Current breaking contact assembly

Abstract

A set (40) of electrical switching contacts (1, 2) for a vacuum lamp (100) is proposed, comprising: - a first contact (1), - a second contact (2) movable along a displacement axis (A), each contact (1;2) having the form of a disk comprising a set of branches (5a,5b,5c;6a,6b,6c) separated by a slot (7a,7b,7c;8a,8b,8c) passing through the thickness of the disk, in which each branch (5a, 5b,5c) of the first contact (1) and each branch (6a, 6b,6c) of the second contact (2) comprises an inclined surface (9a,9b,9c; 10a, 10b, 10c), and in which the first contact (1) and the second contact (2) are angularly linked such that: - the slots (7a,7b,7c) of the first contact (1) coincide with the slits (8a,8b,8c) of the second contact (2), and - the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of a branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) and the inclined surface (10a, 10b, 10c) of a branch (6a,6b,6c) of the second contact (2) are opposite each other.

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum interrupters, also known as vacuum lamps or vacuum bulbs. Vacuum lamps are used in low, medium, and high voltage electrical distribution equipment. Vacuum lamps are associated with actuators to interrupt the current in a section of the circuit. Technique antérieure

[0002] As is well known, a vacuum tube has two opposing switching contacts. Each switching contact is attached to a current-conducting rod. The contacts are housed in a sealed enclosure under vacuum. The contacts can be moved relative to each other by an actuation mechanism. When the contacts are pressed together, current can flow from one contact to the other and thus circulate through the vacuum tube. When the contacts are separated, the current is interrupted in the vacuum tube.

[0003] When the current is interrupted and restored, an electric arc forms between the contacts. If this arc remains stationary, it can generate enough heat to locally melt the contact surfaces, causing damage. Therefore, it is known to shape the contacts so that the formed electric arc generates a radial magnetic field, allowing the arc to circulate across the contact. This prevents the arc from stagnating in a fixed area of ​​the contact. The circulation of the electric arc within the contact tends to even out the heating and reduces localized damage. It is desirable for the contact shape to also generate an orthoradial magnetic force on the electric arc—that is, a force perpendicular to the radial direction of the contact—in order to rotate the electric arc within the contact. To achieve this, each contact can incorporate a series of open-ended slots.The slots of one contact are arranged opposite the slots of the other contact to create a current loop, which allows for good arc flow. Current interruption performance can be optimized by adjusting the shape of the contact slots and their relative position.

[0004] The present invention aims to improve the performance of this type of vacuum ampoule. Résumé

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a set of electrical cut-off contacts, particularly with a radial magnetic field, for a vacuum bulb, the set comprising: a first contact comprising a bearing surface configured to be fixed to a first electrical current conduction rod, a second contact configured to be moved along a displacement axis between an open position and a closed position, the second contact comprising a bearing surface configured to be fixed to a second electrical current conduction rod, each contact having the form of a disk comprising a set of branches, each branch being separated from an adjacent branch by a slot through the thickness of the disk, each slot extending radially from the periphery of the disk towards the interior of the disk, in which: each branch of the first contact comprises an inclined surface oriented opposite to the bearing surface of the first rod, each branch of the second contact comprises an inclined surface oriented opposite to the bearing surface of the second rod, and in which the first contact and the second contact are angularly linked such that: the slots of the first contact coincide with the slots of the second contact in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement, and the inclined surfaces of the branches of the first contact are opposite, in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement, the inclined surfaces of the branches of the second contact.

[0006] The electric arc formed when the contacts open travels along the contact arms, driven by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the contacts and the electric arc itself. When the electric arc is near the periphery of the contacts, it positions itself between a point on one inclined surface of a contact and a point on the opposite inclined surface of the other contact. The electric arc then travels along the inclined surfaces. When the electric arc reaches the end of the inclined surfaces, it can easily move to the next arm of each contact. This configuration prevents the electric arc from stagnating at the end of an arm and promotes arc circulation. This reduces contact heating and improves the performance and endurance of the vacuum tube.

[0007] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0008] Each inclined surface of the first contact extends respectively, in a radial direction, between the periphery of the disk and a slot of the first contact.

[0009] According to one aspect of the electrical break contact assembly, each branch of the first contact comprises respectively a first end adjacent to the lateral surface of the disc, and the first end of each branch is respectively opposite, in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement, an edge of an adjacent branch.

[0010] This relative arrangement of the inclined surface of a given branch and the edge of the branch adjacent to that given branch promotes the circulation of the electric arc, allowing easy movement of the electric arc from one branch to another.

[0011] The first end of a branch is the free end of the branch.

[0012] According to one aspect of the electrical break contact assembly, the first contact and the second contact are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first contact and the second contact comprise three branches offset angularly by 120° from each other.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the first contact and the second contact comprise four branches offset angularly by 90° from each other.

[0015] According to yet another example of implementation, the first contact and the second contact comprise five branches offset angularly by 72° from each other.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact is flat.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact is a curved surface.

[0018] The inclined surface of each branch of the first contact is, for example, a helical surface.

[0019] According to an example of the embodiment of the electrical break contact set, a straight line perpendicular to the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact forms respectively an angle between 10° and 80° with a direction parallel to the axis of movement, preferably between 20° and 60°, more preferably between 25° and 40°.

[0020] This angle of inclination value promotes the circulation of the electric arc and an easy jump between one branch of the contacts and the adjacent branch.

[0021] The inclined surface of each branch of the first contact forms an angle of between 20° and 160° with the inclined surface of the opposite branch of the second contact. Preferably, this angle is between 40° and 120°, and more preferably, between 50° and 80°.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the electrical break contact assembly, the first end of each branch of the first contact has the shape of a half-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis of movement.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the electrical breaking contact assembly, the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact is respectively extended by a portion of constant thickness.

