OPTIMIZED POWER SWITCH

Description

technical field

[0001] This disclosure falls within the domain of current switches on an electrical line or cable. Previous technique

[0002] A high- or medium-voltage power line is commonly equipped with a switch. Such a power line is designed to transmit current through a distribution network, from a power source to the consumer. The switch allows the current flowing through the line to be interrupted or restored by opening or closing the circuit. The switch can be used to manage the flow of electricity on the line. In conjunction with a fuse, it can also eliminate a malfunction in the network, such as a short circuit.

[0003] Typically, the switch comprises two mutually movable contacts between a closed position, corresponding to the line being closed, and a closed position, corresponding to the line being open. The two contacts are separated by an insulating medium to extinguish any electric arc that may occur when the contacts separate.

[0004] In medium and high voltage lines, the insulating medium is commonly sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). However, this gas has the disadvantage of being a greenhouse gas, the use of which is extremely harmful to the environment.

[0005] Thus, there are switches equipped with vacuum bulbs, in which the contacts are separated in a vacuum. This solution effectively extinguishes the electric arc without the need for polluting gases. However, vacuum bulbs have a high manufacturing cost.

[0006] Furthermore, there are also devices capable of separating contacts in the air. However, the architecture of such a device is either bulky and quite expensive, or does not allow for the electrical endurance, corresponding to a number of successive opening operations, that meets market requirements.

[0007] Document WO2020 / 025242 A1 discloses a current switch arranged between a first portion of power line and a second portion of power line.

[0008] This disclosure aims to propose a switch that allows current to be cut off in relatively high voltage lines without the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary

[0009] To this end, the present invention proposes a current switch arranged between a first portion of an electrical line and a second portion of an electrical line, comprising: a first switch element, comprising a main contact and a secondary contact fixed to the main contact, mounted movably on the first portion of the power line to follow a separation stroke between a closed position and an open position, the main contact being arranged to: be in electrical contact with the second portion of the power line when said first switch element is between said closed position and an intermediate open state between said closed position and said open position, no longer be in electrical contact with the second portion of the power line when said first switch element is between said intermediate open state and said open position; and a second switch element mounted freely movably on the second portion of the power line and forced towards a rest position by an elastic force; in which the secondary contact of the first switch element is adapted for: cooperate with the second switch element to move the second switch element against said elastic force in a first part of said separation stroke from the closed position to a release state between said intermediate open state and said open position, not interfere with the second switch element in a second part of said separation stroke between said release state and the open position, so that the second switch element is then returned to the rest position by said elastic force; and in which the second switch element and the secondary contact of the first switch element are arranged between two panels of insulating material.

[0010] Advantageously, the elastic force applied to the second switching element allows it to move in the opposite direction to the first element during contact separation. This elastic force contributes to rapid contact separation and extinguishes the electric arc. Consequently, a vacuum tube is no longer required, while maintaining high current-interrupting performance. Furthermore, the switch requires few moving parts for operation and can be easily installed between two sections of the line.

