EP2062277B1 - Device for controlling an electrical appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

A control apparatus for controlling electrical switchgear, the control apparatus being designed such that it is capable of performing the following in succession: during an opening stage for opening the moving contact, causing the connection end for connection to the moving contact and provided on an output member to go from the point P1 to the point P2, under the effect of an opening mechanical spring moving a moving abutment element that drives the output member by abutment; during a re-cocking stage for re-cocking the spring, moving the moving abutment element under the effect of switching on a motor, while keeping the connection end at the point P2; and during a closure stage for closing the moving contact, causing the connection end to go from the point P2 to the point P1, also under the effect of switching on the motor.

Description

The present invention relates to a control device of an electrical apparatus comprising a movable contact adapted to occupy a closed position and an open position.

By electrical equipment, it is here understood generally a circuit breaker, a disconnector, or a device for grounding. Also included are devices combining these various functions, such as circuit-breakers.

From the prior art, it is known to use design devices called "mixed design" or "hybrid design", in that they integrate both an electric motor and a mechanical spring system to achieve the closing and opening phases of the moving contact of the switchgear. The motor then makes it possible to control, through appropriate servocontrols, the different missions of the electrical equipment such as the opening and closing of its contacts.

These solutions, although widespread, have a number of disadvantages, such as those arising from the joint and simultaneous use of the power of the motor and the energy of the spring to achieve each of the two phases of opening and closing mobile contact.

Indeed, to be able to benefit from the energy of the spring during one of these two phases, it is necessary to store energy during the other of these phases, and vice versa. Thus, this need to constrain the mechanical spring during these two phases usually leads to using oversized motors to achieve the opening and closing speeds required for the moving contact.

In addition, this type of mixed design for the control device generally involves providing a stroke of opening and closing of the movable contact which is greater than necessary, which makes it more complex, heavier and less compact. The document EP 0 801 406 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a control device of simple and reliable design for electrical equipment, preferably of medium or high voltage type.

• lors d'une phase d'ouverture du contact mobile, le passage de l'extrémité de raccordement du contact mobile du point P1 au point P2, sous l'effet du ressort mécanique d'ouverture mettant en mouvement l'élément mobile de butée entraînant par butée l'organe de sortie ;
• lors d'une phase de réarmement du ressort mécanique d'ouverture, une mise en mouvement de l'élément mobile de butée, sous l'effet d'une mise en marche dudit au moins un moteur, en conservant l'extrémité de raccordement du contact mobile au point P2 ; et
• lors d'une phase de fermeture du contact mobile, le passage de l'extrémité de raccordement du contact mobile du point P2 au point P1, également sous l'effet d'une mise en marche dudit au moins un moteur.

To do this, the subject of the invention is a device for controlling an electrical equipment, such as an electrical energy cut-off device, comprising a movable contact able to occupy a closed position and an open position, the device for control being intended to ensure the displacement of the movable contact and comprising a fixed frame, an output member mounted in translation relative to the fixed frame and having a connecting end of the movable contact, the device further comprising at least one motor and a mechanical opening spring housed between an element fixed to the frame and a movable abutment element. In addition, the output member is adapted to occupy a closed position allowing placing the movable contact in its closed position and in which the connecting end of the movable contact is located at a point P1, and an open position for placing the movable contact in its open position and in which the end of connection of the movable contact is at a point P2 distinct from P1. according to the invention, the control device is designed so as to successively ensure:

• during a phase of opening of the movable contact, the passage of the connecting end of the movable contact from the point P1 to the point P2, under the effect of the opening mechanical spring setting in motion the movable abutment element causing by stop the output member;
• during a resetting phase of the mechanical opening spring, setting in motion the movable abutment element, under the effect of an actuation of said at least one motor, while keeping the connecting end of the mobile contact at point P2; and
• during a closing phase of the movable contact, the passage of the connecting end of the movable contact P2 point P1, also under the effect of a start of said at least one motor.

The principle of the invention is therefore based on a design that makes it possible to successively carry out three distinct phases called the opening phase of the moving contact, the resetting phase of the opening spring, and the closing phase of the moving contact, between instant when the mobile contact leaves closed position and the moment when he returns after having occupied his open position. Indeed, compared with the devices of the prior art, it is intended to perform a rearming phase of the mechanical opening spring, distinct from the closing and opening phases of the movable contact, the latter may in turn be realized under the simple action of the release of the energy having been previously stored by the aforementioned spring. Therefore, throughout the closing phase of the movable contact, completed when the latter has reached its closed position, no energy storage must be made by the spring, so that the stroke of this contact is perfectly controlled, and requires less energy than that required with the achievements of the prior art. The implementation of this closing phase can thus be achieved by means of a motor of lower power than in the prior art.

In addition, the implementation of the opening phase is extremely reliable because it does not advantageously require starting of the electric motor, but can instead be performed automatically by a simple release of energy spring as soon as the locking means of the movable contact in the closed position have been deactivated.

The resetting phase of the spring does not cause any displacement of the output member nor therefore displacement of the movable contact, which then remains in its open position, preferably without the aid of any locking means but simply by the design and geometry specific to the device ordered. This phase has the sole purpose of storing energy at the opening spring, before the contact begins its closing phase during which it is moved to its closed position. Therefore, it should be understood that the design proposed by the invention advantageously allows to obtain a stroke of this contact which is fully optimized, since it does not go beyond that just necessary to connect the open positions and closed of the moving contact.

On the other hand, the closing stroke of the movable contact is perfectly controlled, since it is achieved by starting the motor, and it does not engender either constraint of the opening spring. which has already been sufficiently rearmed so that it can subsequently ensure the opening phase alone. Here again, due to the fact that there is no need to put the spring in stress during this closing phase, the power required to move the moving contact at the desired speed to its closed position is less important than that required with the achievements of the prior art, so that the engine used can consequently be smaller power, and therefore less expensive.

Preferably, as mentioned previously, the control device is designed so that during the closing phase of the movable contact leading to a displacement of the connecting end of the moving contact from point P2 to point P1, the energy stored in the mechanical spring only varies not, that is to say that the latter does not release or store energy during this phase.

As such, it is nevertheless indicated that this device could be designed so that the opening spring fulfills a role of brake at the end of the closing phase of the movable contact, by putting in stress of this spring resulting from the displacement of the output member. Nevertheless, an auxiliary spring can be provided to perform this function, possibly in combination with the opening spring. As will be described in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment, a low stress of the opening spring can also be provided at the end of the closing phase of the movable contact, to allow a slight movement of the movable stop member for releasing the latter from a retaining system in the rearmed position.

Preferably, the device is designed so that the opening phase of the movable contact, leading to a displacement of the connecting end of the movable contact from the point P1 to the point P2, is achieved solely under the effect of the mechanical spring , so as to obtain a very high reliability. Alternatively, the opening phase of the movable contact could be carried out using an auxiliary spring damping end of closing stroke of the output member, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Preferably, the device further comprises first transmission means interposed between said at least one motor and the movable element of stop, said first transmission means comprising at least one transmission assembly provided with a drive stop adapted to be moved along a closed line, the latter having an active portion along which the stop of The drive is capable of driving a follower abutment fixedly attached to the movable abutment member for the purpose of moving the latter from a relaxed position to a rearmed position, and a passive portion along which the driving abutment no longer acting on its associated follower abutment allows passage of the movable abutment element from the rearmed position to the relaxed position. Thus, the advantage resulting from such a configuration lies in the fact that during the opening phase of the moving contact, the first transmission means do not create any antagonistic inertial force opposing the movement of the mobile element driving by abutment. the output member in its open position.

This transmission assembly further comprises a chain or a belt carrying the drive abutment and following the closed line, this chain or belt being arranged between two wheels, at least one of which is rotated by the at least one motor.

In this configuration, the transmission assembly further includes a drive stop support track wedged by the drive stop carried by the chain or belt.

