Contact blade vacuum current aging device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a vacuum current aging device and method for a contact blade. The vacuum current aging device comprises a vacuum chamber, the anode conducting rod is fixed in the vacuum chamber, and the lower end is connected with an anode strip; the first lifting part is fixed in the vacuum chamber; the aging assembly comprises a frame body, a second lifting part, a cathode conducting rod and a supporting piece; the frame body slidably abuts against the inner wall of the vacuum chamber, and the bottom wall of the frame body is fixed to the first lifting part. The second lifting part is fixed on the frame body; the supporting piece is fixed on the top surface of the frame body to support the cathode plate; the lower end of the cathode conducting rod is fixed with the second lifting part, and the upper end of the cathode conducting rod can be electrically contacted with the cathode sheet; and the vacuumizing system is used for vacuumizing the vacuum chamber. The second lifting part is used for realizing electric contact between the cathode conducting rod and the cathode sheet; the first lifting part controls the aging opening distance of the cathode piece, the cathode conducting rod can enable a diffusion type electric arc to be generated between the cathode piece and the anode piece, dirt, oxide and gas covering the surface of the cathode piece can be stripped through electric arc combustion, and the purposes that the surface is highly clean and gas is fully removed are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power switch manufacturing technology, and more specifically to a vacuum current aging apparatus and method for contact plates. Background Technology

[0002] As a key core component of medium- and high-voltage power switchgear, the performance and reliability of vacuum interrupters directly determine the operational quality of the power system. Throughout the manufacturing process of a vacuum interrupter, its internal contact plates are crucial components responsible for conducting and interrupting current; their surface condition and material purity have a decisive impact on the final electrical characteristics and service life of the interrupter. The manufacturing process of the contact plates is complex, typically involving material processing (such as turning, milling, and stamping) and precision surface treatment (such as pickling, alkali cleaning, and electrochemical polishing).

[0003] However, despite the maturity of existing contact plate manufacturing processes, trace impurities, oxides, adsorbed gases, or microburrs may still inevitably remain on the contact plate surface during these processing and surface treatment stages. If these defects are not addressed promptly, they will severely affect the contact plate's arc-extinguishing capability, contact resistance stability, and overall insulation performance. Currently, in the production practice of vacuum interrupters, the quality control of contact plates mainly relies on post-processing visual inspection and final electrical performance testing after assembly. This quality control model lacks effective means to clean and predict the surface condition of the contact plate itself at the initial stage.

[0004] Vacuum aging of contact plates is a key process in the manufacturing of vacuum interrupters, aiming to improve the insulation strength and stability of the contact surface. Due to the lack of an early aging stage for individual contact plates, those containing the aforementioned microscopic defects directly enter the subsequent assembly and welding processes, ultimately forming the complete vacuum interrupter tube. Once the tube is formed, its value has significantly increased, but the contact plate defects may only be exposed during the final tube aging or withstand voltage testing. If the tube fails the test due to contact plate defects, the entire tube, which has already involved significant investment in materials and complex processes, will fail the inspection, resulting in unnecessary economic losses and resource waste. Furthermore, tubes containing defects may require longer aging times or repeated aging operations to meet standards during the final aging process, which not only reduces the efficiency of the tube aging equipment but also extends the overall production cycle.

