Connecting device and associated current switching system

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device (30) suitable for connecting at least one first element (17) and one second element to one another, and for moving the or each first element relative to the second element. The connecting device comprises a fixed portion (31), a movable portion (32) which is kinematically linked and connected to the or each first element, and a joint (33) which connects the fixed portion and the movable portion at least pivotably about an axis of rotation (A30). The joint comprises, for the axis of rotation, at least one strand (37) that is elastically deformable and extends in a manner that is both substantially parallel and offset relative to the axis of rotation, and that connects at least one fixed support (318) of the fixed portion to at least one movable support (36) of the movable portion.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Connecting device and associated power cut-off system

[0002] The present invention relates to a connecting device and an associated power cut-off system.

[0003] Power interruption systems, such as circuit breakers and contactors, often use a separable moving contact and a fixed contact. When the system trips, the contacts are separated by moving the moving contact. This requires moving current-carrying elements. More generally, some applications may require moving electrically conductive elements relative to each other. This requires moving current-carrying elements.

[0004] EP2383760A1 describes a pivot connection allowing the pivoting of a movable contact pad carried by a movable finger, and a braid made of conductive material, allowing the electrical connection of a fixed connection pad and the movable finger. The braid allows the passage of current while being flexible enough to deform when the finger rotates. The pivot connection is integrated into a circuit breaker, and allows the contacts to be separated in the event of an electrical fault, and to be kept in contact in the absence of a fault. This connection device requires two assemblies: one ensuring the mechanical connection, the other ensuring the electrical connection. This leads to a number of disadvantages, including a high number of parts, since the braid, the parts of the mechanical connection and the finger are separate parts, and a complex assembly of the parts, requiring operations such as brazing or soldering, to be functional.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a new connecting device, less complex to assemble.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a connecting device which is adapted to connect at least one first element and a second element to one another and to move the or each first element relative to the second element. The connecting device comprises a fixed part which is kinematically connected and connected to the second element, a movable part which is kinematically connected and connected to the or each first element, and a joint. The joint is integral with the fixed part and the movable part, connects the fixed part and the movable part in a movable manner at least by pivoting about at least one axis of rotation, and comprises, for the or each axis of rotation, at least one strand which is elastically deformable and which extends in length in a manner both substantially parallel and offset relative to the axis of rotation, by connecting to one another at least one fixed support of the fixed part and at least one movable support of the movable part.Thanks to the invention, the mechanical connection, namely the pivot connection necessary for the relative movement of the first and second elements, and the conduction of the current are ensured by the connecting device, in the form of a single part. It is therefore no longer necessary to connect a mechanical assembly to another assembly allowing electrical conduction. Thus, it is no longer necessary to weld or braze the different parts together. This therefore greatly simplifies the manufacture of the connecting device, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing costs. The presence of at least one strand allows the elastic deformation of the joint, causing the pivoting of the movable part and therefore the relative movement of the first and second elements. The current flows in the joint as well as in the fixed part and the movable part, and not in an additional part.

[0007] The single-piece manufacturing of the connecting device also eliminates contact resistance between the different parts, and the associated constraints, such as the need to treat the surface of the parts used to reduce this contact resistance. This also eliminates all friction related to pivoting, and therefore limits wear on the connecting device. In addition, using the elastic deformation of the strands to pivot the joint ensures that there is no lasting deformation of the strands of the joint, thus increasing its service life.

[0008] Using one or more strands offset from one or each axis of rotation allows for reducing stresses in the strand(s), and therefore increasing the rotational travel of the joint without risking damage. In addition, this allows for the advantageous use of multiple strands arranged around the axis of rotation, and therefore increasing a cross-section in which the electric current circulates, thus limiting heating, which can damage the connecting device.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the connecting device comprises the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0010] - Several first elements are planned, each first element being kinematically linked and connected to a sub-assembly of the mobile part,

[0011] - several movable supports are provided, each subassembly of the movable part including at least one of the movable supports, and

[0012] - at least one strand connects each mobile support of each subassembly with at least one fixed support.

