System for interrupting an electrical apparatus

Abstract

A cut-off system (50) for an electrical appliance (1) is proposed, comprising: - A vacuum interrupter (2) comprising: -- A fixed electrode (3), -- A movable electrode (4) between: --- a first position (P1), called the closed position, and --- a second position (P2), called the open position, - A drive vane (5) linked to the movable electrode (4), - A main switch (20) movable between a first position (P1') allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit (30) of the electrical appliance (1) and a second position (P2') preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit (30), the main switch (20) being configured to drive the drive vane (5) when moving from the first position (P1') to the second position (P2'), so as to move the movable electrode (4) from the closed position (P1) to the open position (P2),- a contact maintaining element (6) configured to maintain mechanical and electrical contact between the drive paddle (5) and the main switch (20) when the drive paddle (5) is driven by the main switch (20).,

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medium-voltage vacuum interrupting devices, which comprise components called vacuum interrupters or vacuum interrupters. Vacuum interrupters are used, for example, in medium-voltage electrical distribution devices, i.e. from 1 to 52 kV. Vacuum interrupters are in particular associated with actuators for cutting off the current in a part of an electrical circuit. Prior art

[0002] It is known, in particular from patent EP2182536, to arrange a vacuum interrupter in a branch parallel to a main branch containing a main switch of a phase of an electrical appliance. In such an architecture, no current flows through the vacuum interrupter during normal operation, i.e. when the main switch is closed so as to cause the current to flow in the main branch. During the opening operation of the main switch, a portion of the main switch closes the parallel branch comprising the vacuum interrupter, before the current is interrupted in the main branch. Then the current is interrupted in the main branch, so that the entire current then passes through the vacuum interrupter. By continuing its opening stroke, the main switch drives a vane linked to a movable electrode of the vacuum interrupter, which opens the contact of the vacuum interrupter.The electric current is thus cut off. The occurrence of an electric arc at the main switch is avoided, since the electric current only flows through the vacuum interrupter at the moment of the power cut. Since the vacuum interrupter is crossed by electric current only during transient phases of power cut, it can be simplified and reduced in size compared to the vacuum interrupters generally intended to be placed in series with the main switch.

[0003] To ensure effective power interruption, the main circuit must be opened in less than approximately 30 milliseconds. The relative speed between the switch and the vacuum interrupter's drive vane, at the moment the two parts come into contact, is high enough to create a shock. This shock is likely to cause the vane to rebound relative to the switch, meaning that mechanical contact between the two parts is momentarily lost. A stray electric arc can thus occur between the drive vane and the switch, in addition to the controlled electric arc that occurs inside the vacuum interrupter. This stray electric arc must be avoided for several reasons. On the one hand, the stray electric arc tends to erode the vane, meaning it wears out the contact surface between the vane and the switch, which reduces long-term reliability.In addition, stray arcing can cause the electrical circuit to restart after the power is turned off, which can damage devices connected to the circuit. Arcing can also occur between two separate phases of the device, which can severely damage the device.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to have a solution to avoid the creation of a parasitic electric arc during the opening phase of the main switch. Summary

[0005] To this end, the invention proposes a system for cutting off an electrical device, comprising: A vacuum interrupter comprising: -- A fixed electrode, -- A movable electrode, configured to move between: --- a first position, called the closed position, in which the fixed electrode and the movable electrode are in contact with each other so as to allow the passage of electric current, and --- a second position, called the open position, in which the fixed electrode and the movable electrode are spaced apart from each other so as to prevent the passage of electric current, A drive vane linked to the movable electrode, A main switch movable between a first position allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit of the electrical appliance and a second position preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit, the main switch being configured to drive the drive vane when moving from the first position to the second position,so as to move the movable electrode from the closed position to the open position, a contact maintaining element configured to maintain mechanical and electrical contact between the drive vane and the main switch when the drive vane is driven by the main switch.

[0006] The contact-holding element makes it possible to maintain mechanical contact between at least a portion of the main switch and a portion of the drive vane. Electrical contact between the drive vane and the main switch is thus maintained. Consequently, the creation of a parasitic electric arc between the drive vane and the main switch is avoided. Premature wear of the disconnection system is avoided. Similarly, a risk of premature damage to the electrical device, due to incorrect disconnection of the current, is eliminated. The service life and reliability of the disconnection system and the electrical device are improved.

[0007] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the switching system, the contact holding element comprises an electrically conductive elastically deformable element configured to be elastically constrained in response to the movement of the main switch from the first position to the second position. More specifically, the electrically conductive elastically deformable element is configured to be elastically constrained in response to the movement of the main switch from the first position to the second position when the distance between the drive paddle and the main switch becomes less than a predetermined distance.

[0009] The elastically deformable member is configured to elastically relax in response to an increase in the distance between the drive paddle and the main switch so as to maintain contact between the drive paddle and the main switch.

[0010] If the distance between the drive vane and the main switch increases, due to a rebound of the drive vane relative to the main switch, the elastically deformable element relaxes and continues to provide mechanical contact, and therefore electrical contact, between the main switch and the drive vane.

[0011] The predetermined distance is between 2 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[0012] A natural frequency of the elastically deformable element is greater than 2000 Hz.

[0013] This natural frequency range allows the elastically deformable element to maintain contact with the drive paddle in the event that the latter moves away from the main switch following the initial impact between the parts during the drive phase.

[0014] According to an example of implementation of the cut-off system, the elastically deformable element is linked to the main switch.

[0015] The elastically deformable element comprises a projecting portion of the main switch in the direction of movement of the main switch from the first position to the second position.

[0016] The elastically deformable element is a torsion spring.

[0017] The elastically deformable element is formed from a metal wire.

[0018] The diameter of the wire is between 0.5 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[0019] The torsion spring is made of copper and beryllium alloy.

[0020] This alloy provides good elastic properties as well as good thermal resistance, so that the torsion spring can withstand the heating created by the transient passage of electric current each time the circuit is opened by moving the main switch.

[0021] The main switch has a first bar and a second bar, the first bar and the second bar being spaced apart from each other. The first bar and the second bar are parallel to each other. The first bar and the second bar are in contact with a fixed contact of the main circuit when the main switch is in the main circuit closing position. The first bar and the second bar are connected by a transverse connecting pin. The connecting pin passes through a coil of the torsion spring.

[0022] The connecting axis of the first bar and the second bar comprises a groove for receiving the coil of the torsion spring.

[0023] The torsion spring is thus held relative to the connecting axis without adding any additional part.

[0024] The torsion spring comprises a first strand and a second strand connected by a coil. An end portion of the first strand is disposed in a notch of the first bar and an end portion of the second strand is disposed in the notch of the first bar.

[0025] The retaining spring is thus maintained relative to the first bar without any additional parts. In addition, the choice of the size of the notch allows the preload, or prestress, of the spring to be adjusted.

[0026] The axis of the coil is parallel to the end portion of the first strand and the end portion of the second strand.

[0027] This makes it easier to position the coil of the retaining spring in the receiving groove of the connecting pin and to position the ends of the retaining spring in the notch of the first bar.

[0028] According to an example of implementation, the notch is oblong in shape.

[0029] Alternatively, the notch is rectangular in shape.

[0030] The first strand comprises a substantially straight portion adjacent to the turn and a curved portion, the curved portion extending into a connecting portion at the end portion of the first strand.

[0031] The substantially straight portion of the first strand and the curved portion extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the coil.

