Electrical contactor with ionized gas recirculation

Abstract

Electric contactor with ionized gas recirculation. The contactor (1) comprises one or two arc-quenching zones (5a), each including a magnetic blow device that displaces the electric arc (8a) – appearing between a fixed contact (4a) and a moving contact (3a) of a moving bridge (2) transitioning to the open state – towards an arc-quenching block (9a, 9b) having a plurality of stacked parallel fins (10). Each quenching zone is delimited in particular by two side walls (12a, 12b), each located at a distance from the fins of an arc-quenching block, an upper wall (13), and a lower wall (14) located at a distance from the fins of the arc-quenching blocks and connected to each side wall by a concave joint (15a, 15b) of curved cross-section.The fins of each arc-quenching block are inclined at an angle α between 30 and 85 degrees relative to the inner surface (20a, 20b) of the nearest side wall. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 8.

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical contactor with ionized gas recirculation TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of high voltage direct current contactors, and more particularly that of high voltage direct current contactors comprising blocks of electric arc extinguishing fins allowing the electric arc to be cut into several arcs.

[0002] The present invention relates to a high-voltage, double-break DC contactor comprising arc-extinguishing fin blocks for extinguishing two electric arcs simultaneously, and in which ionized gases are generated at the level of the electric arcs during the interruption. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arc-extinguishing zone of such a contactor in which means are provided for circulating the ionized gases. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is a power electronics technology used for the transmission of electricity in high voltage direct current.

[0004] High-voltage direct current (HVDC) contactors have two electrical contacts for establishing, maintaining, and breaking an electrically conductive connection for continuous currents with a voltage typically ranging from 270 to 3000 volts in the aerospace or automotive industries. When the contacts separate, electrical arcs appear, accompanied by high thermal stresses and difficulties in extinguishing the electrical connection. These problems are even more critical when the electrical voltage is high. It is therefore essential that these electrical arcs extinguish quickly.

[0005] Typically, in modern contactors, an electric arc is extinguished by moving each electric arc, using a magnetic field, towards an arc-extinguishing zone comprising blocks of arc-extinguishing fins. This movement of each electric arc is achieved through the Laplace electromagnetic force. Each arc-extinguishing block has a plurality of stacked fins spaced apart to break the electric arc into several arcs, each traveling in a different fin within the same arc-extinguishing block. Breaking the arc increases the arc voltage and thus extinguishes it.

[0006] Each electric arc ionizes the air present in the arc-quenching zone and also ionizes particles of the contactor's internal components that are torn away upon contact with the electric arc, generating so-called cutting gases. These ionized cutting gases have an extremely high temperature and therefore pose a danger to the contactor's internal components. Furthermore, after passing through the fins of an arc-quenching block, the cutting gases strike the wall behind the block and tend to flow back towards the electric arc. This backflow of cutting gases striking the outer walls of the extinction zone then tends to oppose the Laplace force, which tends to move the electric arc towards the fins.Since the force of this reflux is proportional to the power of the arc, in the case of a high-power electric arc, the force of this reflux of the cutting gases is likely to prevent such an electric arc from coming into contact with the extinguishing block.

[0007] The electric arc is therefore not broken and the electrical connection is not extinguished. Furthermore, due to the pressure and temperature conditions in the extinction zone resulting from the formation of the cutting gas, the presence of cutting gas in the extinction zone tends to limit the maximum breaking current, in particular to a value below 1000 A.

[0008] This phenomenon is illustrated in [Fig. 4], which shows a first example of a prior art contactor 1' in an extinction zone 5a' provided in a contactor chamber 23' and delimited in particular by two opposing side walls 12a', 12b', by an upper wall 13' and by a lower wall 14' located opposite the upper wall 13' and at a distance from the fins 10 of the arc-quenching blocks 9a', 9b'. The two side walls 12a', 12b' are each located in the immediate vicinity of an arc-quenching block 9a', 9b' and each have an internal surface 20a', 20b'. In this contactor 1', each arc extinguishing block 9a', 9b' comprises a plurality of fins 10' stacked and spaced apart from each other.Within a single arc-quenching block 9a', 9b', the fins 10' are parallel and each extends along a longitudinal axis X' which is orthogonal to the lateral walls 12a', 12b' and parallel to the direction of the Laplace force 18a' generated by a magnetic force 7' from a magnet or coil. When an electric arc 8a' appears between a fixed contact 4a' of a fixed terminal 24a' and a moving contact 3a' of a moving bridge 2' transitioning to the open state, the Laplace force 18a' displaces this electric arc 8a' towards an arc-quenching block 9a', 9b'. In [Fig. 4], it is clear that the ionized cutting gases 22' generated by the electric arc 8a' are directed towards the side wall 12b', strike its internal surface 20b', and then return towards the contacts 4a', 3a' between which the electric arc 8a' appeared. These ionized cutting gases 22'. tend to oppose the movement of the electric arc 8a' towards the electric arc extinguishing block 9a' and are likely to damage the elements present within the extinguishing zone 5a'.

