ELECTRIC EXTINGUISHING MODULE WITH A MAGNETIC BLOW-OUT DEVICE AND ELECTRIC EXTINGUISHING DEVICE WITH SUCH A MODULE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical cut-off module equipped with a magnetic blowing device, said cut-off module comprising a non-magnetic and electrically insulating housing, in which are housed at least one fixed contact and one movable contact, said movable contact being arranged to move relative to said fixed contact between a closed position and an open position and vice versa on a trajectory defining a cut-off plane, said fixed contact and said movable contact defining between them a cut-off zone extending in said cut-off plane, in which an electric arc extends at its origin, in particular when the electric circuit is opened, said cut-off module comprising at least one cut-off chamber delimited by the interior walls of said housing and comprising said cut-off zone to manage said electric arc in order to cut the current,and said magnetic blowing device comprising at least one magnetic field source arranged in said cutting chamber opposite said cutting zone.,

[0002] The invention also relates to an electrical cut-off device comprising at least one control module and said electrical cut-off module defined above. Prior art

[0003] Magnetic arc blowing is a principle commonly used in switching technologies to manage the electric arc that arises, particularly when an electrical circuit is opened, in order to achieve a gain in breaking performance and to preserve the integrity of the fixed and moving contacts of the switching module. The magnetic field, which can be generated by any type of magnetic field source, allows the electric arc to be moved from its inception and to be stretched rapidly to accelerate its cooling until it is extinguished. Cooling the arc plasma increases its impedance, which increases the arc voltage during breaking. Breaking a direct current (DC) implies that the switching module generates more voltage than the voltage of the network to be broken. This is why the magnetic blowing principle applies particularly well to breaking DC current.However, a high arc voltage is also interesting for breaking an alternating current (AC) since it allows a limitation of the current during the break, having the effect of reducing the damage due to the arc, or even of reducing the time of the electric arc by a limiting effect. Consequently, the principle of magnetic arc blowing is just as interesting for DC currents as for AC currents.

[0004] The applicant's publication FR 3 006 101 A1 proposes an electrical cut-off module equipped with a non-polarized magnetic blow-out device, which has the advantage of operating independently of the direction of the current in said cut-off module. The magnetic blow-out device comprises for this purpose a magnetic field source, such as a permanent magnet arranged in such a way that the cut-off response is unchanged regardless of the direction of the current. The arrangement of the magnet opposite the cut-off zone allows significant blow-out of the electric arc. The magnetic blow-out results in an elongation of the electric arc and an arc column which licks the insulating inner walls of the casing. These two phenomena combined tend to cool the arc plasma which then sees its impedance increase. Thus, the arc voltage increases abruptly, which makes it possible to cut higher DC voltages.

[0005] However, the search for gain in cutting performance is omnipresent.

[0006] Publication EP 2 980 821 A1 proposes a magnetic blowout solution that is unsatisfactory for several reasons. The single central magnet is far from the breaking zone, which causes a high loss of magnetic field in the breaking zone and makes magnetic blowout difficult. The magnetic arms that extend the central magnet generate a concentration and deformation of the magnetic field, which is counterproductive for arc blowout. The electromotive force induced by the magnetic field on the electric arc is not oriented in the direction of the arms, but perpendicular to them, also counterproductive for arc blowout. In addition, the magnetic arms leave a large volume of air around the breaking zone, allowing the electric arc to retrace and reform or re-snap between the fixed and moving contacts, which is dangerous for equipment and people.

[0007] And the publication WO 2012 / 110523 A1 proposes a solution for extinguishing the arc not by magnetic blowing but by creating an arc confinement imposed by a mechanical movement, commonly called a guillotine. This principle of arc management is very violent at the level of the arc plasma and can generate significant overvoltages, harmful or even dangerous for the electrical network that we wish to interrupt. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to improve the magnetic blowing device described, among other things, in the applicant's publication by proposing a solution which makes it possible to further accelerate the cooling of the arc plasma, with a view to generating even more arc voltage when the current is interrupted, while retaining a non-polarized cut-off solution, which can be easily adapted to different configurations of electrical cut-off devices, and making it possible to choose less efficient and therefore less expensive magnets.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to an electrical cut-off module according to claim 1. Said magnetic blowing device further comprises at least one non-magnetic and electrically insulating deflector, arranged in said cutting chamber to form a physical obstacle in the path of the electric arc when it is blown magnetically, and to occupy the majority of the space existing between said cut-off zone and said housing, so as to create in the narrow gap remaining between the insulating walls of said deflector and those of said housing, at least one arc confinement zone in which said electric arc, when it is blown magnetically, is deflected and constrained to promote its cooling and extinction.