[0032] The second strand comprises a substantially straight portion adjacent to the turn and a connecting portion to the end portion of the second strand.

[0033] In the free state, the substantially straight portion of the first strand and the straight portion of the second strand form an angle between 0° and 40°.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, the torsion spring is prestressed.

[0035] The preload of the torsion spring ensures good electrical contact with the drive paddle when the drive paddle bounces off the main switch.

[0036] The preload of the torsion spring is between 15 Newton and 50 Newton, especially around 25 Newton.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the cutting system, the elastically deformable element is linked to the drive pallet.

[0038] The elastically deformable element projects from the drive pallet.

[0039] The elastically deformable element is an elastic plate configured to deform in bending.

[0040] The elastic plate comprises a first portion rigidly connected to the drive pallet and a second free portion.

[0041] The free portion includes a U-shaped curved portion adjacent to the portion rigidly connected to the drive pallet.

[0042] The free portion of the elastic plate projects from the drive pallet.

[0043] The elastic plate is screwed into the drive plate.

[0044] The elastic plate is made of steel.

[0045] The thickness of the elastic pad is between 0.3 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters.

[0046] The length of the free portion of the elastic pad is between 1 centimeter and 5 centimeters.

[0047] The width of the free portion of the elastic pad is between 1 centimeter and 6 centimeters.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the cut-off system, the contact-holding element comprises a damping element configured to limit the acceleration of the drive vane when the drive vane is driven by the main switch.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the cut-off system, the main switch and the drive paddle are configured so that the main switch drives the drive paddle via the contact holding element.

[0050] More specifically, the main switch drives the drive paddle via the contact holding element during at least a portion of the travel of the main switch from the first position to the second position.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the contact holding element is integral with the drive pallet.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the cut-off system, the contact-maintaining element is integral with the main switch.

[0053] According to yet another embodiment of the cut-off system, the damping element is formed by the drive vane.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the contact holding element comprises an elastomer block.

[0055] For example, the contact-holding element comprises an elastomer damping element based on EPDM, or polyurethane, or natural rubber, or thermoplastic.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the contact holding element is covered with an electrically conductive layer. The contact holding element may be covered with an electrically conductive plate. The electrically conductive plate may be metallic, for example made of steel.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the contact holding element comprises an elastomer block attached to the drive paddle.

[0058] For example, the electrically conductive wafer covering the contact holding element comprises a plate and a lug projecting from the plate, and the lug is disposed in a receiving housing of the drive pallet.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the lug comprises a plurality of studs spaced apart from each other.

[0060] The plate is parallelepiped in shape.

[0061] The plate has a thickness between 0.5 and 5 millimeters.

[0062] The studs have a thickness between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the contact holding element is fixed to the drive pallet by fixing screws. The fixing screws pass through the plate.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the contact holding element is overmolded onto the drive pallet.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the cutting system, the drive paddle comprises a first surface called the support surface, the main switch comprises a second surface called the drive surface configured to be in contact with the support surface when the main switch moves from the first position to the second position, the main switch is rotatable about an axis, and has an end portion opposite the axis, and the drive surface is adjacent to the end portion.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the bearing surface is formed on an electrically conductive plate covering the contact holding element.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the contact holding element comprises the bearing surface of the drive pallet.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the cutting system comprises a connecting element connecting the drive paddle to the movable electrode, and the contact maintaining element is disposed between the connecting element and the drive paddle. For example, a damping element is disposed between the connecting element and the drive paddle.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the cut-off system comprises a connecting element connecting the drive paddle to the movable electrode, the connecting element comprising a pivot and a stop, and the drive paddle is configured to bear on the stop when the main switch moves from the first position to the second position, so that the main switch drives the connecting element.

[0070] According to an exemplary implementation, the contact holding element is arranged on the drive pallet and the contact holding element is configured to bear on the stop.

[0071] Alternatively, the stop of the connecting element is formed by the contact holding element.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the drive paddle is configured to pivot about the pivot without driving the connecting element when the main switch moves from the second position to the first position.

[0073] The drive paddle includes an electrically conductive area configured to contact the main switch when the main switch moves from the first position allowing the flow of electrical current in a main electrical circuit to the second position prohibiting the flow of electrical current in the main electrical circuit.

[0074] More specifically, the electrically conductive area of ​​the drive paddle is in contact with the main switch during at least a portion of the travel of the main switch from the first position to the second position.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the cut-off system, the contact holding element comprises a sliding contact element configured to create a sliding electrical contact between the main switch and the drive paddle when the drive paddle is driven by the main switch.

[0076] Preferably, the sliding contact element is metallic.

[0077] Thus, the sliding contact element ensures electrical continuity between the main switch and the drive paddle.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the sliding contact element is integral with the drive pallet.

[0079] According to one aspect of the invention, the main switch comprises a contact surface, and the sliding contact element is configured to contact the contact surface upon driving of the drive paddle by the main switch.

[0080] Advantageously, the contact surface extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the main switch.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the main switch comprises an electrical connection surface configured to be in contact with a fixed contact of the main circuit when the main switch is in the closing position of the main circuit, and the electrical connection surface is adjacent to the contact surface.

[0082] The electrical connection surface and the contact surface may partially overlap.

[0083] The electrical connection surface and the contact surface can be confused.

[0084] According to one aspect of the invention, the main switch comprises a first bar and a second bar, the first bar and the second bar being spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, the first bar and the second bar being in contact with a fixed contact of the main circuit when the main switch is in the main circuit closing position. The fixed contact of the main circuit is disposed between the first bar and the second bar when the main switch is in the main circuit closing position, each of the first bar and second bar comprises a contact surface, and the sliding contact element is configured to come into contact with each sliding contact surface when the driving paddle is driven by the main switch.

[0085] Each bar of the main switch has an electrical connection surface configured to contact the fixed contact when the main switch is in the first position, and the contact surface is adjacent to the electrical connection surface.

[0086] The contact surface of the second bar is arranged opposite the contact surface of the first bar.

[0087] Preferably, the first bar is flat. The second bar is flat.

[0088] The first bar and the second bar are metal.

[0089] The sliding contact element includes a flexible blade extending perpendicular to the drive paddle, the flexible blade being configured to create sliding contact with the main switch.

[0090] The sliding contact element may include a first flexible blade and a second flexible blade, and the first flexible blade is configured to contact a contact surface of the first bar and the second flexible blade is configured to contact a contact surface of the second bar.

[0091] The first flexible blade has an inclined portion, the inclined portion facing the second flexible blade. The second flexible blade has an inclined portion, the inclined portion facing the first flexible blade.

[0092] The sliding contact element has a U-shaped profile.

[0093] Each flexible blade forms a branch of the U.

[0094] The first flexible blade and the second flexible blade are connected by a base perpendicular to the plane of the first flexible blade and the second flexible blade.

[0095] The base of the U forms a fixing surface with the drive paddle.

[0096] The base of the U has a hole for the passage of a screw for fixing the sliding contact element to the drive pallet.

[0097] According to another embodiment of the switching system, the sliding contact element comprises a rigid main rod extending perpendicular to the drive paddle, the main rod is surrounded by a plurality of flexible rods extending transversely to the main rod, and the flexible rods are configured to create a sliding contact with the main switch.

[0098] The sliding contact element comprises a plurality of rows of flexible rods extending axially along the main rod. The flexible rods are distributed 360° around the main rod.

[0099] The flexibility of the transverse rods allows for a progressive application of the friction force acting between the sliding contact element and the main switch.

