Current interruption system and railway vehicle equipped with the current interruption system

Abstract

To provide an electric current interruption system that can be implemented simply and compactly.SOLUTION: An electric current interruption system (8) comprises: a switch (12) having a first contact (16) and a second contact (18), the first contact (16) being movable relative to the second contact (18) between a closed position allowing the flow of current and an open position interrupting the flow of current; a pilot control device (14) of the switch (12) configured to perform pilot control of the switch (12) between the open position and the closed position. The pilot control device (14) comprises a control actuator (21), and a hydraulic transmission system (22) arranged between the control actuator (21) and the first contact (16) so that the control actuator (21) can control the movement of the first contact (16) via the hydraulic transmission system (22).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interruption system comprising a switch having a first contact and a second contact, the first contact being movable relative to the second contact between a closed position that allows current to flow and an open position that blocks current flow, and further comprising a pilot control device for the switch configured to pilot control the switch between the open and closed positions.

[0002] The invention also relates to a railway vehicle equipped with said barrier system. [Background technology]

[0003] It is possible to provide a pilot control including an isolating device rigidly fixed on one side to the first contact and on the other side to an actuator of the pilot control. The isolating device is configured to electrically isolate the switchgear, in particular to isolate the first contact from the actuator. The actuator is configured to translate the isolating device and thereby the first contact to control opening and closing of the switchgear.

[0004] However, to ensure sufficient electrical isolation, such isolators must provide a minimum insulation distance, which makes the isolators large and therefore the interruption system bulky.

[0005] It is also possible to provide a pilot control device arranged to pilot control the switch by applying hydraulic pressure to the first contact, however such a pilot control device requires a complex and bulky hydraulic system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a current interruption system that can be realized simply and compactly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a switch having a first contact and a second contact, the first contact being movable relative to the second contact between a closed position that allows current to flow and an open position that blocks current flow; - a pilot control of the switch configured to pilot control the switch between an open position and a closed position; A current interruption system comprising: A current interruption system is proposed, in which the pilot control device comprises a control actuator and a hydraulic transmission system arranged between the control actuator and a first contact, via which the control actuator can control the movement of the first contact, the hydraulic transmission system comprising a first deformable tank coupled to the control actuator, a second deformable tank coupled to the first contact of the switch, and a hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting an internal volume of the first deformable tank to an internal volume of the second deformable tank, such that a deformation of the first deformable tank brought about by the control actuator causes a corresponding deformation of the second deformable tank, resulting in a corresponding movement of the first contact.

[0008] According to further advantageous aspects of the invention, the barrier system comprises one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically possible combination: The interruption system further comprises a detection device configured to detect a position of the first contact relative to the second contact. the detection device is configured to detect the position of the first contact independently of the position of the first deformable tank; - the detection device comprises a secondary hydraulic transmission system including a first deformable secondary tank, a second deformable secondary tank, and a secondary hydraulic circuit fluidly connecting an internal volume of the first deformable secondary tank to an internal volume of the second deformable secondary tank. The first deformable secondary tank is configured to open and close the auxiliary sensor by movement of a first contact of the switch. - a second deformable secondary tank is coupled to the first contact of the switch so as to deform when the first contact moves between the open and closed positions, and a secondary hydraulic circuit fluidly connects an internal volume of the second deformable secondary tank to an internal volume of the first deformable secondary tank, whereby deformation of the second deformable secondary tank causes a corresponding deformation of the first deformable secondary tank, resulting in opening or closing of the auxiliary sensor. - The switch is a vacuum switch. - the hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic transmission system comprises at least one flexible tube connecting the first deformable tank to the second deformable tank. The first deformable tank and the control actuator are arranged in a separate casing remote from the switch, and the hydraulic circuit extends between the casing and the switch. the pilot control device comprises a measuring device for the position of the control actuator, the measuring device comprising at least one contact type position sensor arranged to measure the position of the control actuator;

[0009] The invention also proposes a railway vehicle equipped with such a barrier system.

