EP1381065A1 - Electrical contact material and its method of manufacture - Google Patents
Electrical contact material and its method of manufacture Download PDFInfo
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- EP1381065A1 EP1381065A1 EP02405598A EP02405598A EP1381065A1 EP 1381065 A1 EP1381065 A1 EP 1381065A1 EP 02405598 A EP02405598 A EP 02405598A EP 02405598 A EP02405598 A EP 02405598A EP 1381065 A1 EP1381065 A1 EP 1381065A1
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- fraction
- unstable
- mixture
- temperature
- electrical contact
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
- H01H33/70—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
- H01H33/76—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid wherein arc-extinguishing gas is evolved from stationary parts; Selection of material therefor
- H01H33/765—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid wherein arc-extinguishing gas is evolved from stationary parts; Selection of material therefor the gas-evolving material being incorporated in the contact material
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of electrical contacts. She relates more particularly to a contact material with extinguishing effect arc and its manufacturing process.
- Such a type of material finds its application mainly for the realization of contacts called "low voltage", that is to say whose operating range is approximately between 10 and 1,000 volts and between 1 and 10,000 amps.
- These contacts are generally used in the domestic fields, industrial and automotive, both direct and alternative current, for switches, relays, contactors and circuit breakers.
- the energy released by the electric arc is sufficient to melt the material constituting the studs, which not only leads to the degradation of the parts metal, but also, sometimes, their welding, with the consequence blocking of the device.
- the electric arcs are very stable, especially when the voltage is significantly higher than 10 volts.
- a solution to cut the arch is to increase its length so that it becomes unstable and disappears by itself. For a voltage of 14 volts, a distance of the order of a millimeter is sufficient while for a tension of 42 volts, especially when an inductive load is present, this distance may be several centimeters. This seriously complicates the construction of the breaking devices and the duration of the arcs created reduced strongly their lifespan.
- one solution consists in using pseudo-alloys comprising a silver or copper matrix and, inserted into this matrix, a fraction consisting of approximately 20% by volume of refractory particles (for example, Ni , C, W, WC, CdO, SnO 2 ) of a size generally between 1 and 5 microns.
- refractory particles for example, Ni , C, W, WC, CdO, SnO 2
- This method does not limit the mergers and, because of their repetition, problems of erosion and welding of the studs can occur in the short or medium term.
- the present invention therefore aims to provide a contact material electric with which one can make studs whose operation is not altered neither in the short term nor in the long term, by the energy of an electric arc.
- the contact material with extinguishing effect comprises a conductive metal matrix and an unstable fraction incorporated into this matrix with the property of decomposing to a temperature between the temperature of use of the contact and the melting temperature of the metal, giving off a gas liable to destabilize an electric arc.
- the residue is a metal, having partially or fully reacted with oxygen and nitrogen from the air, which can substitute, totally or partially, for the refractory fraction. This is not therefore not an essential component of the contact material.
- the unstable fraction alone constitutes between 5 and 50% of the volume of the contact material.
- the two fractions constitute between 5 and 50% of the volume of the material but, then, the proportion of unstable fraction is, at less, 2% by volume.
- the material according to the invention can advantageously comprise, in addition, small amounts of dopants intended to optimize the properties thereof.
- these dopants are Bi 2 O 3 , CuO, Re.
- Pairs of contact pads can be made using materials of the same or different compositions. In this case, it is only one of the two contacts may contain an unstable fraction.
- an electrical contact material which, under the effect of heat produced by an electric arc, gives off an essentially formed gas of hydrogen in the case where, advantageously and as mentioned previously, the unstable fraction broken down is a hydride. This gas cools and destabilizes the arc which then dies out quickly.
- the basic constituents of the material are in the form of powders which are then mixed by way dry, wet or by the technique known as "mechanical alloying" which causes the particles to weld together and then break into particles smaller.
- the mixture obtained is then compacted in the form of a pellet, either by pressing uniaxially cold, either by hot pressing but at temperature moderate and possibly under hydrogen pressure, that is to say in hydrogen temperature and pressure conditions where the unstable fraction does not does not decompose, or again by impact (adiabatic compaction process).
- the resulting part is then sintered at moderate temperature and possibly under hydrogen pressure. Note that this operation is optional in cases where compaction was carried out at moderate temperature or by impact.
- the part is shaped by cold recompaction.
- the method uses the same first steps than the embodiment described above, the mixture being, this time, compacted by pressing in the form of a band.
- the pressing is performed in cold or moderate temperature uniaxial mode, the part resulting being then sintered at moderate temperature, possibly under hydrogen pressure.
- sintering is not necessary if the pressing has already been done at moderate temperature.
- the the part is finally shaped by rolling.
- the same initial mixture is compacted in the form of a billet, either by cold pressing or in a mode isostatic, ie at moderate temperature.
