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EP4260354B1 - Dielectrically increased disconnecting device - Google Patents

Dielectrically increased disconnecting device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4260354B1
EP4260354B1 EP21840651.0A EP21840651A EP4260354B1 EP 4260354 B1 EP4260354 B1 EP 4260354B1 EP 21840651 A EP21840651 A EP 21840651A EP 4260354 B1 EP4260354 B1 EP 4260354B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
piston
receiving cavity
fins
conductive element
receiving
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21840651.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4260354A1 (en
EP4260354C0 (en
Inventor
Frédéric MARLIN
Romain LORENZON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ArianeGroup SAS
Original Assignee
ArianeGroup SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ArianeGroup SAS filed Critical ArianeGroup SAS
Publication of EP4260354A1 publication Critical patent/EP4260354A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4260354C0 publication Critical patent/EP4260354C0/en
Publication of EP4260354B1 publication Critical patent/EP4260354B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H39/00—Switching devices actuated by an explosion produced within the device and initiated by an electric current
    • H01H39/006—Opening by severing a conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H2009/305—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts including means for screening for arc gases as protection of mechanism against hot arc gases or for keeping arc gases in the arc chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H39/00—Switching devices actuated by an explosion produced within the device and initiated by an electric current
    • H01H2039/008—Switching devices actuated by an explosion produced within the device and initiated by an electric current using the switch for a battery cutoff
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/342—Venting arrangements for arc chutes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general field of electrical cut-off devices, and more particularly those of the pyrotechnic actuation type.
  • Pyrotechnic cutting devices comprising a body in which there is present a pyrotechnic initiator configured to, when triggered, set in motion a piston provided with a relief in the direction of a conductive bar to be cut.
  • FR1908466 which describes a pyrotechnic cutting device.
  • the device presented in the document FR1908466 allows satisfactory results to be obtained, in particular for voltages of intensities up to 18kA and under voltages of the order of 1 kV.
  • the Applicant has noticed that the general performance of the device is limited by the level of electrical insulation obtained after the power cut.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide a cut-off device which ensures more reliable and complete electrical insulation, i.e. making it possible to maintain a complete cut-off of the current in a given time which remains short, and to maintain a high level of electrical insulation after activation of the cut-off device, the high level of insulation being demonstrated by a leakage current of the order of 10 mA for voltages of the order of 2.5 kV, and/or an electrical insulation resistance greater than 80 MOhm.
  • the invention proposes a cut-off device comprising: a conductive element and a movable piston, the piston being able to move between a first position for passing current in the conductive element and a reception when said piston is in its second position, the reception cavity being delimited by at least one internal wall of the reception element, the internal wall being made of electrically insulating material.
  • the receiving element comprises fins made of electrically insulating material and extending inside the receiving cavity projecting from said at least one internal wall of the receiving element.
  • portions made of electrically insulating material, such as plastic for example, and extending in projection inside the receiving cavity of the body of the cut-off device from an internal wall makes it possible to improve the electrically insulating nature of the cut-off device, and more particularly to promote the maintenance of the electrical cut-off once the cut-off device has been actuated.
  • the addition of the fins in the cavity firstly makes it possible to increase the effective surface area of insulating material allowing the dissipation of the energy of the plasma generated following the cutting of the conductive element by the piston, in particular compared to a cylindrical receiving cavity without a portion projecting inwards.
  • the receiving cavity forms a sealed enclosure inside which the plasma of the electric arc is dissipated thanks to the total surface area of insulating material within the receiving cavity.
  • the various elements made of insulating material form energy exchange surfaces allowing the dissipation of the large quantity of energy contained in the electric arc.
  • an electric arc is produced for a short time.
  • the plasma of the electric arc then deposits soot on the walls of the receiving cavity.
  • the conductive element is cut into two sections coupled to the rest of the circuit and not electrically connected to each other. These two sections are spaced apart from each other by a distance that depends on the diameter of the piston and the width of the bar in the case where the piston is circular.
  • the soot deposited on the walls of the receiving cavity can form non-insulating paths that could restore the passage of current between the two sections of the conductive element.
  • the presence of the fins in the cavity makes it possible to increase the length of the soot path between the two sections of the cut conductive element and thus reduce the risk of an electric current being resumed.
  • the device preferably comprises at least six fins to maximize the path traveled by the soot and maximize the material allowing the energy of the plasma created during cutting to be dissipated while minimizing the mass of the cutting device.
  • the fins may comprise a first end integral with said at least one internal wall of the receiving element and a second end which is free inside the receiving cavity, the fins all having the same length between their first end and their second end to maximize the number of fins which can be housed in the receiving cavity while maintaining sufficient distance between the fins.
  • the fins may comprise a first end secured to said at least one internal wall of the receiving element and a second end which is free inside the receiving cavity, the device comprising first fins having a first length between their first end and their second end, and second fins having a second length between their first end and their second end, the second length being less than the first length, each first fin being arranged between two second fins and each second fin being arranged between two first fins.
  • the receiving element may further comprise at least one additional cavity distinct from the receiving cavity and connected to said receiving cavity by at least one channel, said at least one channel being open when the conductive element is broken by the piston.
  • Such a cut-off device comprising at least one additional cavity makes it possible to evacuate the plasma generated during the rupture of the conductive element towards the additional cavity, thus limiting the quantity of plasma in the receiving cavity which tends to slow down the piston and to ensure electrical continuity between the broken ends of the conductive element.
  • the at least one channel can be closed by the piston when said piston is in its second position.
  • the at least one channel can be located at a breaking point of the conductive element.
  • the receiving element may comprise at least two separate additional cavities each connected to the receiving cavity by at least one channel.
  • each additional cavity can be connected to the receiving cavity by at least one channel located at a breaking point of the conductive element, at least one channel being located at each breaking point of the conductive element.
  • said at least one additional cavity may comprise a length at least equal to half the length of the receiving cavity.
  • the volume of said at least one additional cavity may be greater than or equal to the volume of the receiving cavity.
  • said at least one channel can open into the receiving cavity on a portion of said receiving cavity having a conical surface of a shape complementary to a portion of the piston.
  • the device is a pyrotechnic cut-off device comprising a pyrotechnic initiator, the piston being capable of moving following actuation of the pyrotechnic initiator between its first position and its second position.
  • the conductive element may be configured to be ruptured by the piston at two rupture points.
  • the conductive element is configured to be broken at a breaking point and be bent by the piston.
  • a secure electrical installation comprising a cut-off device according to any one of the possible characteristics and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive element of said device.
  • a vehicle comprising a secure electrical installation according to one of the possible characteristics.
  • a cut-off device 100 comprises a body 10 inside which are installed a pyrotechnic initiator 20, a piston 30, and a conductive element 40.
  • the piston 30 is mounted so as to be movable between a first storage position, illustrated in the figure 1 , and a second break position, illustrated in the figure 2 , the piston 30 being moved from its first position to its second position by the actuation of the pyrotechnic initiator 20.
  • the piston 30 has the function of breaking the conductive element 40 during its passage from its first position to its second position, thus cutting off the flow of electric current passing through the conductive element 40.
  • the device 100 comprises a first 41 and a second 42 electrical terminals intended to be connected to an electrical circuit to be cut and which here correspond to two ends of the conductive element 40.
  • the conductive element 40 here takes the form of an electrically conductive bar or tab.
