Compact electrical contactor including at least one arc-dissipating device; aircraft equipped with at least one such electrical contactor

Abstract

Compact electrical contactor comprising at least one arc-dissipating device, aircraft comprising at least one such electrical contactor. The invention relates to an electrical contactor (36) comprising: at least one pair of first and second contacts (40, 42) movable between contacted and separated positions, a first current guide (46) connecting a first fixed terminal (38.1) and the first contact (40), a second current guide (48) connecting a second fixed terminal (38.2) and the second contact (42), at least one electromagnetic field generator (54) configured to move at least one electric arc produced between the contacts (40, 42) to an arc-dissipating device (52) positioned between the first and second current guides (46, 48), each current guide (46, 48) being configured to ensure a transfer of an electric current between the fixed terminal (38.1, 38.2) and the corresponding contact (40, 42) as well as a transfer of an electric arc from the first and second contacts (40, 42) to the arc sink (52). Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Compact electrical contactor comprising at least one electric arc dissipator, aircraft comprising at least one such electrical contactor

[0001] The present application relates to a compact electrical contactor comprising at least one electric arc dissipator as well as to an aircraft comprising at least one such electrical contactor.

[0002] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], an electrical circuit 10 comprises at least one electrical source 12, at least one electrical load 14, and at least one electrical contactor 16 having first and second fixed terminals 18.1, 18.2 connected respectively to the electrical source 12 and the electrical load 14. The electrical contactor 16 comprises a movable bridge 20 having first and second movable terminals 20.1, 20.2, said movable bridge 20 being movable between a first state, corresponding to the closed state of the electrical contactor 16, in which the first and second movable terminals 20.1, 20.2 are in contact respectively with the first and second fixed terminals 18.1, 18.2, and a second state, corresponding to the open state of the electrical contactor 16, in which the first and second movable terminals 20.1, 20.2 are separated. first and second fixed terminals 18.1, 18.2.

[0003] When the electrical contactor 16 is opened, an electric arc may appear at the fixed and moving terminals 18.1, 18.2, 20.1, 20.2 of the electrical contactor 16 and generate an overvoltage which propagates in the electrical circuit 10. To protect the electrical source 12 as illustrated in [Fig.1], the electrical circuit 10 includes a diode, called a freewheeling diode 22, which connects the second fixed terminal 18.2 of the electrical contactor 16 and the electrical source 12, mounted in parallel with the electrical load 14, said freewheeling diode 22 being conducting in the direction from the electrical source 12 to the second fixed terminal 18.2.

[0004] Even if this freewheeling diode 22 makes it possible to protect the electrical source 12, the generated overvoltage dissipates in the rest of the electrical circuit 10, namely in the cables and the electrical load(s) 14.

[0005] According to one application, a high-power electric current (with a voltage on the order of 1500 VdV and a current on the order of 500 A) flows in the electrical circuit when installed in an electrically propelled aircraft. In this case, the freewheeling diode 22 is sized to withstand high overvoltages when the electrical contactor 16 is opened, resulting in a large freewheeling diode 22 with significant mass. According to this application, the dissipation of the overvoltage in the rest of the electrical circuit generates a significant rise in temperature in the cables of the electrical circuit and induces significant stresses on the electrical load(s) 14.

[0006] According to another embodiment described in document FR-3.126.168, the electrical contactor comprises, for each of the fixed and mobile terminals, an electric arc guide which has a first end positioned close to the fixed or mobile terminal of the electrical contactor as well as a second end connected to a block of fins. Thus, the electrical contactor comprises four electric arc guides and two blocks of fins. In addition to the electric arc guides and the blocks of fins, the electrical contactor comprises permanent magnets generating electromagnetic fields configured to move the electric arcs produced when the electrical contactor is opened towards the electric arc guides and then the blocks of fins.