[0100] According to yet another embodiment, the sliding contact element comprises a rigid main rod extending perpendicular to the drive paddle, the rigid main rod is surrounded by a spring with inclined coils, and the inclined coils are configured to create a sliding contact with the main switch.

[0101] As with the previous embodiment, the flexibility of the spring coils makes it possible to obtain a progressive establishment of the sliding contact between the sliding contact element and the main switch.

[0102] According to yet another embodiment, the sliding contact element comprises a rigid rod extending perpendicular to the drive paddle, and the rigid rod is configured to create sliding contact with the main switch.

[0103] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid rod has a rectangular section.

[0104] The rigid stem has chamfers.

[0105] According to one variant, the rigid rod has a circular section.

[0106] The invention also relates to an electrical apparatus comprising a cut-off system as described above, in which the vacuum bulb is arranged in parallel with the main switch. Brief description of the drawings

[0107] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: [ Figure 1] is a schematic representation of the operation of a cut-off system for an electrical device comprising a vacuum bulb, [ Figure 2 ], [ Figure 3 ], [ Figure 4 ], [ Figure 5 ], [ Figure 6 ] are side views illustrating successive steps in the opening of a cut-off system according to a first embodiment of the invention, [ Figure 7 ] is a partial perspective view of the cutting system according to the first embodiment of the invention, [ Figure 8 ] is another partial perspective view of the cutting system according to the first embodiment of the invention, [ Figure 9 ] is a schematic view, from above, of a second embodiment of the invention, [ Figure 10 ] is a detailed perspective view of the embodiment of the figure 9 , [ Figure 11 ] is a side view of the embodiment of the figures 9 and 10 , [ Figure 12] is a schematic view, from above, of a first variant of the second embodiment of the invention, [ Figure 13 ] is a schematic view, from above, of a second variant of the second embodiment of the invention, [ Figure 14 ] is a schematic view, from above, of a third variant of the second embodiment of the invention. [ Figure 15 ] is a side view illustrating the operation of a cut-off system according to a third embodiment, [ Figure 16 ] is a detailed side view of a main switch in the power cut-off system figure 15 , [ Figure 17 ] is a detailed perspective view of a main switch in the power cut-off system figure 15 , [ Figure 18 ] is a detailed perspective view of components of the main switch of the power cut-off system figure 15 , [ Figure 19 ] is a partial perspective view of a cutting system according to a fourth embodiment, [ Figure 20 ] is another partial perspective view of the cutting system of the figure 19 , [ Figure 21 ] is a partial perspective view of a variant of the cutting system of the figure 19 . Description of the embodiments

[0108] To facilitate reading the figures, the different elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, i.e. designated for example by first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing is intended to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element or parameter over another and the names may be interchanged. When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

[0109] We have represented schematically on the figure 1an electrical device 1 comprising a cut-off system 50. The cut-off system 50 comprises a vacuum interrupter 2. The vacuum interrupter 2 is arranged in parallel with the main switch 20.

[0110] The electrical appliance 1 comprises a main circuit 30 in which an electric current can flow. The main circuit 30 corresponds for example to one of the phases of the electrical appliance 1. The cut-off system 50 makes it possible to selectively cut off the flow of current in the main circuit 30 or to allow the flow of current in the main circuit 30. The cut-off system 50 comprises a main switch 20. The main switch 20 is rotatable.

[0111] The vacuum interrupter 2 is intended for a medium voltage electrical apparatus, i.e. a voltage between 1 kV and 52 kV. The vacuum interrupter 2 comprises an envelope forming a vacuum-tight enclosure. This means that the pressure inside the enclosure is less than 10 -4< millibar.

[0112] As illustrated in the figure 1 , the main circuit 30 comprises a fixed contact 35. The electrical device 1 here comprises an earthing contact 40. The switch 20 is rotatable between a nominal position for circulation of the electric current in the main circuit 30, illustrated at A on the figure 1, and a position in which the switch 20 is connected to the grounding contact 40, illustrated at F in this same figure. The main switch 20 is rotatable about an axis D. According to other examples of implementation, not shown, the grounding contact may not be present. The vacuum interrupter 3 is part of a branch branch of the main circuit 20. This branch branch is connected at a first end to the main circuit 20, and ends at its second end with a movable part. The movable part is mechanically linked to the movable electrode 4 of the vacuum interrupter 3. The movable part comprises a drive vane 5.

[0113] There figure 1schematically describes the successive steps of a current cut-off operation in the main circuit 30. The steps from A to F are in chronological order. The dotted lines ending in an arrow diagram the flow of current. In B, the main switch 20 has initiated a rotational movement. During its rotation, the main switch 20 will come into contact with and drive the drive vane 5 which is connected to the movable electrode 4 of the vacuum interrupter 2. The drive vane 5, also called a contact element, is a drive element of the movable electrode 4. The movement of the drive vane 5 thus makes it possible to open the contact of the vacuum interrupter 2. The drive vane 5 comprises an electrically conductive element connected to the movable electrode 4. The main switch 20 comes into contact with the electrically conductive element during part of its movement stroke.The drive paddle 5 can pivot around an axis of rotation under the thrust of the main switch 20. The control device kinematically linking the drive paddle 5 and the movable electrode 4 is not detailed in the . figure 1. At B, an electrical contact between the switch 20 and the fixed contact 35 is still established, due to the width of the contacting areas. An electrical contact between the main switch 20 and the vacuum interrupter 2 is also made. The main switch 20 is in contact with the drive vane 5, which is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the movable electrode 4. An electric current flows simultaneously in the fixed contact 35 and in parallel in the vacuum interrupter 2. In other words, the electric current flows jointly in the main circuit 30 and in the bypass branch. At C, the main switch 20 has continued its rotational movement and is no longer in contact with the fixed contact 35. The main switch 20 has started to move the drive vane 5. The vacuum interrupter is closed, i.e. the fixed electrode 3 and the movable electrode 4 are in contact. All current flows through vacuum bulb 2.The electric current no longer flows in the main circuit 30 and flows in the bypass branch. At D, the main switch 20 has further moved the drive vane 5, which has triggered the opening of the vacuum interrupter 2. The movable electrode 4 has thus begun to move away from the fixed electrode 3. The cut-off system 50 for opening the vacuum interrupter 2 will be described in detail in the following paragraphs. The current flows in the vacuum interrupter 2 in the form of an electric arc when the contact opens. At E, the drive vane 5 has continued to be driven by the main switch 20, and the distance between the movable electrode 4 and the fixed electrode 3 is maximum. Shortly after the phase current has crossed zero, the current in the vacuum interrupter 2 is cut off. The current in the main circuit 30 is thus cut off.At F, the main switch 20 has completed its rotational movement and is in contact with the earthing contact 40.

[0114] The drive paddle 5 comprises an electrically conductive zone 15 configured to be in contact with the main switch 20 when the main switch 20 passes from the first position P1' allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit 30 to the second position P2' preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit 30. The electrically conductive zone 15 of the drive paddle 5 is in contact with the main switch 20 during at least part of the passage travel of the main switch 20 from the first position P1' to the second position P2'. The structure of the drive paddle 5 is for example formed from plastic material.