  • the device 100 may comprise a plurality of elements conductors. An example of an installation comprising an electrical circuit connected to terminals 41 and 42 will be described in connection with the figure 4 .
  • the conductive element 40 comprises at least one weak zone 43 which is intended to form a breaking point of the conductive element 40.
  • the conductive element 40 comprises two weak zones 43, thus making it possible to ensure a breakage of the conductive element 40 at two breaking points and to detach a sacrificial portion 44 from the rest of the conductive element 40.
  • the body 10 may have a cylindrical shape with a main axis Z, as illustrated in the figures, other shapes are however possible.
  • the body 10 is formed by a storage element 11 and a receiving element 12 which are assembled together.
  • the storage element 11 has a storage cavity 11a in which the piston 30 is located when the piston 30 is in its first position.
  • the receiving element 12 has a receiving cavity 12a which is aligned with the storage cavity 11a and which communicates with said storage cavity 11a.
  • the receiving cavity 12a is delimited by an internal wall 120 forming an enclosure.
  • the receiving cavity 12a is intended to receive the piston 30 when said piston 30 is in its second position, as illustrated in the figure 2
  • the storage cavity 11a and the receiving cavity 12a form a housing in which the piston 30 can move and which is crossed by the conductive portion 44 of the conductive element 40.
  • the pyrotechnic initiator 20 comprises a pyrotechnic charge connected to connectors 21.
  • the pyrotechnic charge is, when it is initiated for example using a current passing through the connectors 21, capable of generating a pressurizing gas by its combustion.
  • the conductive elements 21 can be connected to a control device C ( figure 4 ) configured to actuate the pyrotechnic initiator 20 when an anomaly is detected.
  • the piston 30 has, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 , a form of revolution around the Z axis.
  • the Z axis corresponds to the axis of movement of the piston 30 and defines an axial direction D Z .
  • the piston 30 comprises a circumferential groove in which a seal 31, for example an O-ring, is housed.
  • the piston 30 can move in a direction of movement along the Z axis inside the body 10 between a high position (first position) as in the figure 1 , and a low position (second position) as on the figure 2 . As long as the pyrotechnic initiator 20 has not been triggered, the piston 30 is in its first position.
  • the receiving element 12 of the body 10 of the cutting device 100 comprises, in the bottom of the receiving cavity 12a, projecting portions 60 extending inside the receiving cavity 12a.
  • the projecting portions 60 form fins.
  • These fins 60 comprise, in a radial direction D R orthogonal to the axial direction D Z , a first end 61 secured to the internal wall 120 and a second free end 62.
  • the fins 60 thus extend, in the radial direction D R , from the internal wall 120 of the receiving element 12 towards the main axis Z.
  • the fins 60 comprise a first side 63 secured to a bottom wall 122 of the receiving cavity 12a and a second free side 64 intended to be opposite the piston 30 when the receiving element 12 is assembled with the storage element 11.
  • the receiving element 12 further comprises a tip 65 extending in a projecting manner in the axial direction DZ from the bottom wall 122 of the receiving cavity 12a towards the conductive element 40.
  • the tip 65 extends in the axial direction DZ over the entire height of the cavity 12a to bear against a lower face of the conductive element 40 when the receiving element 12 is assembled with the remainder of the cut-off device 100 and the piston 30 is in its first position.
  • the fins 60 extend at most, in the radial direction D R , up to the tip 65.
  • the piston 30 further comprises on its lower part intended to come into contact with the conductive element 40, a central part hollowed out in the axial direction D Z .
  • the piston 30 breaks the conductive element 40 at the two weak zones 43, and the broken portion 44 bends around the point 65, as illustrated in the figure 2 , the piston 30 stopping by pressing on the second side 64 of the fins 60 of the receiving element 12.
  • the fins 60 in the receiving cavity 12a make it possible to increase the effective surface area of insulating material capable of dissipating the energy of the plasma generated when the conductive element 40 is cut by the piston 30.
  • the fins 60 make it possible to increase the length of the soot path between the two cut sections of the sectioned conductive element 40 and thus to reduce the risk of resumption of an electric current following actuation of the cut-off device 100.
  • the fins 60 are preferably made of plastic and may extend in the axial direction DZ only over a portion of the height of the receiving cavity 12a.
  • FIG 4 schematically illustrated is a perspective view of a receiving element of a cut-off device according to a second embodiment.
  • the second embodiment illustrated in the figure 4 differs from the first embodiment illustrated in the Figures 1 to 3 in that, on the one hand, the receiving element 12 does not comprise a tip 65, and, on the other hand, in that the receiving element 12 comprises additional cavities 50 located around the receiving cavity 12a and which are placed in communication with said receiving cavity 12a by channels 51.
  • the plurality of additional cavities 50 thus makes it possible to improve the isolation of the plasma pockets.
  • the receiving element 12 may not comprise an additional cavity.
  • the additional cavities 50 are cavities distinct from the receiving cavity 12a, in particular the piston 30 does not penetrate into the additional cavities 50 when said piston 30 is positioned in the receiving cavity 12a.
  • the channels 51 which connect the additional cavities 50 to the receiving cavity 12a are open when the piston 30 breaks the conductive element 40, and are closed by the piston 30 when said piston 30 is in its second position.
  • Such additional cavities 50 make it possible to receive the plasma generated during the rupture of the conductive element 40, the plasma thus being evacuated from the receiving cavity 12a to the additional cavity(ies) 50 via the channel(s) 51.
  • the Applicant has in fact realized that the fact that the plasma stagnates in the receiving cavity 12a tends on the one hand to slow down the movement of the piston 30, and on the other hand tends to allow the flow of the electric current despite the rupture of the conductive element 40.
  • the fact of moving the plasma out of the receiving cavity 12a thus allows the device 100 to cut off more quickly and more efficiently the flow of an electric current between the two terminals 41 and 42 of the conductive element 40 and this despite the fact that the voltage and the intensity of the electric current are high (in particular a voltage greater than 500V and an intensity greater than 10kA) and cause the generation of plasma at the rupture of the conductive element 40.
  • the piston 30 can then close the channel(s) 51, thus maintaining the plasma in the additional cavities 50, which thus limits the risk that the current continues to flow despite the cutting of the conductive element 40.
  • the channels 51 are located at the level of the face of the receiving element 12 intended to be in contact with the conductive element 40, in other words, at the level of a breaking point of the conductive element 40. This allows better evacuation of the plasma towards the additional cavity(ies) 50. Indeed, the plasma is generated at the breaking point of the conductive element 40.
  • the channels 51 may be located close to a breaking point of the conductive element 40, that is to say at a distance less than or equal to 5 mm from a breaking point of the conductive element 40.
  • the size of the additional cavity(ies) 50 is advantageously sufficiently large relative to the size of the receiving cavity 12a.
  • the additional cavity(ies) 50 have a length that is at least equal to the length of the receiving cavity 12a.
  • the total volume of the additional cavity(ies) 50 is greater than or equal to the volume of the receiving cavity 12a.
  • the total volume of the additional cavity(ies) 50 is greater than the volume of the receiving cavity 12a.
  • the channels 51 open into the receiving cavity 12a on a portion of said receiving cavity 12a which has a conical surface.
  • the shape of the conical surface of the portion of the receiving cavity 12a is complementary to the shape of a portion of the piston 30, thus making it possible to improve the sealing of the closing of the channels 51 by the piston 30.
  • the channels 51 may be located in a lower part of the receiving cavity 12a.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of a secure electrical installation 300 implementing the cut-off device 100 according to the invention.
  • the secure electrical installation 300 comprises a secure power supply system 310 comprising the cut-off device 100 (shown very schematically) and a power supply circuit 311.
  • the power supply circuit 311 here comprises an electric generator G connected to the second terminal 42 of the conductive portion 40 of the cut-off device 100.
  • the electric generator G may be, for example, a battery or an alternator.
  • the secure power supply system 310 further comprises a control element C configured to actuate the pyrotechnic initiator 20 when an anomaly is detected.
  • the control element C is connected to the pyrotechnic initiator 20 via the connectors 21.
  • the anomaly in response to which the control element C can trigger the pyrotechnic initiator 20 can be an electrical anomaly, such as a current threshold exceeded in the circuit, or a non-electrical anomaly such as the detection of a shock, for example a sudden deceleration of the control element, a change in temperature, pressure, etc.
  • the control element C is able to send an electric current to the pyrotechnic initiator 20 for its triggering in order to cut off the current, as described above.
  • the secure electrical installation 300 finally comprises an electrical device D connected here to the first terminal 41 of the conductive portion 40 of the cut-off device 100 to be supplied by the secure power supply system 310.
  • a motor vehicle may include a secure electrical installation 300.

