti-reboot element in the form of a protruding portion,
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view of two support elements, for holding the splitter plates of the electric arc extinguishing device according to the invention, which are provided with a plurality of anti-reignition elements in the form of a plurality of projecting portions interconnected,
  • the figure 8 is a perspective view of the electric arc extinguishing device according to the invention in a second variant embodiment comprising the two support elements illustrated in figure 7 ,
  • the figure 9 is a front view of an electric arc extinguishing device according to the invention in a third variant embodiment, showing a splitter plate which is coated on its main face with a coating layer forming an anti - reboot,
  • the figure 10 is a perspective view of a side wall of the modular electrical protection device according to the invention, in an embodiment in which the side wall comprises, at the level of the extinguishing chamber, a plurality of anti - repriming consisting of a plurality of protruding portions,
  • the figure 11 is a perspective view of the side wall of the figure 10 on which is mounted a device for extinguishing the electric arc known from the prior art,
  • them figure 12 and 13 are schematic views of a fractionation plate showing the main face which includes an upstream zone, a downstream zone and a positioning zone,
  • the figure 14 shows curves A and B of the evolution of the voltage as a function of time of an electrical protection device integrating the extinguishing device according to the invention, curve A, and an electrical protection device known from the prior art, curve B.

Un dispositif d'extinction 1 d'un arc électrique pour un appareil électrique de protection 2 comprend :

  • une pluralité de plaques de fractionnement 3 de l'arc électrique disposées sensiblement parallèles les unes par rapport aux autres et étant maintenues entre elles d'un intervalle de distance I entre deux plaques de fractionnement 3 adjacentes par deux éléments de support 4 disposés sur au moins une partie de chaque bord latéral 5 que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement 3 (figures 1, 2A, 3A, 5, 6B, 8 et 11)
    • chaque plaque de fractionnement 3 comprenant, en outre, une encoche d'entrée 6 de l'arc électrique, débutant au niveau d'un bord inférieur 7 que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement 3 (figures 2B, 3B, 5, 6A, 8, 9, 11, 12 et 13), l'ensemble des encoches d'entrée 6 formant une zone d'entrée 8 de l'arc électrique agencée pour guider l'arc électrique vers une zone de fractionnement 9 de l'arc électrique, située en aval de ladite zone d'entrée 8, selon un premier sens de fractionnement D1 de l'arc électrique, de sorte à fractionner l'arc électrique en une pluralité d'arcs électriques fractionnés EF (figures 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5, 8 et 11)
    • chaque encoche d'entrée 6 de l'arc électrique délimitant deux branches 10 que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement 3 (figures 2B, 3B, 5, 6A, 8, 9, 12 et 13), chaque branche 10 présentant une largeur lbl variable en fonction du profil du bord 6' de l'encoche d'entrée 6 (figure 13) ou constante (figure 12),
  • au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" de l'arc électrique en matériau isolant électrique,
    ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" étant disposé en regard d'une face principale 12 d'au moins une plaque de fractionnement 3 (figures 3A, 3B, 5, 6A, 6B, 8, 9 et 11).
A device 1 for extinguishing an electric arc for an electrical protective device 2 comprises:
  • a plurality of electric arc splitter plates 3 arranged substantially parallel to each other and being held together by an interval of distance I between two adjacent splitter plates 3 by two support elements 4 arranged over at least a part of each side edge 5 that each of the splitting plates 3 ( figure 1 , 2A , 3A , 5 , 6B , 8 and 11 )
    • each splitter plate 3 further comprising an entry notch 6 for the electric arc, starting at the level of a lower edge 7 which each of the splitter plates 3 ( figure 2B , 3B , 5 , 6A , 8 , 9 , 11 , 12 and 13 ), the set of entry notches 6 forming an entry zone 8 of the electric arc arranged to guide the electric arc towards a splitting zone 9 of the electric arc, located downstream of said zone of input 8, according to a first direction of splitting D1 of the electric arc, so as to split the electric arc into a plurality of split electric arcs EF ( Figures 2A, 2B , 3A, 3B , 5 , 8 and 11 )
    • each entry notch 6 of the electric arc delimiting two branches 10 that each of the splitting plates 3 ( figure 2B , 3B , 5 , 6A , 8 , 9 , 12 and 13 ), each branch 10 having a variable width lbl depending on the profile of the edge 6' of the entry notch 6 ( figure 13 ) or constant ( figure 12 ),
  • at least one anti-restart element 11, 11', 11" of the electric arc made of electrical insulating material,
    said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" being arranged facing a main face 12 of at least one splitter plate 3 ( Figures 3A, 3B , 5 , 6A, 6B , 8 , 9 and 11 ).

Conformément à l'invention, le dispositif d'extinction 1 est caractérisé en ce que :

  • la face principale 12 comprend une zone amont AM et une zone aval AV, disjointes l'une de l'autre, la zone amont AM étant située au niveau de la surface des branches 10 et étant délimitée par le bord 6' de l'encoche 6, et la zone aval AV correspondant à la surface restante de la face principale 12 (figures 3A, 3B, 5, 8, 9, 12 et 13)
  • la face principale 12 comprend, en outre, une zone de positionnement P dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" en regard de laquelle est disposé ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" la zone de positionnement P s'étendant entre un premier axe médian M1 de la zone amont AM et un deuxième axe médian M2 de la zone aval AV (figures 5, 8, 9, 12 et 13),
  • ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" présente une longueur prédéterminée L1 configurée pour empêcher le retour de l'arc électrique, après son fractionnement en une pluralité d'arcs électriques fractionnés EF, selon un sens opposé au premier sens de fractionnement D1, dit deuxième sens de réamorçage D2 (figures 3A, 4, 5, 6A, 7, 8 et 9).
In accordance with the invention, the extinguishing device 1 is characterized in that:
  • the main face 12 comprises an upstream zone AM and a downstream zone AV, separated from each other, the upstream zone AM being located at the level of the surface of the branches 10 and being delimited by the edge 6' of the notch 6, and the downstream zone AV corresponding to the remaining surface of the main face 12 ( Figures 3A, 3B , 5 , 8 , 9 , 12 and 13 )
  • the main face 12 also comprises a positioning zone P of said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" facing which said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is arranged the positioning zone P extending between a first central axis M1 of the upstream zone AM and a second central axis M2 of the downstream zone AV ( figure 5 , 8 , 9 , 12 and 13 ),
  • said at least one anti-restart element 11, 11', 11" has a predetermined length L1 configured to prevent the return of the electric arc, after its splitting into a plurality of split electric arcs EF, in a direction opposite to the first direction of splitting D1, called second direction of restarting D2 ( figure 3A , 4 , 5 , 6A , 7 , 8 and 9 ).