[0115] THE figures 2 to 8detail a first embodiment of the invention. The cut-off system 50 of an electrical device 1 comprises: A vacuum bulb 2 comprising: -- A fixed electrode 3, -- A movable electrode 4, configured to move between: --- a first position P1, called the closed position, in which the fixed electrode 3 and the movable electrode 4 are in contact with each other so as to allow the passage of electric current, and --- a second position P2, called the open position, in which the fixed electrode 3 and the movable electrode 4 are spaced apart from each other so as to prevent the passage of electric current, A drive vane 5 linked to the movable electrode 4, A main switch 20 movable between a first position P1' allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit 30 of the electrical appliance 1 and a second position P2' preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit 30,the main switch 20 being configured to drive the drive vane 5 when moving from the first position P1' to the second position P2', so as to move the movable electrode 4 from the closed position P1 to the open position P2, a contact-maintaining element 6 configured to maintain mechanical and electrical contact between the drive vane 5 and the main switch 20 when the drive vane 5 is driven by the main switch 20.,

[0116] The contact holding element 6 is arranged at the second end of the branch branch comprising the vacuum interrupter 3, or at the main switch 20.

[0117] In this first embodiment of the cut-off system 50, the contact-maintaining element 6 comprises a damping element 13 configured to limit the acceleration of the drive vane 5 when the drive vane 5 is driven by the main switch 20.

[0118] By means of the damping element 13, the contact-holding element 6 reduces the shock between the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5, and thus prevents the drive vane 5 from bouncing off the main switch 20. Since mechanical and electrical contact between the drive vane 5 and the main switch 20 is maintained, there is no parasitic electric arc between the drive vane 5 and the main switch 20. Premature wear of the cut-off system is thus avoided. Similarly, the current is cut off more reliably, and the risk of premature damage to the electrical device is eliminated. The service life and reliability of the cut-off system and the electrical device are improved.The term “maintaining contact” means that contact between the parts is ensured for a duration greater than the duration of contact existing in the absence of the contact-maintaining element. A residual rebound between the parts may in certain cases occur. In this case, the amplitude of the rebound is less than 3 millimeters, and the duration of the rebound is less than 1 millisecond. In other words, the possible rebound is of a sufficiently low amplitude and duration so that it can be considered that the mechanical and electrical contact is maintained during the operation of the main switch 20.

[0119] The drive vane 5 is a drive element connected to the movable electrode 4 of the vacuum interrupter 2. In other words, the contact-holding element 6 is configured to maintain mechanical and electrical contact between the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5 when the drive vane 5 is driven by the main switch 20. In particular, the contact-holding element 6 is configured to limit the acceleration of the drive vane 5 during an initial phase of driving the drive vane 5 by the main switch 20. The contact-holding element 6 is configured to limit the acceleration of the drive vane 5 at least during the docking phase of the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5, i.e. the phase where the main switch 20 comes into contact with the drive vane 5 and starts training him.

[0120] THE figures 2 to 6detail different stages of the movement of the switch 20 aimed at opening the main circuit 30. The fixed electrode 3 and the movable electrode 4 form an electrical contact. An electric current can pass through the contact when the fixed electrode 3 and the movable electrode 4 are pressed against each other, as illustrated in the figure 2 and on the figure 3 . On the figure 4 , an electric arc is present between the two electrodes of the vacuum bulb, and precedes the current cut-off. The current in the contact is interrupted when the movable electrode 4 and the fixed electrode 3 are moved away from each other, as illustrated in the Figure 5 . On the figure 6 , the switch 20 has pivoted sufficiently to no longer be in contact with the drive paddle 5. On the figures 2 to 6 , the dotted lines show the passage of the electric current.

[0121] According to a first embodiment, illustrated in the figures 2 to 8, the main switch 20 and the drive paddle 5 are configured so that the main switch 20 drives the drive paddle 5 via the contact holding element 6.

[0122] More specifically, the main switch 20 drives the drive vane 5 via the contact holding element 6 for at least part of the travel of the main switch 20 from the first position P1' to the second position P2'. Thus, the damping element 13 is interposed between the main switch 20, the electrically conductive zone 15, and the drive vane 5 for at least part of the travel of the main switch 20 from the first position P1' to the second position P2'. The main switch 20 comes into contact with the drive pallet 5 via the electrically conductive zone 15 and the damping element 13. In other words, the docking between the main switch 20 and the drive pallet 5 takes place via the electrically conductive zone 15 and the damping element 13.

[0123] For this purpose, the contact holding element 6 is covered with an electrically conductive plate 15. The plate 15 is metallic, for example made of steel. In other words, the electrically conductive area of ​​the drive pallet 5 is here formed by the plate 15. The contact holding element 6 can also be covered with an electrically conductive layer.

[0124] In the example illustrated, the contact holding element 6 is integral with the drive pallet 5. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the contact holding element 6 can be integral with the main switch 20. More precisely, the damping element 13 is then integral with the main switch 20.

[0125] In the first embodiment, the contact-holding element 6 comprises a damping element 13. The damping element 13 is an elastomer block. The elastomer may be based on EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer copolymers), or thermoplastic material, or polyurethane, or natural rubber.

[0126] According to the first embodiment, illustrated in the figures 2 to 8 , the contact holding element 6 comprises an elastomer block fixed to the drive pallet 5.

[0127] There figure 7 and the figure 8 detail, in an exploded view, an example of embodiment of a contact holding element 6 comprising a damping element 13 made of elastomer.

[0128] The electrically conductive plate 15 covers the contact holding element 6, which here comprises the damping element 13. The plate 15 comprises a plate 7 and a lug 8 projecting from the plate 7, and the lug 8 is arranged in a receiving housing 9 of the drive pallet 5. During the assembly phase, the lug 8 can slide in a receiving housing 9 of the drive pallet 5. The damping element 13 is inserted into the drive pallet 5, and the lug 8 of the plate 15 slides in the receiving housing 9 until the plate 15 is supported on the damping element 13. The plate 15 is connected to the drive pallet 5 by means of the damping element 13. The damping element 13 is pressed against the bottom of the housing reception 9. The choice of dimensions and material of the damping element makes it possible to obtain the desired damping properties.

[0129] As shown in the figure 8 , the lug 8 comprises a plurality of studs 10, 10', 10" spaced from each other. The plate 7 is of parallelepiped shape. The plate 7 has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 millimeters. The studs 10 have a thickness of between 0.1 and 2 millimeters. The lug 8 here comprises two studs 10, 10' of parallelepiped shape, extending in a main direction D1. The lug 8 comprises a third stud 10" of parallelepiped shape, extending in a transverse direction D2 perpendicular to the direction D1.

[0130] The thickness of the damping element 13 as well as the material used make it possible to adjust the damping obtained, so as to guarantee the maintenance of electrical and mechanical contact between the plate 15, the drive vane 5 and the main switch 20 during the opening stroke of the vacuum interrupter 2. In the example shown, the plate 15 is fixed to the drive vane 5 by fixing screws allowing the compression of the damping element 13. The fixing screws pass through the plate 7. On the figure 7 , the fixing screws have not been shown, only the holes 37 for the fixing screws are visible.

[0131] Other forms of damping element 13 are also conceivable according to the invention. According to another exemplary embodiment, not shown, the damping element 13 can for example be overmolded onto the drive pallet 5.

[0132] As represented in particular on the figure 3 , the drive paddle 5 comprises a first surface 11 called the support surface, the main switch 20 comprises a second surface 12 called the drive surface configured to be in contact with the support surface 11 when the main switch 20 passes from the first position P1' to the second position P2', the main switch 20 is rotatable about an axis D, and has an end portion 14 opposite the axis D, and the drive surface 12 is adjacent to the end portion 14.