[0024] The portion of constant thickness extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement.

[0025] The thickness of the constant thickness portion is between 10% and 90% of the thickness of the first contact.

[0026] Each portion of constant thickness of a branch extends respectively from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge of the branch.

[0027] A length, measured along an orthoradial direction, of the constant thickness portion of a branch is between 2.0 millimeters and 8.0 millimeters.

[0028] According to one aspect of the electrical breaking contact set, the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact is respectively opposite, in a direction parallel to an orthoradial direction of the disk, an internal surface of an adjacent branch, called the interface surface.

[0029] The internal surface, called the interface surface, opens into the lateral surface of the disk.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the interface surface of each branch adjacent to a given branch of the first contact comprises respectively an inclined surface extending parallel to the inclined surface of said given branch.

[0031] According to a method of implementing the set of contacts: the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact extends from a first axial surface of the disk to a second axial surface of the disk, and the inclined surface of the interface surface of a branch adjacent to a given branch extends from a first axial surface of the disk to a second axial surface of the disk.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the inclined surface of each branch of the first contact and the inclined surface of the interface surface of each branch adjacent to a given branch are parallel to each other.

[0033] According to this embodiment of the set of electrical contacts, the interface surface of each branch adjacent to a given branch comprises respectively a portion extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement, each of said portions respectively extending the inclined surface.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the interface surface of each branch adjacent to a given branch comprises respectively a first portion extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement.

[0035] Each extension plane of the first portion can form a radial plane of the disk.

[0036] According to one embodiment, each extension plane of the first portion can be respectively parallel to a radial plane of the disk, and the distance between each extension plane of the first portion and the center of the disk is less than 10% of the diameter of the disk.

[0037] The thickness of each first portion of the interface surface is between 10% and 50% of the thickness of the first contact.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the interface surface of each branch adjacent to a given branch comprises respectively a second portion extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement.

[0039] Each extension plane of the second portion is respectively parallel to the extension plane of the first portion.

[0040] The thickness of each second portion of the interface surface can be between 50% and 90% of the thickness of the first contact.

[0041] A distance, measured along an orthoradial direction, between the first portion of the interface surface and the second portion of the interface surface, is between 30% and 60% of the thickness of the first contact.

[0042] The length, measured along an orthoradial direction, of the third portion is between 30% and 60% of the thickness of the first contact.

[0043] A distance, measured along a direction parallel to the axis of displacement, between the portion of constant thickness of a branch and the first portion of the interface surface of an adjacent branch, is between 25% and 65% of the thickness of the first contact.

[0044] The distance is greater than or equal to 3 millimeters.

[0045] According to this embodiment of the set of electrical contacts, the interface surface of each branch adjacent to a given branch comprises respectively a third portion connecting the second portion and the first portion, the third portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement.

[0046] The invention also relates to a vacuum bulb comprising a set of contacts as described above, the second contact being movable between a contact position with the first contact allowing an electric current to pass through the vacuum bulb and a position away from the first contact prohibiting a current from passing through the vacuum bulb.

[0047] The invention also relates to a vacuum bulb comprising a set of contacts as described above, the two contacts being configured to be moved in opposite directions along a displacement axis between a closed position allowing electric current to pass through the vacuum bulb and an open position preventing current from passing through the vacuum bulb.

[0048] The invention also relates to a switching device comprising a vacuum bulb as described above.

[0049] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a contact of the set of electrical breaking contacts as described above.

[0050] The manufacturing process includes the following steps: provide a rough disc-shaped contact, comprising a first axial face and a second axial face opposite the first axial face, machine the first axial face of the rough contact so as to form a set of first grooves crossing at least part of the thickness of the rough contact, machine the second axial face of the rough contact so as to form a set of second grooves crossing at least part of the thickness of the rough contact and opening into the first grooves, so as to form the slots separating the different branches of the contact.

[0051] During the machining of the first set of slots, the lateral surface of the machining tool forms the first portion of the arms as it moves. The axial surface of the machining tool forms the portion of constant thickness as it moves. During the machining of the second set of slots, the lateral surface of the machining tool forms the second portion and the ends of the arms as it moves. The axial surface of the machining tool forms the third portion as it moves.

[0052] The manufacturing process includes the following step: machine the first axial face of the raw contact so as to form the inclined surfaces of the contact branches.

[0053] Inclined surfaces are formed by successive passes of the machining tool.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing process may include the following step: machine part of the lateral surface of the raw contact so as to form the inclined surfaces of the contact branches. Brève description des dessins

[0055] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic representation of a vacuum ampoule according to the prior art, [ Fig. 2 ] is a side view of a set of electrical disconnect contacts according to a first embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 3 ] is a perspective view of an electrical break contact of the entire figure 2 , [ Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of an electrical break contact according to a variant of the first embodiment, [ Fig. 5 ] is a side view of a set of electrical disconnect contacts according to a second embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 6 ] is a perspective view of an electrical break contact of the entire figure 5 , [ Fig. 7 ] is another perspective view of an electrical disconnect contact of the entire figure 5 , [ Fig. 8 ] is a top view of an electrical disconnect contact of the entire figure 5 , [ Fig. 9 ] is a bottom view of an electrical disconnect contact of the entire figure 5 , [ Fig. 10 ] is a detailed, perspective view of an electrical disconnect contact of the entire figure 5 , [ Fig. 11 ] is another detailed, perspective view of an electrical disconnect contact of the entire figure 5 , [ Fig. 12 ] is a perspective view of an electrical break contact according to a variant of the second embodiment, [ Fig. 13 ] is a top view of the electrical disconnect contact of the figure 11 , [ Fig. 14 ] is a schematic, side view of a set of electrical break contacts according to a third embodiment. Description des modes de réalisation

[0056] To facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations can be interchanged. When it is specified that a subsystem contains a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that subsystem.