[0007] The electric arc guides and the fin blocks being positioned on either side of the bridge of the electric contactor supporting the movable terminals, the embodiment described in document FR-3.126.168 leads to a relatively bulky electric contactor.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to an electrical contactor comprising first and second spaced fixed terminals, at least one pair of first and second contacts, at least one electric arc dissipator and at least one electromagnetic field generator generating an electromagnetic field configured to move at least one electric arc produced between the first and second contacts towards the electric arc dissipator, at least one of the first and second contacts being movable between an open state in which the first and second contacts are spaced apart from each other and a closed state in which the first and second contacts are in contact with each other.

[0010] According to the invention, the first and second contacts being offset relative to the first and second terminals in a transverse direction, the electrical contactor comprises first and second current guides, the first current guide connecting the first fixed terminal and the first contact, the second current guide connecting the second fixed terminal and the second contact, the electric arc dissipator being positioned between the first and second current guides, each of the first and second current guides being configured to ensure a transfer of an electric current between the first or second fixed terminal and the corresponding first or second contact as well as a transfer of an electric arc from the first and second contacts to the electric arc dissipator.

[0011] Integrating an electric arc dissipator into the electrical contactor makes it possible to eliminate the freewheel diode. By positioning this electric arc dissipator between current guides which ensure the transfer of current and electric arcs, a compact electrical contactor is obtained.

[0012] According to another characteristic, the electromagnetic field generator is in contact with the first and second contacts so as to form with said first and second contacts, when they are separated, a cavity open towards the electric arc dissipator.

[0013] According to another characteristic, each of the first and second contacts comprises a curved contact face, oriented towards the other contact.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the first or second movable contact is connected to the corresponding first or second current guide by at least one flexible conductive element.

[0015] According to another feature, the first current guide has a first end connected to the first fixed terminal and a second end directly or indirectly connected to the first contact. In parallel, the second current guide has a first end connected to the second fixed terminal and a second end directly or indirectly connected to the second contact. Furthermore, each of the first and second current guides comprises a first section extending from its first end, oriented in the transverse direction, and a second section extending between the first section and the second end, the second sections of the first and second current guides converging at the first and second contacts.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the electrical contactor comprises a third fixed terminal interposed between the first and second fixed terminals as well as an electric arc guide, distinct from the first and second current guides, which extends between first and second ends, the first end being oriented towards the first and second contacts, the second end being connected to the third fixed terminal.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the electric arc guide is substantially parallel to the transverse direction, its first end being curved towards an area located between the first and second contacts when they are in the separated position.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the electric arc dissipator comprises a first part positioned between the first current guide and the electric arc guide as well as a second part positioned between the second current guide and the electric arc guide.

[0019] According to one configuration, the first and second parts have identical capabilities to dissipate electric arcs.

[0020] According to another configuration, the first and second parts have different capacities to dissipate electric arcs.

[0021] The invention also relates to an electrical circuit which comprises at least one electrical source having first and second terminals, at least one electrical load and at least one electrical contactor according to one of the preceding characteristics, said electrical contactor having first and second fixed terminals spaced apart and connected respectively to the first terminal of the electrical source and to the electrical load.

[0022] According to another characteristic, the electrical contactor comprising a third fixed terminal, the electrical circuit comprises an electrical cable connecting the third terminal and the second terminal of the electrical source.

[0023] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one such electrical circuit.

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0025] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit according to an embodiment of the prior art,

[0026] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit according to a mode of realization of the invention,

[0027] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of an electrical contactor illustrating a embodiment of the invention in the open state,

[0028] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible on the [Fig.3] in the closed state,

[0029] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible on the [Fig.4] when opening the first and second contacts of the electrical contactor,

[0030] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible on the [Fig.5] when moving an electric arc from the first and second contacts to first and second current guides,

[0031] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible on the [Fig.6] when dividing the electric arc into first and second electric arcs located between the first and second current guides and an electric arc guide,

[0032] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible in [Fig.7] during the movement of the first and second electric arcs towards an arc sink,

[0033] [Fig.9] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible on the [Fig.8] when dividing the first and second electric arcs into a multitude of small electric arcs between fins of the electric arc dissipator,

[0034] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible in [Fig.9] after the extinction of the small electric arcs in a first part of the electric arc dissipator,

[0035] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation of the electrical contactor visible in [Fig. 10] after the extinction of the small electric arcs in a second part of the electric arc dissipator.