Avantageusement, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" est prévu pour être disposé uniquement en regard de la zone de positionnement P, ce qui permet de proposer un dispositif d'extinction 1 de forme compacte, puisque ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" reste confiné au niveau de la zone de positionnement P, ce qui présente l'avantage de ne pas augmenter son encombrement. Conformément à l'invention, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" ne peut en aucun cas être disposé en dehors de cette zone de positionnement P. Il est donc particulièrement adapté à être intégré dans un appareil électrique de protection 2 compact et notamment de type modulaire. En outre, cette sélection particulière permet de ne pas dégrader les performances de l'appareil électrique de protection 2 dans lequel il est destiné à être intégré. En effet, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" forme, une barrière au déplacement selon le deuxième sens de réamorçage D2 d'un arc électrique fractionné EF, qui est située au niveau soit de la colonne de l'arc électrique fractionné EF, soit au niveau des pieds de l'arc électrique fractionné EF (figures 3A et 3B). Cette barrière au déplacement oppose avantageusement une faible résistance à l'entrée de l'arc électrique, qui a été créé entre le contact mobile 16 et le contact fixe 15 du fait de la configuration particulière dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11", lorsque celui-ci se déplace selon le premier sens de fractionnement D1. Enfin, du fait que ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" est en matériau isolant électrique, celui-ci apporte un gain important et optimal de tension d'arc par effet gazogène et par augmentation de la pression au sein de la chambre d'extinction de l'arc électrique. Par conséquent grâce à cette configuration avantageuse, dans un premier temps l'arc électrique, qui a été créé entre le contact mobile 16 et le contact fixe 15, lors de l'ouverture de ces derniers, se déplace au niveau de la zone d'entrée 8, puis dans un second temps l'arc électrique est fractionné au niveau du fond de l'encoche 6. Une pluralité d'arcs électriques fractionnés EF est ensuite créée dans la zone de fractionnement (figures 3A et 3B). Du fait de l'instabilité du phénomène, un arc électrique fractionné EF qui se dirigerait selon le deuxième sens de réamorçage D2 en direction de la zone d'entrée, serait empêché, grâce audit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" de retourner dans la zone d'entrée 8. Le réamorçage de l'arc électrique est ainsi évité et la tension de l'arc électrique n'est pas diminuée par l'instabilité due au réamorçage. Par ailleurs, lors du fractionnement se produit un effet gazogène qui augmente la tension de l'arc électrique (voir bosse directement après le temps t1' sur la courbe A à la figure 14). Le fractionnement de l'arc électrique se poursuit (voir plateau après la bosse et jusqu'au temps t2' sur la courbe A à la figure 14). Puis, la tension électrique diminue (voir variation à partir du temps t2' sur la courbe A à la figure 14), signe que l'arc électrique a été éteint. Avantageusement, du fait que le réamorçage de l'arc électrique est évité et de l'effet gazogène, l'arc électrique est éteint plus rapidement que dans l'art antérieur. La comparaison des courbes A et B à la figure 14 montre que la diminution de la tension électrique aux temps t2, t2' intervient plus rapidement pour la courbe A que pour la courbe B. Enfin, La comparaison des courbes A et B à la figure 14 montre que le plateau entre les temps t1' et t2' de la courbe A est plus lisse que celui de la courbe B pour l'intervalle de temps entre t1 et t2 qui présente une pluralité de pics dus aux réamorçages successifs. Il en résulte que grâce à la solution proposée par la présente invention, la configuration dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" n'impacte pas la performance de l'appareil électrique de protection 2, et au contraire améliore la performance de l'appareil électrique de protection 2. Par conséquent, en disposant ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" uniquement et sélectivement en regard de la zone de positionnement P et de sorte à ce qu'il s'étende selon la longueur prédéterminée L1, la compacité, l'effet gazogène et la performance du dispositif d'extinction selon l'invention sont améliorés.Advantageously, said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is designed to be arranged only opposite the positioning zone P, which makes it possible to propose an extinguishing device 1 of compact form, since said at least least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" remains confined at the level of the positioning zone P, which has the advantage of not increasing its size. In accordance with the invention, said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" cannot in any case be placed outside this positioning zone P. It is therefore particularly suitable for being integrated into an electrical device of protection 2 compact and in particular of the modular type. In addition, this particular selection makes it possible not to degrade the performance of the electrical protection device 2 in which it is intended to be integrated. Indeed, said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" forms a barrier to movement in the second re-ignition direction D2 of a fractional electric arc EF, which is located either at the level of the column of the fractional electric arc EF, or at the level of the feet of the fractional electric arc EF ( figures 3A and 3B ). This barrier to movement advantageously opposes a low resistance to the entry of the electric arc, which has been created between the movable contact 16 and the fixed contact 15 due to the particular configuration of said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11 ', 11", when the latter moves in the first splitting direction D1. Finally, since said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is made of electrically insulating material, this provides an significant and optimal gain in arc voltage by gas-producing effect and by increasing the pressure within the electric arc extinguishing chamber. Therefore thanks to this advantageous configuration, initially the electric arc, which was created between the movable contact 16 and the fixed contact 15, during the opening of the latter, moves at the level of the entry zone 8, then in a second time the electric arc is split at the level of the bottom of the notch 6. A plurality of split electric arcs EF is then created in the split zone ( figures 3A and 3B ). Due to the instability of the phenomenon, a split electric arc EF which would be directed according to the second direction of restrike D2 in the direction of the entry zone, would be prevented, thanks to said at least one anti-restrike element 11, 11', 11" to return to the entry zone 8. Restriking of the electric arc is thus avoided and the voltage of the electric arc is not reduced by the instability due to the restrike. produces a gas-generating effect which increases the voltage of the electric arc (see bump directly after time t1' on curve A at the figure 14 ). The splitting of the electric arc continues (see plateau after the bump and up to time t2' on curve A at the figure 14 ). Then, the electrical voltage decreases (see variation from time t2' on curve A at figure 14 ), a sign that the electric arc has been extinguished. Advantageously, due to the fact that the re-ignition of the electric arc is avoided and the gas-producing effect, the electric arc is extinguished more quickly than in the prior art. The comparison of curves A and B at the figure 14 shows that the decrease in electrical voltage at times t2, t2' occurs more rapidly for curve A than for curve B. Finally, the comparison of curves A and B at the figure 14 shows that the plateau between times t1' and t2' of curve A is smoother than that of curve B for the time interval between t1 and t2 which has a plurality of peaks due to successive restrikes. As a result, thanks to the solution proposed by the present invention, the configuration of said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" does not impact the performance of the electrical protection device 2, and on the contrary improves the performance of the electrical protection device 2. Consequently, by arranging said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" only and selectively opposite the positioning zone P and so that it extends along the predetermined length L1, the compactness, the gas generating effect and the performance of the extinguishing device according to the invention are improved.

Les premier et deuxième axes médians M1, M2 s'étendent chacun selon une direction transversale qui est dans le sens de la largeur l1 de la plaque de fractionnement 3.The first and second median axes M1, M2 each extend in a transverse direction which is in the direction of the width l1 of the splitting plate 3.