[0010] The invention and its advantages will be better understood from reading the following description, given solely as a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a railway vehicle equipped with a barrier system according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the interruption system of FIG. 1 including a switch in a closed position. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the interruption system of FIG. 1 including a switch in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In FIG. 1 , a rail vehicle 1 comprises a pantograph 2 , a transformer 4 , at least one electrical load or electrical device 6 and a current interruption system 8 .

[0013] The pantograph 2 is configured to collect current from, for example, a catenary suspension line 10 and supply power to the railway vehicle 1. When the railway vehicle 1 is in operation, a current flows from the catenary suspension line 10 to the pantograph 2 and the transformer 4, supplying power to the electric equipment 6.

[0014] The current is in particular an alternating current. In a variant, the current is a direct current.

[0015] The transformer 4 is configured to convert the current taken from the catenary suspension line into a current suitable for powering the electrical equipment 6 .

[0016] Preferably, the transformer 4 is a transformer configured to receive high voltage current.

[0017] "High voltage" refers to a voltage of 5 kV to 50 kV, preferably 10 kV to 30 kV. For example, high voltage is a voltage of approximately 15 kV or approximately 25 kV.

[0018] The electric equipment 6 is a device or system mounted on the railway vehicle 1 that consumes electricity for operation, such as a drive motor or a heating and cooling system of the railway vehicle 1. The railway vehicle 1 generally includes a plurality of electric devices 6.

[0019] The interruption system 8 is configured to interrupt current between the pantograph 2 and all or part of the primary side of the transformer 4, depending on, for example, the configuration of the transformer 4.

[0020] The interruption system 8 includes a switch 12 and a pilot control 14 for the switch 12 .

[0021] The switch 12 includes a first contact 16 electrically connected to a first terminal 17 of the interruption system 8 and a second contact 18 electrically connected to a second terminal 19 of the interruption system 8. The first contact 16 is movable relative to the second contact 18 between a closed position that allows electrical current to flow between the first contact 16 and the second contact 18 and an open position that interrupts electrical current flow.

[0022] The first contact 16 is movable, for example translatably, relative to the second contact 18 between an open position and a closed position.

[0023] In the open position, the switch 12 is configured to not pass current between the first contact 16 and the second contact 18. The switch 12 is represented in Figure 2 with the first contact 16 in a closed position and in Figure 3 with the first contact 16 in an open position.

[0024] The switch 12 is, for example, a vacuum switch. The switch 12 comprises a vacuum chamber 15, in which a first contact 16 and a second contact 18 are located. The switch 12 is therefore adapted to interrupt the passage of high voltage current.

[0025] The switch 12 further comprises a sealing device 20, such as a bellows seal, configured to ensure the tightness of the vacuum chamber 15 surrounding the first contact 16 which is movable relative to the vacuum chamber 15.

[0026] The pilot control 14 of the switch 12 is configured to pilot control the switch 12 between an open position and a closed position. In particular, the pilot control 14 is configured to translate the first contact 16 relative to the second contact 18 between an open position and a closed position.

[0027] As shown in the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the pilot control device 14 includes a control actuator 21 and a hydraulic transmission system 22 arranged between the control actuator 21 and the first contact 16, such that the control actuator 21 is capable of controlling the movement of the first contact 16 via the hydraulic transmission system.

[0028] The control actuator 21 comprises a fixed body 23 , a movable part 24 movable relative to the body 23 , and a drive device 26 for controlling the movement of the movable part 24 relative to the body 23 .

[0029] The movable portion 24 is assembled, for example, so as to be translationally movable relative to the main body 23 .

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the driving device 26 is configured to generate a translational movement force for the movable part 24 in a first direction D1.

[0031] The drive 26 is, for example, a pneumatic or electric actuator.

[0032] The control actuator 21 optionally comprises a return spring 28 configured to generate a return force for the movable part 24 in the rest position.

[0033] The spring 28 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, to move the movable part 24 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1.