- the resulting part is then sintered also at moderate temperature and possibly under pressure hydrogen. Sintering is optional if pressing has already been done at temperature moderate.
- the part is finally shaped by temperature extrusion moderate in the form of bands or threads.
- the various constituents are also supplied in powder.
- the unstable fraction is not in its final form, but in the form of a precursor, that is to say that the metal atoms of the unstable fraction have a zero degree of oxidation.
- the powder is in the form of Ti instead of TiH 2 , Zr instead of ZrH 2 or Mg instead of MgH 2 .
- the precursor can be free or alloyed with the matrix.
- the different powders are then mixed dry, wet or by “mechanical alloying”. Then, the mixture is compacted into a pellet shape by cold pressing uniaxially, by hot pressing or by impact.
- the part is then sintered at high temperature, without hydrogen, optionally if the pressing has been done hot or by impact, before being subjected, in a hydrogen atmosphere, to a heat treatment for hydrating the precursor of the unstable fraction. .
- the part is shaped by cold recompaction.
- the sintering can be carried out directly in a hydrogen atmosphere, which then avoids the specific hydriding treatment.
- the same mixture as that described in the previous embodiment is compacted by cold isostatic pressing, or by uniaxial hot pressing.
- the part obtained is then either sintered at high temperature, optionally if the pressing was done hot, or sintered under a hydrogen atmosphere, so as to hydrate the precursor of the fraction unstable.
- it is necessary that the compacted billet is sufficiently porous to allow access of hydrogen to the center of the room.
- the sintering was done at high temperature without hydrogen, the part is shaped by high temperature extrusion before undergoing a hydriding treatment. In the event that the sintering was carried out under an atmosphere of hydrogen, the part is shaped by temperature extrusion moderate.
- the same mixture as that described in the previous embodiment is compacted into a strip shape by pressing uniaxially cold or hot.
- the part obtained is then either sintered at high temperature, optionally if the pressing was done hot, or sintered under a hydrogen atmosphere, so as to hydrate the precursor of the fraction unstable.
- the part is shaped by rolling before undergoing, if necessary, hydriding treatment.
- the different constituents of the material are supplied in the form of a solid alloy containing the precursor of the unstable fraction.
- the alloy is then melted and cast in the form of a billet or an ingot then, in the case of a billet, extruded under high temperature, typically at 900 ° C, or, if it is an ingot, transformed into a strip or wire by successive plastic deformation operations (rolling, drawing, hammering, ...) interspersed with heat treatments, before undergoing final hydriding.
- the parts undergo conventional final treatments, for example cutting, forming, polishing, thermal expansion treatment.
- a thin sub-layer generally of the same composition as the conductive metal used (generally silver or copper), intended to facilitate, thereafter, the welding and brazing operations that the part may undergo during its use.
- the unstable fraction can consist of a mixture, either of several of the elements proposed above to form said fraction, either of of these elements but under different particle sizes. In this way, it is possible to obtain varied decomposition kinetics so that the material obtained can operate under a wide range of conditions.
- the invention provides an electrical contact material likely to destabilize an electric arc occurring between two studs contact, so as not to be affected in the long term by the effects of heat released.
- the process for manufacturing this material due to its great flexibility, makes it possible to produce contact parts in all forms usual, using the same means of production as for materials current.
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- Contacts (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)
- Powder Metallurgy (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Alloys Or Alloy Compounds (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
Description
La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des contacts électriques. Elle concerne, plus particulièrement, un matériau de contact avec effet d'extinction d'arc ainsi que son procédé de fabrication.The present invention relates to the field of electrical contacts. She relates more particularly to a contact material with extinguishing effect arc and its manufacturing process.
Un tel type de matériau trouve son application principalement pour la réalisation de contacts dits "à basse tension", c'est-à-dire dont la plage de fonctionnement se situe approximativement entre 10 et 1 000 volts et entre 1 et 10 000 Ampères. Ces contacts sont utilisés généralement dans les domaines domestique, industriel et automobile, aussi bien en courant continu qu'alternatif, pour des interrupteurs, des relais, des contacteurs et des disjoncteurs.Such a type of material finds its application mainly for the realization of contacts called "low voltage", that is to say whose operating range is approximately between 10 and 1,000 volts and between 1 and 10,000 amps. These contacts are generally used in the domestic fields, industrial and automotive, both direct and alternative current, for switches, relays, contactors and circuit breakers.
Lorsqu'on ouvre une paire de plots de contacts électriques sous tension, le courant continue de passer d'un plot à l'autre en ionisant le gaz qu'il traverse. Cette colonne de gaz ionisé, communément appelée "arc électrique", a une longueur maximum qui dépend de différents paramètres tels que la nature et la pression du gaz, la tension aux bornes, le matériau de contact, la géométrie de l'appareil, l'impédance du circuit, ...When opening a pair of live electrical contact pads, the current continues to pass from one stud to another by ionizing the gas it crosses. This column of ionized gas, commonly called "electric arc", has a maximum length which depends on different parameters such as the nature and the gas pressure, terminal voltage, contact material, geometry of the device, the impedance of the circuit, ...
