EP0626096B1 - Dispositif ameliore de suppression d'arc - Google Patents

Dispositif ameliore de suppression d'arc Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0626096B1
EP0626096B1 EP94900620A EP94900620A EP0626096B1 EP 0626096 B1 EP0626096 B1 EP 0626096B1 EP 94900620 A EP94900620 A EP 94900620A EP 94900620 A EP94900620 A EP 94900620A EP 0626096 B1 EP0626096 B1 EP 0626096B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plate
cradle member
cradle
slots
bight portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94900620A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0626096A1 (fr
EP0626096A4 (fr
Inventor
Thomas A. Edds
Willard J. Rezac
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schneider Electric USA Inc
Original Assignee
Square D Co
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0626096A1 publication Critical patent/EP0626096A1/fr
Publication of EP0626096A4 publication Critical patent/EP0626096A4/fr
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Publication of EP0626096B1 publication Critical patent/EP0626096B1/fr
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H01H9/362—Mounting of plates in arc chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/12—Automatic release mechanisms with or without manual release
    • H01H71/121—Protection of release mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/302—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts wherein arc-extinguishing gas is evolved from stationary parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/342—Venting arrangements for arc chutes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to circuit breakers, circuit interrupters, electrical distribution devices and the like, and more particularly, to an arc extinguishing device having an improved design for use therein.
  • Circuit breakers are commonly used to protect branch circuits in residential and commercial buildings against overload and fault conditions.
  • a circuit breaker includes a separable pair of electrical contacts, a spring-operated mechanism for effecting separation of the contacts, and a tripping mechanism upon the occurrence of the overload or fault condition.
  • a representative circuit breaker is fully set forth in U.S. Patent No. 2,889,429, issued to Kingdon et al. and U.S. Serial No. 722,050, issued October 26, 1992, to Cook et al., both commonly assigned to the assignee herein and incorporated herein by reference.
  • Circuit interrupters are also known from US-A-3 071 666.
  • An electric arc is produced each time the circuit breaker contacts are opened or closed.
  • the detrimental effects from the arc on other internal components is most severe during interruption of the electrical contacts.
  • An arc extinguishing mechanism is used to control and extinguish the arc and protect the other components of the circuit breaker.
  • a common type of arc shield which is placed in a recess or arc chamber of a circuit breaker is a series of spaced magnetic plates as illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 2,811,607 issued to Dorfman et al.
  • Another type or arc extinguishing mechanism is set forth in U.S. Patent No. 2,898,427 issued to Nadeau, which discloses a one-piece u-shaped magnetic metallic member having a plurality of parallel slots with an arc runner portion to lead the arc to a venting passage.
  • an arc extinguishing device for disposition along a pre-determined path of movement between two electrical contacts in an electrical distribution device.
  • the device includes a generally u-shaped cradle member having a bight portion defined by a bottom wall with two upstanding side walls.
  • the cradle member is made of a thermoplastic resin.
  • the cradle member includes at least one triad of slots. One of the slots is formed in each side wall extending from the top edge of the side wall substantially downward towards the bottom wall.
  • the third slot is formed in the bottom wall of the cradle member.
  • the triad of slots is positioned in the same plane extending perpendicular through the cradle member.
  • the arc device includes at least one u-shaped plate having a bight portion defined by a bottom bar with two upstanding side prongs.
  • the plate bight portion has sufficient width to allow the movement of the electrical contacts between the two side walls.
  • the thickness and width of the plate is pre-determined to fit the side prongs within the side wall slots and the bottom edge within the bottom wall slot.
  • Each plate is retained in connection with the cradle member.
  • the retaining means is integrally formed with the cradle member.
  • the plate is made of a magnetic metal or a conductive plastic composition.
  • the present invention also includes an electrical distribution device which includes a housing and a pair of electrical contacts positioned within the housing. At least one contact is movable in and out of engagement with the other along a pre-determined path.
  • the electrical distribution device further includes an arc extinguishing device disposed along the pre-determined path of movement.
  • the arc device is of the same description discussed above.
  • a method of assembling an arc extinguishing device for disposition along a pre-determined path of movement between two electrical contacts in an electrical distribution device is included in the present invention.
  • the method includes molding an arc extinguishing device having a cradle member of the above description from a thermoplastic resin.
