Current switching devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for switching electric current, comprising: a switch block (2), which comprises an integral movable electrical contact (222) and a connection unit (228); and an actuating block (4), which comprises an actuator (41) and a movable tray (42). According to the invention, the device comprises an improved connection interface (3), which comprises a pivot axis (32), which comprises an eccentric fastener element, which defines an internal housing capable of accommodating the head of the connection unit (228). By rotating the axis (32), the connection interface can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state, in which the head of the connection unit (228) is retained in the internal housing of the eccentric fastener element, thereby maintaining the movable tray (42) translationally integral with the connection unit (228), and in an unlocked state, the head of the connection unit (228) can freely translate relative to the eccentric fastener element, thereby disengaging the movable tray from the connection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for switching electric current. Background Art

[0002] Patent EP2936534B1 describes a device for switching an electric current, such as a contactor, which comprises a plurality of switching elements with separable contacts, each switching element being associated with a phase of the electric current.

[0003] Typically, each switch element includes a fixed electrical contact and a movable electrical contact that is movable between an open position and a closed position to respectively prevent or permit the passage of electrical current.

[0004] In order to move the movable contacts simultaneously to the same open or closed position, the actuator is coupled to a translationally movable tray to which the movable contacts are fastened via a connection interface. For example, each movable contact is supported by a contactor bracket to which a screw head is attached, which protrudes outwards and is fastened to the tray via a fork integral with the tray.

[0005] In order to tighten or loosen the tray with the movable contact, the tray must be translated in a direction different from the direction of translation of the contacts, usually in a vertical direction. When the switchgear is already at least partially installed in a switchboard or an electrical enclosure, it may be difficult to achieve such a translational movement due to lack of space, for example because of the small size of the electrical enclosure or because of the presence of other equipment in the vicinity of the switchgear. It is therefore difficult to disassemble and / or reassemble the switchgear, which makes installation and maintenance operations more complicated.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a device for switching electric current as described above, wherein the connection interface connecting the movable contact to the movable tray is improved. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, one aspect of the present invention relates to a device for switching current, comprising:

[0008] - a switch block with separable contacts, comprising at least one switch element, each switch element comprising a fixed electrical contact, a movable electrical contact translationally movable relative to the fixed electrical contact between a closed position and an open position, and a connecting unit translationally integral with the movable electrical contact;

[0009] An actuating block comprising an actuator and a movable tray coupled to the actuator.

[0010] According to the invention, the switch device also comprises a connection interface inserted between the switch block and the actuation block, the connection interface comprising a structure supporting the movable tray in translation and a shaft, the shaft being pivotally assembled relative to the supporting structure about its longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising at least one eccentric fastener element, each eccentric fastener element delimiting an internal housing capable of accommodating the head of one of the connection units, the connection interface being switchable between the following states by rotation of its shaft about its longitudinal axis:

[0011] - a locked state in which the head of each connecting unit is retained in the internal housing of one of the eccentric fastener elements, thereby retaining the movable tray in translation integral with each connecting unit, and

[0012] - an unlocked state, in which the head of each connecting unit is free to move in translation relative to said eccentric fastener element, thereby disengaging the movable tray from each connecting unit.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, the connection and locking between the movable tray and each movable part is achieved by turning the shaft and without resorting to translational movements that could be hampered by equipment or obstacles located near the switching device.

[0014] According to an advantageous but not mandatory aspect, such a switchgear may have one or more of the following features, which are taken in isolation or in any technically permissible combination:

[0015] - Each eccentric fastener element has a cylindrical shape centered on the longitudinal axis, the inner housing is at least partially defined by side walls parallel to the longitudinal axis and includes a first opening and a second opening, the width of the first opening is strictly smaller than the width of the second opening, the first and second openings are adjacent and form a continuous opening of variable width, the width of the second opening is greater than the maximum width of the head of the connecting element, the width of the first opening is less than the maximum width of the head of the connecting element, and in the locked state, each first opening is aligned with and opposite to the connecting unit, and in the unlocked state, each second opening is aligned with and opposite to the connecting unit.

[0016] The shaft comprises at least one control located at one end of the shaft to enable the shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis, the control being able to cooperate with the tool by complementarity of shape.

[0017] The control portion comprises an embossing formed on the end surface of the shaft perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, for example an embossing having a groove shape or a cross shape or a polygonal shape.