[0036] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.2], an electrical circuit 30 comprises at least one electrical source 32 having first and second terminals 32.1, 32.2, at least one electrical load 34 as well as at least one electrical contactor 36 having first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 spaced apart and offset in a first direction. According to one configuration, the first fixed terminal 38.1 is connected to the first terminal 32.1 of the electrical source 32, the second fixed terminal 38.2 being connected to the electrical load 34.

[0037] According to one application, an aircraft comprises at least one such electrical circuit 30.

[0038] The electrical contactor 36 comprises at least one pair of first and second contacts 40, 42, at least one of the first and second contacts being movable between an open state in which the first and second contacts are spaced apart from each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a closed state in which the first and second contacts are in contact with each other, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The first and second contacts 40, 42 are offset from each other in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction. At least one of the first and second contacts 40, 42 is a movable contact and translates along a displacement axis coinciding with the second direction between close and spaced apart positions corresponding respectively to the closed and open states of the electrical contactor 36.According to one configuration, the second contact 42 is the movable contact.

[0039] Each of the first and second contacts 40, 42 comprises a first edge 40.1, 42.1 substantially parallel to the axis of movement and oriented towards the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 as well as a second edge 40.2, 42.2 substantially parallel to the first edge 40.1, 42.1 and opposite the latter.

[0040] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second contacts 40, 42 comprises a curved contact face, oriented towards the other contact, substantially symmetrical with respect to the axis of movement.

[0041] According to one configuration, the electrical contactor 36 comprises at least one actuator 44 connected to the movable contact allowing it to be moved from the close position to the separated position and vice versa. This actuator 44 is not described further because it may be identical to those of the prior art.

[0042] The first and second contacts 40, 42 are offset with respect to the first and second terminals 38.1, 38.2 in a transverse direction intersecting with the first direction. According to one arrangement, the first direction and the transverse direction are substantially perpendicular.

[0043] The electrical contactor 36 comprises first and second current guides 46, 48, the first current guide 46 having a first end 46.1 connected to the first fixed terminal 38.1 and a second end 46.2 directly or indirectly connected to the first contact 40, more particularly to its first edge 40.1, the second current guide 48 having a first end 48.1 connected to the second fixed terminal 38.2 and a second end 48.2 directly or indirectly connected to the second contact 42.

[0044] The first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 are spaced apart. In parallel, the first and second current guides 46, 48 move away from each other from their second ends 46.2, 48.2 towards their first ends 46.1, 48.1. According to one configuration, each of the first and second current guides 46, 48 comprises a first section 58.1 which extends from its first end 46.1, 48.1 and oriented in the transverse direction as well as a second section 58.2 which extends between the first section 58.1 and the second end 46.2, 48.2, intersecting with the transverse direction. Thus, the first sections 58.1 of the first and second current guides 46, 48 are substantially parallel to each other. The second sections 58.2 of the first and second current guides 46, 48 converge towards the first and second contacts 40, 42.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first and second current guides 46, 48 are rigid. In addition, the electrical contactor 36 includes at least one flexible conductive element 50, such as a braid, connecting the moving contact and the corresponding current guide 46, 48. When the second contact 42 is the moving contact, the flexible conductive element 50 connects the second contact 42 and the second end 48.2 of the second current guide 48.

[0046] The electrical contactor 36 comprises at least one electric arc dissipator 52 positioned between the first and second current guides 46, 48, more particularly between the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2, as well as at least one electromagnetic field generator 54 generating an electromagnetic field (permanent or not) configured to move at least one electric arc produced between the first and second contacts 40, 42 towards the electric arc dissipator 52. Thus, the electric arc dissipator 52 is offset in the transverse direction relative to the first and second contacts 40, 42. The latter are positioned between the electromagnetic field generator 54 and the electric arc dissipator 52 in the transverse direction.

