Switching device for an electrical device

Abstract

A switching device (50) is proposed for an electrical appliance (100), comprising: - a vacuum bulb (3), - a drive element (4) connected to the vacuum bulb (3), - a movable element (20) that can be moved between a closed position of an electrical circuit and an open position of the circuit, and comprising: -- an electrically conductive blade (11), -- a support (12) integral with the blade (11), the movable element (20) being configured to: - during a circuit opening stroke, drive the drive element (4) via the conductive blade (11), and - during a closing stroke, drive the drive element (4) via the support (12). The support (12) includes a drive surface (14) in contact with a receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) during a circuit closing stroke.The training surface (14) of the support (12) and the receiving surface (7) of the training element (4) are convex in shape.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of switching devices for medium voltage electrical equipment, i.e. from 1 to 52 kV. These switching devices make it possible to interrupt or establish the flow of current in a medium voltage electrical network. Previous technique

[0002] Switches used in medium-voltage electrical networks may consist of a fixed contact and a rotating moving contact between at least two positions. One of these positions is the closed position, in which the fixed and moving contacts are in mechanical and electrical contact, allowing the flow of electric current in the circuit. Another position, the open position, is the separation of the fixed and moving contacts, in which the current is interrupted. Some switches have three positions, with the third position of the moving contact serving as an earthing point for a portion of the circuit. The moving contact can be moved alternately from one position to another by means of a control mechanism that provides it with kinetic energy. Such a switch is installed on each phase of the electrical network.

[0003] During the transition from the closed position of the electrical circuit to the open position of the electrical circuit, the moving contact of the switch actuates, during its travel, a drive element linked to a moving electrode of a vacuum bulb, so as to allow a break in the electrical current in the vacuum bulb and thus prevent the formation of an electric arc at the moving contact.

[0004] During the reversal of the electrical circuit's open-to-close position, the moving contact engages with the moving electrode's drive element, displacing it without actuating the vacuum tube. This is achieved through a retractable subsystem that moves in the direction of the contact's movement. This interaction between the moving contact and the retractable subsystem tends to reduce the contact's speed, as some of the contact's kinetic energy is transferred to this retractable subsystem that drives the vacuum tube's moving electrode. Such a slowdown can be problematic for achieving certain electrical performance characteristics, such as short-circuit closure.

[0005] There is a need for switches that are less slowed down by interference from the moving contact with the drive element of the vacuum bulb, and that allow for the closure of the electrical circuit in a reduced time. Summary

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes a switching device for an electrical appliance, the switching device comprising: a vacuum bulb, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode movable between a closed position and an open position, a drive element mechanically linked to the second electrode, a movable element movable between a first position allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit of the electrical device and a second position preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit, the moving element comprising: -- an electrically conductive blade, -- an insulating support, integral with the electrically conductive blade, in which the moving element is configured to: in a first direction of movement corresponding to a passage from the first position to the second position, drive the driving element of the moving electrode via the conductive blade, and in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement and corresponding to a passage from the second position to the first position, drive the driving element of the moving electrode via the support, in which the support comprises a drive surface configured to be in contact with a receiving surface of the drive element during a passage of the moving element from the second position to the first position, and in which: the drive surface of the support has a curved shape,and the receiving surface of the drive element has a curved shape.

[0007] The shape of the support's drive surface and the shape of the drive element's receiving surface minimize the kinetic energy loss experienced by the moving element, thus preventing excessive deceleration of the moving element during the main circuit closing stroke. The performance of the breaking device, particularly short-circuit closing, is improved. It is not necessary to increase the energy of the control mechanism. Such an increase could have limited effectiveness during the closing phases and negative effects on other operating phases, such as opening or grounding. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to be able to increase the speed of the moving contact during the circuit closing phase without having to modify the mechanism that moves the moving element carrying the conductive knife.

[0008] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination: The support's drive surface delimits a convex portion.

[0009] The receiving surface of the training element defines a convex portion.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the drive surface of the support and the receiving surface of the drive element are shaped so that a mechanical contact between the drive surface of the support and the receiving surface of the drive element is a linear contact.

[0011] This type of contact between the support and the drive element optimizes the forces between the parts and the distribution of friction between these parts, thus reducing the loss of speed of the moving element during the closing of the main circuit.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the moving element is mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation, the support extends parallel to the conducting knife, a portion of the support forming a drive surface being disposed in projection from the knife and a line of contact between the drive surface of the support and the receiving surface of the drive element extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the moving element.

[0013] Part of the support is positioned projecting from the knife in a direction perpendicular to a main axis of extension of the knife and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the moving element.

[0014] The support is opposite the conducting knife in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the moving element.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the drive element comprises a first arm and a second arm that can pivot relative to the first arm about a pivot axis, and: The first arm includes a stop configured to prevent the second arm from pivoting relative to the first arm in a first direction of rotation corresponding to a passage of the moving element from the first position to the second position, so that the moving element drives the first arm via the second arm; the second arm can pivot relative to the first arm in a second direction of rotation corresponding to a passage of the moving element from the second position to the first position. and the receiving surface of the training element is formed on the second arm.

