Electrical appliance cut-off device

Abstract

A switching device (50) is proposed for an electrical device (100), comprising: - a vacuum bulb (3), - a drive element (4) linked 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 knife (11), - a support (12) integral with the knife (11), the movable element (20) being configured to: - during a circuit opening stroke, drive the drive element (4) via the conductive knife (11), and - during a closing stroke, drive the drive element (4) via the support (12). The support (12) comprises a drive surface (14) in contact with a receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) during a circuit closing stroke.The drive surface (14) of the support (12) and the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) are convex. See Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Switching device for electrical appliance 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 comprise a fixed contact and a rotating moving contact between at least two positions. One of these positions is the so-called closing position, in which the fixed and moving contacts are in mechanical and electrical contact, thus allowing the flow of electric current in the circuit. Another position, the so-called opening position, is the separation position of the fixed and moving contacts, in which the current is interrupted. Some switches have three positions, the third position of the moving contact corresponding to grounding a portion of the circuit. The moving contact can be alternately moved from one position to another by means of a control mechanism that supplies it with kinetic energy. Such a switch is located 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 reverse transition from the open to the closed position of the electrical circuit, the moving contact makes contact with the driving element of the moving electrode and displaces it without actuating the vacuum tube. This is achieved through a retractable subsystem that can move in the direction of the moving contact's movement. This interaction between the moving contact and the retractable subsystem tends to reduce the speed of the moving contact, since some of the kinetic energy of the moving contact is transferred to this retractable subsystem that drives the moving electrode of the vacuum tube. Such a slowdown can be problematic for achieving certain electrical performance levels, 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 the electrical circuit to close in a shorter 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 that can be moved between a closed position and an open position, - a drive element mechanically linked to the second electrode, - a movable element that can be positioned 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 knife, — an insulating support, attached to the electrically conductive knife, in which the moving element is configured to: - according to 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 conducting knife, and - according to 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 training surface of the support has a curved shape, and - the receiving surface of the training 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 loss of kinetic energy suffered by the moving element, and thus avoids excessive deceleration of the moving element during the main circuit closing stroke. The performance of the switching device, in particular short-circuit closure, is improved. It is not necessary to increase the energy of the control mechanism. Such an increase may have limited effectiveness during the closing phases and could negatively impact other operating phases, such as the operations. opening, or grounding. It is therefore 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 blade.

[0008] The features listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in any technically possible combination:

[0009] The drive surface of the support delimits a convex portion.

[0010] The receiving surface of the drive element delimits a convex portion.

[0011] 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.

[0012] This type of contact between the support and the drive element makes it possible to optimize the forces between the parts and the distribution of friction between these parts, and thus reduce the loss of speed of the moving element during the closing of the main circuit.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Part of the support is arranged 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.

[0015] The support is opposite the conducting knife in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the moving element.

[0016] 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 block the pivoting of the second arm 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 transition of the moving element from the second position to the first position. and the receiving surface of the drive element is formed on the second arm.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] This geometry allows the moving element to have a driving principle favorable to a reduction of the amount of energy absorbed by the second arm to disappear when the moving element passes.

[0021] 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.

[0022] A 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 as a function of the angular position of the moving element.

[0023] A position along the receiving surface of the drive element 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 as a function of the angular position of the moving element.

[0024] According to one aspect of the cutting device, the drive surface of the support extends between: - a first end forming an area for establishing 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.

[0025] The area of ​​establishment of a mechanical contact corresponds to the portion of the support which 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] According to one aspect of the cutting device, the receiving surface of the drive element extends between: - a first end forming an area for establishing mechanical contact with the support and - a second end forming a zone of loss of contact with the support.

[0028] The area of ​​establishment of mechanical contact with the support corresponds to the portion of the drive element which comes into contact with the drive surface of the support during a passage from the second position to the first position.

[0029] The area of ​​loss of mechanical 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

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The torque applied to the second arm by the support during the movement stroke of the moving element is thus maximized.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] This geometry helps to minimize the amount of energy required to achieve the retraction of the second arm while being simple to manufacture.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a radius of the first portion of the profile of the drive surface of the support is between 8 and 16 millimeters, preferably is between 10 millimeters and 14 millimeters, more preferably is between 11 millimeters and 13 millimeters.

[0041] 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°.

[0042] This geometry helps to achieve sufficient acceleration of the second arm while being simple to manufacture.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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°.

[0045] As before, this geometry helps to minimize the amount of energy required to achieve the retraction of the second arm while being simple to manufacture.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, a profile of the receiving surface of the drive element, seen 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] As before, this geometry minimizes the amount of energy required for the second arm to retract when the moving element passes by.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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°.

[0053] 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°.

