EP4064309B1 - System for switching off an electrical device - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of medium voltage vacuum interrupters, which include components called vacuum interrupters or even vacuum interrupters. Vacuum interrupters are for example used in medium voltage electrical distribution devices, that is to say from 1 to 52 kV. Vacuum interrupters are notably associated with actuators to cut off the current in part of an electrical circuit.

Prior art

It is known, in particular by the patent EP2182536 , to place a vacuum bulb in a branch parallel to a main branch containing a main switch of a phase of an electrical appliance. In such an architecture, no current passes through the vacuum interrupter during normal operation, that is to say when the main switch is closed so as to cause current to flow in the main branch. During the opening operation of the main switch, a movable part of the main switch closes the parallel branch comprising the vacuum interrupter, before the current is interrupted in the main branch. Then the current is interrupted in the main branch, so that all the current then passes through the vacuum interrupter. By continuing its opening stroke, the moving part of the main switch opens the contacts of the vacuum interrupter and the current is cut off. The appearance of an electric arc at the main switch is thus avoided, since the electric current only passes through the vacuum bulb when the power is cut off. As the vacuum interrupter is crossed by electric current only during transient power cut phases, it can be simplified and reduced in size compared to the vacuum interrupters generally intended to be placed in series with the main switch .

However, in this device, the opening of the vacuum interrupter is ensured only by the main switch during the opening stroke. There relative arrangement between the vacuum bulb and the main switch is therefore constrained. In addition, the kinematic connection between the vacuum interrupter and the main switch must be very precise. The dimensional tolerances on each element of the kinematic link must be low, taking into account the number of elements involved in the assembly.

It is therefore desirable to have a solution allowing more possibilities for positioning the vacuum interrupter relative to the main switch, and being able to tolerate less precision in the production of the moving parts participating in the opening of the switch. vacuum bulb.

The document FR 3 044 162 A1 discloses a system for cutting off an electrical appliance according to the preamble of claim 1.

Summary

• Une ampoule à vide comportant :
  • -- Une électrode fixe,
  • -- Une électrode mobile, configurée pour se déplacer entre :
  • --- une première position, dite position de fermeture, dans laquelle l'électrode fixe et l'électrode mobile sont en contact l'une avec l'autre de façon à permettre un passage de courant électrique, et
  • --- une deuxième position, dite position d'ouverture, dans laquelle l'électrode fixe et l'électrode mobile sont éloignées l'une de l'autre de façon à empêcher un passage de courant électrique,
• Un moyen de rappel élastique configuré pour appliquer une force d'entrainement sur l'électrode mobile,
• Un organe de maintien en position du moyen de rappel élastique, l'organe de maintien étant configuré pour passer :
  • -- d'une première configuration dite configuration de maintien, dans laquelle le moyen de rappel élastique est immobilisé, à
  • -- une deuxième configuration dite configuration de déplacement, dans laquelle le moyen de rappel élastique est libéré,

le système de coupure étant configuré pour que l'électrode mobile passe de la position de fermeture à la position d'ouverture sous l'action du moyen de rappel élastique lorsque l'organe de maintien quitte sa configuration de maintien.To this end, the invention proposes a system for cutting off an electrical appliance, comprising:

• A vacuum bulb comprising:
  • -- A fixed electrode,
  • -- A movable electrode, configured to move between:
  • --- a first position, called the closed position, in which the fixed electrode and the movable electrode are in contact with each other so as to allow the passage of electric current, and
  • --- a second position, called the open position, in which the fixed electrode and the movable electrode are distant from each other so as to prevent the passage of electric current,
• An elastic return means configured to apply a driving force on the mobile electrode,
• A member for maintaining the elastic return means in position, the holding member being configured to pass:
  • -- a first configuration called holding configuration, in which the elastic return means is immobilized, at
  • -- a second configuration called displacement configuration, in which the elastic return means is released,

the cutting system being configured so that the mobile electrode passes from the closed position to the open position under the action of the elastic return means when the holding member leaves its holding configuration.

Opening the vacuum interrupter only requires that the holding member leaves its holding configuration. Once the configuration of the holding member has been modified, the elastic return means is released, and the opening of the vacuum interrupter is ensured by the driving force of the elastic return means. Compared to solutions according to the prior art, the vacuum interrupter can be positioned more easily; since it is enough to move the holding member to open the vacuum interrupter. The precision required to obtain the opening of the vacuum interrupter is also less, since it is enough to move the maintaining member from its initial configuration. In addition, the energy required to cause the opening of the vacuum interrupter is less, since this energy corresponds only to the energy necessary to move the holding member.

The characteristics listed in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently of each other or in all technically possible combinations:

The vacuum bulb is connected as a branch of a main circuit of one phase of the electrical appliance.

The fixed electrode may include a rod extending along an axis and a contact body extending transversely to the axis. The fixed electrode can be formed by a plate.

The movable electrode comprises a rod extending along an axis.

The movable electrode comprises a contact body extending transversely to the axis. The contact body of the movable electrode may have a disc shape. The contact body of the movable electrode may have a spherical shape. In this case, the fixed electrode is formed by a plate.

According to one embodiment, the cutting system comprises a movable cup under the action of the elastic return means, the movable electrode comprises a pallet secured to the rod, and the movable cup is configured to drive the pallet.

The paddle extends transversely to the stem.