[0016] According to a first direction of thrust applied to the second arm, corresponding to a passage from the first position to the second position, the first arm and the second arm are rigidly linked to each other.

[0017] According to a second direction of thrust applied to the second arm, corresponding to a passage from the second position to the first position, the first arm and the second arm are linked in translation and free in rotation relative to each other.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a distance between the line of contact of the support's drive surface with the receiving surface of the drive element and the pivot axis of the second arm depends on an angular position of the moving element, and decreases monotonically as the angular position of the moving element approaches the first position.

[0019] This geometry allows the moving element to have a driving principle that is favorable to a reduction in the amount of energy absorbed by the second arm in order to disappear as the moving element passes.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the position of a contact line between the drive surface of the support and the receiving surface of the drive element moves, during a passage of the moving element from the second position to the first position, along the drive surface of the support in a single direction of movement. This single direction of movement corresponds to a decrease in the distance between the contact line and the pivot axis of the second arm.

[0021] The position along the drive surface of the contact line between the drive surface of the support and the receiving surface depends on an angular position of the moving element, and varies monotonically with the angular position of the moving element.

[0022] The position along the receiving surface of the drive element of the contact line between the support's drive surface and the receiving surface depends on an angular position of the moving element, and varies monotonically with the angular position of the moving element.

[0023] According to one aspect of the cutting device, the media's drive surface extends between: a first end forming a zone of establishment of mechanical contact with the receiving surface of the drive element and a second end forming a zone of loss of contact with the receiving surface of the drive element.

[0024] The area of ​​mechanical contact corresponds to the portion of the support that comes into contact with the receiving surface of the drive element during a passage of the moving element from the second position to the first position.

[0025] The loss of contact zone corresponds to the portion of the support which ceases to be in contact with the receiving surface of the drive element during a passage of the moving element from the second position to the first position.

[0026] According to one aspect of the cutting device, the receiving surface of the drive element extends between: a first end forming a zone of establishment of mechanical contact with the support and a second end forming a zone of loss of contact with the support.

[0027] The area of ​​mechanical contact with the support corresponds to the portion of the drive element that comes into contact with the drive surface of the support during a transition from the second position to the first position.

[0028] The area of ​​mechanical loss of contact of the receiving surface of the drive element corresponds to the portion of the drive element that ceases to be in contact with the drive surface of the support during a transition from the second position to the first position.

[0029] According to one aspect of the cutting device, the first end of the receiving surface of the drive element is further from the pivot axis of the second arm than the second end of the receiving surface of the drive element forming a final contact zone.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the first end of the receiving surface of the drive element, forming an area for establishing mechanical contact with the support, is opposite an edge of the second arm.

[0031] This arrangement of the contact line, where mechanical contact is established between the moving parts, maximizes the torque applied to the second arm by the moving element during the initial impact between the parts. The acceleration of the second arm can thus be achieved while minimizing the loss of kinetic energy of the moving element during its movement.

[0032] The second arm of the drive element has a general parallelepiped shape, and the first end of the receiving surface of the second arm of the drive element, forming an initial contact zone, is close to an edge opposite the pivot axis.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a profile of the support drive surface and a profile of the drive element receiving surface are configured to direct a thrust force from the drive surface onto the second arm of the drive element in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction tangent to the second arm and the drive element.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the second arm of the drive element extends along a main axis, and a drive force exerted by the support on the second arm of the drive element is oriented in a direction forming an angle between 70° and 90° with the main axis of extension of the second arm of the drive element.

[0035] The torque applied to the second arm by the support during the movement stroke of the moving element is thus maximized.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a profile of the support's drive surface, viewed along a direction parallel to the pivot axis of the second arm, comprises a first portion in the shape of a circular arc, extended by a second portion in the shape of a circular arc.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the first portion of the profile of the support's drive surface and the second portion of the profile of the support's drive surface are tangent at a point of connection of the first portion with the second portion.

[0038] This geometry helps to minimize the amount of energy required to retract the second arm while also being simple to manufacture.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a radius of the first portion of the profile of the support's drive surface is between 8 and 16 millimeters, preferably between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, more preferably between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the first portion of the profile of the support's drive surface extends over an angular sector with a value between 5° and 45°.

[0041] This geometry helps to achieve sufficient acceleration of the second arm while being simple to manufacture.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a radius of the second portion of the profile of the support's drive surface is between 24 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 28 millimeters and 36 millimeters, more preferably between 31 millimeters and 33 millimeters.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the second portion of the profile of the support's drive surface extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 30° and 90°.

[0044] As before, this geometry helps to minimize the amount of energy needed to retract the second arm while being simple to manufacture.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the first end of the support's drive surface, forming an area for establishing mechanical contact with the receiving surface of the drive element, is part of the first arc-shaped portion.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the second end of the support's drive surface, forming a loss-of-contact zone with the receiving surface of the drive element, is part of the second arc-shaped portion.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a profile of the receiving surface of the drive element, viewed along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the second arm, comprises a first portion in the shape of an arc of a circle, extended by a second portion in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element and the first portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element are tangent at a first point of connection of the second portion with the first portion.