[0034] In this case, the drive device 26 is configured to exert a moving force against the spring 28 to move the movable part 24 in translation relative to the main body 23 .

[0035] The control actuator 21 , in particular the movable part 24 , is connected to a hydraulic transmission system 22 .

[0036] The hydraulic transmission system 22 comprises a first deformable tank 32 connected to the control actuator 21, a second deformable tank 34 connected to the first contact 16 of the switch 12, and a hydraulic circuit 36 ​​fluidly connecting an internal volume 38 of the first deformable tank 32 to an internal volume 40 of the second deformable tank 34, such that a deformation of the first deformable tank 32 brought about by the control actuator 21 causes a corresponding deformation of the second deformable tank 34, resulting in a corresponding movement of the first contact 16.

[0037] "Fluidly connecting the internal volume 38 of the first deformable tank 32 to the internal volume 40 of the second deformable tank 34" means that the hydraulic circuit 36 ​​is configured to transmit hydraulic fluid 44 between the first deformable tank 32 and the second deformable tank 34.

[0038] Among other things, the hydraulic circuit 36 ​​comprises at least one flexible tube 42 connecting the first deformable tank 32 to the second deformable tank 34 .

[0039] In particular, the control actuator 21 is connected to the first deformable tank 32 such that movement of the movable part 24 results in a contraction or expansion of the first deformable tank 32. Due to the exchange of the hydraulic fluid 44 contained in the internal volumes 38, 40 and the hydraulic circuit 36, a contraction or expansion of the first deformable tank 32 results in an expansion or contraction, respectively, of the second deformable tank 34.

[0040] In operation, movement of the movable part 24 resulting in contraction of the first deformable tank 32 results in expansion of the second deformable tank 34, which in turn results in movement of the first contact 16 in one direction relative to the second contact 18, and movement of the movable part 24 resulting in expansion of the first deformable tank 32 results in contraction of the second deformable tank 34, which in turn results in movement of the first contact 16 in the other direction relative to the second contact 18.

[0041] The hydraulic transmission system 22 is configured, for example, such that contraction of the first deformable tank 32 results in expansion of the second deformable tank 34, which causes the first contact 16 to move to a closed position relative to the second contact 18, and such that expansion of the first deformable tank 32 results in contraction of the second deformable tank 34, which causes the first contact 16 to move to an open position relative to the second contact 18.

[0042] According to one particular embodiment, the pilot control device 14 includes a measurement device 46 configured to measure the position of the control actuator 21 .

[0043] The measuring device 46 comprises at least one contact type position sensor 48 A, 48 B arranged to measure the position of the control actuator 21 , in particular the position of the movable part 24 .

[0044] The measuring device 46 comprises, for example, a contact element 50 rigidly fixed to the movable part 24 and configured to contact each of the sensors 48A, 48B depending on the position of the movable part 24 of the control actuator 21. In particular, the contact element 50 is configured to trigger each of the sensors 48A, 48B.

[0045] Each position sensor 48A, 48B is, for example, a limit switch sensor configured to detect the position of a contact element 50 when the contact element 50 contacts the position sensor 48A, 48B.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the measuring device 46 comprises two sensors, namely a first sensor 48A making it possible to detect that the mobile part 24 is in a first position corresponding to the closed position of the first contact 16, and a second contact-type position sensor 48B making it possible to detect that the mobile part 24 is in a second position corresponding to the open position of the first contact 16. In variants, the measuring device 46 comprises only one sensor or more than two sensors.

[0047] The interruption system 8 also includes a detection device 52 configured to detect the position of the first contact 16 relative to the second contact 18 .

[0048] The detection device 52 includes a secondary hydraulic transmission system 54 including a first deformable secondary tank 56, a second deformable secondary tank 58 coupled to the first contact 16, and a secondary hydraulic circuit 60 fluidly connecting an internal volume 62 of the first deformable secondary tank 56 to an internal volume 64 of the second deformable secondary tank 58.