[0057] In the different figures, the X, Y, Z axes designate the three directions of space in order to identify the viewing angle of each figure.

[0058] We have represented on the figure 1 A vacuum bulb 100 comprises a set of 40 electrical breaking contacts 1,2, which will be described in detail below. A switching device, not shown, includes the vacuum bulb 100. The switching device is, for example, a medium-voltage or high-voltage device. The switching device may be, for example, a circuit breaker, a disconnect switch, or a switch. According to the illustrated example, the switching device has three electrical conductors, each corresponding to a phase, and each electrical conductor has a vacuum bulb 100.

[0059] The vacuum bulb 100 comprises an enclosure 80, forming a vacuum-tight chamber. This means that the pressure inside the enclosure is less than 10⁻⁴ millibars. A screen, not shown, is positioned radially opposite the switching contacts 1, 2, protecting the enclosure 80 from metal deposits torn from the contacts 1, 2. The set of electrical switching contacts 40, 1, 2, is located within the enclosure 80.

[0060] The first contact 1 is attached to a first conduction rod 31 for the electric current. The second contact 2 is attached to a second conduction rod 32 for the electric current.

[0061] The second contact 2 is mobile between: a position F in contact with the first contact 1 allowing an electric current to pass through the vacuum bulb 100, and a position O away from the first contact 1 prohibiting a current from passing through the vacuum bulb 100.

[0062] The first contact 1 includes a contact surface 13 configured to make contact with the second contact 2. Similarly, the second contact 2 includes a contact surface 14 configured to make contact with the first contact 1. When contacts 1 and 2 are in the closed position F, the contact surface 13 of the first contact 1 rests against the contact surface 14 of the second contact 2. This operating case is illustrated schematically in part A of the figure 1 , and corresponds to a closure of the electrical circuit. The electric current can thus flow between the first conduction rod 31 and the second conduction rod 32, passing through the contacts 1,2.

[0063] When contacts 1 and 2 are in the open position O, the contact surface 13 of the first contact 1 is separated from the contact surface 14 of the second contact 2. The two contacts 1 and 2 are thus separated from each other. This operating case is illustrated in part B of the figure 1 , and corresponds to an opening of the electrical circuit. The arrow represented by the symbol g represents the gap distance between the two contacts 1,2 when they are in the open position O.

[0064] A control mechanism, not shown, allows the two contacts 1, 2 to be moved relative to each other so as to alternately switch between the closed position F and the open position O of the electrical circuit. The first contact 1 is, for example, fixed relative to the housing 80 of the vacuum tube 100. The second contact 2 is, for example, movable relative to the housing 80 of the vacuum tube, in a translational movement. In an alternative embodiment, both contacts 1, 2 can be movable. In this case, the two contacts 1, 2 of the vacuum tube 100 are configured to move in opposite directions along a displacement axis A between a closed position F and an open position O. The closed position F allows current to flow through the vacuum tube 100, and the open position O prevents current from flowing through the vacuum tube 100.A control mechanism can jointly move each of the contacts 1,2 relative to the enclosure 80 of the vacuum bulb 100. The axis of movement A is common to both contacts 1,2.

[0065] The first conduction rod 31 and the second conduction rod 32 are cylindrical. The first contact 1 and the first conduction rod 31 are coaxial. Similarly, the second contact 2 and the second conduction rod 32 are coaxial. The first current-conducting rod 31 and the second current-conducting rod 32 are thus coaxial, with axis A in the various figures. The axis of movement of the second contact 2 coincides with the axis A of the second current-conducting rod 32. In the various figures, the contacts 1 and 2 are oriented such that the axis of movement of the second contact 2 is parallel to the vertical axis Z. The spatial orientation of the contacts can, however, be arbitrary.

[0066] Each contact 1,2 extends radially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement A. The radial extension distance of each contact 1,2 defines the diameter fi of each contact. Each contact 1,2 extends axially along the direction of the axis A. The axial extension distance of each contact defines the thickness E of each contact.

[0067] The contact surface 13 of the first contact 1 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the current conduction rod 31 of the first contact 1. Similarly, the contact surface 14 of the second contact 2 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the current conduction rod 32 of the second contact 2.

[0068] The first contact 1 is made of a copper and chromium alloy. The second contact 2 is also made of a copper and chromium alloy. Each contact 1, 2 is a single piece.

[0069] The present invention provides an assembly 40 of electrical switching contacts 1, 2, particularly with a radial magnetic field, for a vacuum bulb 100. The assembly 40 comprises: a first contact 1 comprising a bearing surface 3 configured to be fixed to a first rod 31 for conducting electric current, a second contact 2 configured to be moved along a displacement axis A between an opening position O and a closing position F, the second contact 2 comprising a bearing surface 4 configured to be fixed to a second rod 32 for conducting electric current. Each contact 1;2 has the form of a disk comprising a set of branches 5a,5b,5c ;6a,6b,6c, each branch 5a,5b,5c ;6a,6b,6c being separated from an adjacent branch by a slit 7a,7b,7c ;8a,8b,8c traversing the thickness of the disk. Each slot 7a, 7b, 7c; 8a, 8b, 8c extends radially from a lateral surface 33, 34 of the disk towards the interior of the disk, and: Each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 comprises an inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c oriented opposite to the bearing surface 3 of the first rod 31; each branch 6a, 6b, 6c of the second contact 2 comprises an inclined surface 10a, 10b, 10c oriented opposite to the bearing surface 4 of the second rod 32; and the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 are angularly linked such that: the slots 7a, 7b, 7c of the first contact 1 coincide with the slots 8a, 8b, 8c of the second contact 2 in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement A, and the inclined surfaces 9a, 9b, 9c of the branches 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 are opposite, in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement A, the inclined surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c of branches 6a, 6b, 6c of the second contact 2.