[0049] As before, this geometry minimizes the amount of energy required for the second arm to retract when the moving element passes by.

[0050] According to one embodiment, a radius of the first portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element is between 6 and 14 millimeters, preferably is between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters, more preferably is between 9 millimeters and 11 millimeters.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 20° and 32°, preferably between 24° and 28°.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 7° and 9°.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the radius of the second portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element is between 60 millimeters and 100 millimeters, preferably is between 70 millimeters and 90 millimeters, more preferably is between 78 millimeters and 82 millimeters.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element, viewed along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the second arm, includes a third portion of rectilinear shape, extending the second portion in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0055] The third portion of the receiving surface profile of the training element and the second portion of the receiving surface profile of the training element are tangent at a second point of connection of the third portion with the second portion.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element extends over an angular sector between 55° and 70°, preferably between 60° and 64°.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the first end of the receiving surface of the drive element, forming an initial contact zone, is part of the first arc-shaped portion of the drive element.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the second end of the receiving surface of the drive element, forming a final contact zone, is part of the third rectilinear portion of the drive element.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element, viewed along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the second arm, includes a fourth portion in the shape of an arc of a circle, extending the third portion in the form of a rectilinear shape.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the switching device: The moving element comprises a first conducting knife and a second conducting knife, the first conducting knife and the second conducting knife extending opposite each other in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the moving element; the support comprises a first driving surface and a second driving surface, each driving surface being configured to be in contact with the receiving surface of the driving element during a transition from the second position to the first position. the first training surface and the second training surface being arranged on either side of the moving element.

[0061] A fixed contact can come into contact with each of the conductive knives of the moving element.

[0062] The invention also relates to a medium voltage electrical device, configured to selectively establish or interrupt the current in a medium voltage electrical network comprising three phases, including an electrical current interruption device as described above disposed respectively on each of the phases of the electrical network.

[0063] The electrical device can be a line disconnector, or a circuit breaker. Brief description of the drawings

[0064] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: There figure 1is a view of an electrical device incorporating a switching system according to the invention, The figure 2 is a schematic representation illustrating the operation of a switching system for an electrical device, during the opening phase of an electrical circuit of the device. figure 3 is another schematic representation illustrating the operation of a switching system for an electrical device, during the opening phase of an electrical circuit in the device. figure 4 is a schematic representation illustrating the operation of the switching system figure 3 , in a phase of closing the electrical circuit of the electrical device, The figure 5 is a view of the cut-off system of the figure 1 , in a first phase of closing an electrical circuit of the electrical device, The figure 6 is a view of the cut-off system of the figure 1, in a second phase of closing the electrical circuit of the electrical device, The figure 7 is a detailed view of the cut-off system of the figure 5 , There figure 8 is a detailed view of a support integrated into the cutting system of figures 5 to 7 , There figure 9 is a detailed view of a drive element integrated into the cutting system of the figures 5 to 7 . Description of the implementation methods

[0065] To facilitate the reading of the figures, the different elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, designated, for example, as first element or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations can be interchanged. When it is specified that a device includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that device.

[0066] We have represented on the figure 1A medium-voltage electrical device 100. The electrical device 100 is configured to selectively make or break the current in a three-phase medium-voltage electrical network. The electrical device 100 includes a current-interrupting device located on each of the phases of the electrical network. The symbol 50 designates the interruption device on the first phase, and the symbol 50B designates the one on the second phase. The interruption device on the third phase, not shown, is located next to the 50B device.

[0067] The electrical appliance 100 is an example of the figure 1 a line disconnector. According to another application example, not shown, electrical device 100 can be a circuit breaker.

[0068] The electrical device 100 includes a main circuit 30 through which an electric current can flow. The main circuit 30 corresponds to one of the phases of the electrical device 100. The switching system 50 allows the current flow in the main circuit 30 to be selectively interrupted or permitted. The switching system 50 includes a movable element 20, which rotates about an axis of rotation R20.

[0069] The moving element 20 comprises a first conducting knife 11 and a second conducting knife 11'. The first conducting knife 11 and the second conducting knife 11' extend opposite each other in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R20 of the moving element 20. A fixed contact 21 of the main circuit 30, not shown in the figure 1, can come into contact with each of the conductive knives 11, 11' of the moving element 20. The two electrically conductive knives 11, 11' are mechanically linked for rotation and are offset from each other along a common axis of rotation R20. The two knives 11, 11' are in contact with each other when the moving element 20 is in the closing position of the main electrical circuit 30. The fixed contact 21, not shown in the figure 1 , is then placed between the knives 11,11', and a spring 19 ensures contact pressure between the knives 11,11' and the fixed contact 21.