[0010] The addition of the non-magnetic deflector in the arc chamber has the effect of immediately deflecting the path of the arc plasma in the direction of the induced electromagnetic force, of stretching the blown arc as far as possible from the cutting zone to avoid its re-breakdown, and of constraining it in a narrow gap between insulating walls to promote its cooling and accelerate its extinction.

[0011] According to the embodiment variants, said extinguishing chamber can extend on either side of said cutting plane symmetrically or not, and said deflector can also extend on either side of said cutting plane symmetrically or not, to define at least two arc confinement zones in opposition with respect to said cutting plane.

[0012] According to the invention, said at least one magnetic field source is oriented to generate at least one magnetic excitation vector substantially parallel to said cut-off plane so that the induced electromagnetic force moves and stretches said electric arc in a direction substantially perpendicular to said cut-off plane towards the housing and in said at least one arc confinement zone.

[0013] Depending on the embodiments chosen, said deflector may be movable and secured to said movable contact, or fixed and secured to said housing.

[0014] Furthermore, said deflector consists of a plurality of fins or plates spaced apart from each other and oriented substantially perpendicular to said cutting plane, or it consists of a solid or openwork single-piece part.

[0015] In the preferred form of the invention, said deflector may have a C-shaped section, substantially symmetrical with respect to the cutting plane, comprising two ears separated by a central opening arranged to free a passage for the relative movement of said movable contact or said fixed contact depending on whether said deflector is fixed or movable.

[0016] Said magnetic blowing device may further comprise at least one carcass arranged to channel the magnetic flux induced by said at least one magnetic field source, this carcass being able to be integrated or not into the housing and arranged around at least said magnetic field source and said deflector. According to the embodiment variants, said at least one field source may be static and integral with said housing, or mobile and integral with said mobile contact. In addition, said mobile contact may be mobile in rotation around said central axis or in translation parallel to said cut-off plane.

[0017] If the electrical cut-off module comprises two fixed contacts symmetrical with respect to a central axis or a median plane of said housing, and a movable contact common to the two fixed contacts defining two symmetrical cut-off zones, then it advantageously comprises two symmetrical cut-off chambers, and at least two non-magnetic and electrically insulating deflectors, each arranged in one of the cut-off chambers. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of several embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical cut-off device according to the invention, the figure 2 is a perspective top view of a rotary cut-off module of the device of the figure 1 , in closed position, the figure 3is a perspective top view of the cut-off module of the figure 2 , in the open position, the figure 4 is an enlarged view of detail IV of the cut-off module of the figure 3 , showing a magnetic blowing device, the Figure 5 is an enlarged partial view of the cut-off module of the figure 3 , showing the path of an electric arc at its origin in the cutting chamber, the figure 6 is a view similar to the Figure 5 , showing the path of the magnetically blown electric arc in the arc chute, the figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cutting module of the figure 3 to the right of a cutting chamber and a magnetic blowing device, the figure 8 is a view similar to the figure 4 showing an alternative embodiment of the magnetic blowing device, the figure 9 is an exploded view of a portion of the magnetic blowing device of the figure 8 , there figure 10is a partial cross-sectional view similar to the figure 7 , the cutting chamber and the magnetic blowing device of the figure 8 , there figure 11 is a perspective top view of a linear cut-off module of another cut-off device according to the invention, in the closed position, the figure 12 is a perspective top view of the cut-off module of the figure 11 , in the open position, the figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting module of the figure 12 at the level of the cutting chambers and the magnetic blowing devices, the figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting module of the figure 12 according to another variant embodiment of the magnetic blowing devices, the figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting module of the figure 12 according to a variant of the magnetic blowing device, and the figure 16 is a perspective view similar to the figure 4of the cut-off module of the figure 3 , showing another variation of the magnetic blowing chamber device. Description of the embodiments

[0019] In the illustrated embodiments, identical elements or parts bear the same reference numbers. Furthermore, terms which have a relative meaning, such as vertical, horizontal, right, left, front, rear, above, below, etc. must be interpreted under normal conditions of use of the invention, and as shown in the figures. Furthermore, the geometric positions indicated in the description and the claims, such as “perpendicular”, “parallel”, “symmetrical” are not limited to the strict sense defined in geometry, but extend to geometric positions which are close, that is to say which accept a certain tolerance in the technical field considered, without influence on the result obtained. This tolerance is notably introduced by the adverb “substantially”, without this term necessarily being repeated before each adjective.