[0133] The contact holding element 6 comprises the bearing surface 11 of the drive paddle 5. The area where contact takes place between the contact holding element 6 and the main switch 20 varies depending on the angular position of the main switch 20. The bearing surface 11 is here part of the electrically conductive plate 15.

[0134] The cutting system 50 comprises a connecting element 16 connecting the drive blade 5 to the movable electrode 4. As shown in the figure 2 , and detailed on the figure 7 , the cut-off system 50 comprises a connecting element 16 connecting the drive vane 5 to the movable electrode 4, the connecting element 16 comprising a pivot 17 and a stop 18, and the drive vane 5 is configured to bear on the stop 18 when the main switch 20 moves from the first position P1' to the second position P2', so that the main switch 20 drives the connecting element 16. A portion 18' of the drive vane 5 is in contact with the stop 18 of the connecting element 16. In other words, when on the figures 2 to 5the main switch 20 pivots, as shown diagrammatically by the dotted curved arrow, the drive vane 5 and the connecting element 16 are rigidly connected so that the movement of the main switch 20 is transmitted to the movable electrode 4 of the vacuum bulb 2.

[0135] According to an embodiment not shown, the contact-maintaining element 6 is arranged between the connecting element 16 and the drive pallet 5. In other words, a damping element 13 is arranged between the connecting element 16 and the drive pallet 5. Thus, the damping element 13 can be arranged on the drive pallet 5, and the damping element 13 is configured to bear on the stop 18. The damping element 13 can thus be arranged on the portion denoted 18' on the figure 7. According to another example not shown, the stop 18 of the connecting element 16 can be formed by the damping element 13. In other words, in this embodiment the contact between the main switch 20 and the drive pallet 5 is made without a damping element inserted between the two parts. The damping element is inserted in the connection between the drive pallet 5 and the connecting element 16.

[0136] The drive vane 5 is configured to pivot around the pivot 17 without driving the connecting element 16 when the main switch 20 moves from the second position P2' to the first position P1'. Thus, the main switch 20 can return to its initial position after a movement stroke intended to close the main circuit 30. In other words, the pivoting of the drive vane 5 relative to the pivot 17 allows the switching device 50 to be reset.

[0137] According to another exemplary embodiment not shown, the damping element is formed by the drive vane 5. The drive vane 5 is in this case formed from a flexible elastomer-type material.

[0138] The damping sought in this embodiment is achieved by deformation of the drive vane 5 during contact between the main switch 20 and the plate 15. The elastomer material is chosen such that the Shore A hardness is between 50 and 90. In order to guide the rotation of the drive vane 5 around the axis of the pivot 17, a rigid ring is interposed between the drive vane 5 and the axis of the pivot 17 of the connecting element 16. The ring is integral with the drive vane 5. The ring has not been shown in the figures. The conductive plate 15 is fixed on the drive vane 5 and allows electrical contact with the main switch 20.

[0139] THE figures 9 to 14describe a second embodiment of the cut-off system 50. In this embodiment, the contact-holding element 6 comprises a sliding contact element 19 configured to create a sliding electrical contact between the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5 when the drive vane 5 is driven by the main switch 20. figures 9 to 14 are schematic top views detailing the main switch 20 and the sliding contact element 19.

[0140] The electrical contact existing between the main switch 20 and the pallet 5 thanks to the sliding contact element 19 makes it possible to maintain continuity of electrical contact during the movement of the main switch 20. Thus, as for the first embodiment, the mechanical contact as well as the electrical contact between the main switch 20 and the drive pallet 5 are maintained. Since the electrical continuity between the main switch 20 and the vacuum interrupter 2 is maintained, the formation of a parasitic electric arc is avoided.

[0141] The sliding contact element 19 is here metallic. The sliding contact element 19 thus ensures electrical continuity between the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5.

[0142] In this second embodiment, the sliding contact element 19 is integral with the drive pallet 5.

[0143] The main switch 20 comprises a contact surface 21, and the sliding contact element 19 is configured to contact the contact surface 21 when the drive paddle 5 is driven by the main switch 20.

[0144] The contact surface 21 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation D of the main switch 20. In other words, the contact surface 21 and the drive surface 12 ensuring the drive of the drive vane 5 are distinct and are disjoint. The drive surface 12 of the switch 20 ensures the drive of the drive vane 5 by ensuring a thrust against the drive vane 5. The contact surface 21 makes it possible to ensure electrical contact with the sliding contact element 19.

[0145] The main switch 20 comprises an electrical connection surface 22 configured to be in contact with a fixed contact 35 of the main circuit 30 when the main switch 20 is in the closing position P1' of the main circuit 30, and the electrical connection surface 22 is adjacent to the contact surface 21.

[0146] The electrical connection surface 22 and the contact surface 21 may partially overlap. The connection contact surface 22 and the contact surface 21 may be the same.

[0147] More specifically, the main switch 20 comprises a first bar 23 and a second bar 24, the first bar 23 and the second bar 24 being spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, the first bar 23 and the second bar 24 being in contact with a fixed contact 35 of the main circuit 30 when the main switch 20 is in the closing position of the main circuit 30. The fixed contact 35 of the main circuit 30 is arranged between the first bar 23 and the second bar 24 when the main switch 20 is in the closing position of the main circuit 30, and each of the first bar 23 and second bar 24 comprises a contact surface 21, 21', and the sliding contact element 19 is configured to come into contact with each contact surface 21, 21' when the driving paddle 5 is driven by the main switch 20.By definition, the closed position of the main circuit 30 is the position allowing the passage of current in the main circuit 30. It is therefore the position in which the main switch 30 and the fixed contact 35 are in contact. The first bar 23 is here flat. Similarly, the second bar 24 is flat. The first bar 23 and the second bar 24 are metallic.

[0148] Each bar 23, 24 of the main switch 20 comprises an electrical connection surface 25, 25' configured to be in contact with the fixed contact 35 when the main switch 20 is in the first position P1', and the contact surface 21, 21' is adjacent to the electrical connection surface 25, 25'.

[0149] The contact surface 21' of the second bar 24 is arranged opposite the contact surface 21 of the first bar 23. The direction in which the contact surface 21 and the contact surface 21' are opposite each other is the direction of the rotation axis D of the main switch 20.

[0150] According to the second embodiment, illustrated in the figures 9 to 11 , the sliding contact element 19 comprises a flexible blade 26 extending perpendicular to the drive paddle 5, the flexible blade 26 being configured to create a slide with the main switch 20.

[0151] More precisely, and as shown in the diagram figure 9, the sliding contact element 19 comprises a first flexible blade 26 and a second flexible blade 26'. The first flexible blade 26 is configured to contact a contact surface 21 of the first bar 23, and the second flexible blade 26' is configured to contact a contact surface 21' of the second bar 24.

[0152] In other words, the sliding contact element 19 is inserted between the two bars 23, 24 of the main switch 20. Each of the two flexible blades 26, 26' comes into contact with a blade 23, 24 respectively during the movement of the main switch 20, which creates the desired sliding contact.

[0153] As detailed on the figure 10, the first flexible blade 26 comprises an inclined portion 27, the inclined portion 27 being turned towards the second flexible blade 26'. Similarly, the second flexible blade 26' comprises an inclined portion 27', the inclined portion 27' being turned towards the first flexible blade 26. The inclined portions 27, 27' facilitate the insertion of the sliding contact element 19 between the two bars 23, 24.