[0013] - The joint connects the fixed part and the mobile part at least in pivoting around the or each axis of rotation, each strand being connected to at least one fixed support and to the mobile support of the subassembly of the mobile part, or to several mobile supports of the mobile part belonging to the same subassembly of the mobile part.

[0014] - For the or each axis of rotation, the fixed part includes at least two fixed supports.

[0015] - The moving part includes at least two moving supports for the or each axis of rotation.

[0016] - For the or each axis of rotation, several strands are provided, which are distributed in a substantially regular manner around the axis of rotation.

[0017] - The or each strand is a double strand, formed of a first part which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, a second part which is connected to the first part, and a third part which is connected to the second part and which is parallel and opposite the first part.

[0018] - The connecting device is made of metallic material, in particular copper or copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0019] The invention also relates to a current cut-off system comprising: an insulating casing; a first pad and a second pad, which are fixedly carried by the casing and which are connectable from outside the casing to an electrical circuit to be protected by the current cut-off system; at least one fixed contact part, which is fixed relative to the casing and which is connected to the first pad; at least one movable contact part, which is movable relative to the fixed contact part between a closed position, in which the movable contact part is in direct contact with the fixed contact part, and an open position, in which the movable contact part is spaced from the fixed contact part; and a connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the or each first element being the or each movable contact part and the second element being the second pad.

[0020] The power cut-off system may include one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0021] - For the or each axis of rotation, a guide device guides the articulation in pivoting around the axis of rotation. - The guide device comprises at least one pair of complementary male and female cylindrical elements, which are centered on the axis of rotation and which are respectively fixedly carried by one and the other of the casing and the moving part.

[0022] - The guide device comprises a hub, which is centered on the axis of rotation, which is fixedly carried by the fixed part and on which the moving part pivots.

[0023] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely as a non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0024] - [Fig 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of a power cut-off system according to the invention;

[0025] - [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connecting device belonging to the power cut-off system of Figure 1;

[0026] - [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a larger-scale section in the direction of arrows III in Figure 2;

[0027] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a diagram of the connection device of a power cut-off system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0028] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a diagram of part of a power cut-off system according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0029] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a diagram of part of a power cut-off system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a diagram of part of a power cut-off system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0031] In Figure 1 is shown a power cut-off system 1 . The power cut-off system 1 allows the electric current to be selectively passed and cut off. As such, it can be used to protect an electrical device against abnormal conditions, such as overvoltages, short circuits or overcurrents. The power cut-off system 1 can be a circuit breaker, a molded case circuit breaker, a switch, a contactor or any other type of system for opening an electric current. The power cut-off system 1 is here a circuit breaker, as shown in Figure 1 , in particular a high-power circuit breaker, in particular a high-current circuit breaker in the sense that, in a closed state of the power cut-off system 1 , the power cut-off system 1 allows the flow through it of a permanent, direct or alternating current.The power cut-off system 1 is connected to an electrical circuit (not shown) in order to protect a user or a device from an electrical fault in the circuit. A width direction X, a depth direction Y and a height direction Z are defined, which are perpendicular to each other and which are fixed relative to the power cut-off system 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the power cut-off system 1 comprises an enclosure 10, an arc extinguishing chamber 11, a first pad 12, a second pad 13, a fixed contact piece 16, a movable contact piece 17, a control mechanism 19 and a connecting device 30.

[0032] The casing 10 is electrically insulating, and is formed from one or more electrically insulating materials, for example a plastic such as polyamide or polyethylene terephthalate. The casing 10 contains all the other elements of the current cut-off system 1. The directions X, Y and Z are fixed relative to the casing 10.

[0033] The arc extinguishing chamber 11 is configured to dissipate an electric arc generated during a separation of the fixed 16 and moving 17 contact parts. The arc extinguishing chamber 11 is for example filled with air. Alternatively, the arc extinguishing chamber 11 may comprise a juxtaposition of separators, in the form of metal lamellae for deionizing the electric arc.

