Disconnection device

Abstract

A disconnecting device (10) for closing and / or disconnecting a first electrical part and a second electrical part of an electrical circuit, the disconnecting device (10) comprising: a support structure (1); a main body (2) provided between the first electrical part and the second electrical part, the main body (2) internally defining a vacuum chamber (21); a first electrical conductor (3) housed within the vacuum chamber (21) and mechanically connected to the support structure (1); and a second electrical conductor (4) housed within the vacuum chamber (21) and movable relative to the first electrical conductor (3) between a closed configuration, in which the second electrical conductor (4) is substantially in contact with the first electrical conductor (3), and an open configuration, in which the second electrical conductor (4) is remote relative to the first electrical conductor (3); a manipulation device (5) mechanically connected to the support structure (1) and configured to manipulate the second electrical conductor (4); the handling device (5) comprises at least one forming member (6) arranged outside the vacuum chamber (21) and provided with a sliding path (7); at least one sliding pin (8) mechanically connected to the second electrical conductor (4) and slidably engaged with the sliding path (7); the sliding pin (8) is operable to slide in the sliding path (7) and to move the second electrical conductor (4) in a guided manner between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a disconnecting device, in particular an operating switching device, for closing and / or opening a first electrical section and a second electrical section of an electric circuit, according to the preamble of independent claim 1 .

[0002] In general, the disconnect device according to the invention is intended to be electrically arranged in an electrical circuit (for example for power transmission), for example a low-voltage or medium-voltage circuit. Typically, the disconnect device in question is advantageously used in a circuit of the domestic type (for example in a power distribution line) or an industrial type (for example in a power supply circuit or network of one or more industries, for example in a manufacturing plant).

[0003] As mentioned above, the disconnect device can advantageously be used in circuits or power lines for transmitting and distributing electric power, such as medium voltage power lines (eg connecting a power plant with an intermediate substation for distributing the power to end users).

[0004] The invention therefore relates to the field of production and commercialization of electrical and / or electromechanical devices and equipment for installation in electrical circuits and power lines, as well as to the field of production and commercialization of accessories and equipment related to electrical circuits and power lines. Background Art

[0005] In the field of devices and components of electrical circuits and electrical networks, it is known to use disconnecting devices for opening or closing an electrical circuit, in particular by connecting or disconnecting a first electrical part to a second electrical part.

[0006] In particular, disconnecting devices (also referred to by the acronym IMS in technical jargon) are special disconnecting devices whose function is to perform the interruption of electrical continuity in a safe and reliable manner.

[0007] For example, in order to carry out maintenance or similar activities on an electrical circuit without endangering the safety of the operator, it is crucial to disconnect one electrical section of the circuit from another electrical section of the same circuit to interrupt the flow of current and ensure a minimum disconnect distance to allow isolation between the two electrical sections. This allows the operator to carry out the aforementioned maintenance or similar activities on the circuit without the risk of electric shock.

[0008] In other words, a known disconnect device is a device used to connect and / or disconnect two electrical parts of an electric circuit, isolating the user from any power source, thereby ensuring that no current is present in the circuit.

[0009] A known type of commercially available disconnect device may comprise a supporting structure electrically arranged on the circuit, a hollow body internally defining a vacuum chamber (commonly referred to as an "ampoule" in technical terminology in the field) containing two electrical conductors, one of which is fixed and the other is movable. The hollow body is electrically connected in parallel with the circuit.

[0010] The design of the “vacuum interrupter,” as it’s known, allows electrical conductors to be separated in a vacuum environment, interrupting the circuit more quickly and easily than disconnecting the conductors in air, thus avoiding the risk of dangerous arcing due to improper control.

[0011] Specifically, one of the two electrical conductors is typically fixed and connected to a support structure, while the other electrical conductor is movable and configured to move between a closed configuration (in which the electrical conductors are substantially in contact) and an open configuration (in which the movable electrical conductor is moved away from the fixed electrical conductor so that it is in a distal position relative to the fixed electrical conductor).

[0012] In the above manner, when the electrical conductors are in the closed configuration, current flows between the fixed electrical conductor and the movable electrical conductor, while when the electrical conductors are in the open configuration, no current flows between the fixed electrical conductor and the movable electrical conductor.

[0013] Disconnecting devices of known type also comprise an actuation system (e.g. an electromechanical mechanism or any other actuation system known to the skilled person per se, e.g. a hydraulic type) configured to move the movable electrical conductor from a closed position to an open position and vice versa relative to the fixed electrical conductor.

[0014] There are many different types and embodiments of known disconnect devices on the market. Each embodiment differs from the other embodiments (and other possible variants) in particular in the type of drive system used to move the movable conductor relative to the fixed conductor.

