Switchgear with high electrodynamic strength and high interrupting capacity

Abstract

The invention relates to a switchgear unit comprising two contacts (2) that are fixed and separated from one another in a first direction (x), and one contact (3) that is movable in a second direction (z) perpendicular to the first direction (x) between a first position in contact with the two fixed contacts (2) and a second position out of contact with the two fixed contacts (2), wherein at least one of the fixed contacts (2) comprises a return loop (22) secured to a base (20) at one end. The return loop (22) comprises at least one arm (221) arranged at a distance from the base (20) and from the at least one second electrical contact (3) in a third direction (y) orthogonal to the two other directions (x and z).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title of the invention: High electrodynamic strength and high breaking capacity switching device

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates generally to electrical pressure contact switching devices, and more particularly to an electrical pressure contact switching device comprising a current loop.

[0005] Previous technique

[0006] It is well known to those skilled in the art that, for a pressure-contact switching device, the principle of high electrodynamic short-circuit withstand and the principle of good arc management during switching are very often contradictory from a physics standpoint. Therefore, compromises must be made in the switching or short-circuit characteristics.

[0007] A pressure-activated electrical contact switching device with a current loop is known from document EP 3 979 279. This patent exploits the magnetostatic properties of the forces generated by the passage of current through a conductor to generate compensating forces that maintain the moving contact in the closed position.

[0008] However, the device described in this document does not allow for a breaking device that provides an arc starting point suitable for managing the electric arc. Furthermore, the designs proposed in this document do not generate driving forces along the opening axis of the moving contacts when they open under overcurrent conditions.

[0009] A pressure-activated electrical contact interruption device with a current loop is also known from US patent 4,467,301. However, the arrangement of the current lines in the device described in that patent does not generate driving forces along the opening axis of the moving contacts when they open under overcurrent conditions. On the contrary, the conductor above the moving contacts tends to resist their opening. This design also does not provide an arc starting point conducive to arc control.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The invention aims to provide a pressure-contact electrical switching device comprising a current loop enabling a combination of strong electrodynamic short-circuit withstand and favorable arc management during load and overcurrent switching.

[0012] More explicitly, the proposed solution implements a pressure-activated electrical contact switching principle with a current loop that generates significant electrodynamic forces to compensate for the repulsive forces present at the electrical contacts in the closed position, while also generating electrodynamic forces that tend to open the moving contact when opening under load or overcurrent.

[0013] Furthermore, the cutting device according to the invention aims to guarantee a cutting arc management physics that allows for a high cutting power, in particular by electrodynamic forces at the arc feet which tend to drive the arc away from the electrical contacts in a favorable direction, in particular towards a cutting chamber.

[0014] In a first aspect of the invention, a switching device is proposed comprising two first fixed electrical contacts separated from each other in a first direction and at least one second movable electrical contact in at least a second direction perpendicular to the first direction between a first position in which it is in contact with the first two fixed electrical contacts and a second position in which it is out of contact with at least one of the first two fixed electrical contacts.At least one of the first fixed electrical contacts is a current-return contact comprising a base and a return loop, the return loop including a connection support and at least one arm electrically and mechanically connected between the base and the connection support, said at least one arm conducting current along the first direction and in a direction opposite to the current flowing in the base and to the current flowing in said at least one second movable electrical contact when it is in the first position. And, said at least one second movable electrical contact extends parallel to the base in the first direction and above the base in the second direction, and is in direct electrical contact only with the connection support of the return loop when it is in the first position.

[0015] According to a general feature of the invention, said at least one arm of the return loop is disposed, along the third direction, at a distance from said at least one second movable electrical contact.

[0016] The aforementioned at least one second movable electrical contact is thus placed above the base of the first fixed electrical contact, the first fixed electrical contact being a current-return contact. This configuration allows for parallel current lines in the base and in the aforementioned at least one second movable electrical contact, all flowing in the same direction. Consequently, according to the laws of electromagnetism, the aforementioned at least one second movable electrical contact is attracted to the base of each of the first contacts configured as a current-return contact. The Laplace forces at play compensate for the repulsive forces generated on the contact surfaces during a short circuit.

[0017] At the same time, the arrangement of the two arms of the return loop on either side of said at least one second electrical contact, movable in the third direction, and at the same height as said at least one second electrical contact, movable, allows to have a negligible or even zero electromagnetic influence on the maintenance in position of said at least one second movable electrical contact when it is in the first position.