As such, the drive stop support track comprises a recess in which the driving stop rotatably mounted on the chain or belt is intended to retract automatically by rotation, when the drive stop leaves the active portion of the closed line. It can then be provided that the control device is designed so that the automatic retraction of the driving abutment into the recess is achieved by pressing the follower stop on the drive abutment, tending to rotate the latter around its axis of rotation relative to the chain or belt.

Of course, several identical or similar transmission assemblies can equip the first transmission means, these sets then being preferably driven by the same drive shaft connected to a single motor. In such a case, the drive stops mounted in rotation on their respective chains / belts are provided to be moved in phase with each other.

Preferably, the follower stop is arranged at the end of a rod, the other end is secured to the movable abutment member. Thus, two transmission assemblies cooperating respectively with two rods secured to the movable abutment element are preferably provided, these two rods being able to be placed on either side of the output member. In addition, it is ensured that these rods are arranged parallel to the translation direction of the output member relative to the fixed frame, and therefore parallel to the output member preferably taking the form of a connecting rod.

Similarly, the control device further comprises second transmission means interposed between said at least one motor and the output member, the second transmission means comprising at least one transmission assembly provided with a driving abutment. intended to be moved along a closed line, the latter having an active portion along which the driving abutment is capable of driving a follower abutment fixedly attached to the output member for the purpose of bring it from the open position to the closed position; and a passive portion along which the drive stop acting no longer on its associated follower stop allows a passage of the output member from the closed position to the open position. Thus, the advantage resulting from such a configuration lies in the fact that during the opening phase of the movable contact, the second transmission means do not create any antagonistic inertial force opposing the movement of the organ. exit heading towards its open position.

Preferably, the transmission assembly further comprises a chain or a belt carrying the driving abutment and following the closed line, the chain or belt being arranged between two wheels, at least one of which is rotated by said wheel. least one engine.

In this configuration, the transmission assembly of the second transmission means further comprises a stop support track driven by the drive stop carried by the chain or belt.

As such, the drive abutment support track comprises a recess in which the drive abutment mounted to rotate freely on the chain or belt is intended to retract automatically by rotation, when the drive abutment leaves the active portion of the closed line.

Again, it can be provided that the control device is designed so that the automatic retraction of the drive stop in the recess is made by pressing the follower stop on the drive stop, tending to rotate this last around its axis of rotation relative to the chain or belt.

Several identical or similar transmission units can equip the second transmission means, these sets then being preferably driven by the same drive shaft connected to a single motor. In such a case, the drive stops mounted in rotation on their respective chains / belts are provided to be moved in phase with each other. For example, two transmission assemblies respectively cooperate with two follower stops reported fixedly and directly on the output member.

Nevertheless, it is preferable that there is a single assembly forming these second transmission means. Thus, there is therefore provided a single drive abutment reported on a chain, for example a double chain, and a single stop follower on the output member, as a reported axis passing through the output member and creating two sockets respectively disposed on each side of the output member. In such a configuration, the drive abutment may then be in the form of two flanks between which the output member may be inserted during the closing phase, the two flanks being intended to abut respectively on the two mentioned above.

The first and second transmission means are therefore driven by said at least one engine, which is preferably constituted by a single motor. Thus, it is ensured that this single motor, preferably constituted by a servomotor in order to have good control of the closing phase of the movable contact, is coupled to the same drive shaft driving each of the transmission sets of the first and second transmission means. To do this, it is expected that the drive stops of the first transmission means associated with the movable abutment element and the drive abutment of the second transmission means associated with the output member are moved in a synchronized manner. , according to a determined phase shift allowing the successive realization of the three distinct phases of opening of the movable contact, resetting of the mechanical opening spring, and closure of the movable contact.

Preferably, the motor or servomotor control is of the variable frequency pulse width modulation type, so that that between two successive control pulses, the energy is transferred from the source to the motor during a first period corresponding to a driving phase, then from the motor to the source for a second duration corresponding to a braking phase, the relative duration two phases to adjust the motor force. In addition, the position of the moving contact is preferably enslaved during the closing phase, with respect to a setpoint in the form of a mathematical function of time. On the other hand, the speed of the moving contact is also preferably slaved during the closing phase, with respect to a set point in the form of a mathematical function of time, just as the acceleration of the moving contact is enslaved. during this closing phase, also with respect to a setpoint in the form of a mathematical function of time.

Preferably, the control device comprises a retaining system in the reset position of the movable abutment member, and a holding system in the closed position of the output member.

With this arrangement, it is possible to ensure that the system for keeping the mobile end stop in the reset position is deactivated at the end of the closing phase of the movable contact. Alternatively, the device can be designed so that the system for holding in the reset position of the movable abutment element and the holding system in the closed position of the output member are deactivated. substantially simultaneously, during an initiation of the opening phase of the movable contact.

Or again, it is possible to ensure that the system for holding in the reset position of the movable abutment element is deactivated after the output member has reached its closed position, preferably at the very end of the closing phase or just after this, as will be described hereinafter in the still more preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As an indication, it is specified that the translation assembly of the output member relative to the fixed frame implies that the control device delivers a linear output movement in the direction of the movable contact.

Still preferably, the movable abutment member is slidably mounted relative to the output member passing through the same movable abutment member, in a direction of sliding identical to the direction of translation of the output member by compared to the fixed frame.

In addition, in order to limit the overall size of the device, the mechanical opening spring is arranged around the output member.

Preferably, the control device further comprises an auxiliary mechanical spring damping end of closing stroke of the output member, as has been mentioned above. In a similar way, the device is furthermore provided with an auxiliary mechanical spring for opening end-of-travel damping. of the output member. In this case, the energy stored by the latter auxiliary spring at the end of the opening phase can be released in good time to facilitate the initiation of the subsequent closing phase, which is essentially performed using the servomotor .

The invention also relates to an electrical apparatus comprising a movable contact capable of occupying a closed position and an open position, this apparatus comprising a control device such as that described above.

• ouverture du contact mobile, sous l'effet du ressort mécanique d'ouverture mettant en mouvement l'élément mobile de butée entraînant par butée l'organe de sortie, de manière à obtenir un déplacement de l'extrémité de raccordement du contact mobile du point P1 au point P2 ;
• réarmement du ressort mécanique d'ouverture, sous l'effet d'une mise en marche dudit au moins un moteur provoquant une mise en mouvement de l'élément mobile de butée, et en conservant l'extrémité de raccordement du contact mobile au point P2 ; et
• fermeture du contact mobile, également sous l'effet d'une mise en marche dudit au moins un moteur, de manière à obtenir un déplacement de l'extrémité de raccordement du contact mobile du point P2 au point P1.

Finally, the invention also relates to a control method of an electrical equipment implemented using a control device such as that described above, the method comprising the following successive steps:

• opening of the movable contact, under the effect of the mechanical opening spring setting in motion the movable abutment member driving the output member by abutment, so as to obtain a displacement of the connecting end of the movable contact of the point; P1 at point P2;
• resetting of the mechanical opening spring, under the effect of activation of said at least one motor causing movement of the movable abutment element, and keeping the connecting end of the movable contact at point P2 ; and
• closure of the movable contact, also under the effect of a startup of said at least one motor, so as to obtain a displacement of the connecting end of the movable contact P2 point to point P1.

