Device for controlling microswitches in an electrical connection device

Abstract

Proposed is a device for interacting with a microswitch, the device comprising an actuator mounted so as to be able to rotate about an axis between at least a first angular position and a second angular position; a microswitch comprising a body and a mobile part mounted on the body and able to move between an active position and a rest position; and a resilient blade configured to retain the mobile part in the active position, such that when the actuator is rotated from the first angular position towards the second angular position, the actuator presses the mobile part to retain it in the active position at the first angular position, releases the mobile part when it is not in the first angular position, moves the resilient blade so that it releases the mobile part in an intermediate position, thus allowing the mobile part to move to the rest position after the actuator releases the mobile part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electrical connection devices intended for installation on medium- or high-voltage power lines. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for interacting with a microswitch of the electrical connection device. Background Technology

[0002] Medium and high voltage lines are typically equipped with electrical connection devices, particularly switches, circuit breakers, or disconnectors. These devices include main electrical contacts, which are actuated to interrupt or establish current flowing along the line. Auxiliary electrical contacts may be added to provide information about the position of the main contacts.

[0003] Auxiliary electrical contacts, especially microswitches. A microswitch includes a moving part for opening and closing an internal contact group. Actuation of the moving part causes switching of the internal contact group.

[0004] Typically, an actuator connected to the main contact via a drive system acts on the moving parts of the micro switch. Switching of the internal contact group represents movement of the main contact. The micro switch can be connected, for example, to a management system to notify the position of the main contact.

[0005] Standards such as EDF HN 64-S-58 and CEI 62271-103 define the limits for synchronization between the changing states of the main and auxiliary contacts. Now, inappropriate or untimely transient movements can occur in transmission systems, such as edge curling or elastic deformation. These movements can affect the switching of microswitches, leading to non-compliance with the synchronization limits defined in these standards in certain transmission system designs. Therefore, it is necessary to manually maintain the position of the moving parts of the microswitch during switching.

[0006] In this case, the known practice is to provide components during the movement of these components to artificially prevent the movement of the control components, i.e., components of the transmission system between the main contacts and auxiliary contacts.

[0007] However, these solutions can be quite complex to implement and increase the size of the drivetrain.

[0008] This disclosure seeks to improve the transmission of information provided in an economical and easy-to-implement manner by controlling the switching of a microswitch by acting in the direct vicinity of the microswitch. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a device for interacting with a micro switch, comprising:

[0010] An actuator, which is mounted to have the ability to rotate about an axis between at least a first angular position and a second angular position;

[0011] A micro switch includes a body and a movable part mounted on the body and capable of moving between an active position and a rest position; and

[0012] A flexible blade configured to hold the moving part in the active position.

[0013] When the actuator moves between the first angular position and the first intermediate position, the movable part remains in the active position, where the first intermediate position is located between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0014] The actuator is configured to move the elastic blade such that when the actuator moves between a first intermediate position and a second intermediate position, the movable part moves to a stationary position, the second intermediate position being located between the first intermediate position and the second angular position.

[0015] Therefore, advantageously, the transition of the moving part to the rest position can be delayed until after separation between the moving part and the actuator. The transmission time of the information provided by the microswitch can be adapted.

[0016] The features listed in the following paragraphs may be used optionally. They may be used independently or in combination:

[0017] The actuator includes a cam configured to press against the moving part of the micro switch and deform the resilient blade;

[0018] The cam includes a ramp that is configured to allow the moving parts to move gradually.

[0019] The resilient blade includes a curved portion on which an actuator acts, the curved portion having a concave surface facing the axis of the actuator;

[0020] The curved portion extends toward the moving part at an increased distance from the axis, such that the elastic blade is gradually deformed by the pressure of the actuator on the curved portion between the first and second intermediate positions;

[0021] The resilient blade includes a tab extending in a continuation of the curved portion, the tab being configured to hold the movable part in a movable position between a first angular position and a first intermediate position;

[0022] The tab is basically V-shaped, including a vertex, a first branch extending from the vertex to the first end, a second branch extending from the vertex to the second end, the second end being near the body of the micro switch, and the first end being near the moving part of the micro switch.

[0023] The first branch extends in a direction tangential to the path of the moving part, such that the moving part comes into contact with the first branch as it moves.

