Device for actuating a current cut-off or disconnect system

The actuation device for high-voltage systems uses a locking finger and cam system to address mechanical and reliability issues, ensuring durable and precise contact locking with reduced wear and maintenance.

WO2025247710A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-12-04SUPERGRID INSTITUTE SAS
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/063866
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-30
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2025-12-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing actuation devices for high-voltage current interruption or isolation systems face issues such as high mechanical and dimensional constraints, reduced reliability due to numerous parts, susceptibility to wear, and compromised locking due to magnetic solutions, leading to potential damage and maintenance needs.

Method used

An actuation device with a locking mechanism using a locking finger and cam system, where the locking finger has inclined plane surfaces interacting with ramps on the cam to ensure reliable locking in open or closed positions, reducing wear and maintenance needs while maintaining effective contact locking.

Benefits of technology

The device provides durable, robust, and precise locking of contacts, minimizing wear and maintenance, and ensuring reliable operation with reduced friction and improved reliability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device (20) for actuating a current cut-off or disconnect system (10), which device comprises an actuating shaft (22) translatably movable along a main axis between a closed position and an open position; a locking device (30) comprising at least one first locking finger (31, 31') translatably movable along a first movement axis (Y1) and having a bevelled end portion (51) defining at least a first inclined planar surface (52, 52'), the normal (n1) whereof extends in a plane (P) parallel to the first movement axis and to the main axis, said first inclined planar surface being oriented towards a first end part or a second end part of the actuation shaft; and a first cam (60) mounted fixedly relative to the actuation shaft and having a peripheral part (66) in which at least a first ramp (74) parallel to the first inclined planar surface is formed, the locking device being able to take at least one locking configuration in which the first locking finger is pushed towards the first cam such that the first inclined planar surface cooperates, by planar contact, with the first ramp in order to keep the actuation shaft in the closed position or in the open position.
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Description

[0001] ACTUATION DEVICE FOR A POWER CUT-OFF OR DISCONNECTIVITY SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of current interruption or isolation systems for a high-voltage installation. Current interruption systems, including switches and circuit breakers, allow the current flow within the installation to be interrupted, particularly in the event of a short circuit or overcurrent. Isolation systems allow a part of the installation to be separated and isolated, for example, when that part of the installation requires maintenance. Such systems traditionally comprise a first contact and a second contact which are brought into contact with each other in a closed configuration, and which are kept apart in an open configuration.The present invention relates more specifically to an actuation device for such a current interruption or disconnection system, enabling the first and second contacts to be moved relative to each other in order to bring them into the open or closed configuration. The present invention provides an actuation device for ensuring the locking of the system and its first and second contacts in the closed and / or open configuration.

[0004] Previous technique

[0005] The actuation devices for high-voltage power interruption or isolation systems typically move contacts relative to each other by induction using coils. The inductive force is then generated only during the transition from the closed to the open configuration and vice versa, which does not guarantee that the contacts will remain in either the open or closed position. It is therefore necessary to identify interlocking solutions to prevent any risk of accidental opening or closing of the contacts, which could damage the system and the installation.

[0006] To generate such a locking force, document CN115692122 proposes an actuation device that forces the contacts into the open or closed position using springs. These springs are arranged transversely to a mounting shaft carrying the second contact and are coupled to locking rods forming a connecting rod-crank system. A drawback of this actuation device is that a very large inductive force is required to counteract the restoring force of the springs and the connecting rod-crank system and move the contacts from the closed to the open position, and vice versa. This results in significant mechanical and dimensional constraints for the design of the actuation device.

[0007] US patent 11749480 proposes an actuation device that implements a purely mechanical contact locking solution. A drawback of this solution is that it involves numerous interconnected parts. This reduces the reliability of the actuation device and its speed in transitioning from the closed to the open position. Furthermore, this system is particularly susceptible to wear, which can compromise proper contact locking in either position and necessitates regular maintenance or replacement of parts.

[0008] Magnetic locking solutions, using axial or radial magnetic flux, have also been considered in the prior art. These solutions involve incorporating a magnetic element, which reduces the responsiveness of the actuation device. Axial magnetic flux locking requires high precision in the final position of the contacts in both open and closed configurations. Consequently, these devices are very sensitive, and the risk of wear necessitates oversizing the components to ensure effective locking.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] One aim of the present invention is to provide an actuation device for a current interruption or disconnection system that remedies the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to an actuation device for a current interruption or disconnection system for a high-voltage installation, the system comprising a first contact and a second contact, the actuation device comprising: an actuating shaft extending along a main axis and having a first end portion configured to carry the second contact and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the actuating shaft being movable in translation along the main axis between a closed position in which it places the second contact and is in mechanical and electrical contact with the first contact in order to allow the flow of an electric current between said first and second contacts,and an open position in which it maintains the second contact at a distance from the first contact so as to prevent the flow of an electric current between said first and second contacts; a locking device comprising at least one first locking finger movable in translation about a first axis of displacement distinct from and not parallel to the main axis, said first locking finger having a beveled end portion defining at least one first inclined plane surface whose normal extends in a plane parallel to the first axis of displacement and to the main axis, said first inclined plane surface being oriented towards the first end portion or towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft; and at least one first cam fixedly mounted relative to said actuating shaft between said first end portion and said second end portion of the actuating shaft,said first cam having a peripheral part in which is formed at least a first ramp parallel to said first inclined flat surface of the first locking finger, the locking device being able to take at least one locking configuration in which said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said first inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said first ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in the closed position or in the open position.

[0012] The actuation device is particularly suitable for equipping a power cut-off or disconnection system to enable the actuation of such a system.

[0013] If the system is a current interruption system, it interrupts the flow of current when placed in the open position. It may include a high-voltage switch or circuit breaker. If the system is a disconnection system, it isolates a section of the installation when placed in the open position.

[0014] Without limitation, the first contact may be fixed relative to a portion of the system's chassis or mobile in translation along said main axis.

[0015] Preferably, the actuation device includes a displacement means configured to move the actuating shaft in translation along the main axis between the closed and open positions. Preferably, the displacement means includes an inductor element and an armature element fixed relative to the actuating shaft, the armature element being magnetically coupled to the inductor element to move the actuating shaft by induction.

[0016] The first axis of movement of the first locking finger is advantageously inclined relative to the main axis.

[0017] By way of exception, the first axis of movement of the first locking finger and the main axis may intersect, in which case the first locking finger is moved towards the main axis when the locking device is brought into the locked position. Alternatively, and again by way of exception, the first axis of movement of the first locking finger and the main axis of movement may not intersect.