[0005] The existing vacuum aging process has several problems: ① Delayed detection of contact plate defects leads to unnecessary scrapping of entire tubes and significant cost waste. In the current production process, minor defects (such as burrs and insulation defects) existing in the vacuum interrupter contact plates after processing and surface treatment cannot be effectively eliminated in the early stages. These defects are only exposed after the entire tube is welded, during the final aging or withstand voltage test, causing the entire tube product, which has already invested in expensive materials and multiple complex processes, to fail the test due to defects, resulting in huge economic losses and resource waste; ② Low efficiency of tube aging, with key equipment resources being inefficiently occupied. Because defective contact plates enter the tube aging stage, the aging time may be extended or repeated aging may be required, seriously occupying expensive and critical tube aging equipment resources, lengthening the production cycle, and reducing the production line takt time; ③ Insufficient forward quality control. The existing production line fails to move the quality control and defect screening of the key component, the contact plate, to before assembly. This leads to a failure to effectively utilize the early stages of production (i.e., when contact plate costs are relatively low) for repair or rejection, missing the optimal opportunity to resolve quality issues at the lowest cost; ④ Product quality fluctuations and difficulties in traceability. The lack of comprehensive screening of contact plates in the early stages may result in some unexposed potential defects even if the final product passes inspection. This increases the volatility of the final product quality and the risk to long-term operational reliability. Furthermore, once a problem occurs in the entire tube, accurately tracing and analyzing the defects in its internal contact plates becomes more complex and time-consuming.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical means to effectively clean and screen for defects in the contact plates themselves in the early stages of the vacuum interrupter manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a vacuum current aging device and method for contact plates. The cathode plate is supported by a support member, and the cathode conductive rod and the cathode plate are electrically contacted by a second lifting part. The aging gap of the cathode plate is precisely controlled by the first lifting part. After the cathode conductive rod is energized, a diffused electric arc is generated between the cathode plate and the anode plate. The arc combustion can remove dirt, oxides and gases covering the surface of the cathode plate, so that the surface achieves a high degree of cleanliness and thorough degassing.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A vacuum current aging device for contact plates, comprising: vacuum chamber, An anode conductive rod, the upper end of which is vertically fixed to the inner top wall of the vacuum chamber, and the lower end of which is detachably connected to an anode plate; The first lifting part, the fixed end of the first lifting part is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the vacuum chamber; The aging assembly includes a frame, a second lifting section, a cathode conductive rod, and a support member. The peripheral wall of the frame slides against the inner wall of the vacuum chamber, and its bottom wall is fixed to the lifting end of the first lifting section. The fixed end of the second lifting section is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the frame. The support member is fixed to the top surface of the frame to support the cathode sheet to be aged. The axis of the cathode conductive rod coincides with the axis of the anode conductive rod and penetrates the frame perpendicularly. Its lower end is fixed to the lifting end of the second lifting section, and its upper end can abut against the cathode sheet to achieve electrical contact. A vacuum system is provided, wherein the vacuum system is connected to the inner cavity of the vacuum chamber via an air pipe to create a vacuum.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are that the aging gap of the cathode sheet to be aged is controlled by the first lifting part, the electrical contact between the cathode conductive rod and the cathode sheet to be aged is realized by the second lifting part, the vacuuming operation of the vacuum chamber is realized by the vacuum system, and after the cathode conductive rod is energized, the frame is driven to move up and down within the aging gap range by the first lifting part, so that a diffused electric arc is generated between the cathode sheet and the anode sheet. The burning of the electric arc can remove dirt, oxides and gases covering the surface of the cathode sheet, so that the surface is highly clean and fully degassed.

[0010] Preferably, the cathode sheet has a bowl-shaped structure; the support member is a three-jaw chuck structure, with multiple sliders radially slidably connected to its top surface. Each slider corresponds to one end of the three-jaw chuck structure and is pressed against the inner wall of the cathode sheet. By sliding the sliders radially along the three-jaw chuck structure, the cathode sheet can be supported at the top of the cathode conductive rod, ensuring the normal aging process.