[0018] The current lines passing through at least one arm are parallel to the current lines passing through at least one other moving electrical contact, but in the opposite direction. This results in the generation of repulsive electromagnetic forces each time between an arm of the return loop and a second moving electrical contact.

[0019] However, since at least one arm and the second electrical contact(s) are located in the same plane orthogonal to the second direction, these forces are oriented along the third direction, without any component along the second direction in which the attractive forces between the base and at least one second moving electrical contact are exerted. Conversely, when the breaking device is open and at least one second moving electrical contact moves from the first (closed) position to the second (open) position, at least one second moving electrical contact passes over, along the second direction, the line of at least one arm of the return loop.The arms thus positioned below the second movable electrical contacts then generate repulsive forces that are no longer solely in the third direction, but also include a component in the second direction, which is in the same direction as the opening of said at least one second movable electrical contact. This force component does not impede the movement of said at least one second movable electrical contact, but, on the contrary, facilitates its opening.

[0020] Furthermore, the configuration of said at least one arm of the return loop with the configuration of the base and the configuration of said at least one second moving electrical contact allows that there is an electrical contact between a first fixed electrical contact of the return loop type and a second moving electrical contact only at the level of the return loop, and therefore, given the configuration of the current lines in the base, the arms and said at least one second electrical contact, there is an electrical contact only towards the outside of the first fixed electrical contacts, in other words only towards the outside of the breaking device.Consequently, any electrical arcs that might form when the load-switching device opens—that is, when at least one second moving electrical contact moves from the first to the second position—will primarily form on the outer portions of the device. This favorable arc initiation, due to the current loop effect, thus facilitates the dissipation and interruption of the electrical arc.

[0021] In a first embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, in said first direction, the base can extend between a first end and a second end, and said at least one arm can extend between a third end connected to the second end of the base, and a fourth end connected to the connection support, said at least one arm being in electrical contact with the base only by its third end.

[0022] In a second embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the connection support may include an axial protrusion extending in the first direction projecting outwards, opposite the base, and said at least one second movable electrical contact may extend in the first direction between a fifth end and a sixth end, the fifth end comprising a connection terminal in electrical contact with the axial protrusion of the connection support when said at least one second movable electrical contact is in the first position.

[0023] In a third embodiment of the breaking device according to the invention, the breaking device may further comprise, for each current return contact, a breaking chamber formed around the protrusion of the connection support and the connection terminal of said at least a second movable electrical contact cooperating with the connection support.

[0024] The arrangement of the current lines was designed to achieve a favorable arc initiation when an arc occurs. In the electrical interruption device according to the invention, the interruption chambers are positioned in line with the contact surfaces. Due to the loop shape, when an arc occurs, it will be drawn by its own magnetic forces towards the end of the contact surface where the interruption chambers are located by magnetic blowing. The arc will thus tend to travel towards the interruption chamber and not towards the internal area of ​​the product.

[0025] In a fourth embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the switching device may include several second electrical contacts arranged in parallel with each other between the two arms of the return loop, each second movable electrical contact being spatially separated from the adjacent second electrical contact(s) along the third direction.

[0026] In a fifth embodiment of the cutting device according to the invention, the return loop may comprise two arms, the two arms being arranged, along the third direction, on either side of said at least one second movable electrical contact, and on either side of said base.

[0027] In a sixth embodiment of the disconnecting device according to the invention, said at least one arm of the return loop may be disposed, in the second direction, between the base and said at least one second contact when the latter is in the second position. Preferably, said at least one arm of the return loop is disposed, in the second direction, at the same height as said at least one second contact when the latter is in the first position, or at the same height as the base.

[0028] In a seventh embodiment of the cutting device according to the invention, the cutting device may further comprise a carriage made of electrically insulating material, the carriage comprising at least one channel passing through the carriage in the first direction and through which is inserted a second movable electrical contact, the carriage being movable in said second direction and driven by an actuator, and said at least one second electrical contact being driven in motion in said second direction by the carriage.

[0029] The channels of the electrically insulating carriage thus allow each of the second moving electrical contacts (or the second contact when there is only one) to be guided along the second direction between the first position and the second position, that is to say between the closed position of the breaking device and the open position of the breaking device.

[0030] In an eighth embodiment of the cutting device according to the invention, the carriage may further include at least one pressure spring inside said at least one channel.