[0024] The resilient blade includes a retaining lug extending in the continuation of the second end of the tab and fixed to the body of the micro switch;

[0025] When the position of the main electrical contact on the wire changes, the actuator is driven to rotate.

[0026] On the other hand, an auxiliary electrical contact assembly is proposed, which includes multiple devices as described above and a shaft that fixes the actuator of each device in terms of rotation.

[0027] Optionally, the following feature may be adopted: an operating device in which the shaft is connected to the main contact on the operating wire via gear engagement.

[0028] Another approach proposes an electrical connection device comprising the group described above. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Further features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and study of the accompanying figures, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an example of a control mechanism that can be used in an electrical connection device.

[0031] Figure 2 It is possible Figure 1 A detailed schematic diagram of the sub-components used in the control mechanism, positioned at the first corner.

[0032] Figure 3 Depicting the position in the first middle Figure 2 Details.

[0033] Figure 4 Depicting the second middle position Figure 2 Details.

[0034] Figure 5 Depicting the position in the second corner Figure 2 Details.

[0035] Figure 6 Depicting the third middle position Figure 2 Details.

[0036] Figure 7 Depicting what can be used Figure 1 A perspective view of the elastic blade in the control mechanism.

[0037] Figure 8 Depicting Figure 7 Front view of the flexible blade. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In each figure, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0039] Figure 1 A control mechanism 10 for an electrical connection device located on a medium- or high-voltage power line is schematically shown. In the following text, the terms "medium voltage" and "high voltage" are used in their generally accepted senses, meaning that "medium voltage" refers to a voltage greater than 1000 volts of AC and 1500 volts of DC but not exceeding 52000 volts of AC or 75000 volts of DC, while "high voltage" refers to a voltage strictly greater than 52000 volts of AC or greater than 75000 volts of DC.

[0040] Typically, such a control mechanism 10 includes an actuating member 12 for manipulating the main contacts to open or close the wire, and a transmission system 14 for transmitting motion between the main contact actuating member 12 and the auxiliary contact group 11.

[0041] As shown in the figure, the auxiliary contact group 11 mainly includes a shaft 16, multiple microswitches 18 and a support 25.

[0042] Shaft 16 is connected to a transmission system 14 for the main contacts. Shaft 16 is rotatable about axis A. Shaft 16 is intended to be driven by transmission system 14 to rotate about its axis A when the actuating member 12 moves. Shaft 16 may specifically include a gear 19, which is driven by gear meshing when the actuating member 12 moves.

[0043] In addition, shaft 16 is fixed to a plurality of actuators 20 arranged at regular intervals along axis A. Each actuator 20 is positioned to face one of the microswitches 18 so as to mechanically actuate the microswitches 18 when shaft 16 rotates about axis A.

[0044] The support member 25 allows the shaft 16 and a plurality of microswitches 18 to be mounted in the control mechanism 10. The support member 25 here has a first mounting plate 22 and a second mounting plate 24 positioned facing the first mounting plate 22. The shaft 16 is arranged laterally between the mounting plates 22 and 24. Thus, the shaft 16 can be connected to the mounting plates 22 and 24 while being rotatable relative to them. The support member 25 also has a base plate 26 extending between the mounting plates 22 and 24. The base plate 26 includes a plurality of units 28, each unit 28 defining a housing 28 for one of the microswitches 18.

[0045] The following describes in more detail a device 30 for interaction between one of the actuators 20 and one of the microswitches 18. The device 30 includes a microswitch 18, an actuator 20, and a resilient blade 32. The resilient blade 32 extends between the actuator 20 and the microswitch 18 to function in the actuation of the microswitch 18.

[0046] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in the image, the micro switch 18 mainly includes a body 33 and a movable part 34 mounted on the body 33.

[0047] The main body 33 here has three blades 35, 36, and 38 protruding from the housing 40 of the main body 33. The first blade 35 defines a power terminal 35 of the micro switch 18 for connection to a voltage or current source. The second blade 36 and the third blade 38 define a normally open terminal 36 and a normally closed terminal 38 of the micro switch 18, respectively, for connection to a circuit. The housing 40 closes the internal contact assembly to make electrical contact between the power terminal 35 and the normally open or normally closed terminal 38 of the micro switch 18. Movement of the moving parts causes switching of the internal contact assembly.