[0011] Preferably, the three-jaw chuck structure includes a disc body, a transmission disc, a bearing seat, a rotating shaft, and a gear. The disc body is hollow and fixed to the top surface of the frame, with a through hole in its center for the cathode conductive rod to pass through. The top surface of the disc body has multiple radially arranged grooves. The circumferential surface of the transmission disc rotatably abuts against the inner wall of the disc body. The bottom surface of the transmission disc has teeth, and the top surface has helical teeth. Multiple sliders are detachably connected to the grooves, and their bottom surfaces have grooves that mesh with the helical teeth. The bearing seat has a bearing embedded in it and fixed to the inner bottom wall of the disc body. The outer wall of the rotating shaft is interference-fitted with the inner ring of the bearing. The gear is connected to the rotating shaft via a key and meshes with the teeth. The rotating shaft and gear drive the rotation of the transmission disc. During the rotation of the transmission disc, the engagement of the helical teeth and the grooves below the sliders converts the rotational motion into linear motion of the sliders, thus supporting the cathode sheet. The sliders have a detachable structure, allowing for the replacement of different sliders to accommodate different cathode sheet curvatures.

[0012] Preferably, one end of the rotating shaft passes through the side wall of the disc and is fixed with a handle, the handle of which is embedded with a torque limiter. The slider is manually slidable by the handle, and the torque limiter controls the rotational torque of the rotating shaft, ensuring that the force applied when supporting the cathode plate is moderate, preventing excessive pressure deformation or damage to the cathode plate, and ensuring that the cathode plate is reliably and stably supported.

[0013] Preferably, multiple anode conductive rods are provided; the second lifting unit is a scissor-type lifting mechanism, with each of the multiple scissor-type lifting mechanisms corresponding to one of the multiple anode conductive rods; a handle for driving the lifting mechanism is rotatably connected to the scissor-type lifting mechanism. The arrangement of multiple second lifting units enables the aging of multiple cathode plates at one time, and the electrical contact between the cathode conductive rods and the cathode plates can be achieved by manually driving the scissor-type lifting mechanism with the handle.

[0014] Preferably, the top surface of the scissor lift is fixed with a pressure or limit indicator. The pressure or limit indicator can help the operator judge the contact force between the cathode conductive rod and the cathode plate, preventing excessive pressure or potential damage to the cathode plate.

[0015] Preferably, the vacuum system includes a mechanical pump and a molecular pump, which are connected in series on the gas pipe, with the molecular pump positioned near the vacuum chamber. The coordinated operation of the mechanical and molecular pumps allows for rapid and precise evacuation of the vacuum chamber to a preset high vacuum level.

[0016] Preferably, a flow divider solenoid valve is fixed to the gas pipe corresponding to the gas inlet of the molecular pump; a pipeline solenoid valve is fixed to the pipeline between the flow divider solenoid valve and the gas pipe; a high vacuum gauge is connected to the gas pipe on the pipeline between the pipeline solenoid valve and the flow divider solenoid valve; and a low vacuum gauge is connected to the gas pipe on the pipeline between the mechanical pump and the molecular pump. The flow divider solenoid valve can isolate the molecular pump and the mechanical pump and control their evacuation operation of the vacuum chamber; the pipeline solenoid valve can control the gas flow path; the high vacuum gauge is used to monitor the vacuum level during the evacuation phase of the molecular pump; and the low vacuum gauge is used to monitor the vacuum level during the evacuation phase of the mechanical pump.

[0017] Preferably, the end of the gas pipe near the vacuum chamber is connected to an exhaust pipe, and a venting valve is fixed on the exhaust pipe. After aging is completed, the vacuum chamber is restored to normal pressure through the exhaust pipe and the venting valve.

[0018] Preferably, the first lifting part is a hydraulic cylinder, and there are multiple hydraulic cylinders. By driving the frame to lift and lower through multiple hydraulic cylinders, the aging gap of the cathode sheet can be preset and the cathode sheet can be driven to move up and down within the aging gap range to ensure the continuous combustion of the diffused arc generated between the cathode sheet and the anode sheet.