[0047] According to one arrangement, the electromagnetic field generator 54 is in contact with the second edges 40.2, 42.2 of the first and second contacts 40, 42 and forms a partition limiting the propagation of the electric arcs in a direction opposite to that oriented towards the electric arc dissipator 52. According to this arrangement, when the first and second contacts 40, 42 move apart or are in the separated position, they delimit with the electromagnetic field generator 54 a cavity 56 open only in the direction of the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 (or of the electric arc dissipator 52). This arrangement combined with the domed shapes of the first and second contacts 40, 42 promotes the transfer of the electric arcs towards the electric arc dissipator 52.

[0048] According to one configuration, the electromagnetic field generator 54 is a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the electromagnetic field generator 54 is an electromagnet.

[0049] According to one configuration, the arc-dissipating device 52 comprises a multitude of fins substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0050] Regardless of the embodiment, each of the first and second current guides 46, 48 is configured to ensure a transfer of an electric current between the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 as well as the first and second contacts 40, 42 but also a transfer of an electric arc from the first and second contacts 40, 42 to the electric arc dissipator 52. Thus, the section of each of the first and second current guides 46, 48 is dimensioned to ensure such transfers. To allow the positioning of the electric arc dissipator 52 between the first and second current guides 46, 48, the latter move away from each other starting from the first and second contacts 40, 42 towards the electric arc dissipator 52.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the electrical contactor 36 comprises a third fixed terminal 38.3 interposed between the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 as well as an electric arc guide 62, distinct from the first and second current guides 46, 48, which extends between first and second ends 62.1, 62.2, the first end 62.1 being oriented towards the first and second contacts 40, 42 and slightly spaced from the latter, the second end 62.2 being connected to the third fixed terminal 38.3. According to one arrangement, the first, second and third fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 are aligned.

[0052] In the presence of an electric arc guide 62, the electrical circuit 30 comprises an electric cable 64 connecting the third terminal 38.3 and the second terminal 32.2 of the electrical source 32. Thus, this electric arc guide 62 forms a freewheel path making it possible to obtain two closed loops from the electrical circuit, one of them comprising the electrical load(s) 34, the other comprising the electrical source 32. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid overvoltage phenomena.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the electric arc guide 62 is substantially parallel to the transverse direction and to the first sections 58.1 of the first and second current guides 46, 48. According to one arrangement, the first end 62.1 of the electric arc guide 62 is curved towards an area, in particular the cavity 56, located between the first and second contacts 40, 42 when they are in the separated position. This first end 62.1 is configured to separate the electric arc 60 into two electric arcs 60.1, 60.2 as illustrated in [Fig. 7], the first electric arc 60.1 being located between the first current guide 46 and the electric arc guide 62, the second electric arc 60.2 being located between the second current guide 48 and the electric arc guide 62.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the electric arc dissipator 52 comprises a first part 52.1 positioned between the first current guide 46 and the electric arc guide 62, in particular between the first and third fixed terminals 38.1, 38.3, as well as a second part 52.2 positioned between the second current guide 48 and the electric arc guide 62, in particular between the second and third fixed terminals 38.2, 38.3.

[0055] According to a first configuration, the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 have identical capacities to dissipate electric arcs.

[0056] Alternatively, the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 have different capacities to dissipate electric arcs.

[0057] According to a second configuration, the first part 52.1 of the arc washer 52 has a greater capacity to dissipate arcs than the second part 52.2. This solution helps to improve the protection of the part of the electrical circuit 30 containing the electrical source 32.

[0058] According to a third configuration, the second part 52.2 of the arc washer 52 has a greater capacity to dissipate arcs than the first part 52.1. This solution helps to protect the part of the electrical circuit 30 carrying the electrical load 34.

[0059] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 of the electric arc dissipator 52 comprises a given number of fins. According to the first configuration, the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 comprise the same number of fins. According to the second configuration, the first part 52.1 comprises a number of fins greater than that of the second part 52.2. According to the third configuration, the second part 52.2 comprises a number of fins greater than that of the first part 52.1.