L'énergie dégagée par l'arc électrique est suffisante pour fondre le matériau constituant les plots, ce qui entraíne, non seulement, la dégradation des parties métalliques mais, aussi, parfois, leur soudure, avec pour conséquence le blocage de l'appareil.The energy released by the electric arc is sufficient to melt the material constituting the studs, which not only leads to the degradation of the parts metal, but also, sometimes, their welding, with the consequence blocking of the device.
Dans les applications en courant alternatif, le passage de la tension par zéro facilite la coupure de l'arc. Néanmoins, certains appareils de protection doivent couper des courants très élevés, qui occasionnent des arcs suffisamment énergétiques pour endommager les contacts. In AC applications, the passage of the voltage by zero makes it easier to cut the arc. However, some protective devices must cut very high currents, which cause arcs sufficiently energy to damage the contacts.
En revanche, pour les applications en courant continu, les arcs électriques sont très stables, surtout lorsque la tension est nettement supérieure à 10 volts. Une solution pour couper l'arc consiste à augmenter sa longueur de façon telle qu'il devienne instable et disparaisse de lui-même. Pour une tension de 14 volts, une distance de l'ordre du millimètre est suffisante alors que pour une tension de 42 volts, particulièrement lorsqu'on est en présence d'une charge inductive, cette distance peut être de plusieurs centimètres. Ceci complique sérieusement la construction des appareils de coupure et la durée des arcs créés réduit fortement leur durée de vie.On the other hand, for direct current applications, the electric arcs are very stable, especially when the voltage is significantly higher than 10 volts. A solution to cut the arch is to increase its length so that it becomes unstable and disappears by itself. For a voltage of 14 volts, a distance of the order of a millimeter is sufficient while for a tension of 42 volts, especially when an inductive load is present, this distance may be several centimeters. This seriously complicates the construction of the breaking devices and the duration of the arcs created reduced strongly their lifespan.
Le problème se pose tout particulièrement dans l'industrie de l'automobile qui envisage l'utilisation de circuits à 42 volts continus pour s'adapter au nombre toujours plus élevé de dispositifs électriques présents dans les voitures (jusqu'à cent moteurs dans un véhicule haut-de-gamme). A de telles tensions, l'intérêt de limiter les problèmes liés aux arcs devient primordial.The problem arises particularly in the automotive industry which consider using 42 volt DC circuits to accommodate the number ever higher electrical devices in cars (up to hundred engines in a high-end vehicle). At such tensions, the interest of limiting the problems associated with arcs becomes essential.
Ainsi, les matériaux des contacts électriques doivent satisfaire les trois exigences suivantes :
- faible résistance de contact pour éviter un échauffement excessif lors du passage du courant ;
- bonne résistance au soudage en présence d'un arc électrique ; et
- faible érosion sous l'effet de l'arc.
- low contact resistance to avoid excessive heating during current flow;
- good resistance to welding in the presence of an electric arc; and
- low erosion under the effect of the arc.
Pour satisfaire ces exigences partiellement contradictoires, une solution consiste à utiliser des pseudo-alliages comportant une matrice d'argent ou de cuivre et, insérée dans cette matrice, une fraction constituée d'environ 20% en volume de particules réfractaires (par exemple, Ni, C, W, WC, CdO, SnO2) d'une taille généralement comprise entre 1 et 5 microns. Le matériau ainsi obtenu résiste mieux à la chaleur dégagée par l'arc électrique. Bien que constituant une solution intéressante, cette méthode ne permet pas de limiter les fusions et, à cause de leur répétition, des problèmes d'érosion et de soudage des plots peuvent survenir à court ou moyen terme.To satisfy these partially contradictory requirements, one solution consists in using pseudo-alloys comprising a silver or copper matrix and, inserted into this matrix, a fraction consisting of approximately 20% by volume of refractory particles (for example, Ni , C, W, WC, CdO, SnO 2 ) of a size generally between 1 and 5 microns. The material thus obtained is more resistant to the heat given off by the electric arc. Although constituting an interesting solution, this method does not limit the mergers and, because of their repetition, problems of erosion and welding of the studs can occur in the short or medium term.