[0019] This invention also provides a method for vacuum current aging of contact plates, which uses the vacuum current aging device described above to perform vacuum current aging on the cathode plate (the contact plate to be aged), including the following steps: S1. Cathode plate loading: The cathode plate is installed on the top surface of the frame using a support. S2. The second lifting section drives the cathode conductive rod to move upward and make electrical contact with the cathode plate. S3. The vacuum system performs vacuuming operations on the vacuum chamber; S4. The first lifting unit drive frame slides up and down along the inner wall of the vacuum chamber, setting the aging distance of the cathode sheet. S5. When the cathode conductive rod is energized, the first lifting part drives the frame to move up and down within the preset aging distance range to maintain the arc combustion and age the cathode sheet.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses a vacuum current aging device for contact plates, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. Thoroughly purify the cathode surface from the source: In a vacuum environment, the cathode conductive rod is electrically contacted with the cathode plate while being energized by a large current. The aging gap between the cathode and anode plates is adjusted by the first lifting part to generate a diffuse electric arc. The burning of the electric arc bombards the surface of the cathode plate (the contact plate to be aged), efficiently removing dirt, oxides and adsorbed gases covering the cathode surface, thereby achieving a high degree of cleanliness and thorough degassing. This fundamentally improves the conductivity and anti-contamination ability of the cathode plate, providing a foundation for its subsequent short-circuit current interruption and the performance stability of capacitor banks.

[0021] 2. Effectively solves the problem of delayed defect detection, significantly reducing unnecessary pipe scrap and cost waste: This invention moves the cathode sheet aging process forward, enabling effective purification of the cathode sheet itself before it is assembled into a complete pipe. By purifying surface defects and degassing at an early stage, it avoids using cathode sheets with potential defects in the subsequent high-value pipe welding and assembly processes. This significantly reduces the possibility of pipe products failing final inspection and being scrapped due to cathode sheet problems, thus saving companies substantial, avoidable material and processing costs.

[0022] 3. Optimized efficiency of subsequent tube aging: Because the cathode plates aged by the device of this invention have a cleaner surface and a more thorough degassing effect, when these high-quality cathode plates are used to assemble tubes, the subsequent tube aging process will be more stable and efficient. This effectively shortens the time required for tube aging, reduces the occupation of expensive aging equipment, and thus improves the overall cycle time and efficiency of the entire vacuum interrupter production line.

[0023] 4. Improved product quality consistency and long-term reliability: Only qualified cathode sheets purified and treated by the device of this invention can enter the subsequent production process, ensuring the uniformity of the internal quality of core components. This helps to improve the performance consistency and long-term reliability of the final vacuum interrupter product in actual operation.

[0024] 5. No complex electromagnetic compatibility issues: Due to the elimination of most of the weak current control components, the vacuum current aging device has better electromagnetic compatibility and more stable and reliable operation, making it particularly suitable for occasions with high requirements for the electromagnetic environment. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum current aging apparatus provided by the present invention. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the vacuum chamber structure provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode plate mounting structure provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the support sheet provided by the present invention.

[0027] in, 1-Vacuum chamber; 11-Supporting legs; 2-First lifting section; 3-Aging assembly; 31-Frame; 32-Second lifting unit; 321-Base plate; 322-Top plate; 323-Scissors frame; 324-Handle; 33-Cathode conductive rod; 34-Support plate; 35-Support component; 351-Disc; 352-Slider; 353-Transmission disc; 354-Bearing seat; 355-Rotating shaft; 356-Gear; 4-Anode conductive rod; 5-Vacuum system; 51-Mechanical pump; 52-Molecular pump; 53-Gas tubing; 54-Low vacuum gauge tube; 55-High vacuum gauge tube; 56-Pipeline solenoid valve; 57-Flow divider solenoid valve; 58-Exhaust valve; 6-Sleeve; 7-Cathode plate; 8-Anode plate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] Example 1: Participate in the attached Figure 1 ~4, This invention discloses a vacuum current aging device for contact plates, comprising: Vacuum chamber 1, The anode conductive rod 4 is vertically fixed at its upper end to the inner top wall of the vacuum chamber 1, and its lower end is detachably connected to an anode plate 8. The first lifting part 2, the fixed end of the first lifting part 2 is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the vacuum chamber 1; The aging assembly 3 includes a frame 31, a second lifting part 32, a support member 35, and a cathode conductive rod 33. The peripheral wall of the frame 31 slides against the inner wall of the vacuum chamber 1, and its bottom wall is fixed to the lifting end of the first lifting part 2. The fixed end of the second lifting part 32 is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the frame 31. The support member 35 is fixed to the top surface of the frame 31 to support the cathode sheet 7 to be aged. The axis of the cathode conductive rod 33 coincides with the axis of the anode conductive rod 4 and penetrates the frame 31 perpendicularly. Its lower end is fixed to the lifting end of the second lifting part 32, and its upper end can abut against the cathode sheet 7 to achieve electrical contact. Vacuum system 5 is connected to the inner cavity of vacuum chamber 1 through air pipe 53 to create a vacuum.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, multiple support legs 11 are fixed to the bottom surface of the vacuum chamber 1, and one end of the air pipe 53 is connected to the air extraction port at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 1.

