![]() Electric circuit breaker
专利摘要:
Electrical circuit breaker An electrical circuit breaker (2) comprising a switch (22, 24), an arc extinguishing chamber (32), and a fuse (40) configured to be electrically connected between first and second terminals thereafter. the triggering of the switch, further comprises a connection device comprising a barrier (50, 52) configured to be broken after the triggering of the switch only when at least one or the other of the temperature, or the pressure inside the arc extinguishing chamber (32), or the intensity of an electric arc present in the arc extinguishing chamber (32) exceeds a predefined threshold, the device connection being configured to connect an electrode (42) of the fuse to one of the terminals (12) of the electrical conductor (10) only after the barrier (50, 52) is broken. Figure for abstract: Figure 1 公开号:FR3098006A1 申请号:FR1906892 申请日:2019-06-25 公开日:2021-01-01 发明作者:Antoine Gerlaud;Guillaume LEMMEL;Jean-François Oeuvrard 申请人:Mersen France SB SAS;ArianeGroup SAS; IPC主号:
专利说明:
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical circuit breaker. [0002] In the field of electrical protection, electrical circuit breakers make it possible to interrupt an electrical current, for example to disconnect an electrical load from an electrical circuit in response to a cut-off order. [0003] In some applications, particularly those relating to photovoltaic panels or electric vehicles powered by batteries, it is sometimes necessary to interrupt an electric current with a very short response time (e.g. in less than 10ms). [0004] Ideally, such a circuit breaker should have a wide operating range, i.e. it should be able to interrupt low-intensity electrical currents (e.g. less than 100 A under 1000 V DC) , or even to open a circuit in the absence of current, as well as to interrupt high intensity electrical currents (e.g. up to 30 kA), whether in electrical circuits of very low inductance ( eg 3 µH or less) or in high inductance electrical circuits (eg 100 µH or more). [0005] It is known from FR-3064107-A1 to use a single-use circuit breaker formed by the association of a pyrotechnic switch with an external fuse, in which the pyrotechnic switch is triggered to physically cut an electrical conductor connecting input and output terminals of the circuit breaker and in which the electrodes of the external fuse are automatically connected to the severed conductor as soon as the switch has been tripped. This connection diverts the current to the fuse and the latter will then melt to interrupt the current. [0006] However, such a circuit breaker has the drawback of having an operating range that is too small, since it is not possible to optimize the fuse both for interrupting low-intensity currents and high-intensity currents. [0007] In practice, with low intensity currents (e.g. intensity less than 10 times the fuse rating), the fuse takes longer to melt completely, in particular because the fuse pre-arcing time depends on the intensity of the fuse. current to be interrupted. [0008] Thus, if the fuse is sized for high intensity currents, it will take longer to melt completely when it is crossed by low intensity currents. During all this time, the current will continue to flow inside the pyrotechnic switch and the electrical load will continue to be powered, despite the cut-off order. [0009] If no current flows through the circuit breaker when it trips, the fuse will remain intact. A current much lower than the caliber of the fuse can therefore continue to circulate in the circuit breaker without a time limit. This is undesirable, because the function required of the circuit breaker is to open the electrical circuit in all cases, regardless of the value of the current flowing through it at the moment of tripping. [0010] If, on the other hand, the fuse is sized for low-intensity currents, there is a risk that the fuse will melt too quickly when high-intensity currents pass through it, which will not allow the gases present in the switch to cool. and to de-ionize, which can lead to the re-establishment of an electric arc between the severed portions of the conductor in the pyrotechnic switch. The current can then no longer be interrupted, which can damage the electrical load and/or the circuit breaker itself, to the point of leading to the destruction of the circuit breaker [0011] There is therefore a need for an electrical circuit breaker capable of interrupting an electrical current with a very short response time and with a wide operating range, from a current of zero intensity to a current of very high intensity. [0012] To this end, according to one aspect of the invention, an electrical circuit breaker comprises: [0013] - an electrical conductor comprising a first terminal and a second terminal; [0014] - a switch configured to separate the first terminal from the second terminal when it is triggered in response to a power cut order; [0015] - an arc extinguishing chamber delimited by a body of the circuit breaker, the arc extinguishing chamber being configured to receive, after triggering of the pyrotechnic switch, a portion of the electrical conductor being separated at least from the first terminal or the second terminal; [0016] - a fuse configured to be electrically connected between the first and second terminals after the switch has been triggered; [0017] the circuit breaker comprises a connection device comprising a barrier configured to be broken after the tripping of the switch only when at least one or the other of the temperature, or of the pressure inside the chamber arc extinction, or the intensity of an electric arc present in the arc extinction chamber exceeds a predefined threshold, the connection device being configured to connect an electrode of the fuse to one of the terminals of the conductor electric only once the barrier is broken. [0018] The association between the fuse and the device makes it possible to obtain a rapid response and a wide operating range. [0019] The barrier makes it possible to introduce a threshold from which the current is diverted towards the fuse. The threshold required to break the barrier and thus connect the fuse depends indirectly on the intensity of the electric current to be interrupted and can be controlled by choosing certain characteristics of the barrier during the manufacture of the circuit breaker. [0020] Thus, the threshold from which the fuse is connected after the switch has been tripped automatically adapts according to the conditions prevailing inside the arc extinguishing chamber. Thanks to this adaptation, for currents of intensity lower than the defined threshold, the switch opens the circuit without intervention of the fuse; for currents greater than the defined threshold, the fuse is connected in parallel with the switch. The time then necessary for the melting of the fuse (pre-arcing time) allows the cooling and the deionization of the gases present in the interrupting chamber of the