[0011] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently or in combination with each other: the second switch element is pivotally mounted on the second portion of the line, around a first pivot axis; the first switch element is pivotally mounted on the first portion of the power line, around a second pivot axis; the first pivot axis is parallel to the second pivot axis; the second switch element comprises a blade extending in a general plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis and a pin projecting from the blade parallel to the first pivot axis and adapted to cooperate with the secondary contact of the first switch element;the secondary contact of the first switch element extends along a general plane substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis, the secondary contact having a first cam edge adapted to cooperate with said pin by cam effect during said separation stroke the blade of the second switch element extends between a first end close to the first pivot axis and a second free end, said pin being disposed in the vicinity of said second end of the blade, and in which the secondary contact of the first switch element extends between a first end close to the second pivot axis and a second free end, said cam edge being disposed in the vicinity of said second end of the secondary contact;the first switch element is also adapted to move from said open position to the closed position by a closing stroke, and wherein the secondary contact has a second cam edge adapted to cooperate with said pin by cam effect during said closing stroke, to temporarily move the second switch element away from the rest position during the passage of said secondary contact; the second cam edge or a portion of the pin intended to make contact with the second cam edge is electrically insulating; wherein the secondary contact and the second switch element are arranged between two electrically insulating panels extending perpendicularly to the first pivot axis, the two electrically insulating panels covering at least the second end of the first blade and the second end of the secondary contact when the first switch element is in the release state;The first switch element is controlled by an actuator; one of the first and second portions of the power line is connected to a voltage source, and the other of the first and second portions of the power line extends to a point of consumption. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: [ Fig. 1 [ ] schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a switch in a closed position. ] Fig. 2 [ ] schematically represents a top view of the switch of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 3 ] schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the figure 2 , along a III-III axis. [ Fig. 4 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 5[ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a first intermediate position between the closed position and an open position. Fig. 6 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a second intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. Fig. 7 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a third, intermediate position between the closed and open positions. Fig. 8 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a fourth position, intermediate between the closed and open positions. Fig. 9 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in the open position. Fig. 10 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1in a first intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. Fig. 11 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a second intermediate position between the open and closed positions. Fig. 12 [ ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a third position, intermediate between the open position and the closed position. Description of the implementation methods

[0013] In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

[0014] There figure 1This illustrates a switch 10 mounted on a medium- or high-voltage power line. In what follows, the terms "medium voltage" and "high voltage" are used in their usual sense, namely that "medium voltage" refers to a voltage greater than 1,000 volts AC and 1,500 volts DC but not exceeding 52,000 volts AC and 75,000 volts DC, while "high voltage" refers to a voltage strictly greater than 52,000 volts AC and 75,000 volts DC. Such a power line is designed to transmit current in a distribution network, from a voltage source 30 to a point of consumption 32. The point of consumption 32 could, for example, be a dwelling or an industrial plant.

[0015] As illustrated, switch 10 is mounted between a first section 12 of the line and a second section 14 of the line. In this case, the first section 12 runs back to the voltage source 30, and the second section 14 extends to the point of consumption 32. Alternatively, the second section 14 could run back to the voltage source 30, and the first section 12 could extend to the point of consumption 32. Switch 10 can close the line, allowing current to flow between the two sections 12 and 14 of the line. Switch 10 can also open the line, interrupting the current flow between the two sections 12 and 14 of the line.

[0016] The switch 10 essentially comprises a first switch element 16 and a second switch element 18, both made of electrically conductive material.

[0017] The first switch element 16 is movable on the first section 12 of the line. The first switch element 16 can then assume a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first switch element 16 connects to the second section 14 of the line. The line is closed, and current can flow through the first switch element 16 to reach the second section 14 of the line. Conversely, in the open position, the first switch element 16 is separated from the second section 14 of the line. The line is open, and the current flow between the first and second sections 12 and 14 of the line is interrupted. A separation stroke corresponds to the transition of the first switch element 16 from the closed position to the open position. A closing stroke corresponds to the transition of the first switch element 16 from the open position to the closed position.

[0018] The first switch element 16 is mounted here to rotate about a pivot axis A. The axis A is substantially perpendicular to the general extension plane of the first switch element 16. Thus, a separation stroke here corresponds to a rotation of the first switch element 16 about the axis A. A closing stroke here corresponds to a rotation of the first switch element 16 about the axis A, in the opposite direction to the separation stroke.

[0019] The first switch element 16 can be controlled by an actuator 34. The actuator 34 can in particular control the opening of the line when a malfunction is detected on the network or when an intervention must be carried out on the line.

[0020] As seen on the Figures 1 And 2 , the first switch element 16 includes a main contact 20 and a secondary contact 22.

[0021] The main contact 20 extends between the first and second sections 12 and 14 of the line to make contact with the second section 14 of the line. The cross-section of the main contact 20 is adapted to fit onto the second section 14 of the line. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the main contact 20 is sufficient to support a continuous current flow. Thus, the main contact 20 forms a primary current path between sections 12 and 14 of the line.