[0031] The cathode plate, serving as the contact plate to be aged, is fixed above the frame by a support member. The second lifting part drives the cathode conductive rod to move up and down, making it come into contact with the cathode plate to achieve electrical contact. The second lifting part can preset the aging gap of the cathode plate and drive the cathode plate to move up and down within the aging gap range. When the cathode conductive rod is energized, a diffused electric arc is generated between the cathode plate and the anode plate. The combustion of the electric arc can age the cathode plate.

[0032] In other specific embodiments, to improve aging efficiency, multiple contact pieces are vacuum current aged at one time, and multiple anode conductive rods 4 are provided; the second lifting part 32 is a scissor lift, and multiple scissor lifts correspond one-to-one with multiple anode conductive rods 4; a handle 324 for lifting the drive is rotatably connected to the scissor lift.

[0033] To further optimize the above technical solution, the cathode plate 7 has a bowl-shaped structure; the support member 35 has a three-jaw chuck structure, and multiple sliders 352 are radially slidably connected to its top surface. The multiple sliders 352 are pressed against the inner wall of the cathode plate 7 at one end of the periphery of the three-jaw chuck structure.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, there are three sliders arranged radially from the top surface of the three-jaw chuck structure. The three sliders can slide radially relative to the top surface of the three-jaw chuck structure. The end of the slider away from the center of the three-jaw chuck structure can abut against the inner wall of the cathode plate. By adjusting the radial sliding distance of the slider, stable support for the cathode plate can be achieved.

[0035] In this embodiment, the three-jaw chuck structure includes a disc body 351, a transmission disc 353, a bearing seat 354, a rotating shaft 355, and a gear 356. The disc body 351 is hollow inside and fixed to the top surface of the frame 31, with a through hole in its middle for the cathode conductive rod 33 to pass through. The top surface of the disc body 351 has multiple radially arranged grooves. The circumferential surface of the transmission disc 353 rotatably abuts against the inner wall of the disc body 351. The bottom surface of the transmission disc 353 is fixed with teeth, and the top surface is fixed with helical teeth. Multiple sliders 352 are detachably connected to the grooves one-to-one, and their bottom surfaces have grooves that mesh with the helical teeth. The bearing seat 354 has a bearing embedded in it and is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the disc body 351. The outer wall of the rotating shaft 355 is interference-fitted with the inner ring of the bearing. The gear 356 is connected to the rotating shaft 355 by a key and meshes with the teeth.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple support plates 34 are fixed on the top surface of the frame 31, and each support plate 34 corresponds to a multiple cathode conductive rod 33; the support member 35 is fixed on the support plate 34.