• les figures 1a à 1c représentent schématiquement le principe de l'invention, en montrant le dispositif de commande à différents stades lors d'un cycle de commande partant d'un instant où le contact mobile occupe sa position fermée, et se poursuivant jusqu'à ce qu'il retrouve cette même position après avoir occupé la position ouverte ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de commande selon un mode de réalisation préféré de la présente invention, le dispositif se trouvant dans une configuration permettant de placer le contact mobile dans la position fermée ;
• la figure 3 est une vue partiellement en coupe de coté du dispositif de commande montré sur la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue partiellement en coupe de face du dispositif de commande montré sur les figure 2 et 3 ;
• la figure 5 représente une vue en perspective d'un système de maintien en position réarmée de l'élément mobile de butée, appartenant au dispositif de commande montré sur les figures 2 à 4 ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue schématique montrant l'un des deux ensembles de transmission des premiers moyens de transmission destinés à entraîner l'élément mobile de butée durant la phase de réarmement, dans une configuration adoptée lorsque l'organe de sortie occupe sa position de fermeture, et lorsque l'élément mobile de butée associé au ressort d'ouverture occupe sa position réarmée ;
• la figure 7 représente une vue schématique montrant l'ensemble de transmission des seconds moyens de transmission destinés à entraîner l'organe de sortie durant la phase de fermeture, dans une configuration adoptée lorsque cet organe de sortie occupe sa position de fermeture ;
• la figure 8 représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande montré sur les figures 2 à 4, le dispositif se trouvant dans une configuration permettant de placer le contact mobile dans la position ouverte ;
• la figure 9 représente une vue schématique montrant l'un des deux ensembles de transmission des premiers moyens de transmission, dans une configuration adoptée lorsque l'organe de sortie occupe sa position d'ouverture, et lorsque l'élément mobile de butée occupe sa position détendue ;
• la figure 10 représente une vue schématique montrant l'ensemble de transmission des seconds moyens de transmission, dans une configuration adoptée lorsque l'organe de sortie occupe sa position d'ouverture ;
• la figure 11 représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande montré sur les figures 2 à 4, le dispositif se trouvant dans une configuration adoptée durant une phase de réarmement du ressort d'ouverture ;
• les figures 12a à 12d représentent des vues schématiques montrant l'un des deux ensembles de transmission des premiers moyens de transmission, dans différentes configurations adoptées successivement lors de la fin de la phase de réarmement du ressort d'ouverture ;
• les figures 13a à 13d représentent des vues en perspective montant le système de maintien en position réarmée de l'élément mobile de butée, dans différentes configurations adoptées successivement lors de la fin de la phase de réarmement du ressort d'ouverture ;
• la figure 14 représente une vue en perspective du dispositif de commande montré sur les figures 2 à 4, le dispositif se trouvant dans une configuration adoptée durant une phase de fermeture du contact mobile ;
• les figures 15a à 15d représentent des vues schématiques montrant l'ensemble de transmission des seconds moyens de transmission, dans différentes configurations adoptées successivement lors de la fin de la phase de fermeture du contact mobile ;
• les figures 16a à 16c représentent des vues en perspective montrant le système de maintien en position réarmée de l'élément mobile de butée, dans différentes configurations adoptées successivement lors de la fin de la phase de fermeture du contact mobile ;
• la figure 17 représente une vue en perspective montrant un système de maintien en position réarmée de l'élément mobile de butée selon un mode de réalisation encore plus préféré de la présente invention, le dispositif de commande associé se trouvant dans une configuration telle qu'adoptée en fin de phase de réarmement du ressort d'ouverture ; et
• la figure 18 représente une vue schématique du système de maintien en position réarmée montré sur la figure 17.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear in the detailed description below, which will be made with reference to the appended drawings among which;

• the Figures 1a to 1c schematically represent the principle of the invention, by showing the control device at different stages during a control cycle starting from a moment when the moving contact occupies its closed position, and continuing until it finds this same position after having occupied the open position;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of a control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device being in a configuration for placing the movable contact in the closed position;
• the figure 3 is a view partially in side section of the control device shown on the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a partially sectional front view of the control device shown on the figure 2 and 3 ;
• the figure 5 represents a perspective view of a retaining system in the rearmed position of the movable abutment member, belonging to the control device shown in FIGS. Figures 2 to 4 ;
• the figure 6 represents a schematic view showing one of two sets of transmission of the first transmission means for driving the movable abutment element during the rearming phase, in a configuration adopted when the output member occupies its closed position, and when the movable abutment element associated with the spring of opening occupies its rearm position;
• the figure 7 is a schematic view showing the transmission assembly of the second transmission means for driving the output member during the closing phase, in a configuration adopted when the output member occupies its closed position;
• the figure 8 represents a perspective view of the control device shown on the Figures 2 to 4 the device being in a configuration for placing the movable contact in the open position;
• the figure 9 is a schematic view showing one of the two transmission assemblies of the first transmission means, in a configuration adopted when the output member occupies its open position, and when the movable abutment member occupies its relaxed position;
• the figure 10 is a schematic view showing the transmission assembly of the second transmission means, in a configuration adopted when the output member occupies its open position;
• the figure 11 represents a perspective view of the control device shown on the Figures 2 to 4 , the device being in a configuration adopted during a reset phase of the opening spring;
• the Figures 12a to 12d are schematic views showing one of the two sets of transmission of the first transmission means, in different configurations successively adopted at the end of the resetting phase of the opening spring;
• the Figures 13a to 13d represent perspective views mounting the retaining system in the reset position of the movable abutment element, in different configurations successively adopted at the end of the resetting phase of the opening spring;
• the figure 14 represents a perspective view of the control device shown on the Figures 2 to 4 , the device being in a configuration adopted during a closing phase of the movable contact;
• the Figures 15a to 15d are schematic views showing the transmission assembly of the second transmission means, in different configurations adopted successively at the end of the closing phase of the movable contact;
• the Figures 16a to 16c are perspective views showing the retaining system in the reset position of the movable abutment element, in different configurations adopted successively at the end of the closing phase of the movable contact;
• the figure 17 is a perspective view showing a holding system in position rearmed of the movable abutment member according to an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the associated control device being in a configuration as adopted at the end of the resetting phase of the opening spring; and
• the figure 18 is a schematic view of the rear-end holding system shown in FIG. figure 17 .

With reference first to Figures 1a to 1c schematizing the principle of the invention, it is possible to see very schematically a control device 1 at different stages during a control cycle starting from a moment when the mobile contact (not shown), which it is supposed to drive , occupies his closed position, and continues until he finds the same position after having occupied his open position. The figure 1a represents both the initial position and the end position of the cycle, the figures then reading cyclically in the order 1a, 1b, 1c, 1a, etc.

This control device 1 is effectively intended to equip an electrical equipment comprising a movable contact capable of occupying a closed position and an open position, such as for example a circuit breaker, a disconnector, or a device for grounding. It is noted that this apparatus is also an object of the present invention.

To ensure its role of controlling the moving contact, the device 1 comprises first of all an output member 2 taking for example the shape a bar / connecting rod intended to slide / translate according to its own axis 3, relative to a fixed frame 4. This member 2 has a connecting end of the movable contact 2a, or upper end, and an end stopper 2b, or lower end. In this respect, it may therefore be noted that the end 2a, which is indifferently connected directly or indirectly to the moving contact of the apparatus, is therefore capable of being moved back and forth according to the 3 axis of the member 2, which allows it to deliver a linear output movement towards the moving contact, as shown schematically by the double-arrow 6, the direction 6a corresponding to that of the closure of the movable contact , and the direction 6b corresponding to that of the opening of the latter. In other words, the double-arrow 6 corresponds to the direction of translation of the output member 2 with respect to the frame 4.

On the other hand, the device 1 comprises a motor 8 of the servomotor type, and a mechanical opening spring 12 which may optionally be replaced by a plurality of springs, this spring 12 being housed between an element 10 fixed to the frame 4 and a movable abutment member 11, offset from the fixed member 10 in the opening direction 6b.

As will be detailed later, first transmission means 14 are interposed between the motor 8 and the movable abutment element 11, as well as second transmission means 16 are interposed between the motor 8 and the output member 2. More specifically, the first transmission means 14 cooperate with two rods 18 parallel to the direction 6 and slidably traversing the fixed element 10, these two rods arranged on either side of the output member 2 each having a lower end attached fixedly to the movable abutment element 11.

In the preferential case shown on the Figures 1a to 1c the spring 12 is a spring operating in compression, with an upper end pressed against the fixed element 10 of the device 1, and a lower end pressed against the movable abutment element 11.

With reference more specifically to the figure 1a it can be seen that the output member of the rod 2 type is in a closed position for placing its end 2a in a position such that it ensures the movable contact to occupy its closed position. It is recalled that the output member is held firmly in this closed position by a holding system (not shown) which will be described later by way of example, but which can take any form known to those skilled in the art.