[0031] The spring allows the pressure of the second moving electrical contact to be increased against the first fixed electrical contact(s), and more particularly against the connection support(s).

[0032] In a ninth embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the first two fixed electrical contacts can be placed, in the second direction, on either side of said at least one second movable electrical contact, and said at least one second electrical contact describes a rotational movement in a plane comprising said first direction and said second direction between the first position and the second position.

[0033] In a tenth embodiment of the switching device according to the invention, the first two fixed electrical contacts may be current return contacts, and said at least one second movable electrical contact may include a connection terminal in contact with one of the first two fixed electrical contacts, and a connection terminal in contact with the other first fixed electrical contact.

[0034] In this configuration, said at least one second, movable electrical contact pivots around an axis extending along the third direction to move from the first position to the second position.

[0035] In one variant, only one of the first fixed electrical contacts is a current return contact, the other first fixed electrical contact comprising a fixed electrically conductive support electrically and mechanically connected to said at least one second movable electrical contact, via a mechanically flexible linkage enabling said at least one second movable electrical contact to move from the first position to the second position.

[0036] Brief description of the drawings

[0037] The invention will be better understood from the following reading, by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 presents a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting device in the closed position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 presents a schematic perspective view of the switching device 1 of Figure 1 in the closed position without the external housing and switching chambers.

[0040] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the two fixed contacts of the switching device 1 of Figure 1.

[0041] [Fig.4] Figure 4 shows a side view of the two fixed contacts of the switching device 1 of Figure 1.

[0042] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 presents a schematic perspective view of the switching device 1 in the open position without the external housing and switching chambers.

[0043] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting device 1 of Figure 5.

[0044] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 presents a schematic perspective view of the current flow in the first, fixed electrical contacts and the second, movable electrical contacts of Figure 1. [Fig. 8] Figure 8 presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the switching device 1 of the first embodiment in the closed position.

[0045] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting device 1 of the first embodiment in the open position.

[0046] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 schematically represents a perspective view of a cutting device 10 in the closed position according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 schematically represents a perspective view of a cutting device 10 in the open position according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0048] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 schematically represents a perspective view of a 100 cutting device in the closed position according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0049] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 schematically represents a perspective view of a 100 cutting device in the open position according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Description of the implementation methods

[0051] The present invention will be described in relation to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but only by the claims. The drawings described are schematic only and are not limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. When the term "including" is used in this description and the claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. When an indefinite or definite article is used to denote a singular noun, e.g., "a" or "an," "the," this may include a plural of that noun unless otherwise specified.

[0052] The term "comprising," used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to the means listed below; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting solely of components A and B. This means that, with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and similar in the description and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms thus used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0054] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cutting device in the closed position according to a first embodiment of the invention, and Figure 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the cutting device of Figure 1 without the external housing and the cutting chambers for greater readability.

[0055] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the switching device 1 comprises two fixed first electrical contacts 2, three second electrical contacts 3, and a carriage 4 made of electrically insulating material. The first two electrical contacts 2 are fixed and separated from each other in a first direction x. The three second electrical contacts 3 are housed within the carriage 4, and the carriage and the three second electrical contacts 3 are movable together in a second direction z perpendicular to the inside of the carriage 4. The translational movement of the assembly formed by the carriage 4 and the three second electrical contacts 3 is initiated by acting directly on the carriage 4.

[0056] The three secondary electrical contacts 3 are movable between a first position in which they are in contact with the first two fixed electrical contacts 2 and a second position in which they are separated from and out of contact with the first two fixed electrical contacts 2. When the movable secondary electrical contacts 3 are in the first position, the switching device 1 is in a closed position, and when the movable secondary electrical contacts 3 are in the second position, the switching device 1 is in an open position.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the first two fixed electrical contacts 2 of the switching device 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows a side view of the first two electrical contacts 2 of Figure 3.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the first two fixed electrical contacts 2 are so-called current-return contacts. Each first fixed electrical contact 2 comprises a base 20 and a return loop 22. The base 20 and the return loop 22 are electrically and mechanically connected together.

[0059] For each first fixed electrical contact 2, the base 20 has a length extending along the first direction x between a first end 202 and a second end 204, and a width extending in a third direction y orthogonal to the first direction x and the second direction z. The second end 204 of the base 20 is integral with the return loop 22 and the first end 202 of the base 20 is integral with a connecting foot 24.