[0015] An example is described in European patent EP 2 182 536. This document describes a disconnect device for interrupting the passage of electric current, comprising a disconnector located between two electrical parts of an electric power line, for example a line for transmitting electric power.

[0016] More specifically, the device includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. One end of the fixed portion is connected to the vacuum chamber, and the other end is connected to the power line. The movable portion includes a conductor that is movable relative to the fixed portion and is preferably fixed to a rotatable wheel. As the movable portion rotates, one end of the movable conductor abuts the fixed portion, thereby connecting or disconnecting the circuit.

[0017] However, the disconnecting devices of the known type briefly described so far have proven to be not without disadvantages in practice.

[0018] The main disadvantage is that disconnecting devices of known type are bulky and / or not very compact, since they do not allow the movable conductor to be moved in a small space.

[0019] Another disadvantage is that disconnecting devices of known type are complex and expensive to construct since they comprise a large number of components.

[0020] Another disadvantage is that known disconnecting devices are prone to rapid wear due to the impacts that occur during the movement of the movable and fixed parts of the disconnecting device. In other words, the opening and closing of the contacts lead to degradation of the contact surfaces, in particular the contact surface between the movable and fixed parts of the disconnecting device.

[0021] Another disadvantage is that disconnection devices of known type involve manipulation, for example by means of pressurized fluid or the like, which inherently entails a certain degree of uncertainty.

[0022] In other words, devices of known type are not completely safe and reliable, for example they do not guarantee precise movement and unambiguous positioning of the movable conductor relative to the fixed conductor, and electric currents may circulate between the conductors even if they are in a closed configuration.

[0023] An example of a known type of disconnector having the above-mentioned technical drawbacks is described in WO 2005 / 076304 A1.

[0024] Purpose of the Invention

[0025] The object of the present invention is to provide a disconnect device which can at least partially overcome and remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known technology.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact and / or space-saving disconnect device.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disconnect device that is mechanically strong.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a breaking device that enables precise handling of movable parts.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disconnect device with a simple structure.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disconnect device that is completely reliable and safe in structure and function.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disconnection device that can be realized simply, quickly and at low cost.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disconnect device that can be installed on an electrical circuit line simply, quickly and at low cost.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a disconnect device having an alternative and / or improved configuration both in terms of construction and function compared to known conventional solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0034] All of these objects, either individually or in any combination thereof, as well as further objects which will emerge from the detailed description below, are achieved according to the invention by a disconnection device having the features specified in independent claim 1 .

[0035] Specifically, the above-mentioned purpose is achieved by a disconnecting device 10 for closing and / or disconnecting a first electrical part and a second electrical part of a circuit, the device 10 comprising: a support structure 1; a main body 2, which is arranged between the first electrical part and the second electrical part, and the main body 2 internally defines a vacuum chamber 21; a first electrical conductor 3, which is accommodated in the vacuum chamber 21 and mechanically connected to the support structure 1; and a second electrical conductor 4, which is accommodated in the vacuum chamber 21 and can be moved relative to the first electrical conductor 3 between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the second electrical conductor 4 is substantially in contact with the first electrical conductor 3, and in the open configuration, the second electrical conductor 4 is away from the first electrical conductor 3; a manipulation device 5, which is mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and configured to move the second electrical conductor 4; wherein the manipulation device 5 comprises at least one forming member 6, which is arranged outside the vacuum chamber 21 and is provided with a sliding path 7; at least one sliding pin 8, which is mechanically constrained to the second electrical conductor 4 and is slidingly engaged with the sliding path 7; the sliding pin 8 can slide in the sliding path 7 and move the second electrical conductor 4 between the closed configuration and the open configuration in a guided manner.

[0036] Advantageously, the control device 5 comprises at least one first actuating member 51 mechanically mounted on the support structure 1 and movable between a first rest configuration and a second configuration in which it moves the sliding pin 8 along the sliding path 7 into a second position in which the second electrical conductor 4 is in the disconnected configuration.

[0037] Advantageously, the first electrical part comprises a third fixed electrical conductor 11 electrically connected to the first electrical conductor 3, and the second electrical part comprises a fourth movable electrical conductor 12, which is movable between a first position and a second position, in which the fourth movable electrical conductor 12 is electrically connected to the third electrical conductor 11 in the first position and is electrically separated from the third electrical conductor 11 in the second position; the fourth movable electrical conductor 12 is configured to intercept the first actuating member 51 and move the first actuating member 51 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0038] Advantageously, the sliding path 7 comprises at least a first portion 71 extending parallel to the axis X of movement of the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3 and at least a second portion 72 extending substantially transversely to the first portion 71 along the Y axis.