In this closed position, the member 2 is of course parallel to the direction 6, and its connection end of the movable contact 2a occupies a point P1 of the axis 3 in which it is able to translate relative to the frame 4. Furthermore, still in this closed position, the mechanical spring 12 is compressed to the maximum between the elements 10 and 11, the movable element 11 being retained in the direction opening 6b by the lower end 2b of the output member 2 abutting against the same movable member 11. To do this, it is naturally made so that the output member 2 slidably traverses the movable abutment member 11, always in the direction 6. As an indication, in this closed position, the movable abutment element 11 occupies for its part a so-called rearmed position placing it at a point P'1 of the axis 3 according to which it is also able to translate relative to the frame 4, as well as relative to the output member 2. It is noted that this element 11 can take the form of a plate substantially orthogonal to the axis 3 above.

Alternatively, it is possible for the movable element 11 to be retained in the opening direction 6b by a rearranged position holding system (not shown) associated with it, possibly in combination with the abutment provided by the lower end. 2b of the output member 2. In addition, an alternative that will be described below provides that when the output member occupies its closed position, the movable member 11 is retained in the opening direction 6b only by the abutment provided by the lower end 2b of this organ.

When an order of opening of the movable contact is received by the apparatus, the system for holding the output member in the closed position, and possibly the system for holding in the reset position of the movable abutment member if a such system has been planned and has not been disabled yet, are each disabled.

Following this deactivation, it is initiated a phase of opening of the movable contact provided by the release of energy from the mechanical spring 12. In fact, during this phase, the spring 12 urges the movable element 11 which is thus removed from the fixed element 10 in the opening direction 6b, by driving with it the output member 2 due to the stop established between the element 11 and the lower end 2b of the output member.

The opening phase is completed when the moving contact has reached its open position, in which it is preferably maintained simply by the specific design and geometry of the control device, and therefore without the use of a specific holding system, although this can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

More specifically, it can be provided that the stroke of the parts 11 and 2 along the axis 3, generated by the spring 12, is stopped by a damping device 20, or by an auxiliary mechanical spring damping end of stroke opening of the output member. In the latter case, the output member 2 can in fact be maintained in its open position with the aid of a specific holding system (not shown), thereby keeping the auxiliary spring in its constrained state. The energy stored by this auxiliary spring at the end of the opening phase can then be subsequently released to facilitate the initiation of the subsequent closing phase, which is essentially carried out using the motor 8, as will be described below.

The output member 2 then occupies an open position as shown on the figure 1b , in which the connecting end 2a is positioned at a point P2 of the axis 3, and wherein the movable abutment member 11 occupies a so-called relaxed position placing it at a point P'2 of axis 3.

Preferably, for reasons of operational safety, in particular of the availability of the electrical equipment, this opening phase is performed solely under the effect of the mechanical spring 12, and possibly under the effect of other springs such that an auxiliary mechanical spring (not shown) for end-of-travel closure damping of the output member, but preferably without intervention of the motor 8. In fact, the electrical equipment used for the protection of the transport and distribution of electrical energy must be able to function even in case of failure of auxiliary power sources.

Then, directly after the completion of the opening phase of the movable contact, it is initiated a resetting phase of the spring 12 having previously released its energy, at least in part. This rearming phase is performed using the engine 8, ensuring through the first transmission means 14 a setting in motion of the movable element 11 in the closing direction 6a, with respect to the output member 2 remaining meanwhile stationary vis-à-vis the fixed frame 4.

Thus, the output member 2 remains in a position ensuring that the movable contact maintains its open position, as shown in FIG. figure 1c . In other words, during this resetting phase, the movable abutment element moves in the direction 6a between the points P'2 and P'1 of the axis 3 by biasing the spring 12, while the end connection of the movable contact 2a remains positioned at the point P2.

During this resetting phase of the spring 12, the rods 18 are effectively driven in translation in the closing direction 6a relative to the fixed element 10 through which they pass through the transmission means 14, which pushes the movable element 11 to approach the fixed element 10 and thus to store energy to the mechanical spring opening 12, by compression thereof.

At the end of this resetting phase, the system for holding in the reset position of the movable abutment element (not shown) is activated, which makes it possible to keep this element 11 in the rearm position shown on FIG. figure 1c despite the pressure exerted on the latter by the compressed spring 12.

When a closing order of the movable contact is received by the apparatus, the holding system in the open position of the output member, if such a system is actually provided, is deactivated, and a contact closure phase mobile is initiated by the device 1, by the start of the motor 8. Indeed, the motor 8 ensures through the second transmission means 16 a setting in motion of the output member 2 in the closing direction 6a , relative to the movable element 11 remaining stationary relative to the fixed frame 4, and relative to the same fixed frame 4.

In other words, during this closing phase, the connecting end of the movable contact 2a moves in the direction 6a between the points P2 and P1 of the axis 3, while the movable abutment element 11 remains preferentially positioned at point P'1.

Preferably, this phase is performed only with the energy transmitted by the motor 8, and no energy from the spring 12. On the other hand, it is preferably so that during this closing phase of the movable contact, the mechanical spring 12 does not store additional energy, since the previous rearming phase of it has allowed it to store enough energy to be able to ensure a subsequent phase of opening the movable contact. However, as will be described later, a low stress of the opening spring 12 may optionally be provided at the end of the closing phase of the movable contact, to allow a slight movement of the movable abutment element 11 allowing the latter to be released from the holding system in the reset position. Moreover, it can be provided that this device is designed so that the spring 12 fulfills a braking function in the end phase of closure of the movable contact, by a compression of this spring to slow the speed of displacement of the connecting end 2a, and that of the entire output member 2 arriving close to its position of closure shown on the figure 1a .

However, as indicated above, during the closing phase of the movable contact during which the member 2 passes from its open position shown on the figure 1c at its closed position shown on the figure 1a , the movable abutment element 11 compressing the spring 12 can remain stationary, ensuring an unchanged spacing between the fixed element 10 and this movable element 11.

At the end of this closing phase, the holding system in the closed position of the output member (not shown) is activated, which makes it possible to maintain this member 2 in the position shown on FIG. figure 1a , despite the pressure exerted on the latter by the compressed spring 12, via the stop between the movable member 11 and the lower end 2b.

With reference jointly to Figures 2 to 4 the control device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be seen in a configuration for placing the movable contact in the closed position.

In these figures, the elements bearing the same numerical references as those present on the Figures 1a to 1c correspond to identical or similar elements.

So, we can see on these Figures 2 to 4 that in the device 1 according to the preferred embodiment, the damper 20 comprises a rod 22 slidably fitting within a damper body, the lower end of the member 2 being provided for come into contact with the rod 22. The rod 22 is arranged in the direction of translation 6. In addition, the output member 2, having the connecting end 2a at the point P1, takes the form of a rod guided in this same direction 6 in that it slides in the fixed element 10.

Still in order to ensure proper operation of the device and easy sliding of the elements relative to each other, there are provided two guide rods 24 of the plate 11 forming the movable abutment member, as is the best visible on the figure 2 . These rods 24, arranged in the direction of translation 6, are integral with the frame 4 and thus slidably traverse the movable member 11.

On the other hand, the control device 1 comprises an auxiliary mechanical spring 26 of end-of-travel closure damping of the output member 2. This spring 26 is located around the member 2, within the space delimited internally by the opening spring 12 of larger dimensions. Its upper end is in abutment against the fixed element 10, while its lower end, in the mobile contact configuration in the closed position, bears against a stop 28 provided on the member 2 in view of its depreciation. Indeed, this end-of-stroke damping stop 28 is intended to come into contact with the lower end of the auxiliary spring 26 at the end of the closing phase, which has the consequence of compressing this spring and therefore of it. store stored energy until a new opening order has been received.

It is therefore to be understood that in this configuration, the output member 2 held in the closed position is biased by the opening spring 12 and the auxiliary spring 26, even if the latter has only a weak or negligible action. compared to that developed by the spring 12.