[0034] The first and second pads 12 and 13 are fixedly carried by the casing 10, for example by being screwed onto the casing 10. The first and second pads 12 and 13 are made of conductive material, for example metal or metal alloy, and are adapted to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit, from outside the casing, for example by means of cables, or power bars.

[0035] The fixed 16 and movable 17 contact pieces are respectively connected to the first and second pads 12 and 13 while being movable relative to each other between a closed position, which is not shown, and an open position, which is shown in FIG. 1. In the closed position, the fixed 16 and movable 17 contact elements are in direct electrical contact with each other, in particular by mechanical support against each other, and allow the circulation of an electric current between the pads 12 and 13. In their open position, the contact pieces 16 and 17 are spaced apart from each other and interrupt the electrical circulation between the pads 12 and 13, interrupting the electrical circulation in the entire electrical circuit.

[0036] The contact pieces 16 and 17 are advantageously two pellets, or two hemispheres made of conductive material, for example silver or a metal alloy comprising silver. The fixed contact piece 16 is fixedly carried by the first pad 12, for example by being brazed onto the first pad 12, and is therefore fixed relative to the casing 10. The movable contact piece 17 is connected to the second pad 13 by being carried by the connecting device 30, for example brazed onto the connecting device 30.

[0037] The connecting device 30 comprises a fixed part 31, a movable part 32 and a joint 33 which connects the fixed 31 and movable 32 parts. The connecting device 30 brings into contact or separates the fixed and movable contacts 16 and 17, by moving the movable contact 17 by pivoting around an axis of rotation A30, parallel to the direction X. The connecting device 30 is made of electrically conductive material, for example made of metal, advantageously copper, copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy. Thus, the connecting device 30 ensures a mechanical and electrical connection between the second pad 13 and the movable contact part 17 and the joint 33 mechanically and electrically connects the fixed 31 and movable 32 parts.

[0038] The connecting device 30 is produced in one piece, for example using additive manufacturing techniques applicable to metals, such as 3D printing by powder bed fusion.

[0039] A width direction X30, a depth direction Y30 and a height direction Z30 are defined, which are perpendicular to each other and which are fixed relative to the connecting device 30. In the assembled configuration of the power cut-off system

[0040] 1, the directions X and A30 are parallel, while the directions Y and Y30 on the one hand, Z and Z30, on the other hand, are generally parallel, except that the rotation of the mobile part 32 around the axis A30 varies the relative orientation of these directions Y, Y30, Z and Z30. The axis A30 is defined by the connecting device 30.

[0041] The fixed part 31 is fixedly connected to the second stud 13. Advantageously, and as shown in FIG. 2, the fixed part 31 comprises a plate 312 fixedly connected to the second stud 13, for example by means of screws 314 represented by their axis lines and which pass through orifices 316 made through the plate 312. As can be seen in FIG.

[0042] 2, the fixed part 31 comprises a fixed support 318, which connects the plate to the articulation 33 and which is perpendicular to the direction X30, therefore to the axis of rotation A30 in the mounted configuration of the connecting device 30 in the power cut-off system 1. The fixed support 318 extends here in the direction Z30, between the articulation 33 and the plate 312.

[0043] The number of fixed supports 318 is not limiting and is, alternatively, between one and four.

[0044] In a variant of the invention not shown, the second stud 13 and the fixed part 31 are a single piece, the fixed part of this variant also comprising a fixed support.

[0045] The movable part 32 pivots around the axis A30, and comprises two movable supports 36, a finger 38 and a synchronization bar 40. The two movable supports 36 connect the movable part 32 to the joint 33, and are perpendicular to the axis of rotation A30.

[0046] The number of movable supports 36 is not limiting. Here it is two, but is, alternatively, between one and five. The movable supports 36 are here identical, and coaxial, in particular coaxial with the axis A30. They are arranged on either side of the fixed support 318, in the direction X30. The movable supports 36 are advantageously of substantially regular shape, here circular. They are also adapted to ensure rotational guidance of the connecting device 30 around the axis of rotation A30. For this purpose, the movable supports 36 each define a cylindrical housing, adapted to fit around a complementary male cylindrical element not shown, fixedly carried by the casing 10. For example, the center of each cylindrical element is hollowed out, and forms a blind housing L36 centered on the axis of rotation A30, in order to accommodate the complementary male cylindrical element. A single housing L36 is visible in Figure 2.The cylindrical housings L36 and the complementary male elements are coaxial and centered on the axis of rotation A30 in the mounted configuration of the connecting device 30 in the casing 10. Thus, the mobile part 32 can pivot as a single piece around the axis A30 while being guided in rotation by the cooperation of the cylindrical housings L36 and the complementary male elements.