[0070] There figure 2 represents the set of 40 contacts 1,2 with a breaking capacity spaced apart. The curved lines designated by the symbols p1, p2, ..., p5 schematically represent the successive positions of the electric arc formed when contacts 1,2 open. Depending on the viewing angle of the figure 2 The electric arc travels from right to left along the arms of contacts 1 and 2, driven by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through contacts 1 and 2 and through the electric arc itself. When the electric arc is near the periphery of the contacts, it occurs between a point on an inclined surface of the first contact 1 and a point on an inclined surface of the opposite second contact 2. The electric arc travels along the inclined surface of each contact, as shown by symbols p2, p3, and p4. When the electric arc reaches the end of the inclined surface of a contact arm, it can easily move to the next arm of that contact. This movement to the next arm of the contacts is shown by symbol p5. The proposed configuration prevents the electric arc from stagnating at the ends of the arms of contacts 1 and 2 and promotes arc circulation.The heating of contacts 1,2 is reduced. The performance and endurance of the vacuum bulb are improved.

[0071] Each slot of the first contact 1 coincides with a slot of the second contact 2 in a direction parallel to the axis of movement A. In the same way, each slot of the second contact 2 coincides with a slot of the first contact 1 in a direction parallel to the axis of movement A. In other words, the slots of the first contact 1 and the slots of the second contact 2 are opposite each other in a direction parallel to the axis A.

[0072] For the purposes of this application, a certain degree of angular misalignment between the slots of the first contact 1 and the slots of the second contact 2 may exist. Indeed, during the assembly of a contact and its corresponding conductive rod, minor positioning errors are unavoidable. Therefore, an angular misalignment of up to + / - 10° is considered acceptable. This angular misalignment is viewed along a direction parallel to the direction of movement A. A straight line drawn from a point on the centerline of a slot of the first contact 1, and parallel to the axis of movement A, passes through a slot of the second contact 2. The centerline is understood to be the virtual line equidistant from the lateral edges of a slot.

[0073] A straight line originating from an inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of a branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1, and parallel to the axis of displacement A, passes respectively through an inclined surface 10a, 10b, 10c of a branch 6a, 6b, 6c of the second contact 2. On the figure 2 The line drawn from the inclined surface 9a of branch 5a of the first contact 1, parallel to the axis of displacement A and passing through the inclined surface 10a of branch 6a of the second contact 2, is denoted by the symbol Na. Similarly, the line drawn from the inclined surface 9b of branch 5b of the first contact 1, parallel to the axis of displacement A and passing through the inclined surface 10b of branch 6b of the second contact 2, is denoted by the symbol Nb. To simplify the figure, this line has not been shown for the other branches of contacts 1 and 2.

[0074] In other words, each slot 7a,7b,7c of the first contact 1 coincides respectively with a slot 8a,8b,8c of the second contact 2 in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement A, and the inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 and the inclined surface 10a,10b,10c of each branch 6a,6b,6c of the second contact 2 are respectively opposite each other in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement A.

[0075] On a radially internal portion, each slot 7a,7b,7c ;8a,8b,8c crosses the thickness of the disk in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement A.

[0076] The number of branches of the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 can be arbitrary, and is generally between 2 and 8. The branches of contacts 1 and 2 are angularly equidistant, meaning that two consecutive branches are separated by an angle equal to 360° divided by the number of branches. This angular separation is viewed along a direction parallel to the axis A of the current-conducting rod.

[0077] According to a first embodiment, illustrated on the figures 2 And 3 The first contact 1 and the second contact 2 each comprise five branches 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, each angularly offset by 72° from the others. In this case, the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 exhibit a symmetry of order 5.

[0078] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in particular on the figures 5 à 9 The first contact 1 and the second contact 2 each comprise four branches 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, each angularly offset by 90° from the others. The first contact 1 and the second contact 2 thus exhibit a symmetry of order 4, meaning that each contact remains unchanged under a rotation of a quarter turn.

[0079] According to an example embodiment not shown, the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 comprise three branches 5a, 5b, 5c, angularly offset by 120° from each other. The first contact 1 and the second contact 2 then exhibit symmetry of order 3, that is, each contact is invariant under a rotation of one-third of a turn.

[0080] A slit separates two consecutive branches. Each branch is delimited by two consecutive slits. In other words, a branch is formed by the material between two consecutive slits.

[0081] In the case of a contact with four branches and four slots, illustrated in particular on the figures 5 à 9 The first branch 5a is delimited on one side by the fourth slot 7d and on the other side by the first slot 7a. As shown on the figure 8 The fourth cleft 7d forms a first radially external lateral border B1a of the first branch 5a. The first cleft 7a forms a second radially internal lateral border B2a of the first branch 5a. The second branch 5b is bounded on one side by the first cleft 7a and on the other side by the second cleft 7b. The first cleft 7a thus forms a first radially external lateral border B1b of the second branch 5b. The second cleft 7b forms a second radially internal lateral border B2b of the second branch 5b. Similarly, the third branch 5c is bounded on one side by the second cleft 7b and on the other side by the third cleft 7c. The second cleft 7b forms a first radially external lateral border of the third branch 5c. The third cleft 7c forms a second radially internal lateral border of the third branch 5c.Similarly, the fourth branch 5d is bounded on one side by the third cleft 7c and on the other side by the fourth cleft 7d. The third cleft 7c forms a first lateral border, radially external, of the fourth branch 5d. The fourth cleft 7d forms a second lateral border, B2d, radially internal, of the fourth branch 5d.