[0154] The sliding contact element 19 has in this example a U-shaped profile. Each flexible blade 26, 26' forms a branch of the U. The first flexible blade 26 and the second flexible blade 26' thus extend in parallel planes P1, P1'. The first flexible blade 26 and the second flexible blade 26' are connected by a base 29 perpendicular to the plane of the first flexible blade 26 and the second flexible blade 26'. The base 29 of the U forms a fixing surface 28 with the drive pallet 5. The base 29 of the U may comprise an orifice for the passage of a screw for fixing the sliding contact element 19 on the drive pallet 5.

[0155] According to a first variant of the second embodiment, shown schematically on the figure 12, the sliding contact element 19 comprises a rigid main rod 31 extending perpendicular to the drive paddle 5, the main rod 31 is surrounded by a plurality of flexible rods 32 extending transversely to the main rod 31, and the flexible rods 32 are configured to create a sliding contact with the main switch 20.

[0156] The sliding contact element 19 in this case comprises a plurality of rows of flexible rods 32 extending axially along the main rod 31. The flexible rods are distributed 360° all around the main rod 31.

[0157] The flexibility of the transverse rods 32 makes it possible to obtain a sliding electrical contact between the sliding contact element 19 and the main switch 20. In addition, the flexibility of the transverse rods allows easy insertion of the sliding contact element 19 between the bars 23, 24 of the main switch 20.

[0158] According to a second variant of this second embodiment, shown diagrammatically in part B of the figure 13 , the sliding contact element 19 comprises a rigid main rod 31 extending perpendicular to the drive paddle 5, the rigid main rod 31 is surrounded by a spring 33 with inclined turns 34, and the inclined turns 34 are configured to create a sliding contact with the main switch 20.

[0159] As for the first variant, the flexibility of the turns 34 of the spring 33 makes it possible to obtain a progressiveness of the sliding contact between the sliding contact element 19 and the main switch 20. The spring 33 with inclined turns 34 has a general torus shape. The spring 33 is detailed in part A on the figure 13 .

[0160] According to a third variant, shown diagrammatically on the figure 14, the sliding contact element 19 comprises a rigid rod 36 extending perpendicular to the drive paddle 5, and the rigid rod 36 is configured to create a sliding contact with the main switch 20.

[0161] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rigid rod 36 has a rectangular section. The rigid rod 36 has chamfers. The chamfers eliminate the right angle at the corners of the rectangular section, and facilitate the insertion of the rigid rod 36 between the bars 23 and 24 of the main switch 20.

[0162] According to another embodiment, the rigid rod 36 has a circular, elliptical or oval section. The diameter of the rod is chosen to be slightly greater than the distance between the two bars 23 and 24, in order to create a sliding contact when the rod is inserted between the two bars. The sliding contact element 19 can also be a tube having the same external dimensions as the rigid rod 36 described.

[0163] THE figures 15 to 18 describe a third embodiment of the cut-off system 50.

[0164] In this embodiment of the cut-off system, the contact-holding element 6 comprises an electrically conductive elastically deformable element 41 configured to be elastically constrained in response to the movement of the main switch 20 from the first position P1' to the second position P2' when the distance d between the drive vane 5 and the main switch 20 becomes less than a predetermined distance S. The elastically deformable element is a contact element, i.e. an element ensuring mechanical and electrical contact with the main switch 20.

[0165] The elastically deformable element is also configured to elastically relax in response to an increase in the distance d between the drive paddle 5 and the main switch 20 so as to maintain contact between the drive paddle 5 and the main switch 20.

[0166] The elastically deformable element is interposed between the drive vane 5 and the main switch 20. The elastically deformable element is electrically conductive. The predetermined distance S is between 2 millimeters and 6 millimeters.

[0167] The natural frequency of the elastically deformable element 41 is greater than 2000 Hz.

[0168] This minimum natural frequency value allows the elastically deformable element 41 to maintain contact with the drive pallet 5 in the event that the latter moves away from the main switch 20 following the initial impact between the parts during the drive phase. In other words, this natural frequency value allows the elastically deformable element to remain in permanent contact with the main switch 30, even if a rebound phenomenon exists. Indeed, the natural frequency of the elastically deformable element is much higher than the frequency of any rebounds of the drive pallet, for example by a factor of between 5 and 10.

[0169] According to an example of implementation of the cut-off system 50, illustrated in the figures 15 to 18 , the elastically deformable element 41 is connected to the main switch.

[0170] The elastically deformable element 41 comprises a projecting portion of the main switch 20 in the direction of movement of the main switch 20 from the first position P1' to the second position P2'. A portion of the elastically deformable element 41 thus protrudes from the edge of the bars 23, 24 facing the drive pallet 5. On the figure 16 , the sign S schematizes the overhang of the edge of the elastically deformable element 41 relative to the edge of the main switch 20. The dotted arrow indicates the direction of rotation of the main switch 20 when it passes from the position P1' for passing current in the main circuit 30 to the position P2' for prohibiting the passage of current.

[0171] The different views of the figure 15illustrate the manner in which the elastically deformable element 41 acts. In this figure, views A to D represent, in chronological order, the relative position of the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5. It will be noted that the direction of rotation of the main switch 1, shown diagrammatically by a curved arrow in dotted lines, is reversed with respect to the figures 3 to 6 . The elastically deformable element 41 defines an initial contact zone between the main switch 20 and the drive paddle 5 when the main switch 20 moves from the first position P1' to the second position P2'. On part A of the figure 15 , the first bar 23 of the main switch 20 is still distant from the pallet 5 when the elastically deformable element 41 comes into contact with the surface of the pallet 5. The distance d between the main switch 20 and the drive pallet 5, at the instant corresponding to part A of the figure 15, is highlighted by the sign d_A. Once the initial mechanical contact is established, the rest of the movement stroke of the main switch 20 deforms the elastically deformable element 41 and stresses it. On part B of the figure 15, the deformation of the elastically deformable element 41 is maximum and the edge of the first bar 23 of the main switch 20 comes into contact with the drive pallet 5. The distance between the first bar 23 and the drive pallet 5 is then zero. The impact between the main switch 20 and the drive paddle 5 can generate a rebound of the drive paddle 5 on the main switch 20 causing the drive paddle 5 to move away from the main switch 20, i.e. the two parts cease to be in contact and the distance between the two parts becomes non-zero, as illustrated in part C. The sign d_C schematizes the non-zero distance d between the main switch 20 and the drive paddle 5. The elastically deformable element 41 has relaxed and continues to be in contact with the drive paddle 5.During this phase, a mechanical contact, and consequently an electrical contact, is maintained between the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5, by means of the elastically deformable element 41. On part D, the main switch 20 has caught up with the drive vane 5 and is again in contact with it. The elastically deformable element 41 is again compressed to the maximum. A single rebound is illustrated here, the mechanism of action is the same when there are several successive rebounds. The predetermined distance S is selected so as to be greater than the maximum amplitude of the rebounds of the drive vane 5 relative to the main switch 20. Thus, the elastically deformable element can remain in contact with the main switch, thanks to a succession of compression and relaxation phases, and maintain an electrical contact.The stiffness of the elastically deformable element is chosen to be sufficiently low so as not to prevent the main switch 20 from touching the drive vane 5. In other words, the stiffness of the elastically deformable element allows zero clearance between the main switch 20 and the drive vane 5. When this clearance is zero, the deformation of the elastically deformable element is maximum.

[0172] The elastically deformable element 41 is here a torsion spring. The elastically deformable element 41 is formed from a metal wire. The diameter of the metal wire is between 0.5 millimeters and 3 millimeters.