  • the method further includes the step of providing a u-shaped plate of the above description and nesting the plate in the triad of slots of the cradle member.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an arc extinguishing device made of two or more compositions creating an anode-cathode fall therebetween in order to extinguish electric arcs of greater current in smaller spaces than the prior art.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an improved arc extinguishing device which protects the other components of a circuit breaker from exposure to an electric arc at high fault levels.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an arc extinguishing device which allows flexibility of design with ease of assembly and economical manufacture.
  • FIG. 1 an example of an embodiment of the present embodiment is illustrated in the form of a remotely controlled circuit arrangement.
  • the arrangement includes an insulating body or housing 10 open at one face with a detachable cover (not shown).
  • a line terminal 12 and a load terminal 14 completes the circuit between a source and a load (not shown).
  • the circuit path beginning at the line terminal 12 carriers current through stationary and movable contacts 16 and 18.
  • the circuit continues through a flexible copper conductor 20 which is connected between a carrier 22 and a bimetal member 24.
  • the movable contact 18 may be formed as part of the carrier 22.
  • a rigid conductive plate 26 is welded to the bimetal member 24 to carry current from the bimetal 24 to the load terminal 14.
  • Local control of the circuit breaker arrangement is provided using the external operating handle 28 pivotally mounted about an axis 30 in the housing 10 to control the contact carrier 22.
  • the carrier 22 In response to the movement of the handle 28 to the right or left, the carrier 22 is moved counterclockwise or clockwise, respectively, by the action a biasing spring 32.
  • the handle 28 moves the top of the carrier 22 to either side of the equilibrium position, so that the bottom of the carrier 22 biases the movable contact 18 to either the open or closed position.
  • the trip mechanism assembly includes an armature 34, the bimetal 24 and a yoke 36.
  • armature 34 heats up and flexes to the right, causing the armature 34 and the yoke 36 to swing counterclockwise releasing the stand-off pressure of the end of the trip lever 38.
  • the trip lever 38 swings clockwise about pin 40 and pulls the carrier 22 away from the stationary contact 16 to interrupter the current path.
  • the yoke 36 manifests a magnetic force that attracts and swings the armature 34 counterclockwise.
  • the trip lever 38 then swings clockwise and the spring 32 pulls the carrier 22 interrupting the current path.
  • Remote control of the circuit breaker arrangement is provided using a motor 42 having a shaft 44 which rotates in one direction to pull the carrier 22 and interrupt the current path. Rotation of the shaft 44 in the opposite direction allows the carrier to be pulled by spring 32 to re-establish the current path.
  • a shunt terminal 46 extends from the load terminal 16 to an arc extinguishing device 50 to dissipate the arcing current.
  • An arc yoke 52 attracts the arc and shunts the current around the bimetal member 24.
  • the arc yoke 52 providing a grounding means for draining the electric potential generated by an interruption of the contacts 16, 18 from the arc device 50.
  • Other types of electrical connections for grounding the arc device 50 are suitable for use with the present invention.
  • the arc extinguishing device 50 is illustrated in isolation in Figs. 2 through 5.
  • the arc device 50 includes a generally u-shaped cradle member 54 having a bight portion 56 defined by bottom wall 58 with two upstanding side walls 60 and 62.
  • the side walls 6p and 62 have an inside face 64 and an outside face 66 which terminate at the top edges 68 and 70, respectively.
  • the width of the bight portion 56 is sufficient to allow movement of the electrical contacts between the two side walls 60, 62.
  • the cradle member 54 is formed with at least one triad of slots 72, 74 and 76. Slots 72 and 76 are formed in the side walls 60 and 62, respectively, extending from the top edges 68, 70 of the side wall substantially downward towards the bottom wall 58.
  • the third slot 74 is formed in the bottom wall 58 of the cradle member.
  • the triad of slots 72, 74, and 76 are positioned in the same plane extending perpendicular through the cradle member 54.
  • the arc device 50 includes at least one u-shaped plate like 72 having a bight portion 80 defined by a bottom bar 82 with upstanding side prongs 84 and 86.
  • the bottom bar 82 has a bottom edge 88 and a top edge 90.
  • the width of the plate bight portion 80 is sufficient to allow movement of the electrical contacts between the two side prongs 84, 86.
  • the thickness and width of the plate 72 is predetermined to fit the side prongs 84, 86 within the side wall slots 72, 76 and the bottom edge 88 within the bottom wall slot 74.
  • the plate 78 is retained in connection with the cradle member 54 by a retaining wall 92 integrally formed with the cradle member 54.