Chaque plaque de fractionnement 3 comprend deux faces principales 12.Each splitting plate 3 comprises two main faces 12.

De préférence, la plus grande dimension d'extension dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" s'étend dans une direction longitudinale sensiblement perpendiculaire au bord latéral 5 de ladite au moins une plaque de fractionnement 3, en regard de laquelle l'élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" est disposé (figures 3B, 5, 6A, 8, 9 et 11).Preferably, the largest dimension of extension of said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" extends in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral edge 5 of said at least one splitter plate 3, facing which the anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is arranged ( figure 3B , 5 , 6A , 8 , 9 and 11 ).

Préférentiellement, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" est disposé en amont de la zone de fractionnement 9 de l'arc électrique (figures 3A et 3B).Preferably, said at least one anti-restart element 11, 11', 11" is arranged upstream of the splitting zone 9 of the electric arc ( figures 3A and 3B ).

Cette disposition forme un obstacle empêchant le retour d'un arc électrique fractionné EF qui serait situé dans la zone de fractionnement 9 dans le deuxième sens de réamorçage D2 vers la zone d'entrée 8, sans gêner ni le passage de l'arc électrique, ni le fractionnement de l'arc électrique et sans créer un encombrement supplémentaire.This arrangement forms an obstacle preventing the return of a fractionated electric arc EF which would be located in the splitting zone 9 in the second restart direction D2 towards the entry zone 8, without hindering either the passage of the electric arc, nor the splitting of the electric arc and without creating additional space.

De préférence, la longueur prédéterminée L1 est inférieure (figures 3B, 5, 6A, 9 et 11) ou égale (figure 8) à une largeur l1 de la plaque de fractionnement 3.Preferably, the predetermined length L1 is less ( figure 3B , 5 , 6A , 9 and 11 ) or equal ( figure 8 ) to a width l1 of the splitter plate 3.

Dans ce cas, la longueur prédéterminée L1 est, préférentiellement, au moins supérieure ou égale aux trois quarts de la largeur lb1 de la branche 10.In this case, the predetermined length L1 is preferably at least greater than or equal to three quarters of the width lb1 of the branch 10.

Dans une première possibilité selon l'invention, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11" consiste en une portion saillante de longueur prédéterminée L1 qui est saillante d'au moins un des deux éléments de support 4 (figures 3B, 4, 5, 6A 6B, 7, 8) ou d'au moins une pièce de support disjointe (figures 10 et 11).In a first possibility according to the invention, said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11" consists of a projecting portion of predetermined length L1 which projects from at least one of the two support elements 4 ( figure 3B , 4 , 5 , 6A 6B , 7 , 8 ) or at least one separate support piece ( figure 10 and 11 ).

La pièce de support disjointe peut consister en une partie d'une enveloppe de l'appareil électrique de protection 2, par exemple, une paroi latérale 23 de l'enveloppe, dont une portion est située au niveau de la chambre d'extinction 22 de l'arc électrique.The separate support piece may consist of a part of an envelope of the electrical protection device 2, for example, a side wall 23 of the envelope, a portion of which is located at the level of the extinguishing chamber 22 of the electric arc.

La portion saillante peut consister en un élément allongé, préférentiellement rectiligne.The protruding portion may consist of an elongated element, preferably rectilinear.

Cette disposition particulièrement avantageuse selon la première possibilité, permet de tirer parti de l'existence des deux éléments de support 4, qui ont pour fonction première de supporter les plaques de fractionnement 3, ou d'une pièce de support disjointe, pour y disposer ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11 ". Il en résulte également une facilité de mise en œuvre de la présente invention au moment de l'assemblage de l'appareil électrique de protection 2, puisqu'aucune autre pièce additionnelle ne doit être rajoutée ou rapportée.This particularly advantageous arrangement according to the first possibility, makes it possible to take advantage of the existence of the two support elements 4, which have the primary function of supporting the splitting plates 3, or of a separate support piece, to arrange said at least one 11, 11" anti-reboot element. This also results in ease of putting implementation of the present invention at the time of assembly of the electrical protection device 2, since no other additional part must be added or added.

Conformément à une spécificité de cette première possibilité selon l'invention, ledit au moins un des éléments de support 4 comprend une plaque 13 comprenant deux grands bords latéraux 14 et ladite portion saillante dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11 est saillante d'un des grands bords latéraux 14 (figures 3B, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7, 8). La plaque 13 est préférentiellement perforée.In accordance with a specificity of this first possibility according to the invention, said at least one of the support elements 4 comprises a plate 13 comprising two large side edges 14 and said projecting portion of said at least one anti-reboot element 11 projects from a large side edges 14 ( figure 3B , 4 , 5 , 6A , 6B , 7 , 8 ). Plate 13 is preferably perforated.

Selon une première variante de réalisation de cette première possibilité, chaque élément de support 4 comprend une plaque 13 comprenant une pluralité de portions saillantes formant une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11 et les portions saillantes d'une des plaques 13 sont situées en regard des portions saillantes de l'autre des plaques 13 (figures 5, 6A et 6B).According to a first variant embodiment of this first possibility, each support element 4 comprises a plate 13 comprising a plurality of projecting portions forming a plurality of anti-reboot elements 11 and the projecting portions of one of the plates 13 are located opposite protruding portions of the other of the plates 13 ( figure 5 , 6A and 6B ).

Dans ce cas, il suffit de modifier les deux éléments de support 4 connus de l'art antérieur, d'y ajouter lesdites portions saillantes et de les substituer. Aucune autre pièce additionnelle ne doit être rajoutée. Cette disposition est particulièrement adaptée à l'industrialisation de la solution. En effet, préférentiellement, la paire de plaque 13, optionnellement perforée, chacune munie de portions saillantes constitue deux pièces. Chaque pièce présente alors une forme de peigne ayant une section en L dont les dents correspondent aux portions saillantes (figure 4). Ces pièces peuvent être venues de moulage. Par exemple, ces plaques 13 munies des portions saillantes peuvent être dans un matériau polymère, par exemple en polyamide.In this case, it suffices to modify the two support elements 4 known from the prior art, to add said protruding portions thereto and to replace them. No other additional part should be added. This arrangement is particularly suited to the industrialization of the solution. Indeed, preferably, the pair of plate 13, optionally perforated, each provided with protruding portions constitutes two parts. Each part then has the shape of a comb having an L-shaped section, the teeth of which correspond to the projecting portions ( figure 4 ). These parts may have come from molding. For example, these plates 13 provided with projecting portions can be made of a polymer material, for example polyamide.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif illustré aux figures 4, 5, 6A et 6B, chaque plaque perforée 13 présente deux rangées R1, R2 sensiblement parallèles entres elles de perforations 13' alignées. Une des rangées R2 se situe à proximité immédiate du bord latéral 14 duquel s'étendent les portions saillantes. Les portions saillantes de longueur L1 et d'épaisseur e sont sensiblement parallèles entre elles et sont espacées les unes des autres d'un intervalle régulier par une perforation 13'. Les portions saillantes consistent en des éléments allongés rectilignes. Les portions saillantes d'une plaque perforée 13 sont au nombre de quatorze. Les perforations 13' de chaque rangée R1, R2 sont au nombre de treize. Les plaques de fractionnement 3 sont au nombre de treize. Une perforation 13' est prévue pour former une fixation avec une languette 3' saillante du bord latéral 5 de la plaque de fractionnement 3. Les languettes 3' sont agencées pour être emboîtées dans les perforations 13'.In the non-limiting example illustrated in figure 4 , 5 , 6A and 6B , each perforated plate 13 has two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 13'. One of the rows R2 is located in the immediate vicinity of the side edge 14 from which the projecting portions extend. The protruding portions of length L1 and of thickness e are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a regular interval by a perforation 13'. The protruding portions consist of straight elongated elements. The projecting portions of a perforated plate 13 are fourteen in number. The perforations 13' of each row R1, R2 are thirteen in number. The fractionation plates 3 are thirteen in number. A perforation 13' is provided to form a fixing with a tab 3' protruding from the side edge 5 of the splitting plate 3. The tabs 3' are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 13'.

Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation de cette première possibilité, chaque élément de support 4 comprend une plaque 13 comprenant une pluralité de portions saillantes et les portions saillantes d'une des plaques 13 sont reliées aux portions saillantes de l'autre des plaques 13, de sorte à former une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11 de longueur prédéterminée L1 sensiblement égale à la largeur l1 de la plaque de fractionnement 3 (figures 7 et 8). La plaque 13 est préférentiellement perforée.According to a second alternative embodiment of this first possibility, each support element 4 comprises a plate 13 comprising a plurality of projecting portions and the projecting portions of one of the plates 13 are connected to the projecting portions of the other of the plates 13, so as to form a plurality of anti-reboot elements 11 of predetermined length L1 substantially equal to the width l1 of the splitter plate 3 ( figure 7 and 8 ). Plate 13 is preferably perforated.

Dans ce cas, il suffit de modifier les deux éléments de support 4 connus de l'art antérieur, d'y ajouter lesdites portions saillantes de chaque élément de support 4 qui se rejoignent à leurs extrémités libres et de les substituer. Aucune autre pièce additionnelle ne doit être rajoutée. Cette disposition est particulièrement adaptée à l'industrialisation de la solution. En effet, préférentiellement, les deux plaques 13, optionnellement perforées, et les portions saillantes constituent une seule pièce. La manipulation est donc facilitée ainsi que l'assemblage du dispositif d'extinction 1.In this case, it suffices to modify the two support elements 4 known from the prior art, to add said protruding portions of each support element 4 which meet at their free ends and to replace them. No other additional part should be added. This arrangement is particularly suited to the industrialization of the solution. Indeed, preferably, the two plates 13, optionally perforated, and the projecting portions constitute a single piece. Handling is therefore facilitated as well as the assembly of the extinguishing device 1.

Dans l'exemple non limitatif illustré aux figures 7 et 8, chaque plaque perforée 13 présente deux rangées R1, R2 sensiblement parallèles entres elles de perforations 13' alignées. Une des rangées R2 se situe à proximité immédiate du bord latéral 14 duquel s'étendent les portions saillantes qui dans cet exemple sont sous la forme d'éléments allongés rectilignes. Plus particulièrement, la pluralité d'éléments allongés rectilignes forme un entraxe entre les deux plaques perforées 13 qui sont maintenues parallèles entre elles et à distance. Chaque élément allongé rectiligne présente une longueur L1 et une d'épaisseur e. La pluralité d'éléments allongés rectilignes sont sensiblement parallèles entre eux et sont espacés les uns des autres d'un intervalle régulier par une perforation 13'. Ces éléments allongés rectilignes sont au nombre de quatorze. Les perforations 13' de chaque rangée R1, R2 sont au nombre de treize. Les plaques de fractionnement 3 sont au nombre de treize. Une perforation 13' est prévue pour former une fixation avec une languette 3' saillante du bord latéral 5 de la plaque de fractionnement 3. Les languettes 3' sont agencées pour être emboîtées dans les perforations 13'.In the non-limiting example illustrated in figure 7 and 8 , each perforated plate 13 has two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 13'. One of the rows R2 is located in the immediate vicinity of the side edge 14 from which extend the protruding portions which in this example are in the form of rectilinear elongated elements. More particularly, the plurality of rectilinear elongated elements form a center distance between the two perforated plates 13 which are kept parallel to each other and at a distance. Each rectilinear elongated element has a length L1 and a thickness of zero. The plurality of rectilinear elongated elements are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a regular interval by a perforation 13'. These rectilinear elongated elements are fourteen in number. The perforations 13' of each row R1, R2 are thirteen in number. The fractionation plates 3 are thirteen in number. A perforation 13' is provided to form a fixing with a tongue 3' protruding from the side edge 5 of the splitting plate 3. The tongues 3' are arranged to be fitted into the perforations 13'.

Préférentiellement selon l'invention, la première possibilité et ses variantes de réalisation, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11 est disposé en regard et à distance de la face principale 12 d'au moins une plaque de fractionnement 3 (figure 6B).Preferably according to the invention, the first possibility and its variant embodiments, said at least one anti-reboot element 11 is arranged opposite and at a distance from the main face 12 of at least one splitter plate 3 ( figure 6B ).

Dans ce cas, il n'y a pas de contact entre ledit élément anti-réamorçage 11 et la face principale 12.In this case, there is no contact between said anti-reboot element 11 and the main face 12.

Selon une deuxième possibilité selon l'invention, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11' consiste en au moins une couche de revêtement s'étendant uniquement sur tout ou partie de la zone de positionnement P (figure 9).According to a second possibility according to the invention, said at least one anti-reboot element 11' consists of at least one coating layer extending only over all or part of the positioning zone P ( figure 9 ).

Dans ce cas, il suffit de déposer une couche de revêtement sur la ou sur chaque face principale 12 d'une ou de plusieurs plaques de fractionnement 3. Aucune autre pièce additionnelle ne doit être rajoutée.In this case, it suffices to deposit a layer of coating on the or on each main face 12 of one or more splitting plates 3. No other additional part needs to be added.

Préférentiellement selon l'invention, la première possibilité et ses variantes de réalisation, ainsi que la deuxième possibilité, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" est disposé en regard et en contact de la face principale 12 d'au moins une plaque de fractionnement 3.Preferably according to the invention, the first possibility and its variant embodiments, as well as the second possibility, said at least one anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is arranged facing and in contact with the main face 12 of at least one splitter plate 3.

De préférence, le dispositif d'extinction 1 de l'arc électrique comprend une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" centraux qui s'étendent chacun entre deux plaques de fractionnement 3 adjacentes (figures 3A, 6B, 8 et 11).Preferably, the electric arc extinguishing device 1 comprises a plurality of central anti-reignition elements 11, 11', 11" which each extend between two adjacent splitter plates 3 ( figure 3A , 6B , 8 and 11 ).