[0020] With reference to the figures, the electrical cut-off device 1 according to the invention may be a switch, a switch-disconnector, a contactor, a commutator, a changeover switch, a circuit breaker, or any other similar cut-off device. It is intended to be fixed on a standardized rail (DIN), a plate, or any suitable fixing support. It may be intended to cut a low-voltage direct current (i.e. less than 1500V), such as for example in photovoltaic or similar applications, or a medium-voltage direct current, such as for example 2000V or 3000V for particular applications, without these values ​​and examples being limiting. It may also be intended to cut an alternating current in all types of industrial, tertiary and domestic applications, regardless of the nominal supply voltage.

[0021] The electrical cut-off device 1 may or may not be based on a modular architecture. If the device is modular, then it can control with a single control module 2, one or more cut-off modules 3, 3', for example one to eight cut-off modules, without this number being limiting. The control module 2 is not part of the invention and will not be described. Only the cut-off module 3 is part of the invention and will be described in detail, it being specified that it may be an integral part of said electrical cut-off device when the latter is not modular. The term "module" should therefore not be interpreted in a restrictive sense.

[0022] Each breaking module 3, 3' forms a breaking pole, which can be either a single breaking pole comprising a fixed contact CF and a movable contact CM, or a double breaking pole comprising two fixed contacts CF and a common movable contact CM. In all cases, the movable contact CM is arranged to move relative to the fixed contact(s) CF between a closed position and an open position and vice versa on a path defining a breaking plane P. The relative movement of the movable contact CM can be either rotary or linear. Furthermore, the fixed contacts CF and movable contacts CM can be either sliding electrical contacts, pressure electrical contacts, or any other type of compatible electrical contacts.

[0023] The electrical cut-off device 1, also subsequently called cut-off device 1 or device 1, according to the invention and as illustrated in figure 1, comprises two double cut-off modules 3, and a manual control module 2 provided with a handle 4. These three modules are superimposed along a central axis A, and held together by complementary interlocking shapes and fixing members (not shown). Each cut-off module 3 can have a defined cut-off capacity, for example equal to 750V, thus making it possible to have, in the example illustrated, a device 1 capable of cutting a voltage of 1500V, without this example being limiting. The cut-off modules 3 are preferably identical and a single cut-off module 3 will be described subsequently.

[0024] Also referring to the figures 2 to 8, the cut-off module 3 comprises a non-magnetic and electrically insulating housing 5, in which are housed at least two fixed contacts CF and one movable contact CM. The housing 5 is preferably made in two nestable parts 5a, 5b, delimiting between them housings to receive the different components of said cut-off module and simultaneously ensure their positioning, their maintenance and their electrical insulation. The fixed contacts CF are connected to external conductors 6 by screw cages 7, or any other type of suitable connection terminal. The movable contact CM is a rotary contact, embedded on an electrically insulated rotary spindle 8. The rotary spindle 8 is driven in alternating rotation around the central axis A by a snap-action mechanism (not shown) provided in the control module 2. The snap-action mechanism forming part of the control module 2 is also not the subject of the invention and will not be described.Any type of control module 2 and snap-action mechanism may therefore be suitable for the cut-off module 3 which is the subject of the invention.

[0025] The fixed contacts CF and the moving contact CM define between them respectively two breaking zones Z, in which an electric arc E extends in particular when the electric circuit is opened. The electric arc E is represented schematically by a cord in the figures 5 to 7 and only in the cut-off zone Z on the right of the figures. The cut-off zones Z are, in the example shown, diametrically opposed. They extend in the said cut-off plane P, in which the electric arc E is inscribed at its origin.

[0026] The cut-off module 3 comprises two cut-off chambers 9, which are in particular delimited by the interior walls of the housing 5 and each comprise one of the cut-off zones Z. The cut-off chambers 9 make it possible to manage the electric arc E in order to cut the current. In the example illustrated, the cut-off chambers 9 are diametrically opposed with respect to the central axis A and symmetrical with respect to the median plane merged with the cut-off plane P. This example is not limiting, since asymmetric cut-off chambers can be envisaged, without calling into question either the operation or the non-polarity of the magnetic blow-out devices 10.