Par ailleurs, lorsqu'il s'agit, en courant alternatif, de réaliser des appareils de protection (disjoncteurs) capables de couper des courants très élevés, on a proposé de recourir à des moyens auxiliaires pour faciliter la coupure de l'arc ou éviter son rallumage : soufflage électromagnétique ou pneumatique. On a aussi proposé de remplacer le gaz présent dans l'espace séparant les deux contacts par un gaz très stable et donc difficile à ioniser, comme du SF6. Cependant, toutes ces solutions sont complexes à mettre en oeuvre.Furthermore, when it is a question of producing protective devices (circuit breakers) capable of breaking very high currents with alternating current, it has been proposed to use auxiliary means to facilitate breaking of the arc or avoiding re-ignition: electromagnetic or pneumatic blowing. It has also been proposed to replace the gas present in the space separating the two contacts with a very stable gas and therefore difficult to ionize, such as SF 6 . However, all of these solutions are complex to implement.
La présente invention a donc pour but de fournir un matériau de contact électrique avec lequel on peut réaliser des plots dont le fonctionnement n'est altéré ni à court terme, ni à long terme, par l'énergie d'un arc électrique.The present invention therefore aims to provide a contact material electric with which one can make studs whose operation is not altered neither in the short term nor in the long term, by the energy of an electric arc.
De façon plus précise, le matériau de contact avec effet d'extinction selon l'invention comporte une matrice en métal conducteur et une fraction instable incorporée dans cette matrice avec la propriété de se décomposer à une température comprise entre la température d'utilisation du contact et la température de fusion du métal en dégageant un gaz susceptible de déstabiliser un arc électrique.More precisely, the contact material with extinguishing effect according to the invention comprises a conductive metal matrix and an unstable fraction incorporated into this matrix with the property of decomposing to a temperature between the temperature of use of the contact and the melting temperature of the metal, giving off a gas liable to destabilize an electric arc.
L'invention concerne également un procédé pour fabriquer le matériau défini ci-dessus. Il consiste essentiellement à :
- se doter d'un mélange comportant un métal conducteur et un constituant instable tel que précédemment défini;
- compacter ce mélange; et
- le mettre en forme selon l'usage souhaité.
- use a mixture comprising a conductive metal and an unstable constituent as defined above;
- compact this mixture; and
- format it according to the desired use.
D'autres caractéristiques de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui va suivre, non accompagnée de dessin. Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from the description which follows follow, not accompanied by a drawing.
Le matériau de contact selon l'invention est essentiellement constitué des trois composants suivants :
- une matrice en métal conducteur, généralement en argent ou en cuivre ;
- une fraction réfractaire, stable à une température supérieure à 900°C, qui peut être avantageusement choisie dans le groupe suivant : CdO, SnO2, ZnO, Fe2O3 ,Ni, Fe, W, Mo, C, WC, MgO; et
- une fraction instable qui se décompose à une température comprise entre 200 et 900°C en libérant un gaz capable de refroidir l'arc, et qui peut être avantageusement choisie dans le groupe suivant : hydrures métalliques (TiH2, ZrH2, MgH2), hydrures mulitimétalliques à base de Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Mg, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Co, Ni, La, Y.
- a conductive metal matrix, usually silver or copper;
- a refractory fraction, stable at a temperature above 900 ° C, which can be advantageously chosen from the following group: CdO, SnO 2 , ZnO, Fe 2 O 3 , Ni, Fe, W, Mo, C, WC, MgO; and
- an unstable fraction which decomposes at a temperature between 200 and 900 ° C releasing a gas capable of cooling the arc, and which can be advantageously chosen from the following group: metal hydrides (TiH 2 , ZrH 2 , MgH 2 ) , multi-metallic hydrides based on Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Mg, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Co, Ni, La, Y.
Lorsque la fraction instable a libéré son gaz de refroidissement de l'arc, sa décomposition ayant eu lieu, en général, dans l'air, le résidu est un métal, ayant partiellement ou totalement réagi avec l'oxygène et l'azote de l'air, qui peut se substituer, totalement ou partiellement, à la fraction réfractaire. Celle-ci n'est donc pas un composant indispensable du matériau de contact.When the unstable fraction has released its cooling gas from the arc, its decomposition having taken place, in general, in air, the residue is a metal, having partially or fully reacted with oxygen and nitrogen from the air, which can substitute, totally or partially, for the refractory fraction. This is not therefore not an essential component of the contact material.
En l'absence de fraction réfractaire, la fraction instable constitue, à elle seule, entre 5 et 50% du volume du matériau de contact.In the absence of a refractory fraction, the unstable fraction alone constitutes between 5 and 50% of the volume of the contact material.
En présence d'une fraction réfractaire, les deux fractions constituent entre 5 et 50% du volume du matériau mais, alors, la proportion de fraction instable est, au moins, de 2% en volume.In the presence of a refractory fraction, the two fractions constitute between 5 and 50% of the volume of the material but, then, the proportion of unstable fraction is, at less, 2% by volume.
Le matériau selon l'invention peut avantageusement comprendre, en plus, de petites quantités de dopants destinés à en optimiser les propriétés. Par exemple, ces dopants sont Bi2O3, CuO, Re.The material according to the invention can advantageously comprise, in addition, small amounts of dopants intended to optimize the properties thereof. For example, these dopants are Bi 2 O 3 , CuO, Re.