[0060] The connecting foot 24 comprises a connecting portion 240 and a joining portion 242 attached to the connecting portion 240 on one side and to the base 20 on the other. The connecting portion 240 extends in a plane parallel to that of the base 20, that is, a plane parallel to the first x direction and the third y direction, and at a height distinct from that of the base 20 along the second x direction. The joining portion 242 extends between the base 20 and the connecting portion 240 of the connecting foot 24, with at least a portion extending along the second z direction.

[0061] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the second ends 204 of the bases 20 of the first two fixed electrical contacts 2 of the switching device 1 according to the first embodiment are opposite each other in the first direction x without being in contact.

[0062] For each first fixed electrical contact 2, the return loop 22 extends along the first direction x between a first end 222 and a second end 224. The return loop 22 further comprises two arms 221, each extending parallel to the first direction x between a first end 2212 coinciding with the first end 222 of the return loop 22 and a second end 2214 coinciding with the second end 224 of the return loop 22. The first end 2212 of each arm 221 is fixed to the second end 204 of the base 20. Each arm 221 is arranged, along the third direction y, on either side of the base 20.

[0063] The return loop 22 further includes a connection support 223 extending along the third direction y between the two arms 221 of the return loop 22 at the second end 224 of the return loop 22. The second end 2214 of each arm 221 is mechanically and electrically connected to the connection support 223. The connection support 223 includes an axial protrusion 225 projecting from the second end 224 of the return loop 22 along the first direction x, so that the contact area with the second movable electrical contacts 3 is outside the area covered by the arms 221 in the first direction x.

[0064] Each of the three second movable electrical contacts 3 extends along the first direction x between a first end 302 and a second end 304, forming a bar or rod of equal length to the distance between the connection support 223 and one of the first fixed electrical contacts 2, and the connection support 223 and the other first fixed electrical contact 2. Each of the two ends 302 and 304 has a downward-facing vertical projection 32, i.e., towards the axial protrusion 225 of the connection support 223 along the second direction z. Each projection 32 forms a connection terminal 32.

[0065] For each second movable electrical contact 3, having the connection terminals 32 extending outward from the bar in the second direction z allows the bar to be kept at a distance in the second direction z from the bases 20 of the first fixed electrical contacts 2, even when the second movable electrical contacts 3 are in the first position, i.e. when the breaking device 1 is in the closed position, with the connection terminals 32 in contact with the connection supports 223.

[0066] And as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical connection between a connection terminal 32 and an axial protrusion 225 of the connection support 223 is outside, along the first direction x, the area over which the arms 221 of the return loop 22 extend.

[0067] Figure 7 schematically presents a switching device 1 of Figure 1 in the closed position, but without the carriage 4 for ease of reading. As indicated by the dashed arrows, the configuration of the first fixed electrical contacts 2 with their base 20 and their return loop 22 and the second movable electrical contacts 3 allows, when the switching device 1 is in the closed position, a current flowing in the arms 221 of the return loops 22 to flow, along the first direction x, in a direction opposite to the direction of the current flowing in the base 20 and to the direction of the current flowing in each of the three second movable electrical contacts 3.

[0068] And since each electrical connection between a connection terminal 32 and a connection support 223 is outside, in the first direction x, the area over which the arms 221 of the return loop 22 extend, the currents flowing at the level of the arms 221 all flow purely in the first direction x.

[0069] The second mobile electrical contacts 3 are never in direct electrical contact with the base 20 of a first fixed electrical contact 2, regardless of the position in which the breaking device 1 is located.

[0070] Figures 5 and 6 respectively illustrate a schematic perspective view and a schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting device 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention, but in the open position. In other words, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the same cutting device 1 as in Figures 1 and 2, but instead of being in its closed position, it is in the open position.

[0071] The difference between the closed position of the cutting device 1 illustrated in figures 1 and 2 and the open position of the cutting device 1 illustrated in figures 5 and 6 lies only in the position of the carriage 4 and the three second electrical contacts 3 movable along the second direction z.

[0072] In the closed position of the switching device 1 illustrated in figures 1 and 2, each bar forming a second movable electrical contact 3 is at the same level, along the second direction z, as the arms 221 of the return loops 22. And the bases 20 of the return loops 22 are lower than the second movable electrical contacts 3 and therefore than the arms 221 of the return loops 22. The connection supports 223 are at the same level as the bases 20 along the second direction z.