[0082] Each slot extends from a first end opening onto the periphery of the disk to a second end forming the bottom of the slot. The symbols E2a and E2b designate the bottom of the first slot 7a and the second slot 7b, respectively. The symbols E1a and E1b designate the end of the first slot 7a opening onto the periphery of the disk and the end of the second slot 7b opening onto the periphery of the disk, respectively. The bottom of the slots may be semicircular. The width of the slots is constant over at least part of their length. Each slot comprises a first portion extending radially in a spiral shape from the bottom of the slot towards the periphery of the disk. This first spiral portion is extended by a second portion extending in a substantially radial direction. The junction between the first and second portions forms a change of direction close to 90°.

[0083] The bearing surface 3 of the first contact 1 is a brazing surface for the first current-conducting rod 31. Similarly, the bearing surface 4 of the second contact 2 is a brazing surface for the second current-conducting rod 32. A brazing material is disposed between an axial end of the first current-conducting rod 31 and the bearing surface 3 of the first contact 1. Likewise, the brazing material is disposed between an axial end of the second current-conducting rod 32 and the bearing surface 4 of the second contact 2. A geometric singularity located at one end of each current-conducting rod is inserted into a geometric singularity of complementary shape in the corresponding contact. A predetermined relative angular positioning can thus be ensured between each current-conducting rod and the corresponding contact.

[0084] Each inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of the first contact 1 extends respectively, in a radial direction, between the periphery P1 of the disk and a slit 7a,7b,7c of the first contact 1.

[0085] Each inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c opens into the lateral surface 33 of the first contact 1. In other words, a radially external edge of each inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c forms the intersection of this inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c and the lateral surface 33 of the first contact 1. Each inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c also opens into a slot 7a, 7b, 7c of the first contact 1. Thus, a radially internal edge of each inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c forms the intersection of this inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c and the slot 7a, 7b, 7c of the first contact 1. In other words, each inclined surface is bounded on a radially external side by the periphery of the first contact 1, and on a radially internal side by a slot. The term radially external, or external, edge is understood to be the edge furthest from the center of the disk. Similarly, the term radially internal, or inner, edge refers to the edge closest to the center of the disk.The periphery of the first contact 1 coincides with the periphery of the disk giving the general shape of the contact.

[0086] The inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a, 5b,5c of the first contact 1 is oriented towards the contact surface 13 of the first contact 1. The inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a, 5b,5c of the first contact 1 is thus oriented opposite to the bearing surface 3, on which the rod 31 is brazed.

[0087] The inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c defines a portion of decreasing thickness as one moves away from the contact surface 13 of the first contact 1 and towards the bearing surface 3. This thickness is measured parallel to the axis A of the current-conducting rod 31 associated with the first contact 1. On the figure 10 The symbol e1 illustrates the thickness of the portion of the first branch 5a located under the inclined surface 9a, for a first position farther from the support surface 13. The symbol e2 illustrates the thickness of the portion located under the inclined surface 9a, for a second position further from the support surface 13 than the first position. The thickness e2 is less than the thickness e1.

[0088] Each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 comprises, respectively, a first end 11a, 11b, 11c adjacent to the lateral surface 33 of the disk, and the first end 11a, 11b, 11c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c is, respectively, aligned, along a direction D3 parallel to the axis of movement A, with an edge 15a, 15b, 15c of an adjacent branch 5b, 5c, 5a. "Aligned" means an offset of less than 0.4 millimeters, this offset being measured along a direction perpendicular to the direction D3. Indeed, due to manufacturing tolerances and the mechanical clearances necessary to allow the assembly of the contacts with their conductive stem, slight offsets may be present, and the "aligned" arrangement can be verified to within a tolerance. A 0.4 millimeter offset measured at the periphery of the disc represents an angular offset of less than 0.7° in the case of a contact with a diameter of 70 millimeters.This angular offset corresponds to the angle between the direction joining the first endpoint 11a,11b,11c of a branch 5a, 5b,5c with the center of the disk, and the direction joining the edge 15a,15b,15c of the adjacent branch 5b,5c,5a, this angle being seen from the same viewing angle as the . figures 8 , 9 , 13 .

[0089] In other words, an end 11a, 11b, 11c of a given branch 5a, 5b, 5c is respectively aligned, along a direction D1 parallel to the axis of displacement A, with the edge 15a, 15b, 15c of the branch adjacent to this given branch 5a, 5b, 5c. This relative arrangement of the inclined surface of a given branch and the edge of the branch adjacent to this given branch promotes the circulation of the electric arc, by allowing easy movement of the electric arc from one branch to the other.

[0090] The first end 11a,11b,11c of a branch 5a,5b,5c is the free end of the branch 5a,5b,5c.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement A. The first contact 1 and the second contact 2 are the image of each other in a mirror.

[0092] All the characteristics of first contact 1 are also applicable to second contact 2. Therefore, the characteristics of second contact 2 have not been explicitly listed in the following description. They are obtained by replacing the term "first contact 1" with "second contact 2".

[0093] According to the illustrated example, the inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 is a curved surface.

[0094] The inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 is, for example, a helical surface. figures 10 And 11particularly detail the inclined surface 9a of a branch 5a.

[0095] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 is flat.

[0096] There figure 6 highlights the inclination of the inclined surfaces 9a, 9b, 9c. A straight line D2 perpendicular to the inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 forms an angle α between 10° and 80° with a direction D1 parallel to the axis of displacement A. Preferably, the angle α is between 20° and 60°. More preferably, the angle α is between 25° and 40°.

[0097] This angle of inclination value promotes the circulation of the electric arc and an easy jump between a given branch of the contact and the branch adjacent to that given branch.

[0098] There figure 5 This is another illustration of the inclination of the inclined surfaces 9a, 9b, 9c. The inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 forms an angle b between 20° and 160° with the inclined surface 10a, 10b, 10c of the branch 6a, 6b, 6c of the second contact 2 located opposite it. Preferably, the angle b is between 40° and 120°. More preferably, the angle b is between 50° and 80°.