[0060] The operating principle of the electrical contactor 36 is now described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

[0061] As illustrated in [Fig.4], when the electrical contactor 36 is in the closed state, the first and second contacts 40, 42 are in contact with each other. The electric current flows from the second fixed terminal 38.2, along the second current guide 48 and the flexible conductive element 50, passes through the first and second contacts 40, 42 and then flows along the first current guide 46 to the first fixed terminal 38.1. Alternatively, the electric current flows from the first fixed terminal 38.1, along the first current guide 46, passes through the first and second contacts 40, 42 and then flows along the flexible conductive element 50 and the second current guide 48 to the second fixed terminal 38.2.

[0062] When the electrical contactor 36 changes from the closed state to the open state, the first and second contacts 40, 42 separate and an electric arc 60, corresponding to an overvoltage state, appears between the first and second contacts 40, 42 in the cavity 56, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. Between the generator 54 and the electric arc 60, an overpressure is created, generated by the electric arc 60, which will push it towards the electric arc guide 62, thus facilitating the movement of the electric arc 60 towards the electric arc guide 62, as illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0063] Positioning the arc washer 52 between the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 and providing current guides 46, 48 which ensure the function of electrical conductor between the first and second fixed terminals 38.1, 38.2 and the first and second contacts 40, 42 as well as guide for the electric arcs from the first and second contacts 40, 42 to the arc washer 52 makes it possible to obtain a compact electrical contactor 36.

[0064] According to another advantage, the combination of the domed shapes of the first and second contacts 40, 42, of the flared shape of the current guides 46, 48 of the first and second contacts 40, 42 towards the arc washer 52 as well as of the opening of the cavity 56 only in the direction of the arc washer 52 promotes the transfer of the arcs from the first and second contacts 40, 42 to the arc washer 52, even when the ambient pressure is low as in the case of an aircraft flying at high altitude.

[0065] When it reaches the first end 62.1 of the electric arc guide 62 as illustrated in [Fig.7], the electric arc 60 splits into two electric arcs 60.1, 60.2, a first electric arc 60.1 being located between the first current guide 46 and the electric arc guide 62, a second electric arc 60.2 being located between the second current guide 48 and the electric arc guide 62. The first and second electric arcs 60.1, 60.2 continue to move towards the electric arc dissipator 52, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0066] When the first and second electric arcs 60.1, 60.2 reach the electric arc dissipator 52, they divide into a multitude of small electric arcs located between the fins of the electric arc dissipator 52, as illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0067] According to one configuration, the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 of the electric arc dissipator are configured to allow almost simultaneous extinction of small electric arcs.

[0068] According to another configuration visible in figures 9 to 11, the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 of the arc washer are configured to obtain, firstly, the extinction of small electric arcs at the level of the first part 52.1 and then, secondly, the extinction of small electric arcs at the level of the second part 52.2. According to this configuration, as soon as the small electric arcs are extinguished in the first part 52.1, the disconnection between the electrical source 32 and the rest of the electrical circuit 30 is effective and guaranteed.

[0069] According to another configuration not shown, the first and second parts 52.1, 52.2 of the electric arc dissipator are configured to obtain, in a first step, the extinction of the small electric arcs at the level of the second part 52.2 then, in a second step, the extinction of the small electric arcs at the level of the first part 52.1.

[0070] The electrical contactor 36 of the invention has the advantage of eliminating the freewheeling diode while being compact. According to another advantage, the overvoltage and electrical energy generated by the electric arcs appearing when the electrical contactor opens are essentially dissipated within the electrical contactor 36 and virtually not dissipated outside the electrical contactor 36, which limits the heating of the electrical cables of the electrical circuit 30 and the stresses on the components of the electrical circuit 30.

[0071] The electrical contactor 36 of the invention, which has a mass and volume lower than those of the prior art at equal power, is more particularly suitable for installation in an aircraft.