[0039] Advantageously, the second portion 72 of the sliding path 7 is delimited by a second stop wall 74 configured to block the movement of the sliding pin 8 along the X axis when the second conductor 4 is in the disconnected configuration.

[0040] Advantageously, the first actuation member 51 is rotatably engaged to the support structure 1 and comprises a protruding portion 53 configured to actuate the sliding pin 8 along the first portion 71 of the sliding path 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration during rotation of the first actuation member 51 .

[0041] Advantageously, the manipulation device 5 comprises a second actuating member 52 mechanically connected to the shaping member 6 and configured to move the shaping member 6 along an axis Y substantially transverse to the axis X so as to associate said sliding pin 8 with one of the first stop wall 73 and the second stop wall 74 of the sliding path 7 .

[0042] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises a first part 511 and a second part 512; the first part 511 is rotatably constrained to the support structure 1 at its first end 5110 and is rotatably constrained to the second part 512 at its second end 5111 opposite to the first end 5110, and the second part 512 comprises a conductive part 54 mechanically connected to the second part 512, and the conductive part 54 is electrically connected to the second conductor 4 to allow current to pass through.

[0043] Advantageously, the fourth conductor 12 is arranged so that it Figure 6A ) moves to the second position (see Figure 6E ), the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 of the first member 51 are brought into contact with each other during the process of moving from the first configuration to the second configuration; and since the fourth conductor 12 is configured to move from the second position (see Figure 6E ) to the first position (see Figure 6I ) during the movement, the second portion 512 of the first member 51 abuts against the second portion 512; during the movement, the second portion 512 can rotate relative to the first portion 511 in an idling manner (see Figure 6F ).

[0044] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises second elastic means 13 mechanically connecting the first actuating member 51 to the supporting structure 1 ; the second elastic means 13 are configured to urge the first actuating member 51 from the second configuration to the first configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention will be further described by some preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustration only and not for limitation purposes, in which:

[0046] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a disconnect device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] - Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Another perspective view of the disconnect device shown;

[0048] - Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 a further perspective view of the disconnect device shown with some components removed to better highlight other components;

[0049] - Figure 4A An enlarged detail view showing the operating device of the disconnect device of the present invention;

[0050] - Figure 4B Shown Figure 4A An enlarged perspective view of a detail of the control device shown in ;

[0051] - Figure 4C Shown Figure 4B An enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of the detail shown in ;

[0052] - Figure 5 Shown Figure 1 A longitudinal section of the disconnect device shown;

[0053] - Figures 6A-6I Shown separately Figure 1 Front view of the disconnect device shown in different configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] With reference to the drawings, a disconnect device according to the present invention is generally indicated at 10 .

[0055] Preferably, the device in question is intended to be mechanically installed in an electrical circuit belonging to an electric circuit. In particular, the device in question is intended to be electrically arranged between a first electrical part and a second electrical part in order to connect and / or disconnect one of the two electrical parts relative to the other electrical part, thereby establishing and / or allowing and / or interrupting the passage of current (and the transmission of electrical power) between the first electrical part and the second electrical part to which the disconnecting device is connected.

[0056] Preferably, the disconnecting device 10 to which the present invention relates is an isolator switchgear (abbreviated as IMS in technical terms).

[0057] Reference will be made in particular below to the installation of the above-described disconnect device between two electrical sections in an electric power line, for example connecting an electric power production plant with an electric power distribution station or transformer substation.

[0058] Obviously, without going beyond the scope of protection of this patent, the disconnect device in question should be understood to be applicable to any type of circuit or power network and to any other aforementioned technical field.

[0059] In the following, for the purposes of this patent, the term "disconnecting device" or more simply "disconnector" shall be understood as a device intended to be mechanically and electrically installed in an electric power line or circuit.

[0060] More specifically, the device according to the invention is intended to be arranged between a first electrical part and a second electrical part of an electric circuit.

[0061] Furthermore, henceforth the term "circuit" or "grid" will be used indiscriminately to refer to a system of electric power through which electrical energy can be readily transmitted.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the attached Figure 1 A disconnect device 10 for closing and / or opening a first electrical part and a second electrical part of an electrical circuit is shown. The disconnect device 10 comprises a support structure 1 preferably made of a rigid material, such as an insulating material (e.g. a polymer, in particular a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer), to impart strength and rigidity to the device 10.

[0063] The disconnect device 10 further comprises a main body 2 arranged between the first electrical part and the second electrical part, wherein a vacuum chamber 21 is defined inside the main body 2 .