[0047] According to a variant not shown, two male cylindrical elements are carried by the movable supports 36, and are adapted to each be inserted into a complementary female cylindrical housing, carried fixedly by the casing 10.

[0048] An arm 34, actuated by the control mechanism 19 in order to pivot the movable part 32, is carried by one of the movable supports 36. Here, the arm extends generally in the direction Y30, transversely to the rest of the connecting device 30.

[0049] The bar 40, substantially parallel to the direction X30, connects the movable supports 36 together. The finger 38 extends from the bar 40, in the direction Z30, that is to say transversely to the axis A30. The finger 38 is preferably elongated, that is to say that a length of this finger, measured in the direction Z30, is greater, preferably at least twice greater, than its width, measured in the direction X30 and its thickness, measured in the direction Y30. The finger 38 carries the movable contact part 17 at one of its ends. The movable contact part 17 thus pivots with the finger 38 around the axis A30.

[0050] The articulation 33 comprises several strands 37, visible in FIG. 2, substantially parallel to, and radially offset from, the axis of rotation A30. These strands 37 connect the fixed support 318 to the mobile supports 36, being distributed regularly around the axis of rotation A30, on either side of the fixed support 318.

[0051] Each strand 37 connects one of the mobile supports 36 to the fixed support 318.

[0052] Here, six strands connect each mobile support 36 to the fixed support 318. The number of strands 37 connecting each mobile support 36 to the fixed support 318 is not limiting. It is, for example, between one and ten. Here, a total of twelve strands 37 are present within the articulation 33. The section of each strand 37 is here circular, but is alternatively rectangular, or of any shape. In particular, this section is advantageously variable over the entire length of the strands 37. For example, the section of the strands increases as a strand 37 approaches a mobile support 36. The area of ​​the section of the strands 37 is advantageously calculated to allow the circulation of the electric current in the connecting device 30, while limiting heating in the strands 37. In particular, this area is determined as a function of the intensity of the current intended to circulate in the cut-off system 1.

[0053] By deforming elastically, the strands 37 allow the mobile part 32 to pivot around the axis A30, accompanying the movement of the mobile part which results from a force exerted by the control mechanism 19 on the arm 34. The number and the section of strands 37 are advantageously adjusted to satisfy mechanical considerations, in particular obtaining sufficient pivoting of the mobile part 32 around the axis A30 while ensuring that they remain below the elastic deformation limit of the strands 37.

[0054] The control mechanism 19 controls the separation of the fixed 16 and movable 17 contact parts during an electrical fault in the circuit. In practice, the control mechanism 19 is known per se and will therefore not be described further here. In other words, the specific features of the control mechanism 19 are not limiting. In the embodiment considered here, the control mechanism 19 is designed to actuate the arm 34 carried by the support of the movable part 32, in order to pivot the movable part 32, and separate the contact parts 16 and 17, when an electrical fault in the circuit is detected.

[0055] More specifically, in the example of Figures 1 to 3, the control mechanism 19 pivots the arm 34 around the rotation axis A30. This pivoting causes the pivoting of the movable support 36 to which the arm 34 is connected, of the bar 40, of the other movable support 36, of the finger 38, and thus, of the movable contact part 17 which moves away from the fixed contact part 16. This pivoting movement of the entire movable part 32, while it is in one piece with the fixed part 31, is allowed by the elastic deformation of the strands 37. In the example of Figures 1 to 3, when the movable contact part 17 is moved away from the fixed contact 16, that is to say when the movable contact 17 is in the open position, the strands 17 are deformed, and the movable part 32 has pivoted around the axis A30.When the movable contact 17 and the fixed contact 16 are in contact, that is to say when the movable contact 17 is in the closed position, the strands 37 are not deformed and the movable part 32 has not pivoted around the axis A30. By elasticity and return to their unstressed position, the strands 37 tend to bring the movable part 32 back into the configuration where the fixed and movable contacts 16 and 17 are in support and in electrical contact, which guarantees a permanent electrical conduction path between the first and second pads 12 and 13.