With reference more specifically to the figure 4 it can be seen that the motor 8 is coupled to a gear unit 30 connecting it to a drive shaft 32. On the other hand, this motor 8 is coupled in a manner known to those skilled in the art to a capacitor bank suitably loaded.

To maintain the closing position of the output member 2, the device comprises a holding system 34 cooperating with a locking abutment 36 provided on an upper part of this member. In activated configuration, the system 34 comprises a pawl 38 held in abutment against the stop 36, thus preventing a displacement in the opening direction 6b of the member 2 relative to the frame 4, on which the pawl 38 is freely articulated according to an axis 42. To lock the pawl 38 in the position shown on the figures 2 and 3 , there is provided a blocking piece 40 which is capable of retract and release the pawl 38, for example using a coil following an electrical order. As such, as is best seen on the figure 3 , it is indicated that the bearing face of the locking abutment 36 has a certain angle with respect to the axis 3 of the output member 2, making it possible, when the locking piece 40 is retracted, to generate a force, via the spring 12, which tends to push the pawl 38 in a direction allowing the latter to disengage from the same locking abutment 36.

The figure 4 also shows a resetting system 46 of the movable abutment element 11, intended to cooperate with the element 11, the system 46 being in a deactivated state when the movable contact is in its closed position, as will be explained below.

More specifically with reference to the figure 5 showing the holding system in position 46 in more detail, it can be seen that it comprises a support pawl 48 articulated along an axis 50 on the frame 4 and held in the retracted position by spring-type return means (not shown ). In addition, on this support pawl 48, there is provided a locking pawl 52 capable of cooperating with the movable member 11 or an extension thereof, this locking pawl 52 being hinged to the frame 4 along an axis 54 and kept in the extracted locking position, by means of spring-type return means (not shown). On the other hand, the system 46 also comprises a tilting pawl 56 mounted in an articulated manner on the body mobile 11 and provided to come into contact with the support pawl 48 during the reset phase, in order to tilt the pawl 48 from its retracted position to an extracted position for cooperating the locking pawl 52 with the movable member 11, as will be described later.

In this configuration, although the locking pawl 52 is held in the unlocked position by the support pawl 48, it is not able to constitute a stop for the movable member 11 since this pawl 48 is in turn in the retracted position away locking pawl 52 of the same element 11, as visible on the figures 4 and 5 .

Thus, when the output member 2 occupies its closed position placing the movable contact in its closed position, the movable abutment element 11 is effectively maintained in its rearm position in which it is located at the point P'1 of the axis 3, but preferably without the aid of the holding system in position 46 which is then inoperative.

With reference again to Figures 2 to 4 it is possible to see a preferred embodiment of the first and second transmission means 14, 16, each having one or two substantially identical transmission assemblies. Thus, the first transmission means 14 comprise two transmission assemblies 58 arranged on either side of the output member 2 in front view, and the second transmission means 16 preferably comprise a single transmission assembly 60 disposed facing the output member 2 in side view.

In addition, these three transmission assemblies 58, 60 are driven by the same drive shaft 32, and are moreover arranged superimposed in the direction of the same shaft, as is clearly visible on the Figures 2 to 4 .

Now with reference to figure 6 it is possible to see one of the two transmission assemblies 58 of the first transmission means 14 intended to drive the movable abutment element 11 during the resetting phase, this assembly 58 being in a configuration adopted when the output member 2 occupies its closed position and when the movable abutment element 11 occupies its rearmed position, as shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 4 .

Overall, the assembly 58 comprises a chain 62 shown only partially stretched between two notched wheels 64, 66, one of which is driven by the shaft 32, and the other mounted on a free shaft 69 also cooperating with the other sets 58, 60. Naturally, the shaft 69 could also be driven by the motor 8, without departing from the scope of the invention.

On this chain or belt 62, there is provided a driving abutment 68, or bucket, intended to be moved along a closed line 70 shown in dashed line, this line 70 being preferentially defined by the path of the chain 62. To do this, the driving abutment 68 is mounted on the chain 62, preferably freely articulated along an axis 72 parallel to the connecting pins of the chain links.

Due to the freely articulated mounting of the driving abutment 68 on the chain 62, in order to maintain this abutment 68 in the desired position, there is provided an abutment support track 74 against which a bearing face 76 of this abutment rests. 68, as visible on the figure 6 . This makes it possible to orient a stop face 78 in the desired manner, namely capable of coming into contact with the associated follower stop 80, provided at the free end of the rod 18 with which this transmission assembly 58 cooperates.

The abutment support track 74 is defined by a body 82 fixed relative to the frame, and substantially follows the closed line 70 being shifted therefrom outwardly or inwardly as shown in FIG. figure 6 , except at a judiciously localized portion where the track 74 has a recess 84, in which the driving abutment 68 is intended to retract automatically by rotation, as will be described below.

The closed line 70 has a so-called active portion along which the driving abutment is intended to drive its associated follower abutment 80 fixedly attached to the movable abutment element 11 in order to bring it into line. position relaxed to the rearmed position as will be described later, and a so-called passive portion along which the drive stopper 68 does not act on its associated tracking stop 80 allows a passage of the movable stop element 11 from the rearmed position to the relaxed position.

In the configuration where the output member 2 is in the closed position, that is to say before a new order of opening of the movable contact, the drive stop 68 moves to the output of the portion passive referenced schematically by the reference 92, namely just near the junction with the active portion referenced schematically by the reference 90. In this position, and more generally throughout the passive portion, it creates no obstacle to the implementation moving the movable stop member 11 from the reset position to the relaxed position, insofar as it is not in the path of the follower stop 80.

As will be described hereinafter, a movement of the chain 62 in the direction of the chain movement 94 would have the consequence of causing this driving abutment 68 to penetrate into the active portion 90 of the closed line 70.

Naturally, the stop 68 of this assembly 58 and the driving abutment of the other set of first transmission means 14 are intended to be displaced in phase with each other.

Now with reference to figure 7 it is possible to see the transmission assembly 60 of the second transmission means 16 intended to drive the output member 2 during the closing phase, this assembly 60 being in a configuration adopted when the output member 2 occupies its position closure, as shown on the Figures 2 to 4 .

Overall, the assembly 60 is identical or similar to the assembly 58, in that it comprises a chain 96 represented only partially, for example a double chain defining two parallel paths arranged on either side of the body output 2 in front view, said chain being tensioned between two notched wheels 98, 100, one of which is driven by the shaft 32, and the other mounted on the free shaft 69. On this chain or belt 96, a driving abutment 102 or bucket is provided, intended to be moved along a closed line 104 shown in dashed lines, this line 104 being preferably defined by the path of the chain 96. To this end, the abutment The drive 102 is mounted on the double chain 96, preferably freely articulated along an axis 106 parallel to the connecting pins of the chain links.

Due to the freely articulated mounting of the driving abutment 102 on the chain 96, to maintain this abutment 102 in the desired position, there is provided an abutment support track 108 against which a bearing face 109 of this abutment rests. 102, as visible on the figure 7 . This makes it possible to orient an abutment face 111 in the desired manner, namely capable of coming into contact with the associated follower stopper 110 fixedly attached to the output member 2.

The abutment support track 108 is defined by a fixed body 112 relative to the frame, and substantially follows the closed line 104 being able to be shifted therefrom towards outside or towards inside as shown on the figure 7 , except at a judiciously localized portion where the track 108 has a recess 114, wherein the drive stop 102 is intended to retract automatically by rotation, as will be described below.

It is indicated that the closed line 104 has a so-called active portion along which the driving abutment 102 is intended to drive its associated follower stop 110 fixedly attached to the member 2 in order to bring it from the open position to the closed position as will be described later, and a so-called passive portion along which the drive stop 102 does not act on its associated follower stop 110 allows a passage of the member 2 from the closed position to the open position.

In the configuration where the output member 2 is in the closed position, that is to say before a new order of opening of the movable contact, the drive stop 102 is within the passive portion referenced schematically by the reference 116, namely at a distance from the active portion referenced schematically by the reference 118. In this position, and more generally throughout the passive portion, it does not create any obstacle to the setting in motion of the organ of output 2 from the closed position to the open position, insofar as it is not in the path of the follower stop 80.