[0073] In the open position of the breaking device 1 illustrated in figures 5 and 6, each bar forming a second movable electrical contact 3 is located above, in the second direction z, the arms 221 of the return loops 22. In the second direction z, the arms 221 of the return loops 22 are located between the second movable electrical contacts 3 and the bases 20, the connection supports 23 remaining at the same height as the bases 20.

[0074] The carriage 4 illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6 includes a channel 40 for each movable second electrical contact 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 4 thus comprises three channels 40 extending along the first direction x and passing completely through the carriage 4. Each movable second electrical contact 3 therefore passes through the carriage 4 along the first direction x. Each channel 40 is separated from an adjacent channel by an electrically insulating partition 42. Each movable second electrical contact 3 is thus electrically isolated from the other movable second electrical contacts 3.

[0075] Each channel extends over a height along the second direction z sufficient to insert a second movable electrical contact 3 and to obtain a wear stroke necessary for the operation of the product.

[0076] To move the switching device 1 from its closed position to the open position, the switching device 1 includes an actuator 50 coupled to an actuation column 45 of the carriage 4, the actuator 50 being located under the bases 20 of the first fixed electrical contacts 2 and the actuation column 45 extending vertically, i.e. in the second direction z, of the carriage 4, between the carriage 4 and the actuator 50.

[0077] To move the cut-off device 1 from its closed position to the open position, the actuator 2212 pushes the actuating column 45 upwards, which drives the carriage 4 and the second movable electrical contacts 3 housed in the channels 40, thus breaking any contact between the connection terminals 32 and the axial protrusions 225 of the connection support 223.

[0078] The carriage 4 may include at least one pressure spring inside each channel 40 to apply contact pressure between the second movable electrical contact 3 and the first fixed electrical contact 2.

[0079] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, the breaking device 1 also includes breaking chambers 5 and an external housing 6. Each breaking chamber 5 is arranged on the second end 224 of the return loops 22. Each breaking chamber 5 forms an enclosure around a connection support 223 and the end of the second movable electrical contacts 3 carrying the connection terminal 32. Each breaking chamber 5 is configured to absorb and dissipate an electric arc when it forms between a connection terminal 32 and the axial protrusion 225 of a connection support 223 at the opening of the breaking device 1.

[0080] The breaking device 1 is thus designed so that the connections between the second mobile electrical contacts 3 and the first fixed electrical contacts 2 are on the outside of the breaking device 1 along the first direction x. These connections are conducive to the generation of an electric arc when the breaking device 1 is opened. Their positioning on the outside provides a favorable starting point for the arc when it appears, since it is already on the outside of the breaking device 1 and will be attracted outwards into the breaking chamber 5, which can then quickly absorb it.

[0081] The external housing 6 forms an enclosure within which all the elements of the switching device 1 are mounted, only the connection portions 240 of the connection feet 24 of the first fixed electrical contacts 2 extending outside the external housing 6.

[0082] Figures 1 and 6 are cross-sectional views along a plane comprising the first direction x and the second direction z.

[0083] Figures 8 and 9 show cross-sectional views of a first fixed electrical contact 2 and a second movable electrical contact 3, respectively in a closed and an open position. The cross-sections are made in a plane orthogonal to the first direction x, in other words, in a plane including the second direction z and the third direction y.

[0084] The direction of the current flowing within the second movable electrical contacts 3, the arms 221, and the base 20 is represented by a dot inside a circle when the current exits the figure, and by a cross inside a circle when it enters the figure. A current represented by a dot inside a circle and a current represented by a cross inside a circle therefore flow in opposite directions. As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the currents flowing in the base 20 and in the second movable electrical contacts 3 are in the same first direction, exiting the figures, while the currents flowing in the arms 221 of the return loop 22 are in the same second direction, entering the figure, opposite to the first direction.

[0085] These directions of current flow in the base 20 and the second mobile electrical contacts 3 generate attractive forces between the base 20 and the second mobile electrical contacts 3 represented by arrows A oriented according to the direction and sense of the force exerted.

[0086] This direction of current flow between the arms 221 and the second mobile electrical contacts 3 generates repulsive forces between the arms 221 and the second mobile electrical contacts 3 represented by arrows R oriented according to the direction and sense of the force exerted.