[0056] An inverse solution, that is to say when the movable contact 17 and the fixed contact 16 are at a distance, the strands 37 are not deformed, is an alternative. In this case, by elasticity and resumption of their unstressed position, the strands 37 tend to bring the movable part 32 back into the configuration where the fixed and movable contacts 16 and 17 are separated, by opening the circuit between the first and second pads 12 and 13, which means that the current cut-off system 1 is open by default.

[0057] Another alternative is to have a deformation of the strands 37 accompanying a pivoting of the movable part 32 in a first direction of rotation when the movable contact 17 is in the closed position, and a deformation of the strands 37 accompanying a pivoting of the movable part 32 in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation when the movable contact 17 is in the open position.

[0058] In the case where the connecting device 30 does not allow sufficient current to pass, the connecting device 30 is advantageously combined with a shunt or a braid made of electrically conductive material, not shown, the shunt or the braid being electrically connected to the second pad 13, on the one hand, and to the finger 38, on the other hand.

[0059] In the second to fifth embodiments shown in Figures 4 and following, elements similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same references and function in the same way. If an element is cited in the description without being shown in the figures or if a reference is shown in a figure without being mentioned in the description, it or it designates the same element as that bearing the same reference in the first embodiment. In the following, we mainly describe what distinguishes these embodiments from the first.

[0060] For these second to fifth embodiments, directions of width XN, depth YN and height ZN are defined as in the first embodiment, with the variable N equal to the reference of the connecting device.

[0061] For the embodiment of Figure 4, reference signs increased by 100 are used to designate features corresponding to those described for Figures 1 to 3, but which have differences.

[0062] Figure 4 shows a diagram of a connecting device 130 of the power cut-off system 1 according to the second embodiment, which carries two movable contacts 17. The protection device 1 which incorporates the connecting device 130 here comprises two fixed contact pieces not shown, and the two movable contact pieces 17. Each movable contact piece 17 is opposite one of the fixed contact pieces, such that in the closed position, each movable contact piece 17 is in direct contact with the fixed contact with which it is opposite, and allows the circulation of an electric current between pads not shown. In their open position, each movable contact piece 17 is spaced from the corresponding fixed contact piece 16 in the direction Y and interrupts the electric circulation between the pads.

[0063] The connecting device 130 replaces the connecting device 30 of figures 1 to 3 and comprises a fixed part 131, a movable part 132 and a joint 133. The connecting device 130 brings into contact or separates the fixed contacts and the movable contacts 17, by moving the movable contacts 17 by pivoting around an axis of rotation A130, parallel to the direction X.

[0064] The fixed part 131 is fixedly connected to the second stud, for example by being screwed or inserted into the second stud or by forming part of the second stud. In all cases, the fixed part 131 is fixed relative to the casing. The fixed part 131 has a similar function to the fixed part 31. The fixed part 131 comprises two fixed supports 1318. The fixed supports 1318 are for example discs coaxial with the axis A130. The movable part 132 pivots about the axis A130, and comprises two sub-assemblies 136+138, each sub-assembly comprising a movable support 136 and a finger 138. The movable supports 136 of the two sub-assemblies are arranged between the fixed supports 1318 in the direction X130. The movable supports 136 are advantageously two rings coaxial with the axis A130.

[0065] Alternatively, the mobile supports 136 are discs with a light in the shape of an arc of a circle for the passage of a strand 137.

[0066] Each finger 138 is carried by its respective movable support 136, is elongated in the direction Z130 and carries one of the two movable contact pieces 17.