[0018] The connection interface comprises a manipulation device including a manual control unit coupled to the shaft in order to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

[0019] - The manual control unit is a pivoting lever assembled on the side of the excavation of the connection interface.

[0020] - The head of the connection unit has a spherical shape.

[0021] The head of the connection unit has flat sides.

[0022] -The shaft is a single piece.

[0023] The shaft is made of a metallic material, for example of Zamak alloy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will be better understood and further advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the following description of an embodiment of a device for switching current, which description is given by way of example only and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] - Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for switching current according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial exploded view of a switch block of a switch device;

[0027] - Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial exploded view of an actuator and a connection interface of a switching device;

[0028] - Figures 4 to 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a switch device showing Figure 2 The connection interface is switched to the locked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 A device 1 for switching an electric current, such as a contactor, is shown. The switching device 1 is particularly suitable for interrupting or alternatively permitting the flow of an electric current, for example in response to a control signal. According to an example, the switching device 1 is intended to be connected in a power supply device.

[0030] According to the implementation method, the device 1 comprises a switch block 2 , a connection interface 3 , an actuation block 4 and upstream and downstream connection terminals 5 .

[0031] The switch block 2 comprises separable contacts housed in one or more individual switch elements. The electrical contacts are movable between an open position and a closed position for interrupting or allowing the flow of electric current between the upstream and downstream connection terminals 5, respectively.

[0032] The connection interface 3 is assembled between the actuation block 4 and the switch block 2 to allow the actuator of the actuation block 4 to move the separable contacts of the switch block 2 between an open position and a closed position.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the switch block 2 includes a substrate 21 and at least one switch element 22 , each switch element 22 being associated with a phase of a current.

[0034] For example, each switch element 22 is removably housed in a housing defined by a base plate 21. For example, when the switchgear 1 is in the assembled configuration, the base plate 21 is fastened to an electrical panel.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the switching device 1 is a multi-pole device suitable for interrupting a multi-phase current, in particular a three-phase current, and comprises for this purpose a plurality of switching elements 22 , preferably identical, housed in a substrate 21 .

[0036] In the example shown, the switchgear 1 comprises three switching elements 22. As a variant, the number of switching elements 22 may be different, for example four in the case of a three-phase current with neutral.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, each switch element 22 includes two fixed electrical contacts 221 and one movable electrical contact 222 .

[0038] The fixed contacts 221 are respectively electrically connected to the upstream and downstream connection terminals 5. The movable electrical contact 222 is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the fixed contact 221, here by translating in a moving direction.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the movable electrical contact 222 is integral with a movable bridge 223 which is movable in translation relative to a body 224 fastened to the housing of the switching element 22 .

[0040] For example, each switch element 22 also includes an elastic reset unit 225, such as a coil spring, which applies pressure on the movable electrical contact 222 in the direction of the fixed contact 221 so as to strengthen the electrical contact between the fixed contact 221 and the movable electrical contact 222 when these fixed contacts 221 and the movable electrical contact 222 are in a closed position.

[0041] Each fixed contact 221 includes a contact pad 226 of conductive material. Correspondingly, the movable electrical contact 222 includes a contact pad 227 disposed opposite the contact pad 226. In the closed position, the pads 226 and 227 are in contact, thereby allowing current to pass between the upstream and downstream fixed contacts 221.

[0042] Each switching element 22 also comprises a connection unit 228 which is translationally integral with the movable bridge 223 and which makes it possible to mechanically connect the movable bridge 223 to the actuating block 4 , as described below.

[0043] According to the example, the connecting unit 228 protrudes on the front face of the switch element 22. The connecting element 228 here comprises a head, for example spherical, and a body extending longitudinally from the base of the head to the movable bridge 223 and forming a joint. In particular, the maximum width of the longitudinal body is smaller than the maximum width of the head of the connecting unit 228.

[0044] For example, each connection unit 228 is made of a plastic material, such as molded plastic.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the actuating block 4 includes an actuator 41 and a movable tray 42. For ease of reading Figure 3 , only a portion of the actuating block 4 is shown.

[0046] The actuator 41 is reversibly arranged to move the movable tray 42 in translation along the longitudinal axis Y4. The longitudinal axis Y4 is parallel to the direction of movement of the movable electrical contact 222 and extends between the front and the rear of the device 1 when the switch device 1 is in the assembled configuration.