[0009] There is therefore a need to circulate the ionized gases.

[0010] As shown in [Fig. 5], a solution envisaged in the prior art This involves providing a second example of contactor 1", very similar to the first example of contactor 1' of the prior art, but with lateral openings in each extinguishing zone 5a' opposite and near the arc-quenching blocks 9a', 9b', so as to allow the ionized cutoff gas 22' to be expelled from the contactor chamber 23'. In the prior solution shown in [Fig. 5], the lateral openings are made by simply removing the usual side walls 12a', 12b'. More elaborate solutions can be considered for creating these lateral openings. However, it can be noted that the projection of ionized cutoff gas 22' outside the contactor chamber 23' presents a danger to equipment installed next to the contactor 1".With this solution, it is therefore necessary to provide an exclusion zone which prohibits the placement of other equipment next to contactor 1". This exclusion zone, which can be on the order of several centimeters, constrains the integration of contactor 1", and is particularly disadvantageous in certain fields, notably in aeronautics where a large volume represents a critical constraint.

[0011] In the field of air-break multipole circuit breakers, where similar problems with ionized cut-off gases can arise at high currents, another solution disclosed by documents EP 3 179 497 A1 and EP 0 437 151 A1 consists of equipping said circuit breakers with a device for cooling and deionizing the ionized cut-off gases before they are released outside the circuit breakers. Equipment installed next to the circuit breakers is then protected from the ionized cut-off gases, but the device used to cool and deionize the cut-off gases considerably increases the cost, volume, and mass of the circuit breakers, which is a constraint, and even more so in the aeronautical field where equipment with minimal volume and mass is desired.

[0012] Current solutions are therefore not satisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0013] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing ionized gases to circulate in an extinguishing zone without having to provide lateral openings for the expulsion of ionized cut-off gases, or a device to cool and deionize the cut-off gases before their release to the outside.

[0014] Whereas prior solutions encourage the person skilled in the art to expel the ionized cutting gases outside the contactor so that their flow does not oppose the electromagnetic force aimed at directing the electric arc towards the fins of the arc extinguishing blocks, the solution of the invention consists instead of diverting these cutting gases towards the inside of the contactor, but in such a way that their flow does not return after hitting the side walls of the arc extinguishing zones.

[0015] An additional effect is obtained by the invention by the fact that the cut-off gas flow can be diverted towards the electric arc along a return loop path, in order to cross the electric arc towards the electric arc extinguishing blocks, so as to further accelerate the electric arc towards the electric arc sectioning fins, thus reinforcing the Laplace force already fulfilling this role and reinforcing the safety role of the electric arc extinguishing device.

[0016] One aspect of the invention relates to a double-break contactor comprising: • a contactor chamber comprising: • a movable bridge between a closed state and an open state, comprising a first movable contact and a second movable contact, • a first fixed contact opposite the first mobile contact, and • a second fixed contact opposite the second mobile contact, • at least one arc flash extinguishing zone, each comprising two arc flash extinguishing blocks located opposite each other on either side of the moving bridge and each comprising a plurality of fins extending along a longitudinal axis, • in which: • the contactor chamber is closed; • Each arc flash extinguishing zone is delimited, in particular, by: • two opposing side walls, each located on the side of an arc flash extinguishing block and at a distance from its fins, each having an internal surface, • an upper wall located on the side of a fixed contact, and • a lower wall located opposite the upper wall, at a distance from the fins of the arc-extinguishing blocks and connected to each side wall by a link having a concave internal surface with a curved cross-section; and • the fins of each arc extinguishing block are inclined so that their longitudinal axis forms an angle α between 30 degrees and 85 degrees with respect to the inner surface of the nearest side wall.