[0173] The torsion spring 41 is made of a copper and beryllium alloy. This alloy provides good elastic properties and good thermal resistance, so that the torsion spring can withstand the heating created by the transient passage of the electric current each time the main electrical circuit 30 is opened by moving the main switch 20.

[0174] There figure 17details the main switch 20. The main switch 20 comprises a first bar 23 and a second bar 24, the first bar 23 and the second bar 24 being spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other. The first bar 23 and the second bar 24 are in contact with a fixed contact 35 of the main circuit 30 when the main switch 20 is in the closed position of the main circuit 30. The first bar 23 and the second bar 24 are connected by a transverse connecting pin 51. The connecting pin 51 passes through a turn 42 of the torsion spring 41.

[0175] The first bar 23 and the second bar 24 are rectilinear planar elements. The first bar 23 and the second bar 24 extend in parallel planes and are arranged opposite each other in a direction transverse to their plane of extension.

[0176] The connecting shaft 51 transversely passes through the first bar 23 and the second bar 24 of the main switch 20. The connecting shaft 51 is connected to the first bar 23. A shoulder 54 of the connecting shaft 51, detailed on the figure 18 , is supported against the lateral surface of the first bar 23 opposite the second bar 24. A helical spring 55 guarantees sufficient contact pressure between the two bars 23, 24 and the fixed contact 35 so as to ensure the quality of the electrical connection between the movable elements of the main switch 20 and the fixed contact 35.

[0177] As detailed in Part B of the figure 18, the connecting axis 51 of the first bar 23 and of the second bar 24 comprises a receiving groove 52 of the coil 42 of the torsion spring 41. The coil 42 of the torsion spring 41 is received in the receiving groove 52 of the connecting axis 51 of the first bar 23 and of the second bar 24. The torsion spring 41 is thus held relative to the connecting axis 51 without adding an additional part.

[0178] As illustrated in particular on the figure 16 , the torsion spring 41 comprises a first strand 43 and a second strand 44 connected by a turn 42. An end portion 45 of the first strand 43 is arranged in a notch 53 of the first bar 23 and an end portion 46 of the second strand 44 is arranged in the notch 53 of the first bar 23.

[0179] The torsion spring 41 is thus held relative to the first bar 23 without using any additional part. In addition, the choice of the size of the notch makes it possible to adjust a level of preload, or prestress, of the torsion spring 5.

[0180] The end portion 45 of the first strand 43 and the end portion 46 of the second strand 44 extend in parallel directions. The end portion 45 of the first strand 43 and the end portion 46 of the second strand 44 are parallel to the connecting axis 51 of the first bar 23 and the second bar 24. The axis of the turn 42 is parallel to the end portion 45 of the first strand 43 and the end portion 46 of the second strand 44.

[0181] The placement of the coil 42 of the torsion spring 41 in the receiving groove 52 of the connecting shaft 51 and the placement of the ends of the torsion spring 41 in the notch 43 of the first bar 23 are thus facilitated. Indeed, the coil 42 of the torsion spring can be inserted into the groove 52 of the connecting shaft 51, and the two end portions 45 and 46 of the torsion spring 41 are simultaneously introduced into the notch 53. The deformation of the torsion spring 41 during its placement can be carried out using a tool, or by hand.

[0182] The end portion 45 of the first strand 43 and the end portion 46 of the second strand 44 extend longitudinally on the same side of the extension plane of the first strand 43 and of the second strand 44. In other words, the two end portions 45, 46 of the torsion spring 41 point in the same direction.

[0183] The notch 53 is here oblong in shape. Alternatively, the notch 53 may be rectangular in shape.

[0184] As detailed in Part A of the figure 18 , the first strand 43 comprises a substantially rectilinear portion 47 adjacent to the turn 42 and a curved portion 49, the curved portion 49 extending by a connecting portion 49' to the end portion 45 of the first strand 43. The substantially rectilinear portion 47 of the first strand 43 and the curved portion 48 extend in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the turn 42. The second strand 44 comprises a substantially rectilinear portion 48 adjacent to the turn 42 and a connecting portion 48' to the end portion 46 of the second strand 46. In the free state, the substantially rectilinear portion 47 of the first strand 43 and the rectilinear portion 48 of the second strand 44 form an angle T of between 0° and 40°.

[0185] The torsion spring 41 is here prestressed. In other words, a force greater than the prestressing force must be exerted to increase the elastic deformation of the torsion spring 41. The prestress of the torsion spring 41 is between 15 Newton and 50 Newton, in particular around 25 Newton. The prestress of the torsion spring 41 ensures good electrical contact with the drive vane 5 during a rebound of the drive vane 5 relative to the switch 20. The prestress of the torsion spring 41 is between 5 and 30°. This corresponds to a closure of the angle T.

[0186] There figure 19 and the figure 20illustrate a fourth embodiment of the cut-off system 50. In this embodiment, the elastically deformable element is connected to the drive vane 5. The elastically deformable element projects from the drive vane 5. The elastically deformable element is an elastic plate 61 configured to deform in flexion. As for the third embodiment, the elastically deformable element is therefore a contact element, that is to say an element ensuring mechanical and electrical contact with the main switch 20.

[0187] The elastic plate 61 comprises a first portion 62 rigidly connected to the drive pallet 5 and a second free portion 63. The free portion 63 of the elastic plate 61 projects from the drive pallet 5.

[0188] The free portion 63 comprises a U-shaped curved portion 64. The curved portion 64 is adjacent to the portion 62 rigidly connected to the drive pallet 5.

[0189] The elastic plate 61 is here screwed into the drive plate 5. On the figure 20 , the sign 65 designates the hole for the passage of the screw fixing the elastic plate 61 with the drive pallet 5. The figure 21 illustrates a variant in which the elastic plate 61 is fixed by three fixing screws 66. The elastic plate 61 comprises three passage openings 67 for the clamping tool. According to another variant not shown, a part of the elastic plate 61 is overmolded by the material forming the drive pallet 5. No fixing screws are then necessary. For example, the part receiving on the figure 19 the head of the fixing screw can be overmolded.

[0190] The elastic plate 61 is made of a copper and beryllium alloy. The thickness of the elastic plate 61 is between 0.3 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters. The length of the free portion of the elastic plate 61 is between 1 centimeter and 5 centimeters. The width of the free portion of the elastic plate 61 is between 1 centimeter and 6 centimeters.

[0191] When opening the main electrical circuit 30, the main switch 20 first comes into contact with the free portion 63 of the elastic plate 61, which projects from the drive pallet 5, as shown in the figure 19 and the figure 20. In these figures, only the first bar 23 of the main switch 20 has been shown, and the dotted arrow indicates the direction of movement of the main switch 20 when the main circuit 30 is opened. The operation is similar to that of the first variant embodiment. The main switch 20 deforms the elastic plate 61 until it comes into abutment on the drive pallet 5. Once the main switch 20 drives the drive pallet 5, the free portion 63 of the elastic plate 61 maintains contact with the first bar 23 and the second bar 24 of the main switch 20. Indeed, if the distance between the drive pallet 5 and the bars 23, 24 of the main switch 20 increases, due to a rebound phenomenon linked to the impact between the parts, the free portion 63 relaxes and remains in contact with the bars 23, 24 of the main switch 30.A mechanical, and therefore electrical, contact is thus maintained. The overhang at rest S of the free portion 63, the thickness of the elastic plate, the length of the free portion 63 make it possible to adapt the dynamic behavior of the elastic plate 61 in order to compensate for the rebounds of the drive pallet 5. The overhang at rest S is between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters, and more particularly equal to 3 millimeters.