[0064] The body 2 is preferably elongated, particularly preferably cylindrical, and extends along an axis W. The body 2 is preferably hollow inside and preferably defines an internal housing volume; the internal housing volume can advantageously be isolated from the external environment.

[0065] In this way, the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 21 may be different from the ambient pressure outside the vacuum chamber 21 .

[0066] Preferably, the internal pressure in the chamber 21 is lower than the ambient pressure, and more preferably, a vacuum is formed in the chamber 21 .

[0067] The disconnecting device 10 further comprises a first electrical conductor 3 housed in the vacuum chamber 21 and mechanically connected to the support structure 1 , and a second electrical conductor 4 housed in the vacuum chamber 21 and movable relative to the first electrical conductor 3 .

[0068] Typically, the main body 2 together with the first electrical conductor 3 and the second electrical conductor housed in the vacuum chamber 21 is referred to in industry technical terms as a "vacuum interrupter" or more simply an "interrupter".

[0069] Preferably, the first electrical conductor 3 and the second electrical conductor 4 have an elongated shape and extend along a main extension direction substantially parallel to the axis W of the body 2 .

[0070] Specifically, the first electrical conductor 3 includes a head portion 31 and a tail portion 32 mechanically connected to the head portion 31 .

[0071] Similarly, the second electrical conductor 4 preferably includes a head portion 41 and a tail portion 42 mechanically connected to the head portion 41 .

[0072] Preferably, the body 2 comprises at least two passage openings (eg at least two holes), which are preferably aligned along the axis W and through which the tail portion 32 of the first conductor 3 and the tail portion 42 of the second conductor 4 pass, respectively.

[0073] Preferably, the connection between the tail portions 32 , 42 and the two corresponding passage openings is watertight, in particular to ensure isolation between the vacuum chamber 21 and the external environment.

[0074] In more detail, the head portion 31 of the first conductor 3 preferably has a preferably flat shape, in particular preferably substantially cylindrical, and defines a substantially flat conducting surface 311. The tail portion 32 preferably has a substantially elongated shape along the axis W, in particular preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0075] Similarly, the head 41 of the second conductor 4 has a preferably flat shape, particularly preferably substantially cylindrical, and defines a substantially flat conducting face 411 (and faces the conducting face 311 of the first conductor 3 ).

[0076] The tail portion 42 preferably has a substantially elongated shape along the axis W, particularly preferably a cylindrical shape.

[0077] Preferably, the first electrical conductor 3 has substantially the same shape as the second electrical conductor 4. Furthermore, preferably, the first conductor 3 is a mirror image with respect to the second conductor 4 and vice versa.

[0078] In more detail, the second electrical conductor 4 is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the second electrical conductor 4 is substantially in contact with the first electrical conductor 3; in the open configuration, the second electrical conductor 4 is away from the first electrical conductor 3 so that the first electrical conductor 3 and the second electrical conductor 4 are electrically connected or disconnected.

[0079] In more detail, the first conductor 3 and the second conductor 4 are preferably aligned along the axis W and are preferably substantially in contact via the face 311 and the face 411 .

[0080] In this way, current can flow from the first conductor 3 to the second conductor 4 .

[0081] The disconnecting device 10 further comprises an operating device 5 mechanically connected to the supporting structure 1 and configured to operate the second electrical conductor 4 .

[0082] Preferably, the manipulation means 5 comprise a mechanism, in particular an articulated mechanism, configured to move the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3 , preferably by a substantially rectilinear movement along the axis W.

[0083] In other words, the manipulating device 5 moves the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3 such that the face 411 moves away from the face 311 by a substantially rectilinear movement along the axis W.

[0084] The manipulation device 5 further comprises at least one shaping member 6 which is arranged outside the vacuum chamber 21 and is provided with a sliding path 7 .

[0085] Preferably, at least one shaping member 6 comprises at least one slit 61, preferably a closed slit 61, i.e. a slit formed entirely within the volume of the shaping member 6. Furthermore, at least one shaping member 6 is substantially sheet-like, preferably made of metallic material, such as steel or the like.

[0086] Furthermore, according to an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the slot 61 may be an open slot, for example the first wall 73 may be absent, in particular replaced by a through-going channel.

[0087] Advantageously, the sliding path 7 comprises at least a first portion 71 extending parallel to the axis X of movement of the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3 and at least a second portion 72 extending substantially transversely to the first portion 71 along the Y axis.

[0088] Preferably, the axis X of movement of the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3 is substantially parallel to the axis W of the body 2 .