[0017] Thanks to the inclination of the fins relative to the internal surface of the side wall the Upon closer contact, after striking the wall, the ionized cutoff gases are directed towards the lower wall. Since the side walls are located at a distance from the fins of the nearest arc-quenching block, there is a free volume between these walls and the fins of the arc-quenching blocks. This advantageously allows the flow of ionized cutoff gases to circulate freely towards the lower wall without flowing back. When it reaches the immediate vicinity of the lower wall, this flow is deflected by a concave internal surface with a curved cross-section towards the opposite side wall to return to the middle of the arc-quenching zone. During this path, the ionized cutoff gases have time to cool and deionize, and therefore no longer pose a hazard to the components located at the core of the arc-quenching zone.The inclination of the fins reduces the volume they occupy towards the side walls, which substantially compensates for the additional volume required between the side walls and the extinguishing blocks, this volume being greatly exaggerated in figures 6 to 8 for clarity.

[0018] Thus, by the new circulation path that it imposes on the flow of ionized cut-off gases, the contactor according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to neutralize the danger represented by the ionized cut-off gases, without having to manifestly increase the volume or mass of said contactor, or having to provide an exclusion zone which prohibits the placement of other equipment next to the contactor.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the angle a is between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the contactor comprises at least one magnetic field emitting device of constant direction, generating a magnetic force which exerts a Laplace electromagnetic force capable of displacing – in the direction of an arc-extinguishing block – an electric arc appearing between a fixed contact and a moving contact of the moving bridge transitioning from the closed state to the open state, and the side walls extend in a plane orthogonal to the orientation of the Laplace electromagnetic force generated by the magnetic field emitting device.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the arc extinguishing blocks are parallel to each other.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the side walls and the arc extinguishing blocks are parallel.

[0023] According to another aspect of the invention, each link having a concave internal surface of curved section has a radius of curvature RI between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0024] The geometric specificities described above advantageously allow the flow of ionized cut-off gases to circulate along the path desired for the invention, while minimizing the mass and volume of the contactor.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, each arc extinction zone electrical includes two parallel deflectors, each extending inside the arc-extinguishing zone from the lower wall towards the moving bridge, each deflector being connected to the lower wall, on the side of the nearest arc-extinguishing block, by another connection having a concave internal surface of curved cross-section.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, each arc extinction zone comprises a single deflector extending inside the arc extinction zone from the lower wall and towards the moving bridge, the single deflector being connected to the lower wall by two other mirrored connections and having a concave internal surface with a curved cross-section.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, each of the other links having a concave internal surface of curved section has a radius of curvature R2 between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0028] These deflectors and their geometry advantageously redirect the flow of the cutting gases along a loop path so that it passes through the electric arc towards the arc-quenching blocks. Thus, the flow of the cutting gases adds to the Laplace force to ensure that the electric arc is properly moved towards the arc-quenching fins.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the deflectors and the arc extinguishing blocks are parallel, which further encourages the flow of the cut-off gases to follow the loop path previously described. • In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the contactor according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: • In the closed state of the moving bridge, the first and second moving contacts are in contact with the first and second fixed contacts respectively, and in the open state of the moving bridge, the first and second moving contacts are at a distance from the first and second fixed contacts respectively. • Within the same arc extinguishing block, the fins are stacked, spaced apart and parallel. • Each arc extinguishing zone comprises two opposing arc guides, each located between an arc extinguishing block and a moving contact. • The distance between the inner surface of a side wall and the fins of the nearest arc extinguishing block is between 3 mm and 20 mm. • When each arc flash zone includes a deflector unique, the latter is located halfway between each of the arc flash extinguishing blocks. • The lower wall has an inner face, and each deflector extends perpendicularly to this inner face.

[0030] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic planar overview view of a contactor comprising two arc-extinguishing zones, each comprising two arc-extinguishing blocks.

[0033] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic planar overview view of a contactor comprising a single arc flash extinguishing zone comprising two arc flash extinguishing blocks.

[0034] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a contactor along axis III-III of the [Fig.1],

[0035] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a cross-sectional view along axis IV-IV of Fig.1 of a prior art contactor in which the ionized cutting gases tend to return to the rear to oppose the Laplace force which directs the electric arc towards the fins.

[0036] [Fig.5] The figure is a cross-sectional view along axis IV-IV of [Fig.1] of a prior art contactor in which the ionized cut-off gases are expelled outside the contactor chamber.

[0037] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view along axis IV-IV of the [Fig.1] of a contactor of the invention not comprising a deflector.

[0038] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view along axis IV-IV of [Fig.1] of a contactor of the invention in which each arc extinction zone comprises two back-to-back deflectors.