Dans ce cas, l'épaisseur e de l'élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" est, de préférence, strictement inférieure à l'intervalle de distance I entre deux plaques de fractionnement 3 adjacentes et supérieure à la moitié de la distance I entre deux plaques de fractionnement 3.In this case, the thickness e of the anti-reboot element 11, 11', 11" is preferably strictly less than the distance interval I between two adjacent splitting plates 3 and greater than half the distance I between two fractionation plates 3.

Cette disposition avantageuse permet de faciliter l'insertion/l'intégration dudit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" entre deux plaques de fractionnement 3 adjacentes. Par ailleurs, la résistance au fractionnement de l'arc électrique, que pourrait apporter ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, est ainsi limitée.This advantageous arrangement facilitates the insertion/integration of said at least one anti-reignition element 11, 11', 11" between two adjacent splitter plates 3. Furthermore, the resistance to splitting of the electric arc, which could provide said at least one anti-reboot element 11, is thus limited.

De préférence, le dispositif d'extinction 1 de l'arc électrique comprend au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11, 11', 11" extrémal disposé en regard d'une plaque de fractionnement 3 extrémale (figures 3A, 3B, 5, 6A, 8 et 11).Preferably, the electric arc extinguishing device 1 comprises at least one end anti-reignition element 11, 11', 11" placed opposite an end splitting plate 3 ( Figures 3A, 3B , 5 , 6A , 8 and 11 ).

Comme l'illustrent les figures 3A à 8, le dispositif d'extinction 1 compte treize plaques de fractionnement 3, dont deux plaques de fractionnement 3 extrémales, douze d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11 centraux et deux d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11 extrémaux. Ainsi, le dispositif d'extinction 1 peut être configuré de sorte qu'entre chaque plaque de fractionnement 3 adjacentes soit disposé un élément anti-réamorçage 11 central, soit pour un nombre n de plaques de fractionnement 3, n-1 nombre d'élément anti-réamorçage 11 centraux. En outre, le dispositif d'extinction 1 peut être configuré de sorte qu'en face des deux plaques de fractionnement 3 extrémales soit disposé un élément anti-réamorçage 11 extrémal, soit deux éléments anti-réamorçage 11 extrémaux au total.As illustrated by the figures 3A to 8 , the extinguishing device 1 has thirteen fractionation plates 3, including two end fractionation plates 3, twelve central anti-reboot elements 11 and two of anti-reboot elements 11 extremal. Thus, the extinguishing device 1 can be configured so that between each adjacent splitter plate 3 is arranged a central anti-reboot element 11, or for a number n of splitter plates 3, n-1 number of element anti-reboot 11 central. In addition, the extinguishing device 1 can be configured so that in front of the two end fractionation plates 3 is arranged an end anti-reboot element 11, ie two end anti-reboot elements 11 in total.

Comme l'illustre la figure 1, un appareil électrique de protection 2 comprend :

  • au moins une première ligne comprenant une paire de contacts respectivement un contact fixe 15 et un contact mobile 16,
  • un organe de commande 17 de la position du contact mobile 16, relié au contact mobile 16 par l'intermédiaire d'une serrure mécanique 18 apte à basculer entre deux positions stables correspondant respectivement à l'ouverture (figure 1) et à la fermeture des contacts fixe 15 et mobile 16 suite à une action sur l'organe de commande 17, ou à basculer dans une position d'ouverture des contacts fixe 15 et mobile 16 suite à une action mécanique d'au moins un déclencheur 19, 19' répercutant un défaut électrique sur ladite au moins une première ligne,
  • des moyens de déclenchement 20 comportant au moins un actionneur magnétique 21 et/ou thermique 21' et/ou électronique prévu pour actionner ledit au moins un déclencheur 19, 19' en vue du déclenchement de la serrure mécanique 18, et
  • au moins une chambre d'extinction 22 d'un arc électrique.
As illustrated by figure 1 , an electrical protective device 2 comprises:
  • at least a first line comprising a pair of contacts respectively a fixed contact 15 and a movable contact 16,
  • a control member 17 for the position of the movable contact 16, connected to the movable contact 16 via a mechanical lock 18 able to switch between two stable positions corresponding respectively to the opening ( figure 1 ) and the closing of the fixed 15 and mobile 16 contacts following an action on the control member 17, or to switch into an open position of the fixed 15 and mobile 16 contacts following a mechanical action of at least one trigger 19, 19' reflecting an electrical fault on said at least one first line,
  • triggering means 20 comprising at least one magnetic 21 and/or thermal 21' and/or electronic actuator provided to actuate said at least one trigger 19, 19' with a view to triggering the mechanical lock 18, and
  • at least one extinguishing chamber 22 of an electric arc.

Conformément à l'invention, l'appareil électrique de protection 2 est caractérisé en ce que la chambre d'extinction 22 de l'arc électrique comprend le dispositif d'extinction 1 de l'arc électrique selon l'invention.In accordance with the invention, the electrical protective device 2 is characterized in that the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22 comprises the electric arc extinguishing device 1 according to the invention.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'appareil électrique de protection 2 comprend une enveloppe qui comporte deux parois latérales 23, la chambre d'extinction 22 de l'arc électrique étant délimitée au moins par les deux parois latérales 23 sur au moins une desquelles est disposé ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11" (figures 10 et 11).According to a first embodiment of the invention, the electrical protection device 2 comprises an envelope which comprises two side walls 23, the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22 being delimited at least by the two side walls 23 on at least one of which said at least one anti-reboot element 11" ( figure 10 and 11 ).

Cette disposition particulièrement avantageuse, permet de tirer parti de l'existence d'au moins une paroi latérale 23, qui a pour fonction principale de maintenir mécaniquement les différents composants de l'appareil électrique de protection 2, pour y disposer ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11 ". Il en résulte également une facilité de mise en œuvre de la présente invention au moment de l'assemblage de l'appareil électrique de protection 2, puisqu'aucune autre pièce additionnelle ne doit être rajoutée. Il est possible dans ce cas de ne pas modifier les éléments de support 4 qui se présentent alors, préférentiellement sous la forme de deux plaques perforées 13 comprenant deux rangées R1, R2 sensiblement parallèles entres elles de perforations 13' alignées. De plus, lorsque les parois latérales 23 sont fabriquées par moulage, ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11" est préférentiellement moulé ou surmoulé lors de la fabrication de ces dernières. Par exemple, les parois latérales 23 et ledit au moins un élément anti-réamorçage 11" peuvent être dans un matériau polymère, par exemple en polyamide.This particularly advantageous arrangement makes it possible to take advantage of the existence of at least one side wall 23, the main function of which is to mechanically maintain the various components of the electrical protection device 2, in order to place said at least one anti-reboot element 11 ". This also results in an ease of implementation of the present invention at the time of assembly of the electrical protection device 2, since no other additional part has to be added. It is possible in this case not to modify the support elements 4 which are then presented, preferably in the form of two perforated plates 13 comprising two rows R1, R2 substantially parallel to each other of aligned perforations 13'. are manufactured by molding, said at least one anti-reboot element 11″ is preferably molded or overmolded during the manufacture of the latter. For example, the side walls 23 and said at least one anti-reboot element 11" can be made of a polymer material, for example polyamide.