As for the active portion 90 of the assembly 58, the active portion 116 is preferably constituted by a line segment parallel to the translation direction 6.

Naturally, the stop 102 of this assembly 60 and the driving abutment of the other set of second transmission means 16 are intended to be displaced in phase with each other. On the other hand, as shown by the two figures 6 and 7 , the driving abutments 68, 102 are displaced due to the rotation of the same shaft 32 while being permanently synchronized, according to a determined phase shift allowing the successive realization of the three distinct phases of opening of the movable contact, resetting of the mechanical spring opening, and closing the movable contact. As an indication, it can be understood from the figures that the drive stops 68 are in advance with respect to the drive stops 102, according to the direction of the chain movement 94.

When an order to open the movable contact is received by the apparatus, the holding system in the closed position 34 of the output member 2 is deactivated, for example following an electrical order ensuring the retraction of the part As previously indicated, the bearing face of the locking abutment 36 then makes it possible to exert, via the force generated by the springs 12 and 26 expanding, a force which tends to push the pawl 38 in one direction. allowing the latter to disengage from the locking stop 36.

It is therefore initiated a phase of opening of the movable contact provided by the release of energy from the mechanical spring 12, and that of the auxiliary spring 26. During this phase, the spring 12 urges the movable member 11 which is thus away from the fixed element 10 in the opening direction 6b, by driving with it the output member 2 due to the stop established between the element 11 and the lower end 2b of the output member.

The opening phase is completed when the movable contact has reached its open position, in which the lower end 2b of the output member 2 rests against the damping device 20, as shown in FIG. figure 8 . The output member 2 then occupies the open position in which its connecting end 2a is positioned at the point P2 of the axis 3, and in which the movable abutment element 11 occupies itself in the relaxed position placing it at the point P'2 of axis 3.

Preferably, for reasons of operational safety, in particular of availability of the electrical equipment, this opening phase is performed solely under the effect of the aforementioned mechanical springs, that is to say without the intervention of the 8. This is the reason why we can see figures 9 and 10 that the driving abutments 68, 102 have not been displaced relative to the respective positions they occupied before the initiation of the opening phase. On these figures 9 and 10 symbolizing the means of transmission in a configuration adopted at the end of the opening phase, it can be seen that the follower stop 80 provided on the upper end of the rod 18 has obviously been moved in the opening direction 6b to approach the stop of associated drive 68, for example to be in contact with it or close to it. On the other hand, the follower stop 110 provided on the output member 2 has also been moved in the opening direction 6b by a stroke corresponding to the distance P1P2 or P'1P'2 along the axis 3.

Directly after the completion of the opening phase of the moving contact, it is initiated a resetting phase of the spring 12 having previously released its energy. This rearming phase is carried out using the motor 8, ensuring via the first transmission means 14 a setting in motion of the movable element 11 in the closing direction 6a, with respect to the output member 2 remaining meanwhile stationary vis-à-vis the fixed frame 4. Indeed, the output member 2 remains in a position ensuring that the movable contact keeps its open position, as shown in the figure 11 on which it can be seen that the lower abutment end 2b maintains contact with the damping device 20.

During this resetting phase of the spring 12, the rods 18 are effectively driven in translation in the closing direction 6a with respect to the fixed element 10 which they pass through, because of the movement by the shaft 32 of the stops. drive 68 driving with them their respective follower stops 80 along the active portion of the closed line. As shown in figure 11 this setting in motion of the driving abutments 68 pushes the movable element 11 to approach the fixed element 10 and thus to store energy to the mechanical opening spring 12, by compression thereof. As an indication, each driving abutment 68 may be in the form of two flanks between which the associated rod 18 may be inserted during this rearming phase, as it appears on the figure 11 . Furthermore, it is noted that throughout the resetting phase of the spring 12, the drive stops 102 are naturally also displaced along the passive portion 116 of their respective closed lines 104, without ever causing a displacement of the output member 2.

Referring now to Figures 12a to 12d shortly before the end of the reset phase, the drive stop 68 having its abutment face 78 in contact with the follower stop 80 places the latter in a position allowing the movable element 11 to occupy its rearmed position in which is located near point P'1. Nevertheless, the movement of the stop 68 is not stopped at this stage shown on the figure 12a , but continued in such a way as to cause this abutment 68 to retract inside the recess 84, and thus to release the follower stop 80. Indeed, the displacement of the abutment 68 takes place until the junction between the abutments 68 active 90 and passive 92 portions of the closed line 70, as shown on the figure 12b . At this moment, the bearing face 76 of the abutment 68 is no longer supported on the support track 74, but opposite the recess 84. It is then the follower stop 80 tending to move in the direction of opening 6b under the effect of the spring 12 which bears on the stop 68 while moving, causing a pivoting thereof along the axis 72, and thus causing the retraction of this stop 68 inside the recess 84 as represented on the figure 12c . As an indication, the judiciously offset support exerted by the follower stop 80 in order to cause rotation of the abutment 68 about its axis 72 therefore results from the displacement of this follower stop 80 in the opening direction 6b, but may also partly result from the continued movement of the driving abutment 68 along the passive portion 92 of the closed line 70.

When the follower stop 80 finds, under the effect of the spring 12, its position shown on the figure 12a allowing the movable member 11 to occupy its rearmed position in which it is located near the point P'1, it is completely released from its associated drive stop 68 retracted into the recess 84, and held in this position by the system 46 as will be described below. As an indication, it is noted that the rearming phase may be continued until the abutment 68 is significantly removed from the associated follower stop 80, as shown in FIG. figure 12d . In this case, the resetting phase is performed by moving the driving abutment 68 on its active portion 90, and on a small part of the passive portion 92. Although this has not been shown, it is specified that at this end of the resetting phase end, the drive stop 102 is preferably in contact with its stop associated follower 110, or close to the latter. In other words, the driving abutment 102 is located at the junction between the passive portion 116 and the active portion 118 of the closed line 104, ready to borrow this last active portion 118 in order to initiate a moving the output member 2 to its closed position.

As indicated above, at the end of this resetting phase, the resetting system 46 of the movable abutment element is activated, which keeps the element 11 in the rearmed position, despite the pressure exerted on the latter by the spring 12.

More specifically with reference to Figures 13a to 13d it can be seen that during the resetting phase of the opening spring 12 resulting in the upward movement of the movable element 11, the first element of the system 46 which comes into operation is the tilt pawl 56 which establishes contact with the support pawl 48, in order to gradually tilt the pawl 48 from its retracted position to the extracted position, as shown in FIG. figure 13a . The action exerted by the tilt pawl 56 on the pawl 48 in order to tilt the latter according to the axis 50, is therefore opposed to the means of reminder continuously pushing the pawl 48 to its retracted position (shown on the figure 5 ).

Then, when the movable member 11 is sufficiently displaced in the closing direction 6a, it makes contact with the locking pawl 52, in order to make it gradually switch from its locked position to its retracted position, as the show it figure 13b . Here again, the action exerted by the mobile element 11 on the pawl 52 in order to tilt the latter along the axis 54, therefore opposes the return means permanently pushing the pawl 52 towards its extracted locking position ( shown on the figure 5 ). At the same time, the tilt pawl 56 continues to gradually tilt the pawl 48 from its retracted position to the extracted position.

On the figure 13c showing the holding system in its configuration as adopted when the follower stop 80 has reached its highest point in the closing direction 6a, i.e. as shown in FIG. figure 12b it can be seen that the movable element 11 has been moved sufficiently large to release the locking pawl 52 which was able to regain its extracted locking position thanks to the action of the return means associated with it, while the ratchet support 48 remains locked in its extracted position because of the support exerted by the tilting pawl 56 on the same pawl 48.

Then, when the movable element 11 and its rods 18 are slightly brought back in the direction opening 6b due to the action of the spring 12 and the retraction of the drive stops 68 in their respective recesses 84, they are locked in translation in the same direction 6b by the locking pawl 52 constituting an abutment for the element 11 finding its rearmed position in which it is close to the point P'1, as shown on the figure 13d .