[0027] The cut-off module 3 further comprises a magnetic blow-out device 10 for the electric arc E. In the example shown, the magnetic blow-out device 10 comprises two static magnetic field sources 11, each arranged close to and facing a cut-off zone Z. The fact that each is located facing a cut-off zone Z makes it possible to create a maximum magnetic field directly in the cut-off zone and a quasi-constant magnetic field throughout the extinguishing chamber 9 for optimal magnetic blow-out of the electric arc E. The magnetic field sources 11 are isolated from said cut-off zone Z by internal walls of the housing 5. In the example shown, each magnetic field source 11 is oriented to generate a magnetic excitation vector M substantially parallel to the cut-off plane P.Thus, the electromagnetic force F induced by each magnetic field source 11 moves and stretches the corresponding electric arc E in a direction substantially perpendicular to the cut-off plane P towards the bottom of the parts 5a, 5b of the housing 5, and this independently in one direction or the other depending on the polarity of the magnetic field source 11 and / or said current. However, the invention is also suitable for magnetic blowing devices which may have a different architecture, proposing both non-polarized and polarized cut-off, and blowing the electric arc towards other walls of the housing 5.

[0028] The magnetic field source 11 may consist of one or more permanent magnets, or any other equivalent system capable of generating a magnetic excitation vector, such as one or more electrically powered coils. In the examples shown, the magnetic field source 11 consists of a permanent magnet, of planar, parallelepipedal shape, without this shape being limiting. The numerical reference 11 will be used indifferently to designate the magnetic field source and the magnet(s). Indeed, it is possible to produce a magnetic field source 11 whose shape is adapted to the architecture of the cut-off module, which may be curved in the case for example of a rotary cut-off device. In this case, it may consist of a plurality of parallelepipedal permanent magnets, arranged side by side on a curved line, or of a permanent magnet molded in a curved shape.The characteristics of the permanent magnet, as well as its technical effects on the blowing and stretching of the electric arc are notably described in the applicant's publication FR 3 006 101 A1, and will not be detailed in this application.

[0029] The magnetic blowing device 10, in accordance with the invention, differs from that described in the publication mentioned above, by the presence in said extinguishing chamber 9, of a non-magnetic and electrically insulating deflector 20. This deflector 20 is designed and arranged to occupy, fill or fill the major part of the extinguishing chamber 9, that is to say the space existing between the breaking zone Z and the housing 5, and to provide one or more narrow spaces or gaps between the insulating walls of said deflector and those of said housing. The deflector 20 thus forms a completely non-magnetic physical obstacle, interposed on the path of the blown electric arc and reduces to a minimum the volume of air remaining in said extinguishing chamber 9.At least one of the remaining narrow spaces or intervals then constitutes an arc confinement zone 21, in which the electric arc E when magnetically blown is deflected and constrained to promote its cooling and extinction. This arc confinement zone 21 is mainly located at a distance and in line with or vertically above the cut-off zone Z in the direction of the electromotive force F. The . figure 7 illustrates the arc confinement zones 21 obtained thanks to the presence of the deflector 20 located mainly between the bottom of the parts 5a, 5b of the housing 5 and the corresponding ends of the ears 22 of the deflector 20. However and depending on the architecture of the magnetic blowing device, the arc confinement zone(s) 21 may be located elsewhere, between the corresponding lateral or transverse walls of said deflector 20 and said housing 5.

[0030] In the example illustrated in the figures 2 to 7, the deflector 20 is mobile, and is an integral part of the mobile contact CM, and therefore of the rotary pin 8. It has a C-shaped section, symmetrical with respect to the cutting plane P. It comprises two ears 22 separated by a central opening 23. The central opening 23 frees a passage for the relative movement of the fixed contact CF with respect to the mobile contact CM in the cutting plane P. The deflector 20 comprises a shoulder 24 between the ears 22 and the rotary pin 8, which delimits with the housing 5 a groove for guiding in rotation said rotary pin 8. The shape of the deflector 20 and that of the means for guiding in rotation the rotary pin 8 may be different depending on the architecture of the cutting module 3. The deflector 20 is constituted in this example of a plurality of fins 25, for example five fins 25, without this number being limiting. The fins 25 are oriented perpendicular to the cutting plane P.They are distributed in the cut-off zone Z, which extends over an angular sector, in the case of a rotary cut-off module. The interval between two consecutive fins 25 is regular, but could be irregular. This embodiment example is therefore not limiting.