Selon une spécificité de ce premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, au moins une des parois latérales 23 comprend une pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11" consistant en une pluralité de portions saillantes de longueur prédéterminée L1 (figures 10 et 11).According to a specific feature of this first embodiment of the invention, at least one of the side walls 23 comprises a plurality of anti-reboot elements 11" consisting of a plurality of projecting portions of predetermined length L1 ( figure 10 and 11 ).

Dans l'exemple non limitatif illustré aux figures 10 et 11, les portions saillantes de longueur L1 et d'épaisseur e sont sensiblement parallèles entre elles et sont espacées les unes des autres d'un intervalle régulier. Les portions saillantes consistent en des éléments allongés rectilignes.In the non-limiting example illustrated in figure 10 and 11 , the protruding portions of length L1 and of thickness e are substantially parallel to each other and are spaced from each other at a regular interval. The protruding portions consist of straight elongated elements.

Dans ce cas, soit une seule des parois latérales 23 peut comprendre la pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11", soit chacune des parois latérales 23 peut comprendre la pluralité d'éléments anti-réamorçage 11".In this case, either only one of the side walls 23 can comprise the plurality of anti-reboot elements 11", or each of the side walls 23 can comprise the plurality of anti-reboot elements 11".

Dans la chambre d'extinction 22 de l'arc électrique, la tension de l'arc électrique Uarc vérifie la relation connue suivante : Uarc=Ue+E0d, avec Ue une composante liée aux contacts fixe et mobile 15, 16 et E0d une composante liée à la colonne de l'arc électrique et dont la valeur est proportionnelle à la longueur de la colonne de l'arc électrique.In the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22, the voltage of the electric arc Uarc verifies the following known relationship: Uarc=Ue+E0d, with Ue a component linked to the fixed and mobile contacts 15, 16 and E0d a component linked to the column of the electric arc and whose value is proportional to the length of the column of the electric arc.

À titre d'exemple, la composante Ue peut être de l'ordre de 18 Volts, tandis que la seconde composante E0 peut être de quelques Volts par millimètres. Il découle donc de cette relation, que pour augmenter la tension de l'arc électrique Uarc, il convient plutôt de fractionner l'arc électrique en une multitude d'arcs électriques fractionnés EF, afin de maximiser le terme prépondérant Ue, plutôt qu'allonger l'arc électrique, c'est le choix qui est fait dans la présente invention qui cherche à privilégier la compacité.By way of example, the component Ue can be of the order of 18 volts, while the second component E0 can be a few volts per millimeter. It therefore follows from this relationship that to increase the voltage of the electric arc Uarc, it is better to split the electric arc into a multitude of fractionated electric arcs EF, in order to maximize the preponderant term Ue, rather than to lengthen the electric arc is the choice that is made in the present invention which seeks to favor compactness.

Plus particulièrement, la chambre d'extinction 22 de l'arc électrique peut être découpée en trois sous-ensembles.More particularly, the electric arc extinguishing chamber 22 can be divided into three subassemblies.

Dans le premier sous-ensemble est situé le contact fixe 15 et le contact mobile 16. Préférentiellement, le contact fixe 15 comporte une électrode ou pastille de contact 24, qui peut être en alliage argent graphite (AgC). Le contact mobile 16 peut quant à lui être en cuivre argenté (Cu/Ag). L'arc électrique est formé dans ce premier sous-ensemble au moment de l'ouverture des contacts fixe/mobile 15, 16.In the first subassembly is located the fixed contact 15 and the movable contact 16. Preferably, the fixed contact 15 comprises an electrode or contact patch 24, which can be made of silver graphite alloy (AgC). The movable contact 16 can itself be made of silver-plated copper (Cu/Ag). The electric arc is formed in this first sub-assembly when the fixed/mobile contacts 15, 16 open.

Dans le deuxième sous-ensemble, également appelé préchambre, sont situées deux cornes conductrices 25 et 26 qui sont en regard l'une de l'autre et qui délimitent la préchambre 27. Leur fonction est de guider l'arc électrique vers la pluralité de plaques de fractionnement 3. Une des cornes conductrices 25 porte le contact fixe 15. Les cornes conductrices 25, 26 sont préférentiellement en acier doux revêtu de cuivre ou de nickel. Les cornes conductrices 25, 26 sont divergentes du premier sous-ensemble vers le troisième sous-ensemble. La préchambre 27 peut également comprendre deux joues 27' isolantes en regard l'une de l'autre et qui sont montées sur les parois latérales 23. Par exemple, ces joues isolantes 27' peuvent être en polymère, tel que le polyamide. Les joues isolantes 27' ont pour fonction de former des canaux d'échappement C pour l'expulsion des gaz ionisés créés au sein de la chambre d'extinction 22 de l'arc électrique.In the second sub-assembly, also called the prechamber, are located two conductive horns 25 and 26 which face each other and which delimit the prechamber 27. Their function is to guide the electric arc towards the plurality of splitting plates 3. One of the conductive horns 25 carries the fixed contact 15. The conductive horns 25, 26 are preferably made of mild steel coated with copper or nickel. The conductive horns 25, 26 diverge from the first subset to the third subset. The pre-chamber 27 can also comprise two insulating cheeks 27' facing each other and which are mounted on the side walls 23. For example, these insulating cheeks 27' can be made of polymer, such as polyamide. The insulating cheeks 27' have the function of forming exhaust channels C for the expulsion of the ionized gases created within the chamber 22 for extinguishing the electric arc.