[0070] There figure 2This diagram schematically describes the successive stages of a current interruption operation in the main circuit 30. The parts designated by the symbols A to F are in chronological order. The dashed lines ending with an arrow represent the current flow. The electrical device 1 includes an earthing contact 40. The moving element 20 rotates between a nominal position P1 for the flow of electric current in the main circuit 30, illustrated in part A of the diagram. figure 2and a position P2 in which the moving element 20 is connected to the grounding contact 40, illustrated in part F of this same figure. According to other embodiments, not shown, the grounding contact 40 may not be present. Position P2 can thus be a stable open position for the main circuit 30, without grounding. A control mechanism, not shown, can alternately move the moving element 20 from position P1 to position P2. The control mechanism comprises a set of springs, held under tension by locking elements, which can be released to trigger a movement from position P1 to position P2. Similarly, the control mechanism allows the moving element 20 to move from position P2 to position P1 under the action of a set of springs. The potential energy of these springs is converted into the kinetic energy of the moving element 20.

[0071] On part B of the figure 2 , the moving element 20 initiated a rotational movement in a counter-clockwise direction in the direction of the figure 2 and begins to disengage from the fixed contact 21. During its rotation, the moving element 20 will come into contact with and move a drive element 4 which is linked to a moving electrode of a vacuum bulb 3. The movement of the drive element 4 thus allows the electrodes 1, 2 of the vacuum bulb 3 to be separated. On part B of the figure 2An electrical contact is still established between the moving element 20 and the fixed contact 21, due to the width of the contact areas. An electrical contact is also established between the moving element 20 and the vacuum bulb 3. The moving element 20 is in contact with the drive element 4. An electric current flows simultaneously in the fixed contact 21 and in parallel in the vacuum bulb 3. In part C, the moving element 20 has continued its rotational movement and is no longer in contact with the fixed contact 21. The moving element 20 has begun to move the drive element 4. The vacuum bulb 3 is closed, i.e., its electrodes are in contact. All the current passes through the vacuum bulb 3, and no current passes through the fixed contact 1. On part D, the moving element 20 further moved the driving element 4, which triggered the opening of the vacuum bulb 3. The electrodes of the vacuum bulb 3 thus began to separate from each other.Current flows through the vacuum bulb 3 in the form of an electric arc when the contact opens. In section E, the drive element 4 continues to be driven by the moving element 20, and the gap between the electrodes 1, 2 of the vacuum bulb 3 is at its maximum. Shortly after the phase current crosses zero, the current in the vacuum bulb 3 is interrupted. The current in the main circuit 30 is thus interrupted. In section F, the moving element 20 has completed its rotation and is in contact with the grounding contact 40. An elastic return element, not shown, has returned the drive element 4 to the position corresponding to the closure of the vacuum bulb 3.

[0072] During a reverse operation of establishing the current in the main circuit 30, the moving element 20 rotates in the opposite direction, that is to say clockwise in the diagram of the figure 2 .

[0073] The disconnecting device 50 for electrical appliance 100, proposed within the scope of the invention, will now be described in detail. The disconnecting device 50 comprises: a vacuum bulb 3, comprising a first electrode 1 and a second electrode 2 movable between a closed position F and an open position O, a drive element 4 mechanically linked to the second electrode 2, a movable element 20 movable between a first position P1 allowing passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit of the electrical device 100 and a second position P2 prohibiting the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit. The movable element 20 comprises: an electrically conductive knife 11, an insulating support 12, attached to the electrically conductive knife 11. The moving element 20 is configured to: according to a first direction of movement S1, corresponding to a passage from the first position P1 to the second position P2, drive the drive element 4 of the moving electrode 3 via the conductive knife 11, and according to a second direction of movement S2, opposite to the first direction of movement S1 and corresponding to a passage from the second position P2 to the first position P1, drive the drive element 4 of the moving electrode 3 via the support 12. The support 12 includes a training surface 14 configured to be in contact with a receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 during a passage of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and the training surface 14 of the support 12 has a curved shape, and the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 has a curved shape.

[0074] There figure 3 This illustrates part of the movement of the moving element 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, corresponding to the drive of the drive element 4 of the moving electrode 3 by means of the conductive blade 11. The parts designated by the symbols A to D are in chronological order. During this phase of opening the vacuum bulb, the conductive blade 11 rotates the drive element 4, which opens the vacuum bulb 3. The direction of movement of the moving assembly 20 is indicated by the symbol S1, and corresponds to the counterclockwise direction on the figure 3 .

[0075] There figure 4This illustrates a portion of the movement of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, corresponding to the engagement of part of the drive element 4 via the support 12. The direction of movement of the moving assembly 20 is indicated by the symbol S2 and is clockwise. In this direction of movement S2, the support 12 protrudes from the conductive blade 11 and contacts the drive element 4 during part of the movement of the moving element 20. The conductive blade 11, which is recessed from the support 12 in this direction of movement, remains separate from the drive element 4 throughout the entire movement of the moving element 20. The support 12 pushes back part of the drive element 4 without changing the position of the contacts of the vacuum tube 3. This phase, known as the retraction phase, will be described in detail later.The first position P1 is called the closing position of a main electrical circuit 30 of the electrical device 100. The second position P2 is called the opening position of a main electrical circuit 30 of the electrical device 100.