[0047] According to an example, the actuator 41 comprises an electromagnet and the movable tray 42 comprises a magnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic material.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the connection interface 3 comprises a housing 31 permanently assembled on the front face of the switch block 2, for example by being permanently connected to the base plate 21. In the assembled configuration, the actuation block 4 is fastened on the front face of the connection interface 3 integral with the housing 31.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 31 comprises through-holes, each of which is arranged opposite one of the switching elements 22 .

[0050] The connection interface 3 also includes a shaft 32 extending along a longitudinal axis X32 and a support structure 33 accommodating the shaft 32. When the device 1 is in the assembled configuration, the axis X32 is perpendicular to the axis Y4. For example, the axis X32 is oriented horizontally. The shaft 32 is assembled here in rotation relative to the support structure 33.

[0051] According to the implementation method, the support structure 33 defines a housing 331 for housing the shaft 32. For example, the housing 331 has a cylindrical or tubular cavity shape extending along the axis X32, the opposite ends of which form openings allowing access to the ends of the shaft 32.

[0052] In the assembled configuration, the support structure 33 is integral with the movable tray 42. For example, the movable tray 42 is coupled to the support structure 33 by a mechanical device, only one element 43 of which is Figure 3 Visible in.

[0053] The support structure 33 further comprises a window 332 arranged on the back side and protruding towards the inside of the housing 331. In the assembled configuration, the window 332 is aligned with the opening 311 of the housing 31 and thus with the switch element 22, preferably with the connection unit 228 along the movement direction to allow the connection unit 228 to pass through the window 332 and the opening 311.

[0054] The shaft 32 comprises eccentric fastener elements 321, each of which is intended to be associated with a connecting unit 228. It should therefore be understood that the shaft 32 comprises here as many fastener elements 321 as switching elements 22. The fastener elements 321 are aligned along the axis X32.

[0055] For example, each fastener element 321 has a cylindrical shape centered on the axis X32 and defines an internal housing delimited by a bottom wall perpendicular to the axis X32 and at least partially by side walls 3221 parallel to the axis X32 connecting two opposite bottom walls.

[0056] Each fastener element 321 comprises a first opening 3222 and a second opening 3223. Openings 3222 and 3223 are respectively formed in side wall 3221 and describe an arc of a circle centered on axis X32.

[0057] Preferably, fastener elements 321 are identical and corresponding openings 3222 and 3223 of fastener elements 321 are aligned together.

[0058] The shaft 32 also comprises a connection portion 322 aligned along the axis X32, for example in the shape of a rod or a cylinder, which connects two by two the fastener elements 321. For example, each connection portion 322 connects two directly adjacent fastener elements 321 via bottom walls facing each other.

[0059] The width of the first opening 3222 is strictly smaller than the width of the second opening 3223. The widths of the first and second openings are here measured parallel to the axis X32.

[0060] Openings 3222 and 3223 are adjacent and thus form a continuous opening of variable width extending over at least a portion of the circumference of side wall 3221 .

[0061] For example, the width of the second opening 3223 is greater than the maximum width of the head of the connection unit 228, that is, the diameter of the head of the connection unit 228. The width of the first opening 3222 is less than the maximum width of the connection unit 228, but greater than the maximum width of the connection portion of the connection unit 228.

[0062] In the assembled configuration of the connection interface 3 , the shaft 32 is movable between the first position and the second position by rotation about the axis X32 .

[0063] In the first position, the second opening 3223 is aligned with the window 332 associated with the fastener element 321 , which permits the connection unit 228 to be inserted into the housing defined by said fastener element 321 .

[0064] In particular, the heads of the connection units 228 can then be fully inserted into the housing. In other words, the heads of each connection unit 228 can freely move in translation relative to the fastener element 321, thereby disengaging the movable tray 42 from each connection unit 228. In other words, the heads of the connection units remain inside the internal housing. This first position corresponds to the unlocked state of the connection interface 3.

[0065] It is particularly important to understand that the head of the connecting unit 228 is aligned here along an axis parallel to the axis X32 .

[0066] In the second position, the first opening 3222 is aligned with the window 332, which prevents the connection unit 228 from being inserted into the housing, or conversely, from being withdrawn from the housing defined by the fastener element 321, because the width of the first opening is smaller than the maximum width of the head of the connection unit 228. This second position corresponds to a locked state of the connection interface 3.

[0067] In other words, due to the association of the fastener element 321 and the connecting unit 228 , the connecting interface 3 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0068] In the locked state, the support structure 33 and the movable tray 42 are translationally integral with the movable bridge 223 of the switch element 22. The movable electrical contact 222 can thus be moved by the actuator 41 between an open position and a closed position.