The cup is movable in translation along the axis of the rod.

A play is present between the movable cup and the pallet when the holding member is in the holding configuration of the elastic return means.

The presence of this clearance ensures that the mobile electrode and the fixed electrode are in good contact, that is to say that the electrical contact is properly closed.

The elastic return means comprises a spring.

The elastic return means is a spring.

The elastic return means comprises a helical spring.

According to one embodiment of the cutting system, in which the elastic return means comprises a spring, the spring is compressed between a fixed wall of the cutting system and the movable cup.

Alternatively, the spring is mounted stretched between a fixed wall of the cutting system and the movable cup.

The coil spring is coaxial with the rod of the movable electrode.

According to one embodiment of the cutting system, the movable cup comprises an orifice through which the rod of the movable electrode passes.

According to an example of implementation, the movable cup has the shape of a disc having an orifice in its center. According to another example of implementation, the movable cup comprises a first disk-shaped portion, a second ring-shaped portion, the first portion and the second portion extending transversely to an axis, and a third cylindrical portion extending along the axis, the third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, and the first portion comprises the orifice.

The fixed wall extends radially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rod of the movable electrode.

A dimension of the orifice of the movable cup is less than a dimension of the pallet.

The spring rests against the second portion of the movable cup.

According to one embodiment of the cutting system, the holding member is pivotally mounted around a pivot.

The axis of the pivot is perpendicular to the axis of the rod of the movable electrode.

The holding member comprises an elastic return means configured to hold the holding member in the holding configuration.

According to the invention, the cut-off system comprises a main switch of the electrical appliance, the main switch is movable between a first position allowing the passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit and a second position preventing the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit, and the main switch is configured so that the holding member leaves its holding configuration when the main switch passes from the first position allowing the passage of electric current to the second position preventing the passage of current electric. The opening of the vacuum interrupter being ensured by the elastic return means, the opening speed of the vacuum interrupter does not depend on the speed of actuation of the main switch. The behavior of the cutting system is thus more repeatable and easier to develop.

According to one embodiment of the cut-off system, the holding member is pivotally mounted, and the main switch of the main circuit is linked to a control element which includes a thrust zone configured to press on the holding member. so as to pivot the holding member out of its holding configuration.

According to the invention, the holding member is configured to move from the holding configuration to the moving configuration under the action of an electromagnet.

According to an example of implementation of the invention, the cut-off system comprises a movable magnetic element kinematically linked to the main switch of the main circuit, the magnetic element being configured to circulate a magnetic flux in a control circuit of 'an electromagnet, the electromagnet being configured to move the holding member from the holding configuration to the moving configuration in response to movement of the movable magnetic element.

According to an example of implementation, the mobile magnetic element is a permanent magnet.

According to an alternative implementation, the mobile magnetic element is a magnetic core.

The movable magnetic core may be a metal rod. The movable magnetic core may be made of soft iron.

The holding member comprises a magnetic element which is attracted by the magnetic field created by the electromagnet.

The control circuit includes a fixed magnetic core, an inductance coil surrounding the fixed magnetic core, and includes a movable permanent magnet.

The control circuit has a fixed magnetic core, an inductance coil surrounding the fixed magnetic core, and has a movable magnetic core.

According to one embodiment of the cut-off system, the main switch of the main circuit is configured to electrically power a control circuit of the electromagnet, the electromagnet being configured to pass the member for maintaining the hold configuration to travel configuration in response to electrical power received from the main switch.

According to an example of implementation, the control circuit of the electromagnet is electrically powered by the main circuit of the electrical device.

According to one embodiment of the cutting system, the holding member comprises a permanent magnet configured to exert a magnetic force on a magnetic palette linked to the mobile electrode.

The holding member comprises an electromagnet configured to exert a magnetic field opposite to a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet.

According to an example of implementation of the cutting system, the holding member is movable in translation.

The holding member is for example movable in translation in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod of the movable electrode of the vacuum interrupter.

According to another aspect of the invention, the main switch is configured to pass the movable electrode into the closed position of the vacuum interrupter, is also configured to pass the elastic return means into a position in which the potential energy of the elastic return means is greater than or equal to the potential energy corresponding to the holding configuration,
and is also configured to move the holding member into its holding configuration when the main switch moves from the position prohibiting the passage of current in the main circuit to the position allowing the passage of current in the main circuit. In other words, the cut-off system is reset by a closing operation of the main switch. By this we mean that the various components and cut-off system members return to their initial configuration when the main switch is actuated to close the circuit to allow the flow of current.

The cut-off system comprises a pivoting link configured to pass the elastic return means into a position in which the potential energy of the elastic return means is greater than or equal to the potential energy corresponding to the holding configuration when the switch main goes from the position preventing the passage of current in the main circuit to the position allowing the passage of current in the main circuit.