[0022] The secondary contact 22 is integral with the primary contact 20. The secondary contact 22 extends parallel to the primary contact 20 from an end 22b mounted on the first section 12 of the line to a free end 22c. The free end 22c of the secondary contact 22 is designed to activate the second switching element 18 during the separation and closing strokes. When the secondary contact 22 makes contact with the second switching element 18, the secondary contact 22 and the second switching element 18 form a secondary current path between sections 12 and 14 of the line. This secondary current path notably increases the breaking capacity of an electric arc formed at the separation of the primary contact 20 and the second section of the line 14 during the separation stroke.

[0023] In practice, the free end 22c of the secondary contact 22 has a first cam profile 22a to actuate the second switch element 18 by cam action during the opening stroke. The free end 22c also includes a second cam profile 22d to move the second switch element 18 by cam action during the closing stroke. The second cam profile 22d may, in particular, be made of an electrically insulating material. The insulation prevents current from flowing through the secondary current path during the closing stroke, thus protecting the auxiliary contact 22 from a short circuit when the line is closed.

[0024] The second switch element 18 is movably mounted on the second section 14 of the line. The second switch element 18 extends from the second section 14 of the line to the vicinity of the free end 22c of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16. The second switch element 18 obstructs the passage of the secondary contact 22, so that it is driven by the secondary contact 22 during the opening and closing strokes.

[0025] The second switch element 18 is mounted to rotate about a pivot axis X on the second section 14 of the line. The axis X is parallel to the axis A of rotation of the first switch element 16. The movement of the second switch element 18 therefore corresponds to a rotation of the second switch element 18 about the axis X. The drive of the second switch element 18 by the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 corresponds to a rotation in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first switch element 16.

[0026] The second switch element 18 is attached to a actuating element 24. The actuating element 24 is in the form of a spring. The spring 24 can be, in particular, a compression spring or a torsion spring. The spring 24 actuates the second switch element 18 towards a rest position, in which the second switch element 18 is oriented towards the first portion 12 of the line. The drive of the second switch element 18 by the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 acts against the spring 24, moving the second switch element 18 out of the rest position. Following the separation of the second switch element 18 and the secondary contact 22, the spring 24 returns the second switch element 18 to the rest position. The contacts 16 and 18 then move in opposite directions.The relative speeds of the second switch element 18 and the first switch element 16 make it possible to increase the breaking power of an electric arc 28. The electric arc 28 is formed in particular between the second switch element 18 and the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 during a separation stroke.

[0027] As illustrated, the second switch element 18 here comprises a blade 19 and a pawl 23.

[0028] The blade 19 extends in a plane substantially normal to the X axis. The blade 19 is then parallel to the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16. The blade 19 extends between an end 19a in the vicinity of the axis A and a free end 19b in the vicinity of the free end 22c of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16.

[0029] The pin 23 of the blade 19 is located in the vicinity of the free end 19b of the blade 19. The pin 23 extends perpendicularly to the blade 19, in the direction of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16. The pin 23 is intended to cooperate with the first and second cam edges 22a, 22d provided on the end 22c of the auxiliary contact 22 of the first switch element 16.

[0030] A portion of the pin 23, intended to make contact with the cam edge 22d of the auxiliary contact 22, may be made of an electrically insulating material. This insulation prevents current from flowing through the secondary current path during the closing stroke. Alternatively, the pin 23 may not contain any electrically insulating material. In this case, insulation can be provided by the cam edge 22d of the secondary contact 22.

[0031] Furthermore, the second switch element 18 and the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 can be arranged between two panels of insulating material 26, for example, plastic, in particular polyoxymethylene (POM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This improves the interruption of the arc 28 formed at the separation of contacts 16, 18.

[0032] The operation of switch 10 is then described in more detail.

[0033] Initially, as seen in figures 1 to 4The first switch element 16 is in the closed position. The line is closed. The main contact 20 of the first switch element 16 connects the first section 12 of the line and the second section 14 of the line. Current can reach the second section 14 of the line via the main current path. The second switch element 18 is elastically forced towards its rest position. The second switch element 18 is then forced towards the free end 22c of the blade 22 of the first switch element 16.