[0089] Advantageously, the sliding pin 8 is slidable in the sliding path 7 parallel to the axis X and, upon reaching the second portion 72 of the sliding path 7, the shaped member 6 is moved along the axis Y so as to bring the pin 8 into abutment against the second stop wall 74, thereby blocking and / or preventing said pin 8 from returning to the first wall 73. In this way, the second electrical conductor 4 is forcibly maintained in the disconnected configuration.

[0090] Preferably, the device 10 comprises first elastic means (not shown in the drawings) which are mechanically associated with the shaping member 6 (and / or the second actuating member 52 described in detail below) and are configured to arrange the shaping member 6 in a position that holds the pin 8 at the second stop wall 74 of the path 7.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the first elastic means may comprise at least one spring mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and preferably to the shaping member 6 , this spring being for example an axial spring, in particular extending parallel to the Y axis.

[0092] Conveniently, the first elastic means are configured to move the shaping member 6 parallel to the axis Y relative to the support structure 1 .

[0093] The manipulation device 5 also comprises at least one sliding pin 8 mechanically constrained to the second electrical conductor 4 and slidingly associated with the sliding path 7 .

[0094] More specifically, the sliding pin 8 is mechanically constrained to the tail 42 of the second conductor 4 , preferably at the end of the tail 42 opposite to the head 41 .

[0095] Preferably, the sliding pin 8 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is preferably made of a metal material, particularly preferably steel.

[0096] The sliding pin 8 is slidable in the sliding path 7 and moves the second electrical conductor 4 in a guided manner between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

[0097] In this way, the disconnect device according to the invention allows the second conductor 4 to be moved relative to the first conductor 3 in a quick and easy manner by using almost entirely safe and reliable mechanical components.

[0098] Advantageously, the sliding pin 8 engages mechanically in the slot 61. In this way, the sliding pin 8 is precisely guided during its movement along the path 7, thereby eliminating the risk of disengagement between the pin 8 and the shaping member 6, and also eliminating the risk of incorrect or inaccurate manipulation of the conductor. This makes the device 10 more reliable and safe during operation.

[0099] Advantageously, the first portion 71 of the sliding path 7 is delimited by a first wall 73 which may be configured to lock the sliding pin 8 against movement of the second electrical conductor 4 along the axis X when the second electrical conductor 4 is in the closed configuration.

[0100] However, preferably, when the second electrical conductor 4 is in the closed state, the sliding pin 8 does not come into contact with the first wall 73. In fact, preferably, the travel of the second conductor 4 along the axis W is less than the extension of the first portion 71 of the sliding path 7, i.e., less than the possible travel of the pin 8 along the first portion 71 of the sliding path 7. In this way, the device according to the invention avoids the risk of the sliding pin 8 being blocked by the first wall 73, thereby preventing the second electrical conductor 4 from contacting the first electrical conductor 3 in the closed configuration.

[0101] Furthermore, the second portion 72 of the sliding path 7 is delimited by a second stop wall 74 configured to block the movement of the sliding pin 8 along the axis X when the second conductor 4 is in the disconnected configuration.

[0102] In this way, the second stop wall 74 blocks the sliding pin 8 in the disconnected configuration, making the positioning of the sliding pin 8 safe and stable.

[0103] In other words, the second stop wall 74 prevents the pin 8 from making a movement that is not defined along the path 7 , thereby preventing the pin 8 from being in an undesired position, in particular keeping the second conductor 4 in the disconnected configuration.

[0104] In more detail, the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are substantially at least partially straight and substantially orthogonal to each other. Preferably, the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are connected at respective ends, preferably thereby defining a substantially L-shaped sliding path 7 .

[0105] According to the attached Figure 4C In another embodiment of the shaping member 6 shown, the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 are connected by a connecting region 700 (eg a chamfered or substantially inclined connecting region 700).

[0106] With respect to the axis X or the axis W, the distance between the first wall 73 of the first portion 71 and the first fixed conductor 3 is shorter than the distance between the second stop wall 74 of the second portion 72 and the first fixed conductor 3 .

[0107] In other words, the first stop wall 73 and the second stop wall 74 are arranged at different heights along the axis X or along the axis W, so that the second stop wall 74 locks the pin 8 (and therefore the second conductor 4) in position relative to the first fixed conductor 3; that is, in particular, it holds the conductor 4 in the disconnected configuration when the shaping member 6 is in a translational position along the axis Y, as shown. Figure 6E shown.

[0108] Advantageously, the control device 5 comprises at least one first actuating member 51 which is mechanically mounted on the support structure 1 and is movable between a first stationary configuration (for example, in the first stationary configuration, the first actuating member 51 moves the sliding pin 8 to a first position in the sliding path 7, in which the second electrical conductor 4 is in the closed configuration) and a second configuration, wherein the first actuating member 51 moves the sliding pin 8 to a second position in the sliding path 7, in which the second electrical conductor 4 is in the open configuration.