  • the retaining wall 92 upstands from the bottom wall 58 and extends between the two side walls 60, 62 of the cradle member.
  • the retaining wall 92 abuts a face 94 of the plate.
  • Formed with the retaining wall 92 is a flange 96 which extends perpendicularly towards the abutting face 94 of the plate.
  • the flange 96 is positioned at a pre-determined height on the retaining wall 92 to abut the top edge 90 of the bottom bar of the plate and retain the plate 78 in position.
  • the flange 96 is made of a resilient material which allows the flange 96 to be bent in and out of position and reversible engage the top edge 90.
  • the thickness of the plate 78 can be formed slightly greater than the size of the side wall slots 72, 76 to provide an interference fit therebetween.
  • the gases that are created during the interruption of the electrical contacts 16, 18 are vented through the bottom wall 58 of the cradle member.
  • the bottom wall slot 74 is made larger than need to accommodate the bottom edge 88 of the plate. This positions a hole adjacent to the bottom edge 88 of the plate. It is suitable to form separate holes in the bottom wall 58 near the bottom edge 88 of the plate.
  • the inventive arc device 50 there are two triads of slots like 72, 74 and 76 formed in the u-shaped cradle member 54. Corresponding to the two triads are two u-shaped plates like 78.
  • Both side walls 60 and 62 have a thickness T and a length L as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the thickness T of each side wall 60, 62 and substantially the entire arc device 50 is in the range of about 0.06 to 0.1 inches and preferably measuring about 0.0625 inches.
  • the length L of the arc device 50 as measured along the top edges 68 and 70 is in the range of about 0.5 to 1 incudes and preferably measuring about 0.75 inches.
  • the length L is sufficiently long to encompass a substantial portion of the path movement of the contact 18.
  • the width of the bight 56 or the distance between the side wall 60 and 62 is sufficient to allow the contacts to pass between them.
  • the thickness of the plate 78 is about 0.094 inches.
  • the distance between the top edge 90 and the bottom edge 88 of the bottom bar is about 0.25 inches.
  • the width of the plate 78 is preferably greater than the width of the cradle member 54 so that the edges of the plate protrude beyond the outside face 66.
  • the bight portion 80 of the plate is substantially smaller than the bight portion 56 of the cradle member. Then the bight portion 80 of the plate is closer to the movement path of the electrical contacts 16, 18 than the bight portion 56 of the cradle member. Thus, the plate 78 is more quickly exposed to the electric arc because of its closer spacial position.
  • the dimensional measurements of the arc device 50 are adjusted to accommodate the capacity of the circuit breaker.
  • the capacity of the circuit breaker ranges from about 15 to 30.
  • circuit breaker Although a circuit breaker is illustrated, the present invention is suitable for protecting all types of electrical distribution devices such as circuit interrupters and the like. In practical applications, it is still desirable to have all electrostatic sensitive components insulated from direct contact with any part of the arc device 50.
  • the cradle member 54 of the arc device 50 is made of a thermoplastic resin.
  • the preferred thermoplastic resins include nylon 6, nylon 6/6, nylon 11, nylon 6/12, and high-impact nylon.
  • the most preferred thermoplastic base resin is a mineral-filled nylon having the trade name Minlon available from DuPont Company, as catalog number 10B40.
  • the plate 78 of the arc device 50 is made of a material which is more conductive than the cradle member 54 material to establish an anode-cathode fall therebetween.
  • One class of conductive materials for the plate 78 are magnetic metals.
  • the magnetic metal used is nickel-coated steel.
  • conductive materials for making the plate 78 include conductive composites formed from adding a conductive modifier to a thermoplastic resin.
  • the conductive plastic composites preferably have certain electrical properties.
  • the US Department of Defense Handbook 263 describes three categories of plastic composites for use in electrostatic discharge protection. They are anti-static, static dissipative, and conductive. they are anti-static, static dissipative, and conductive. Although the resistivity characteristics of these three categories is not entirely settled, static dissipative composites are usually defined to have surface resistivities of greater than 10 5 and less than 10 9 ohms per square. Since static dissipative compsites are more conductive than anti-static composites, they dissipate electric potential more quickly.
  • the conductive composites do not change their static dissipative electrical resistivity properties over time because they are formed by compounding or mechanically blending a solid conductive modifier with a thermoplastic base resin.
  • the homogeneity and level of dispersion of one or more conductive modifiers within the thermoplastic base resin are the important criteria affecting the performance of the composites.