[0087] As illustrated in Figure 8, when the switching device 1 is closed, the repulsive forces F are exerted only along the third direction y and therefore do not affect the attraction along the second direction z between the base 20 and the second movable electrical contacts 3.

[0088] On the other hand, and as illustrated in Figure 9, when the breaking device 1 is open, the repulsive forces F include a component along the second direction z which tends to push the second mobile electrical contacts 3 away from the base 20 of the first fixed electrical contact 2, thus favoring the opening of the breaking device 1.

[0089] In other words, according to the rules of electromagnetism physics, the second mobile electrical contacts 3 are attracted towards the base 20 of each of the first contacts 2 when the switching device 1 is in the closed position, the Laplace forces implemented compensating the repulsive forces generated on the contact surfaces; whereas the second mobile electrical contacts 3 are repelled from the base 20 of each of the first fixed electrical contacts 2 as soon as the switching device 1 leaves its closed position to pass into an open position.

[0090] Figures 10 and 11 schematically represent perspective views of a cutting device 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 10 representing the cutting device 10 in the closed position and Figure 11 representing the cutting device 10 in the open position.

[0091] The second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 in that it comprises only one second movable electrical contact 2 and in that there is only one first fixed electrical contact 2 which is a current return contact.

[0092] The other first fixed electrical contact 2 is a fixed support 200 comprising a connecting foot 24 and a flexible connector 26, but no base 20. The connecting foot 24 comprises a connecting portion 240 and a junction portion 242, the junction portion 242 being located between the connecting portion 240 of the connecting foot 24 and the second movable electrical contact 2. The junction portion 242 and the connecting portion 240 are made in one piece. The junction portion 242 of the connecting foot 24 of the fixed support 200 is mechanically and electrically connected to the second movable electrical contact 3 via the flexible connector 26. The flexible connector 26 may be an electrically conductive braid to allow sufficient play for the second movable electrical contact 3 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0093] In this second embodiment, the second movable electrical contact 3 comprises a first end 302 carrying a connection terminal 32 and capable of contacting the connection support 223 of the first fixed electrical contact 2, forming a current return contact, and a non-free end 306 attached to the fixed support 200 via the flexible connector 26. In addition, the second movable electrical contact 3 no longer performs a simple translation in the second direction z, but it tilts in a plane comprising the second direction z and the first direction x, around a tilting point located between the non-free end 306 of the second movable electrical contact 3 and the fixed support 200.

[0094] In a variant of this second embodiment, the switching device could comprise a plurality of second, movable electrical contacts 3.

[0095] Figures 12 and 13 schematically represent perspective views of a switching device 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention, Figure 12 showing the switching device 100 in the closed position and Figure 13 showing the switching device 100 in the open position. The third embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 in that it comprises a single second movable electrical contact 3 and in that the first two fixed electrical contacts 2 are positioned, along the second direction z, on either side of the second movable electrical contact 3.

[0096] The first two fixed electrical contacts 2 are both current return contacts according to the invention, but are reversed relative to each other along the second direction z while being separated along the first direction x.

[0097] In other words, if we consider one of the first fixed electrical contacts 2 and impose on it a first symmetry with respect to the plane including the first direction x and the third direction y, and located in the plane of the base 20, then a second symmetry with respect to a plane including the second direction x and the third direction y and located in the middle of the space separating the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, it finds itself in the position of the other first fixed electrical contact 2.

[0098] In this third embodiment, the second movable electrical contact 3 comprises, along the second direction z, a connection terminal 32 oriented in a first direction and a connection terminal 32 oriented in a second direction opposite to the first. The second movable electrical contact 3 moves from a first position to a second position to open the breaking device 100 by pivoting around the center of symmetry of the second movable electrical contact 3, the center of symmetry being an axis extending along the second direction.

[0099] In a variant of this third embodiment, the switching device could include a plurality of second, movable electrical contacts 3.

[0100] The invention thus provides a pressure-activated electrical contact switching device comprising a current loop enabling the generation of significant electrodynamic forces to compensate for the repulsive forces present at the electrical contacts in the closed position, while also enabling the generation of electrodynamic forces which tend to open the moving contact when opening under load or overcurrent.

[0101] Furthermore, the cutting device according to the invention guarantees a cutting arc management physics that allows for a high cutting power, in particular through electrodynamic forces at the arc feet that tend to drive the arc away from the electrical contacts.