[0049] "Fluidly connecting the internal volume 62 of the first deformable secondary tank 56 to the internal volume 64 of the second deformable secondary tank 58" means that the secondary hydraulic circuit 60 is configured to transmit hydraulic fluid 66 between the first deformable secondary tank 56 and the second deformable secondary tank 58.

[0050] In one embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second deformable secondary tank 58 is connected to the first contact 16 of the switch 12 such that it deforms when the first contact 16 moves between an open position and a closed position relative to the second contact 18. In particular, the second deformable secondary tank 58 is coupled to the first contact 16 such that translation of the first contact 16 causes contraction or expansion of the second deformable secondary tank 58. And, contraction or expansion of the second deformable secondary tank 58 caused by the first contact 16 causes expansion or contraction, respectively, of the first deformable secondary tank 56.

[0051] In particular, the first contact 16 is configured to cause contraction of the second deformable secondary reservoir 58 when moving from a closed position to an open position. Due to the exchange of hydraulic fluid 66 contained in the internal volumes 62, 64 and the secondary hydraulic circuit 60, the contraction of the second deformable secondary reservoir 58 causes expansion of the first deformable secondary reservoir 56 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). When the expansion of the second deformable secondary reservoir 58 is caused, e.g., by the first contact 16 moving from an open position to a closed position, contraction of the first deformable secondary reservoir 56 occurs (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

[0052] The hydraulic circuit 60 includes a flexible tube 65 or the like connecting the first deformable secondary tank 56 to the second deformable secondary tank 58 .

[0053] The sensing device 52 is particularly configured to sense the position of the first contact 16 independently of the hydraulic transmission system 22 .

[0054] For example, the detection device 52 further comprises an auxiliary position sensor 67. In particular, the first deformable secondary tank 56 is configured to obtain activation / deactivation of the auxiliary sensor 67 by movement of the first contact 16.

[0055] For example, if hydraulic circuit 36 ​​fails, deformation of first deformable tank 32 will not cause deformation of second deformable tank 34 or vice versa, primarily due to the lack of hydraulic fluid 44 communication between interior volumes 40 and 38. Movement of first contact 16 can cause activation of auxiliary sensor 67, even in the absence of hydraulic fluid 44 communication.

[0056] Thus, the detection device 52 is configured to detect the position of the first contact 16 even in the event of a failure of the hydraulic circuit 36. In particular, the auxiliary sensor 67 is configured to verify the information provided by each of the sensors 48A, 48B.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the isolation system 8 further comprises a synchronization plate 69 connecting the second deformable tank 34 to the second deformable secondary tank 58. The synchronization plate 69 is configured to transmit the expansion or contraction of the second deformable tank 34 to the second deformable secondary tank 58.

[0058] For example, the synchronization plate 69 effects the expansion of the second deformable secondary tank 58 when the second deformable tank 34 expands.

[0059] The second deformable tank 34 and the second deformable secondary tank 58 are connected, for example, between each other and the first contact 16 by a synchronizing plate 69 .

[0060] 2 and 3, the first deformable tank 32 and the control actuator 21 are disposed in an actuator casing 68 that is offset relative to the switch 12, i.e., spaced apart from the switch 12. The hydraulic circuit 36, and (if applicable) the secondary hydraulic circuit 60, extend between the actuator casing 68 and the switch 12.

[0061] The switch 12 is disposed within a switch casing 70 that is spaced apart from the actuator casing 68. The switch casing 70 is made of, for example, an insulating material.

[0062] According to one embodiment as shown in Figure 1, the switchgear casing 70 is fixed directly to the transformer casing 72 of the transformer 4. In particular, the first terminal 17 and the second terminal 19 are arranged in the wall of the transformer casing 72.

[0063] In FIG. 2, the interruption system 8 is shown in a configuration in which the first contact 16 of the switch 12 is in a closed position relative to the second contact 18 .