  • the resulting composites are permanent in their static dissipative properties with a surface resistivity less than 10 9 ohms per square and a volume resistivity preferably less than 10 ohms per centimeter.
  • the conductive modifiers include electrically conductive powders and fibers.
  • Preferred modifiers include carbon black powder, carbon graphite fiber, stainless steel fiber and powder, and nickel coated graphite fiber. Other types of metallic coatings are suitable for use on graphite fibers.
  • the concentration of the conductive modifier is effective to have the composite exhibit static dissipative electrical resistivity properties and remove electric potential therefrom.
  • a suitable weight percent concentration of the conductive modifier in the thermoplastic base resin is in the range of about 4 to about 20 percent. A more preferred range is about 5 to about 15 percent by weight.
  • the metallic containing conductive modifiers like stainless steel and nickel graphite have concentrations in the lower area of this range, for example, about 5 to about 10 percent by weight.
  • amorphous carbon black has a lower aspect ratio than graphite carbon, it needs concentrations in the higher end of the range to impart the desired electrical properties, like about 15 to about 20 percent by weight.
  • the graphite fiber is preferred in the middle of the range, for example, about 10 to about 15 percent by weight.
  • the weight concentration of stainless steel fiber in nylon 6 is about 10 percent.
  • Composites containing carbon black powder as he conductive modifier are presently the most cost effective. However, a high percent loading is required and this can result in a composite with lessened mechanical properties in comparison to the unmodified base resin. If higher properties are needed, such as impact strength or stiffness, then another conductive modifier such as carbon fiber, is used to gain optimal properties.
  • the present invention also provides for using a magnetic material as the conductive modifier in a concentration effective to have the composite exhibit magnetic properties which increase the mobility and further dissipate the arc current.
  • a preferred magnetic material as the conductive additive is stainless steel or nickel-coated steel.
  • a suitable weight percent concentration of the conductive modifier in the thermoplastic resin is in the range of about 60 to 80 percent. Depending on the magnetic material selected as the conductive modifier, a weight percent less than this range improves the performance of the arc device because the composite is conductive However, the composite does not exhibit significant magnetic properties and the associated advantages.
  • thermoplastic base resins are suitable for use with the present invention in compounding composites with most types of conductive modifiers: polypropylene, nylon 6/6, nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon 6/12, high-impact nylon, polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high density polyehtylene, low density polyethylene, polysulfone, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyester thermoplastic elastomer, polyetherimide, styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, and olefinic thermoplastic elastomer.
  • base resins are more compatible for compounding with carbon fiber, nickel coated graphite fiber and stainless steel as the conductive modifier: acetal, polyurethane thermoplastic, polyphenylene oxide, polyetheretherketone, phenylene ether co-polymer, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyarylether ketone, polyetherketoneetherketoneketone, polyphthalamide, and polyehterketoneketone.
  • suitable base resins include perfluoroalkoxy, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride.
  • the composite suitable for use by the present invention exhibit certain mechanical properties for constructing an arc device capable of being mounted within and withstanding the environment of an electrical distribution device like a circuit breaker.
  • the composites exhibit structural integrity, good impact resistance and dimensional stability. Furthermore, the composites exhibit a sufficient heat distortion temperature and achieve a UL temperature index of 100 C. degrees or greater, as measured by UL Subject 756B.
  • the composite is flame retardant
  • EH circuit breakers manufactured by the Square D Company were utilized wherein all the components were standardized but for the exceptions noted herein.
  • the circuit breakers were single pole construction with a 30 amp, 277 volt rating.
  • One type EH breaker was used as a control.
  • the other two circuit breakers were modified by removing the tripping mechanism and replacing it with a smaller type QO tripping mechanism having a lower power rating than the type EH breaker.
  • inventive arc device having a construction as illustrated in Fig. 2 herein.
  • the cradle member for both inventive arc devices was made of mineral filled nylon supplied by the DuPont Company as Minlon 10B40.
  • the cradle member was about 0.75 inches long and 0.0625 inches thick.
  • Each inventive arc device used two plates positioned in the slots formed in each cradle member.
  • the plates were made of nickel-plated, cold rolled steel.
  • the plates were made of a nylon 6 thermoplastic having a conductive modifier of stainless steel added thereto in the amount of about 10 percent by weight. This material was supplied by the RTP Company of Winona, MN as catalogue number RTP 0288-A-X-58759 Natural.
  • Each set of plates measured about 0.0938 inches thick.