Dans le troisième sous-ensemble est disposé le dispositif d'extinction 1 de l'arc électrique selon l'invention. Ce troisième sous-ensemble comprend donc au moins une pluralité de plaques de fractionnement 3 de l'arc électrique disposées sensiblement parallèles les unes par rapport aux autres et étant maintenues entre elles d'un intervalle de distance I entre deux plaques de fractionnement 3 adjacentes par deux éléments de support 4 disposés sur au moins une partie de chaque bord latéral 5 que comprend chacune des plaques de fractionnement 3. Une des cornes conductrices 26 se prolonge dans ce troisième sous-ensemble. Les plaques de fractionnement 3 peuvent être en acier doux revêtu de cuivre ou de nickel. Les deux éléments de support 4 peuvent être en matériau isolant, par exemple, en carton isolant. La largeur l1 des plaques de fractionnement 3 occupe sensiblement toute la largeur lm de l'appareil électrique de protection 2, cette largeur pouvant être d'un module, comme expliqué ci-après (figures 2B et 3B). La largeur l1 peut être sensiblement comprise entre 13 et 15 millimètres, tandis que la largeur lm de l'appareil électrique de protection 2 peut être de 18 millimètres.In the third subassembly is arranged the extinguishing device 1 of the electric arc according to the invention. This third sub-assembly therefore comprises at least a plurality of electric arc splitter plates 3 arranged substantially parallel to each other and being held together by a distance interval I between two adjacent splitter plates 3 by two support elements 4 arranged on at least part of each side edge 5 that each of the splitter plates 3 comprises. One of the conductive horns 26 extends into this third sub-assembly. The splitter plates 3 can be made of mild steel coated with copper or nickel. The two support elements 4 can be made of insulating material, for example, of insulating cardboard. The width l1 of the splitter plates 3 occupies substantially the entire width lm of the electrical protection device 2, this width possibly being one module, as explained below ( figure 2B and 3B ). The width l1 can be substantially between 13 and 15 millimeters, while the width lm of the electrical protection device 2 can be 18 millimeters.

L'appareil électrique de protection 2 selon l'invention est de préférence du type modulaire, et ainsi présente une largeur lm multiple d'un module, c'est-à-dire que la distance entre les deux parois latérales 23 de l'enveloppe de l'appareil électrique de protection 2 correspond à un multiple d'une valeur normalisée, appelée module. La largeur d'un module est sensiblement de l'ordre de 18 millimètres. De préférence, l'appareil électrique de protection 2 a une largeur lm d'un seul module (figures 2B et 3B).The electrical protection device 2 according to the invention is preferably of the modular type, and thus has a width lm which is a multiple of a module, that is to say that the distance between the two side walls 23 of the casing of the electrical protection device 2 corresponds to a multiple of a standardized value, called module. The width of a module is substantially of the order of 18 millimeters. Preferably, the electrical protection device 2 has a width lm of a single module ( figure 2B and 3B ).

L'appareil électrique de protection 2, peut consister en un disjoncteur ou un disjoncteur différentiel, de préférence de type modulaire.The electrical protection device 2 may consist of a circuit breaker or a differential circuit breaker, preferably of the modular type.

L'appareil électrique de protection 2 peut être prévu pour protéger une seule ligne (appareil électrique de protection 2 monopolaire) ou plusieurs lignes (appareil électrique de protection 2 multipolaire).The electrical protective device 2 can be provided to protect a single line (electrical protective device 2 monopolar) or several lines (electrical protective device 2 multipolar).

La première ligne peut comprendre une première borne de raccordement 28 et une deuxième borne de raccordement 29 entre lesquelles sont disposés le contact fixe 15 et le contact mobile 16. La première borne de raccordement 28 est de manière préférée prévue pour être reliée électriquement au réseau électrique, tandis que la deuxième borne de raccordement 29 est de manière préférée prévue pour être reliée électriquement à une charge, d'une installation électrique.The first line can comprise a first connection terminal 28 and a second connection terminal 29 between which the fixed contact 15 and the movable contact 16 are arranged. The first connection terminal 28 is preferably provided to be electrically connected to the electrical network , while the second connection terminal 29 is preferably designed to be electrically connected to a load of an electrical installation.

Par exemple, comme l'illustre la figure 1, le contact fixe 15 peut être relié électriquement à la première borne de raccordement 28 et le contact mobile 16 peut être relié électriquement à la deuxième borne de raccordement 29.For example, as illustrated by figure 1 , the fixed contact 15 can be electrically connected to the first connection terminal 28 and the movable contact 16 can be electrically connected to the second connection terminal 29.

Préférentiellement, l'actionneur magnétique 21 est relié électriquement, d'une part, à la première borne de raccordement 28 et d'autre part, au contact fixe 15, entre ces derniers.Preferably, the magnetic actuator 21 is electrically connected, on the one hand, to the first connection terminal 28 and, on the other hand, to the fixed contact 15, between the latter.

De préférence, l'actionneur magnétique 21 comprend une bobine 30 entourant un noyau mobile 31 en translation pouvant percuter le déclencheur 19, de sorte à actionner la serrure mécanique 18. Le noyau mobile 31 est configuré pour se déplacer en cas de court-circuit.Preferably, the magnetic actuator 21 comprises a coil 30 surrounding a mobile core 31 in translation which can strike the trigger 19, so as to actuate the mechanical lock 18. The mobile core 31 is configured to move in the event of a short-circuit.

Préférentiellement, l'actionneur thermique 21' est relié électriquement, d'une part, à la deuxième borne de raccordement 29 et d'autre part, au contact mobile 16, entre ces derniers.Preferably, the thermal actuator 21' is electrically connected, on the one hand, to the second connection terminal 29 and, on the other hand, to the movable contact 16, between the latter.

L'actionneur thermique 21' peut être constitué d'un bilame, relié électriquement ou non au contact mobile 4 par un conducteur souple (non représenté) tel qu'une tresse conductrice, agencé pour actionner le déclencheur 19' sous l'effet d'une déformation du bilame de sorte à actionner la serrure de mécanique 18. Avantageusement, le bilame est déformé par chauffage direct ou indirect du conducteur souple, en cas de surintensité prolongée.The thermal actuator 21' can consist of a bimetallic strip, electrically connected or not to the moving contact 4 by a flexible conductor (not shown) such as a conductive braid, arranged to actuate the trigger 19' under the effect of a deformation of the bimetallic strip so as to actuate the mechanical lock 18. Advantageously, the bimetallic strip is deformed by direct or indirect heating of the flexible conductor, in the event of prolonged overcurrent.

Claims (18)