[0076] The shape of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the shape of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 minimizes the loss of kinetic energy experienced by the moving element 20 when driving the drive element 4, and thus prevents excessive deceleration of the moving element 20 during its closing stroke of the main circuit 30, as shown schematically on the diagram. figure 4The performance of the switching device 50, particularly its short-circuit closing, is thus improved. This improvement is achieved without modifying the control mechanism, specifically without increasing the control mechanism's energy. Such an increase may have limited effectiveness during the closing phases and could negatively impact other operating phases, such as opening or grounding. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to be able to increase the speed of the moving contact 20 during the circuit closing phase without having to modify the mechanism that moves the moving element 20 carrying the conductive knife 11.

[0077] The training surface 14 of the support 12 defines a convex portion. Similarly, the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 defines a convex portion.

[0078] The electrically conductive knife 11 is formed by a flattened copper rod. The support 12 is made of plastic, for example, a thermoplastic such as an engineering thermoplastic. The support 12 is electrically insulating. The drive element 4 is electrically insulating. The drive element 4 is made of plastic, for example, a thermoplastic such as an engineering thermoplastic. The drive element 4 is a drive lever. The lever is hinged at one end and can pivot about a pivot axis R4 under the effect of a thrust force applied by the moving element 20 during its travel.

[0079] According to the illustrated example of the cutting device 50, the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are shaped so that a mechanical contact between the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is a linear contact.

[0080] In other words, a contact zone between the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is a straight line L. This contact line L is shown in perspective on the figure 1 The line of contact L is perpendicular to the plane of the figure 4 To facilitate its representation, the line of contact L has been represented by a dashed circle on part B and part C of the figure 4 , and not by a point.

[0081] A linear, rather than surface, contact between the support 12 and the drive element 4 optimizes the forces between the parts and the distribution of friction between them. This reduces the speed loss of the moving element 20 during the closure of the main circuit.

[0082] The contact is considered linear when the parts have the theoretical shape defined by their interface plane. The inevitable elastic deformations during actual contact and impacts between the parts are not taken into account.

[0083] The drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are configured to slide relative to each other during a transition from the second position P2 to the first position P1. The drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are in contact with each other along a portion of the travel of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. For a given angular position of the moving element 20, the contact between the support 12 and the drive element is formed along a contact line L. The position of this contact line L varies according to the angular position of the moving element 20; thus, we refer to the drive surface 14, which is part of the support 12, and the receiving surface 7, which is part of the drive element 4.

[0084] The moving element 20 rotates about an axis of rotation R20. As shown in particular on the Figures 5 And 6 , the support 12 extends parallel to the driving knife 11. A portion of the support 12 forming a drive surface 14 is arranged in projection from the knife 11, and a contact line L between the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R20 of the moving element 20.

[0085] Part of the support 12 is arranged projecting from the knife 11 in a direction T11 perpendicular to a main extension axis D11 of the knife 11 and perpendicular to the rotation axis R20 of the moving element 20.

[0086] As depicted on the figure 1The support 12 is positioned opposite the conducting knife 11 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R20 of the moving element 20. Both the support 12 and the knife 11 are perpendicular to the axis of rotation R20 and are offset along the axis of rotation R20. The spring 19 is located between the knife 11 and the support 12, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R20 of the moving element 20. The axis of the spring 19 is parallel to the axis of rotation R20.

[0087] Training element 4 will now be described in more detail. As shown in particular on the figures 3 And 4The drive element 4 comprises a first arm 5 and a second arm 6 that can pivot about the first arm 5 around a pivot axis R6. The first arm 5 includes a stop 8 configured to prevent the second arm 6 from pivoting about the first arm 5 in a first direction of rotation corresponding to a movement of the moving element 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, so that the moving element 20 drives the first arm 5 via the second arm 6. The second arm 6 can pivot about the first arm 5 in a second direction of rotation corresponding to a movement of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is formed on the second arm 6. The first arm 5 can pivot about the pivot axis R4. The pivot axis R4 of the first arm 5 and the pivot axis R6 of the second arm 6 are parallel to each other.

[0088] According to a first thrust direction applied to the second arm 6, corresponding to a transition from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first arm 5 and the second arm 6 are rigidly connected to each other. According to a second thrust direction applied to the second arm 6, corresponding to a transition from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the first arm 5 and the second arm 6 are translationally connected and free to rotate relative to each other.

[0089] The second arm 6 and the first arm 5 are rigidly linked when the thrust applied to the second arm 6 corresponds to a passage of the moving element 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. According to the direction of rotation illustrated by the symbol S1 on the figure 3The second arm 6 rests against the stop 8, and rotation of the second arm 6 about the pivot axis R6 formed on the first arm 5 is therefore blocked. The second arm 6 and the first arm 5 are thus rigidly connected. In this direction of movement of the moving element 20, the thrust of the moving element 20 on the second arm 6 is therefore transmitted to the first arm 5, which pivots about the pivot axis R6 and thus moves the second electrode 2 relative to the electrode 1. The second arm 6 can pivot relative to the first arm 5 when the thrust applied to the second arm 6 corresponds to a movement of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1. According to the direction of rotation illustrated by the symbol S2 on the figure 4No part of the first arm 5 opposes the rotation of the second arm 6 about the pivot axis R6. The moving element 20 repels the second arm 6 without moving the first arm 5. The second electrode 2 is thus not displaced by the driving element 4, and the vacuum bulb 3 remains in the closed position. The second arm 6 is said to retract as the moving element 20 passes over it.