[0067] The joint 133 pivots around the axis A130, and is connected on the one hand to the fixed part 131 by the two fixed supports 1318, and on the other hand to the mobile part by the two mobile supports 136. Two strands 137 extend in the direction X130, and connect the two fixed supports 1318 to each other, as well as to one of the two mobile supports 136. Thus, one of the strands 137 is connected to only one of the two mobile supports 136, and passes through the other mobile support 136 without interacting with it, the other strand 137 doing the same for the other mobile support 136. In other words, one of the strands 137 is connected to one of the sub-assemblies 136+138, and the other strand 137 is connected to the other sub-assembly 136+138. In this way, each subassembly 136+138 can pivot independently, by elastic deformation of the corresponding strand 137.Here, only two strands 137 have been shown, at a rate of one strand per subset 136+138, but several strands 137 per subset are advantageously used, for example three.

[0068] In a variant not shown, more than two fingers 138 and more than two movable supports 136 may be present, for example five, then forming five subassemblies 136+138. In this case, at least one strand 137 connects each subassembly 136+138 to the two fixed supports 1318, each subassembly thus being able to pivot independently of the others.

[0069] In another variant not shown, each strand 137 connects several sub-assemblies 136+138 and fixed supports 1318 together. The sub-assemblies 136+138 connected together by the same strand 137 then pivot together by elastic deformation of this corresponding strand.

[0070] For the embodiment of Figure 5, reference signs increased by 200 are used to designate features corresponding to those described for Figures 1 to 3, but which have differences.

[0071] Figure 5 shows a diagram of a connecting device 230, as well as the fixed contacts 16, movable 17, and the first and second pads 12 and 13. The connecting device 230 comprises a fixed part 231, a movable part 232, and a joint 233. The connecting device 230 brings into contact or separates the fixed and movable contacts 16 and 17, by moving the movable contact 17 by pivoting around an axis of rotation A230, parallel to the direction X230. The fixed part 231 is fixedly connected to the second pad 13. A fixed support 2318 is for example perpendicular to the axis A230. A movable support 236 carries a finger 138. The movable support 236 is for example perpendicular to the axis A230, and is connected to the articulation 233, on the one hand, and to the finger 138, on the other hand.

[0072] The joint 233 pivots around the axis A230. The joint 233 comprises a strand 237, which connects the fixed part 231, by its fixed support 2318, and the mobile part 232 by its mobile support 236. The strand 237 comprises three parts: a first part 237a, a second part 237b, and a third part 237c.

[0073] The first portion 237a extends parallel to the axis A230 while being offset therefrom, in the direction opposite to the direction Z230, and is connected to the fixed support 2318 on the one hand, and to the second portion 237b on the other hand. The second portion 237b extends transversely to the axis A230, and connects the first portion 237a to the third portion 237c. The third portion 237c extends parallel to, while being offset relative to, the axis A230, in the direction Z230. The third portion 237c advantageously has a shorter length than the first portion 237a. The third portion 237c connects the second portion 237b and the movable support 236. Thus, the strand 237 is called a “double strand”. It is adapted to deform elastically, according to the same principle as the strands 37, but with a reduced bulk. Here, only one double strand 237 is shown, but several double strands 237, distributed regularly around the axis A230 are advantageously used in practice in the joint 233.

[0074] For the embodiment of Figure 6, reference signs increased by 300 are used to designate features corresponding to those described for Figures 1 to 3, but which have differences.

[0075] Figure 6 shows a diagram of a connecting device 330, as well as the fixed contacts 16, mobile 17, and the first and second pads 12 and 13. The connecting device 330 comprises a fixed part 331, a mobile part 332, and an articulation 333.