Claims

Claims

1. An electrical contactor (36) comprising first and second fixed terminals (38.1, 38.2) spaced apart, at least one pair of first and second contacts (40, 42), at least one electric arc dissipator (52) and at least one electromagnetic field generator (54) generating an electromagnetic field configured to move at least one electric arc produced between the first and second contacts (40, 42) towards the electric arc dissipator (52), at least one of the first and second contacts being movable between an open state in which the first and second contacts (40, 42) are spaced apart from each other and a closed state in which the first and second contacts (40, 42) are in contact with each other; characterized in that the first and second contacts (40, 42) are offset relative to the first and second terminals (38.1, 38.2) in a transverse direction and in that the electrical contactor (36) comprises first and second current guides (46, 48), the first current guide (46) connecting the first fixed terminal (38.1) and the first contact (40), the second current guide (48) connecting the second fixed terminal (38.2) and the second contact (42), the electric arc dissipator (52) being positioned between the first and second current guides (46, 48), each of the first and second current guides (46, 48) being configured to ensure a transfer of an electric current between the first or second fixed terminal (38.1, 38.2) and the corresponding first or second contact (40, 42) as well as a transfer of an electric arc from the first and second contacts (40, 42) to the electric arc dissipator (52).

2. Electrical contactor (36) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnetic field generator (54) is in contact with the first and second contacts (40, 42) so as to form with said first and second contacts (40, 42), when they are separated, a cavity (56) open towards the electric arc dissipator (52).

3. Electrical contactor (36) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the first and second contacts (40, 42) comprises a domed contact face, oriented towards the other contact.

4. Electrical contactor (36) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first or second movable contact (40, 42) is connected to the corresponding first or second current guide (46, 48) by at least one flexible conductive element (50).

5. Electrical contactor (36) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first current guide (46) has a first end (46.1) connected to the first fixed terminal (38.1) and a second end (46.2) directly or indirectly connected to the first contact (40), in that the second current guide (48) has a first end (48.1) connected to the second fixed terminal (38.2) and a second end (48.2) directly or indirectly connected to the second contact (42) and in that each of the first and second current guides (46, 48) comprises a first section (58.1), which extends from its first end (46.1, 48.1), oriented in the transverse direction as well as a second section (58.2) which extends between the first section (58.1) and the second end (46.2, 48.2), the second sections (58.2) of the first and second current guides (46, 48) converging towards the first and second contacts (40, 42).

6. Electrical contactor (36) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical contactor (36) comprises a third fixed terminal (38.3) interposed between the first and second fixed terminals (38.1, 38.2) as well as an electric arc guide (62), distinct from the first and second current guides (46, 48), which extends between first and second ends (62.1, 62.2), the first end (62.1) being oriented towards the first and second contacts (40, 42), the second end (62.2) being connected to the third fixed terminal (38.3).

7. Electrical contact (36) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electric arc guide (62) is substantially parallel to the transverse direction and in that the first end (62.1) of the electric arc guide (62) is curved towards an area located between the first and second contacts (40, 42) when they are in the spaced apart position.

8. Electrical contact (36) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the electric arc dissipator (52) comprises a first part (52.1) positioned between the first current guide (46) and the electric arc guide (62) as well as a second part (52.2) positioned between the second current guide (48) and the electric arc guide (62).

9. Electrical contactor (36) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second parts (52.1, 52.2) have capacities identical to dissipating electric arcs.

10. Electrical contactor (36) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first and second parts (52.1, 52.2) have different capacities to dissipate electric arcs.

11. Electrical circuit (30) comprising at least one electrical source (32) having first and second terminals (32.1, 32.2), at least one electrical load (34) and at least one electrical contactor (36) according to one of the preceding claims, said electrical contactor having first and second fixed terminals (38.1, 38.2) spaced apart and connected respectively to the first terminal (32.1) of the electrical source (32) and to the electrical load (34).

12. Electrical circuit (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical contactor (36) comprises a third fixed terminal (38.3) and in that the electrical circuit (30) comprises an electrical cable (64) connecting the third terminal (38.3) and the second terminal (32.2) of the electrical source (32).

13. Aircraft comprising at least one electrical circuit (30) according to claim 11 or 12.

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