[0109] Specifically, the first configuration can be defined as the first mechanism 51 moving the sliding pin 8 to the first position in the sliding path 7, in which the second electrical conductor 4 is in the closed configuration. In contrast, when the first actuating member 51 is pushed back to the first configuration by the second elastic device 13 (described in detail below), the first static configuration may not be equivalent to the closed state of the second movable conductor 4.

[0110] Preferably, the first member 51 is movable only from a first configuration, in which it moves the sliding pin 8 to the first position of the sliding path 7, in which the second electrical conductor 4 is in the closed configuration, to a second configuration. In other words, the first member 51 preferably only allows the first conductor 3 and the second conductor 4 to be disconnected.

[0111] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises second elastic means 13 mechanically connecting said first actuating member 51 to said supporting structure 1 .

[0112] Preferably, the second elastic means 13 comprise at least one spring. Preferably, the second elastic means 13 comprise at least one torsion spring associated with the first actuating member 51 .

[0113] Furthermore, said second elastic means 13 are advantageously configured to urge said first actuating member 51 to move from said second configuration to said first rest configuration.

[0114] In this way, the first member 51 of the actuating device 5 remains under stress during its movement, which ensures the robustness and rigidity of the disconnecting device 10 and the operating precision of the device 10 itself.

[0115] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 is rotatably constrained to the support structure 1 and comprises a protruding portion 53 configured to actuate the at least one sliding pin 8 along the first portion 71 of the sliding path 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration during rotation of the first actuating member 51 .

[0116] In operation, as the pin 8 slides along the first portion 71 , the first elastic means cause the shaped member 6 to move along the axis Y, and the pin 8 slides along the second portion 72 until it abuts against the second wall 74 .

[0117] Preferably, the protruding portion 53 has a curved shape, preferably substantially hook-shaped, so as to mechanically engage with the pin 8 .

[0118] Advantageously, the first electrical part comprises a fixed third electrical conductor 11, which is electrically connected to the first electrical conductor 3, and the second electrical part comprises a movable fourth electrical conductor 12, which is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable fourth electrical conductor 12 is electrically connected to the third electrical conductor 11 when in the first position and disconnected from the third electrical conductor 11 when in the second position.

[0119] Advantageously, in a manner known to those skilled in the art, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to move to a third position, corresponding to and contacting a fixed ground contact (not shown in the drawings and known to those skilled in the art), wherein electrical continuity with the ground circuit can be conveniently established by moving the fourth conductor 12.

[0120] More specifically, the movable fourth electrical conductor 12 is configured to abut against the first actuation member 51 and move the first actuation member 51 between the first position and the second position.

[0121] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises a first portion 511 and a second portion 512 .

[0122] Specifically, the first portion 511 is rotatably constrained to the support structure 1 at a first end 5110 thereof and is rotatably constrained to the second portion 512 at a second end 5111 opposite the first end 5110 .

[0123] In this way, the second portion 512 rotates integrally with the first portion 511 during movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0124] Conversely, during movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the second portion 512 can rotate relative to the end 5110 and independently of the first portion 511 .

[0125] Advantageously, the second portion 512 can perform two rotational movements. Specifically, the second portion 512 can rotate relative to the first end 5110 (i.e., the support structure 1) and remain integral with the first portion 511. Furthermore, the second portion 512 can rotate in the opposite direction relative to the second end 5111.

[0126] In fact, the second end 5111 of the first part 511 defines a stop wall or a stop wall for the rotation of the second part 512 , in particular preventing a rotation of the second part 512 relative to the first part 511 itself.

[0127] Preferably, the rotation of the second portion 512 is achieved by a third elastic device (not shown in the drawings) associated with the first member 51. The third elastic device is preferably configured to push the second portion 512 against the first portion 511 of the first member 51. Preferably, the third elastic device includes at least one spring mechanically arranged between the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 of the first member 51.

[0128] The second portion 512 also preferably includes a conductive portion 54 mechanically connected to the second portion 512 to allow electrical current to be transmitted therethrough.

[0129] Preferably, the conductive portion 54 is configured to be abutted by the fourth conductor 12 and is suitably designed for defining a substantially flat conductive surface 541 .

[0130] In more detail, the conductive surface 541 is electrically connected to the movable second conductor 4, in particular via a guide wire or the like (not shown in the drawings), so as to achieve electrical connection and ensure that current is transmitted between the first electrical part and the second electrical part via the device 10 through the conductors 3 and 4.