switch. When the fuse has melted, an electric arc appears and grows within it, which interrupts the flow of current. Thanks to this adaptation, the same fuse can be used both to interrupt high and low intensity currents [0021] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects, such an electrical circuit breaker may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically permissible combination: [0022] At least one electrode of the fuse extends inside the arc extinguishing chamber, the barrier being an electrically insulating barrier which separates said at least one electrode from the rest of the arc extinguishing chamber. The insulating barrier comprises a wall which delimits a volume around said at least one electrode of the fuse in the arc extinguishing chamber. The wall is electrically insulating. The wall is configured to melt when the temperature in the arc extinguishing chamber exceeds a predefined threshold. The wall has a pre-cut area configured to detach and form an opening in the wall when the pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber exceeds a predefined threshold. The insulating barrier comprises an electrically insulating coating deposited on said at least one electrode of the fuse in the arc extinguishing chamber, this coating being configured to melt when the temperature in the arc extinguishing chamber exceeds a predefined threshold. The wall or coating is covered with at least one electrically conductive outer layer. The wall is metal. The wall is configured to deform when the pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber exceeds a predefined threshold, until it comes into contact against the free end of said at least one electrode. The free end of said at least one electrode is configured to perforate the wall when the wall deforms and comes into contact with said free end. The wall has a pre-cut area configured to detach and form an opening in the wall when the pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber exceeds a predefined threshold. The circuit breaker includes a control circuit, a sensor for sensing a condition within the arc extinguishing chamber, and an auxiliary actuator configured to break the insulating barrier and wherein the control circuit is configured to trip the auxiliary actuator when a physical quantity measured by the sensor exceeds a threshold value. The circuit breaker includes an additional fuse configured to be electrically connected between the first and second terminals after the switch has been tripped, at least one electrode of the additional fuse extending inside the arc extinguishing chamber , the circuit breaker further comprising an additional electrically insulating barrier which separates said electrode of the additional fuse from the rest of the arc extinguishing chamber, said barrier being configured to be broken after tripping of the switch only when at minus either the temperature, or the pressure inside the arc quenching chamber, or the intensity of an electric arc present in the arc quenching chamber exceeds a predefined threshold, this threshold being different from the tripping threshold associated with the insulating barrier of the other fuse. The circuit breaker comprises an additional electrical conductor connected to one of the terminals of the electrical conductor, the additional electrical conductor being insulated from the arc extinguishing chamber and comprising a free end which opens inside the volume delimited by the wall . The connection device comprises a movable electrically conductive part movable between a rest position and an energized position in which it electrically connects said electrode of the fuse with said terminal, the movable part being slidably mounted in a housing of the circuit breaker, the barrier being arranged to separate the arc quenching chamber from the housing and being configured to break when the predefined threshold is exceeded. The switch is a pyrotechnic switch. [0023] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of an electrical circuit breaker given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0024] Figure 1 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the invention, illustrated in a first state; [0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the electric circuit breaker of FIG. 1, illustrated in a second state; [0026] Figure 3 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a second embodiment of the invention; [0027] Figure 4 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a third embodiment of the invention; [0028] Figure 5 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of the circuit breaker of Figure 4 illustrated in a second state; [0029] Figure 6 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; [0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; [0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; [0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to a seventh embodiment of the invention; [0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation, according to a sectional view, of an electrical circuit breaker according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. [0034] Figures 1 and 2 show an electrical circuit breaker 2. [0035] The circuit breaker 2 is suitable for use in an electrical system to protect an electrical load connected to an electrical power source. [0036] For example, the circuit breaker 2 is more particularly configured to disconnect an electrical load in response to a control command, for example when an electrical fault is detected in the electrical system. [0037] According to examples given without limitation, the circuit breaker 2 can be used to protect an electrochemical storage battery or a photovoltaic panel. [0038] For example, the control command can be provided automatically by a trigger, or by an electronic control system, or manually by an operator. [0039] The circuit breaker 2 comprises an electrical conductor 10 comprising a first terminal 12 and a second terminal 14, which respectively form input and output terminals of the circuit breaker 2. For example, the conductor 10 is a bar or a tab made of metallic material, such as copper. [0040] The circuit breaker 2 is switchable from a first state, also called “closed state” or “armed state”, to a second state, also called “open state” or tripped state”. [0041] In the closed state, the circuit breaker 2 allows the flow of an electric current through the electrical conductor 10. For example, the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 are electrically connected by a main part 16 of the conductor 10. [0042] In the open state, the electrical conductor 10 is severed to separate the first terminal 12 from the second terminal 14 and thus interrupt the electrical current. [0043] The circuit breaker 2 also includes a switch 20. [0044] According to preferred embodiments, described and illustrated in the following by way of example, the switch 20 is a pyrotechnic switch including