[0031] The inner walls of the housing 5 have a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the deflector 20, for example to that of the ears 22, with a clearance determined to create said arc confinement zones 21. Thus the inner walls of the housing 5 also have a geometric shape substantially symmetrical with respect to the cut-off plane P in the example illustrated, without this example being limiting. As mentioned previously, the symmetry of the arc chambers 9 with respect to said cut-off plane P makes it possible to guarantee equivalent breaking performances, whatever the polarity of the magnets 11 and the direction of the current, if the magnets are also arranged symmetrically with respect to said cut-off plane P. The same result is possible in the event of non-symmetry of the arc chambers 9, if the magnets 11 are also arranged non-symmetrically. In all cases, the non-polarized operation of the magnetic blow-out device 10 is guaranteed.

[0032] When the electrical circuit is opened, when the moving contact CM leaves the fixed contact CF, an electric arc E is established in the cut-off zone Z between the fixed contact CF and the moving contact CM, and circulates inside the central opening 23 of the deflector 20 (cf. Figure 5). The magnetic blowing induced by the magnet 11 in the cut-off zone Z tends to push the electric arc E perpendicular to the cut-off plane P in the direction of the housing 5. The deflector 20 inserted in the path of the blown electric arc E forms a non-magnetic physical obstacle which has the effect of immediately diverting the path of the arc plasma in the direction of the electromotive force F, as far as the confinement zone 21 between the end of the ears 22 of the deflector 20 and the housing 5. At the same time, the gaps existing between the fins 25 of the deflector 20 on the one hand, and between the deflector 20 and the inner walls of the housing 5 on the other hand, form unidirectional exhaust columns promoting the expansion of the arc plasma in the direction of the confinement zone 21 and its cooling in contact with the insulating walls of the deflector 20 and the housing 5.In the arc confinement zone 21, the electric arc E is stretched, elongated and clamped between the corresponding insulating walls of the housing 5 and the deflector 20. The electric arc E then cools abruptly. This cooling technique is particularly rapid and very effective. In addition, the electrically insulating materials constituting the housing 5 and the deflector 20 are preferably non-magnetic materials which produce no effect on the magnetic field generated by the magnets 11 and do not in any way disturb the magnetic blowing of the arc. These materials can further improve the technical effect described above, in particular if they have gas-forming properties. They may be thermoplastic materials, such as Teflon ®< or similar, which, upon contact with the electric arc E, release hydrogen particles, which will mix with the arc plasma and accelerate its cooling.

[0033] This new breaking principle allows for a gain in breaking performance because it allows a high arc voltage to be achieved. It also allows for a reduction in the necessary magnetic field and the use of magnets 11 of lower quality and cost, such as for example ferrite or similar type magnets, instead of high quality magnets, made of rare and expensive metals, such as Neodymium Iron Boron.

[0034] The cutting principle according to the invention is also easily adaptable to various variants, some examples of which are now described.

[0035] The movable deflector 20 as described with reference to the figures 2 to 7 is formed of fins 25 embedded or securely connected to the rotating pin 8 of the movable contact CM. In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 16, the deflector 20 is made up of a solid single-piece part 26, also mobile and integral with the rotating pin 8 of the mobile contact CM. This solid single-piece part 26 can have a geometry similar to that of the fins 25, that is to say a C-shaped section symmetrical with respect to the cutting plane P. It thus comprises two ears 22, a central opening 23 and a guide shoulder 24. In this variant, a lateral clearance between the deflector 20 and the interior walls of the housing 5 is necessary to create unidirectional exhaust columns promoting the expansion of the arc plasma towards the confinement zones 21 and consequently the displacement and stretching of the electric arc E perpendicular to the cutting plane P into these arc confinement zones 21. The deflector 20 may also consist of an openwork part, not shown, provided with slots, orifices or the like allowing the passage of the arc plasma.