[0048] The movable part 34 is in the form of a blade 34. The blade 34 interacts with a pressure rod 41 equipped with a return spring to define the rest and movable positions of the blade 34. In the rest position, the blade 34 does not apply force to the pressure rod 41. Only the spring acts on the pressure rod 41. The power terminal 35 is in electrical contact with the normally closed terminal 38. In the movable position, the blade 34 moves under the force applied to it to press against the pressure rod 41, resisting the action of the return spring. The power terminal 35 is in electrical contact with the normally open terminal 36.

[0049] In addition, actuator 20 includes cam 42. As shown, cam 42 is in the form of a protrusion extending radially outward relative to axis A.

[0050] Actuator 20 can be in the first angular position, such as Figure 2 As shown, cam 42 presses against the movable part 34 of microswitch 18 to hold the movable part 34 in the active position. The first angular position can specifically correspond to the closed state of the circuit and the closed state of the electrical connection device.

[0051] At the second corner position of actuator 20, this position is Figure 5 As depicted and obtained by rotation about axis A, cam 42 separates from the moving part 34 of microswitch 18. Microswitch 18 disengages from actuator 20. The second angular position can correspond to the disconnection of the circuit and the disconnection of the electrical connection device.

[0052] The cam 42 may include a ramp 44. As the actuator 20 rotates from the second angular position toward the first angular position, the ramp 44 extends on the side of the actuator 20 that contacts the movable member 34. Therefore, as the actuator 20 rotates toward the first angular position, the force applied to the movable member 34 by the cam 42 is progressive. The transition of the movable member 34 from the rest position to the active position can be controlled by the ramp 44.

[0053] The resilient blade 32 has a curved portion 46, a tab 48, and a fixed lug 50 extending from one end near the actuator 20 to the other end near the microswitch 18. When the actuator 20 rotates from a first angular position to a second angular position, the resilient blade 32 actuates the movable part 34 of the microswitch 18. The transition of the movable part 34 from its active position to its rest position can be controlled by the resilient blade 32.

[0054] The curved portion 46 extends about axis A of actuator 20. The curved portion 46 defines a concave surface facing axis A. The curved portion 46 can be elastically actuated by cam 42 of actuator 20. The curved portion 46 extends along a portion of the arc traveled by cam 42 as it rotates from one of the first and second angular positions of actuator 20 to the other angular position. When actuator 20 is in the first or second angular position, the curved portion 46 is released from cam 42.

[0055] The free end of the bent portion 46, that is, the end opposite to the tab 48, presses against the actuator 20. The bent portion 46 is formed to bend between the free end and the tab 48. In this particular example, the bend allows the bent portion 46 to move gradually away from the actuator 20 relative to axis A throughout its entire range.

[0056] The other end of the curved portion 46 is connected to the tab 48 via a connecting portion 53. The connecting portion 53 is positioned facing the movable member 34. The connecting portion 53 is circular. The connecting portion 53 defines a convex surface facing the movable member 34. The connecting portion 53 is designed to allow the movable member 34 to pass through as it moves toward its movable position.

[0057] More specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, straight lines D1 and D2 define the shape of the connecting portion 53. Straight line D1 is tangent to the arc traveled by the moving member 34 during the transition between one of the active and rest positions of the microswitch 18 and the other of the rest and active positions. Straight line D2 is tangent to the curved portion 46 near the tab 48. The two ends of the connecting portion 53 connect straight lines D1 and D2 with a radius R. The shape of the connecting portion 53 thus prevents the moving member 34 from being blocked by the elastic blade 32.

[0058] The tab 48 is essentially V-shaped. The first branch 52 of the V-shape extends through the apex 56 of the V-shape to the connecting portion 53. The first branch 52 extends in the continuation of the connecting portion 53. The first branch 52 is intended to contact the moving part 34.