a pyrotechnic actuator 22 and a cut-off member 24, housed in a first part of a casing of the circuit breaker 2. [0045] Switching device 24 is configured to separate first terminal 12 from second terminal 14 in response to activation of actuator 22. [0046] The member 24 comprises for example a cutting element, such as a blade or a guillotine or a punch, configured to cut the conductor 10, or a mobile body configured to push a pre-cut or weakened portion of the conductor 10. [0047] The cut-off member 24 is movable by translation between a retracted position and an extended position. In the figures, the cut-off member 24 is only visible in its deployed position. [0048] The actuator 22 includes a pyrotechnic charge which can be triggered by applying a control signal and whose operation propels the cut-off device 24 towards its deployed position to cut the conductor 10. [0049] A seal 26 or other sealing means may be carried by the cut-off member 24 to hermetically close the first casing part. [0050] In alternative embodiments, the switch 20 may be an electromechanical electrical switching device, comprising for example moving parts such as separable electrical contacts operable by means of an actuating mechanism. These moving parts then replace switchgear 24 and portion 16 of electrical conductor 10. [0051] Everything that is described below with reference to the pyrotechnic switch 20 is applicable, mutatis mutandis, to such alternative embodiments. [0052] The circuit breaker 2 also comprises an arc extinguishing chamber 32 partly delimited by a second part 30 of the casing of the circuit breaker 2. [0053] The chamber 32 is associated with the electrical conductor 10 and participates in the interruption of the electrical current between the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 when the circuit breaker 2 is switched from the closed state to the open state. [0054] In the open state, the main portion 16 is separated at least from the first terminal 12 or from the second terminal 14 and is located at least partly inside the chamber 32. For example, as in the example of FIG. 1, part 16 is detached from terminal 14 but remains attached to terminal 12. Alternatively, part 16 could be completely separated from both terminals 12 and 14. [0055] According to examples of construction, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second casing parts are joined and aligned in a first direction, for example a vertical direction, and the conductor 10 extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, for example in a horizontal direction. However, other configurations can be used as an alternative. [0056] For example, the case is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a polymer. [0057] In practice, when the conductor 10 is severed while an electric current is flowing therein, an electric arc (denoted A) forms in the chamber 32 between the two severed ends of the conductor 10, for example between the free end of the main part 16 and the cut end of conductor 10 which remains connected to terminal 14. [0058] As long as electric arc A remains present, the electric current continues to flow between terminals 12 and 14. It is therefore understood that electric arc A must be extinguished for the electric current to be effectively interrupted by circuit breaker 2. [0059] The circuit breaker 2 further comprises a fuse 40 arranged to be electrically connected in series between the first terminal 12 and the second terminal 14 after the tripping of the switch, as explained in more detail below. In the closed state, fuse 40 remains disconnected from terminal 12. In the example shown, the other end of fuse 40 remains permanently connected to terminal 14. [0060] The fuse 40 comprises at least one electrode 42 extending inside the internal volume defined by the housing part 30 delimiting the extinguishing chamber 32. [0061] A second electrode 44 of fuse 40 is connected to one of terminals 12 or 14 of the conductor. [0062] The free end of the electrode 42 protruding into the chamber 32 here bears the reference "46". The free end 46 corresponds to the portion of the electrode 42 which is inside the chamber 32. [0063] The connection of the fuse 40 to the other terminal of the conductor 10 can therefore only be made through the intermediary of the extinguishing chamber 32, either by bringing the electrode 42 into direct contact with said terminal, or by intermediary of an electric arc A' between said terminal 12 and electrode 42. [0064] The circuit breaker 2 further comprises a connection device comprising an electrically insulating barrier which separates said at least one electrode 42 from the rest of the arc extinguishing chamber 32. [0065] According to embodiments such as that illustrated in the insert (a) of FIG. 1, the electrically insulating barrier comprises a wall 50 which delimits a closed volume 52 within the extinguishing chamber 32. The volume 52 is filled an electrically insulating medium, such as air or vacuum. The barrier can however be made differently. [0066] Advantageously, the barrier is configured to be broken after the triggering of the switch 22 only when at least one or the other of the temperature or the pressure inside the extinguishing chamber of arc 32, or the intensity of an electric arc present in the arc extinguishing chamber 32, exceeds a predefined threshold. [0067] In other words, as long as the barrier has not been broken, it prevents fuse 40 from being connected to terminal 10 even when switch 22 has been tripped and circuit breaker 2 is no longer in the closed state. Electric arc A can therefore be maintained between terminals 12 and 14. The current to be interrupted does not flow through fuse 40. [0068] Electrode 42 can only be connected to conductor 10 (in this case, to terminal 12 in the example of FIG. 2) once the barrier has been broken, in particular under the direct or indirect effect of electric arc A, for example due to heating and/or erosion and/or an increase in pressure of the ionized gases generated by electric arc A. [0069] Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2, once the barrier has been broken, the electric arc A disappears and the connection is then made via a second electric arc A' established between the electrode 42 and the end 16 from terminal 12. [0070] In other words, the connector device is configured to connect electrode 42 to terminal 12 only after the barrier is broken. [0071] This connection device, implemented by the insulating barrier in the illustrated embodiments, makes it possible to introduce a delay (a delay) between the instant when the actuation device is triggered and the instant when the current to be interrupted is diverted to the fuse 40. The value of this delay can be at least partially controlled by choosing the construction parameters of the barrier. In the remainder of this description, this delay may be referred to as a “threshold”. [0072] The threshold required to break the barrier and thus