[0099] The ends of the branches of contacts 1,2 can have different shapes.

[0100] According to a first embodiment, illustrated on the figure 2 and the figure 3 The first end 11a, 11b, 11c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 comprises a substantially straight edge. The substantially straight edge extends in a radial direction from the disk.

[0101] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the first end 11a, 11b, 11c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 has the shape of a half-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis of displacement A. This variant embodiment is illustrated in the figure 4 , which represents a second contact 2.

[0102] According to a second embodiment of the set of 40 electrical break contacts 1, 2, illustrated on the figures 5 à 11 , the inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 is respectively extended by a portion 17a, 17b, 17c of constant thickness.

[0103] The same applies to the variant of the second embodiment illustrated on the figures 12 And 13 . THE figures 12 And 13represent the second contact 2. This variant differs from the second embodiment by the number of branches, which is five in this variant. References 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e denote the respective inclined surfaces of the five branches 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e of the second contact 2. Similarly, references 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e denote the slits separating the branches. References 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e denote the portions of constant thickness of branches 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, respectively. References 12a and 12e denote the respective ends of branches 8a and 8b. References 16a and 16b denote the respective edges of branches 6a and 6b. Reference 28a designates the second portion of branch 6b of the second contact 2.

[0104] As depicted on the figures 10 And 11 , the portion 17a, 17b, 17c of constant thickness extends in a plane H perpendicular to the axis of displacement A.

[0105] The first contact 1 has a thickness E, defined by the distance separating a first axial surface of contact 1 and a second axial surface of contact 1. The thickness E17 of the portion 17a, 17b, 17c, which has a constant thickness, is between 10% and 90% of the thickness E of the first contact 1. This thickness E17 is visible on the figure 9 .

[0106] Each portion 17a,17b,17c of constant thickness of a branch 5a,5b,5c extends respectively from one lateral edge to the other lateral edge of the branch 5a,5b,5c.

[0107] A length L17, measured along an orthoradial direction Ta,Tb,Tc, of the portion 17a,17b,17c of constant thickness of a branch 5a,5b,5c is between 2.0 millimeters and 8.0 millimeters. The term orthoradial direction at a point is understood to mean a direction parallel to the tangent to the disk at that point.

[0108] The inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 is respectively opposite, along a direction D4a, D4b, D4c parallel to an orthoradial direction Ta,Tb,Tc of the disk, with an internal surface 19b,19c,19a of an adjacent branch 5b,5c,5a, called interface surface.

[0109] The internal surface 19b, 19c, 19a, called the interface surface, opens into the lateral surface 33 of the disk. The internal surface 19b, 19c, 19a, called the interface surface, is separated respectively from the inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c by a slot 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0110] The shape of the interface surface can vary.

[0111] According to the first embodiment of the set 40 of electrical contacts 1,2, illustrated on the figures 2 , 3 et 4 , the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of each branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 comprises respectively an inclined surface 21b, 21c, 21a extending parallel to the inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of said given branch 5a,5b,5c.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of each branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c comprises respectively a portion 23b,23c,23a extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement A, each of said portions 23b,23c,23a extending respectively the inclined surface 21b, 21c, 21a.

[0113] Similarly, using the example of the figure 2 The interface surface 20b of the branch adjacent 6b to branch 6a of the second contact 2 includes an inclined surface 22b extending parallel to the inclined surface 10 of branch 6a. The interface surface 20b of the branch adjacent 6b to branch 6a of the second contact 2 includes a portion 24b extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement A, portion 24b extending the inclined surface 22b.

[0114] Thus, each inclined surface 21b, 21c, 21a extending parallel to the inclined surface 9a, 9b, 9c of a branch 5a, 5b, 5c is respectively extended by a portion 23b, 23c, 23a extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement A and forming a radial plane of the disk. On the variant of the first embodiment illustrated in the figure 4 , the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of each branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c has the same shape as in the first embodiment.

[0115] According to the second embodiment, and as illustrated on the figure 11 and the figure 9 , the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of each branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c comprises respectively a first portion 25b,25c,25a extending in a plane R1b,R1c,R1a parallel to the axis of displacement A.

[0116] Each extension plane R1b, R1c, R1a of the first portion 25b, 25c, 25a forms a radial plane of the disk. figure 9 highlights the radial nature of the respective extension plane R1b,R1c,R1d,R1a of each first portion 25b,25c,25d,25a, which passes through the center C1 of the disk.

[0117] According to one alternative embodiment, illustrated in particular on the figure 13 Each extension plane R1b, R1c, R1a of the first portion 25b, 25c, 25a can be parallel to a radial plane of the disk, and the distance j between each extension plane R1b, R1c, R1a of the first portion 25b, 25c, 25a and the center C1 of the disk is less than 10% of the diameter fi of the disk. This variant is illustrated in the figure 13 , which represents the second contact 2. Thus, each plane R2b, R2c, R2a of extension of the first portion 26b, 26c, 26a of the second contact 2 is respectively parallel to a radial plane of the disk, and the distance j between each plane R2b, R2c, R2a of extension of the first portion 26b, 26c, 26a and the center C2 of the disk is less than 10% of the diameter of the disk.

[0118] In other words, each extension plane of the first portion is offset from the center of the disk.

[0119] As illustrated on the figure 10 , the thickness E25 of each first portion 25b,25c,25a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a is between 10% and 50% of the thickness E of the first contact 1.

[0120] The thickness of each first portion 25b,25c,25a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a is measured along a direction parallel to the displacement axis A.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of each branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c comprises respectively a second portion 27b,27c,27a extending in a plane R2b,R2c,R2a parallel to the axis of displacement A.