[0090] THE figures 5 to 9 illustrate a method of implementation as schematically shown on the figure 5 The distance d between the contact line L of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 and the pivot axis R6 of the second arm 6 depends on an angular position of the moving element 20. This distance d between the contact line L and the pivot axis R6 decreases monotonically as the angular position of the moving element 20 approaches the first position P1.

[0091] This geometry allows the moving element 20 to have a driving principle favorable to a reduction of the amount of energy absorbed by the second arm 6 in order to disappear when the moving element 20 passes by.

[0092] Monotonic decrease means that the distance d between the contact line L and the pivot axis R6 decreases constantly between the phase of the support 12 coming together with the second arm 6, and the phase of the end of mechanical contact between the support 12 and the second arm 6. The coming together phase is the phase of establishing mechanical contact between the parts, and the phase of the end of mechanical contact is the phase of separating the parts.

[0093] The position of a contact line L between the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 moves, during a passage of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, along the drive surface 14 of the support 12 in a single direction of movement. This single direction of movement corresponds to a decrease in the distance d between the contact line L and the pivot axis R6 of the second arm 6.

[0094] The position along the drive surface 14 of the contact line L between the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 depends on the angular position of the moving element 20, and varies monotonically as a function of the angular position of the moving element 20.

[0095] Similarly, the position along the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 of the contact line L between the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 depends on an angular position of the moving element 20, and varies monotonically as a function of the angular position of the moving element 20.

[0096] The training surface 14 of the support 12 extends between: a first end A14 forming a zone of establishment of mechanical contact with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, and a second end B14 forming a zone of loss of contact with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4.

[0097] The area of ​​establishment of a mechanical contact corresponds to the portion of the support 12 which comes into contact with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 during a passage of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0098] The loss of contact zone corresponds to the portion of the support 12 which ceases to be in contact with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 during a passage of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0099] Similarly, the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 extends between: a first end A7 forming a zone of establishment of mechanical contact with the support 12, and a second end B7 forming a zone of loss of contact with the support 12.

[0100] The area of ​​establishment of a mechanical contact with the support 12 corresponds to the portion of the drive element 4 which comes into contact with the drive surface 14 of the support 12 during a passage from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0101] The area of ​​loss of mechanical contact of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 corresponds to the portion of the drive element 4 which ceases to be in contact with the drive surface 14 of the support 12 during a passage from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0102] The first end A7 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is further from the pivot axis R6 of the second arm 6 than the second end B7 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 forming a final contact zone.

[0103] According to the illustrated example of the cutting device 50, the first end A7 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, forming an area for establishing mechanical contact with the support 12, is opposite an edge 9 of the second arm 6.

[0104] This arrangement of the contact line L, where mechanical contact is established between the support 12 and the second arm 6, maximizes the torque applied to the second arm 6 by the support 12 of the moving element 20 during the initial impact between the parts. The acceleration of the second arm 6 can thus be achieved while minimizing the loss of kinetic energy of the moving element 20 during its movement.

[0105] The second arm 6 of the drive element 4 has a general parallelepiped shape, and the first end A7 of the receiving surface 7 of the second arm 6 of the drive element 4, forming an initial contact zone, is close to an edge 9 opposite to the pivot axis R6.

[0106] The first end A7 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is close to the edge 9 of the second arm 6 furthest from the pivot axis R6 of the second arm 6. The first end A7 of the receiving surface 7 coincides substantially with the edge of the parallelepiped furthest from the pivot axis R6.

[0107] According to the illustrated example, the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are configured to direct a thrust force F from the drive surface 14 onto the second arm 6 of the drive element 4 in a direction F substantially perpendicular to a direction T tangent to the second arm 6 and to the drive element 12. The profile is understood to be the shape of the receiving surface 7, or of the drive surface 14, viewed along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the moving assembly 20. figures 5 to 9 allow you to view profile 15. The figure 7 illustrates the orientation of the thrust force F with respect to the common tangent line to the drive surface 14 and the receiving surface 7.

[0108] The second arm 6 of the drive element 4 extends along a main axis D6, and the drive force F exerted by the support 12 on the second arm 6 of the drive element 4 is oriented in a direction forming an angle H between 70° and 90° with the main extension axis D6 of the second arm 6 of the drive element 4.

[0109] The torque applied to the second arm 6 by the support 12 during the movement stroke of the moving element 20 is thus maximized.

[0110] There figure 8 details the profile 15 of the training surface 14 of the support 12.

[0111] The profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12, seen in a direction parallel to the pivot axis R6 of the second arm 6, comprises a first portion 15A in the shape of an arc of a circle, extended by a second portion 15B in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0112] The first portion 15A of the profile of the drive surface 15 of the support 12 and the second portion 15B of the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 are tangent at a connection point 15R of the first portion 15A with the second portion 15B. This geometry helps to minimize the amount of energy required to retract the second arm 6 while being simple to manufacture.

[0113] According to the illustrated example, the radius r_15A of the first portion 15A of the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 is between 8 and 16 millimeters. Preferably, the radius r_15A is between 10 and 14 millimeters. More preferably, the radius r_15A is between 11 and 13 millimeters.