connect the fuse 40 depends indirectly on the intensity of the electric current to be interrupted and can be controlled by choosing certain characteristics of the barrier, such as the melting or sublimation temperature of the material used to form the wall 50 and/or the mechanical strength of the wall 50 and/or the dimensional characteristics of the wall 50 and/or of the volume 52. [0073] This makes it possible to guarantee that the barrier will be broken when the physical conditions in the chamber 32 (conditions characterized by at least one of the following physical quantities: the temperature in the chamber 32, the pressure in the chamber 32, the intensity of the electric arc A) will have reached a predefined threshold. [0074] Thus, the threshold from which the fuse is connected after the pyrotechnic device has been triggered automatically adapts according to the conditions prevailing inside the arc extinguishing chamber. Thanks to this adaptation, the same fuse can be used both to interrupt currents of high intensity and low intensity. [0075] For example, if the intensity of the current to be interrupted is zero or low, the threshold from which the fuse is connected is not reached. The switch works alone, the fuse is never connected to terminal 12. This allows to obtain a fast electrical current interruption time. [0076] For example, if the intensity of the current to be interrupted is high, then the threshold from which the fuse is connected is exceeded. The fuse is then dimensioned to have a sufficiently long pre-arcing time, in order to allow the gases of the chamber 32 to cool and to de-ionize. [0077] As will be explained through the examples below, the wall 50 can be a fusible wall which is destroyed by melting or by sublimation above a predefined temperature, or a wall which deforms or breaks above a preset pressure. [0078] According to embodiments, the wall 50 is made of an electrically insulating material. The wall 50 therefore electrically isolates the electrode 42 (for example, at least the portion of the electrode 42 which is inside the chamber 32) from the rest of the chamber 32. The insulating properties of the barrier are therefore due to the insulating properties of the barrier 50, although the volume 52 of air or vacuum can also participate in this insulation. The volume 52 can however be omitted when the wall 50 is sufficiently insulating. [0079] In other embodiments, the electrical insulation properties of the barrier come from the electrically insulating properties of the volume 52 of air or vacuum, the wall 50 then serving only to contain this volume 52 and to keep it separate. from the rest of the extinguishing chamber 32 until the wall 50 is broken. [0080] In such a case, the wall 50 can be made of an electrically conductive material, for example metal, the volume 52 being sized to by itself electrically insulate the electrode 42 from the rest of the chamber 32 and from the wall 50. in contact with the electrode 42 is ensured not by breaking the wall 50, but by deforming the wall 50 until it comes into direct contact with the end 46 of the electrode 42 so as to be electrically in contact with the latter. An electrical connection between the fuse 40 and the conductor 10 can then be established by the electric arc A' which is established between the wall 50 and the terminal 16. [0081] According to examples, the fusible wall 50 is made of polymer, for example polyamide or polypropylene or polyimide, or elastomer, or polyester, or silicone, these materials possibly including a mineral filler such as glass fibers or graphene. [0082] According to examples given by way of illustration, the polymide wall may have a thickness of less than 300 μm, or even less than 100 μm, or even less than 50 μm. The polypropylene wall may have a thickness of less than 450 μm, or even less than 300 μm, or even less than 100 μm. [0083] In the example illustrated on the insert (a) of figure 1, the wall 50 is added inside the chamber 32. [0084] However, as a variant, the wall 50 can be formed integrally with the walls of the second housing part 30, as illustrated in the insert (b) of FIG. 1, the precise shape of the wall 50 illustrated in this figure not necessarily being exhaustive. This simplifies the manufacturing process, since the wall 50 can be manufactured at the same time as the rest of the casing 30, for example by molding. For example, an attached bottom wall 53 can be used to close the rear of the housing 52. [0085] According to embodiments given by way of example, the walls of the second casing part 30 can comprise a housing which opens into the chamber 32 and in which the end 46 of the electrode 42 is arranged. The wall 50 is arranged in the opening of the housing so as to close this housing. [0086] The dimensions of the wall 50, and in particular its thickness, depend on the material chosen and on the threshold value retained for the temperature or for the pressure. [0087] According to a non-limiting example given by way of example, the wall 50 has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm or 0.1 mm. The volume 52 here has a cylindrical shape with a diameter equal to 3mm and a height equal to 2mm. [0088] For example, volume 52 is less than or equal to 50 mm 3 . [0089] As a variant, the wall 50 can be replaced by a separation element not necessarily having the shape of a plate, such as a separation membrane, or one or more seals. [0090] According to other embodiments of the invention which are not illustrated in the figures, the wall 50, when it is formed from an electrically insulating material, can be covered with an electrically conductive coating on its outer face, c that is to say its face directly exposed towards the chamber 32. This conductive coating makes it possible to attract the electric arc A as close as possible to the wall 50, which makes it possible to accelerate the rate of degradation of the wall 50. [0091] Figure 3 shows a circuit breaker 302 according to another embodiment of the invention. [0092] The circuit breaker 302 is similar to the circuit breaker 2 except that it further comprises a control circuit 310 and a second actuator 312, arranged to break the insulating barrier in response to a control signal emitted by the control circuit 310 . [0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 312 is a pyrotechnic actuator, similar to the actuator 22. Alternatively, the actuator 312 can be an electromagnetic actuator or a piezoelectric actuator or use any other suitable motorization means to break the barrier 50. [0094] The control circuit 310 comprises an electronic processing unit 314 (for example a processor, such as a microcontroller) and a sensor 316 to measure at least one physical quantity relating to a condition inside the chamber 32. [0095] Circuit 310 is configured to trigger second pyrotechnic actuator 312 so as to break said barrier when said measured condition exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, the condition