• un interrupteur principal d'un circuit principal,
• un système de coupure tel que décrit précédemment,

dans lequel l'ampoule à vide est disposée en parallèle de l'interrupteur principal.The invention also relates to an electrical appliance comprising:

• a main switch of a main circuit,
• a cutting system as described previously,

in which the vacuum interrupter is arranged in parallel with the main switch.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1] est une représentation schématique d'un appareil électrique comportant un système de coupure comportant une ampoule à vide,
• [Fig. 2] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ampoule à vide étant en position fermée,
• [Fig. 3] est une représentation schématique partielle du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ampoule à vide étant en position ouverte,
• [Fig. 4] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• [Fig. 5] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, avec l'ampoule à vide en position fermée,
• [Fig. 6] est une représentation schématique partielle du troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention, avec l'ampoule à vide en position ouverte,
• [Fig. 7] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ampoule à vide étant en position fermée,
• [Fig. 8] est une représentation schématique partielle du quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ampoule à vide étant en position ouverte.
• [Fig. 9] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un cinquième mode de réalisation de l'invention, avec l'ampoule à vide en position ouverte,
• [Fig. 10] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un sixième mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ampoule à vide étant en position fermée,
• [Fig. 11] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un sixième mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ampoule à vide étant en position ouverte,
• [Fig. 12] est une représentation schématique partielle d'un septième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• [Fig. 13] est une autre représentation schématique partielle du septième mode de réalisation de l'invention.

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the appended drawings, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic representation of an electrical appliance comprising a cut-off system comprising a vacuum bulb,
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a partial schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention, the vacuum interrupter being in the closed position,
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a partial schematic representation of the first embodiment of the invention, the vacuum interrupter being in the open position,
• [ Fig. 4 ] is a partial schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention,
• [ Fig. 5 ] is a partial schematic representation of a third embodiment of the invention, with the vacuum interrupter in the closed position,
• [ Fig. 6 ] is a partial schematic representation of the third embodiment of the invention, with the vacuum interrupter in the open position,
• [ Fig. 7 ] is a partial schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the invention, the vacuum interrupter being in the closed position,
• [ Fig. 8 ] is a partial schematic representation of the fourth embodiment of the invention, the vacuum interrupter being in the open position.
• [ Fig. 9 ] is a partial schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the invention, with the vacuum interrupter in the open position,
• [ Fig. 10 ] is a partial schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the invention, the vacuum interrupter being in the closed position,
• [ Fig. 11 ] is a partial schematic representation of a sixth embodiment of the invention, the vacuum interrupter being in the open position,
• [ Fig. 12 ] is a partial schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of the invention,
• [ Fig. 13 ] is another partial schematic representation of the seventh embodiment of the invention.

Description of embodiments

To make the figures easier to read, the different elements are not necessarily represented to scale. In these figures, identical elements bear the same references. Certain elements or parameters can be indexed, that is to say designated for example by first element or second element, or even first parameter and second parameter, etc. This indexing aims to differentiate similar, but not identical, elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element, or parameter in relation to another and the names can be interchanged. When it is specified that a subsystem includes a given element, this does not exclude the presence of other elements in this subsystem.

• un interrupteur principal 20 d'un circuit principal 30,
• une ampoule à vide 2, disposée en parallèle de l'interrupteur principal 20.

We represented on the figure 1 an electrical appliance 1 comprising:

• a main switch 20 of a main circuit 30,
• a vacuum bulb 2, arranged in parallel with the main switch 20.

On the figure 1 , the cut-off system of the electrical appliance 1 has not been shown in detail.

The vacuum interrupter 2 is mounted as a branch of the main circuit 30 of a phase of the electrical appliance 1. As illustrated in particular in the figure 2 , the vacuum interrupter 2 comprises a fixed electrode 4 and a movable electrode 5. The movable electrode 5 is configured to move between a first position P1, called the closed position, in which the fixed electrode 4 and the electrode movable 5 are in contact with each other so as to allow a passage of electric current, and a second position P2, called the open position, in which the fixed electrode 4 and the movable electrode 5 are spaced apart 'from one another so as to prevent the passage of electric current. The fixed electrode 4 and the movable electrode 5 form an electrical contact 3. An electric current can pass through the contact 3 when the fixed electrode 4 and the movable electrode 5 are resting on one another, as illustrated in the figure 2 . The current in contact 3 is interrupted when the movable electrode 5 and the fixed electrode 4 are moved away from each other, as illustrated in the Figure 3 .

The vacuum bulb 2 is intended for medium voltage electrical equipment, that is to say a voltage between 1 kV and 52 kV. The electrical device 1 can for example be a switch. The vacuum interrupter 2 includes an envelope 37 forming a vacuum-tight enclosure. By this we mean that the pressure prevailing inside the enclosure is less than 10 ^-4 millibar. A bellows 36 ensures the movement of the mobile electrode 5 while ensuring the sealing of the vacuum interrupter 2 with respect to the outside.

As illustrated on the figure 1 , the main circuit 30 comprises a fixed contact 34. The electrical appliance 1 also comprises an earthing contact 35. The switch 20 is movable in rotation between a nominal position of circulation of the electric current in the main circuit 30, shown in A on the figure 1 , and a position in which the switch 20 is connected to the grounding contact 35, illustrated in F.