[0018] Preferably, but not exclusively, the first axis of displacement and the principal axis are coplanar.

[0019] Preferably, but not limitingly, the actuation device includes at least one first push means configured to push the first locking finger towards said first cam when the locking device is brought into the locking configuration.

[0020] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the first means of thrust may be a return element or a pressure element for the locking finger.

[0021] The locking device advantageously includes a support relative to which the first locking finger is mounted in a movable, translational manner. The first locking finger is advantageously mounted in a removable or detachable manner relative to said support.

[0022] The first inclined plane surface extends in a plane. The first inclined plane surface is inclined with respect to the first axis of movement of the first locking finger. It is neither parallel nor perpendicular to said first axis of movement. Preferably, the first inclined plane surface is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the first axis of movement of the first locking finger. The first inclined plane surface is inclined with respect to the principal axis and is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the principal axis.

[0023] For simplicity, a normal to a surface is a direction vector perpendicular to that surface. Such a vector is also called a normal vector.

[0024] Preferably, but not exclusively, the normal to the first inclined plane surface extends in a plane passing through the first axis of displacement and the principal axis.

[0025] The first and second end portions of the actuating shaft are extended portions of said actuating shaft, extending respectively from a first and a second end of the actuating shaft. The first and second end portions are advantageously separated by a central portion of the actuating shaft to which said first cam is mounted.

[0026] By "surface oriented towards" an end portion of the drive shaft, we mean that the normal to the first inclined plane surface is directed towards that end portion or towards an area near that end portion. The normal to the first inclined surface does not necessarily intersect that end portion of the drive shaft.

[0027] Preferably, but not exclusively, the actuation device comprises a single cam. Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the actuation device may comprise a plurality of cams.

[0028] Preferably, the first cam surrounds the actuating shaft. Preferably, the first cam is traversed by the actuating shaft. Preferably, the first cam and the actuating shaft form two separate parts. Alternatively, and without limitation, the first cam and the actuating shaft may form a single part.

[0029] The first cam advantageously has a cylindrical shape, preferably with a substantially circular cross-section. Preferably, but not exclusively, the first cam extends transversely, even more preferably perpendicularly to the main axis. Preferably, the first cam has a diameter at least twice its height, measured along the main axis.

[0030] Preferably, at least one slot is provided in the first cam. One advantage is to reduce the weight of the first cam and therefore of the actuation device, and more generally of the power interruption or disconnection system that includes the actuation device. This at least one slot advantageously extends along the main axis. Even more preferably, a plurality of slots are provided in the first cam.

[0031] The first ramp of the first cam forms an inclined plane surface. Advantageously, the first ramp is defined by a beveled portion of the peripheral part of the first cam. The first ramp is also inclined with respect to the main axis of the actuating shaft and is neither parallel nor perpendicular to said main axis.

[0032] Plane contact refers to the contact of the first inclined plane surface with the inclined plane surface defined by the first ramp, along a contact plane. This contact plane is inclined with respect to the main axis and with respect to the first axis of movement of the first locking finger.

[0033] When the locking device is in the locked position, the first locking finger exerts a locking force on the first cam, and therefore on the actuating shaft, directed along the main axis, or slightly inclined relative to the main axis, towards the first end portion, or the second end portion, of the actuating shaft. The direction of this force towards the first end portion, or the second end portion, is achieved through the inclination of the first inclined surface and the first ramp, and by the orientation of the first inclined surface towards the first end portion, or the second end portion, of the actuating shaft. More precisely, the overall resultant force exerted on the actuating shaft is inclined relative to the main axis and has an axial component that is collinear with said main axis.This axial component constitutes the locking force exerted by the first locking finger on the actuating shaft. This locking force effectively holds the actuating shaft in the open or closed position, respectively, and reduces the risk of unintentional and accidental contact opening or closing. The actuating device thus ensures reliable locking of the actuating shaft, and therefore of the contacts, in the open or closed position. The risk of damage to the power interruption or isolation system, as well as to the installation, is reduced.

[0034] It is understood that when the first inclined flat surface is oriented towards the first end portion of the actuating shaft, its interaction with the first ramp in the locking configuration allows the actuating shaft to be held in the closed position. Conversely, when the first inclined flat surface is oriented towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft, its interaction with the first ramp in the locking configuration allows the shaft to be held in the open position.

[0035] According to the invention, the first inclined flat surface of the first locking finger and the first ramp are parallel and cooperate through planar contact. One advantage is that this reduces friction between them when the locking device is in its locked position. Wear on the locking finger and the first cam is therefore reduced, thus minimizing the need for maintenance or replacement of these components and ensuring a durable, robust, and precise locking of the actuating shaft in the locked position.

[0036] Furthermore, thanks to the invention, the locking device can be extracted from the locked position by applying sufficient force to the actuating shaft to counteract the locking force and move it to the open or closed position. Indeed, given the inclination and orientation of the first inclined plane surface and the first ramp, when the device is in the locked position and the actuating shaft is moved from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa, the first cam pushes the locking finger outwards, in a direction away from the actuating shaft, opposite to the direction of the pushing force exerted on the first locking finger to bring it into the locked position.The actuation device therefore allows easy exit from the locking configuration, by moving the actuating shaft, when desired, without however compromising effective locking in the open or closed position of the actuating shaft.

[0037] The actuation device according to the invention also has a reduced number of components, which improves the reliability of the actuation device, reduces the risks of wear and the need for maintenance.

[0038] Preferably, but not limited to, the locking device is also capable of assuming an unlocked configuration in which the first locking finger is kept away from the first cam so as to permit translational movement of the actuating shaft along the main axis.

[0039] Advantageously, the first axis of movement of the first locking finger and the main axis of the actuating shaft are intersecting, the normal to the first inclined plane surface of the first locking finger extending in a plane passing through the first axis of movement of said first locking finger and through said main axis. One advantage is that the thrust force exerted on the first finger is directed towards the main axis. This increases the locking force directed along the main axis exerted by the locking finger on the actuating shaft, which holds it in the open or closed position. In this configuration, the first axis of movement and the main axis are coplanar.

[0040] The first axis of movement of the first locking finger is advantageously transverse to the main axis.

[0041] Advantageously, the first axis of movement of the first locking finger extends perpendicularly to the main axis of the actuating shaft, so that the first locking finger is configured to move radially with respect to said main axis. One benefit is to further increase the locking force exerted by the first locking finger on the first cam, thereby improving the locking of the actuating shaft in the open or closed position. Another benefit is to simplify the manufacturing and assembly of the actuating device.