is a temperature in chamber 32, or a pressure in chamber 32, or the intensity of the current flowing in conductor 10. [0096] In the example illustrated, the sensor 316 is configured to measure the current flowing in the conductor 10 when the electric arc A is established between the terminals 12 and 14. When the measured current exceeds the predefined threshold value, the second actuator 312 is triggered. [0097] According to one example, the second actuator 312 is arranged outside the chamber 32 by being placed facing the wall 50 through an opening 318 formed in the housing part 30. During the ignition of the consecutive pyrotechnic charge upon activation of the actuator 32, the pressure wave created by the operation of the pyrotechnic charge is at least partly channeled through the passage 318 and reaches the wall 50, causing it to rupture and opening an electrical conduction path between electrode 42 and conductor 10. [0098] Apart from these differences, the description of circuit breaker 2 is applicable to circuit breaker 302. [0099] Figures 4 and 5 show a circuit breaker 402 according to another embodiment of the invention. Circuit breaker 402 is shown in its closed state in Figure 4 and in its open state in Figure 5. [0100] The circuit breaker 402 is functionally similar to the circuit breaker 2 but differs from the latter in certain construction details and in particular in the way of constructing the insulating barrier of the connection device. [0101] The elements of the circuit breaker 402 which are similar to those of the circuit breaker 2 or which play a role similar to the latter carry the same numerical reference as the latter, increased by the quantity “400”. For example, fuse 440 is similar to fuse 40. The description given above of these elements with reference to embodiments of circuit breaker 2 can be transposed to circuit breaker 402. [0102] In the circuit breaker 402, the conductor 410 is in the form of a blade or a tongue comprising terminals 412 and 414 connected together by the central part 416, the latter possibly being pre-cut or weakened with respect to the terminals 412 and 414. [0103] The circuit breaker 402 comprises a body (a casing) having a cylinder shape with an axis Z402. The first part 420 of the casing comprises walls which delimit a central housing 426 centered on the axis Z402 and in which are arranged the pyrotechnic charge 422 of the pyrotechnic switch and a mobile body 424 able to move by translation in the housing 426 along the Z426 axis. [0104] The arc extinguishing chamber 432 is delimited by the walls of the second part 430 of the casing and extends in the extension of the central housing 426. [0105] For example, the housing 426, the chamber 432 and the movable body 424 have a cylindrical shape. [0106] As long as the circuit breaker 402 is in the closed state, the central part 416 of the conductor 410 extends across the housing 426, perpendicular to the direction Z402. [0107] The fuse 440 comprises a first electrode 442 and a second electrode 444, which are partly inserted into the walls of the second housing part 430 and which open into the extinguishing chamber 432 by ends 446 and 448, respectively. For example, the ends 446 and 448 are placed face to face. [0108] The insulating barrier includes an O-ring 450 placed in the chamber 432 facing the ends 446 and 448 of the electrodes of the fuse 440. [0109] For example, the seal 450 is arranged coaxially with the axis Z402 while being pressed against the walls of the chamber 432. The seal 450 has a central opening configured to let the mobile body 424 pass when it is in its deployed position after triggering. pyrotechnic charge 422. [0110] For example, the seal 450 is made of elastomeric material, for example polypropylene, or PTFE, or silicone, or any other suitable material. [0111] Advantageously, a second O-ring 452 is placed in chamber 432, above seal 450, coaxially with direction Z402. The second seal 452 prevents an electric arc from exiting the chamber 432 when the power is cut off. [0112] Advantageously, a third O-ring 454 is arranged in chamber 432, below seal 450, coaxially with direction Z402. The third seal 454 makes it possible to prevent an electric arc from being able to pass through the main part 16 when the current is cut off (the latter having been pushed towards the bottom of the chamber 432 by the mobile body 424 after triggering of the load 422). [0113] Preferably, seals 452 and 454 have a higher strength than seal 450, because the latter is configured to fail when conditions in the chamber require it, while seals 452 and 454 must maintain the sealing of the chamber. extinction during the operation of the circuit breaker. [0114] For example, seals 452 and 454 are made of elastomeric material, for example PTFE or silicone, preferably silicone filled with a mineral material, such as mica. [0115] Advantageously, at least one vertical seal 456 in the form of a strip connects the seals 450, 452 and 454 by extending along the walls of the chamber 432, for example by extending parallel to the direction Z402. Although only one such vertical seal 456 is visible in Figure 4, in practice several such seals can be arranged in the chamber 432. [0116] For example, the vertical seal 456 is made of elastomeric material, for example PTFE or silicone, for example silicone charged with a mineral material, such as mica, preferably in the same material as the seals 452 and 454. [0117] Figure 6 shows a circuit breaker 502 according to another embodiment of the invention. [0118] The circuit breaker 502 is similar to the circuit breaker 2 but differs from the latter in that the insulating barrier comprises a metal capsule 550 mounted in a sealed manner around the end 46 of the electrode 42 and which defines a volume 552 comparable to volume 52, as shown by insert (a) in Figure 6. [0119] As long as the metal capsule 550 is intact, the electrode 42 is isolated from the rest of the chamber 32 by the air or by the vacuum contained in the volume 552. [0120] When the pressure in the chamber 32 exceeds the predefined pressure threshold, the capsule 550 undergoes a deformation which forces it to come into direct contact with the electrode 42, preferably with the free end 46 of the electrode 42, at the level of a deformation zone 554, as illustrated schematically by the insert (b) of FIG. 6. In doing so, the electrode 42 is in electrical contact with the capsule 550, even if the latter is not broken and a electrical contact can be established by an electric arc between electrode 42 and conductor 10. [0121] According to another variant, the end 46 of the electrode 42 has a point shape and is configured to perforate the capsule 550 when the latter deforms and comes into contact with the end 46. This perforation forms an orifice in the capsule 550, through which the interior of volume 552 is placed in communication with the rest of chamber 32. The insulating barrier is thus broken and electrical contact can