[0054] 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element, seen 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.

[0056] The third portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element and the second portion of the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element are tangent at a second point of connection of the third portion with the second portion.

[0057] 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°.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the cutting device, the profile of the receiving surface of the drive element, seen 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.

[0061] 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 includes a first training surface and a second training surface, each training surface being configured to be in contact with the receiving surface of the training element when moving 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.

[0062] A fixed contact can come into contact with each of the conductive knives of the moving element.

[0063] The invention also relates to a medium-voltage electrical device, configured to selectively establish or interrupt the current in a three-phase medium-voltage electrical network, comprising a switching device electric current as described above arranged respectively on each of the phases of the electrical network.

[0064] The electrical device may be a line disconnector, or a circuit breaker. Brief description of the drawings

[0065] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0066] [Fig-1] is a view of an electrical device incorporating a switching system according to the invention,

[0067] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation illustrating the operation of a switching system for an electrical device, in an opening phase of an electrical circuit of the electrical device,

[0068] [Fig.3] is another schematic representation illustrating the operation of a switching system for an electrical device, in an opening phase of an electrical circuit of the electrical device,

[0069] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation illustrating the operation of the switching system [Fig.3], in a closing phase of the electrical circuit of the electrical device,

[0070] [Fig.5] is a view of the switching system of [Fig.1], in a first phase of closing an electrical circuit of the electrical device,

[0071] [Fig.6] is a view of the switching system of [Fig.1], in a second phase of closing the electrical circuit of the electrical device,

[0072] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of the cutting system of [Fig.5],

[0073] [Fig.8] is a detail view of a support integrated into the cutting system of Figures 5 at 7,

[0074] [Fig.9] is a detail view of a drive element integrated into the cutting system of figures 5 to 7. Description of the implementation methods

[0075] To facilitate reading the figures, the various elements are not necessarily shown to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numerals. Certain 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 a priority of one element or parameter over another, and the designations may be interchanged. When it is specified that a device comprises a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in that device.

[0076] Figure 1 shows a 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-breaking device located on each of the phases of the electrical network. The symbol 50 designates the disconnecting device equipping a first phase, and the symbol 50B designates the one equipping a second phase. The disconnecting device equipping the third phase, not shown, is located next to the 50B device.

[0077] The electrical device 100 is, in the example of [Fig. 1], a line disconnector. According to another application example, not shown, the electrical device 100 can be a circuit breaker.

[0078] The electrical device 100 includes a main circuit 30 in 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 the current to be allowed to flow in the main circuit 30. The switching system 50 includes a movable element 20, which rotates about an axis of rotation R20.

[0079] 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 [Fig.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 in 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 [Fig.1], is then arranged between the knives 11,11', and a spring 19 ensures contact pressure between the knives 11,11' and the fixed contact 21.

[0080] Figure [Fig.2] schematically describes the successive steps of a current interruption operation in the main circuit 30. The sections designated by the symbols A to F are in chronological order. The dotted lines ending with an arrow schematically represent the path of the current. The electrical device 1 here includes an earthing contact 40. The moving element 20 is rotatable between a nominal position PI of electric current flow in the main circuit 30, illustrated in part A of [Fig. 2], and a Position P2, in which the moving element 20 is connected to the grounding contact 40, is illustrated in part F of this figure. According to other, unshown, implementation examples, 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 movable 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 movable 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 movable element 20.

[0081] In part B of [Fig.2], the moving element 20 has initiated a rotational movement in a counterclockwise direction in the direction of [Fig.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 makes it possible to separate the electrodes 1,2 of the vacuum bulb 3. In part B of [Fig. 2], an 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 made 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. On part C, the moving element 20 continued its rotation and is no longer in contact with the fixed contact 21. The moving element 20 began to move the drive element 4. The vacuum bulb 3 is closed, meaning its electrodes are in contact. All the current flows through the vacuum bulb 3, and no current flows through the fixed contact 1. On part D, the moving element 20 further displaced the drive 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 continued to be driven by the moving element 20, and the gap between the electrodes 1, 2 of the vacuum tube 3 was at its maximum. Shortly after the phase current crossed zero, the current in the vacuum tube 3 was interrupted. The current in the main circuit 30 was thus interrupted. On part F, the moving element 20 has completed its rotational movement and is in contact with the grounding contact 40. An elastic return element, not shown, has brought the drive element 4 back into the position corresponding to the closure of the vacuum bulb 3.

[0082] During a reverse operation of establishing the current in the main circuit 30, the moving element 20 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e. clockwise in the diagram of [Fig.2].