[0114] The first portion 15A of the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 extends over an angular sector with a value between 5° and 45°. This geometry contributes to obtaining sufficient acceleration of the second arm 6 while being simple to manufacture.

[0115] According to the example illustrated on the figure 8 The radius r_15B of the second portion 15B of the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 is between 24 and 40 millimeters. Preferably, the radius r_15B is between 28 and 36 millimeters. More preferably, the radius r_15B is between 31 and 33 millimeters.

[0116] The second portion 15B of the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12 extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 30° and 90°. As before, this geometry helps to minimize the amount of energy required to retract the second arm 6 while being simple to manufacture.

[0117] The first end A14 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12, forming an area for establishing mechanical contact with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, is part of the first portion 15A in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0118] The second end B14 of the training surface 14 of the support 12, forming a loss of contact zone with the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4, is part of the second portion 15B in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0119] In other words, the initial contact between the support 12 and the drive element 4 occurs at a zone located on the first arc-shaped section 15A. The contact zone then shifts as the moving element 20 rotates, and in particular as the support 12 rotates. When the support 12 and the drive element 4 separate, the loss of contact zone, that is, the last point on the profile where contact is still maintained, is a point on the second section 15B.

[0120] There figure 9 details the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4.

[0121] The profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, seen in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R6 of the second arm 6, comprises a first portion 10A in the shape of an arc of a circle, extended by a second portion 10B in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0122] The second portion 10B of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 and the first portion 10A of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are tangent at a first connection point 10R1 of the second portion 10B with the first portion 10A. As before, this geometry minimizes the amount of energy required for the second arm 6 to retract as the moving element 20 passes.

[0123] The radius r_10A of the first portion 10A of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is between 6 and 14 millimeters. Preferably, r_10A is between 8 and 12 millimeters. More preferably, the radius r_10A is between 9 and 11 millimeters.

[0124] For example, the figure 9The first portion 10A of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 20° and 32°. Preferably, the value of the angular sector is between 24° and 28°.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the radius r_10B of the second portion 10B of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is between 60 millimeters and 100 millimeters. Preferably, the radius r_10B is between 70 millimeters and 90 millimeters. More preferably, the radius r_10B is between 78 millimeters and 82 millimeters.

[0126] The second portion 10B of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 7° and 9°.

[0127] The profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, seen in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R6 of the second arm 6, also includes a third portion 10C of rectilinear shape, extending the second portion 10B in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0128] The third portion 10C of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 and the second portion 10B of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are tangent at a second connection point 10R2 of the third portion 10C with the second portion 10B.

[0129] The second portion 10B of the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 extends over an angular sector between 55° and 70°, preferably between 60° and 64°.

[0130] According to the illustrated example, the first end A7 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, forming an initial contact zone, is part of the first arc-shaped portion 10A of the drive element 4.

[0131] The second end B7 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, forming a final contact zone, is part of the third rectilinear portion 10C of the drive element 4.

[0132] The profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, seen in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R6 of the second arm 6, includes a fourth portion 10D in the shape of an arc of a circle, extending the third portion 10C in the form of a straight line.

[0133] As depicted on the figure 1The support 12 comprises a first training surface 14 and a second training surface 14'. Each training surface 14, 14' is configured to be in contact with the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 during a transition from the second position P2 to the first position P1. The first training surface 14 and the second training surface 14' are arranged on either side of the moving element 20.

[0134] Training element 4 comprises a first landing surface 7 and a second landing surface 7'. The two landing surfaces 7,7' are arranged on the second arm 6 of training element 4.

[0135] The first training surface 14 cooperates with the first receiving surface 7, and the second training surface 14' cooperates with the second receiving surface 7'. The two receiving surfaces 7,7' are separated here by a rib network to stiffen the second arm 6. The two knives 11,11' are opposite the rib network during the training of the second arm 6.

Claims

1. Switching device (50) for an electrical appliance (100), the switching device (50) comprising: - a vacuum bulb (3), having a first electrode (1) and a second electrode (2) movable between a closed position (F) and an open position (O), - a drive element (4) mechanically linked to the second electrode (2), - a movable element (20) movable between a first position (P1) allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit of the electrical appliance (100) and a second position (P2) preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit, the movable element (20) comprising: -- an electrically conductive blade (11), -- a support (12), integral with the electrically conductive blade (11), in which the movable element (20) is configured for: - according to a first direction of movement corresponding to a passage from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2),to drive the drive element (4) of the moving electrode (3) via the conducting knife (11), and - in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement and corresponding to a passage from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), to drive the drive element (4) of the moving electrode (3) via the support (12), in which the support (12) comprises a drive surface (14) configured to be in contact with a receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) during a passage of the moving element (20) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), and in which: - the drive surface (14) of the support (12) has a curved shape delimiting a convex portion, and - the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) has a curved shape delimiting a convex portion.

2. Cutting device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the drive surface (14) of the support (12) and the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) are shaped so that a mechanical contact between the drive surface (14) of the support (12) and the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) is a linear contact.