be established by an electric arc between electrode 42 and conductor 10. [0122] This variant can advantageously be implemented in the case of a capsule or a wall which is not necessarily metallic or electrically conductive, for example in the case of a membrane or an insulating barrier made of plastic. [0123] According to another variant, the capsule 550 is configured to be ruptured when the pressure in the chamber 32 exceeds the predefined pressure threshold. For example, a pre-cut is formed beforehand on one side of the capsule 550. In the event of overpressure, the pre-cut zone detaches completely or partially from the rest of the capsule, thus forming an orifice in the capsule 550, through which the inside of the volume 552 is placed in communication with the rest of chamber 32. The insulating barrier is thus broken and electrical contact can be established by an electric arc between electrode 42 and conductor 10. [0124] This variant can advantageously be implemented in the case of a capsule or a wall which is not necessarily metallic or electrically conductive, for example in the case of a membrane or an insulating barrier made of plastic. [0125] According to alternative embodiments not illustrated, the capsule 550 can be replaced by one or more metal walls. [0126] Apart from these differences, the description of circuit breaker 2 is applicable to circuit breaker 502. [0127] It should be noted that, in this example, the wall 30 of the arc extinguishing chamber 32 comprises a reinforcement zone 560 which protrudes inside the chamber 32 to guide the electric arc A towards a particular location. of room 32. [0128] This reinforcement zone 560 is not essential and can be omitted as a variant. In alternative embodiments, one or more reinforcement areas 560 could be used in the circuit breakers according to the other embodiments described herein. [0129] Figure 7 shows an electrical circuit breaker 602 according to another embodiment of the invention. [0130] The circuit breaker 602 is similar to the circuit breaker 2 but differs from the latter in that the insulating barrier comprises an electrically insulating coating 650 deposited on the end 46 of the electrode 42 and, preferably, on the entire part of the electrode 42 which extends into the chamber 32. The coating 650 isolates the electrode 42 from the rest of the chamber 32 and prevents the establishment of an electrical contact, even by means of an electric arc, between electrode 42 and conductor 10. Coating 650 is configured to melt when the temperature in chamber 32 exceeds a preset temperature. By melting or sublimating, the coating exposes electrode 42 and allows electrical contact to be established with conductor 10. [0131] According to examples, the coating 650 is made of polymer, for example polyamide or polypropylene or polyimide. Alternatively, the 650 coating is enamel. For example, the electrode 42 is formed by connecting to the fuse 40 a portion of enameled wire. [0132] Apart from these differences, the description of circuit breaker 2 is applicable to circuit breaker 602. [0133] Figure 8 shows an electrical circuit breaker 702 according to another embodiment of the invention. [0134] The circuit breaker 702 is similar to the circuit breaker 2 but differs from the latter in that it comprises two fuses 710, 720 in place of the fuse 40. For example, the first fuse 710 comprises a first electrode 712 which leads inside the chamber 32 and a second electrode 714 connected to the conductor 10, for example here connected to the terminal 14. Similarly, the second fuse 720 comprises a first electrode 722 which opens inside the chamber 32 and a second electrode 724 connected to conductor 10, for example here connected to terminal 14 via a common electrode with electrode 714. [0135] The two fuses 710 and 720 have different ratings. [0136] For example, fuse 710 has a current rating of 50 A and fuse 720 has a current rating of 150 A. [0137] A first insulating barrier is associated with the electrode 412 of the first fuse 410 and a second insulating barrier is associated with the electrode 422 of the second fuse 420. The first and second insulating barriers are as previously described. For example, the first barrier comprises a wall 730 and a volume 732 similar to the capsule 550 and to the volume 552. Similarly, the second barrier comprises a wall 740 and a volume 742 similar to the capsule 550 and to the volume 552. [0138] Although illustrated here in the form of capsules similar to capsule 550, the walls 730 and 740 can be made differently. For example, these may be walls similar to wall 50. [0139] Advantageously, the first and second barriers are configured to break under different conditions, in particular so as not to break at the same time. For example, the first barrier is configured to break before the second barrier when an electric arc A is present after the conductor 10 has been cut and the temperature and/or the pressure and/or the intensity of the arc is increasing. . [0140] Preferably, the barrier associated with the fuse 410 or 420 having the lower current rating of the two fuses is configured to break before the barrier associated with the other fuse 410 or 420. [0141] The embodiment of Figure 7 can be generalized to other embodiments in which more than two fuses 410, 420 are used. [0142] Apart from these differences, the description of circuit breaker 2 is applicable to circuit breaker 702. [0143] Figure 9 shows an electrical circuit breaker 802 according to another embodiment of the invention. [0144] The circuit breaker 802 is similar to the circuit breaker 2 but differs from the latter in that it comprises an additional electrical conductor 860 connected to one of the terminals of the conductor 10 (here to terminal 12), the additional electrical conductor 860 being isolated from the arc extinguishing chamber and comprising a free end 862 which opens inside the volume 52 delimited by the wall 50. [0145] For example, the additional electrical conductor 860 is formed outside the body 30 or in a wall of the body 30 (for example by overmoulding). [0146] According to exemplary embodiments, the additional electrical conductor 860 is made of tungsten. [0147] Advantageously, the insulation distance between the end 862 of the additional electrical conductor 860 and the end 46 of the electrode 42 is chosen to allow electrical insulation in the air for an electrical voltage greater than or equal to at least 1 .5 times the electrical voltage of the generator used in the electrical circuit with which the circuit breaker 802 is associated. [0148] Thanks to the insulation distance, no electric arc can be established between the ends 46 and 862 as long as the barrier 50 has not been broken. [0149] After the switch 22, 24 has been triggered, once the barrier has been broken under the effect of the electric arc A, the volume 52 is placed in communication with the ionized atmosphere of the arc extinguishing chamber. The electric arc can then