[0192] According to a variant of the fourth embodiment, the cut-off system comprises an additional damping element configured to limit the acceleration of the drive vane 5 when the drive vane 5 is driven by the main switch 20.

[0193] The contact holding element therefore comprises the elastic plate 61 and the additional damping element, together ensuring mechanical and electrical contact with the main switch 20.

[0194] The damping element has, for example, the properties of that described in the first embodiment of the figures 2 to 8 .

[0195] The damping element is interposed between the free portion 63 of the elastic plate 61 and the drive vane 5. The damping element further improves performance by being compressed when the main switch 20 exerts a force on the elastic plate 61. When the vane 5 is driven by the main switch 20, the free portion 63 of the elastic plate 61 is deformed until it comes into contact with the additional damping element, then the additional damping element is compressed. The damping element thus further minimizes the rebound phenomenon and thus improves the electrical and mechanical contact when the main switch 20 moves from the first position P1' to the second position P2'.

[0196] According to this variant, the overhang at rest S of the free portion 63 is between 1 millimeter and 5 millimeters, and more particularly equal to 2 millimeters. The additional damping element is not shown on the figure 20 and is not visible on the figures 19 And 21 because this is hidden by the elastic plate 61.

Claims

1. Cut-off system (50) of an electrical appliance (1), comprising: - A vacuum bulb (2) comprising: -- A fixed electrode (3), -- A movable electrode (4), configured to move between: --- a first position (P1), called the closed position, in which the fixed electrode (3) and the movable electrode (4) are in contact with each other so as to allow the passage of electric current, and --- a second position (P2), called the open position, in which the fixed electrode (3) and the movable electrode (4) are spaced apart from each other so as to prevent the passage of electric current, - A drive vane (5) for the movable electrode (4), the drive vane (5) being connected to the movable electrode (4),- A main switch (20) movable between a first position (P1') allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit (30) of the electrical appliance (1) and a second position (P2') preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit (30), the main switch (20) being configured to drive the drive vane (5) when moving from the first position (P1') to the second position (P2'), so as to move the movable electrode (4) from the closed position (P1) to the open position (P2), - a contact-maintaining element (6) configured to maintain mechanical and electrical contact between the drive vane (5) and the main switch (20) when the drive vane (5) is driven by the main switch (20)., 2. The cut-off system (50) of claim 1, wherein the contact-holding element (6) comprises an electrically conductive elastically deformable element (41) configured to be elastically constrained in response to the movement of the main switch (20) from the first position (P1') to the second position (P2').

3. Cut-off system (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the elastically deformable element (41) is connected to the main switch (20), and in which the elastically deformable element (41) comprises a projecting portion of the main switch (20) in the direction of movement of the main switch (20) from the first position (P1') to the second position (P2').

4. A cut-off system (50) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the elastically deformable element (41) is a torsion spring, wherein the main switch (20) comprises a first bar (23) and a second bar (24), the first bar (23) and the second bar (24) being spaced apart from each other, and wherein the torsion spring (41) comprises a first strand (43) and a second strand (44) connected by a turn (42), wherein an end portion (45) of the first strand (43) is arranged in a notch (53) of the first bar (23) and wherein an end portion (46) of the second strand (44) is arranged in the notch (53) of the first bar (23).

5. Cutting system (50) according to claim 2, wherein the elastically deformable element (41) is connected to the drive pallet (5), the elastically deformable element (41) projecting from the drive pallet (5).

6. Cutting system (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the elastically deformable element (41) is an elastic plate (61) configured to deform in flexion.

7. A cut-off system (50) according to claim 1, 2 or 6 wherein the contact-holding element (6) comprises a damping element (13) configured to limit the acceleration of the drive vane (5) when the drive vane (5) is driven by the main switch (20).

8. Cutting system (50) according to claim 7, in which the contact holding element (6) is integral with the drive pallet (5).

9. A switching system (50) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the main switch (20) and the drive vane (5) are configured so that the main switch (20) drives the vane (5) via the contact holding element (6).

10. Cutting system (50) according to one of claims 7 to 9, in which the contact holding element (6) comprises an elastomer block.

11. Cut-off system (50) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: - the drive pallet (5) comprises a first surface (11) called the bearing surface, - the main switch (20) comprises a second surface (12) called the drive surface configured to be in contact with the bearing surface (11) when the main switch (20) moves from the first position (P1') to the second position (P2'), wherein the main switch (20) is rotatable about an axis (D), and comprises an end portion (14) opposite the axis (D), and wherein the drive surface (12) is adjacent to the end portion (14), and wherein the contact holding element (6) comprises the bearing surface (11) of the drive pallet (5).

12. Cutting system (50) according to claim 7, comprising a connecting element (16) connecting the drive vane (5) to the movable electrode (4), in which the damping element (13) is arranged between the connecting element (16) and the drive vane (5).

13. The cut-off system (50) according to claim 1, wherein the contact-holding element (6) comprises a sliding contact element (19), configured to create a sliding electrical contact between the main switch (20) and the vane (5) when the drive vane (5) is driven by the main switch (20), and wherein the sliding contact element (19) is secured to the drive vane (5).

14. Cut-off system (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the main switch (20) is rotatable about an axis (D) and comprises a contact surface (21), wherein the sliding contact element (19) is configured to come into contact with the contact surface (21) when the drive paddle (5) is driven by the main switch (20), and wherein the contact surface (21) extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) of the main switch (20).

15. A cut-off system (50) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the main switch (20) comprises a first bar (23) and a second bar (24), the first bar (23) and the second bar (24) being spaced from each other and parallel to each other, the first bar (23) and the second bar (24) being in contact with a fixed contact (35) of the main circuit (30) when the main switch (20) is in the closing position of the main circuit (30), wherein the fixed contact (35) of the main circuit (30) is arranged between the first bar (23) and the second bar (24) when the main switch (20) is in the closing position of the main circuit (30), wherein each of the first bar (23) and second bar (24) comprises a contact surface (21, 21'), and wherein the sliding contact element (19) is configured to come into contact with each contact surface (21,21') when driving the drive pallet (5) by the main switch (20)., 16. Cutting system (50) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the sliding contact element (19) comprises a first flexible blade (26) and a second flexible blade (26'), wherein the first flexible blade (26) is configured to contact a contact surface (21) of the first bar (23) and wherein the second flexible blade (26') is configured to contact a contact surface (21') of the second bar (24).

17. Cut-off system (50) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the sliding contact element (19) comprises a rigid main rod (31) extending perpendicular to the drive paddle (5), the main rod (31) being surrounded by a plurality of flexible rods (32) extending transversely to the main rod (31), the flexible rods (32) being configured to create friction with the main switch (20).

18. Cut-off system (50) according to one of claims 13 to 15, in which the sliding contact element (19) comprises a rigid main rod (31) extending perpendicular to the drive pallet (5), the rigid main rod (31) being surrounded by a spring (33) with inclined turns (34), the inclined turns (34) being configured to create contact with the main switch (20).

19. Cut-off system (50) according to one of claims 13 to 15, in which the sliding contact element (19) comprises a rigid rod (36) extending perpendicular to the drive pallet (5), the rigid rod (36) being configured to create contact with the main switch (20).

20. Electrical apparatus (1) comprising a cut-off system (50) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the vacuum bulb (2) is arranged in parallel with the main switch (20).

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