[0122] As illustrated on the figure 9 , each plane R2b, R2c, R2a of extension of the second portion 27b,27c,27a is respectively parallel to the plane R1b,R1c,R1a of extension of the first portion 25b,25c,25a.

[0123] The thickness E27 of each second portion 27b,27c,27a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a can be between 50% and 90% of the thickness of the first contact 1.

[0124] A distance L1, measured along an orthoradial direction Tb,Tc,Ta, between the first portion 25b,25c,25a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a and the second portion 27b,27c,27a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a, is between 30% and 60% of the thickness E of the first contact 1.

[0125] The distance L1, represented on the figures 10 And 11 , represents the length of the third portion 29b,29c,29a, measured along an orthoradial direction Tb,Tc,Ta. This distance corresponds to the free space, in an orthoradial direction to the disk, between the end of the portion of constant thickness of a branch and the edge of the adjacent branch.

[0126] A distance L2, measured along a direction parallel to the axis of displacement A, between the portion 17a,17b,17c of constant thickness of a branch 5a,5b,5c and the first portion 25b,25c,25a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of an adjacent branch, is between 25% and 65% of the thickness E of the first contact 1.

[0127] The distance L2 is greater than or equal to 3 millimeters. The distance L2 corresponds to the free space, in a direction parallel to the axis A, between the end of the portion of constant thickness of a branch and the edge of the adjacent branch.

[0128] According to this embodiment of the set 40 of electrical contacts, the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of each branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c comprises respectively a third portion 29b,29c,29a connecting the second portion 27b,27c,27a and the first portion 25b,25c,25a, the third portion 29b,29c,29a extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement A.

[0129] There figure 14 schematically represents a third embodiment, which differs from the first and second embodiments by the shape of the interface surface.

[0130] According to this third method of implementing the contact set: the inclined surface 9a,9b,9c of each branch 5a,5b,5c of the first contact 1 extends from a first axial surface of the disk to a second axial surface of the disk, and the inclined surface 21b, 21c, 21a of the interface surface 19b,19c,19a of a branch adjacent 5b,5c,5a to a given branch 5a,5b,5c extends from a first axial surface of the disk to a second axial surface of the disk.

[0131] According to this embodiment, the inclined surfaces 9a, 9b, 9c of each branch 5a, 5b, 5c of the first contact 1 and the inclined surfaces 21b, 21c, 21a of the interface surface 19b, 19c, 19a of each branch 5b, 5c, 5a adjacent to a given branch 5a, 5b, 5c are parallel to each other. In this figure, the symbol 10a represents the inclined surface of branch 6a of the second contact 2, and the symbol 20b represents the interface surface of branch 6b, this branch 6b being adjacent to branch 6a.

[0132] The dimensions of the contacts 1 and 2, as well as the electrical conduction rods 31 and 32, can vary depending on the intended application. The diameter of the electrical conduction rods 31 and 32 ranges from 10 mm to 100 mm. The diameter of the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 ranges from 20 mm to 100 mm. The thickness E of the first contact 1 and the second contact 2 ranges from 3 mm to 30 mm.

[0133] We will now describe a manufacturing process for a contact of the electrical break contact assembly as described previously.

[0134] The manufacturing process includes the following steps: provide a rough disc-shaped contact, comprising a first axial face and a second axial face opposite the first axial face, machine the first axial face of the rough contact so as to form a set of first grooves crossing at least part of the thickness of the rough contact, machine the second axial face of the rough contact so as to form a set of second grooves crossing at least part of the thickness of the rough contact and opening into the first grooves, so as to form the slots separating the different branches of the contact.

[0135] The machining tool can be a cylindrical milling cutter. The axis of rotation of the machining tool is parallel to the axis of the disc, and therefore perpendicular to the axial surfaces of the disc. The contact can, for example, be reversed after the initial set of grooves has been machined, so that the machining tool has access to the second face of the raw contact. Two separate machining tools can also be used. A first tool moves in one direction to remove material from the first axial face of the raw contact. A second tool moves in a second direction opposite to the first to remove material from the second axial face of the raw contact.

[0136] In the case of manufacturing contacts according to the second embodiment described, machining all the first grooves forms the first portion 25 of the arms as well as the portion 17 of constant thickness. Machining all the second grooves forms the second portion 27, the third portion 29, and the end 11 of the arms.

[0137] During the machining of the first set of slots, the lateral surface of the machining tool forms, during its movement, the first portion 25 of each of the arms. The axial surface of the machining tool forms, during its movement, the portion 17 of constant thickness. During the machining of the second set of slots, the lateral surface of the machining tool forms, during its movement, the second portion 27 and the end 11 of the arms. The axial surface of the machining tool forms, during its movement, the third portion 29.

[0138] The manufacturing process includes the following step: machine the first axial face of the raw contact so as to form the inclined surfaces of the contact branches.

[0139] The inclined surfaces are formed by successive passes of the machining tool. Each pass is offset along an orthoradial direction relative to the previous pass, and the amount of material removed increases with each pass in order to form the inclined surfaces.

[0140] In the case of the third embodiment, schematically illustrated in the figure 14 The manufacturing process may include the following step: machine part of the lateral surface of the raw contact so as to form the inclined surfaces of the contact branches.

[0141] A cylindrical milling cutter can be used, for example. The axis of rotation of the machining tool is then perpendicular to the axis A of the disc.

[0142] Contacts 1,2 can also be obtained by other manufacturing processes.

[0143] Contacts 1 and 2 can, for example, be obtained by molding. The contact slots correspond to mold areas where no material is present.

[0144] Contacts 1,2 can also be obtained by uniaxial compression and sintering.

[0145] According to another variant, contacts 1,2 can also be obtained by additive manufacturing.