be established between ends 46 and 862, effectively connecting fuse 40 to terminal 12. [0150] The use of the additional electrical conductor 860 makes it possible to connect the fuse 40 with better reliability, since the distance between the ends 46 and 862 can be easily defined during the manufacture of the circuit breaker 802, whereas it is not always possible to predict with precision what will be the distance between the part 16 and the electrode 46 following the separation of the conductor 10. [0151] Alternatively, the wall 50 may include an electrically conductive layer on its outer face, that is to say its face exposed on the side of the chamber 32. This makes it easier to attract the electric arc close to the wall. 50 and facilitate rupture by fusion. [0152] According to another optional variant, which can be combined with the previous variant, the wall 50 may include an electrically conductive layer on its inner face, that is to say on its face which is inside the volume 52. This electrically conductive layer is then capable of providing electrical contact between the 2 electrodes 46 and 862 after the barrier has been broken. [0153] This makes it possible to obtain a threshold depending on both temperature and pressure, the “highest” of these quantities then triggering the breaking of the barrier to cause the connection of fuse 40. [0154] Apart from these differences, the description of circuit breaker 2 is applicable to circuit breaker 802. [0155] Figure 10 shows an electrical circuit breaker 902 according to another embodiment of the invention. [0156] The circuit breaker 902 is generally similar to the circuit breaker 2 but differs from the latter in that the connection device does not include a barrier as previously defined separating the end 46 from the rest of the extinguishing chamber. bow. [0157] Instead, the connection device comprises a housing 910 formed in a wall of the body 30 and in which are arranged a barrier 912 and an electrically conductive moving part 914, for example made of metal, slidably mounted in the housing 910. [0158] For example, housing 910 is a channel, preferably cylindrical in shape, which opens outside of body 30. [0159] The end of electrode 44 of fuse 40 opens into housing 910 via its free end 916. An additional electrode is connected to terminal 14 and opens into housing 910 via its free end 918. For example, ends 916 and 918 are arranged facing each other. [0160] The ends 916 and 918 are separated at a distance from each other, for example with an isolation distance as defined above. [0161] The moving part 914 is movable between a rest position, in which it remains at a distance from the ends 916 and 918, and an energized position in which it electrically connects said electrode of fuse 40 with said terminal 14, coming into direct contact with the ends 916 and 918. [0162] In Figure 10, the moving part 914 is shown in its rest position. The position occupied by the moving part 914 in the energized position is represented by the dotted outline 914'. [0163] The barrier 912 is arranged to separate the arc extinguishing chamber 32 from the housing 910, for example by closing an entrance to the housing 910. [0164] Barrier 912 is configured to break when the predefined threshold in quench chamber 32 is exceeded. [0165] Thus, the barrier 912 can advantageously be a wall similar to the wall 50 or to the capsule 550. [0166] Preferably, barrier 912 is configured to break when the pressure inside arc quenching chamber 32 exceeds the predefined threshold. [0167] Once the barrier has been broken, the moving part 914 is moved from its initial rest position to the energized position 914' under the effect of the pressure increase in the housing 910 caused by the fluidic communication with the chamber 32. In other words, part 914 acts like a piston. This displacement is illustrated by the arrow F1 in Figure 10. [0168] For example, part 914 has a complementary shape to the shape of housing section 910. [0169] Preferably, the part 914 is mounted in the housing 910 with zero or negative play in order to be able to remain held in the rest position as long as the barrier 912 has not been broken and it has not been moved by the increase in pressure. This limits the risk of the part 914 accidentally moving towards the energized position, for example when the circuit breaker 902 is subjected to a shock or to strong acceleration. [0170] As a variant, for the same purpose, part 914 could be mechanically connected with barrier 912, for example by overmoulding. [0171] Advantageously, the housing 910 includes retaining means 920, such as one or more stops, which limit the movement of the moving part 914 to prevent it from going further than the excited position 914'. Thus, the part 914 remains held in the excited position 914'. [0172] In alternative embodiments, although not drawn in Figure 10, the circuit breaker 902 could include an additional connection device as defined in the embodiments of Figures 1-9, associated with the end 46 of electrode 42. [0173] According to variants, the end 46 and the electrode 42 can be omitted and replaced by an electrode 922 which directly connects the end of the fuse 40 to the terminal 12, without necessarily passing through the arc extinguishing chamber. [0174] Apart from these differences, the description of circuit breaker 2 is applicable to circuit breaker 902. [0175] In the embodiments described above, once the insulating barrier has been broken, contact between electrode 42 and conductor 10 is achieved by means of an electric arc A′. However, according to embodiments not illustrated, this connection is made directly by bringing the electrode into direct contact with the conductor 10. [0176] For example, the electrode 42 is placed in the chamber 32 in such a way that the severed part 16 comes into contact against the wall 50 (or the capsule 550) after the conductor 10 has been cut. When the barrier is broken (for example by destruction of the wall 50 or the capsule 550), the severed part 16 is in direct contact with the electrode 42. [0177] In the embodiments above, only the electrode 42 of the fuse emerges in the chamber 32. However, according to variants not illustrated, the other electrode 44 of the fuse could also emerge in the chamber 32. In this case, two Separate electric arcs are required to electrically connect fuse 40 to the two terminals 12 and 14 of conductor 10. [0178] In the embodiments described above, the switching devices are described by way of example as being associated with the electrode 42 or with the electrode 44 (and, respectively, with the terminal 12 or with the terminal 14), but it is understood that as a variant, these cut-off devices can be used on the other electrode 44 or 42 of the fuse (and therefore on the other terminal 14 or 12), or even on the two electrodes 42 and 44 at the same time. [0179] The embodiments and the variants envisaged above can be combined together to give rise to new embodiments.