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  • Fuses (AREA)
  • Circuit Breakers (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Description

Domaine TechniqueTechnical Domain

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine général des dispositifs de coupure électrique, et plus particulièrement ceux du type à actionnement pyrotechnique.The present invention relates to the general field of electrical cut-off devices, and more particularly those of the pyrotechnic actuation type.

Technique antérieurePrevious technique

On connaît des dispositifs de coupure pyrotechnique comprenant un corps dans lequel est présent un initiateur pyrotechnique configuré pour, lorsqu'il est déclenché, mettre en mouvement un piston muni d'un relief en direction d'une barre conductrice à sectionner.Pyrotechnic cutting devices are known comprising a body in which there is present a pyrotechnic initiator configured to, when triggered, set in motion a piston provided with a relief in the direction of a conductive bar to be cut.

On connaît par exemple le document déposé sous le numéro FR1908466 qui décrit un dispositif de coupure pyrotechnique. Le dispositif présenté dans le document FR1908466 permet d'obtenir des résultats satisfaisants, notamment pour des tensions des intensités allant jusqu'à 18kA et sous des tensions de l'ordre de 1 kV. Toutefois, la Demanderesse s'est aperçue que les performances générales du dispositif sont limitées par le niveau d'isolation électrique obtenu après la coupure électrique.For example, we know of the document filed under number FR1908466 which describes a pyrotechnic cutting device. The device presented in the document FR1908466 allows satisfactory results to be obtained, in particular for voltages of intensities up to 18kA and under voltages of the order of 1 kV. However, the Applicant has noticed that the general performance of the device is limited by the level of electrical insulation obtained after the power cut.

Il est aussi connu du document US 2014/061161 un dispositif de coupure comprenant un élément conducteur et un piston mobile entre une position de conduction et une position de coupure.It is also known from the document US 2014/061161 a cut-off device comprising a conductive element and a piston movable between a conduction position and a cut-off position.

Exposé de l'inventionDisclosure of the invention

L'invention a pour but de fournir un dispositif de coupure qui assure une isolation électrique plus fiable et complète, c'est-à-dire permettant de maintenir une coupure complète du courant en un temps donné qui reste court, et un maintien d'un haut niveau d"isolement électrique après l'activation du dispositif de coupure, le haut niveau d'isolement étant démontré par un courant de fuite de l'ordre de 10 mA pour des tensions de l'ordre de 2,5 kV, et/ou une résistance électrique d'isolation supérieure à 80 MOhm.The aim of the invention is to provide a cut-off device which ensures more reliable and complete electrical insulation, i.e. making it possible to maintain a complete cut-off of the current in a given time which remains short, and to maintain a high level of electrical insulation after activation of the cut-off device, the high level of insulation being demonstrated by a leakage current of the order of 10 mA for voltages of the order of 2.5 kV, and/or an electrical insulation resistance greater than 80 MOhm.

A cet effet, l'invention propose un dispositif de coupure comprenant: un élément conducteur et un piston mobile, le piston étant apte à se déplacer entre une première position de passage du courant dans l'élément conducteur et une réception lorsque ledit piston est dans sa deuxième position, la cavité de réception étant délimitée par au moins une paroi interne de l'élément de réception, la paroi interne étant en matériau électriquement isolant.For this purpose, the invention proposes a cut-off device comprising: a conductive element and a movable piston, the piston being able to move between a first position for passing current in the conductive element and a reception when said piston is in its second position, the reception cavity being delimited by at least one internal wall of the reception element, the internal wall being made of electrically insulating material.

Selon une caractéristique générale de l'invention, l'élément de réception comprend des ailettes en matériau électriquement isolant et s'étendant à l'intérieur de la cavité de réception en saillie depuis ladite au moins une paroi interne de l'élément de réception.According to a general characteristic of the invention, the receiving element comprises fins made of electrically insulating material and extending inside the receiving cavity projecting from said at least one internal wall of the receiving element.

La présence de portions en matériau électriquement isolant, comme du plastique par exemple, et s'étendant en saillie à l'intérieur de la cavité de réception du corps du dispositif de coupure depuis une paroi interne permet d'améliorer le caractère électriquement isolant du dispositif de coupure, et plus particulièrement de favoriser le maintien de la coupure électrique une fois le dispositif de coupure actionné.The presence of portions made of electrically insulating material, such as plastic for example, and extending in projection inside the receiving cavity of the body of the cut-off device from an internal wall makes it possible to improve the electrically insulating nature of the cut-off device, and more particularly to promote the maintenance of the electrical cut-off once the cut-off device has been actuated.

Premièrement, l'ajout des ailettes dans la cavité permet tout d'abord d'augmenter la surface effective de matériau isolant permettant de dissiper l'énergie du plasma généré suite à la coupure de l'élément conducteur par le piston, notamment par rapport à une cavité de réception cylindrique sans portion en saillie vers l'intérieur.First, the addition of the fins in the cavity firstly makes it possible to increase the effective surface area of insulating material allowing the dissipation of the energy of the plasma generated following the cutting of the conductive element by the piston, in particular compared to a cylindrical receiving cavity without a portion projecting inwards.

Autrement dit, la cavité de réception forme une enceinte étanche à l'intérieur de laquelle le plasma de l'arc électrique est dissipé grâce à la surface totale de matériau isolant au sein de la cavité de réception. Les différents éléments en matériau isolant forment des surfaces d'échange énergétique permettant de dissiper la grande quantité d'énergie contenue dans l'arc électrique.In other words, the receiving cavity forms a sealed enclosure inside which the plasma of the electric arc is dissipated thanks to the total surface area of insulating material within the receiving cavity. The various elements made of insulating material form energy exchange surfaces allowing the dissipation of the large quantity of energy contained in the electric arc.