[0076] The connecting device 330 brings into contact or separates the fixed and movable contacts 16 and 17, by moving the movable contact 17 by pivoting about an axis of rotation A330, parallel to the direction X. The fixed part 331 is fixedly connected to the second pad 13. The fixed part 331 comprises a fixed support 2318, perpendicular to the axis of rotation A330. A hub 339, fixedly carried by the fixed part 331, in particular by the fixed support 2318, extends in the direction opposite to the direction X from the fixed support 2318, and is coaxial with the axis A330, as shown in FIG. 6. The hub 339 guides the articulation 333 in pivoting about the axis of rotation A330. The movable part 332 comprises a movable support 336 and a finger 138. The movable support 336 is for example a ring perpendicular to the axis A330, in other words coaxial with the axis A330, carried by the hub 339 and adapted to pivot around the hub 339.The movable part 332 carries the finger 138, which pivots with the movable part 332 when the latter pivots around the axis A330.

[0077] The joint 333 pivots about the axis A330. The joint 333 comprises a strand 37, which extends parallel to, while being offset from, the axis A330, and which connects the fixed support 2318 to the mobile support 336. Thus, the joint 333 is guided in rotation by the hub 339 when the mobile support 336 pivots about the axis A330.

[0078] For the embodiment of Figure 7, reference signs increased by 400 are used to designate features corresponding to those described for Figures 1 to 3, but which have differences.

[0079] Figure 7 represents a diagram of a connecting device 430, as well as the fixed contacts 16, mobile 17, and the first and second pads 12 and 13. The connecting device 430 comprises a fixed part 231, a mobile part 232, and an articulation 433, which replaces the articulation 233 of figure 5.

[0080] The joint 433 is connected on the one hand to the fixed part 231, more specifically to the fixed support 2318, and on the other hand to the mobile support 232, more specifically to the mobile support 236, pivoting about two axes of rotation, A430 and A530, parallel to the direction X. The axis of rotation A530 is pivoting about the axis A430. The joint 433 comprises two strands 437a and 437b, similar to the strands 37 of FIGS. 1 to 3, and a connection element 450. The strand 437a extends parallel to, while being offset from, the axis A430. Here, the strand 437a is offset from the axis A430 in the direction Z430. Strand 437a connects fixed support 2318 to connecting element 450. Strand 437b extends parallel to, and offset from, axis A530. Here, strand 437b is offset from axis A530 in the direction opposite to direction Z230. Strand 437b connects connecting element 450 to movable support 236.

[0081] The connecting element 450 is pivotally movable about the axis A430. It is adapted to mechanically and electrically connect the strands 437a and 437b. Upon elastic deformation of the strand 437a, the connecting element pivots about the axis A430, causing the strand 437b, the movable part 232 and the movable contact 17 to pivot about the axis A430. The strand 437b also deforms elastically, causing the movable part 232 and the movable contact 17 to pivot about the axis A530.

[0082] The connecting element 450 advantageously comes in one piece with the strand 437a, and / or 437b. Indeed, the connecting device 430 is for example a single piece, or, alternatively, designed in two parts, for example one comprising the fixed part 231, the strand 437a and the connecting element 450, and the other comprising the strand 437b and the mobile part 232. The articulation 433 can be seen as a series connection of two articulations 33, connected by the connecting element 450.

[0083] The joint 433 shown here comprises only two strands 437a and 437b. Alternatively, it advantageously comprises several strands, distributed regularly around each axis A430 and A530, for example three for each axis.

[0084] The connecting devices 30, 130, 230, 330 and 430 have been presented here as being integrated into a power cut-off system, such as the system 1. However, the connecting devices 30, 130, 230, 330 and 430 may be integrated into devices other than a power cut-off system, in particular the system 1. Thus, it is understood that, more generally, the connecting devices described so far are each a device designed to both connect, electrically and mechanically, a first element with a second element and move these first and second elements relative to each other, it being noted that, in the system 1 described above, these first and second elements are respectively the movable contact piece 17 and the second pad 13, without this being limiting for the connecting device as such.