[0034] The separation stroke can be controlled by the actuator 34. The first switch element 16 is here controlled in rotation around the axis A.

[0035] During the first part of the separation stroke, the first switch element 16, in particular the secondary contact 22, makes contact, then drives the second switch element 18.

[0036] As illustrated in figure 6 The contact occurs when the cam edge 22a of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 touches the pin 23 of the second switch element 18. The electric current can then reach the second portion 14 of the line via the secondary current path. The contact occurs while the main contact 20 of the first switch element 16 is still touching the second portion 14 of the line, so the electric current can also reach the second portion 14 of the line via the main current path. The current flow is distributed between the main and secondary paths according to the electrical resistances of each path. In this case, the cross-section of the main contact 20, being larger than that of the auxiliary contact 22 and the second switch element 18, carries the majority of the current through the main current path.

[0037] As seen on the figures 6 And 7 The drive of the second switch element 18 corresponds to a rotation of the second switch element 18 around the X axis. The cam edge 22a of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 drives, by cam effect, the pin 23 of the second switch element 18. The drive of the second switch element 18 acts against the elastic force 24 acting on the second switch element 18. Here, the spring 24 is compressed.

[0038] When the first switch element 16 reaches an intermediate open state, the primary contact 20 of the first switch element 16 is separated from the second portion 14 of the line. An electric arc is formed between the primary contact 20 and the second portion 14 of the line. The second switch element 18 remains in contact with the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16, so current can still reach the second portion 14 of the line via the secondary current path. A current reversal to the secondary current path is caused by the electrical impedance of the arc.

[0039] The first switch element 16 continues to rotate about axis A while driving the second switch element 18. The first switch element 16 is moved away from the second section 14 of the line. This separation increases the impedance of the electric arc between the main contact 20 and the second section 14 of the line. Combined with the electrical resistance provided by the secondary current path, the electric arc between the main contact 20 and the second section 14 of the line can be broken without damaging the ends of the main contact 20 and the second section 14 of the line.

[0040] When the first switch element 16 reaches a release state, illustrated in the figure 8The second switch element 18 is separated from the first switch element 16. Current can no longer reach the second portion 14 of the line. The electric arc 28 is formed between the end 22c of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 and the end 19b of the blade 19 of the second switch element 18.

[0041] During the second part of the separation stroke, the first switch element 16 continues to rotate around axis A. The second switch element 18 is returned to its rest position by the elastic force 24. Here, the restoring force of the spring 24 causes the second switch element 18 to rotate around axis X, in the opposite direction to the rotation of the first switch element 16. The second switch element 18 moves away from the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16. More precisely, the end 19b of the blade 19 of the second switch element 18 and the end 22c of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 move apart. The relative speeds of the second switch element 18 and the first switch element 16 increase the breaking capacity and thus rapidly extinguish the electric arc 28.

[0042] When the first switch element 16 reaches the open position, illustrated in the figure 9 The line is open. The first switch element 16 is at a distance from the second portion 14 of the line. The second switch element 18 is in the rest position.

[0043] The closing stroke can also be controlled by the actuator 34. The first switch element 16 is controlled in rotation around the axis A in the opposite direction to the separating stroke.

[0044] During the initial part of its closing stroke, the first switch element 16 approaches the second portion 14 of the line. The second switch element 18 is in its rest position, as can be seen in the Figure 10 .

[0045] During a second part of the closing stroke, the first switch element 16 continues to rotate around the axis A by making contact with, and then moving, the second switch element 18.

[0046] As illustrated in the figure 11 , contact occurs when the cam edge 22d of the secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 touches the pin 23 of the second switch element 18. The electrically insulating material of a part of the pin 23 and / or the cam edge 22d of the secondary contact 22 prevents the establishment of current through the secondary current path.

[0047] The movement of the second switch element 18 corresponds to a rotation of the second switch element 18 around the X axis. The cam edge 22d of the blade 22 of the first switch element 16 drives, by cam action, the pin 23 of the second switch element 18. The secondary contact 22 of the first switch element 16 can then approach the second portion 14 of the line without being blocked by the second switch element 18.