[0039] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view along axis IV-IV of the [Fig.1] of a contactor of the invention in which each arc extinction zone comprises a single deflector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0041] The terms front, rear, upper, and lower used in this description are arbitrarily chosen for the sake of simplicity and do not necessarily correspond to reality, but rather to the position of the contactors shown in the figures, it being understood that in use, the contactor 1 of the invention may adopt any orientation and position.

[0042] The double-break contactor 1 of the invention is preferably a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) contactor. However, the principle of the invention can be adapted to any type of contactor, including all switches and circuit breakers in which electric arcs are likely to be generated.

[0043] Conventionally, the contactor 1 of the invention comprises a movable bridge 2 having a first movable contact 3a and a second movable contact 3b, a first fixed terminal 24a having a first fixed contact 4a, and a second fixed terminal 24b having a second fixed contact 4b. The first movable contact 3a is opposite the first fixed contact 4a, and the second movable contact 3b is opposite the second fixed contact 4b. Depending on how the contactor 1 is electrically connected, one of the fixed terminals 24a or 24b is a positive terminal, while the other is a negative terminal. In the figures, the first fixed terminal 24a is a positive terminal, while the second fixed terminal 24b is a negative terminal.

[0044] When the moving bridge 2 is in the closed state, a current 1 moves from the first fixed contact 4a to the second fixed contact 4b through the moving bridge 2. Of course, the electrical flow of the current 1 can be reversed so that the current 1 moves from the second fixed contact 4b to the first fixed contact 4a through the moving bridge 2.

[0045] Figures 1 to 3 represent the moving bridge 2 in the open state. In these figures, the flow of current I is symbolized by a series of white arrows. When the moving bridge 2 is opened, the moving contacts 3a, 3b are separated from the fixed contacts 4a, 4b, and a first electric arc 8a is likely to appear between the first moving contact 3a and the first fixed contact 4a, while a second electric arc 8b is likely to appear between the first moving contact 3b and the first fixed contact 4b.

[0046] In order to quickly extinguish these electric arcs 8a, 8b in a conventional manner, the contactor 1 of the invention includes an arc-blowing device designed to deflect each electric arc 8a, 8b towards an arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. This arc-blowing device is housed in a contactor chamber 23 forming a closed enclosure. The fixed contacts 4a, 4b and the moving contacts 3a, 3b are also located in the contactor chamber 23.

[0047] The contactor chamber 23 is delimited by: • two lateral walls 12a, 12b situated opposite each other and each having an internal surface 20a, 20b, • an upper wall 13 located on the side of the fixed contacts 4a, 4b, • a lower wall 14 located on the side of the moving contacts 3a, 3b opposite the upper wall 13, • a front wall 19a located on the side of the first fixed terminal 24a, and • a rear wall 19b located on the side of the second fixed terminal 24b opposite of the front wall 19a.

[0048] The arc-blowing device includes at least one magnetic field-emitting device 6a, 6b with a constant direction, generating a magnetic force 7. This magnetic field-emitting device 6a, 6b may, for example, include one or more magnets and / or one or more coils. The magnetic force 7 generated by the magnetic field-emitting device 6a, 6b exerts a Laplace electromagnetic force 18a, 18b on each electric arc 8a, 8b so as to move it in the direction of the nearest arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. These movements may be guided by two arc guides 11a, 11b located opposite each other and each situated between an arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and a moving contact 3a, 3b.

[0049] The arc-extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are arranged in pairs and positioned opposite each other on either side of the movable bridge 2. Each arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d comprises a plurality of stacked, parallel, and spaced-apart fins 10, designed to divide each electric arc 8a, 8b into several smaller, and therefore easier to extinguish, electric arcs. The arc-extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are preferably parallel to each other. Within each arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, the fins 10 each extend along a longitudinal axis Xa, Xb.

[0050] The contactor chamber 23 includes at least one arc extinguishing zone 5a, 5b comprising two arc extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and two arc guides 11a, 11b.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a type of contactor 1 comprising two arc-extinguishing zones 5a, 5b, and consequently comprising four arc-extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and four arc guides 1a, 11b. These two arc-extinguishing zones 5a, 5b can be separated by a single separating wall or by two separating walls 25a, 25b located between the two pairs of arc-extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a type of contactor 1 comprising a single arc extinguishing zone 5a, and consequently comprising two arc extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b and two arc guides 1a, 11b.