[0042] Preferably, the locking device further includes at least one first return element cooperating with said first locking finger and configured to push said first locking finger towards said first cam when the locking device is in the locked position. The return spring tends to push the first locking finger towards the first cam. Therefore, the return element automatically brings the locking device into the locked position when the actuating shaft is brought into either the open or closed position.

[0043] Said first return element exerts on the first locking finger the thrust force necessary for the first locking finger to exert a sufficient locking force on the first cam and the actuating shaft to effectively hold said actuating shaft in the open or closed position.

[0044] It is then understood that as long as the first locking finger is not subjected to sufficient force to repel it and counteract the thrust exerted by the first return element, said first locking finger continues to block the movement of the actuating shaft. A force exerted on the actuating shaft greater than the locking force generated by the thrust of the first return element allows the thrust of said first return element to be countered and the first locking finger to be repulsed. It is then possible to move the actuating shaft to leave the open or closed position. The return element thus allows the locking configuration to be released without the need to act directly on the first locking finger. Releasing the locking configuration, when desired, is therefore facilitated.

[0045] Preferably, the first locking finger comprises a base portion, opposite the beveled end portion, said first return element cooperating with said base portion.

[0046] Preferably, the first return element comprises a spring, preferably a compression spring. Preferably, the thrust force exerted by the first return element on the first locking finger is adjustable.

[0047] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the locking device may include any other type of pressure device to push said first locking finger towards said first cam.

[0048] Preferably, the locking device further comprises at least one first adjusting member cooperating with said first return element such that the first return element extends between the first locking finger and said first adjusting member, said first adjusting member allowing adjustment of the thrust force exerted by said first return element on the first locking finger. One advantage is that it allows adjustment of the locking force exerted by the first locking finger on the actuating shaft. This makes it possible to adjust the force required on the actuating shaft to disengage from the locking configuration, and in particular the open or closed position.

[0049] Preferably, but not exclusively, the first adjusting member is configured to adjust the preload of a spring in the first return element. Preferably, the first return element includes an adjusting screw, for example, a preload adjusting screw.

[0050] Advantageously, when the locking device comprises several locking fingers and several return elements, it also includes a plurality of adjusting members, each associated with one of the return elements. These adjusting members then allow the thrust forces generated by each return element to be distributed substantially evenly across the locking fingers.

[0051] The first return element is advantageously removable. The first adjustment element is advantageously removable.

[0052] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the end portion of the first locking finger comprises a double bevel defining said first inclined plane surface, the latter being directed towards the first end portion of the actuating shaft, as well as a second inclined plane surface whose normal extends in said plane parallel to the first axis of displacement and to the main axis, said second inclined plane surface being directed towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft, in the peripheral portion of the first cam a second ramp parallel to said second inclined plane surface, the locking device being able to assume at least a first locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the closed position,said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said first inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said first ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said closed position, the locking device being able to take further a second locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the open position, said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said second inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said second ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said open position,

[0053] When the locking device is in its first locking configuration, the first locking finger exerts a locking force on the first cam, and therefore on the actuating shaft, directed along the main axis towards the first end portion, taking into account the inclination of the first inclined plane surface cooperating with the first ramp. This locking force corresponds to the axial component, which is collinear with the main axis, of the total resulting force exerted by the locking device on the first cam. This locking force effectively holds the actuating shaft in the closed position.When the locking device is in the second locking configuration, the first locking finger exerts a locking force on the first cam, and therefore on the actuating shaft directed along the main axis, or slightly inclined relative to the main axis, towards the second end portion, taking into account the inclination of the second inclined flat surface cooperating with the second ramp. This locking force effectively holds the actuating shaft in the open position.

[0054] The first locking finger is configured so that when the actuating shaft is in the closed position, the first inclined flat surface is positioned opposite the first ramp. The locking finger is configured so that when it is in the open position, the second inclined flat surface is positioned opposite the second ramp.

[0055] According to this variant, only the first locking finger ensures that the actuating shaft is locked in the open and closed positions.

[0056] The second inclined plane surface is inclined relative to the first inclined plane surface. The angle between the first inclined plane surface and the second inclined plane surface is advantageously between 90° and 180°, preferably between 110° and 160°.

[0057] The first and second inclined plane surfaces are advantageously arranged in line with each other along the principal axis. Preferably, but not exclusively, the first and second inclined plane surfaces meet at an edge forming a vertex for the first locking finger.

[0058] Similarly, the second ramp is inclined relative to the first ramp. Likewise, the normal to the first ramp is inclined relative to the normal to the second ramp. Preferably, the angle between the first ramp and the second ramp is equal to the angle between the first inclined plane surface and the second inclined plane surface.

[0059] The angle between the first ramp and the second ramp is advantageously between 90° and 180°, preferably between 110° and 160°.

[0060] Preferably, the first inclined plane surface extends in a plane which defines with said first axis of movement of the first locking finger a first angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°. This angle corresponds to the smallest angle between said first axis of movement and said plane including the first inclined plane surface, or to the angle complementary to the smallest angle between said first axis of movement and the normal to said plane including the first inclined plane surface.

[0061] This angle is advantageously strictly greater than 0° and strictly less than 90°. It is understood that the smaller this angle, the more inclined the first flat inclined surface is with respect to the main axis, and the greater the locking force exerted by the first locking finger on the actuating shaft. This can be proven by kinematic calculation.

[0062] Advantageously, a plane comprising said first inclined plane surface is inclined with respect to the first axis of movement of the first locking finger at a first angle, and a plane comprising said second inclined plane surface is inclined with respect to the first axis of movement of the first locking finger at a second angle, said second angle being greater than the first angle. In other words, the first inclined plane surface is advantageously less inclined with respect to the first axis of movement than the second inclined plane surface.One advantage is that the locking force exerted by the first locking finger on the actuating shaft in the first locking configuration, i.e., when the actuating shaft is in the closed position, is greater than the locking force exerted by the first locking finger on the actuating shaft in the second locking configuration, i.e., when the actuating shaft is in the open position. This ensures sufficient locking force to hold the actuating shaft in the closed position to counteract the various magnetic and gravitational forces that tend to separate the first and second contacts.On the other hand, the locking effort required to keep the actuating shaft in the open position is less because few external forces on the actuating device tend to bring the actuating shaft into the closed position and the risk of accidental movement of the actuating shaft from the open position is less.

[0063] The first inclined plane surface is advantageously more inclined with respect to the principal axis than the second inclined plane surface. In other words, the angle between the plane comprising said first inclined plane surface and the principal axis is greater than the angle formed between the plane comprising said second inclined plane surface and the principal axis.