[0048] The main contact 20 of the first switch element 16 touches the second section 14 of the line. Current can again reach the second section 14 of the line via the main current path. The first switch element 16 releases the second switch element 18. The second switch element 18 is returned to its rest position by the elastic force 24. The line then returns to the closed position. Figures 1 And 4 .

Claims

1. Current switch (10) arranged between a first power line segment (12) and a second power line segment (14), comprising: - a first switch element (16) comprising a main contact (20) and a secondary contact (22) rigidly connected to the main contact (20), mounted so as to be mobile on the first power line segment (12) so as to follow a separating travel between a closed position and an open position, the main contact (20) being arranged so as to: - be in electrical contact with the second power line segment (14) when said first switch element (16) is between said closed position and an intermediate opening state between said closed position and said open position, - no longer be in electrical contact with the second power line segment (14) when said first switch element (16) is between said intermediate opening state and said open position; and - a second switch element (18) mounted so as to be mobile on the second power line segment (14) and forced towards a rest position by elastic loading (24); in which the secondary contact (22) of the first switch element (16) is designed to: - cooperate with the second switch element (18) so as to move the second switch element (18) against said elastic loading (24) in a first portion of said separating travel from the closed position to a release state between said intermediate opening state and said open position, - not interfere with the second switch element (18) in a second portion of said separating travel between said release state and the open position, so that the second switch element (18) is then brought back to the rest position by said elastic loading (24); characterized in that the second switch element (18) and the secondary contact (20) of the first switch element (16) are arranged between two panels made of insulating material (26).

2. Switch (10) according to Claim 1, in which the second switch element (18) is mounted so as to pivot on the second segment (14) of the line, about a first pivoting axis (X).

3. Switch (10) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the first switch element (16) is mounted so as to pivot on the first power line segment (12), about a second pivoting axis (A).

4. Switch (10) according to Claims 2 and 3, in which the first pivoting axis (X) is parallel to the second pivoting axis (A).

5. Switch (10) according to Claim 4, in which the second switch element (18) comprises a blade (19) extending along a general plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivoting axis (X) and a pin (23) protruding from the blade (19) parallel to the first pivoting axis (X) and designed to cooperate with the secondary contact (22) of the first switch element (16).

6. Switch (10) according to Claim 5, in which the secondary contact (22) of the first switch element (16) extends along a general plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivoting axis (X), the secondary contact (22) having a first cam edge (22a) designed to cooperate with said pin (23) through cam effect during said separating travel.

7. Switch (10) according to Claim 6, in which the blade (19) of the second switch element (18) extends between a first end (19a) close to the first pivoting axis (X) and a second, free end (19b), said pin (23) being arranged close to said second end (19b) of the blade (19), and in which the secondary contact (22) of the first switch element (16) extends between a first end (22b) close to the second pivoting axis (A) and a second, free end (22c), said cam edge (22a) being arranged close to said second end (22c) of the secondary contact (22).

8. Switch (10) according to Claim 7, in which the first switch element (16) is also designed to move from said open position to the closed position along a closing travel, and in which the secondary contact (22) has a second cam edge (22d), designed to cooperate with said pin (23) through cam effect during said closing travel, so as to temporarily move the second switch element (18) away from the rest position during the passage of said secondary contact (22).

9. Switch (10) according to Claim 8, in which the second cam edge (22d) and / or a segment of the pin (23) intended to come into contact with the second cam edge (22d) is electrically insulating.

10. Switch (10) according to one of Claims 7 to 9, in which the two electrically insulating panels (26) extend perpendicular to the first pivoting axis (X), the two electrically insulating panels (26) covering at least the second end (19b) of the first blade (19) and the second end (22c) of the secondary contact (22) when the first switch element (16) is in the release state.

11. Switch (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first switch element (16) is controlled by an actuator (34).

12. Switch according to any one of the preceding claims, in which one from among the first power line segment (12) and the second power line segment (14) is connected to a voltage source (30), and the other from among the first power line segment (12) and the second power line segment (14) extends to a point of consumption (32).