There figure 1 schematically describes the successive stages of an operation to open the main circuit 30. The stages from A to F are in chronological order. The dotted lines ending with an arrow schematize the passage of current. At B, the main switch 20 has initiated a rotational movement. An electrical contact between the switch 20 and the fixed contact 34 is still established, due to the width of the areas in contact. An electrical contact between the main switch 20 and the vacuum interrupter 2 is also made. An electric current circulates simultaneously in the fixed contact 34 and in parallel in the vacuum interrupter 2. At C, the main switch 20 has continued its rotational movement and is no longer in contact with the fixed contact 34. main switch 20 is in contact with vacuum interrupter 2. All current passes through vacuum interrupter 2. Contact 3 of the vacuum interrupter is closed, that is, the electrode fixed 4 and the movable electrode 5 are in contact. At D, the main switch 20 has triggered the opening of contact 3, that is to say that the mobile electrode 5 has started to move away from the fixed electrode 4. The cut-off system 50 making it possible to open the contact 3 of the vacuum interrupter 2 will be described in detail in the following paragraphs. The current passes through the vacuum interrupter 2 in the form of an electric arc when the contact opens. At E, the distance between the mobile electrode 5 and the fixed electrode 4 is maximum. Shortly after the zero crossing of the phase current, the current in vacuum interrupter 2 is cut off. The current in the main circuit 30 is thus cut off. At F, the main switch 20 has completed its rotational movement and is in contact with the earthing contact 35.

The cut-off system of the electrical appliance 1 will now be described.

• Une ampoule à vide 2 comportant :
  • -- Une électrode fixe 4,
  • -- Une électrode mobile 5, configurée pour se déplacer entre :
  • --- une première position P1, dite position de fermeture, dans laquelle l'électrode fixe 4 et l'électrode mobile 5 sont en contact l'une avec l'autre de façon à permettre un passage de courant électrique, et
  • --- une deuxième position P2, dite position d'ouverture, dans laquelle l'électrode fixe 4 et l'électrode mobile 5 sont éloignées l'une de l'autre de façon à empêcher un passage de courant électrique,
• Un moyen de rappel élastique 6 configuré pour appliquer une force d'entrainement sur l'électrode mobile 5,
• Un organe de maintien 7 en position du moyen de rappel élastique 6, l'organe de maintien 7 étant configuré pour passer :
  • -- d'une première configuration P1' dite configuration de maintien, dans laquelle le moyen de rappel élastique 6 est immobilisé, à
  • -- une deuxième configuration P2' dite configuration de déplacement, dans laquelle le moyen de rappel élastique 6 est libéré,

le système de coupure 50 étant configuré pour que l'électrode mobile 5 passe de la position de fermeture P1 à la position d'ouverture P2 sous l'action du moyen de rappel élastique 6 lorsque l'organe de maintien 7 quitte sa configuration de maintien P1'.The cut-off system 50 of an electrical appliance 1 comprises:

• A vacuum interrupter 2 comprising:
  • -- A fixed electrode 4,
  • -- A mobile electrode 5, configured to move between:
  • --- a first position P1, called the closed position, in which the fixed electrode 4 and the movable electrode 5 are in contact with each other so as to allow the passage of electric current, and
  • --- a second position P2, called the open position, in which the fixed electrode 4 and the movable electrode 5 are spaced apart from each other so as to prevent the passage of electric current,
• An elastic return means 6 configured to apply a driving force on the mobile electrode 5,
• A holding member 7 in position of the elastic return means 6, the holding member 7 being configured to pass:
  • -- a first configuration P1' called holding configuration, in which the elastic return means 6 is immobilized, at
  • -- a second configuration P2' called displacement configuration, in which the elastic return means 6 is released,

the cutting system 50 being configured so that the mobile electrode 5 passes from the closed position P1 to the open position P2 under the action of the means of elastic return 6 when the holding member 7 leaves its holding configuration P1'.

Opening the vacuum interrupter 2 only requires moving the holding member 7 away from its holding configuration P1'. Once the holding member 7 has been released, the opening of the vacuum interrupter 2 is ensured by the elastic return means 6. In other words, the mechanical energy necessary to open the vacuum interrupter 2 is provided by the elastic return means 6. The energy to be provided to cause the opening of the vacuum interrupter 2 is less, since this energy corresponds only to the energy necessary to move the holding member. In addition, the precision necessary to obtain the opening of the vacuum interrupter is less, since it is enough to move the holding member. The geometric tolerances of each element of the mechanism can therefore be higher than in the solutions according to the prior art. In addition, the vacuum interrupter can more easily be positioned in different ways, which is useful for adapting to different applications. The holding configuration P1' can be a holding position of the holding member 7. This is the case when the holding member 7 is a mechanical retaining system. The holding configuration P1' can be an electrical or magnetic configuration of the holding member 7. This is the case when the holding member 7 is a magnetic retaining system.

The elastic return means 6 comprises a spring. In the example illustrated, the elastic return means 6 is a spring. More precisely, the elastic return means 6 comprises a helical spring. Other means of reminder can also be considered.

In the embodiment of the cutting system 50 illustrated in particular on the figure 2 And 3 , the spring 6 is compressed between a fixed wall 14 of the cutting system 50 and a movable cup 12. It is understood that the spring 6 is compressed compared to its free state, that is to say when no external constraint is applied between the ends of the spring 6. The spring 6 is mounted with a preload adjusted to provide a sufficient driving force to ensure the movement of the mobile electrode 5.

The elastic return means 6 is in a state of maximum potential energy when the elastic return means 6 is in the immobilized position. When the elastic return means 6 is in this position, the holding member 7 is in the holding configuration P1'. Contact 3 is then in the closed position P1 and allows the flow of current into the vacuum interrupter 2. The figure 2 corresponds to this state of the actuating device 50. In the different figures, the reference to the position of a movable element is indicated in parentheses.