Des paires de plots de contacts peuvent être réalisées en utilisant des matériaux de mêmes compositions ou de compositions différentes. Dans ce cas, il est possible qu'un seul des deux contacts contienne une fraction instable. Pairs of contact pads can be made using materials of the same or different compositions. In this case, it is only one of the two contacts may contain an unstable fraction.
Ainsi est proposé un matériau de contact électrique qui, sous l'effet de la chaleur produite par un arc électrique, dégage un gaz essentiellement formé d'hydrogène dans le cas où, avantageusement et comme mentionné précédemment, la fraction instable décomposée est un hydrure. Ce gaz refroidit et déstabilise l'arc qui s'éteint alors rapidement.Thus is proposed an electrical contact material which, under the effect of heat produced by an electric arc, gives off an essentially formed gas of hydrogen in the case where, advantageously and as mentioned previously, the unstable fraction broken down is a hydride. This gas cools and destabilizes the arc which then dies out quickly.
L'arc s'étant néanmoins produit, une portion de chacun des contacts a pu fondre sous l'effet de sa chaleur, de telle sorte qu'ils se trouvent soudés ensemble. Si tel est le cas, étant donné que le dégagement gazeux de la fraction instable a rendu poreuse, et donc fragile, la surface des contacts fondus, leur soudure sera facile à casser lors de la prochaine ouverture des contacts. Il s'agit là d'un avantage important du matériau selon l'invention.The arc having nevertheless occurred, a portion of each of the contacts may have melted under the effect of its heat, so that they are welded together. Yes this is the case, given that the gas evolution of the unstable fraction has made porous, and therefore fragile, the surface of the molten contacts, their welding will be easy to break the next time you open the contacts. This is a significant advantage of the material according to the invention.
D'une manière générale, le procédé de fabrication du matériau de contact qui vient d'être décrit consiste successivement à :
- se doter d'un mélange des constituants de base susmentionnés : un métal conducteur, une fraction instable et, éventuellement, une fraction réfractaire;
- compacter ce mélange;
- éventuellement, fritter la pièce obtenue;
- mettre en forme la pièce selon l'usage souhaité;
- éventuellement, lui appliquer un traitement thermique final; et
- si nécessaire, l'apprêter pour son utilisation.
- use a mixture of the aforementioned basic constituents: a conductive metal, an unstable fraction and, optionally, a refractory fraction;
- compact this mixture;
- if necessary, sinter the part obtained;
- shape the part according to the desired use;
- optionally, apply a final heat treatment to it; and
- if necessary, prime it for use.
Selon un premier mode de réalisation préféré, les constituants de base du matériau sont sous la forme de poudres qui sont alors mélangées par voie sèche, par voie humide ou par la technique dite du "mechanical alloying" qui provoque une soudure des particules entre elles, puis leur rupture en particules plus petites. Ces trois méthodes sont toutes bien connues de l'homme de métier.According to a first preferred embodiment, the basic constituents of the material are in the form of powders which are then mixed by way dry, wet or by the technique known as "mechanical alloying" which causes the particles to weld together and then break into particles smaller. These three methods are all well known to those skilled in the art.
Le mélange obtenu est ensuite compacté en forme de pastille, soit par pressage à froid de façon uniaxiale, soit par pressage à chaud mais à température modérée et éventuellement sous pression d'hydrogène, c'est-à-dire dans des conditions de température et de pression d'hydrogène où la fraction instable ne se décompose pas, soit encore par chocs (procédé de compactage adiabatique).The mixture obtained is then compacted in the form of a pellet, either by pressing uniaxially cold, either by hot pressing but at temperature moderate and possibly under hydrogen pressure, that is to say in hydrogen temperature and pressure conditions where the unstable fraction does not does not decompose, or again by impact (adiabatic compaction process).
La pièce résultante est alors frittée à température modérée et éventuellement sous pression d'hydrogène. On notera que cette opération est facultative dans les cas où le compactage a été effectué à température modérée ou par chocs.The resulting part is then sintered at moderate temperature and possibly under hydrogen pressure. Note that this operation is optional in cases where compaction was carried out at moderate temperature or by impact.
Enfin, la pièce est mise en forme par un recompactage à froid.Finally, the part is shaped by cold recompaction.
Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation préféré, le procédé reprend les mêmes premières étapes que le mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus, le mélange étant, cette fois, compacté par pressage sous la forme d'une bande. Le pressage est effectué selon le mode uniaxial à froid ou à température modérée, la pièce résultante étant ensuite frittée à température modérée, éventuellement sous pression d'hydrogène. Comme dans le premier mode de réalisation, le frittage n'est pas nécessaire si le pressage a déjà été fait à température modérée. La pièce est finalement mise en forme par laminage.According to a second preferred embodiment, the method uses the same first steps than the embodiment described above, the mixture being, this time, compacted by pressing in the form of a band. The pressing is performed in cold or moderate temperature uniaxial mode, the part resulting being then sintered at moderate temperature, possibly under hydrogen pressure. As in the first embodiment, sintering is not necessary if the pressing has already been done at moderate temperature. The the part is finally shaped by rolling.