[0037] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the upper end of the cathode conductive rod is larger than the outer diameter of its rod body, forming a conductive rod with a T-shaped cross-section. The disk is fixed on the top surface of the support plate, and the inner diameter of the through hole on the disk is adapted to the outer diameter of the upper end of the cathode conductive rod. By increasing the outer diameter of the upper end of the cathode conductive rod, it is ensured that it has sufficient and effective conductive contact with the cathode sheet.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the transmission disk is driven to rotate by the meshing of gears and teeth. During the rotation of the transmission disk, the radial movement of the slider is achieved through the cooperation of the helical teeth and tooth grooves. Its principle is similar to that of a worm gear, which converts the rotational motion of the transmission disk into the horizontal movement of the slider. The detachable connection between the slider and the disk body allows the curvature shape of the slider end (the end away from the center of the disk body) to be customized and replaced according to the curvature of the cathode plate (the contact plate to be aged), ensuring that the contact between the slider and the cathode plate surface is maximized, avoiding point contact that could damage the cathode plate, and ensuring the maximum contact area.

[0039] To further optimize the above technical solution and ensure the stability of the axis during the up-and-down movement of the cathode conductive rod, a sleeve 6 is fixed to the bottom surface of the support plate 34, and the outer wall of the cathode conductive rod 7 slides against the inner wall of the sleeve 6.

[0040] To further optimize the above technical solution, one end of the rotating shaft 355 passes through the side wall of the disc 351 and is fixed with a handle, in which a torque limiter is embedded. By manually driving the slider radially through the handle, the torque limiter can control the rotational torque of the rotating shaft, ensuring that the force applied when supporting the cathode plate is moderate, preventing excessive pressure deformation or damage to the cathode plate, and ensuring that the cathode plate is reliably and stably supported.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the scissor lift includes a base plate 321 and a top plate 322 arranged opposite to each other, and a scissor frame 323 located between the base plate 321 and the top plate 322. The scissor frame 323 includes multiple first scissor arms and second scissor arms that are hinged to each other. The lower end of the first scissor arm corresponding to the base plate 321 is fixed to the base plate 321, and the lower end of the second scissor arm corresponding to the base plate 321 is slidably connected to the base plate 321. The upper end of the first scissor arm corresponding to the top plate 322 is fixed to the top plate 322, and the upper end of the second scissor arm corresponding to the top plate 322 is slidably connected to the top plate 322. Two sets of scissor frames are provided and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top plate 322 and the base plate 321 and connected by hinge shafts. A screw passes through the two hinge shafts and a handle 324 is fixed to one end of it. Rotating the handle 324 will cause the screw to push or pull the second scissor arm to achieve lifting and lowering. The up and down movement of the cathode conductive rod 7 is achieved by manual control.

[0042] To further optimize the above technical solution, a pressure or limit indicator is fixed to the top surface of the scissor lift. The pressure or limit indicator helps the operator judge the contact force between the cathode conductive rod and the cathode plate, preventing excessive pressure or potential damage to the cathode plate.

[0043] In this embodiment, the vacuum system 5 includes a mechanical pump 51 and a molecular pump 52, which are connected in series on the gas pipe 53 and the molecular pump 52 is located on the side close to the vacuum chamber 1.

[0044] To further optimize the above technical solution, a diversion solenoid valve 57 is fixed on the gas pipe 53 corresponding to the gas inlet of the molecular pump 52; a pipeline solenoid valve 56 is fixed on the pipeline between the diversion solenoid valve 57 and the gas pipe 53; a high vacuum gauge tube 55 is connected to the pipeline between the gas pipe 53 and the pipeline solenoid valve 56 and the diversion solenoid valve 57; and a low vacuum gauge tube 54 is connected to the pipeline between the gas pipe 53 and the mechanical pump 51 and the molecular pump 52.

[0045] To further optimize the above technical solution, an exhaust pipe is connected to one end of the gas pipe 53 near the vacuum chamber 1, and an exhaust valve 58 is fixed on the exhaust pipe.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first lifting part is a hydraulic cylinder, and multiple hydraulic cylinders are provided. The cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the vacuum chamber, and the piston rod is fixed to the bottom surface of the frame.