The fixed electrode 4 comprises, in the example illustrated, a rod 8 extending along an axis D and a contact body 9 extending transversely to the axis D. The movable electrode 5 comprises a rod 10 extending along an axis D. The movable electrode 5 also comprises a contact body 11 extending transversely to the axis D. The fixed electrode 4 and the movable electrode 5 are coaxial. The movable electrode 5 is movable in translation along the axis D of the rod 10. The helical spring 6 is coaxial with the rod 10 of the movable electrode 5.

According to the embodiment shown on the figures 2 And 3 , the cutting system comprises a cup 12 movable under the action of the elastic return means 6, the movable electrode 5 comprises a pallet 13 secured to the rod 10, and the movable cup 12 is configured to drive the pallet 13.

The movable cup 12 can drive the pallet 13 under the action of the elastic return means 6. The pallet 13 extends transversely to the rod 10. The cup 12 is movable in translation along the axis D of the rod 10. clearance J is present between the movable cup 12 and the pallet 13 when the holding member 7 is in the holding configuration P1' of the elastic return means 6.

This axial play J makes it possible to guarantee that the movable electrode 5 and the fixed electrode 4 are in good contact, that is to say that the electrical contact is well closed, when the elastic return means 6 is held by the retaining member 7. The sealing bellows 36 which surrounds the movable electrode 5 ensures a restoring force which presses the movable electrode 5 against the fixed electrode 4. An additional spring, not shown, can be arranged at the inside the bellows 36 to increase the contact force.

There Figure 3 illustrates contact 3 in the open position. The holding member 7 is moved away from its holding configuration P1' and is in configuration P2' in which the elastic return means 6 is released. The elastic return means 6 is thus free to move. The elastic return means is thus relaxed. The cup 12 was moved by the spring 6, and drove the movable electrode 5 via the pallet 13. The pallet 13 rests without play against the cup 12. figure 2 and the Figure 3 illustrates the extreme positions taken by the different components. The intermediate positions between these two extreme positions have not been represented.

According to the embodiment of the cutting system illustrated on the figure 2 and the Figure 3 , the movable cup 12 comprises an orifice 15 through which the rod 10 of the movable electrode 5 passes. The movable cup 12 comprises a first portion 16 in the shape of a disc, a second portion 17 in the form of a ring, the first portion 16 and the second portion 17 extending transversely to an axis D, and a third cylindrical portion 18 extending along the axis D, the third portion 18 connecting the first portion 16 and the second portion 17, and the first portion 16 comprises orifice 15.

The fixed wall 14 extends radially in a plane perpendicular to the axis D of the rod 10 of the movable electrode 5. A dimension of the orifice 15 of the movable cup 12 is less than a dimension of the pallet 13. Thus the pallet 13 can be driven by the movable cup 12. The orifice 15 is for example circular. The pallet 13 has, for example, a disc shape. The spring 6 bears against the second portion 17 of the movable cup 12. The holding member 7 is pivotally mounted around a pivot 19. The axis of the pivot 19 is perpendicular to the axis D of the rod 10 of the movable electrode 5. The holding member 7 can take the form of a hook which can rest on the periphery 33 of the cup 12. The holding member 7 comprises an elastic return means 22 configured to maintain the 'holding member 7 in the holding configuration P1'.

According to a variant not shown, the spring 6 is mounted extended between a fixed wall 14 of the cutting system 50 and the movable cup 12. In other words, the spring then works in extension and not in compression. Like before, we then hear that the spring 6 is extended relative to its free state, that is to say without stress applied between its ends.

As shown schematically in particular on the figures 2 And 3 , the cut-off system 50 comprises a main switch 20 of the electrical appliance 1. The main switch 20 is movable between a first position P1" allowing a passage of electric current in a main electrical circuit 30 and a second position P2" prohibiting the passage of electric current in the main electrical circuit 30. The main switch 20 is configured so that the holding member 7 leaves its holding configuration P1' when the main switch 20 passes from the first position P1" allowing the passage of electric current to the second position P2" preventing the passage of electric current. The opening speed of the vacuum interrupter 2 is independent of the opening speed of the main switch 20, since the opening of the vacuum interrupter 2 is ensured by the elastic return means 6. The chain kinematics of the entire cutting system is thus facilitated.

According to the embodiment illustrated on the figure 2 and the Figure 3 , the holding member 7 is pivotally mounted, and the main switch 20 of the main circuit 30 is linked to a control element 40 which comprises a pushing zone 21 configured to press on the holding member 7 so as to make pivot the holding member 7 out of its holding configuration P1'. The holding configuration P1' thus corresponds to a holding position of the holding member 7.

In this embodiment, the holding member 7 leaves its holding configuration P1' of the elastic return means 6 under the effect of mechanical contact with the control element 40, linked to the main switch 20, during the opening stroke of the main circuit 30. The thrust zone 21 moves a portion of the holding member 7 in the manner of a cam.

In other words, the movement of the main switch 20 makes it possible to push back the holding member 7 and make it leave its holding configuration P1'. The spring 6 is thus released, and moves the pallet 12 which carries with it the mobile electrode 5. The mechanical connection between the main switch 20 and the holding member 7 can accept higher dimensional tolerances than the solutions according to the prior art, since it is sufficient to move the holding member 7 away from its holding configuration P1'.