[0131] Advantageously, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to abut the second portion 512 of the first member 51 during movement from the first position to the second position, wherein the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 remain integral during movement from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0132] Advantageously, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to abut the second portion 512 of the first member 51 during movement from the second position to the first position; wherein the second portion 512 is rotatably movable in idle motion relative to the first portion 511 .

[0133] In other words, during movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first portion 511 is substantially aligned with the second portion 512, and the second portion 512 abuts the second end 5111 of the first portion 511. Furthermore, during movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 rotate integrally relative to the first end 5110 of the first portion 511, which is rotatably constrained to the support structure 1.

[0134] Advantageously, during the movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration (i.e., the movement opposite to that described above), the fourth electrical conductor 12 rotationally moves the second portion 512, which is free to rotate in a free-wheeling manner relative to the second end 5111 of the first portion 511. Thus, the second portion 512 rotates while the first portion 511 remains stationary.

[0135] In this way, the second portion 512 is free to rotate independently of the first portion 511, and this allows the fourth electrical conductor 12 to pass over the second portion 512 of the first actuating member 51 and initiate movement of the second actuating member 52 (described below) to move the disconnect device 10 from the disconnect configuration (see Figure 6E ) returns to the closed configuration (see Figure 6I ).

[0136] More specifically, the second member 52 moves while the shaping member 6 also moves to allow the pin 8 to pass through the first portion 71 of the path 7 , ie to allow the pin 8 to be released from the second stop wall 74 of the second portion 72 of the path 7 .

[0137] Advantageously, the manipulation device 5 comprises a second actuating member 52 , preferably mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and / or the shaped member 6 , and configured to move the shaped member 6 along an axis Y substantially transverse to the axis X, so as to associate the pin 8 with one of the first wall 73 and the second stop wall 74 of the sliding path 7 .

[0138] In other words, the second mechanism 52 is preferably configured to allow the pin 8 to disengage from the stop wall 74 and return the second movable conductor 4 to its stop position against the first fixed conductor 3 .

[0139] Preferably, the second mechanism 52 is configured to allow the pin 8 to escape from the second stop wall 74 , thereby being able to slide along the axis X in the first portion 71 of the sliding path 7 .

[0140] According to another embodiment, first elastic means may be defined by the second actuating member 52 , in particular made of an elastic material, such as spring steel, or a plastic material, such as a polymer, in particular a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer.

[0141] In more detail, the second actuating member 52 comprises a third end 521 that is preferably rotatably attached to the support structure 1, and a fourth end 522 that is shaped to be abutted by the fourth movable conductor 12 during movement of the fourth movable conductor 12 from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In particular, rotation of the fourth movable conductor 12 causes the second actuating member 52 to rotate.

[0142] The fourth conductor 12 thus causes the shaped member 6 to perform a substantially rectilinear movement parallel to the axis Y, causing the pin 8 to disengage from the second stop wall 74 .

[0143] In more detail, the movement of the shaping member 6 parallel to the axis Y is performed in such a way as to bring the pin 8 to the first portion 71 of the path 7 to allow its travel and thus the closing of the second movable conductor 4 in contact with the first fixed conductor 3 .

[0144] The second actuating member 52 is preferably made of an insulating material, such as a polymer, in particular a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer.

[0145] Alternatively, the second member 52 may also be made of a metal material and appropriately electrically insulated from the support structure 1 .

[0146] It can be clearly seen from the above description that the disconnecting device according to the present invention has the following advantages:

[0147] -Compact structure and small space occupation;

[0148] - safe and fully functional, as the disconnect device clearly indicates which configuration it is in (open or closed);

[0149] - low cost or at least economically competitive and comparable to commercially available disconnect devices;

[0150] - simple to manufacture;

[0151] - Mechanically rigid and durable;

[0152] - Industrialized production can be achieved using traditional manufacturing systems and known construction techniques;

[0153] - can be applied directly to circuits or power grids without expensive and complex preparation and / or adaptation;

[0154] - presenting alternative and / or improved configurations compared to known conventional solutions, both in terms of structure and function;

[0155] The present invention has been illustrated and described in its preferred embodiments, but it should be understood that modifications may be made thereto in practice without departing from the scope of protection of this industrial invention patent.