[0047] Example 2: This invention discloses a method for vacuum current curing of contact plates. The method employs a vacuum current curing apparatus as described in Embodiment 1 to perform vacuum current curing on the contact plates (cathode plates) to be cured. It also includes a curing power supply system located outside the vacuum chamber. The power supply system is electrically connected to a cathode conductive rod (serving as the cathode) inside the vacuum chamber and an anode conductive rod (serving as the anode) fixed at the top of the vacuum chamber via a precision vacuum guide. This system provides a highly stable and adjustable DC high-current power supply, applying a preset current to the contact plate to be cured, which serves as the cathode, to ensure effective bombardment and purification. The vacuum current curing method includes the following steps: S1. Cathode plate loading: The cathode plate is installed on the top surface of the frame using a support. With the vacuum chamber open, the operator loads the surface-treated cathode contact plates onto the support within the vacuum chamber. By manually turning the handle, the shaft rotates, driving the slider to slide radially relative to the disc. A mechanical torque limiter ensures that the slider provides appropriate support and is securely fixed to the cathode plate. S2. The second lifting section drives the cathode conductive rod to move upward and make electrical contact with the cathode plate. After the cathode plate is stabilized, the operator manually rotates the handle to drive the scissor lift to move, which in turn moves the cathode conductive rod up and down, so that it comes into contact with the contact plate to be aged, achieving full and stable electrical contact and preparing for the current path. S3. The vacuum system performs vacuuming operations on the vacuum chamber; Manually close the vacuum chamber and seal it. Close the vent valve and operate the pipeline solenoid valve and the diverter solenoid valve.

[0048] First, the mechanical pump is started to initially evacuate the vacuum chamber, and the vacuum level is monitored through a low-vacuum gauge. Once the preset switching value is reached, the mechanical pump is turned off and the shunt solenoid valve is opened to isolate the mechanical pump. The molecular pump is then started to further evacuate the vacuum chamber, and the vacuum level is monitored through a high-vacuum gauge until the preset high vacuum level is reached.

[0049] This high-vacuum environment is a necessary prerequisite for forming a stable diffusion arc and achieving complete degassing of the contact plates.

[0050] S4. The first lifting unit drive frame slides up and down along the inner wall of the vacuum chamber, setting the aging distance of the cathode sheet. After the vacuum environment is established, the frame is driven up and down by an electrically controlled hydraulic cylinder to precisely set the aging gap between the anode and cathode plates. S5. When the cathode conductive rod is energized, the first lifting part drives the frame to move up and down within the preset aging distance range to maintain the arc combustion and age the cathode sheet.

[0051] After setting the aging gap, the operator starts the aging power system, applying a preset high DC current to the aging circuit. With the current continuously flowing, the hydraulic cylinder drives the frame to move up and down, causing the cathode plate relative to the anode contact plate within the preset gap, maintaining arc combustion. During this process, stable contact between the cathode conductive rod and the cathode plate is maintained. A diffused arc is generated between the contact plates. The arc combustion utilizes the bombardment of the cathode by positive ions to strip away dirt, oxides, and adsorbed gases covering the cathode plate surface, achieving a high degree of cleanliness and thorough degassing. The operator must ensure that the arc has a sufficiently long combustion time for each closing / opening operation and accumulate the preset number of closing / opening contacts.

[0052] After the preset aging time or process requirements are met, the operator shuts off the aging power system, opens the vent valve to slowly depressurize the vacuum chamber to atmospheric pressure, and then opens the vacuum chamber to remove the aged cathode sheet.