Selon un troisième mode de réalisation préféré, le même mélange initial est compacté sous la forme d'une billette, par pressage soit à froid, selon un mode isostatique, soit à température modérée. La pièce résultante est ensuite frittée également à température modérée et éventuellement sous pression d'hydrogène. Le frittage est facultatif si le pressage a déjà été fait à température modérée. La pièce est finalement mise en forme par extrusion à température modérée sous forme de bandes ou de fils. Ces produits sont ensuite transformés en pièce de contact par toutes les techniques connues de l'homme du métier.According to a third preferred embodiment, the same initial mixture is compacted in the form of a billet, either by cold pressing or in a mode isostatic, ie at moderate temperature. The resulting part is then sintered also at moderate temperature and possibly under pressure hydrogen. Sintering is optional if pressing has already been done at temperature moderate. The part is finally shaped by temperature extrusion moderate in the form of bands or threads. These products are then processed as a contact part by all the techniques known to those skilled in the art.
Selon un quatrième mode de réalisation, les différents constituants sont encore fournis en poudre. Cependant, la fraction instable n'est pas sous sa forme définitive, mais sous la forme d'un précurseur, c'est à dire que les atomes métalliques de la fraction instable ont un degré d'oxydation nul. Par exemple, la poudre est sous la forme de Ti au lieu de TiH2, de Zr au lieu de ZrH2 ou de Mg au lieu de MgH2. Le précurseur peut être libre ou allié avec la matrice. Les différentes poudres sont ensuite mélangées par voie sèche, par voie humide ou par « mechanical alloying ». Puis, le mélange est compacté en forme de pastille par pressage à froid de façon uniaxiale, par pressage à chaud ou par chocs. La pièce est ensuite frittée à haute température, sans hydrogène, facultativement si le pressage a été fait à chaud ou par chocs, avant d'être soumise, en atmosphère d'hydrogène, à un traitement thermique d'hydruration du précurseur de la fraction instable. Enfin, la pièce est mise en forme par un recompactage à froid. En variante, le frittage peut être effectué directement en atmosphère d'hydrogène, ce qui évite, ensuite, le traitement spécifique d'hydruration.According to a fourth embodiment, the various constituents are also supplied in powder. However, the unstable fraction is not in its final form, but in the form of a precursor, that is to say that the metal atoms of the unstable fraction have a zero degree of oxidation. For example, the powder is in the form of Ti instead of TiH 2 , Zr instead of ZrH 2 or Mg instead of MgH 2 . The precursor can be free or alloyed with the matrix. The different powders are then mixed dry, wet or by “mechanical alloying”. Then, the mixture is compacted into a pellet shape by cold pressing uniaxially, by hot pressing or by impact. The part is then sintered at high temperature, without hydrogen, optionally if the pressing has been done hot or by impact, before being subjected, in a hydrogen atmosphere, to a heat treatment for hydrating the precursor of the unstable fraction. . Finally, the part is shaped by cold recompaction. Alternatively, the sintering can be carried out directly in a hydrogen atmosphere, which then avoids the specific hydriding treatment.
Selon un cinquième mode de réalisation, le même mélange que celui décrit dans le mode de réalisation précédent est compacté par pressage isostatique à froid, ou par pressage uniaxial à chaud. La pièce obtenue est ensuite soit frittée à haute température, facultativement si le pressage a été fait à chaud, soit frittée sous atmosphère d'hydrogène, de façon à hydrurer le précurseur de la fraction instable. Pour cela, il est nécessaire que la billette compactée soit suffisamment poreuse pour permettre l'accès de l'hydrogène jusqu'au centre de la pièce. Lorsque le frittage a été fait à haute température sans hydrogène, la pièce est mise en forme par une extrusion à haute température avant de subir un traitement d'hydruration. Dans le cas où le frittage a été fait sous atmosphère d'hydrogène, la pièce est mise en forme par une extrusion à température modérée.According to a fifth embodiment, the same mixture as that described in the previous embodiment is compacted by cold isostatic pressing, or by uniaxial hot pressing. The part obtained is then either sintered at high temperature, optionally if the pressing was done hot, or sintered under a hydrogen atmosphere, so as to hydrate the precursor of the fraction unstable. For this, it is necessary that the compacted billet is sufficiently porous to allow access of hydrogen to the center of the room. When the sintering was done at high temperature without hydrogen, the part is shaped by high temperature extrusion before undergoing a hydriding treatment. In the event that the sintering was carried out under an atmosphere of hydrogen, the part is shaped by temperature extrusion moderate.