[0064] Advantageously, the peripheral part of the first cam includes at least a first locking portion comprising said first and second ramps, the first and second ramps of the first locking portion each having a normal, the normal to the first ramp and the normal to the second ramp extending in the same plane passing through said main axis of the actuating shaft.

[0065] Advantageously, the normal to the first ramp is inclined with respect to the main axis of the actuating shaft at an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 90°, and the normal to the second ramp is inclined with respect to the main axis of the actuating shaft at an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 90°. Even more preferably, the normal to the first ramp is inclined with respect to the main axis of the actuating shaft at an angle of approximately 45°, and the normal to the second ramp is inclined with respect to the main axis of the actuating shaft at an angle of approximately 80°.

[0066] Preferably, the first ramp and the second ramp are connected by a flat or curved junction surface. This junction surface guides the relative movement of the actuating shaft with respect to the first locking finger when the actuating shaft is moved along the main axis. Furthermore, when not locked, the force required to move the actuating shaft along the main axis is reduced.

[0067] The first locking finger is advantageously configured to bear against the junction surface and slide along it as the actuating shaft is moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. The contact between the first locking finger and the first cam is advantageously a linear contact defined between a summit edge of the end portion of the first locking finger and the junction surface. As a result, the friction between the locking finger and the actuating shaft, caused by the latter's movement along the main axis, is particularly reduced, thus limiting wear on these components.

[0068] This configuration is particularly advantageous when the actuation device is equipped with a first return element that pushes the first locking finger towards the first cam. The first return element then keeps the first locking finger in contact with the first cam.

[0069] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the first inclined flat surface and the second inclined flat surface are advantageously connected to each other by a flat or curved connecting surface.

[0070] Advantageously, said locking device comprises a plurality of locking fingers, each being movable in translation about an axis of displacement proper to said locking finger and which is distinct and non-parallel with respect to said main axis, each locking finger comprising a first inclined plane surface whose normal extends in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement of said locking finger and said main axis, said first inclined plane surface being oriented towards the first end portion of the actuating shaft, each locking finger further comprising a second inclined plane surface whose normal extends in a plane parallel to the axis of displacement of said locking finger and said main axis, said second inclined plane surface being oriented towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft,wherein the first cam comprises a plurality of locking portions distributed around the periphery of the peripheral part of said first cam, each locking portion being associated with a locking finger and comprising a first ramp parallel to the first inclined plane surface of the locking finger to which it is associated and a second ramp parallel to the second inclined surface of the same locking finger, wherein, when the locking device is in the first locking configuration, each of the locking fingers is pushed towards the locking portion of the peripheral part of the first cam to which it is associated, such that said first inclined plane surface of each of the locking fingers cooperates by planar contact with the first ramp of the locking portion to which it is associated in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said closed position, and wherein,When the locking device is in the second locking configuration, each of the locking fingers is pushed towards the locking portion of the peripheral part of its associated first cam, so that the second inclined flat surface of each locking finger cooperates by planar contact with the second ramp of its associated locking portion, in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said open position.

[0071] One advantage of this embodiment is that it increases the number of locking fingers, thereby increasing the resulting locking force exerted by the locking device on the first cam and thus on the actuating shaft. This allows the actuating shaft to be held more effectively in the open and closed positions, thus ensuring better locking. Furthermore, the locking force is distributed around the circumference of the cam, reducing localized wear.

[0072] Each locking finger is positioned opposite a distinct locking portion. The locking fingers are advantageously positioned around the first cam. The locking fingers are advantageously evenly distributed around the first cam. Preferably, the locking fingers are positioned in a star configuration. Preferably, the locking device comprises an even number of locking fingers.

[0073] Preferably, the axes of movement of all the locking fingers intersect. Preferably, the axes of movement of the locking fingers of all the fingers intersect the main axis of the actuating shaft. Preferably, the axes of movement of the locking fingers of all the fingers pass through the actuating shaft. All the locking fingers are advantageously identical. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the locking fingers may be axially separated from each other, considered along the main axis. The locking fingers may be staggered along the main axis.

[0074] Preferably, the peripheral part of the first cam comprises at least a first set of locking portions and a second set of locking portions, each of said locking portions comprising a first ramp and a second ramp, the locking portions of the second set of locking portions being interposed between the locking portions of the first set of locking portions, said first cam being able to take a first orientation considered along the principal axis in which each locking portion of the first set of locking portions is disposed opposite a locking finger, as well as a second orientation considered along the principal axis in which each of said locking portions of the second set of locking portions is disposed opposite one of the locking fingers.

[0075] The first cam is advantageously mounted to pivot about the main axis relative to the actuating shaft. The second set of locking segments serves as a spare, in case the locking segments of the first set are worn or damaged. The first cam can then be brought into the second orientation so that the fingers cooperate with the inclined flat surfaces of the locking segments of the second set to lock the actuating shaft in position.

[0076] It is understood that the peripheral part of the first cam comprises an alternation of locking portions from the first set of locking portions and locking portions from the second set of locking portions.

[0077] Preferably, between the first and second orientations, said first cam describes a rotation through an angle between 20° and 25°, preferably approximately equal to 22.5°.

[0078] According to another advantageous embodiment, said first inclined flat surface of the first locking finger is oriented towards the first end portion of the actuating shaft, and the locking device further comprises a second locking finger movable in translation about a second distinct axis of displacement not parallel to the main axis, said second locking finger having a chamfered end portion defining a second inclined flat surface whose normal extends in a plane parallel to said second axis of displacement of said second locking finger and said main axis, said second inclined flat surface being oriented towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft, in the peripheral part of the first cam,or in a peripheral portion of a second cam of the actuating device which is fixedly mounted relative to said actuating shaft between said first end portion and said second end portion of the actuating shaft, a second ramp is formed parallel to said second inclined plane surface, the locking device being able to assume at least a first locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the closed position, said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said first inclined plane surface cooperates by planar contact with said first ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said closed position, the locking device being able to assume further a second locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the open position,said second locking finger is pushed towards said first cam, or towards said second cam, so that said second inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said second ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said open position.

[0079] The first locking finger secures the actuating shaft in the closed position, while the second locking finger secures it in the open position. In the configuration where the second ramp is formed in the peripheral portion of the first cam, the second locking finger is pushed towards the first cam when the locking device is in its second locking position. In this configuration, the first and second ramps are advantageously distributed around the periphery of the first cam.

[0080] In the configuration where the second ramp is formed in the peripheral part of a second cam, it is understood that the second locking finger is pushed towards the second cam when the locking device is in the second locking configuration.