[0053] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0054] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A vacuum current aging device for contact plates, characterized in that, include: Vacuum chamber (1) Anode conductive rod (4), the upper end of which is vertically fixed to the inner top wall of the vacuum chamber (1), and the lower end is detachably connected to an anode plate (8). The first lifting part (2) is fixed at its fixed end to the inner bottom wall of the vacuum chamber (1); The aging assembly (3) includes a frame (31), a second lifting part (32), a support (35), and a cathode conductive rod (33). The peripheral wall of the frame (31) slides against the inner wall of the vacuum chamber (1), and its bottom wall is fixed to the lifting end of the first lifting part (2). The fixed end of the second lifting part (32) is fixed to the inner bottom wall of the frame (31). The support (35) is fixed to the top surface of the frame (31) to support the cathode sheet (7) to be aged. The axis of the cathode conductive rod (33) coincides with the axis of the anode conductive rod (4) and penetrates the frame (31) perpendicularly. Its lower end is fixed to the lifting end of the second lifting part (32), and its upper end can abut against the cathode sheet (7) to achieve electrical contact. A vacuum system (5) is connected to the inner cavity of the vacuum chamber (1) via an air pipe (53) to create a vacuum.

2. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode sheet (7) has a bowl-shaped structure; the support member (35) has a three-jaw chuck structure, and multiple sliders (352) are radially connected to its top surface. The multiple sliders (352) are pressed against the inner wall of the cathode sheet (7) at one end of the periphery of the three-jaw chuck structure.

3. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The three-jaw chuck structure includes a disc body (351), a transmission disc (353), a bearing seat (354), a rotating shaft (355), and a gear (356); the disc body (351) is hollow inside and fixed to the top surface of the frame (31), and has a through hole in its middle for the cathode conductive rod (33) to pass through; the top surface of the disc body (351) has multiple grooves arranged radially from the center; the circumferential surface of the transmission disc (353) rotatably abuts against the inner wall of the disc body (351); the... The bottom surface of the transmission disc (353) is fixed with teeth, and the top surface is fixed with helical teeth; multiple sliders (352) are detachably connected to the grooves one by one, and their bottom surfaces are provided with tooth grooves that mesh with the helical teeth; the bearing seat (354) is fitted with a bearing and fixed on the inner bottom wall of the disc body (351); the outer wall of the rotating shaft (355) is interference-fitted with the inner ring of the bearing; the gear (356) is connected to the rotating shaft (355) by a key and meshes with the teeth.

4. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the rotating shaft (355) passes through the side wall of the disc body (351) and is fixed with a handle, and a torque limiter is embedded in the handle.

5. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anode conductive rod (4) is provided with multiple rods; the second lifting part (32) is a scissor lift, and the multiple scissor lifts correspond one-to-one with the multiple anode conductive rods (4); the scissor lift is rotatably connected with a handle (324) for driving the lifting.

6. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The top surface of the scissor lift is fixed with a pressure or limit indicator.

7. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum system (5) includes a mechanical pump (51) and a molecular pump (52), which are connected in series on the gas pipe (53) and the molecular pump (52) is located on the side close to the vacuum chamber (1).

8. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A diversion solenoid valve (57) is fixed on the gas pipe (53) corresponding to the gas inlet of the molecular pump (52); a pipeline solenoid valve (56) is fixed on the pipeline between the diversion solenoid valve (57) and the gas pipe (53); a high vacuum gauge tube (55) is connected to the pipeline between the gas pipe (53) and the pipeline solenoid valve (56) and the diversion solenoid valve (57); a low vacuum gauge tube (54) is connected to the pipeline between the gas pipe (53) and the mechanical pump (51) and the molecular pump (52).

9. The contact plate vacuum current aging device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The end of the gas pipe (53) near the vacuum chamber (1) is connected to an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve (58) is fixed on the exhaust pipe.

10. A method for vacuum current aging of contact plates, characterized in that it employs a vacuum current aging apparatus for contact plates according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: S1. Cathode plate loading: The cathode plate is installed on the top surface of the frame using a support. S2. The second lifting section drives the cathode conductive rod to move upward and make electrical contact with the cathode plate. S3. The vacuum system performs vacuuming operations on the vacuum chamber; S4. The first lifting unit drive frame slides up and down along the inner wall of the vacuum chamber, setting the aging distance of the cathode sheet. S5. When the cathode conductive rod is energized, the first lifting part drives the frame to move up and down within the preset aging distance range to maintain the arc combustion and age the cathode sheet.

Images