[0059] When the movable part 34 moves from the active position to the rest position, the first branch 52 blocks the passage of the movable part 34. Here, the first branch 52 blocks the movable part 34 by applying a force to it. The holding torque generated on the movable part 34 by the applied force is higher than the release torque of the movable part 34 generated by the action of the return spring on the pressure rod 41. Alternatively, the movable part 34 can be blocked by friction or jamming on the first branch 52. Conversely, when the movable part 34 moves from the rest position to the active position, in this case, the first branch 52 allows the movable part 34 to slide along it.

[0060] The second branch 54 of the V-shape extends from the apex 56 toward the end near the microswitch 18. Therefore, the geometry of the tab 48 allows for translational movement of the first branch 52 about the apex 56 connecting the two branches 52, 54. This translation allows the first branch 52 to move away from the moving part 34. The V-shape makes the resilient blade 32 easier to manufacture. Of course, the tab 48 can take any other shape to allow the first branch 52 to move as the moving part 34 passes between the rest and moving positions. For example, the angle formed by the first and second branches 52, 54 can be wider or narrower. The apex 56 of the V-shape can also be more or less rounded.

[0061] Finally, the retaining lug 50 extends along the body 33 of the microswitch 18. The retaining lug 50 is fixed to the body 33 of the microswitch 18. The retaining lug 50 allows the resilient blade 32 to be arranged in the device 30. This prevents the resilient blade 32 from moving when the cam 42 of the actuator 20 acts on the resilient blade 32. The base plate 26 may be without a means for fixing the resilient blade 32, making the base plate 26 easier to manufacture and the device 30 easier to assemble.

[0062] When the actuator 20 moves from the first angular position to the second angular position, the actuator 20 can adopt the first and second intermediate positions, which are respectively in Figure 3 and 4 As shown in the diagram, the first and second intermediate positions correspond to the positions of the actuator 20 during the opening of the electrical connection device. During the movement of the actuator 20, the second intermediate position follows the first intermediate position and is associated with the release of the microswitch 18 from the resilient blade 32.

[0063] In the first middle position, such as Figure 3 As shown, the cam 42 of the actuator 20 contacts the bent portion 46. The elastic blade 32 will not be acted upon by the cam 42 as long as the actuator 20 is not in the first intermediate position. In the second intermediate position, as... Figure 4 As shown, the end of cam 42 is near the free end of the curved portion 46. Cam 42 presses against the curved portion 46.

[0064] When actuator 20 moves from the second corner position toward the first corner position, actuator 20 can also adopt a third intermediate position, such as... Figure 6 As shown. When the electrical connection is in the closing process, the third intermediate position corresponds to the position of actuator 20.

[0065] The operation of the device 30 described above is described below.

[0066] Initially, actuator 20 was in Figure 2 The first angular position is shown. The cam 42 of the actuator 20 acts on the movable part 34 of the micro switch 18 to hold the movable part 34 in the active position. The power terminal 35 of the micro switch 18 is then connected to the normally open terminal 36 of the micro switch 18. The current through the micro switch 18 can, for example, indicate that the circuit is in the closed position.

[0067] If the line transitions to the disconnected position, the actuator 20 is directed towards... Figure 5 The second angular position is driven as shown. The cam 42 of actuator 20 releases the movable part 34. The resilient blade 32 holds the movable part 34 of microswitch 18 in the active position. The movable part 34 is held in the active position by the action of tab 48, particularly the first branch 52 of tab 48. The first branch 52 blocks the passage of the movable part 34.

[0068] When actuator 20 reaches Figure 3 In the first intermediate position shown, the cam 42 of the actuator 20 contacts the bent portion 46 of the elastic blade 32 and then applies an increased force to the bent portion 46. The force applied by the cam 42 to the bent portion 46 causes a translational movement of the first branch 52 of the elastic blade 32.

[0069] When actuator 20 reaches Figure 4 In the second intermediate position shown, the force applied by the cam 42 of the actuator 20 to the bent portion 46 is at its maximum. The translational movement of the first branch 52 of the tab 48 is sufficient to separate the first branch 52 from the movable member 34. The movable member 34 is no longer affected by the elastic blade 32. The movable member can then reach the rest position.

[0070] As actuator 20 continues to rotate toward the second angular position, the force applied to the bent portion 46 by cam 42 of actuator 20 decreases. The ramp 44 of cam 42 causes the bent portion 46 of the elastic blade 32 to gradually return to its original position. Figure 2 The initial position.