THE figures 4 to 8 illustrate embodiments in which the movement of the holding member 7 is carried out differently.

According to these embodiments, the holding member 7 is configured to move from the holding configuration P1' to the movement configuration P2' under the action of an electromagnet 25.

According to the second embodiment, illustrated on the figure 4 , the cut-off system 50 comprises a movable magnetic element 23 kinematically linked to the main switch 20 of the main circuit 30. The magnetic element 23 is configured to circulate a magnetic flux in a control circuit 26 of an electromagnet 25, the electromagnet 25 being configured to move the holding member 7 from the holding configuration P1' to the movement configuration P2' in response to a movement of the movable magnetic element 23. The element 38 ensures the connection between the main switch 20 and the mobile magnetic element 23.

The mobile magnetic element 23 thus forms part of a magnetic circuit 42. In other words, the mobile magnetic element 23 is crossed by magnetic field lines. The mobile magnetic element 23 participates in the looping of the magnetic field lines in the magnetic circuit 42. Thus, the magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit 42 varies as a function of the position of the mobile magnetic element 23. A movement of the element movable magnetic 23, for example a rotation, thus makes it possible to vary the magnetic flux in the inductance 28. This inductor 28 placed in the control circuit 26 makes it possible to generate an electrical voltage and from there an electric current which makes it possible to control the electromagnet 25. The control of the electromagnet 25 causes the holding member 7 to move out of the holding configuration P1'. In other words, the holding member 7 leaves its holding configuration when the electromagnet 25 is controlled. On the figure 4 , the arrow f1 schematizes the movement pivoting of the movable magnetic element 23 and the arrows f2 schematize the magnetic field lines in the magnetic element 23.

In this embodiment, the control of the electromagnet 25 does not require an external electrical power supply. Part of the mechanical energy of the movement of the main switch 20 is converted into electrical energy and makes it possible to ensure the control of the electromagnet 25 making it possible to release the holding member 7, and hence the means of elastic return 6. The magnetic properties of the movable magnetic element, of the other components of the magnetic circuit as well as the electrical properties of the elements of the control circuit, such as the inductance, are chosen so as to obtain a voltage and an electric current d amplitude and sufficient duration.

According to the implementation example illustrated on the Figure 4 , the mobile magnetic element 23 is a permanent magnet. In this example, the control circuit 26 comprises a fixed magnetic core 27, an inductance coil 28 surrounding the fixed magnetic core 27, and comprises a movable permanent magnet 23.

The holding member 7 comprises a magnetic element 31 which is attracted by the magnetic field created by the electromagnet 25.

Once the holding member 7 has moved away from the holding configuration P1', the separation of the mobile electrode 5 and the fixed electrode 4, thanks to the action of the elastic return means 6, takes place in the same way. way as in the first embodiment.

According to a variant of implementation not shown, the movable magnetic element 23 can be made of soft iron. In this case, the magnetic circuit 42 also includes a fixed permanent magnet. The control circuit 26 can thus comprise in this case a fixed magnetic core 27, an inductance coil 28 surrounding the fixed magnetic core 27, and comprises a mobile magnetic core 23.

THE figures 5 to 8 relate to embodiments which differ from the second embodiment by the way in which the electromagnet 25 is controlled.

According to these embodiments of the cutoff system, the main switch 20 of the main circuit 30 is configured to electrically power a control circuit 26 of the electromagnet 25, the electromagnet 25 being configured to pass the maintaining member 7 from the holding configuration to the moving configuration in response to the electrical power received from the main switch 20.

On the example of figures 5 to 8 , the control circuit 26 of the electromagnet 25 is electrically powered by the main circuit 30 of the electrical appliance 1.

For this, the main switch 20 comprises an electrical connection zone 29 ensuring electrical contact between the control circuit 26 and the main circuit 30 when the main switch 20 is in an intermediate position between a nominal current circulation position in the main circuit and a position P2" for opening the main circuit. In other words, the main switch 20 closes the electrical supply circuit of the control circuit 26.

A voltage of the electrical supply circuit of the electromagnet is for example less than 20V so as to allow the transfer of current in the branch constituted by the control circuit 26 and the vacuum switch 2.

According to the embodiment of the cutting system 50 illustrated on the figures 5 and 6 , the holding member 7 comprises a permanent magnet 32 configured to exert a magnetic force on a movable magnetic carcass 24 linked to the movable electrode 5. The holding member 7 comprises an electromagnet 25 configured to exert a magnetic field opposed to a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 32. The electromagnet 25 comprises a coil 45 which can be controlled by the control circuit 26. When the electromagnet 25 is controlled, it generates a magnetic field opposing that created by the permanent magnet 32. The holding force of the magnet 32 is canceled. THE elastic return means 6 then makes it possible to provide the force necessary to separate the mobile electrode 5 and the fixed electrode 4.

In other words, part of the holding member 7 is in this case linked to the movable electrode 5. More precisely, the movable magnetic carcass 24 is integral with the movable electrode 5. Part of the holding member 7 is linked to the vacuum interrupter 2. More precisely, the electromagnet 25 is linked to the vacuum interrupter 2.

According to this example of implementation, the holding member 7 is movable in translation. The direction of translation is the axis D of the rod 10 of the movable electrode 5.

THE figures 7 and 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the holding member 7 is movable in translation in a direction D2 perpendicular to the axis D of the rod 10 of the movable electrode 5 of the vacuum interrupter 2.