[0083] The cut-off device 50 for electrical appliance 100, proposed within the framework of the invention, will now be described in detail. The 50 cut-off device includes: - 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 PI allowing the 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 SI, corresponding to a passage from the first position PI to the second position P2, drive the driving element 4 of the mobile electrode 3 via the conducting knife 11, and -according to a second direction of movement S2, opposite to the first direction of movement SI and corresponding to a passage from the second position P2 to the first position PI, drive the driving element 4 of the mobile electrode 3 via the support 12. The support 12 includes 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 PI, and - the drive surface 14 of the support 12 has a curved shape, and - the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 has a curved shape.

[0084] Fig. 3 illustrates part of the stroke of the moving element 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, corresponding to the driving of the driving element 4 of the moving electrode 3 by means of the conducting knife 11. The parts designated by the symbols A to D are in chronological order. During this phase of opening the vacuum bulb, the conductive knife 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 sign SI, and corresponds to the counter-clockwise direction on [Fig.3].

[0085] Figure 4 illustrates part of the passage stroke of the moving element 20 of the second position P2 to first position PI, corresponding to a training of a part of the training element 4 via the support 12. The direction of movement of the moving assembly 20 is indicated by the sign S2, and corresponds to the clockwise direction. According to this direction of movement S2, the support 12 protrudes from the driver knife 11, and comes into contact with the drive element 4 during part of the stroke of the moving element 20. The driver knife 11, which is set back from the support 12 in this direction of movement, remains distant from the drive element 4 throughout the entire stroke 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 bulb 3. This phase, called retraction, will be described in detail later. The first position PI 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.

[0086] 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 suffered by the moving element 20 when driving the drive element 4, and therefore avoids excessive deceleration of the moving element 20 during its closing stroke of the main circuit 30, shown schematically in [Fig.4]. The performance of the 50 breaking device, in particular the short-circuit closing, is thus improved. This improvement is achieved without modifying the control mechanism, in particular 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 blade 11.

[0087] The training surface 14 of the support 12 delimits a convex portion. Similarly, the receiving surface 7 of the training element 4 delimits a convex portion.

[0088] The electrically conductive knife 11 is formed by a flattened copper rod. The support 12 is made of plastic material, for example thermoplastic material, 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 material, for example thermoplastic material, such as an engineering thermoplastic. The drive element 4 is a drive lever. The lever is articulated at one of its ends, and can pivot around a pivot axis R4 under the effect of a pushing force applied by the moving element 20 during its travel stroke.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 line of contact L is shown in perspective on [Fig.1]. The line of contact L is perpendicular to the plane of [Fig.4]. To facilitate its representation, the line of contact L has been represented by a dashed circle on part B and part C of [Fig.4], and not by a point.

[0091] 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.

[0092] The contact is understood to be 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.

[0093] 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 PL The drive surface 14 of the support 12 and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 are in contact with each other over part of the travel of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position PL 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, we thus speak of the drive surface 14, which is part of the support 12, and of the receiving surface 7, which is part of the drive element 4.

[0094] The moving element 20 is mobile in rotation around an axis of rotation R20. As shown in particular in 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.

[0095] Part of the support 12 is arranged projecting from the knife 11 in a direction Tl 1 perpendicular to a main extension axis DI 1 of the knife 11 and perpendicular to the rotation axis R20 of the moving element 20.

[0096] As shown in [Fig.1], the support 12 is opposite the conducting knife 11 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R20 of the moving element 20. The support 12 and the knife 11 are both perpendicular to the axis of rotation R20, and are offset along the axis of rotation R20. The spring 19 is arranged 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 spring 19 is parallel to the axis of rotation R20.

[0097] The training element 4 will now be described in more detail. As shown in particular in figures 3 and 4, the drive element 4 comprises a first arm 5 and a second arm 6 which can pivot relative to the first arm 5 along a pivot axis R6. The first arm 5 includes a stop 8 configured to block a pivoting of the second arm 6 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 PI 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 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 PI, and the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 is formed on the second arm 6. The first arm 5 can pivot relative to 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.

[0098] According to a first direction of thrust applied on the second arm 6, corresponding to a passage from the first position PI to the second position P2, the first arm 5 and the second arm 6 are rigidly linked to each other. According to a second direction of thrust applied to the second arm 6, corresponding to a passage from the second position P2 to the first position PI, the first arm 5 and the second arm 6 are linked in translation and free in rotation relative to each other.

[0099] 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 mobile element 20 from the first position PI to the second position P2. According to the direction of rotation illustrated by the symbol SI in [Fig. 3], the second arm 6 rests on 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 displaces 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 transition of the moving element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position PL According to the direction of rotation illustrated by the symbol S2 in [Fig. 4], no part of the first arm 5 opposes a rotation of the second arm 6 with respect to the pivot axis R6. The movable element 20 repels the second arm 6 without carrying the first arm 5 along with it. The second electrode 2 is therefore not moved by the drive element 4, and the vacuum bulb 3 remains in the closed position. It is said that the second arm 6 retracts as the moving element 20 passes.