[0081] The second cam is advantageously distinct from the first cam. The second cam is similar to the first cam. It is also mounted on the actuating shaft. The second cam and the second cam are advantageously separated when considered along the main axis.

[0082] Without limiting the scope of the invention, the first and second locking fingers may be axially separated from each other, considered along the principal axis. The first and second locking fingers may be staggered along the principal axis.

[0083] Preferably, the locking device includes at least one first guide support, said first locking finger being mounted movable in translation relative to said first guide support, the locking device further including at least one first anti-rotation element configured to prevent the rotation of said first locking finger relative to the guide support.

[0084] The guide support helps guide the movement of the first locking finger. The first anti-rotation element keeps the first inclined flat surface parallel to the first ramp, thus ensuring flat contact between them.

[0085] The invention also relates to a current cutting or disconnecting system for a high-voltage installation comprising a first contact, a second contact and an actuation device as described above.

[0086] Advantageously, the system includes at least one vacuum bulb comprising said first and second contacts.

[0087] Brief description of the drawings

[0088] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a current interruption system according to the invention; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the interruption system of Figure 1 comprising an actuation device according to the invention, the actuation shaft being in the open position;

[0090] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a zoomed-in view of the actuation device of the system in Figure 2;

[0091] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the actuation device of Figure 3;

[0092] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a top view of the actuation device of Figure 3; and

[0093] [Fig.6] Figure 6 shows a locking finger of the actuation device of Figure 3;

[0094] [Fig.7] Figure 7 is a side view of the locking finger of Figure 6;

[0095] [Fig.8] Figure 8 shows the first cam of the actuation device of Figure 3;

[0096] [Fig.9] Figure 9 is a side view of the first cam of Figure 8;

[0097] [Fig.10] Figure 10 is a side view of a portion of the locking mechanism of the first cam in Figure 8;

[0098] [Fig.11] Figure 11 illustrates the system of Figure 2, with the actuation shaft in an intermediate position;

[0099] [Fig.12] Figure 12 illustrates the system of Figure 2, with the actuation shaft in the closed position;

[0100] [Fig.13] Figure 13 illustrates a variant of a locking device for an actuation device according to the invention;

[0101] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 illustrates a variant of a first cam of an actuation device according to the invention; and

[0102] [Fig.15] Figure 15 illustrates an actuation device including the first cam of Figure 14.

[0103] Description of the implementation methods

[0104] The invention relates to an actuation device for a current interruption or disconnection system for a high-voltage installation, as well as to a current interruption or disconnection system comprising such an actuation device.

[0105] Figure 1 shows a current interruption system 10 according to the invention, comprising a first embodiment of an actuation device 20 according to the invention. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the current interruption system 10 comprises a first contact 12 fixed relative to a portion of the chassis 16 of the system. It also comprises a second contact 14.

[0106] The actuation device 20 comprises an actuating shaft 22 movable in translation about a principal axis X. The actuating shaft 22 comprises a first end portion 22a and a second end portion 22b, opposite the first end portion. The actuating shaft further comprises a central portion 22c separating the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0107] The second contact 14 is fixed to the first end portion 22a of the actuating shaft 22. The actuating device 20 comprises a first inductor 24 and a second inductor 26 separated from each other along the principal axis X. The actuating device 20 further comprises an armature 28 fixed to the actuating shaft 22 and disposed between the first inductor 24 and the second inductor 26. The inductors 24 and 26 are configured to exert an inductive force on the armature 28 in order to move the actuating shaft 22 along the principal axis X. These inductors 24 and 26 and the armature constitute a means of displacement for moving the actuating shaft 22 between a closed position and an open position.

[0108] In the closed position, illustrated in figure 12, the actuating shaft 22 brings the second contact 14 into mechanical and electrical contact with the first contact 12 in order to allow the flow of an electric current between said first and second contacts 12,14.

[0109] In the open position, illustrated in Figure 2, the actuating shaft 22 keeps the second contact 14 away from the first contact so as to prevent the flow of an electric current between said first and second contacts.

[0110] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the current interruption system 10 zoomed in on the actuation device 20. In this figure, it can be seen that the actuation device 20 includes a locking device 30 and a first cam 60.

[0111] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first cam 60 and the locking device 30. In this non-limiting example, the locking device 30 comprises first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth locking fingers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 arranged in a star configuration. Each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth locking fingers is translationally movable along first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth axes of movement, respectively, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6.

[0112] In this non-limiting example, these six displacement axes are coplanar and extend in a plane perpendicular to the principal axis X. This plane corresponds to the cross-sectional plane in Figure 5, which shows the locking device 30 in top view. All the displacement axes intersect each other and the aforementioned principal axis X. The displacement axes pass through the actuating shaft 22. These displacement axes are distinct from the principal axis X and are not parallel to it. More specifically, in this non-limiting example, the displacement axes Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6 of the locking fingers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are perpendicular to the principal axis, so that the locking fingers move radially with respect to the principal axis X. These locking fingers are identical, so only the first locking finger 31 will be described hereafter.

[0113] The first locking finger 31 is illustrated in Figure 6. It comprises a body 50 and a beveled end portion 51. More specifically, in this non-limiting example, the end portion 51 comprises a double bevel. This end portion 51 defines a first inclined plane surface 52 and a second inclined plane surface 54. The first inclined plane surface 52 and the second inclined plane surface 54 are connected by a connecting portion 53 defining a summit edge for the end portion 51.

[0114] As illustrated in the side view of Figure 7, the first inclined plane surface 52 extends in a first plane Pi, which is inclined with respect to the first axis of movement Yi at an angle ai of approximately 60°. The second inclined plane surface 54 extends in a second plane P2, which is inclined with respect to plane Pi. The second plane P2, in which the second inclined plane surface 54 extends, is inclined with respect to the first axis of movement Yi at an angle 02 of approximately 75°. The angle ai between the first plane Pi and the axis of movement Yi is less than the angle 02 between the second plane P2 and the axis of movement Yi. In other words, the angle between plane Pi and the principal axis X is greater than the angle between plane P2 and the principal axis. One advantage is that this generates a greater resulting locking force when the actuating shaft is in the closed position compared to the open position. This aspect will be detailed later.

[0115] The normal ni to the first inclined plane surface 52 is commonly referred to as the normal vector to the first inclined plane surface. This normal ni extends in a plane P. In this non-limiting example, as illustrated in Figure 3, the plane P passes through the first axis of displacement Yi and the principal axis X. Similarly, the normal n2 to the second inclined plane surface 54, which is commonly referred to as the normal vector to the second inclined plane surface, extends in said plane P. In other words, the normal ni to the first inclined plane surface 52, the normal n2 to the second inclined plane surface 54, the principal axis X, and the first axis of displacement Yi are coplanar here.