[0036] THE figures 8 to 10illustrate another alternative embodiment of a deflector 20' which is fixed and attached or securely connected to the housing 5. In this example, the deflector 20' is made up of a plurality of individual C-shaped plates 24', symmetrical with respect to the cut-off plane P and attached in lateral grooves 25' provided on an inner wall of the housing 5, opposite the cut-off zones Z. The deflector 20' is made up in this example of five plates 24', without this number being limiting. The plates 24' are oriented perpendicular to the cut-off plane P. They are distributed in the cut-off zone Z, which extends over an angular sector, in the case of a rotary cut-off module. The interval between two consecutive plates 24' is regular, but could be irregular. This exemplary embodiment is therefore not limiting.The intervals between the plates 24' of the deflector 20' form unidirectional exhaust columns promoting the expansion of the arc plasma in the direction of the electromotive force F and towards the confinement zones 21'.

[0037] These exemplary embodiments of deflector 20, 20' are of course not limiting and other embodiments and / or geometric shapes are possible insofar as they form non-magnetic physical obstacles on the path of the blown electric arc E, which occupy and fill the cutting chambers 9 to reduce to a minimum the volume of air remaining in narrow spaces, baffles and / or exhaust columns, having the effect of constraining and deflecting the path of the arc plasma and therefore of the electric arc between non-conductive walls. The deflector 20, 20' may also consist of a single-piece perforated part, not shown, for example crossed by slots, orifices, pores or the like to allow the expansion of the arc plasma in the direction of the electromotive force F and in the direction of the confinement zones 21, 21'.

[0038] The cutting principle of the invention also applies to so-called linear 3' cutting modules, as opposed to the rotary 3 cutting modules described above. With particular reference to figures 11 to 13 , the 3' cut-off module is double and comprises two fixed contacts CF and one movable contact CM mounted on an insulated 8' linear carriage. The 8' linear carriage is driven in alternating translation along an axis T, by a snap-action mechanism (not shown) provided in a control module (not shown). The linear 3' cut-off module has a construction substantially similar to the rotary 3 cut-off module of the figures 2 to 7, in the sense that it is symmetrical both with respect to a median plane B perpendicular to the cut-off plane P passing through the axis T, and with respect to said cut-off plane P. As explained with reference to the rotary cut-off module 3, the symmetry of the module in the two planes P and B is not an obligation, and an asymmetrical design can be envisaged, without calling into question either the operation or the non-polarity of the magnetic blowing devices 10.

[0039] The linear cut-off module 3' further comprises two symmetrical cut-off chambers 9, at right angles to two cut-off zones Z, a magnetic blowing device 10 provided with two symmetrical magnets 11 and facing each of the cut-off zones Z, and two symmetrical deflectors 20 embedded on the linear carriage 8'. These deflectors 20 also have the same configuration as the deflectors 20 of the figures 2 to 7, bear the same numerical references, and are not described again. In accordance with the figure 13 , the deflectors 20 fill the cutting chambers 9, and delimit with the interior walls of the housing 5 confinement zones 21 in which the electric arc E is deflected, stretched and constrained when it is magnetically blown by the magnets 11.

[0040] Furthermore and in all the embodiment variants described, the magnetic blowing device 10 can be amplified by the addition of a ferromagnetic or similar carcass 12, having the effect of channeling and concentrating the magnetic field M induced by the magnet 11 of the magnetic blowing device 10 in each cutting chamber 9. In the example illustrated in figure 14, the carcass 12 has a C shape, symmetrical with respect to the cut-off plane P and surrounding the magnet 11 and the deflector 20. It is further isolated from the deflector 20 for an inner wall 5' of the housing 5. The shape of the carcass 12 may be different depending on the architecture of the magnetic blowing device 10 and the cut-off module 3, 3'.

[0041] The magnetic blowing device 10, when implemented in double 3, 3' cut-off modules, as shown in the various figures 2 to 14 , may comprise only one magnetic field source 11, which in this case is common to the two breaking chambers 9. An exemplary embodiment is illustrated with reference to the figure 15, in which the magnet 11 of the magnetic blowing device 10 is mobile, embedded in the mobile contact CM, and attached or integrated in the rotary spindle 8 or the linear carriage 8'. This variant embodiment makes it possible to make the breaking module 3, 3' more compact and to combine the magnetic effect of a single magnet 11 arranged facing two opposite breaking zones and blowing the electric arcs E into two opposite breaking chambers 9.