权利要求:
Claims (17) [0001] Electrical circuit breaker, comprising: - an electrical conductor (10) comprising a first terminal (12) and a second terminal (14); - a switch (22, 24) configured to separate the first terminal from the second terminal when triggered in response to a power cut command; - an arc extinguishing chamber (32) delimited by a body of the circuit breaker, the arc extinguishing chamber being configured to receive, after the switch has been triggered, a portion (16) of the electrical conductor being separated at least from the first terminal or from the second terminal; - a fuse (40) configured to be electrically connected between the first and second terminals after the switch has been tripped; the circuit breaker being characterized in that it comprises a connection device comprising a barrier (50, 52, 912) configured to be broken after the tripping of the switch only when at least one or the other of the temperature, or the pressure inside the arc quenching chamber (32), or the intensity of an electric arc present in the arc quenching chamber (32) exceeds a threshold predefined, the connection device being configured to connect an electrode (42, 916) of the fuse (40) to one of the terminals (12, 918) of the electrical conductor (10) only once the barrier (50, 52, 912) is broken. [0002] A circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrode (42) of the fuse (40) extending within the arc quenching chamber (32), the barrier being a barrier (50, 52) electrically insulating which separates said at least one electrode (42) from the rest of the arc extinguishing chamber (32). [0003] Circuit breaker according to Claim 2, in which the insulating barrier comprises a wall (50) which delimits a volume (52) around the said at least one electrode (42) of the fuse (40) in the arc extinguishing chamber (32). [0004] A circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein the wall (50) is electrically insulating. [0005] A circuit breaker according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the wall (50) is configured to melt when the temperature in the arc quenching chamber (32) exceeds a predefined threshold. [0006] A circuit breaker according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the wall (50) has a pre-cut area configured to break away and form an opening in the wall (50) when pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber ( 32) exceeds a predefined threshold. [0007] Circuit breaker according to claim 2, in which the insulating barrier comprises an electrically insulating coating (650) deposited on the said at least one electrode (42) of the fuse (40) in the arc quenching chamber (32), which coating being configured to melt when the temperature in the arc quenching chamber (32) exceeds a predefined threshold. [0008] A circuit breaker as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6 or as claimed in claim 7, wherein the wall (50) or coating (650) is covered with at least one electrically conductive outer layer. [0009] A circuit breaker according to claim 3, wherein the wall (50) is metal. [0010] Circuit breaker according to Claim 3 or Claim 9, in which the wall (550) is configured to deform when the pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber (32) exceeds a predefined threshold, until it comes into contact against the free end (46) of said at least one electrode (42). [0011] A circuit breaker according to claim 10, wherein the free end (46) of said at least one electrode (42) is configured to puncture the wall (550) when the wall (550) deforms and contacts said end. free (46). [0012] A circuit breaker according to claim 3 or claim 9, wherein the wall (50) has a pre-cut area configured to break away and form an opening in the wall (50) when pressure in the arc extinguishing chamber ( 32) exceeds a predefined threshold. [0013] A circuit breaker according to claim 2, wherein the circuit breaker (302) includes a control circuit (310), a sensor (316) for measuring a condition within the arc quenching chamber (32 ) and an auxiliary actuator (312) configured to break the insulating barrier and in which the control circuit (310) is configured to trigger the auxiliary actuator (312) when a physical quantity measured by the sensor (316) exceeds a value threshold. [0014] A circuit breaker according to any preceding claim, wherein the circuit breaker (702) includes an additional fuse (720) configured to be electrically connected between the first and second terminals after tripping of the switch, at least one electrode (722) of the additional fuse extending inside the arc extinguishing chamber (32), the circuit breaker further comprising an additional electrically insulating barrier (740, 742) which separates said electrode (722 ) the additional fuse of the rest of the arc extinguishing chamber (32), said barrier being configured to be broken after the tripping of the switch only when at least one or the other of the temperature, or the pressure inside the arc extinguishing chamber (32), or the intensity of an electric arc present in the arc extinguishing chamber (32) exceeds a predefined threshold, this threshold being different from the trigger threshold associated with the insulating barrier of the other fuse (710). [0015] Circuit breaker according to any one of Claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or according to Claim 14 taken together with any one of Claims 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, wherein the circuit breaker (802) comprises an additional electrical conductor (860) connected to one of the terminals (12) of the electrical conductor, the additional electrical conductor (860) being insulated from the chamber of arc extinction and comprising a free end (862) which opens inside the volume (52) delimited by the wall (50). [0016] Circuit breaker (902) according to claim 1, in which the connection device comprises a movable electrically conductive part (914) movable between a rest position and an energized position in which it electrically connects said electrode (916) of the fuse (40 ) with said terminal (14), the movable part being slidably mounted in a housing (910) of the circuit breaker (902), the barrier being arranged so as to separate the arc extinguishing chamber from the housing (910) and being configured to break when the predefined threshold is exceeded. [0017] A circuit breaker according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch (22, 24) is a pyrotechnic switch.
类似技术:
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同族专利:
公开号 | 公开日 FR3098006B1|2021-07-09| WO2020260382A1|2020-12-30| CN114144857A|2022-03-04|
引用文献:
公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题 FR3051281A1|2016-05-16|2017-11-17|Herakles|ELECTRICAL CUTTING DEVICE AND SECURE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE| FR3064107A1|2017-03-17|2018-09-21|Autoliv Development Ab|PYROTECHNIC SWITCH WITH FUSIBLE MEANS| WO2019081128A1|2017-10-27|2019-05-02|Auto-Kabel Management Gmbh|Electric fuse element, and method for operating an electric fuse element| DE102020104935A1|2020-02-25|2021-08-26|Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft|Disconnection device, high-voltage electrical system and motor vehicle| FR3112889A1|2020-07-24|2022-01-28|Ncs Pyrotechnie Et Technologies Sas|Pyrotechnic circuit breaker|
法律状态:
2020-05-14| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 | 2021-01-01| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20210101 | 2021-05-14| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
优先权:
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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题 FR1906892A|FR3098006B1|2019-06-25|2019-06-25|Electric circuit breaker| FR1906892|2019-06-25|FR1906892A| FR3098006B1|2019-06-25|2019-06-25|Electric circuit breaker| CN202080052976.7A| CN114144857A|2019-06-25|2020-06-24|Electrical circuit breaker| PCT/EP2020/067682| WO2020260382A1|2019-06-25|2020-06-24|Electric circuit breaker| 相关专利
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