THE figures 9 to 11 illustrate a fifth and a sixth embodiment. In these embodiments, the holding member 7 is configured to pass from the holding configuration P1' to the movement configuration P2' under the action of a magnetic component 41 linked to the main switch 20. In other words , the main switch 20 is kinematically linked to the magnetic component 41, that is to say that the main switch 20 can drive the magnetic component 41 when moving from position P1" to position P2".

In the fifth embodiment, illustrated on the Figure 9 , the magnetic component 41 is a permanent magnet configured to drive the holding member 7. Thus, the opening movement of the main switch 20 moves the permanent magnet 41, which attracts the holding member 7. The holding member 7 is thus moved from the holding configuration P1', which here is a holding position, to the movement configuration P2', which is here a movement position. Spring 6 ensures the opening of vacuum interrupter 2.

In the sixth embodiment, the magnetic component 41 is a magnetic core configured to channel a magnetic field into a circuit magnetic 42. The magnetic circuit 42 comprises two permanent magnets 43 and a magnetic core 44. The magnetic component 41 comprises two parts. The dotted lines schematically illustrate the looping of the field lines in the magnetic circuit 42. On the Figure 10 , the field lines run through the two parts of magnetic component 41 as well as the holding member 7. The holding member 7 is oriented under the effect of the magnetic field lines and is thus held in position. The holding member 7 is thus in the holding configuration P1'.

On the Figure 11 , the magnetic component 41 has been moved. The two parts of magnetic component 41 are distant from the other components of the magnetic circuit 42, and no longer participate in the looping of the field lines of the permanent magnets 43. The holding member 7 no longer receives the effect of the magnetic field and does not is no longer maintained. A spring can contribute to moving the holding member 7. The holding member 7 is in the displacement configuration P2'.

THE figures 12 And 13 illustrate a seventh embodiment. The views of the Figure 12 are top views. The views of the figure 13 are side views. Part (a) of the Figure 12 and part (a) of the Figure 13 schematize the holding member 7 in the first position P1', in which the elastic return means 6 is immobilized. Part (b) of the Figure 12 and part (b) of the Figure 13 schematize the holding member 7 in the second position P2', in which the elastic return means 6 is no longer held.

In this seventh embodiment, the elastic return means 6 of the mobile electrode 5 is held solely by magnetic forces. A magnetic component 41, linked to the main switch 20, is movable in rotation. The kinematics of connection between the main switch 20 and the magnetic component 41 have not been detailed, and are not represented in part (b) of the Figure 13 . In the example illustrated, the magnetic component 41 comprises 4 permanent magnets 43. Figure 12 schematizes the rotational movement of the magnetic component 41. A support part 46 is rigidly linked to the permanent magnets 43 as well as to the movable electrode 5. The support part 46, the movable component 41 and the permanent magnets 43 can form a magnetic circuit 42. The support part 46 and the mobile component 41 both participate in the looping of the field lines of the permanent magnets 43. The support part 46 is also linked to the spring 6.

In the position shown in part (a) of the Figure 12 , each permanent magnet 43 faces a portion of the magnetic component 41. There is thus a looping of the field lines, which ensures a holding force for the support part 46. The magnetic characteristics of the different elements of the magnetic circuit 42, as well as the value of the air gap, are chosen so that the holding force of the support part 46 is greater than the force exerted by the spring 6.

The position shown in part (b) of the Figure 12 corresponds to a rotation of one eighth of a turn of the magnetic component 41. In this position, the permanent magnets 43 are no longer facing the element 41, and the looping of the field lines is negligible. There is no longer any holding force for the support part 46, and the spring 6 causes the moving electrode 5 to move, and thus the opening of the contact 3.

In this embodiment, the movement of the main switch 20 causes the release of the elastic return means 6 without using an electrical control.

According to another aspect of the invention, the main switch 20 is configured to pass the movable electrode 5 into the closed position of the vacuum interrupter 2. The main switch 20 is also configured to pass the means elastic return means 6 in a position in which the potential energy of the elastic return means 6 is greater than or equal to the potential energy corresponding to the holding configuration P1'. The main switch 20 is also configured to move the holding member 7 into its holding configuration P1 when the main switch 20 passes from position P2" preventing the passage of current in the main circuit 30 to position P1" allowing the passage of current in the main circuit 30.

In other words, the passage of the main switch 20 towards the position P1" for passing the current in the main circuit 30 makes it possible to reset the cut-off system 50. The elastic return means 6 and the holding member 7 take over all the both their initial position The vacuum interrupter 2 is thus ready for a next operation to cut off the current in the main circuit 30.

For this, the cutting system 50 comprises a pivoting link, not illustrated, configured to pass the elastic return means 6 into a position in which the potential energy of the elastic return means 6 is greater than or equal to the potential energy corresponding to the holding configuration P1' when the main switch 20 passes from position P2" prohibiting the passage of current in the main circuit 30 to position P1" allowing the passage of current in the main circuit 30. In the example illustrated where the return means 6 is a spring, the spring 6 is compressed to a length identical to the length corresponding to the holding configuration P1', and the holding member 7 is returned to the holding configuration P1' . The spring 6 can also be compressed to a length less than the length corresponding to the holding configuration P1', corresponding to a higher potential energy, so as to prevent the spring 6 from exerting a constraint on the holding member 7 , and thus facilitate the return of the holding member 7 to the holding configuration P1'.