Deuxièmement, suite à l'actionnement du dispositif de coupure, un arc électrique est produit un court instant. Le plasma de l'arc électrique dépose alors de la suie sur les parois de la cavité de réception. En outre, l'élément conducteur est coupé en deux sections couplées au reste du circuit et non reliée électriquement l'une à l'autre. Ces deux sections sont distantes l'une de l'autre d'une distance qui dépend du diamètre du piston et de la largeur de la barre dans le cas où le piston est circulaire. La suie déposée sur les parois de la cavité de réception peut former des chemins non isolant qui pourraient rétablir le passage du courant entre les deux sections de l'élément conducteur.Second, following the actuation of the cut-off device, an electric arc is produced for a short time. The plasma of the electric arc then deposits soot on the walls of the receiving cavity. In addition, the conductive element is cut into two sections coupled to the rest of the circuit and not electrically connected to each other. These two sections are spaced apart from each other by a distance that depends on the diameter of the piston and the width of the bar in the case where the piston is circular. The soot deposited on the walls of the receiving cavity can form non-insulating paths that could restore the passage of current between the two sections of the conductive element.

La présence des ailettes dans la cavité permet d'augmenter la longueur du chemin de suie entre les deux sections de l'élément conducteur sectionné et ainsi de réduire le risque de reprise d'un courant électrique.The presence of the fins in the cavity makes it possible to increase the length of the soot path between the two sections of the cut conductive element and thus reduce the risk of an electric current being resumed.

Selon un premier aspect du dispositif de coupure, le dispositif comprend de préférence au moins six ailettes pour maximiser le chemin à parcourir par la suie et maximiser la matière permettant de dissiper l'énergie du plasma créer lors de la coupure tout en minimisant la masse du dispositif de coupure.According to a first aspect of the cutting device, the device preferably comprises at least six fins to maximize the path traveled by the soot and maximize the material allowing the energy of the plasma created during cutting to be dissipated while minimizing the mass of the cutting device.

Selon un deuxième aspect du dispositif de coupure, les ailettes peuvent comprendre une première extrémité solidaire de ladite au moins une paroi interne de l'élément de réception et une seconde extrémité sui est libre à l'intérieur de la cavité de réception, les ailettes ayant toutes la même longueur entre leur première extrémité et leur seconde extrémité pour maximiser le nombre d'ailettes qui peuvent être logées dans la cavité de réception tout en conservant suffisamment de distance entre les ailettes.According to a second aspect of the cutting device, the fins may comprise a first end integral with said at least one internal wall of the receiving element and a second end which is free inside the receiving cavity, the fins all having the same length between their first end and their second end to maximize the number of fins which can be housed in the receiving cavity while maintaining sufficient distance between the fins.

Dans une variante, les ailettes peuvent comprendre une première extrémité solidaire de ladite au moins une paroi interne de l'élément de réception et une seconde extrémité qui est libre à l'intérieur de la cavité de réception, le dispositif comprenant des premières ailettes ayant une première longueur entre leur première extrémité et leur seconde extrémité, et des secondes ailettes ayant une seconde longueur entre leur première extrémité et leur seconde extrémité, la seconde longueur étant inférieure à la première longueur, chaque première ailette étant disposée entre deux secondes ailettes et chaque seconde ailette étant disposée entre deux premières ailettes.In a variant, the fins may comprise a first end secured to said at least one internal wall of the receiving element and a second end which is free inside the receiving cavity, the device comprising first fins having a first length between their first end and their second end, and second fins having a second length between their first end and their second end, the second length being less than the first length, each first fin being arranged between two second fins and each second fin being arranged between two first fins.

Selon un troisième aspect du dispositif de coupure, l'élément de réception peut comprendre en outre au moins une cavité additionnelle distincte de la cavité de réception et reliée à ladite cavité de réception par au moins un canal, ledit au moins un canal étant ouvert lors de la rupture de l'élément conducteur par le piston.According to a third aspect of the cutting device, the receiving element may further comprise at least one additional cavity distinct from the receiving cavity and connected to said receiving cavity by at least one channel, said at least one channel being open when the conductive element is broken by the piston.

Un tel dispositif de coupure comprenant au moins une cavité additionnelle permet d'évacuer le plasma généré lors de la rupture de l'élément conducteur vers la cavité additionnelle, limitant ainsi la quantité de plasma dans la cavité de réception qui tend à ralentir le piston et à assurer la continuité électrique entre les extrémités rompues de l'élément conducteur.Such a cut-off device comprising at least one additional cavity makes it possible to evacuate the plasma generated during the rupture of the conductive element towards the additional cavity, thus limiting the quantity of plasma in the receiving cavity which tends to slow down the piston and to ensure electrical continuity between the broken ends of the conductive element.

Selon un quatrième aspect du dispositif de coupure, le au moins un canal peut être obturé par le piston lorsque ledit piston est dans sa deuxième position.According to a fourth aspect of the cutting device, the at least one channel can be closed by the piston when said piston is in its second position.

Selon un cinquième aspect du dispositif de coupure, le au moins un canal peut être situé au droit d'un point de rupture de l'élément conducteur.According to a fifth aspect of the cutting device, the at least one channel can be located at a breaking point of the conductive element.

Selon un sixième aspect du dispositif de coupure, l'élément de réception peut comprendre au moins deux cavités additionnelles distinctes chacune reliée à la cavité de réception par au moins un canal.According to a sixth aspect of the cutting device, the receiving element may comprise at least two separate additional cavities each connected to the receiving cavity by at least one channel.

Selon un septième aspect du dispositif de coupure, chaque cavité additionnelle peut être reliée à la cavité de réception par au moins un canal situé au droit d'un point de rupture de l'élément conducteur, au moins un canal étant situé au droit de chaque point de rupture de l'élément conducteur.According to a seventh aspect of the cutting device, each additional cavity can be connected to the receiving cavity by at least one channel located at a breaking point of the conductive element, at least one channel being located at each breaking point of the conductive element.

Selon un huitième aspect du dispositif de coupure, ladite au moins une cavité additionnelle peut comprendre une longueur au moins égale à la moitié de la longueur de la cavité de réception.According to an eighth aspect of the cutting device, said at least one additional cavity may comprise a length at least equal to half the length of the receiving cavity.

Selon un neuvième aspect du dispositif de coupure, le volume de ladite au moins une cavité additionnelle peut être supérieur ou égal au volume de la cavité de réception.According to a ninth aspect of the cutting device, the volume of said at least one additional cavity may be greater than or equal to the volume of the receiving cavity.

Selon un dixième aspect du dispositif de coupure, ledit au moins un canal peut déboucher dans la cavité de réception sur une portion de ladite cavité de réception présentant une surface conique de forme complémentaire à une portion du piston.According to a tenth aspect of the cutting device, said at least one channel can open into the receiving cavity on a portion of said receiving cavity having a conical surface of a shape complementary to a portion of the piston.

Selon un onzième aspect du dispositif de coupure, le dispositif est un dispositif de coupure pyrotechnique comprenant un initiateur pyrotechnique, le piston étant apte à se déplacer suite à l'actionnement de l'initiateur pyrotechnique entre sa première position et sa deuxième position.According to an eleventh aspect of the cut-off device, the device is a pyrotechnic cut-off device comprising a pyrotechnic initiator, the piston being capable of moving following actuation of the pyrotechnic initiator between its first position and its second position.