[0053] In these two variants, the arc blowing device and the principle of circulation of the ionized cutting gas according to the invention operate in the same way.

[0054] The contactor 1 of the invention is particularly distinguished in that the contactor chamber 23 is closed, so that the ionized cutting gases 22 generated by each electric arc 8a, 8b cannot escape from said contactor chamber 23. Indeed, by closed enclosure, we mean a sealed enclosure which does not, in particular, have any openings. an opening through which ionized cut-off gases 22 could pass to exit outside the contactor chamber 23.

[0055] The contactor 1 of the invention is also characterized in that the two opposing side walls 12a, 12b are each located at a distance from the nearest arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, such that the internal surface 20a, 20b of each side wall 12a, 12b is provided at a distance from the fins 10 of the nearest arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The distance between the internal surface 20a, 20b of a side wall 12a, 12b and the fins 10 of the nearest arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d is preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side walls 12a, 12b extend along a plane orthogonal to the orientation of the Laplace electromagnetic force 18a, 18b generated by the magnetic field emitting device 6a, 6b. The side walls 12a, 12b and the arc extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are preferably parallel.

[0056] Similarly, the lower wall 14, located opposite the upper wall 13, is situated at a distance of between 3 mm and 20 mm from the fins 10 of the arc-extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The lower wall 14 is connected to each side wall 12a, 12b by a link 15a, 15b having a concave internal surface 21a, 21b with a curved cross-section. Each link 15a, 15b having a concave internal surface 21a, 21b with a curved cross-section preferably has a radius of curvature RI of between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0057] The contactor 1 of the invention is also distinguished in that the fins 10 of each arc-quenching block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d are inclined such that their longitudinal axis Xa, Xb forms an angle α between 30 degrees and 85 degrees with respect to the inner surface 20a, 20b of the nearest side wall 12a, 12b. The angle α is preferably between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.

[0058] Thanks to the invention, by passing through inclined fins 10, the flow of ionized cutting gas 22 generated by each electric arc 8a, 8b is directed obliquely towards the lateral wall 12a, 12b towards which each electric arc 8a, 8b is displaced. Thus, the axis of movement of the ionized cut-off gas flow 22 forms an angle between 30 degrees and 85 degrees with respect to the internal surface 20a, 20b of the lateral wall 12a, 12b towards which it is directed, this angle corresponding to the angle a of inclination of the fins 10. The ionized cut-off gas flow 22 does not strike the internal surface 20a, 20b of the lateral wall 12a, 12b orthogonally, it does not return backwards, but is instead deflected in the direction of the lower wall 14, as shown in figures 6 to 8.The ionized cutoff gas flow 22 travels along a free space provided firstly between the arc extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and the outermost side wall 12a, 12b. close, then planned afterwards between the arc extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and the lower wall 14, to return to the core of the arc extinguishing zone 5a, 5b, preferably between the arc extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d of the same pair.

[0059] According to a variant of the invention, each arc extinguishing zone 5a, 5b may include one or more deflectors 16a, 16b which each extend inside said arc extinguishing zone 5a, 5b from the lower wall 14 and in the direction of the moving bridge 2, preferably perpendicular to the inner face 26 of said lower wall 14.

[0060] Each deflector 16a, 16b is provided to further deflect the path of the ionized cut-off gas flow 22 along the lower wall 14 so as to direct it towards the upper wall 13 and towards the electric arc 8a, 8b. Thus, the dynamic force of the ionized cut-off gas flow 22 is added to the electromagnetic Laplace force aimed at moving each electric arc 8a, 8b in the direction of an electric arc extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0061] According to a variant of the invention shown in [Fig. 7], each arc-extinguishing zone 5a, 5b comprises two parallel deflectors 16a, 16b, each extending inside the arc-extinguishing zone 5a, 5b from the lower wall 14 towards the movable bridge 2. Each deflector 16a, 16b is then connected to the lower wall 14, on the side of the arc-extinguishing block 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d nearest to it, by another connection 17a, 17b having a concave internal surface 27a, 27b with a curved cross-section. These other concave connections 17a, 17b with a curved cross-section preferably each have a radius of curvature R2 of between 3 mm and 20 mm.