  1. Electric arc extinguishing device (1) for an electrical protection unit (2) comprising:
    - a plurality of electric arc splitting plates (3) disposed substantially parallel to one another and held together with a distance interval (I) between two adjacent splitting plates (3) by two support elements (4) disposed over at least a part of each lateral edge (5) that each of the splitting plates (3) comprises,
    each splitting plate (3) further comprising an electric arc inlet slot (6), beginning at a bottom edge (7) that each of the splitting plates (3) comprises, the set of inlet slots (6) forming an electric arc inlet zone (8) arranged to guide the electric arc to an electric arc splitting zone (9), situated downstream of said inlet zone (8), in a first electric arc splitting direction (D1), so as to split the electric arc into a plurality of split electric arcs (EF),
    each electric arc inlet slot (6) delimiting two branches (10) that each of the splitting plates (3) comprises, each branch (10) having a width (lb1) that is variable according to the profile of the edge (6') of the inlet slot (6) or constant,
    - at least one electric arc anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11'') made of electrically insulating material,
    said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11'') being disposed facing a main face (12) of at least one splitting plate (3),
    the extinguishing device (1) is characterized in that:
    the main face (12) comprises an upstream zone (AM) and a downstream zone (AV), separate from one another, the upstream zone (AM) being situated on the surface of the branches (10) and being delimited by the edge (6') of the slot (6), and the downstream zone (AV) corresponding to the remaining surface of the main face (12),
    the main face (12) further comprises a positioning zone (P) for said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11'') facing which said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11'') is disposed, the positioning zone (P) extending between a first median axis (M1) of the upstream zone (AM) and a second median axis (M2) of the downstream zone (AV),
    said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") has a predetermined length (L1) configured to prevent the return of the electric arc, after it has been split into a plurality of split electric arcs (EF), in a direction opposite to the first, splitting direction (D1), called second, restrike direction (D2).
  2. Arc extinguishing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the greatest dimension of extension of said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") extends in a longitudinal direction substantially at right angles to the lateral edge (5) of said at least one splitting plate (3), facing which the anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") is disposed.
  3. Arc extinguishing device according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") is disposed upstream of the electric arc splitting zone (9) .
  4. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined length (L1) is less than or equal to a width (11) of the splitting plate (3).
  5. Arc extinguishing device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the predetermined length (L1) is at least greater than or equal to three quarters of the width (lb1) of the branch (10).
  6. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11") consists of a protruding portion of predetermined length (L1) which protrudes from at least one of the two support elements (4) or from at least one separate support piece.
  7. Arc extinguishing device according to Claim 6, characterized in that said at least one of the support elements (4) comprises a plate (13) comprising two large lateral edges (14) and in that said protruding portion of said at least one anti-restrike element (11) protrudes from one of the large lateral edges (14).
  8. Arc extinguishing device according to Claim 7, characterized in that each support element (4) comprises a plate (13) comprising a plurality of protruding portions forming a plurality of anti-restrike elements (11) and in that the protruding portions of one of the plates (13) are situated facing the protruding portions of the other of the plates (13).
  9. Arc extinguishing device according to Claim 8, characterized in that each support element (4) comprises a plate (13) comprising a plurality of protruding portions and in that the protruding portions of one of the plates (13) are linked to the protruding portions of the other of the plates (13) so as to form a plurality of anti-restrike elements (11) of predetermined length (L1) substantially equal to the width (11) of the splitting plate (3).
  10. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one anti-restrike element (11') consists of at least one coating layer extending only over all or part of the positioning zone (P).
  11. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11") is disposed facing and at a distance from the main face (12) of at least one splitting plate (3).
  12. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said at least one anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") is disposed facing and in contact with the main face (12) of at least one splitting plate (3).
  13. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of central anti-restrike elements (11, 11', 11") which each extend between two adjacent splitting plates (3).
  14. Arc extinguishing device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the thickness (e) of the anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") is strictly less than the distance interval (I) between two adjacent splitting plates (3) and greater than half the distance (I) between two splitting plates (3).
  15. Arc extinguishing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one extreme-end anti-restrike element (11, 11', 11") facing an extreme-end splitting plate (3) .
  16. Electrical protection unit (2) comprising:
    - at least one first line comprising a pair of contacts, respectively a fixed contact (15) and a movable contact (16),
    - a control member (17) for controlling the position of the movable contact (16), linked to the movable contact (16) via a mechanical latch (18) capable of switching between two stable positions corresponding respectively to the opening and the closing of the fixed (15) and movable (16) contacts following an action on the control member (17), or of switching to an open position of the fixed (15) and movable (16) contacts following a mechanical action of at least one trip (19, 19') reflecting an electrical fault on said at least one first line,
    - trip means (20) comprising at least one magnetic actuator (21) and/or thermal actuator (21') and/or electronic actuator provided to actuate said at least one trip (19, 19') in order to trip the mechanical latch (18), and
    - at least one electric arc extinguishing chamber (22),
    the electrical protection unit (2) being characterized in that the electric arc extinguishing chamber (22) comprises the electric arc extinguishing device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 15.
  17. Electrical protection unit according to Claim 16, characterized in that the electrical protection unit (2) comprises an enclosure which comprises two lateral walls (23), the electric arc extinguishing chamber (22) being delimited at least by the two lateral walls (23) on at least one of which said at least one anti-restrike element (11") is disposed.
  18. Electrical protection unit according to Claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the lateral walls (23) comprises a plurality of anti-restrike elements (11") consisting of a plurality of protruding portions of predetermined length (L1).
EP18796707.0A 2018-09-25 2018-09-25 Electric arc-extinguishing device for an electrical protection unit, and electrical protection apparatus incorporating said device Active EP3857585B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FR2018/052346 WO2020065141A1 (en) 2018-09-25 2018-09-25 Electric arc-extinguishing device for an electrical protection apparatus, and electrical protection apparatus incorporating said device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3857585A1 EP3857585A1 (en) 2021-08-04
EP3857585B1 true EP3857585B1 (en) 2022-07-20

Family

ID=64100674

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18796707.0A Active EP3857585B1 (en) 2018-09-25 2018-09-25 Electric arc-extinguishing device for an electrical protection unit, and electrical protection apparatus incorporating said device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3857585B1 (en)
CN (1) CN113168983B (en)
AU (1) AU2018443896B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2020065141A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2517874A1 (en) * 1981-12-03 1983-06-10 Merlin Gerin Stacked plate arc suppressor for high power circuit breakers - consists of modules containing variable numbers of slotted insulator plates and selectable inter-electrode spacings
JPH0646530B2 (en) * 1987-07-13 1994-06-15 三菱電機株式会社 Multi-pole circuit with 3 or more poles and breaker
US6248970B1 (en) * 1999-11-05 2001-06-19 Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. ARC chute for a molded case circuit breaker
EP1313117B1 (en) 2001-11-16 2014-06-04 Abb Ag Arc quenching device for an electronic switch device
FR2873511B1 (en) 2004-07-21 2006-12-29 Soule Prot Surtensions Sa DEVICE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST OVERVOLTAGES, OVERLOADS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITH IMPROVED CUT-OFF POWER
US7034242B1 (en) * 2004-11-09 2006-04-25 Eaton Corporation Arc chute and circuit interrupter employing the same
DE102008017868B3 (en) 2008-04-09 2009-12-24 Abb Ag Arc extinguishing plate assembly for an electrical switch
CN101540248B (en) * 2009-03-30 2011-04-13 常熟开关制造有限公司(原常熟开关厂） Low-voltage breaker
DE102010032715A1 (en) * 2010-07-29 2012-02-02 Abb Ag Arc extinguishing device for electric switch mounting device, has plate sections produced by insulation materials arranged between inlet supporting feet to cover inlet supporting feet and longitudinal side edges
CN207503900U (en) * 2017-10-30 2018-06-15 浙江正泰电器股份有限公司 Mold cased circuit breaker

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2018443896B2 (en) 2022-03-17
EP3857585A1 (en) 2021-08-04
CN113168983A (en) 2021-07-23
WO2020065141A1 (en) 2020-04-02
AU2018443896A1 (en) 2021-04-29
CN113168983B (en) 2024-05-17

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