Selon un douzième aspect du dispositif de coupure, l'élément conducteur peut être configuré pour être rompu par le piston en deux points de rupture.According to a twelfth aspect of the breaking device, the conductive element may be configured to be ruptured by the piston at two rupture points.

Dans une variante, l'élément conducteur est configuré pour être rompu en un point de rupture et être plié par le piston.In one variation, the conductive element is configured to be broken at a breaking point and be bent by the piston.

Dans un autre objet de l'invention, il est proposé une installation électrique sécurisée comprenant un dispositif de coupure selon l'une quelconque des caractéristiques possibles et un circuit électrique relié à l'élément conducteur dudit dispositif.In another object of the invention, there is provided a secure electrical installation comprising a cut-off device according to any one of the possible characteristics and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive element of said device.

Dans un autre objet de l'invention, il est proposé un véhicule comprenant une installation électrique sécurisée selon l'une des caractéristiques possibles.In another object of the invention, a vehicle is proposed comprising a secure electrical installation according to one of the possible characteristics.

Brève description des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

  • [Fig. 1] La figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'une vue en coupe d'un dispositif de coupure selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, le piston étant en première position.[ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a cutting device according to a first embodiment of the invention, the piston being in the first position.
  • [Fig. 2] La figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'une vue en coupe du dispositif de coupure de la figure 1 dans lequel le piston est en deuxième position.[ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of the cut-off device of the figure 1 in which the piston is in second position.
  • [Fig. 3] La figure 3 est une vue en perspective partielle de l'élément de réception du dispositif de coupure de la figure 1.[ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the receiving element of the cut-off device of the figure 1 .
  • [Fig. 4] La figure 4 est une en perspective d'un élément de réception du dispositif de coupure selon un second mode de réalisation possible de l'invention.[ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a perspective view of a receiving element of the cutting device according to a second possible embodiment of the invention.
  • [Fig. 5] La figure 5 est une représentation schématique d'un circuit électrique sécurisé dans lequel est présent un dispositif de coupure selon l'invention.[ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a schematic representation of a secure electrical circuit in which a cut-off device according to the invention is present.
Description des modes de réalisationDescription of the embodiments

Comme cela est illustré sur les figures 1 et 2 qui présentent une vue en coupe du dispositif de coupure selon un mode de réalisation, un dispositif 100 de coupure selon un mode de réalisation comprend un corps 10 à l'intérieur duquel sont installés un initiateur pyrotechnique 20, un piston 30, et un élément conducteur 40. Le piston 30 est monté de sorte à être mobile entre une première position de stockage, illustrée sur la figure 1, et une deuxième position de rupture, illustrée sur la figure 2, le piston 30 étant déplacé depuis sa première position vers sa deuxième position par l'actionnement de l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20. Le piston 30 a pour fonction de rompre l'élément conducteur 40 lors de son passage de sa première position vers sa deuxième position, coupant ainsi la circulation du courant électrique traversant l'élément conducteur 40.As illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 which show a sectional view of the cut-off device according to one embodiment, a cut-off device 100 according to one embodiment comprises a body 10 inside which are installed a pyrotechnic initiator 20, a piston 30, and a conductive element 40. The piston 30 is mounted so as to be movable between a first storage position, illustrated in the figure 1 , and a second break position, illustrated in the figure 2 , the piston 30 being moved from its first position to its second position by the actuation of the pyrotechnic initiator 20. The piston 30 has the function of breaking the conductive element 40 during its passage from its first position to its second position, thus cutting off the flow of electric current passing through the conductive element 40.

Le dispositif 100 comprend une première 41 et une deuxième 42 bornes électriques destinées à être reliées à un circuit électrique à couper et qui correspondent ici à deux extrémités de l'élément conducteur 40. L'élément conducteur 40 prend ici la forme d'une barre ou languette conductrice électriquement. Dans un mode de réalisation non illustré, le dispositif 100 peut comprendre une pluralité d'éléments conducteurs. Un exemple d'installation comprenant un circuit électrique relié aux bornes 41 et 42 sera décrit en lien avec la figure 4.The device 100 comprises a first 41 and a second 42 electrical terminals intended to be connected to an electrical circuit to be cut and which here correspond to two ends of the conductive element 40. The conductive element 40 here takes the form of an electrically conductive bar or tab. In an embodiment not illustrated, the device 100 may comprise a plurality of elements conductors. An example of an installation comprising an electrical circuit connected to terminals 41 and 42 will be described in connection with the figure 4 .

Afin de faciliter la rupture de l'élément conducteur 40 par le piston 30, l'élément conducteur 40 comprend au moins une zone de faiblesse 43 qui est destinée à former un point de rupture de l'élément conducteur 40. Dans les exemples de réalisation illustrés sur les figures, l'élément conducteur 40 comprend deux zones de faiblesses 43, permettant ainsi d'assurer une cassure de l'élément conducteur 40 en deux points de rupture et de détacher une portion sacrificielle 44 du reste de l'élément conducteur 40.In order to facilitate the breaking of the conductive element 40 by the piston 30, the conductive element 40 comprises at least one weak zone 43 which is intended to form a breaking point of the conductive element 40. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, the conductive element 40 comprises two weak zones 43, thus making it possible to ensure a breakage of the conductive element 40 at two breaking points and to detach a sacrificial portion 44 from the rest of the conductive element 40.

Le corps 10 peut présenter une forme cylindrique d'axe principal Z, comme cela est illustré sur les figures, d'autres formes sont cependant possibles. Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, le corps 10 est formé par un élément de stockage 11 et un élément de réception 12 qui sont assemblés ensemble. L'élément de stockage 11 présente une cavité de stockage 11a dans laquelle le piston 30 est situé lorsque le piston 30 est dans sa première position. L'élément de réception 12 présente une cavité de réception 12a qui est alignée avec la cavité de stockage 11a et qui communique avec ladite cavité de stockage 11a. La cavité de réception 12a est délimitée par une paroi interne 120 formant une enceinte. La cavité de réception 12a est destinée à recevoir le piston 30 lorsque ledit piston 30 est dans sa deuxième position, comme cela est illustré sur la figure 2. La cavité de stockage 11a et la cavité de réception 12a forme un logement dans lequel peut se déplacer le piston 30 et qui est traversée par la portion conductrice 44 de l'élément conducteur 40.The body 10 may have a cylindrical shape with a main axis Z, as illustrated in the figures, other shapes are however possible. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 , the body 10 is formed by a storage element 11 and a receiving element 12 which are assembled together. The storage element 11 has a storage cavity 11a in which the piston 30 is located when the piston 30 is in its first position. The receiving element 12 has a receiving cavity 12a which is aligned with the storage cavity 11a and which communicates with said storage cavity 11a. The receiving cavity 12a is delimited by an internal wall 120 forming an enclosure. The receiving cavity 12a is intended to receive the piston 30 when said piston 30 is in its second position, as illustrated in the figure 2 The storage cavity 11a and the receiving cavity 12a form a housing in which the piston 30 can move and which is crossed by the conductive portion 44 of the conductive element 40.