  • the distance between the top edge and bottom edge of the bottom bar was about 0.25 inches.
  • the inventive arc devices had a smaller width, length and shape than the standard arc device used in the EH circuit breaker.
  • the size of the arc device used in the type EH tripping mechanism prevented it from being positioned in the type QO tripping mechanism.
  • Each circuit breaker was subjected to a testing regime wherein the circuit breaker electrical contacts were closed on a high fault level measuring 240 vac., 14 ka, 1.5 ms. after voltage zero.
  • the testing regime demonstrated that the performance of the inventive arc devices with the steel and conductive plastic plates was comparable.
  • both inventive arc devices were able to extinguish significantly higher arc currents than the standard arc device sued in the tripping mechanism of the type QO circuit breaker.
  • the surface area of the cradle member 54 made of the thermoplastic resin appears to melt when attacked by the arc created by the interruption of the electrical contacts 16, 18.
  • the surface area of the cradle member 54 substantially encloses the minute ablative particles which are disintegrated from the contacts.
  • the liquefying of the thermoplastic surface appears to envelope the ablative particles, cool them, and then the surface of the thermoplastic material rehardens. Accordingly, the ablative particles are actually absorbed by the cradle member 54 surface.
  • thermoplastic resin and other suitable composites also preferably emit hydrogen gas upon attack by an electric arc.
  • the hydrogen gas emission further colls and extinguished the arc by a process known as outgassing.
  • the present invention provides an anode-cathode fall between the cradle member 54 and the plates 78.
  • the effect created improves the ability of the arc device to extinguish arcs of higher energy than devices of the prior art.
  • the cradle member 54 is molded by conventional techniques such as injection molding. It is desirable for the thermoplastic resin or other suitable composites to exhibit high flow properties for molding thin walls of the cradle member 54.
  • the plate 78 made of the magnetic metal is preferably formed by stamping or otherwise cutting the individual pieces from a sheet of material.
  • the plate 78 is assembled to the cradle member 54 by manually inserting the side prongs 84, 86 into the slots 72, 76 and snapping the flange 96 into engagement with the top edge 90 of the plate.
  • the plate 78 made of a conductive composite is preferably molded by conventional techniques such as injection molding.
  • the plate 78 is then nested in the cradle member 54 in a similar fashion as the plate made of magnetic metal.
  • Another method of making the arc device having a plate made of a conductive composite is with a two-part mold.
  • One part of the mold forms the cradle member with a first thermoplastic composition.
  • the second part of the mold forms the plate in the appropriate position with a second thermoplastic composition.
  • the two part mold simultaneously nests the two parts, cradle member and plate, together during the molding of the two thermoplastic compositions.

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  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif de suppression d'arc (50) destiné à être installé sur le cheminement prédéterminé d'un mouvement entre deux contacts électriques (16, 18) d'un réseau de distribution électrique. Le dispositif (50) comporte un élément formant berceau (54) d'une forme générale en U, réalisé dans une composition thermoplastique et comportant au minimum trois fentes (72, 74, 76). Une plaque en U (78) est prévue pour chaque série de trois fentes (72, 74, 76). Chacune des plaques (78) est maintenue solidaire du berceau (54), le dispositif de fixation (92) faisant partie intégrante de ce dernier. Chaque plaque (78) est réalisée, de manière appropriée, dans un métal magnétique et une composition thermoplastique conductrice.

Claims (18)

  1. Dispositif de suppression d'arc à disposer le long de la trajectoire prédéterminée du mouvement entre deux contacts électriques dans un dispositif électrique de distribution, le dispositif comprenant :
    un élément de support (54) de forme générale en U ayant une partie de base (56) définie par une paroi inférieure (58) avec deux parois latérales verticales (60, 62), la partie de base ayant une largeur suffisante pour permettre le mouvement des contacts électriques entre les deux parois latérales, l'élément de support étant fabriqué en résine thermoplastique ;
    au moins un groupe de trois fentes, une fente (72, 74, 76) étant formée dans chaque paroi latérale partant du bord supérieur (70) de la paroi latérale, sensiblement vers le bas, en direction de la paroi inférieure, la troisième fente (74) étant formée dans la paroi inférieure de l'élément de support, les trois fentes du groupe étant placées dans le même plan s'étendant perpendiculairement à travers l'élément de support ;
    au moins une plaque en forme de U (78) ayant une partie de base définie par une barre inférieure (82) avec deux dents latérales verticales (84, 86), la partie de base plate ayant une largeur suffisante pour permettre le mouvement des contacts électriques entre les parois latérales, l'épaisseur et la largeur de la plaque étant prédéterminées pour adapter les dents latérales à l'intérieur des fentes des parois latérales et le bord inférieur à l'intérieur de la fente de la paroi inférieure;
    des moyens de retenue (92, 96) de la plaque reliée à l'élément de support, les moyens de retenue étant intégralement formés dans l'élément de support.