[0042] The present invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art within the limits of the appended claims. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the different embodiments and variants mentioned above may be, in whole or in some cases, combined with each other. Furthermore, the arrows M and F which represent in the figures respectively the magnetic excitation vector generated by each magnetic field source 11 and the corresponding induced electromagnetic force, may be oriented differently depending on both the polarity of said magnetic field source 11 and the direction of the current flowing in each breaking chamber 9, without thereby departing from the protective field of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrical quenching module (3, 3') equipped with a magnetic blow-out device (10), said quenching module comprising a non-magnetic, electrically insulating housing (5), in which at least one fixed contact (CF) and one moving contact (CM) are housed, said moving contact (CM) being arranged to move relative to said fixed contact (CF) between a closed position and an open position and vice versa on a trajectory defining a quenching plane (P), said fixed contact (CF) and said movable contact (CM) defining between them a quenching zone (Z) extending into said quenching plane (P), into which an electric arc (E) extends at its origin, in particular when the electrical circuit is opened, said quenching module comprising at least one quenching chamber (9) delimited by the inner walls of said housing (5) and comprising said quenching zone (Z) for managing said electric arc (E) in order to quench the current, said magnetic blow-out device (10) comprising at least one magnetic source field (11) arranged in said quenching chamber (9) opposite said quenching zone (Z), characterized in that said at least one magnetic source field (11) is oriented to generate at least one magnetic excitation vector (M) substantially parallel to said quenching plane (P) so that the induced electromagnetic force (F) displaces and stretches said electric arc (E) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said quenching plane (P) towards the housing (5), and in that said magnetic blow-out device (10) further comprises at least one non-magnetic and electrically insulating deflector (20, 20') arranged in said quenching chamber (9) to form a physical obstacle in the path of the electric arc (E) when it is magnetically blown-out, - said deflector (20, 20') consisting of a solid one-piece part (26) or of an openwork one-piece part, the deflector occupying most of the space existing between said quenching zone (Z) and said housing (5) in the direction of said electromagnetic force (F), or - said deflector (20, 20') consisting of a plurality of fins (25) or plates (24') spaced apart and oriented substantially perpendicular to said quenching plane (P) in the direction of said electromagnetic force (F), each fin or plate occupying most of the space corresponding to the thickness of the fin or plate and existing between said quenching zone (Z) and said housing (5) in the direction of said electromagnetic force (F), so as to create at least one arc confinement zone (21, 21') in the narrow gap remaining between the insulating walls of said deflector (20) and those of said housing (5), into which said electric arc (E) is deflected and constrained when magnetically blown out, to promote its cooling and extinction.

2. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to claim 1, characterized in that said quenching chamber (9) extends on either side of said quenching plane (P) and said deflector (20, 20') also extends on either side of said quenching plane (P) to define at least two confinement zones (21) in opposition with respect to said quenching plane (P).

3. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to claim 2, characterized in that said quenching chamber (9) is symmetrical with respect to said quenching plane (P) and said deflector (20, 20') is symmetrical with respect to said quenching plane (P).

4. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said deflector (20) is movable and integral with said movable contact (CM).

5. Electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said deflector (20') is fixed and integral with said housing (5).

6. Electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said deflector (20, 20') has a C-shaped cross-section, substantially symmetrical with respect to the quenching plane (P), comprising two lugs (22) separated by a central opening (23) arranged to free a passage for the relative displacement of said movable contact (CM) or said fixed contact (CF) depending on whether said deflector (20, 20') is fixed or movable.

7. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said magnetic blow-out device (10) comprises at least one carcass (12) arranged to channel the magnetic flux (M) induced by said at least one magnetic field source (11).

8. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to claim 7, characterized in that said carcass (12) is integrated into the housing (5) and arranged around at least said magnetic field source (11) and said deflector (20, 20').

9. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one field source (11) is static and integral with said housing (5).

10. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one field source (11) is movable and integral with said movable contact (CM).

11. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said movable contact (CM) is rotatable about said central axis (A) or translatable parallel to said quenching plane (P).

12. The electrical quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 11, comprising two fixed contacts (CF) symmetrical with respect to a central axis (A) or a median plane (B) of said housing (5), and a movable contact (CM) common to the two fixed contacts (CF) defining two symmetrical quenching zones (Z), said quenching module comprising two symmetrical quenching chambers (9), characterized in that it further comprises at least two non-magnetic, and electrically insulating deflectors (20, 20'), each arranged in one of the quenching chambers (9).

13. Electrical quenching apparatus (1) comprising at least one control module (2) and a quenching module (3, 3') according to any of claims 1 to 12.