3. Cutting device (50) according to claim 2, wherein the moving element (20) is movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (R20), wherein the support (12) extends parallel to the conducting knife (11), a portion of the support (12) forming a drive surface (14) being disposed in projection from the knife (11) and wherein a contact line (L) between the drive surface (14) of the support (12) and the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) extends in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (R20) of the moving element (20).

4. A switching device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive element (4) comprises a first arm (5) and a second arm (6) that can pivot relative to the first arm (5) about a pivot axis (R6), wherein: - the first arm (5) comprises a stop (8) configured to prevent the second arm (6) from pivoting relative to the first arm (5) in a first direction of rotation corresponding to a passage of the moving element (20) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), such that the moving element (20) drives the first arm (5) via the second arm (6), - the second arm (6) can pivot relative to the first arm (5) in a second direction of rotation corresponding to a passage of the moving element (20) from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), and wherein the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) is formed on the second arm (6).

5. Cutting device (50) according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 3, wherein a distance between the contact line (L) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) and the pivot axis (R6) of the second arm (6) depends on an angular position of the moving element (20), and decreases monotonically as the angular position of the moving element (20) approaches the first position (P1).

6. Cutting device (50) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the drive surface (14) of the support (12) extends between: - a first end (A14) forming a zone for establishing mechanical contact with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) and - a second end (B14) forming a zone for losing contact with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), in which the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) extends between: - a first end (A7) forming a zone for establishing mechanical contact with the support (12) and - a second end (B7) forming a zone for losing contact with the support (12),and in which the first end (A7) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) is further from the pivot axis (R6) of the second arm (6) than the second end (B7) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) forming a final contact zone.

7. Cutting device (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the first end (A7) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), forming an area for establishing mechanical contact with the support (12), is opposite an edge (9) of the second arm (6).

8. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) and a profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) are configured to direct a thrust force (F) from the drive surface (14) onto the second arm (6) of the drive element (4) in a direction (F) substantially perpendicular to a direction (T) tangent to the second arm (6) and to the drive element (12).

9. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second arm (6) of the drive element (4) extends along a principal axis (D6), and wherein a drive force (F) exerted by the support (12) on the second arm (6) of the drive element (4) is oriented along a direction forming an angle (H) between 70° and 90° with the principal extension axis (D6) of the second arm (6) of the drive element (4).

10. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, in which a profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12), viewed along a direction parallel to the pivot axis (R6) of the second arm (6), comprises a first portion (15A) in the shape of an arc of a circle, extended by a second portion (15B) in the shape of an arc of a circle, and in which the first portion (15A) of the profile of the drive surface (15) of the support (12) and the second portion (15B) of the profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) are tangent at a connection point (15R) of the first portion (15A) with the second portion (15B).

11. Cutting device (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein a radius (r_15A) of the first portion (15A) of the profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) is between 8 and 16 millimeters, preferably between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, more preferably between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters, and wherein the first portion (15A) of the profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) extends over an angular sector with a value between 5° and 45°.

12. Cutting device (50) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a radius (r_15B) of the second portion (15B) of the profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) is between 24 millimeters and 40 millimeters, preferably between 28 millimeters and 36 millimeters, more preferably between 31 millimeters and 33 millimeters, and wherein the second portion (15B) of the profile (15) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12) extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 30° and 90°.

13. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 12 in combination with claim 6, wherein the first end (A14) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12), forming a zone for establishing mechanical contact with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), is part of the first arc-shaped portion (15A), and wherein the second end (B14) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12), forming a zone for loss of contact with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), is part of the second arc-shaped portion (15B).

14. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 13, in which a profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) seen along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (R6) of the second arm (6) comprises a first portion (10A) in the shape of an arc of a circle, extended by a second portion (10B) in the shape of an arc of a circle, in which the second portion (10B) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) and the first portion (10A) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) are tangent at a first connection point (10R1) of the second portion (10B) with the first portion (10A).

15. Cutting device (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein a radius of the first portion (10A) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) is between 6 and 14 millimeters, preferably between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters, more preferably between 9 millimeters and 11 millimeters, wherein the first portion (10A) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 20° and 32°, preferably between 24° and 28°.

16. Cutting device (50) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second portion (10B) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) extends over an angular sector with an angular value between 7° and 9°.

17. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the radius of the second portion (10B) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) is between 60 millimeters and 100 millimeters, preferably between 70 millimeters and 90 millimeters, more preferably between 78 millimeters and 82 millimeters, and wherein the second portion (10B) of the profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) extends over an angular sector between 55° and 70°, preferably between 60° and 64°.

18. Cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 14 to 17 in combination with claim 6, wherein the first end (A7) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), forming an initial contact zone, is part of the first arc-shaped portion (10A) of the drive element (4), and wherein the second end (B7) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), forming a final contact zone, is part of the third rectilinear portion (10C) of the drive element (4).

19. Medium voltage electrical apparatus (100), configured to selectively make or break the current in a medium voltage electrical network comprising three phases, comprising an electrical current interruption device (20) according to one of the preceding claims disposed respectively on each of the phases of the electrical network.

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