[0069] In the unlocked state, the support structure 33 and the movable tray 42 are disengaged from the movable bridge 223 of the switching element 22. The actuator 41 is therefore no longer able to move the movable electrical contact 222 between the open position and the closed position.

[0070] According to an embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the shaft 32 comprises at least one control 323 located at one end of the shaft 32 and allowing the operator to rotate the shaft 32 between a first position and a second position around the longitudinal axis X32. For example, the control 323 can cooperate with a tool such as a screwdriver or a wrench by complementarity of shape.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the control portion 323 includes a stamping formed on an end surface of the shaft 32 perpendicular to the axis X32 and having a groove shape or a cross shape or a polygon shape or any other similar shape.

[0072] In fact, the control 323 is accessible from the outside of the housing 31 , thanks to an opening arranged here in a side wall of the housing 31 , which allows the insertion of the handle of a tool.

[0073] According to a variant, each end of the shaft 32 is provided with such a control 323 .

[0074] According to other embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the connection interface 3 comprises a manipulation device 324 comprising a manual control unit 325, such as a pivot lever, coupled to the shaft 32 or to the control portion 323 of the shaft 32 to rotate the shaft 32 around its longitudinal axis X32. The manual control unit 325 is assembled on the side of the housing 31.

[0075] This allows the operator to easily switch the shaft 32 between the first position and the second position without using a specific tool. This also makes it possible to visually indicate to the operator the position of the shaft 32 and thus know whether the connection interface 3 is in a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0076] According to an example, the shaft 32 is made of a metallic material, for example of a Zamak alloy.

[0077] As a variant, the shaft 32 is made of plastic material, for example.

[0078] In order to avoid electrical triggering between the phases, if the shaft 32 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as the above-mentioned metal material, it is preferably provided that the connecting unit 228 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as the above-mentioned plastic material. Conversely, if the unit 228 is made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal material, it is preferably provided that the shaft 32 is made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, between each consecutive fastener element 321, the shaft 32 has a reduced diameter portion, each of which accommodates a phase separator formed by the support structure 33 to achieve electrical insulation between the phases. Each phase separator forms part of one of the windows 332.

[0080] For example, the shaft 32 is one-piece, that is to say the fastener element 321 is formed here integrally with the connecting portion 322 and the control portion 323 .

[0081] Reference now Figures 4 to 6 An example of actions taken in order to lock the connection interface 3 is described.

[0082] Initially, if Figure 4 As shown, the connection interface 3 is in an assembled configuration with the actuation block 4, while being separated from the switch block 2. The shaft 32 is in a first position.

[0083] The connection interface 3 is then translated toward the switch block 2 along the movement direction, here along the movement direction indicated by the arrow F1, until the head of each connection unit 228 of each switch element 22 is accommodated in the housing defined by the corresponding fastener element 321 after passing through the second opening 3223 of the fastener element 321.

[0084] At this stage, the housing 31 is in contact with the substrate 21, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, it can then be fastened to the base plate 21. The switchgear 1 is then in its assembled configuration.

[0085] The connection interface 3 is still in the unlocked state, so that moving the movable tray 42 by the actuator 41 does not cause any movement of the movable electrical contact 222 between the open position and the closed position.

[0086] The shaft 32 is then rotated, for example by means of the control 323 and / or a lever, in the direction indicated by the arrow F2 to its second position.

[0087] After the shaft 32 rotates, at this stage, as Figure 6 As shown, during translation along the movement direction, the head of the connection unit 228 is prevented from leaving the housing defined by the fastener element 321 , in particular because the width of the first opening 3222 is smaller than the width of the head of the connection unit 228 .

[0088] Each fastener element 321 is preferably snapped onto the head of the associated connecting unit 228 in order to prevent these elements from accidentally becoming detached during operation, in particular under the effects of vibrations.

[0089] Preferably, a play-free connection between each unit 228 and its corresponding fastener element 321 is ensured, in particular by implementing a material having a certain elasticity and / or by means of complementary shaped tools.

[0090] The connection interface 3 is in a locked state so that any movement of the movable tray 42 in translation along the movement axis causes a corresponding movement of the movable electrical contact 222 between the open position and the closed position.