L'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 comprend une charge pyrotechnique reliée à des connecteurs 21. La charge pyrotechnique est, lorsqu'elle est initiée par exemple à l'aide d'un courant traversant les connecteurs 21, apte à générer un gaz de pressurisation par sa combustion. Les éléments conducteurs 21 peuvent être reliés à un dispositif de contrôle C (figure 4) configuré pour actionner l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 lorsqu'une anomalie est détectée.The pyrotechnic initiator 20 comprises a pyrotechnic charge connected to connectors 21. The pyrotechnic charge is, when it is initiated for example using a current passing through the connectors 21, capable of generating a pressurizing gas by its combustion. The conductive elements 21 can be connected to a control device C ( figure 4 ) configured to actuate the pyrotechnic initiator 20 when an anomaly is detected.

Le piston 30 présente, dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, une forme de révolution autour de l'axe Z. L'axe Z correspond à l'axe de déplacement du piston 30 et définit une direction axiale DZ. Le piston 30 comprend une gorge circonférentielle dans laquelle un joint d'étanchéité 31, par exemple un joint torique, est logé. Le piston 30 peut se déplacer selon une direction de déplacement le long de l'axe Z à l'intérieur du corps 10 entre une position haute (première position) comme sur la figure 1, et une position basse (deuxième position) comme sur la figure 2. Tant que l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 n'a pas été déclenché, le piston 30 est dans sa première position.The piston 30 has, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 , a form of revolution around the Z axis. The Z axis corresponds to the axis of movement of the piston 30 and defines an axial direction D Z . The piston 30 comprises a circumferential groove in which a seal 31, for example an O-ring, is housed. The piston 30 can move in a direction of movement along the Z axis inside the body 10 between a high position (first position) as in the figure 1 , and a low position (second position) as on the figure 2 . As long as the pyrotechnic initiator 20 has not been triggered, the piston 30 is in its first position.

En outre, comme cela est illustré sur les figures 1 et 2, ainsi que sur la figure 3 qui présente une vue en perspective partielle de l'élément de réception 12 du dispositif de coupure 100 de la figure 1, l'élément de réception 12 du corps 10 du dispositif de coupure 100 comprend, dans le fond de la cavité de réception 12a, des portions saillantes 60 s'étendant à l'intérieur de la cavité de réception 12a. Les portions saillantes 60 forment des ailettes. Ces ailettes 60 comprennent, selon une direction radiale DR orthogonale à la direction axiale DZ, une première extrémité 61 solidaire de la paroi interne 120 et une seconde extrémité 62 libre. Les ailettes 60 s'étendent ainsi, selon la direction radiale DR, depuis la paroi interne 120 de l'élément de réception 12 vers l'axe principal Z. Selon la direction axiale DZ, les ailettes 60 comprennent un premier côté 63 solidaire d'une paroi de fond 122 de la cavité de réception 12a et un second côté 64 libre destiné à être en regard du piston 30 lorsque l'élément de réception 12 est assemblé avec l'élément de stockage 11.Furthermore, as illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 , as well as on the figure 3 which presents a partial perspective view of the receiving element 12 of the cutting device 100 of the figure 1 , the receiving element 12 of the body 10 of the cutting device 100 comprises, in the bottom of the receiving cavity 12a, projecting portions 60 extending inside the receiving cavity 12a. The projecting portions 60 form fins. These fins 60 comprise, in a radial direction D R orthogonal to the axial direction D Z , a first end 61 secured to the internal wall 120 and a second free end 62. The fins 60 thus extend, in the radial direction D R , from the internal wall 120 of the receiving element 12 towards the main axis Z. In the axial direction D Z , the fins 60 comprise a first side 63 secured to a bottom wall 122 of the receiving cavity 12a and a second free side 64 intended to be opposite the piston 30 when the receiving element 12 is assembled with the storage element 11.

En outre, l'élément de réception 12 comprend en outre une pointe 65 s'étendant en saillie selon la direction axiale DZ depuis la paroi de fond 122 de la cavité de réception 12a vers l'élément conducteur 40. La pointe 65 s'étend selon la direction axiale DZ sur toute la hauteur de la cavité 12a pour être en appui contre une face inférieure de l'élément conducteur 40 lorsque l'élément de réception 12 est assemblé avec le reste du dispositif de coupure 100 et que le piston 30 est dans sa première position. Les ailettes 60 s'étendent au maximum, dans la direction radiale DR, jusqu'à la pointe 65.In addition, the receiving element 12 further comprises a tip 65 extending in a projecting manner in the axial direction DZ from the bottom wall 122 of the receiving cavity 12a towards the conductive element 40. The tip 65 extends in the axial direction DZ over the entire height of the cavity 12a to bear against a lower face of the conductive element 40 when the receiving element 12 is assembled with the remainder of the cut-off device 100 and the piston 30 is in its first position. The fins 60 extend at most, in the radial direction D R , up to the tip 65.

Le piston 30 comprend en outre sur sa partie inférieure destinée à entrer en contact avec l'élément conducteur 40, une partie centrale évidée selon la direction axiale DZ. Ainsi, lorsque le piston 30 passe de sa première position, dans l'élément de stockage 11, à sa seconde position, dans l'élément de réception 12 lorsque le dispositif de coupure 100 est actionné, le piston 30 rompt l'élément conducteur 40 au niveau des deux zones de faiblesse 43, et la portion rompue 44, se plie autour de la pointe 65, comme cela est illustrée sur la figure 2, le piston 30 s'arrêtant en appui sur le second côté 64 des ailettes 60 de l'élément de réception 12.The piston 30 further comprises on its lower part intended to come into contact with the conductive element 40, a central part hollowed out in the axial direction D Z . Thus, when the piston 30 passes from its first position, in the storage element 11, to its second position, in the receiving element 12 when the cutting device 100 is actuated, the piston 30 breaks the conductive element 40 at the two weak zones 43, and the broken portion 44 bends around the point 65, as illustrated in the figure 2 , the piston 30 stopping by pressing on the second side 64 of the fins 60 of the receiving element 12.

Les ailettes 60 dans la cavité de réception 12a permettent d'augmenter la surface effective de matériau isolant apte à dissiper l'énergie du plasma généré lors de la coupure de l'élément conducteur 40 par le piston 30.The fins 60 in the receiving cavity 12a make it possible to increase the effective surface area of insulating material capable of dissipating the energy of the plasma generated when the conductive element 40 is cut by the piston 30.

En outre, les ailettes 60 permettent d'augmenter la longueur du chemin de suie entre les deux sections coupées de l'élément conducteur 40 sectionné et ainsi de réduire le risque de reprise d'un courant électrique à l'issue de l'actionnement du dispositif de coupure 100.Furthermore, the fins 60 make it possible to increase the length of the soot path between the two cut sections of the sectioned conductive element 40 and thus to reduce the risk of resumption of an electric current following actuation of the cut-off device 100.

Les ailettes 60 sont de préférence en matière plastique et peuvent ne s'étendre selon la direction axiale DZ seulement sur une portion de la hauteur de la cavité de réception 12a.The fins 60 are preferably made of plastic and may extend in the axial direction DZ only over a portion of the height of the receiving cavity 12a.