Claims

1. Assembly (40) of electrically interrupting contacts (1, 2), particularly with a radial magnetic field, for a vacuum lamp (100), the assembly (40) comprising: - a first contact (1) including a bearing surface (3) configured to be fixed to a first electrically conducting rod (31), - a second contact (2) configured to be moved along a displacement axis (A) between an open position (O) and a closed position (F), the second contact (2) including a bearing surface (4) configured to be fixed to a second electrically conducting rod (32), each contact (1;2) having the form of a disc having a set of branches (5a,5b,5c ;6a,6b,6c), each branch (5a,5b,5c ;6a,6b,6c) being separated from an adjacent branch by a slot (7a,7b,7c ;8a,8b,8c) passing through the thickness of the disk, each slot (7a,7b,7c;8a, 8b, 8c) extending radially from a lateral surface (33, 34) of the disk towards the interior of the disk, wherein: - each arm (5a, 5b, 5c) of the first contact (1) comprises an inclined surface (9a, 9b, 9c) oriented opposite to the bearing surface (3) of the first rod (31), - each arm (6a, 6b, 6c) of the second contact (2) comprises an inclined surface (10a, 10b, 10c) oriented opposite to the bearing surface (4) of the second rod (32), and wherein the first contact (1) and the second contact (2) are angularly connected such that: - the slots (7a, 7b, 7c) of the first contact (1) coincide with the slots (8a, 8b, 8c) of the second contact (2) in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement (A), and - the surfaces inclined surfaces (9a,9b,9c) of the branches (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) are opposite, in a direction parallel to the axis of displacement (A), with the inclined surfaces (10a,10b,10c) of the branches (6a,6b,6c) of the second contact (2).; 2. Assembly (40) according to claim 1, wherein each branch (5a, 5b, 5c) of the first contact (1) comprises respectively a first end (11a, 11b, 11c) adjacent to a lateral surface (33) of the disk, and the first end (11a, 11b, 11c) of each branch (5a, 5b, 5c) is respectively opposite, in a direction (D3) parallel to the axis of displacement (A), with an edge (15a, 15b, 15c) of an adjacent branch (5b, 5c, 5a).

3. Assembly (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first contact (1) and the second contact (2) are symmetrical to each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement (A).

4. Assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a straight line (D2) perpendicular to the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of each branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) forms respectively an angle (a) between 10° and 80° with a direction (D1) parallel to the axis of displacement (A).

5. Assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the first end (11a,11b,11c) of each branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) has the shape of a half-cylinder extending along an axis parallel to the axis of displacement (A).

6. Assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of each branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) is respectively extended by a portion (17a, 17b, 17c) of constant thickness, the portion (17a, 17b, 17c) of constant thickness extending in a plane (H) perpendicular to the axis of displacement (A).

7. Assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of each branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) is respectively opposite, along a direction (D4a, D4b, D4c) parallel to an orthoradial direction (Ta, Tb, Tc) of the disk, with an internal surface (19b, 19c, 19a) of an adjacent branch (5b,5c,5a), called interface surface.

8. Assembly (40) according to claim 7, wherein the interface surface (19b,19c,19a) of each branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) comprises respectively an inclined surface (21b, 21c, 21a) extending parallel to the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of said given branch (5a,5b,5c).

9. Assembly (40) according to claim 8, wherein: - the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of each branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) extends from a first axial surface of the disk to a second axial surface of the disk, and - the inclined surface (21b, 21c, 21a) of the interface surface (19b,19c,19a) of a branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) extends from a first axial surface of the disk to a second axial surface of the disk.

10. Assembly (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inclined surface (9a,9b,9c) of each branch (5a,5b,5c) of the first contact (1) and the inclined surface (21b, 21c, 21a) of the interface surface (19b,19c,19a) of each branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) are parallel to each other.

11. Assembly (40) according to claim 8, wherein the interface surface (19b,19c,19a) of each branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) comprises respectively a portion (23b,23c,23a) extending in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement (A), each of said portions (23b,23c,23a) respectively extending the inclined surface (21b, 21c, 21a).

12. Assembly (40) according to claim 7, wherein the interface surface (19b,19c,19a) of each branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) comprises respectively a first portion (25b,25c,25a) extending in a plane (R1b,R1c,R1a) parallel to the axis of displacement (A), each plane (R1b,R1c,R1a) of extension of the first portion (25b,25c,25a) forming a radial plane of the disk.

13. Assembly (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface surface (19b, 19c, 19a) of each branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) comprises respectively a second portion (27b,27c,27a) extending in a plane (R2b,R2c,R2a) parallel to the axis of displacement (A).

14. Assembly (40) according to the preceding claim, wherein each extension plane (R2b,R2c,R2a) of the second portion (27b,27c,27a) is respectively parallel to the extension plane (R1b,R1c,R1a) of the first portion (25b,25c,25a).

15. Assembly (40) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the interface surface (19b,19c,19a) of each branch adjacent (5b,5c,5a) to a given branch (5a,5b,5c) comprises respectively a third portion (29b,29c,29a) connecting the second portion (27b,27c,27a) and the first portion (25b,25c,25a), the third portion (29b,29c,29a) extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of displacement (A).

16. Vacuum bulb (100) comprising a set of contacts according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the second contact (2) being movable between a position (F) in contact with the first contact (1) allowing an electric current to pass through the vacuum bulb (100) and a position (O) away from the first contact (1) prohibiting a current from passing through the vacuum bulb (100).

17. Vacuum bulb (100) comprising a set of contacts according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the two contacts (1,2) being configured to be moved in opposite directions along a displacement axis (A) between a closed position (F) permitting the passage of electric current in the vacuum bulb (100) and an open position (O) prohibiting the passage of current in the vacuum bulb (100).

18. Switching device comprising a vacuum bulb (100) according to the preceding claim.

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