Selon un sixième mode de réalisation, le même mélange que celui décrit dans le mode de réalisation précédent est compacté en forme de bande par pressage à froid de façon uniaxiale ou à chaud. La pièce obtenue est ensuite soit frittée à haute température, facultativement si le pressage a été fait à chaud, soit frittée sous atmosphère d'hydrogène, de façon à hydrurer le précurseur de la fraction instable. La pièce est mise en forme par laminage avant de subir, si nécessaire, un traitement d'hydruration. According to a sixth embodiment, the same mixture as that described in the previous embodiment is compacted into a strip shape by pressing uniaxially cold or hot. The part obtained is then either sintered at high temperature, optionally if the pressing was done hot, or sintered under a hydrogen atmosphere, so as to hydrate the precursor of the fraction unstable. The part is shaped by rolling before undergoing, if necessary, hydriding treatment.
Selon un septième mode de réalisation, les différents constituants du matériau sont fournis sous la forme d'un alliage massif contenant le précurseur de la fraction instable. L'alliage est alors fondu et coulé sous la forme d'une billette ou d'un lingot puis, dans le cas d'une billette, extrudé sous haute température, typiquement à 900°C, ou, s'il s'agit d'un lingot, transformé en bande ou en fil par des opérations de déformation plastique successives (laminage, tréfilage, martelage, ...) entrecoupées de traitements thermiques, avant de subir l'hydruration finale.According to a seventh embodiment, the different constituents of the material are supplied in the form of a solid alloy containing the precursor of the unstable fraction. The alloy is then melted and cast in the form of a billet or an ingot then, in the case of a billet, extruded under high temperature, typically at 900 ° C, or, if it is an ingot, transformed into a strip or wire by successive plastic deformation operations (rolling, drawing, hammering, ...) interspersed with heat treatments, before undergoing final hydriding.
Selon les sept modes de réalisation précédents, les pièces subissent des traitements finaux conventionnels, par exemple découpage, formage, polissage, traitement thermique de détente.According to the seven previous embodiments, the parts undergo conventional final treatments, for example cutting, forming, polishing, thermal expansion treatment.
Les différents modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits ne constituent pas une liste exhaustive. D'autres combinaisons des différents moyens proposés pour chacune des étapes peuvent éventuellement être utilisées.The various embodiments which have just been described do not constitute An exhaustive list. Other combinations of the different means offered for each of the steps can optionally be used.
Dans tous les modes de réalisations décrits, on peut également ajouter, lors du compactage, une sous-couche mince, généralement de même composition que le métal conducteur utilisé (généralement argent ou cuivre), destinée à faciliter, par la suite, les opérations de soudage et de brasage que pourra subir la pièce au cours de son utilisation.In all of the embodiments described, it is also possible to add, during the compaction, a thin sub-layer, generally of the same composition as the conductive metal used (generally silver or copper), intended to facilitate, thereafter, the welding and brazing operations that the part may undergo during its use.
Bien entendu, la fraction instable peut être constituée d'un mélange, soit de plusieurs des éléments proposés ci-dessus pour former ladite fraction, soit d'un de ces éléments mais sous différentes granulométries. De la sorte, il est possible d'obtenir des cinétiques de décomposition variées de manière à ce que le matériau obtenu puisse fonctionner dans une plage de conditions étendue.Of course, the unstable fraction can consist of a mixture, either of several of the elements proposed above to form said fraction, either of of these elements but under different particle sizes. In this way, it is possible to obtain varied decomposition kinetics so that the material obtained can operate under a wide range of conditions.