[0116] As illustrated in Figure 7, the first inclined plane surface 52 is inclined relative to the second inclined plane surface 54, here at an angle Pi approximately equal to 120°. Consequently, the normal ri2 to the second inclined plane surface 54 is inclined relative to the normal ni to the first inclined plane surface 52 at an angle of approximately 135°. The first inclined plane surface 52 is oriented towards the first end portion 22a of the drive shaft. The second inclined plane surface 54 is oriented towards the second end portion 22b of the drive shaft.The normal ni to said first inclined plane surface is directed towards the first end part 22a of the actuating shaft, that is to say towards a portion of the actuating shaft located on a first side of the first cam 60, while the normal n2 to said second inclined plane surface 54 is oriented and directed towards the second end part 22b of the actuating shaft, that is to say towards a portion of the actuating shaft located on a second side of the first cam 60. In this non-limiting example, the normal ni to the first inclined plane surface 52 passes through the first end part 22a of the actuating shaft 22, while the normal n2 to the second inclined plane surface 54 passes through the second end part 22b of the actuating shaft.

[0117] As can be seen in Figure 2, the locking device 30 comprises a plurality of guide supports 35, each defining a housing for a locking pin that can be removed. The locking pins 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 are mounted for translational movement and are removable within said guide supports 35. The locking device 30 further comprises a plurality of anti-rotation elements 37 configured to prevent rotation of the locking pins within the guide supports 35.

[0118] The locking device 30 further includes first 41, second 42, third 43, fourth 44, fifth 45, and sixth 46 return elements cooperating respectively with the first 31, second 32, third 33, fourth 34, fifth 35, and sixth 36 locking fingers. The return elements are compression springs configured to exert a pushing force on the locking fingers. These pushing forces are directed along the axes of movement of the locking fingers, radially with respect to the principal axis X.

[0119] The locking device 30 further comprises first 81, second 82, third 83, fourth 84, fifth 85, and sixth 86 adjusting members, each cooperating with the return element 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 of a locking finger 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. Each return element extends between the locking finger to which it is associated and the corresponding adjusting member. These adjusting members allow the thrust force exerted by the return elements on the corresponding locking fingers to be adjusted.

[0120] The first cam 60 is shown in perspective in Figure 8. The first cam 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape and a short height. The first cam extends in a plane P4. Its diameter is advantageously at least five times greater than its height. A central opening 62 is provided in the first cam and is configured to receive the actuating shaft 22. This central opening extends along a mounting axis Z, which coincides with the main axis X. Furthermore, a plurality of slots 64 are provided in and pass through the first cam 60. These slots 64 significantly reduce the mass of the first cam.

[0121] The first cam 60 has a peripheral portion 66 with first 68, second 69, third 70, fourth 71, fifth 72, and sixth 73 locking portions. Each of these locking portions is beveled and comprises a first ramp 74 and a second ramp 76 formed in the peripheral portion 66 of the first cam. Since all the locking portions are identical, only the first locking portion 68 will be described. Figure 9 shows the first cam 60 in side view. In this figure, the first locking portion 68 and the sixth locking portion 73 can be seen.

[0122] Figure 10 shows the first locking section 68 in side view. The first ramp 74 of the first locking section 68 is inclined relative to the second ramp 76 of the first locking section 68 at an angle of approximately 120°. The first ramp 74 has a normal Ni that is inclined relative to a normal N2 of the second ramp 76.

[0123] The first ramp 74 is connected to the second ramp 76 by a junction surface 78 which is flat here. This portion of the junction 78 extends in a plane P3 parallel to the mounting axis Z of the first cam 60.

[0124] As can be seen in Figure 3, the first cam 60 is fixed to the central portion 22c of the actuating shaft 22, between the first end portion 22a and the second end portion 22b. In other words, the first end portion 22a of the actuating shaft 22 extends from one side of the first cam 60, while the second end portion 22b extends from the other side of the first cam 60. The mounting axis Z of the central opening 62 of the first cam coincides with the principal axis X of the actuating shaft. The plane P3 in which the joining surface 78 of the first cam extends is parallel to the principal axis X. The first cam 60 extends transversely, and more precisely perpendicularly, to the principal axis X.

[0125] The normal Ni to the first ramp 74, the normal N2 to the second ramp 76 and the main axis X extend in the same plane, which corresponds to the plane P comprising the normal ri2 to the second inclined plane surface 54 of the first locking finger 31, the normal ni to the first inclined plane surface 52 of the first locking finger 31, as well as the first displacement axis Yi of the first locking finger 31.

[0126] As can be seen in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 8, the first 31, second 32, third 33, fourth 34, fifth 35 and sixth 36 locking fingers are arranged respectively opposite the first 68, second 69, third 70, fourth 71, fifth 72 and sixth 73 locking portions of the first cam 60. The first ramp 74 of the first locking portion 68 is parallel to the first inclined flat surface 52 of the first locking finger 31. The second ramp 76 of the first locking portion 68 is parallel to the second inclined flat surface 54 of the first locking finger 31. The same is true for the first and second inclined flat surfaces of the other locking fingers 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and for the first and second ramps of the associated locking portions 69, 70, 71, 72, 73.

[0127] Each of the return elements 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 is configured to push the locking finger 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 to which it is associated towards the first cam 60. In this non-limiting example, the pushing forces exerted by the return elements are directed along the axis of movement of the corresponding locking fingers. These pushing forces are directed towards the actuating shaft 22 and towards the main axis X.

[0128] Figure 3 shows the actuating shaft 22 in the open position. The locking device 30 is in a first locking configuration in which it blocks the translational movement of the actuating shaft along the principal axis X, and holds the shaft in the open position. More specifically, in this first locking configuration, the return elements 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 push the locking fingers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 towards the first cam 60. The second inclined flat surface 54 of each locking finger cooperates by planar contact with the second ramp 76 of the corresponding locking portion 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 of the first cam. This results in a locking force E, illustrated by an arrow in Figure 3, exerted by the locking fingers on the first cam 60 and thus on the actuating shaft 22.This resulting force corresponds to the axial component, collinear with the principal axis X, of the total force exerted by the locking fingers on the actuating shaft 22. This resulting locking force E is directed towards the second end portion 22b of the actuating shaft 22 and holds the actuating shaft in the open position. Given the planar contact between the second inclined plane surfaces 54 of the locking fingers and the second ramps 74, wear on the locking fingers and the first cam 60 is reduced, and the resulting locking force is correspondingly greater.