[0100] Figures 5 to 9 illustrate one embodiment As shown schematically in [Fig.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 PL

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 movable element 20 from the second position P2 to the first position PI, along the drive surface 14 of the support 12 in a single direction of movement. The 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The area where mechanical contact is established corresponds to the portion of the support 12 that 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 PL

[0108] The loss-of-contact zone corresponds to the portion of the support 12 that 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 PL

[0109] Similarly, the receiving surface 7 of the training 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 of loss of contact with the support 12.

[0110] The area of ​​mechanical contact with the support 12 corresponds to the portion of the drive element 4 that comes into contact with the drive surface 14 of the support 12 during a transition from the second position P2 to the first position PL

[0111] The area of ​​mechanical loss of contact of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4 corresponds to the portion of the drive element 4 that ceases to be in contact with the drive surface 14 of the support 12 during a transition from the second position P2 to the first position PL

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 the pivot axis R6.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 refers to the shape of the receiving surface 7, or the training surface 14, viewed along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the moving assembly 20. Figures 5 to 9 allow us to visualize profile 15. 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The torque applied to the second arm 6 by the support 12 during the movement stroke of the moving element 20 is thus maximized.

[0120] Fig. 8 details the profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12.

[0121] The profile 15 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12, seen 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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. The radius r_15A is preferably between 10 and 14 millimeters. More preferably, the radius r_15A is between 11 and 13 millimeters.

[0124] 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 helps to achieve sufficient acceleration of the second arm 6 while being simple to manufacture.

[0125] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.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 millimeters and 36 millimeters. More preferably, the radius r_15B is between 31 millimeters and 33 millimeters.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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 arc-shaped portion 15A.

[0128] The second end B14 of the drive surface 14 of the support 12, forming a loss of contact zone with the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4, is part of the second portion 15B in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0129] In other words, the initial contact between the support 12 and the drive element 4 takes place at the level of an area included on the first portion 15A in the shape of an arc of a circle. The contact area then shifts, as the moving element 20 rotates, and in particular as the support 12 rotates. When support 12 and training element 4 separate, the loss of contact zone, in other words the last point of the profile where contact is still assured, is a point of the second portion 15B.

[0130] Fig. 9 details the profile 10 of the receiving surface 7 of the drive element 4.

[0131] The 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.

[0132] 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 to allow the second arm 6 to retract when the moving element 20 passes by.

[0133] 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, the r_10A is between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters. Preferably, the radius r_10A is between 9 millimeters and 11 millimeters.

[0134] On the example of [Fig.9], 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, the value of the angular sector is between 24° and 28°.

[0135] 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. Preferably, the radius r_10B is between 78 millimeters and 82 millimeters.

[0136] 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°.

[0137] The 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, also includes a third portion 10C of rectilinear shape, extending the second portion 10B in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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°.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The 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, 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.

[0143] As shown in [Fig. 1], the 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 drive element 4 during a transition from the second position P2 to the first position PL The first training surface 14 and the second training surface 14' are arranged on either side of the moving element 20.

[0144] The training element 4 comprises a first receiving surface 7 and a second receiving surface 7'. The two receiving surfaces 7,7' are arranged on the second arm 6 of the training element 4.

[0145] 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 when the second arm 6 is driven.

Claims

Demands

1. Switching device (50) for an electrical apparatus (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 (0), - a drive element (4) mechanically linked to the second electrode (2), - a movable element (20) movable between a first position (PI) allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit of the electrical apparatus (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 (H), in which the movable element (20) is configured for: - according to a first direction of movement corresponding to a passage from the first position (PI) to the second position (P2),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 (PI), 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 (PI), and in which: - the drive surface (14) of the support (12) has a curved shape, and - the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) has a curved shape.

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 cutting 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 (PI).

6. A cutting device (50) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the drive surface (14) of the support (12) extends between: - a first end (A 14) forming a zone for establishing mechanical contact with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) and - a second end (B 14) forming a zone for losing contact with the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4), wherein 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, wherein 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. A 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. A cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein 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 wherein 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. A cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 10 to 12 in combination with claim 6, wherein the first end (A 14) 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 (B 14) of the drive surface (14) of the support (12), forming a loss zone contact 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.

14. A cutting device (50) according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein a profile (10) of the receiving surface (7) of the drive element (4) viewed 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, wherein 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. A 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 current in a medium voltage electrical network comprising three phases, comprising an electrical current breaking device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims disposed respectively on each of the phases of the electrical network.

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