[0085] Any feature described for one of the preceding embodiments or variants may be implemented in the other embodiments and variants described above. In particular, any movable support and fixed support may be implemented in any joint described above. In particular, the double strands 237 may be applied to any type of joint described.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Connecting device (30; 130; 230; 330; 430), adapted to connect to each other at least one first element (17) and one second element (13) and to move the or each first element (17) relative to the second element (13), characterized in that the connecting device (30; 130; 230; 330; 430) comprises: a fixed part (31; 131; 231; 331) which is kinematically connected and connected to the second element (13); a movable part (32; 132; 232; 332) which is kinematically connected and connected to the or each first element (17); and an articulation (33; 133; 233; 333; 433) which: • came from the same material as the fixed part (31; 131; 231; 331) and the mobile part (32; 132; 232; 332), • connects the fixed part (31; 131; 231; 331) and the movable part (32; 132; 232; 332) in a movable manner at least in pivoting around at least one axis of rotation (A30; A130; A230; A330; A430, A530), and • comprises, for the or each axis of rotation (A30; A130; A230; A330; A430, A530), at least one strand (37; 137; 237; 437a, 437b), which is elastically deformable and which extends in length in a manner that is both substantially parallel and offset relative to the axis of rotation (A30; A130; A230; A330; A430, A530), by connecting to each other at least one fixed support (318; 1318; 2318) of the fixed part (31; 131; 231; 331) and at least one mobile support (36; 136; 236; 336) of the mobile part (32; 132; 232; 332). 2.- Connecting device (130) according to claim 1, wherein: several first elements (17) are provided, each first element (17) being kinematically linked and connected to a subassembly (136, 138) of the movable part (132), several movable supports (136) are provided, each subassembly (136, 138) of the movable part (132) including at least one of the movable supports (136), and at least one strand (137) connects each movable support (136) of each subassembly (136, 138) with at least one fixed support (1318). 3.- Connecting device (130) according to claim 2, in which the articulation (133) connects the fixed part (131) and the mobile part (132) at least in pivoting around the or of each axis of rotation (A130), each strand (137) being connected to at least one fixed support (1318) and to the mobile support (136) of the subassembly (136, 138) of the mobile part (132), or to several mobile supports (136) of the mobile part (132) belonging to the same subassembly of the mobile part (132). 4.- Connecting device (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which for the or each axis of rotation (A130), the fixed part (131) includes at least two fixed supports (1318). 5.- Connecting device (30; 130) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the movable part (32; 132) includes at least two movable supports (36; 136) for the or each axis of rotation (A30; A130). 6.- Connecting device (30; 130) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which for the or each axis of rotation (A30; A130), several strands (37; 137) are provided, which are distributed in a substantially regular manner around the axis of rotation (A30; A130). 7.- Connecting device (230) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each strand (237) is a double strand, formed of a first part (237a) which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A230), of a second part (237b) which is connected to the first part (237a), and of a third part (237c) which is connected to the second part (237b) and which is parallel and opposite the first part (237a). 8.- Connecting device (30; 130; 230; 330; 430) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting device (30; 130; 230; 330; 430) is made of metallic material, in particular copper or copper alloy, aluminum or aluminum alloy. 9.- Power cut-off system (1), comprising: an insulating casing (10); a first pad (12) and a second pad (13), which are fixedly carried by the casing (10) and which are connectable from outside the casing (2) to an electrical circuit to be protected by the power cut-off system (1); at least one fixed contact part (16), which is fixed relative to the casing and which is connected to the first pad (12); at least one movable contact part (17), which is movable relative to the fixed contact part (16) between a closed position, in which the movable contact part (17) is in direct contact with the fixed contact part (16), and an open position, in which the movable contact part (17) is spaced from the fixed contact part (16); and a connecting device (30; 130; 230; 330; 430) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the or each first element (17) being the or each movable contact part (17) and the second element (13) being the second stud (13). 10.- System (1) according to claim 9, further comprising, for the or each axis of rotation (A30; A330), a guide device (L36; 339) which guides the articulation (33; 333) in pivoting around the axis of rotation (A30; A330). 11.- System (1) according to claim 10, in which the guide device comprises at least one pair of complementary male and female cylindrical elements, which are centered on the axis of rotation (A30) and which are respectively fixedly carried by one and the other of the casing (10) and of the movable part (32). 12.- System (1) according to claim 10, in which the guide device comprises a hub (339), which is centered on the axis of rotation (A330), which is fixedly carried by the fixed part (331) and on which the mobile part (332) pivots.

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