Sur la figure 4 est illustré schématiquement une vue en perspective d'un élément de réception d'un dispositif de coupure selon un seconde mode de réalisation. Le second mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 4 diffère du premier mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 1 à 3 en ce que, d'une part, l'élément de réception 12 ne comprend pas de pointe 65, et, d'autre part, en ce que l'élément de réception 12 comprend des cavités additionnelles 50 situées autour de la cavité de réception 12a et qui sont mises en communication avec ladite cavité de réception 12a par des canaux 51. La pluralité de cavités additionnelles 50 permet ainsi d'améliorer l'isolation des poches de plasma. Dans une variante, l'élément de réception 12 peut ne pas comprendre de cavité additionnelle.On the figure 4 schematically illustrated is a perspective view of a receiving element of a cut-off device according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment illustrated in the figure 4 differs from the first embodiment illustrated in the Figures 1 to 3 in that, on the one hand, the receiving element 12 does not comprise a tip 65, and, on the other hand, in that the receiving element 12 comprises additional cavities 50 located around the receiving cavity 12a and which are placed in communication with said receiving cavity 12a by channels 51. The plurality of additional cavities 50 thus makes it possible to improve the isolation of the plasma pockets. In a variant, the receiving element 12 may not comprise an additional cavity.

Les cavités additionnelles 50 sont des cavités distinctes de la cavité de réception 12a, notamment le piston 30 ne pénètre pas dans les cavités additionnelles 50 lorsque ledit piston 30 est positionné dans la cavité de réception 12a. Les canaux 51 qui relient les cavités additionnelles 50 à la cavité de réception 12a sont ouverts lorsque le piston 30 vient rompre l'élément conducteur 40, et sont obturés par le piston 30 lorsque ledit piston 30 est dans sa deuxième position. De telles cavités additionnelles 50 permettent de recevoir le plasma généré lors de la rupture de l'élément conducteur 40, le plasma étant ainsi évacué depuis la cavité de réception 12a vers la ou les cavités additionnelles 50 par le ou les canaux 51. La Demanderesse s'est en effet rendue compte que le fait que le plasma stagne dans la cavité de réception 12a tend d'une part à ralentir le mouvement du piston 30, et d'autre part tend à permettre la circulation du courant électrique malgré la rupture de l'élément conducteur 40. Le fait de déplacer le plasma hors de la cavité de réception 12a permet ainsi au dispositif 100 de couper plus rapidement et plus efficacement la circulation d'un courant électrique entre les deux bornes 41 et 42 de l'élément conducteur, 40 et ce malgré le fait que la tension et l'intensité du courant électrique soit élevées (notamment une tension supérieure à 500V et une intensité supérieure à 10kA) et provoquent la génération de plasma à la rupture de l'élément conducteur 40.The additional cavities 50 are cavities distinct from the receiving cavity 12a, in particular the piston 30 does not penetrate into the additional cavities 50 when said piston 30 is positioned in the receiving cavity 12a. The channels 51 which connect the additional cavities 50 to the receiving cavity 12a are open when the piston 30 breaks the conductive element 40, and are closed by the piston 30 when said piston 30 is in its second position. Such additional cavities 50 make it possible to receive the plasma generated during the rupture of the conductive element 40, the plasma thus being evacuated from the receiving cavity 12a to the additional cavity(ies) 50 via the channel(s) 51. The Applicant has in fact realized that the fact that the plasma stagnates in the receiving cavity 12a tends on the one hand to slow down the movement of the piston 30, and on the other hand tends to allow the flow of the electric current despite the rupture of the conductive element 40. The fact of moving the plasma out of the receiving cavity 12a thus allows the device 100 to cut off more quickly and more efficiently the flow of an electric current between the two terminals 41 and 42 of the conductive element 40 and this despite the fact that the voltage and the intensity of the electric current are high (in particular a voltage greater than 500V and an intensity greater than 10kA) and cause the generation of plasma at the rupture of the conductive element 40.

Une fois l'élément conducteur 40 rompu, le piston 30 peut venir ensuite obturer le ou les canaux 51, maintenant ainsi le plasma dans les cavités additionnelles 50, ce qui limite ainsi le risque que le courant continue de circuler malgré la coupure de l'élément conducteur 40.Once the conductive element 40 is broken, the piston 30 can then close the channel(s) 51, thus maintaining the plasma in the additional cavities 50, which thus limits the risk that the current continues to flow despite the cutting of the conductive element 40.

Sur la figure 4, les canaux 51 sont situés au niveau de la face de l'élément de réception 12 destinée à être en contact avec l'élément conducteur 40, autrement dit, au droit d'un point de rupture de l'élément conducteur 40. Cela permet une meilleure évacuation du plasma vers la ou les cavités additionnelles 50. En effet, le plasma est généré au niveau du point de rupture de l'élément conducteur 40.On the figure 4 , the channels 51 are located at the level of the face of the receiving element 12 intended to be in contact with the conductive element 40, in other words, at the level of a breaking point of the conductive element 40. This allows better evacuation of the plasma towards the additional cavity(ies) 50. Indeed, the plasma is generated at the breaking point of the conductive element 40.

Dans une variante, les canaux 51 peuvent être situés proches d'un point de rupture de l'élément conducteur 40, c'est-à-dire à une distance inférieure ou égale à 5mm d'un point de rupture de l'élément conducteur 40.In a variant, the channels 51 may be located close to a breaking point of the conductive element 40, that is to say at a distance less than or equal to 5 mm from a breaking point of the conductive element 40.

Afin de minimiser la quantité de plasma restant dans la cavité de réception 12a, la taille de la ou des cavités additionnelles 50 est avantageusement suffisamment importante par rapport à la taille de la cavité de réception 12a. Ainsi, la ou les cavités additionnelles 50 présentent une longueur qui est au moins égale à la longueur de la cavité de réception 12a. De manière encore plus avantageuse, le volume totale de la ou des cavités additionnelles 50 est supérieur ou égal au volume de la cavité de réception 12a. De manière préférentielle, le volume totale de la ou des cavités additionnelles 50 est supérieur au volume de la cavité de réception 12a.In order to minimize the amount of plasma remaining in the receiving cavity 12a, the size of the additional cavity(ies) 50 is advantageously sufficiently large relative to the size of the receiving cavity 12a. Thus, the additional cavity(ies) 50 have a length that is at least equal to the length of the receiving cavity 12a. Even more advantageously, the total volume of the additional cavity(ies) 50 is greater than or equal to the volume of the receiving cavity 12a. Preferably, the total volume of the additional cavity(ies) 50 is greater than the volume of the receiving cavity 12a.

Dans le second mode de réalisation illustré sur la figure 4, les canaux 51 débouchent dans la cavité de réception 12a sur une portion de ladite cavité de réception 12a qui présente une surface conique. La forme de la surface conique de la portion de la cavité de réception 12a est complémentaire à la forme d'une portion du piston 30, permettant ainsi d'améliorer l'étanchéité de la fermeture des canaux 51 par le piston 30.In the second embodiment illustrated in the figure 4 , the channels 51 open into the receiving cavity 12a on a portion of said receiving cavity 12a which has a conical surface. The shape of the conical surface of the portion of the receiving cavity 12a is complementary to the shape of a portion of the piston 30, thus making it possible to improve the sealing of the closing of the channels 51 by the piston 30.

Dans une variante, les canaux 51 peuvent être situés dans une partie basse de la cavité de réception 12a.In one variant, the channels 51 may be located in a lower part of the receiving cavity 12a.

La figure 5 montre schématiquement un exemple d'installation électrique sécurisée 300 mettant en oeuvre le dispositif 100 de coupure selon l'invention.There figure 5 schematically shows an example of a secure electrical installation 300 implementing the cut-off device 100 according to the invention.