[0062] According to another embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 8], each arc-extinguishing zone 5a, 5b comprises a single deflector 16c extending inside the arc-extinguishing zone 5a, 5b from the lower wall 14 towards the movable bridge 2. The single deflector 16c is then connected to the lower wall 14 by two other concave links 17c, 17d arranged in mirror image and having a concave internal surface 27c, 27d with a curved cross-section and a radius of curvature R2 preferably between 3 mm and 20 mm. The single deflector 16c is preferably located midway between each of the arc-extinguishing blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0063] Having a single deflector 16c per arc extinction zone 5a, 5b advantageously simplifies and lightens the contactor 1, while having two deflectors 16a, 16b makes it easy to plan each of these deflectors 16a, 16b at the desired distance from the arc extinction blocks 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d.

[0064] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures presents a unique reference.

Claims

1. Demands Double-break contactor (1) comprising: - a contactor chamber (23) comprising: • a movable bridge (2) between a closed state and an open state, comprising a first movable contact (3a) and a second movable contact (3b), • a first fixed contact (4a) opposite the first mobile contact (3a), and • a second fixed contact (4b) opposite the second moving contact (3b), • at least one arc-extinguishing zone (5a, 5b), each comprising two arc-extinguishing blocks (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) located opposite each other on either side of the movable bridge (2) and each comprising a plurality of fins (10) each extending along a longitudinal axis (Xa, Xb), - characterized in that: - the contactor chamber (23) is closed; - Each arc flash extinction zone (5a, 5b) is delimited in particular by: • two opposing side walls (12a, 12b) each located on the side of an arc flash extinguishing block (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) and at a distance from the fins (10) thereof, each having an internal surface (20a, 20b), • an upper wall (13) located on the side of a fixed contact (4a, 4b), and • a lower wall (14) located opposite the upper wall (13), at a distance from the fins (10) of the arc-extinguishing blocks (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) and connected to each side wall (12a, 12b) by a link (15a, 15b) having a concave internal surface (21a, 21b) of curved cross-section; in that - the fins (10) are separated from the side walls (12a, 12b) and the bottom wall (14) by a distance of at least between 3 mm and 20 mm, and in that - the fins (10) of each arc flash extinguishing block (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are inclined so that their longitudinal axis (Xa, Xb) forms an angle α between 30 degrees and 85 degrees with respect to the internal surface (20a, 20b) of the nearest side wall (12a, 12b), where the angle α is oriented such that the edge of the fins (10) nearest to a side wall (12a, 12b) is closer to the lower wall (14) than to the upper wall (13).

2. Contactor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle a is between 60 degrees and 80 degrees.

3. Contactor (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one magnetic field emitting device (6a, 6b) of constant direction, generating a magnetic force (7) which exerts an electromagnetic Laplace force (18a, 18b) capable of moving - in the direction of an arc-extinguishing block (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) - an electric arc (8a, 8b) appearing between a fixed contact (4a, 4b) and a moving contact (3a, 3b) of the moving bridge (2) passing from the closed state to the open state, and in that the side walls (12a, 12b) extend along a plane orthogonal to the orientation of the electromagnetic Laplace force (18a, 18b) generated by the magnetic field emitting device (6a, 6b).

4. Contactor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arc extinguishing blocks (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are parallel to each other.

5. Contactor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (12a, 12b) and the arc extinguishing blocks (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are parallel.

6. Contactor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each link (15a, 15b) having a concave internal surface (21a, 21b) of curved section has a radius of curvature RI between 3 mm and 20 mm.

7. Contactor (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each arc-extinguishing zone (5a, 5b) comprises two parallel deflectors (16a, 16b) each extending inside the arc-extinguishing zone (5a, 5b) from the lower wall (14) and towards the moving bridge (2), each deflector (16a, 16b) being connected to the lower wall (14) on the block side of extinguishing electric arc (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) nearest, by another connection (17a, 17b) having an internal surface (27a, 27b) concave of curved section.

8. Contactor (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each arc-extinguishing zone (5a, 5b) comprises a single deflector (16c) which extends inside the arc-extinguishing zone (5a, 5b) from the lower wall (14) and in the direction of the moving bridge (2), the single deflector (16c) being connected to the lower wall (14) by two other links (17c, 17d) arranged in mirror image and having a concave internal surface (27c, 27d) of curved cross-section.

9. Contactor (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that each of the other links (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) having a concave internal surface (27a, 27b, 27c, 27d) of curved section has a radius of curvature R2 between 3 mm and 20 mm.

10. Contactor (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the deflectors (16a, 16b, 16c) and the arc extinguishing blocks (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are parallel.

Images