As an indication, it is noted that the tilt pawl 56 is designed to retract when it comes into contact with the pawl support 48 during the opening phase described above, of course for the purpose of do not hinder the movement of the movable abutment member 11 to its relaxed position.

After the rearming phase of the spring which has just been presented, when a closing command is received by the device, it is initiated a closing phase carried out using the motor 8, ensuring through the second means transmission 16 a setting in motion of the output member 2 in the closing direction 6a, with respect to the frame 4 as well as with respect to the movable member 11 remaining meanwhile almost always immobile vis-à-vis the chassis fixed 4, as will be explained below. Indeed, in this preferred embodiment, the element 11 remains during the closing phase in its rearmed position, as shown in FIG. figure 14 on which it can be seen that the lower abutment end 2b has left the damping device 20.

During this closing phase, the member 2 is effectively driven in translation in the closing direction 6a relative to the fixed element 10 that it passes through, due to the setting in motion by the shaft 32 of the abutment. 102 driving with it the follower stop 110 along the active portion of the closed line. As shown in figure 14 , this setting in motion of the driving abutment 102 pushes the lower end 2b of the output member to approach the movable member 11. As an indication, the driving abutment 102 can here be presented under the two flanks between which can be inserted the output member 2 rod-shaped during the closing phase, the two sides being abutted respectively on the two catches formed by the follower stop 110, on either side of the output device 2 as it appears on the figure 14 . Furthermore, it is noted that throughout the closing phase of the movable contact, the drive stops 68 are naturally also displaced along the passive portion 92 of their respective closed lines 70, without ever causing a displacement of the movable element 11.

Referring now to Figures 15a to 15d shortly before the end of the closing phase, the drive stop 102 having its abutment face 111 in contact with the follower stop 110 places the latter in a position allowing the member 2 to occupy its closed position in its connecting end 2a is at the point P1. Nevertheless, the movement of the stop 102 is not stopped at this stage shown on the figure 15a , but continued so as to cause this abutment 102 to retract inside the recess 114, and thus to release the follower stop 110. Indeed, the displacement of the abutment 102 takes place until the junction between the active portions 118 and passive 116 of the closed line 104, as shown in FIG. figure 15b . At this moment, the bearing face 109 of the abutment 102 is no longer supported on the support track 108, but opposite the recess 114. It is then the following abutment 110, tending to react in the direction of 6b opening due to the internal reaction forces of the equipment, and the expansion effect of the auxiliary spring 26 (possibly associated with the spring effect of the spring 12) already compressed to dampen the closing limit switch of the output member, which presses on the stop 102 while moving, causing a pivoting thereof along the axis 106, and thus causing the retraction of this stop 102 inside the recess 114 as shown in FIG. figure 15c . As an indication, the judiciously offset support exerted by the follower stop 110 in order to cause rotation of the abutment 102 about its axis 106 thus results from the displacement of this follower stop 110 in the opening direction 6b, but may also result from the continued movement of the driving abutment 102 along the passive portion 116 of the closed line 104.

When the follower stop 110 finds, under the effect of the spring 26 and the internal reaction forces of the apparatus, its position shown on the figure 15a allowing the member 2 to occupy its closed position, it is completely released from its associated drive stop 102 retracted into the recess 114, and held in this position by the system 34 comprising the pawl 38 cooperating with the stop of blocking 36.

As an indication, it is noted that the closing phase may be continued until the stop 102 is significantly removed from the associated follower stop 110, as shown in FIG. figure 15d , namely continue to start the engine after the member 2 has reached its closed position. More specifically, the starting of the motor can be carried out until the stop 102 is displaced as shown in FIG. figure 7 , in order to place the device 1 in a good configuration to perform a subsequent opening phase, that is to say arrange the drive stops 68 at the junction between the active portions 90 and passive 92.

In this case, the closing phase is performed by moving the driving abutment 102 on its active portion 118, and on a portion of the passive portion 116 along which the motor does not oppose any spring return force . Although this has not been shown and as is apparent from the foregoing, it is specified that from this moment of end of the closing phase, the driving abutment 68 is preferably in contact with its stop associated follower 80, or close to the latter. In other words, the drive stop 68 is ready to borrow its active portion 90 in order to initiate a subsequent movement of the movable abutment element 11 towards its rearmed position.

In this preferred embodiment, the reset hold system 46 is designed to automatically turn off when the closing phase is completed. With reference to Figures 16a to 16c it can be seen that during the end of the closing phase of the movable contact resulting in particular by the upward movement of the lower end 2b of the output member 2, the locking pawl 52 holds the movable member 11 in the reset position at the point P'1 (not shown) until the low end 2b has not come into contact with this movable element 11.

The closing stroke of the output member 2 is effectively determined so that its lower end 2b can, at the end of the stroke, carry with it by abutment the movable member 11 over a short distance, in order to release it from 46. On the figure 16b showing the holding system in its configuration as adopted when the follower stop 110 has reached its highest point in the closing direction 6a, i.e. as shown in FIG. figure 15b it can be seen that the movable element 11 has been displaced by a sufficiently large stop to release the locking pawl 52 of the same element 11, and on the other hand to release the support pawl 48 of the pawl of tilting 56, this support pawl 48 having found its retracted position thanks to the action of the return means associated with it. At this moment, the connecting end 2a is slightly beyond the point P1 which it has exceeded, just as the movable element 11 is slightly beyond the point P'1 which it has also passed, because of his training by the low end 2b. In addition, the locking system 46 is in a so-called deactivated state insofar as its locking pawl 52 is no longer capable of constituting a stop for the movable element 11, the latter being only retained in the opening direction. 6b using the low end 2b, as clearly visible on the figure 16b .

Then, when the output member 2 is slightly reduced in the opening direction 6b due to the action of the springs 12 and 26, and because of the retraction of the drive stops 102 in their respective recesses 114, it is locked in translation in the same direction 6b by the pawl 38 having also previously been exceeded, and coming to form a stop for the member 2 found its closed position in which its connecting end 2a is at point P1. Simultaneously, the movable abutment member 11 bearing against the lower end 2b finds its rearmed position in which it is at the point P'1, as in the state shown on the figure 16c corresponding to the one shown on the Figures 2 to 5 .

Alternatively, it is possible in particular to ensure that the system for holding in the rearmed position of the movable abutment element is identical in design or similar to that of the holding system in the closed position of the output member described above, her deactivation then not taking place by coil following an electrical order, but for example by a mechanical part integral with the output member and capable of ensuring the release of the pawl at the end of the closing stroke of this output member.

Alternatively, it is possible to ensure that the system for holding in the reset position of the movable abutment element is of identical or similar design to that of the retention system in the closed position of the output member described above, its deactivation is not then performed by coil following an electrical order, but for example by a mechanical part integral with the holding system in the closed position of the output member, and capable of mechanically ensuring the release of the pawl during the order of opening of the movable contact thus simultaneously causing the deactivation of the holding system in the closed position.

According to yet another alternative, it is possible to ensure that the system for holding in the reset position of the movable abutment element is of identical or similar design to that of the holding system in the closed position of the output member described herein. above, its deactivation then taking place by coil following an electrical command issued at the same time as the order of opening of the movable contact simultaneously causing the deactivation of the holding system in the closed position. In the latter case, the coils are then arranged in series in order to obtain a simultaneous deactivation. Or again, the coils are arranged in a circuit so that for a single opening order issued, the coil for deactivating the holding in the reset position of the movable abutment member acts an instant before the coil for deactivating the holding in the closed position of the output member.

With reference jointly to figures 17 and 18 it is possible to see a part of the control device 1 comprising a rearm position holding system 46 of the movable abutment element 11, according to an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention.

More specifically with reference to the figure 17 , the system 46 only partially represented comprises two similar entities 73 each cooperating respectively with one of the two rods 18, to maintain it with respect to the fixed element 10 when the movable abutment element 11 is in the rearmed position . It is one of these two entities 73 which has been schematically represented on the figure 18 in the reset position of the movable member 11 (not shown).