[0064] In this closed position, the control actuator 21 is controlled such that the drive 26 exerts a force on the movable part 24 along the first direction D1. The movable part 24 compresses the first deformable tank 32, and when the hydraulic fluid 44 is partly transferred from the first deformable tank 32 to the second deformable tank 34, the second deformable tank 34 expands and exerts a force on the first contact 16 to move the first contact 16 towards the closed position. Thus, the second deformable tank 34 expands.

[0065] The movable part 24 activates the sensor 48A (here via the contact element 50), which is thereby able to detect that the movable part 24 is in a first position which essentially corresponds to the closed position of the first contact 16.

[0066] With the first contact 16 in the closed position, the second deformable secondary tank 58 expands, thereby causing a contraction of the first deformable secondary tank 56. An auxiliary sensor 67 detects the position of the first secondary tank 56 to verify that the first contact 16 of the switch 12 is in the closed position.

[0067] In FIG. 3, the interruption system 8 is shown in a configuration in which the first contact 16 of the switch 12 is in an open position relative to the second contact 18 .

[0068] In the open position of the first contact 16, in the embodiment shown, the drive 26 of the control actuator 21 is not activated and the spring 28 returns the movable part 24 to the second position.

[0069] The movable part 24 actuates the second sensor 48B (here via the contact element 50). In the second position, the movable part 24 causes the expansion of the first deformable tank 32, which causes the contraction of the second deformable tank 34 via the hydraulic transmission system 22, thereby exerting a force on the first contact 16 that moves or maintains the first contact 16 in the open position.

[0070] Also, in the open position, the second deformable secondary reservoir 58 is compressed and the first deformable secondary reservoir 56 is expanded relative to the position of the first contact 16. The auxiliary sensor 67 detects the expansion of the first deformable secondary reservoir 56, thereby confirming the open position of the first contact 16 of the switch 12.

[0071] At least one of the deformable tanks 32, 34, 56, 58 is, for example, a flexible bellows (in English "bellow proof pear"). This type of tank has walls with a curved cross section, etc. In one embodiment and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, each of the deformable tanks 32, 34, 56, 58 is a flexible bellows.

[0072] By offsetting the actuator 21 relative to the switch 12, the switch 12 can be made more compact by eliminating the need for an insulating device that must be provided between the actuator and the first contact whose movement is controlled by the actuator when the actuator is incorporated into the switch 12.

[0073] The compact switchgear 12 can be installed directly on the transformer 4, which simplifies the electrical connection between the switchgear 12 and the transformer 4, especially in the case of high voltage currents. In one example, the switchgear 12 is integrated into the transformer 4.

[0074] The hydraulic transmission system 22 connecting the actuator 21 to the switch 12 has a simple design. This hydraulic transmission system allows the actuator 21 to be offset with respect to the switch 12 without constraints on their relative positions, and the pipeline of the hydraulic transmission system 22 can be of an appropriate route and of a desired length depending on the positions of the actuator 21 and the switch 12.

[0075] The hydraulic transmission system 22 is highly reliable and has a low risk of malfunction.

[0076] A detection device 52 capable of detecting the position of the first contact 16 of the switch by means of a position sensor offset with respect to the switch 12 (e.g. in the actuator 21) and connected to the first contact 16 by a secondary hydraulic transmission system independent of the one used to control the movement of the first contact 16 makes it possible to ascertain the position of the first contact 16.

[0077] For example, the sensing device 52 is insulated with respect to the switch 12, particularly with respect to high voltages, and the hydraulic circuit 36 ​​fluidly connects the internal volume 38 with the internal volume 40, such that a deformation of the first deformable tank 32 caused by the control actuator 21 causes a corresponding deformation of the second deformable tank 34, which in turn causes a corresponding movement of the first contact 16, so that the sensing device 52 and the switch 12 are directly coupled, thereby resulting in a simple and reliable system.