[0129] The locking device 30 can be unlocked by applying force to the actuating shaft 22 to overcome the resulting locking force E, thereby moving the actuating shaft 22 along the main axis X. Given the inclination of the second inclined plane surface 54 of the locking fingers and the inclination of the second ramp of the locking portions, the locking fingers are pushed by the first cam 60 and moved along their axes of displacement when the actuating shaft is moved towards the closed position. The locking fingers move away from the actuating shaft 22 and the main axis X.

[0130] The locking device 30 no longer prevents the movement of the actuating shaft 22, which can then be moved translationally along the principal axis X, so as to bring the first and second contacts 12, 14 closer together, as illustrated by the intermediate position in Figure 11. The connecting portion 53 of each of the locking fingers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 then bears against the junction surface 78 of the corresponding locking portion of the first cam 60. This connecting portion 53 then slides along the junction surface 78 as the actuating shaft 22 moves towards the closed position. One advantage is that it reduces friction between the locking fingers and the first cam 60 when the actuating shaft 22 moves from the open to the closed position and vice versa. Wear on these parts is therefore reduced.

[0131] As illustrated in Figure 12, when the actuating shaft 22 arrives in the closed position, in which the contacts 12,14 are in mechanical and electrical contact with each other, the return elements 41,42,43,44,45,46 push the locking fingers 31,32,33,34,35,36 radially towards the first cam 60 and the actuating shaft 22.

[0132] The locking device 30 is then in a second locking configuration in which it blocks the translational movement of the actuating shaft 22 along the main axis X, and holds the latter in the closed position. The first inclined flat surface 52 of each of the locking fingers cooperates by planar contact with the first ramp 74 of the corresponding locking portions 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73. This results in a resulting locking force E', illustrated by an arrow in Figure 12, exerted by each of the locking fingers on the first cam 60 and therefore on the actuating shaft 22.Given the inclination of the first ramps 74 and the first inclined flat surfaces 52, this resulting locking force E' is directed towards the first end portion 22a of the actuating shaft 22 and allows the actuating shaft to be held in the closed position and the first and second contacts 12, 14 to be in contact with each other. Since the first inclined flat surfaces 52 are more inclined than the second inclined flat surfaces 54 with respect to the principal axis X, the resulting locking force E' exerted by the locking device 30 in the second locking configuration of Figure 12, which holds the actuating shaft in the closed position, is greater than the resulting locking force E exerted by the locking device 30 in the first locking configuration of Figure 2, which holds the actuating shaft 22 in the open position.

[0133] Figure 13 illustrates a second embodiment of an actuation device 20 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the locking device 30 comprises a first locking finger 31' which includes only one inclined surface, forming a first inclined flat surface 52'. This first inclined flat surface 52' is oriented towards the first end portion 22a of the actuating shaft 22. The locking device 30 further comprises a second locking finger 32' which includes only one inclined surface, forming a second inclined flat surface 54'. This second inclined flat surface 54' is oriented towards the second end portion 22b of the actuating shaft 22. The first cam 60 further comprises a first ramp 74' parallel to the first inclined flat surface 52' and a second ramp 76' parallel to the second inclined flat surface 52'.

[0134] When the actuating shaft 22 is in the open position, the second inclined flat surface 54' of the second locking finger 32' cooperates by planar contact with the second ramp 76' in order to maintain the actuating shaft in this open position. When the actuating shaft 22 is in the closed position, the first inclined flat surface 52' of the first locking finger 31' cooperates by planar contact with the first ramp 74' in order to maintain the actuating shaft 22 in this closed position.

[0135] Figure 14 shows a variant of a first cam 60' of the actuation device 20. In this embodiment, the first cam 60' comprises a first set of locking portions 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 identical to the locking portions of the first cam 60 in embodiments of Figures 1 to 12. These locking portions each comprise a first ramp 74 and a second ramp 76. The first cam 60' further comprises a second set of locking portions 68', 69', 70', 71', 72', 73'. These locking portions are interspersed between the locking portions of the first set of locking portions. The peripheral portion 66 of the first cam 60' exhibits an alternation of locking portions from the first and second sets of locking portions.

[0136] According to this variant, the first cam 60' is pivotally mounted relative to the actuating shaft 22, around the main axis X, between a first orientation and a second orientation, considered relative to the main axis. In the first orientation, the locking fingers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are arranged opposite each other and cooperate with the locking portions 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73 of the first set of locking portions, similarly to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5.

[0137] In the second orientation, illustrated in Figure 15, the locking fingers 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 are arranged opposite each other and cooperate with the locking portions 68', 69', 70', 71', 72', 73' of the second set of locking portions. The second set of locking portions serves as a spare set when the locking portions of the first set are worn.

Claims

Demands 1. Actuating device (20) of a current interruption or disconnection system (10) for a high-voltage installation, the system comprising a first contact (12) and a second contact (14), the actuating device comprising: an actuating shaft (22) extending along a principal axis (X) and having a first end portion (22a) configured to carry the second contact and a second end portion (22b) opposite the first end portion, the actuating shaft being movable in translation along the principal axis between a closed position in which it brings the second contact into mechanical and electrical contact with the first contact in order to allow the flow of an electric current between said first and second contacts,and an open position in which it maintains the second contact at a distance from the first contact so as to prevent the flow of an electric current between said first and second contacts; a locking device (30) comprising at least one first locking finger (31, 31') movable in translation about a first axis of displacement (Yi) distinct from and not parallel to the main axis, said first locking finger having a chamfered end portion (51) defining at least one first inclined plane surface (52, 529) whose normal (ni) extends in a plane (P) parallel to the first axis of displacement and to the main axis, said first inclined plane surface being oriented towards the first end portion or towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft; and at least one first cam (60,609 fixedly mounted relative to said actuating shaft between said first end portion and said second end portion of the actuating shaft, said first cam having a peripheral portion (66) in which is formed at least a first ramp (74) parallel to said first inclined flat surface of the first locking finger, the locking device being able to assume at least one locking configuration in which said first finger of, locking is pushed towards said first cam so that said first inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said first ramp in order to hold the actuating shaft in the closed position or in the open position.

2. Actuating device according to claim 1, wherein the first axis of displacement (Yi) of the first locking finger (31,31') and the main axis (X) of the actuating shaft (22) are intersecting, the normal (ni) to said first inclined plane surface (52,529) of the first locking finger extending in a plane (P) passing through the first axis of displacement of said first locking finger and through said main axis.