[0071] When actuator 20 is in Figure 5 In the second angle position shown, the cam 42 of the actuator 20 is separated from the moving part 34 and the elastic blade 32. The elastic blade 32 is in... Figure 2The initial position. The moving part 34 of the micro switch 18 is in the rest position. Then the power supply terminal 35 of the micro switch 18 is connected to the normally closed terminal 38 of the micro switch 18. The current through the micro switch 18 can, for example, indicate that the circuit is in the open position.

[0072] If the line returns to the closed position, the actuator 20 is oriented towards... Figure 2 The first angular position is driven. The cam 42 of the actuator 20 contacts the bent portion 46 of the elastic blade 32 and then applies force to the bent portion 46.

[0073] When actuator 20 reaches Figure 6 In the third intermediate position shown, the ramp 44 contacts the movable member 34 to gradually push the movable contact 34 towards the movable position. The movement of the movable member 34 brings it closer to the connecting portion 53 of the elastic blade 32. The connecting portion 53 allows the movable member 34 to pass through. The movable member 34 can thus contact the first branch 52 and then slide along the first branch 52.

[0074] The continuous rotation of actuator 20 causes separation between cam 42 and bent portion 46. Only moving part 34 acts on elastic blade 32. Moving part 34, pushed by ramp 44 of actuator 20, applies force to elastic blade 32. The force applied by moving part 34 causes translational movement of first branch 52. Moving part reaches active position, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it is not blocked by the elastic blade 32. Therefore, the elastic blade 32 does not hinder the transition of the moving part from the rest position to the moving position.

[0075] This invention is not limited to the examples described above, but can be the subject of many variations as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the second corner position of actuator 20 may correspond to grounding of the line. Device 30 can then notify that the line has been grounded.

Claims

1. A device (30) for interacting with a micro switch (18), comprising: An actuator (20) is mounted to have the ability to rotate about an axis (A) between at least a first angular position and a second angular position; A micro switch (18) includes a body (33) and a movable part (34) mounted on the body (33) and capable of moving between an active position and a rest position; and The resilient blade (32) is configured to hold the movable part (34) in the active position. When the actuator (20) moves between the first angular position and the first intermediate position, the movable part (34) remains in the active position, the first intermediate position being located between the first angular position and the second angular position. The actuator (20) is configured to move the resilient blade (32) such that when the actuator (20) moves between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position, the movable part (34) moves to a stationary position, the second intermediate position being located between the first intermediate position and the second corner position. The actuator (20) includes a cam (42) configured to press against the movable part (34) of the microswitch (18) and deform the resilient blade (32). The cam (42) includes a ramp (44) configured to allow the movable part (34) to move gradually.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic blade (32) includes a curved portion (46), on which the actuator (20) acts, the curved portion (46) having a concave surface facing the axis (A) of the actuator (20).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The curved portion (46) extends toward the movable component (34) at an increased distance from the axis (A), such that the elastic blade (32) is gradually deformed by the pressure of the actuator (20) on the curved portion (46) between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The resilient blade (32) includes a tab (48) extending in a continuation of the curved portion (46), the tab being configured to hold the movable member (34) in a movable position between the first angular position and the first intermediate position.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The tab (48) is substantially V-shaped, comprising a vertex (56), a first branch (52) extending from the vertex (56) to a first end, a second branch (54) extending from the vertex (56) to a second end, the second end being near the body (33) of the micro switch (18), and the first end being near the moving part (34) of the micro switch (18).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The first branch (52) extends in a direction tangential to the path of the movable part (34), such that the movable part (34) comes into contact with the first branch (52) as the movable part (34) moves.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The resilient blade (32) includes a retaining lug (50) extending in the continuation of the second end of the tab (48) and fixed to the body (33) of the micro switch (18).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator (20) is driven to rotate when the position of the main electrical contact on the wire changes.

9. An auxiliary electrical contact assembly (10) comprising a plurality of devices (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a shaft (16) of an actuator (20) that fixes each device (30) in rotation.

10. The auxiliary electrical contact assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein, The shaft (16) is connected to the operating device (12) of the main contact on the operating wire via gear engagement.

11. An electrical connection device comprising the group (10) according to claim 9 or 10.

Images