[0078] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment but can be modified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Railway vehicles 2 Pantograph 4. Transformers 6 Electrical loads, electrical equipment 8. Shutdown System 10 Catenary suspension line 12 Switchgear 14 Pilot control device 15 Vacuum chamber 16 First Contact 17 1st terminal 18 The second point of contact 19 Second Terminal 21 Control actuator 22 Hydraulic Transmission System 23 Main unit 24 Moving parts 26 Drive unit 28 Return spring 32 First transformable tank 34 Second transformable tank 36 Hydraulic circuit 38 Internal volume 40 Internal volume 42 Flexible tube 44 Hydraulic Fluids 46 Measuring Equipment 48A, 48B (position) sensor 50 Contact Elements 52 Detection Device 54 Secondary hydraulic transmission system 56 First transformable secondary tank 58 Second deformable secondary tank 60 Secondary hydraulic circuit 62 Internal volume 64 Internal volume 65 Flexible tube 66 Hydraulic Fluids 67 Auxiliary (position) sensor 68 Actuator casing, casing 69 Synchronization Plate 70 Switchgear Casing 72 Transformer casing

Claims

1. a switch (12) having a first contact (16) and a second contact (18), the first contact (16) being movable relative to the second contact (18) between a closed position allowing electrical current to flow and an open position interrupting electrical current flow; a pilot control (14) for said switch (12) arranged to pilot control said switch (12) between an open position and a closed position; A current interruption system (8) comprising: the pilot control device (14) comprises a control actuator (21) and a hydraulic transmission system (22) arranged between the control actuator (21) and the first contact (16), such that the control actuator (21) can control the movement of the first contact (16) via the hydraulic transmission system; the hydraulic transmission system (22) comprises a first deformable tank (32) connected to the control actuator (21), a second deformable tank (34) connected to the first contact (16) of the switch (12), and a hydraulic circuit (36) fluidly connecting an internal volume (38) of the first deformable tank (32) to an internal volume (40) of the second deformable tank (34), such that a deformation of the first deformable tank (32) caused by the control actuator (21) causes a corresponding deformation of the second deformable tank (34) and thus a corresponding movement of the first contact (16), The interruption system (8) further comprising a detection device (52) configured to detect a position of the first contact (16) relative to the second contact (18).

2. The isolation system (8) of claim 1, wherein the detection device (52) is configured to detect a position of the first contact (16) regardless of a position of the first deformable tank (32).

3. 3. The shutoff system (8) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device (52) comprises a secondary hydraulic transmission system (54) including a first deformable secondary tank (56), a second deformable secondary tank (58), and a secondary hydraulic circuit (60) fluidly connecting an internal volume (62) of the first deformable secondary tank (56) to an internal volume (64) of the second deformable secondary tank (58).

4. 4. The isolation system (8) of claim 3, wherein the first deformable secondary tank (56) is configured to open and close an auxiliary sensor (67) by movement of the first contact (16) of the switch (12).

5. 5. The shutoff system (8) of claim 4, wherein the second deformable secondary tank (58) is coupled to the first contact (16) of the switch (12) to deform when the first contact (16) moves between an open position and a closed position, and the secondary hydraulic circuit (60) fluidly connects the interior volume (64) of the second deformable secondary tank (58) to the interior volume (62) of the first deformable secondary tank (56), whereby deformation of the second deformable secondary tank (58) causes a corresponding deformation of the first deformable secondary tank (56) resulting in opening and closing of the auxiliary sensor.

6. The interruption system (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch (12) is a vacuum switch.

7. 7. The isolation system (8) of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic circuit (36) of the hydraulic transmission system (22) comprises at least one flexible tube (42) connecting the first deformable tank (32) to the second deformable tank (34).

8. 8. The isolation system (8) according to claim 1, wherein the first deformable tank (32) and the control actuator (21) are arranged in a separate casing (68) separate from the switch (12), and the hydraulic circuit (36) extends between the casing (68) and the switch (12).

9. 9. The shut-off system (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pilot control device (14) comprises a measuring device (46) for the position of the control actuator (21), the measuring device (46) comprising at least one contact-type position sensor (48A, 48B) configured to measure the position of the control actuator (21).

10. A railway vehicle (1) equipped with a barrier system (8) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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