Claims

1. A disconnect device (10) for closing and / or opening a first electrical part and a second electrical part of an electric circuit, comprising: - a supporting structure (1); - a body (2) arranged between the first electrical part and the second electrical part, the body (2) defining a vacuum chamber (21) inside; - a first electrical conductor (3) housed in the vacuum chamber (21) and mechanically connected to the support structure (1); a second electrical conductor (4) housed in the vacuum chamber (21) and movable relative to the first electrical conductor (3) between a closed configuration, in which the second electrical conductor (4) is substantially in contact with the first electrical conductor (3), and an open configuration, in which the second electrical conductor (4) is spaced apart relative to the first electrical conductor (3); - a manipulation device (5) mechanically connected to the support structure (1) and configured to manipulate the second electrical conductor (4); Characterized in that the control device (5) comprises: - at least one shaping member (6) arranged outside the vacuum chamber (21) and provided with a sliding path (7); - at least one sliding pin (8) mechanically constrained on the second electrical conductor (4) and in sliding engagement with the sliding path (7); The sliding pin (8) is operable to slide in the sliding path (7) and to move the second electrical conductor (4) between the closed configuration and the open configuration in a guided manner.

2. The disconnecting device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (5) comprises at least one first actuating member (51) mechanically mounted on the support structure (1) and - first static configuration and - a second configuration in which the first actuating member (51) moves the sliding pin (8) along the sliding path (7) to a second position in which the second electrical conductor (4) is in the disconnected configuration.

3. The disconnect device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that The first electrical part comprises a third fixed electrical conductor (11) electrically connected to the first electrical conductor (3), and the second electrical part comprises a fourth electrical conductor (12), The fourth electrical conductor (12) is movable between a first position in which the fourth electrical conductor (12) is electrically connected to the third electrical conductor (11) and a second position in which the fourth electrical conductor (12) is disconnected from the third electrical conductor (11); The fourth movable electrical conductor (12) is configured to abut the first actuating member (51) and move the first actuating member (51) between the first configuration and the second configuration.

4. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sliding path (7) comprises at least a first portion (71) and at least a second portion (72), wherein the first portion (71) extends parallel to the axis X of movement of the second electrical conductor (4) relative to the first electrical conductor (3); and the second portion (72) extends substantially transversely relative to the first portion (71) along the Y axis.

5. The disconnecting device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The second portion (72) of the sliding path (7) is delimited by a second stop wall (74) configured to block movement of the sliding pin (8) relative to the axis X when the second electrical conductor (4) is in the disconnected configuration.

6. Disconnection device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first actuating member (51) is rotatably engaged to the support structure (1) and comprises a protruding portion (53) configured to actuate the at least one sliding pin (8) to move along the first portion (71) of the sliding path (7) between the closed configuration and the open configuration during rotation of the first actuating member (51).

7. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The manipulation device (5) comprises a second actuating member (52) mechanically connected to the shaping member (6) and configured to move the shaping member (6) along the axis Y substantially transverse to the axis X so as to associate the pin (8) with one of the first wall (73) and the second stop wall (74) of the sliding path (7).

8. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first actuating member (51) includes a first portion (511) and a second portion (512); The first part (511) is rotatably attached to the support structure (1) at one end (5110) thereof and is rotatably constrained to the second part (512) at a second end (5111) opposite to the first end (5110), And the second portion (512) includes a conductive portion (54) mechanically connected to the second portion (512), and the conductive portion (54) is electrically connected to the second conductor (4) to allow current to pass therethrough.

9. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fourth conductor (12) being configured to abut the second portion (512) of the first mechanism (51) during movement from the first position to the second position, wherein the first portion (511) remains integral with the second portion (512) during movement from the first configuration to the second configuration; Furthermore, the fourth conductor (12) is configured to abut the second portion (512) of the first mechanism (51) during movement from the second position to the first position; wherein the second portion (512) is capable of rotating relative to the first portion (511) in an idling manner.

10. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first actuating member (51) comprises second elastic means (13) which mechanically connect the first actuating member (51) to the supporting structure (1); The second elastic means (13) is configured to urge the first actuating member (51) to move from the second configuration to the first configuration.

11. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The conductive portion (54) is configured to be abutted by the fourth conductor (12) and is shaped to define a substantially flat conductive surface 541.

12. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that Said conductive surface (541) is electrically connected to said second movable conductor (4), preferably by means of a guide wire or similar structure (not shown in the drawings), so as to allow electrical connection and ensure that electric current is transmitted between said first electrical part and said second electrical part via said device (10) through said conductors (3, 4).

13. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second member (52) is configured to allow the pin (8) to slide along the first portion (71) of the sliding path (7) along the X-axis, thereby disengaging from the second stop wall (74).

14. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuating member (52) comprising a third end (521) preferably rotatably coupled to the support structure (1) and a fourth end (522) shaped to be abutted by the fourth movable conductor (12) during its movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration; Rotation of the fourth movable conductor (12) causes the second actuating member (52) to rotate.

15. Disconnection device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first and second parts (71, 72) are connected by a connecting region (700), for example by a chamfered or substantially inclined connecting region 700.

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