3. Actuating device according to claim 2, wherein the first axis of displacement (Yi) of the first locking finger (31,319) extends perpendicularly to the main axis (X) of the actuating shaft (22), so that said first locking finger is configured to move radially with respect to said main axis.

4. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking device (30) further comprises at least one first return element (41) cooperating with said first locking finger (31,319) and configured to push said first locking finger towards said first cam (60,609) when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

5. Actuating device according to claim 4, wherein the locking device (30) further comprises at least one first adjusting member (81) cooperating with said first return element (41) such that the first return element extends between the first locking finger (31,319) and said first adjusting member, said first adjusting member allowing adjustment of the thrust force exerted by said first return element on the first locking finger.

6. An actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the end portion (51) of the first locking finger (31) comprises a double bevel defining said first inclined plane surface (52), the latter being directed towards the first end portion of the actuating shaft (22), and a second inclined plane surface (54) whose normal (n2) extends in said plane (P) parallel to the first axis of displacement (Yi) and to the principal axis (X), said second inclined plane surface being directed towards the second end portion (22b) of the actuating shaft (22), wherein in the peripheral portion (66) of the first cam is formed a second ramp (76) parallel to said second inclined plane surface, the locking device (30) being able to assume at least one first locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the closed position,said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said first inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said first ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said closed position, the locking device being able to assume further a second locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the open position, said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said second inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said second ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said open position.

7. Actuating device according to claim 6, wherein the first inclined flat surface (52) extends in a plane (Pi) which defines with said first axis of displacement (Yi) of the first locking finger (31) a first angle (ai) between 0° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°.

8. Actuating device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a plane (Pi) comprising said first inclined plane surface (52) is inclined with respect to the first axis of displacement (Yi) of the first locking finger (31) at a first angle (ai), and wherein a plane (P2) comprising said second inclined plane surface (54) is inclined with respect to the first axis of movement of the first locking finger according to a second angle (02), said second angle (02) being greater than the first angle (ai).

9. Actuating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the peripheral part (66) of the first cam (60,609) comprises at least a first locking portion (68) comprising said first (74) and second (76) ramps, the first and second ramps of the first locking portion each having a normal (NI,N2), the normal to the first ramp and the normal to the second ramp extending in the same plane (P) passing through said main axis (X) of the actuating shaft (22).

10. Actuating device according to claim 9, wherein the normal (Ni) to the first ramp (74) is inclined with respect to the main axis (X) of the actuating shaft (22), at an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 90°, and wherein the normal (N 2) to the second ramp (76) is inclined with respect to the main axis of the actuating shaft, at an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 90°.

11. Actuating device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said first ramp (74) and said second ramp (76) are connected to each other by a flat or curved joining surface (78).

12. Actuating device according to claim 11, wherein said joining surface (78) is flat and extends in a plane (P3) parallel to the main axis (X) of the actuating shaft (22).

13. An actuation device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said locking device (30) comprises a plurality of locking fingers (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36), each being movable in translation about a displacement axis (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5, Ye) proper to said locking finger and which is distinct from and non-parallel to said principal axis (X), each locking finger comprising a first inclined plane surface (52) whose normal (ni) extends in a plane (P) parallel to the displacement axis of said locking finger and said main axis (X), said first inclined plane surface being oriented towards the first end portion (22a) of the actuating shaft (22), each locking finger further comprising a second inclined plane surface (54) whose normal (n2) extends in a plane (P) parallel to the axis of displacement of said locking finger and said main axis, said second inclined plane surface being oriented towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft, in which the first cam comprises a plurality of locking portions distributed around the periphery of the peripheral portion of said first cam, each locking portion being associated with a locking finger and comprising a first ramp parallel to the first inclined plane surface of the locking finger to which it is associated and a second ramp parallel to the second inclined surface of that same locking finger, in which,When the locking device is in the first locking configuration, each of the locking fingers is pushed towards the locking portion of the peripheral part of the first cam associated with it, such that said first inclined flat surface of each of the locking fingers cooperates by planar contact with the first ramp of the locking portion associated with it in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said closed position, and wherein, when the locking device is in the second locking configuration, each of the locking fingers is pushed towards the locking portion of the peripheral part of the first cam associated with it, such that the second inclined flat surface of each of the locking fingers cooperates by planar contact with the second ramp of the locking portion associated with it,in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said open position.

14. An actuation device according to claim 13, wherein the peripheral portion (66) of the first cam (60') comprises at least a first set of locking portions (68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73) and a second set of locking portions (68', 69', 70', 71', 72', 73'), each of said locking portions comprising a first ramp (74) and a second ramp (76), the locking portions of the second set of portions locking interposed between the locking portions of the first locking set, said first cam being able to take a first orientation considered along the principal axis (X) in which each locking portion of the first set of locking portions is disposed opposite a locking finger (31,32,33,34,35,36), as well as a second orientation considered along the principal axis in which each of said locking portions of the second set of locking portions is disposed opposite one of the locking fingers.

15. Actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first inclined flat surface (52') of the first locking finger (31 7) is oriented towards the first end portion (22a) of the actuating shaft (22), and wherein the locking device (30) further comprises a second locking finger movable in translation along a second distinct axis of displacement not parallel to the main axis (X), said second locking finger having a beveled end portion defining a second inclined plane surface whose normal extends in a plane parallel to said second axis of displacement of said second locking finger and said main axis, said second inclined plane surface being oriented towards the second end portion of the actuating shaft, wherein in the peripheral portion of the first cam (60),or in a peripheral portion of a second cam of the actuating device which is fixedly mounted relative to said actuating shaft between said first end portion and said second end portion of the actuating shaft, a second ramp is formed parallel to said second inclined plane surface, the locking device being able to assume at least a first locking configuration in which, when said actuating shaft is in the closed position, said first locking finger is pushed towards said first cam so that said first inclined plane surface cooperates by planar contact with said first ramp in order to maintain the actuating shaft in said closed position, the locking device being able to assume further a second locking configuration in which, when said, actuation shaft is in the open position, said second locking finger is pushed towards said first cam, or towards said second cam, so that said second inclined flat surface cooperates by planar contact with said second ramp in order to maintain the actuation shaft in said open position.

16. Actuating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the locking device (30) comprises at least a first guide support, said first locking finger being mounted movable in translation relative to said first guide support, the locking device further comprising at least a first anti-rotation element configured to prevent rotation of said first locking finger relative to the guide support.

17. Current interruption or disconnection system (10) for a high-voltage installation comprising a first contact (12), a second contact (14) and an actuation device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. System according to claim 17, comprising at least one vacuum bulb comprising said first and second contacts (12,14).

Citation Information

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