L'installation électrique sécurisée 300 comprend un système d'alimentation sécurisé 310 comprenant le dispositif de coupure 100 (représenté de façon très schématique) et un circuit d'alimentation 311. Le circuit d'alimentation 311 comprend ici un générateur électrique G relié à la deuxième borne 42 de la portion conductrice 40 du dispositif de coupure 100. Le générateur électrique G peut être par exemple une batterie ou un alternateur.The secure electrical installation 300 comprises a secure power supply system 310 comprising the cut-off device 100 (shown very schematically) and a power supply circuit 311. The power supply circuit 311 here comprises an electric generator G connected to the second terminal 42 of the conductive portion 40 of the cut-off device 100. The electric generator G may be, for example, a battery or an alternator.

Le système d'alimentation sécurisé 310 comprend en outre un élément de contrôle C configuré pour actionner l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 lorsqu'une anomalie est détectée. L'élément de contrôle C est connecté à l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 par l'intermédiaire des connecteurs 21. L'anomalie en réponse à laquelle l'élément de contrôle C peut déclencher l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 peut être une anomalie électrique, comme un dépassement de seuil de courant dans le circuit, ou une anomalie non-électrique comme la détection d'un choc, par exemple une décélération brusque de l'élément de contrôle, d'un changement de température, de pression, etc. En cas de détection d'une anomalie, l'élément de contrôle C est apte à envoyer un courant électrique à l'initiateur pyrotechnique 20 pour son déclenchement afin de couper le courant, comme décrit précédemment.The secure power supply system 310 further comprises a control element C configured to actuate the pyrotechnic initiator 20 when an anomaly is detected. The control element C is connected to the pyrotechnic initiator 20 via the connectors 21. The anomaly in response to which the control element C can trigger the pyrotechnic initiator 20 can be an electrical anomaly, such as a current threshold exceeded in the circuit, or a non-electrical anomaly such as the detection of a shock, for example a sudden deceleration of the control element, a change in temperature, pressure, etc. In the event of detection of an anomaly, the control element C is able to send an electric current to the pyrotechnic initiator 20 for its triggering in order to cut off the current, as described above.

L'installation électrique sécurisée 300 comprend enfin un dispositif électrique D relié ici à la première borne 41 de la portion conductrice 40 du dispositif de coupure 100 pour être alimenté par le système d'alimentation sécurisé 310.The secure electrical installation 300 finally comprises an electrical device D connected here to the first terminal 41 of the conductive portion 40 of the cut-off device 100 to be supplied by the secure power supply system 310.

A titre d'exemple, un véhicule automobile peut comprendre une installation électrique sécurisée 300.For example, a motor vehicle may include a secure electrical installation 300.

Claims (17)

  1. A cut-off device (100) comprising a conductive element (40) and a movable piston (30), the piston (30) being able to move along an axial direction (DZ) between a first position for the passage of the current in the conductive element (40) and a second current cut-off position, the piston (30) being configured to break the conductive element (40) during its passage from its first position to its second position, and the piston (30) being positioned in a receiving cavity (12a) of a receiving element (12) when said piston (30) is in its second position, the receiving cavity (12a) being delimited by at least one inner wall (120) of the receiving element (12) forming an enclosure, the inner wall (120) being made of electrically insulating material,
    the receiving element (12) comprising fins (60) made of electrically insulating material and extending inside the receiving cavity (12a) from said at least one inner wall (120) of the receiving element (12),
    the fins (60) extending, along a direction (DR) perpendicular to said axial direction (DZ), between a first end (61) secured to the inner wall (120) and a second free end (62),
    characterized in that the fins comprise, along the axial direction (Dz), a first side (63) secured to a bottom wall (122) of the receiving cavity (12a) and a second free side (64) on which the piston (30) is bearing when it is in its second position.
  2. The device (100) according to claim 1, comprising at least six fins (60).
  3. The device (100) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fins (60) comprise a first end (61) secured to said at least one inner wall (120) of the receiving element (12) and a second end (62) which is free inside the receiving cavity (12a), the fins (60) all having the same length between their first end (61) and their second end (62).
  4. The device (100) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the fins (60) comprise a first end (61) secured to said at least one inner wall (120) of the receiving element (12) and a second end (62) which is free inside the receiving cavity (12a), the device (100) comprising first fins having a first length between their first end and their second end, and second fins having a second length between their first end and their second end, the second length being smaller than the first length, each first fin being disposed between two second fins and each second fin being disposed between two first fins.
  5. The device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiving element (12) further comprises at least one additional cavity (50) distinct from the receiving cavity (12a) and connected to said receiving cavity (12a) through at least one channel (51), said at least one channel (51) being open when the conductive element (40) is broken by the piston (30).
  6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein said at least one channel (51) is obturated by the piston (30) when said piston (30) is in its second position.
  7. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein said at least one channel (51) is located in line with a breaking point of the conductive element (40).
  8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the receiving element (12) comprises at least two distinct additional cavities (50) each connected to the receiving cavity (12a) by at least one channel (51).
  9. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each additional cavity (50) is connected to the receiving cavity (12a) by at least one channel (51) located in line with a breaking point of the conductive element (40), at least one channel (51) being located in line with each breaking point of the conductive element (40).
  10. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said at least one additional cavity (50) comprises a length at least equal to half the length of the receiving cavity (12a).
  11. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the volume of said at least one additional cavity (50) is greater than or equal to the volume of the receiving cavity (12a).
  12. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein said at least one channel (51) opens out into the receiving cavity (12a) on a portion (P) of said receiving cavity (12a) having a tapered surface of a shape complementary to a portion of the piston (30).
  13. The device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the device is a pyrotechnic cut-off device comprising a pyrotechnic initiator (20), the piston (30) being able to move following the actuation of the pyrotechnic initiator (20) between its first position and its second position.
  14. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the conductive element (40) is configured to be broken by the piston (30) at two breaking points.
  15. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the conductive element (40) is configured to be broken at a breaking point and bent by the piston (30).
  16. A secure electrical installation (300) comprising a cut-off device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and an electric circuit connected to the conductive element (40) of said device (100).
  17. A vehicle comprising a secure electrical installation (300) according to claim 16.
EP21840651.0A 2020-12-10 2021-12-03 Dielectrically increased disconnecting device Active EP4260354B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2013018A FR3117665B1 (en) 2020-12-10 2020-12-10 Dielectric-increasing switchgear
PCT/FR2021/052210 WO2022123159A1 (en) 2020-12-10 2021-12-03 Dielectric-increase cutoff device

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EP4260354A1 EP4260354A1 (en) 2023-10-18
EP4260354C0 EP4260354C0 (en) 2024-11-06
EP4260354B1 true EP4260354B1 (en) 2024-11-06

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US (1) US20230395344A1 (en)
EP (1) EP4260354B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2023548629A (en)
CN (1) CN116601735A (en)
FR (1) FR3117665B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022123159A1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
EP4260354A1 (en) 2023-10-18
WO2022123159A1 (en) 2022-06-16
CN116601735A (en) 2023-08-15
EP4260354C0 (en) 2024-11-06
FR3117665B1 (en) 2023-04-14
JP2023548629A (en) 2023-11-17
US20230395344A1 (en) 2023-12-07
FR3117665A1 (en) 2022-06-17

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