[0091] The connection interface 3 makes it possible to reduce the space required for assembling and coupling the actuating block 4 with the switch block 2 when installing the device 1, since it is no longer necessary to move the movable tray 42 in a vertical translation in order to fasten it to the connection unit 228. Instead, as previously described, the locking is obtained by turning the shaft 32 after positioning the connection interface 3 in contact with the switch block 2 by translation in the movement direction.

[0092] Similarly, unlocking and removal of the actuating block and the switch block 2 is also simplified, since unlocking is obtained simply by rotating the shaft 32 in the opposite direction.

[0093] Furthermore, the connection interface 3 can remain in the unlocked state even when it is assembled on the switch block 2. This allows the operator to power the actuator 41 and move the movable tray 42, for example to test the device 1 under real conditions, without having to put the movable electrical contact 222 into motion. This reduces the risk of electrical accidents.

[0094] According to an optional embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the spherical head of the connection unit 228 comprises flat side surfaces 2281 in the shape of a flat spot. This makes it possible to reduce the width of the opening 311 and the window 332, thereby reducing the lateral dimensions of the device 1. In this case, the maximum width of the head of the connection unit 228 is measured between the flat side surfaces 2281.

[0095] According to a variant not shown, the connection unit 228 may have a different shape, for example a valve shape or a screw shape with a flat head.

[0096] The embodiments and variations envisaged above can be combined together to produce new embodiments.

Claims

1. A device (1) for switching current, comprising: - A switch block (2) with separable contacts, comprising at least one switch element (22), each switch element comprising a fixed electric contact (221), a movable electric contact (222) which can be translated relative to the fixed electric contact between a closed position and an open position, and a connecting unit (228) which is translationally integral with the movable electric contact; - an actuating block (4) comprising an actuator (41) and a movable tray (42) coupled to the actuator; The device for switching current is characterized in that it also includes a connection interface (3) inserted between the switching block and the actuating block, the connection interface comprising a structure (33) supporting the movable tray (42) in translation and an axis (32), the axis (32) being pivotally assembled relative to the supporting structure (33) about its longitudinal axis (X32), the axis (32) comprising at least one eccentric fastener element (321), each eccentric fastener element (321) defining an internal housing capable of accommodating the head of one of the connection units (228), and by rotating the axis (32) about its longitudinal axis (X32), the connection interface can be switched between the following states: - a locked state in which the head of each connecting unit (228) is retained in the inner housing of one of the eccentric fastener elements (321), thereby retaining the movable tray (42) in translation integral with each connecting unit (228), and - an unlocked state, in which the head of each connection unit (228) is free to move in translation relative to said eccentric fastener element (321), thereby disengaging the movable tray from each connection unit.

2. The device for switching current according to claim 1, characterized in that Each eccentric fastener element (321) has a cylindrical shape centered on the longitudinal axis (X32), the internal shell is at least partially defined by a side wall (3221) parallel to the longitudinal axis (X32) and includes a first opening (3222) and a second opening (3223), the width of the first opening (3222) is strictly smaller than the width of the second opening (3223), the first and second openings (3222, 3223) are adjacent and form a continuous opening of variable width, the width of the second opening (3223) is greater than the maximum width of the head of the connecting unit (228), the width of the first opening (3222) is less than the maximum width of the head of the connecting element (228), and in the locked state, each first opening (3222) is aligned with and opposite to the connecting unit (228), and in the unlocked state, each second opening (3223) is aligned with and opposite to the connecting unit (228).

3. The device for switching current according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The shaft comprises at least one control portion (323) placed at one end of the shaft (32) to allow the shaft (32) to rotate about its longitudinal axis (X32), the control portion (323) being able to cooperate with a tool by complementarity of shape.

4. The device for switching current according to claim 3, characterized in that The control portion (323) includes an indentation formed on an end surface of the shaft (32) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X32).

5. The device for switching current according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The connection interface (3) comprises a manipulation device (324) comprising a manual control unit (325) coupled to the shaft (32) to rotate the shaft (32) around its longitudinal axis (X32).

6. The device for switching current according to claim 5, characterized in that The manual control unit (325) is a pivot lever assembled on the side of the housing (31) of the connection interface (3).

7. The device for switching current according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The head of the connecting unit (228) has a spherical shape.

8. The device for switching current according to claim 7, characterized in that The head of the connecting unit (228) has a flat side surface (2281).

9. The device for switching current according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The shaft (32) is a single piece.

10. The device for switching current according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The shaft (32) is made of metal material.

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