Claims (15)

1. Switching system (50) for switching an electrical device (1), comprising:

   - a vacuum interrupter (2) comprising:

   -- a fixed electrode (4),

   -- a mobile electrode (5), configured to move between:

   --- a first position (P1), known as the closed position, in which the fixed electrode (4) and the mobile electrode (5) are in contact with one another so as to allow electrical current to pass, and

   --- a second position (P2), known as the open position, in which the fixed electrode (4) and the mobile electrode (5) are separated from one another so as to prevent electrical current from passing,

   - an elastic return means (6) configured to apply a driving force to the mobile electrode (5),

   - a retaining member (7) for maintaining the position of the elastic return means (6), the retaining member (7) being configured to move:

   -- from a first configuration (P1 '), known as the retention configuration, in which the elastic return means (6) is immobilized, into

   -- a second configuration (P2'), known as the movement configuration, in which the elastic return means (6) is released,

   the switching system (50) being configured so that the mobile electrode (5) moves from the closed position (P1) to the open position (P2) under the action of the elastic return means (6) when the retaining member (7) leaves its retention configuration (P1 '), the switching system (50) comprising a main switch (20) of the electrical device (1), wherein the main switch (20) is able to move between a first position (P1") allowing electrical current to pass in a main electric circuit (30) and a second position (P2") preventing electrical current from passing in the main electric circuit (30), and wherein the main switch (20) is configured so that the retaining member (7) leaves its retention configuration (P1) when the main switch (20) moves from the first position (P1") allowing electrical current to pass to the second position (P2") preventing electrical current from passing, and characterized in that, in the switching system, the retaining member (7) is configured to move from the retention configuration (P1') to the movement configuration (P2') under the action of a magnetic component (41) connected to the main switch (20).
2. Switching system according to Claim 1, comprising a mobile cup (12) able to move under the action of the elastic return means (6), wherein the mobile electrode (5) comprises a rod (10) extending along an axis (D) and a blade (13) secured to the rod (10), and wherein the mobile cup (12) is configured to drive the blade (13).
3. Switching system according to Claim 2, wherein the elastic return means (6) comprises a spring and wherein the spring (6) is compressed between a fixed wall (14) of the switching system and the mobile cup (12).
4. Switching system according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the mobile cup (12) comprises an orifice (15) through which the rod (10) of the mobile electrode (5) passes and wherein the mobile cup (12) comprises a disc-shaped first portion (16), and an annulus-shaped second portion (17), the first portion (16) and the second portion (17) extending transversely with respect to an axis (D), and a cylindrical third portion (18) extending along the axis (D), the third portion (18) connecting the first portion (16) and the second portion (17), wherein the first portion (16) comprises the orifice (15).
5. Switching system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (7) is mounted with the ability to pivot about a pivot (19).
6. Switching system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (7) is mounted with the ability to pivot, and wherein the main switch (20) of the main circuit (30) is connected to a control element (40) which comprises a thrust zone (21) configured to press against the retaining member (7) so as to cause the retaining member (7) to pivot away from its retention position (P1').
7. Switching system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the retaining member (7) is configured to move from the retention configuration (P1') to the movement configuration (P2') under the action of an electromagnet (25).
8. Switching system according to Claim 7, comprising a mobile magnetic element (23) kinematically connected to the main switch (20) of the main circuit (30), the magnetic element (23) being configured to cause a magnetic flux to circulate in a control circuit (26) controlling the electromagnet (25), the electromagnet (25) being configured to cause the retaining member (7) to move from the retention configuration (P1') to the movement configuration (P2') in response to a movement of the mobile magnetic element (23).
9. Switching system according to Claim 8, wherein the main switch (20) of the main circuit (30) is configured to electrically power a control circuit (26) controlling the electromagnet (25), the electromagnet (25) being configured to cause the retaining member (7) to move from the retention configuration to the movement configuration in response to the supply of electrical power received from the main switch (20).
10. Switching system according to Claim 9, wherein the control circuit (26) controlling the electromagnet (25) is electrically powered by the main circuit (30) of the electrical device (1).
11. Switching system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member (7) comprises a permanent magnet (32) configured to apply a magnetic force to a magnetic blade (24) connected to the mobile electrode (5), and wherein the retaining member (7) comprises an electromagnet (25) configured to apply a magnetic field opposite to a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (32).
12. Switching system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic component (41) is a permanent magnet configured to drive the retaining member (7).
13. Switching system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic component (41) is a magnetic core configured to channel a magnetic field in a magnetic circuit (42).
14. Switching system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main switch (20) is configured to cause the mobile electrode (5) to move into the position in which the vacuum interrupter (2) is closed, is also configured to cause the elastic return means (6) to move into a position in which the potential energy of the elastic return means (6) is greater than or equal to the potential energy corresponding to the retention configuration (P1 '), and is also configured to move the retaining member (7) into its retention configuration (P1) when the main switch (20) moves from the position (P2") preventing the current from passing in the main circuit (30) to the position (P1") that allows the current to pass in the main circuit (30).
15. Electrical device (1) comprising:

    - a main switch (20) of a main circuit (30),

    - a switching system (50) according to one of the preceding claims,

    wherein the vacuum interrupter (2) is arranged in parallel with the main switch (20).

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