  2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de retenue sont conçus tels que l'épaisseur de la plaque est légèrement supérieure à la dimension des fentes des parois latérales pour créer entre elles un assemblage à interférence.
  3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les moyens de retenue comprennent au moins une paroi de retenue (92) pour chaque plaque intégralement formée dans l'élément de support, chaque paroi de retenue s'élevant verticalement depuis la paroi inférieure et s'étendant entre les parois latérales de l'élément de support, chaque paroi de retenue butant sur une face de la plaque, chaque paroi de retenue ayant une bride (96) s'étendant perpendiculairement vers la plaque en butée, la bride positionnée à une hauteur prédéterminée sur la paroi de retenue étant prévue pour buter de manière amovible sur le bord supérieur de la barre inférieure de la plaque et retenir la plaque en position.
  4. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la paroi inférieure de l'élément de support comprend encore au moins un orifice (74) à travers lequel des gaz sont évacués, l'orifice étant positionné adjacent au bord inférieur de la plaque au moins.
  5. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de base de la plaque est sensiblement plus petite que la partie de base de l'élément de support, afin que la partie de base de la plaque soit plus proche de la trajectoire du mouvement des contacts électriques que la partie de base de l'élément de support.
  6. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif comprend encore deux groupes de trois fentes formées dans l'élément de support en forme de U en correspondance avec deux plaques en forme de U.
  7. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la largeur de la plaque est supérieure à la largeur de l'élément de support, de manière que les bords latéraux de la plaque s'étendent au-delà de la face extérieure de l'élément de support.
  8. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la résine thermoplastique de l'élément de support est sélectionnée dans le groupe comprenant les nylon chargé en minéraux, nylon 6/6, nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon 6/12, et nylon à forte résistance au choc.
  9. Dispositif électrique de distribution comprenant :
    un boîtier (10) ;
    deux contacts électriques (16, 18) positionnés à l'intérieur du boîtier, un premier contact (18) au moins étant mobile pour venir en prise avec l'autre contact et se dégager de celui-ci, le long d'une trajectoire prédéterminée;
    un dispositif de suppression d'arc disposé le long du support (54) généralement en forme de U, ayant une partie de base (56) définie par une paroi inférieure (58) avec deux parois latérales verticales (60, 62), la partie de base ayant une largeur suffisante pour permettre le mouvement des contacts électriques entre les deux parois latérales, l'élément de support étant construit en une matière thermoplastique ;
    au moins un groupe de trois fentes (72, 74, 76), une fente étant formée dans chaque paroi latérale en partant du bord supérieur (70) de la partie latérale sensiblement vers le bas en direction de la paroi inférieure, la troisième fente (74) étant formée dans la paroi inférieure du support, les trois fentes du groupe étant positionnées dans le même plan s'étendant perpendiculairement à travers le support ;
    au moins une plaque en forme de U (78) ayant une partie de base définie par un bord inférieur (82) avec deux dents latérales verticales (84, 86), la partie de base ayant une largeur suffisante pour permettre le mouvement des contacts électriques entre les deux parois latérales, l'épaisseur et la largeur de la plaque étant prédéterminées pour adapter les dents latérales dans les fentes des parois latérales et le bord inférieur dans la fente de la paroi inférieure ; et
    des moyens (92, 96) pour retenir la plaque reliée avec le support, les moyens de retenue étant intégralement formés dans le support.
  10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel les moyens de retenue sont conçus tels que l'épaisseur de la plaque est légèrement supérieure à la dimension des fentes des parois latérales, afin de créer entre elles un assemblage à interférence.
  11. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel les moyens de retenue comprennent au moins une paroi de retenue (92) pour chaque plaque, la paroi étant intégralement formée dans l'élément de support, chaque paroi de retenue s'élevant verticalement depuis la paroi inférieure et s'étendant entre les deux parois latérales du support, chaque paroi de retenue butant sur une face de la plaque, chaque paroi de retenue ayant une bride (96) s'étendant perpendiculairement vers la plaque en butée, la bride étant positionnée à une hauteur prédéterminée sur la paroi de retenue pour venir buter de manière amovible sur le bord supérieur de la barre inférieure de la plaque et retenir la plaque en position.