Ainsi, en résumé, l'invention propose un matériau de contact électrique susceptible de déstabiliser un arc électrique survenant entre deux plots de contact, de manière à n'être pas altéré à long terme par les effets de la chaleur dégagée. De plus, le procédé de fabrication de ce matériau, de par sa grande flexibilité, permet de réaliser des pièces de contact sous toutes les formes usuelles, en utilisant les mêmes moyens de productions que pour les matériaux actuels.Thus, in summary, the invention provides an electrical contact material likely to destabilize an electric arc occurring between two studs contact, so as not to be affected in the long term by the effects of heat released. In addition, the process for manufacturing this material, due to its great flexibility, makes it possible to produce contact parts in all forms usual, using the same means of production as for materials current.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP02405598A EP1381065A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Electrical contact material and its method of manufacture |
AT03724760T ATE480862T1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT MATERIAL AND PROCESS OF PRODUCTION THEREOF |
JP2004520256A JP2005533175A (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and manufacturing method thereof |
ES03724760T ES2350827T3 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT MATERIAL AND MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE OF THE SAME. |
EP03724760A EP1522083B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and method for making same |
PCT/CH2003/000334 WO2004008468A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and method for making same |
DE60334099T DE60334099D1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | ELECTRIC CONTACT MATERIAL AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD |
AU2003229227A AU2003229227A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and method for making same |
US10/521,036 US20060169370A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and method for making same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP02405598A EP1381065A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Electrical contact material and its method of manufacture |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1381065A1 true EP1381065A1 (en) | 2004-01-14 |
Family
ID=29724605
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02405598A Withdrawn EP1381065A1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2002-07-12 | Electrical contact material and its method of manufacture |
EP03724760A Expired - Lifetime EP1522083B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and method for making same |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP03724760A Expired - Lifetime EP1522083B1 (en) | 2002-07-12 | 2003-05-30 | Electrical contact material and method for making same |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060169370A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1381065A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005533175A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE480862T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003229227A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60334099D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2350827T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004008468A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2124236A1 (en) * | 2008-05-22 | 2009-11-25 | Metalor Technologies International S.A. | Use of an electric contact material to blow an electric arc |
CN104201018B (en) * | 2014-08-19 | 2016-05-11 | 周朝贵 | Manufacturing process of Agcdo zirconia electrical contact and products thereof |
CN104201019B (en) * | 2014-08-19 | 2016-05-11 | 张树堂 | Manufacturing process of Ag-ZnO cupric oxide electrical contact and products thereof |
CN104201020B (en) * | 2014-08-19 | 2016-05-11 | 周朝贵 | Manufacturing process of siller tin oxide calcium oxide electrical contact and products thereof |
KR101809844B1 (en) | 2016-07-19 | 2017-12-18 | 한국생산기술연구원 | Electric contact materials and preparing method thereof |
KR102004298B1 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2019-07-26 | 한국생산기술연구원 | Method of Ta-Cu alloy for electric contact materials and Ta-Cu alloy for electric contact materials using the same |
Citations (3)
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US3515542A (en) * | 1967-01-27 | 1970-06-02 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Method of making dispersion-strengthened ductile materials |
US3641298A (en) * | 1967-07-19 | 1972-02-08 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electrically conductive material and electrical contact |
US4247327A (en) * | 1979-08-01 | 1981-01-27 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Alloy strengthening by hydridation |
Family Cites Families (9)
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US2571864A (en) * | 1947-08-21 | 1951-10-16 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Arc extinguishing circuit interrupter |
US4443673A (en) * | 1981-12-14 | 1984-04-17 | General Electric Company | Variable aspect arc chute |
DE3412824A1 (en) * | 1984-04-05 | 1985-10-17 | Doduco KG Dr. Eugen Dürrwächter, 7530 Pforzheim | ELECTRIC LOAD SWITCH, ESPECIALLY FOR USE IN MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR |
DE4117311A1 (en) * | 1991-05-27 | 1992-12-03 | Siemens Ag | CONTACT MATERIAL ON A SILVER BASE FOR USE IN SWITCHGEAR DEVICES IN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY |
US5233143A (en) * | 1991-11-06 | 1993-08-03 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | High-power gas switch with hydride electrodes |
TW293130B (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1996-12-11 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | |
US20060272753A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2006-12-07 | Pierre Ramoni | Method of producing a silver alloy part and alloy used for same |
KR20060035194A (en) * | 2004-10-21 | 2006-04-26 | 엘에스산전 주식회사 | Arc extinguishing device for circuit breaker |
US7091438B2 (en) * | 2005-01-13 | 2006-08-15 | Eaton Corporation | Circuit breaker with improved arc extinction system |
-
2002
- 2002-07-12 EP EP02405598A patent/EP1381065A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2003
- 2003-05-30 DE DE60334099T patent/DE60334099D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-30 AT AT03724760T patent/ATE480862T1/en active
- 2003-05-30 JP JP2004520256A patent/JP2005533175A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-30 EP EP03724760A patent/EP1522083B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-30 ES ES03724760T patent/ES2350827T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-05-30 WO PCT/CH2003/000334 patent/WO2004008468A1/en active Search and Examination
- 2003-05-30 US US10/521,036 patent/US20060169370A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-30 AU AU2003229227A patent/AU2003229227A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3515542A (en) * | 1967-01-27 | 1970-06-02 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Method of making dispersion-strengthened ductile materials |
US3641298A (en) * | 1967-07-19 | 1972-02-08 | Mallory & Co Inc P R | Electrically conductive material and electrical contact |
US4247327A (en) * | 1979-08-01 | 1981-01-27 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Alloy strengthening by hydridation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003229227A1 (en) | 2004-02-02 |
US20060169370A1 (en) | 2006-08-03 |
WO2004008468A1 (en) | 2004-01-22 |
JP2005533175A (en) | 2005-11-04 |
ATE480862T1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
DE60334099D1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
EP1522083B1 (en) | 2010-09-08 |
ES2350827T3 (en) | 2011-01-27 |
EP1522083A1 (en) | 2005-04-13 |
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