Claims

Demands

1. Switching device (1, 10, 100) comprising two first fixed electrical contacts (2) separated from each other in a first direction (x) and at least one second movable electrical contact (3) in at least a second direction (z) perpendicular to the first direction (x) between a first position in which it is in contact with the first two fixed electrical contacts (2) and a second position in which it is out of contact with at least one of the first two fixed electrical contacts (2), at least one of the first fixed electrical contacts (2) being a current-return contact comprising a base (20) and a return loop (22), the return loop (22) comprising a connection support (223) and at least one arm (221) electrically and mechanically connected between the base (20) and the connection support (223),said at least one arm (221) conducting the current along the first direction (x) and in a direction opposite to the current flowing in the base (20) and to the current flowing in said at least one second electrical contact (3) when it is in the first position, said at least one second electrical contact (3) extending parallel to the base (20) in the first direction (x) and above the base (20) in the second direction (z), and being in direct electrical contact only with the connection support (223) of the return loop (22) when it is in the first position, characterized in that said at least one arm (221) of the return loop (22) is disposed, in the third direction (y), at a distance from said at least one second electrical contact (3), and said at least one arm (221) of the return loop (22) is disposed, in the second direction (z),between the base (20) and said at least one second contact (3) when the latter is in the second position.

2. A switching device (1, 10, 100) according to claim 1, wherein, along said first direction (x), the base (20) extends between a first end (202) and a second end (204), and said at least one arm (221) extends between a third end (222) connected to the second end (204) of the base (20) and a fourth end (224) connected to the connection support (223), said at least one arm (221) being in electrical contact with the base (20) only by its third end (222).

3. Disconnecting device (1, 10, 100) according to claim 2, wherein the connection support (223) comprises an axial protrusion (225) extending in the first direction (x) projecting outwards, opposite the base (20), and said at least one second electrical contact (3) extends in the first direction (x) between a fifth end (302) and a sixth end (304), the fifth end (302) comprising a connection terminal (32) in electrical contact with the axial protrusion (225) of the connection support (223) when said at least one second electrical contact (3) is in the first position.

4. Breaking device (1, 10, 100) according to claim 3, further comprising, for each current return contact, a breaking chamber (5) formed around the axial protrusion (225) of the connection support (223) and the connection terminal (32) of said at least one second electrical contact (3) cooperating with the connection support (223).

5. Switching device (1, 10, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising several movable second electrical contacts (3) arranged parallel to each other above the base (20), each movable second electrical contact (3) being spatially separated from the adjacent second electrical contact(s) (3) along the third direction (y).

6. A switching device (1, 10, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the return loop comprises two arms (221), the two arms (221) being arranged, along the third direction (y), on either side of said at least one second electrical contact (3), and on either side of said base (20).

7. Switching device (1, 10, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one arm (221) of the return loop (22) is disposed, along the second direction (z), at the same height as said at least one second contact (3) when the latter is in the first position.

8. Cutting device (1, 10, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one arm (221) of the return loop (22) is disposed, along the second direction (z), at the same height as the base (20).

9. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a carriage (4) made of electrically insulating material, the carriage (4) comprising at least one channel (40) passing through the carriage (4) in the first direction (x) and through which is inserted a second electrical contact (3), the carriage (4) being movable in said second direction (z) and driven by an actuator (50), and said at least one second electrical contact (3) being driven in motion in said second direction (z) by the carriage (4).

10. A switching device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the carriage (4) further comprises at least one pressure spring inside said at least one channel (40).

11. A switching device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first two electrical contacts (2) are positioned, along the second direction (z), on either side of said at least one second electrical contact (3), and said at least one second electrical contact (3) describes a rotational movement in a plane comprising said first direction (x) and said second direction (z) between the first position and the second position.

12. Cutting device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the first two electrical contacts (2) are current return contacts, and said at least one second electrical contact (3) includes a connection terminal (32) in contact with one of the first two electrical contacts (2) and a connection terminal (32) in contact with the other first electrical contact (2).

13. Switching device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein only one of the first electrical contacts (2) is a current return contact, the other first electrical contact (2) comprising an electrically conductive fixed support electrically and mechanically connected to said at least one second electrical contact (3) via a mechanically flexible linkage enabling said at least one second electrical contact (3) to move from the first position to the second position.

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