  12. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la paroi inférieure du support comprend encore au moins un orifice (74) à travers lequel des gaz sont évacués, l'orifice étant positionné adjacent au bord inférieur de la plaque au moins.
  13. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la partie de base de la plaque est sensiblement plus petite que la partie de base de l'élément de support, de manière que la partie de base de la plaque soit plus proche de la trajectoire du mouvement des contacts électriques que la partie de base de l'élément de support.
  14. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le dispositif comprend encore deux groupes de trois fentes formées dans l'élément de support en forme de U en correspondance avec deux plaques en forme de U.
  15. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la largeur de la plaque est supérieure à la largeur de l'élément de support, de manière que les bords latéraux de la plaque s'étendent au-delà de la face latérale de l'élément de support.
  16. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le boîtier comprend encore des moyens pour mettre à la masse le dispositif de suppression d'arc.
  17. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel les moyens de mise à la masse comprennent encore un étrier à arc monté sur le dispositif de suppression d'arc.
  18. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, dans lequel la résine thermoplastique de l'élément de support est sélectionnée dans le groupe comprenant les nylon chargé en minéraux, nylon 6/6, nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon 6/12, et nylon à forte résistance au choc.
EP94900620A 1992-11-13 1993-11-12 Dispositif ameliore de suppression d'arc Expired - Lifetime EP0626096B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US97607692A 1992-11-13 1992-11-13
US976076 1992-11-13
PCT/US1993/010967 WO1994011894A1 (fr) 1992-11-13 1993-11-12 Dispositif ameliore de suppression d'arc et methode d'assemblage de ce dispositif

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0626096A1 EP0626096A1 (fr) 1994-11-30
EP0626096A4 EP0626096A4 (fr) 1995-02-15
EP0626096B1 true EP0626096B1 (fr) 1997-07-16

Family

ID=25523695

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94900620A Expired - Lifetime EP0626096B1 (fr) 1992-11-13 1993-11-12 Dispositif ameliore de suppression d'arc

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0626096B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07503099A (fr)
CA (1) CA2127786A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69312270T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1994011894A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19806944C1 (de) * 1998-02-19 1999-06-24 Goerlitz Esg Gmbh Selbstschalter, insbesondere Niederspannungs-Schutzschalter
KR20060035194A (ko) * 2004-10-21 2006-04-26 엘에스산전 주식회사 배선용 차단기의 소호장치
US8809721B2 (en) * 2007-01-18 2014-08-19 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Quenching element, quenching unit, quenching and plugging unit, and switching device
CA2795811C (fr) 2010-04-16 2018-07-24 Abb Technology Ag Unite de commutation, procede d'assemblage d'une unite de commutation et disjoncteur pour circuit a tension moyenne
CN103681084A (zh) * 2013-12-19 2014-03-26 安徽驰纬电气有限公司 一种充气柜用灭弧室

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2898427A (en) * 1957-10-10 1959-08-04 Gen Electric Arc extinguishing means
US3071666A (en) * 1959-04-09 1963-01-01 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupters
US3749867A (en) * 1971-04-01 1973-07-31 Westinghouse Electric Corp Spaced-metallic-plate-type of arc-chute for a switch
FR2179815A1 (en) * 1972-04-08 1973-11-23 Licentia Gmbh Power contact breaker boxes - with casings and baffle surfaces of tracking resistant reinforced polyester moulding cpd
US4500595A (en) * 1982-07-22 1985-02-19 Plastic Specialties And Technologies, Inc. Stainless steel fiber-thermosplastic granules and molded articles therefrom
US4612426A (en) * 1985-08-23 1986-09-16 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Arc chute assembly for circuit breaker
FR2613872B1 (fr) * 1987-04-09 1995-01-06 Merlin Gerin Disjoncteur electrique miniature a boitier moule

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69312270T2 (de) 1998-02-19
JPH07503099A (ja) 1995-03-30
EP0626096A1 (fr) 1994-11-30
CA2127786A1 (fr) 1994-05-26
WO1994011894A1 (fr) 1994-05-26
EP0626096A4 (fr) 1995-02-15
DE69312270D1 (de) 1997-08-21

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