It can be seen that each entity 73 comprises a pawl 39 articulated along an axis 43 on the frame 4, and more specifically on an extension 75 of the fixed element 10, extending downwards relative thereto. In the activated configuration as shown and adopted when the movable abutment member occupies its rearmed position, the pawl 39 is held in abutment against a locking stop 37 articulated along an axis 77 on its associated rod 18, thus preventing a movement in the direction opening 6b of the rod 18 and therefore of the element 11 relative to the frame 4. As seen in the figures, the lower end of the stop 37 is in fact against a roller 79 carried by the ratchet 39, this roller 79 being mounted along an axis 81 parallel to the axes 43 and 77 above. To lock the pawl 39 in the position shown in the figures, it is first provided a locking piece 41, the two locking pieces 41 intended to equip respectively the two entities 73 being fixedly mounted with each other by means of a shaft 83 at the ends of which these parts 41 are rigidly supported. The shaft 83 is articulated at its two ends on the two frame extensions 75, as can be seen on the figure 17 . Each piece 41 then has a first extension 85 bearing against one end of the pawl 39 opposite the end by which it is articulated along the axis 43.

In addition, it is also provided a lever 47, articulated relative to the fixed member 10 along an axis 45 and retained in the holding position activated by a spring 87 as visible on the figure 18 , a holding position in which a low end 89 of this lever 47 bears against a second extension 91 of the locking piece 41.

At the end of the closing phase of the movable contact, the lever 47 is moved automatically and releases the locking pieces 41 of the entities 73 which retract, and which in turn release the pawls 39. As such, as is best visible on the figure 18 , it is indicated that the bearing face of the blocking stop 37 has a certain angle with respect to the axis of the rods 18, generating a force 101 via the spring 12 which makes it possible, during the movement of the lever 47, to push the pawl 39 which is able to push the piece block 41 released by the lever 47 at its second extension 91. Thus, the part 41 subjected to the force 103 by the pawl 39 can be released from the lever 47, while the pawl 39 can be released from the piece of blocking 41 articulated relative to the frame along an axis 93 parallel to the axis 45 and to the other aforementioned axes.

In this deactivated configuration (not shown) encountered at the end of the closing phase, the locking stops 37 are free, and the rods 18 secured to the movable member 11 can then move in the direction 6b by the spring effect 12 until the movable member 11 is stopped by the lower end 2b of the output member 2 being in the closed position.

During a resetting phase of the opening spring 12 resulting in the displacement in the direction 6a upwardly of the movable element 11 and the rods 18, the first element of the system 46 which comes into operation are the stops of blocking 37, which gradually establish contact with the pawls 39 during their ascent. Each stop 37 held in the extracted position by a spring 95 then folds down towards the axis of the rod 18 on which it is articulated, that is to say in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. figure 18 this drawdown thus resulting from the resting force of the roller 79 of the pawl 39 against the corresponding blocking stop 37, opposing the force of the spring 95.

Once the roller 79 has passed, the stop 37 tends to resume its extracted position under the effect of the spring 95, and therefore moves in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, its angle with the axis of the rod 18 increases again.

Then, the driving abutment 68, visible in particular on the figure 9 , retracts and releases the follower stop 80, and therefore the rod 18. The movable abutment element 11, pushed by the spring 12, and the rods 18, descend to the stable support stops 37 on the roller 79 ratchets 39. As shown in figure 18 the abutment 37 pushes the pawl 39 towards the first extension 85 of the locking piece 41, which in turn sees its second extension 91 pushed towards the lever 47, which itself is pressed onto a fixed abutment 105 of the frame 4 by the spring 87.

In this even more preferred embodiment, the reset position holding system 46 is designed to be automatically deactivated at the end of the closing phase described above, but preferably after the output member 2 has reached its end. closing position.

Indeed, at the end of the closing phase, a special link 49 of the chain 62 pushes a high end 97 of the lever 47 which then pivots by opposing the return force of the spring 87, and thus releases the two pieces of locking 41 of the two entities 73, through a contact break between the lower end 89 of the lever and the second extension 91. The locking pieces 41 thus released, there is then a pivoting of these parts 41 and ratchets 39 in the clockwise direction of the figure 18 , resulting from the bearing forces 101 and 103. Therefore, after pivoting the pawls 39, the locking stops 37 are released. In this configuration, not shown, which is adopted at the end of the closing phase after the output member 2 has reached its closed position, the retaining system 46 is then deactivated.

The action of the special link 49 of the chain 62 on the lever 47 is synchronized just after the retraction of the driving abutment 102, that is to say its entry into the passive portion 116, as visible on the figure 15c . Thus the motor has to provide this effort to move the lever 47, even if it is weak, only after having finished its task of putting the output member 2 in the closed position. In this embodiment, even more preferred, using a chain special link to drive by a stop deactivation of the holding system 46, the motor therefore never acts on the two springs 12 and 26 simultaneously, which advantageously makes it possible to optimize it. In addition, the synchronization between the special link 49 and the driving abutment 102 is possible because the chains 62 and 96 of the first and second drive means are intended to move in phase with each other.

At the moment when the rods 18 are released by the holding system 46, the movable stop element 11 of the spring moves slightly in the direction 6b moved by the spring 12 until it comes into contact with the lower end 2b of the output member 2, which is very close at that time. Since the driving abutment 102 is already in the passive portion, the locking abutment 36 fixed to the output member 2 has passed the holding system 34, and the output member 2 therefore stops at its stable position. where its upper end 2a is at point P1. The movable abutment member 11 remains in the position P'1 rearmed or close thereto, although the holding system 46 is disabled.

On receipt of a new opening command, the closed-position holding system 34 is deactivated, and the springs 12 and 26 drive the movable element 11 and the low end 2b of the output member in the opposite direction. 6b towards the opening of the movable contact. Thus, the only maintenance to be released during the opening is that associated with the holding system 34 of the member 2, which allows a better operational safety.

Claims (15)

1. A device (1) for controlling an electrical appliance including a moving contact able to occupy a closed position and an open position, said control device being designed to ensure the movement of said moving contact and comprising a fixed frame (4), an output member (2) mounted in translation relative to said fixed frame and having a connection end of the moving contact (2a), the device also comprising at least one motor (8) as well as a mechanical opening spring (12) housed between an element (10) fixed to said frame and a moving abutment element (11), said output member (2) being able to occupy a closing position making it possible to place the moving contact in its closed position and in which the connection end of the moving contact (2a) is located in a point P1, and an opening position making it possible to place the moving contact in its open position and in which the connection end of the moving contact (2a) is situated in a point P2 distinct from P1,
   characterized in that said control device is designed to be able to perform the following in succession:

   - during a phase of opening the moving contact, moving the connection end of the moving contact (2a) from point P1 to point P2, under the effect of said mechanical opening spring (12) that sets in motion said moving abutment element (11) which, through butting against it, drives the output member (2);

   - during a phase of resetting the mechanical opening spring, setting the moving abutment element (11) in motion under the effect of a switching-on of said at least one motor (8), keeping the connection end of the moving contact (2a) at point P2; and

   - during a phase of closing the moving contact, moving the connection end of the moving contact (2a) from point P2 to point P1, again under the effect of a switching-on of said at least one motor (8).
2. The control device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed such that during said phase of closing the moving contact leading to a movement of said connection end of the moving contact (2a) from point P2 to point P1, the energy stored in the mechanical opening spring (12) does not vary.
3. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed such that said phase of opening the moving contact, leading to a movement of said connection end of the moving contact (2a) from point P1 to point P2, is done only under the effect of said mechanical opening spring (12).
4. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises first transmission means (14) inserted between said at least one motor (8) and said moving abutment element (11), said first transmission means comprising at least one transmission assembly (58) provided with a driving abutment (68) provided to be moved along a closed line (70), the latter part having an active portion (90) along which said driving abutment (68) is capable of driving a following abutment (80) fixedly attached on said moving abutment element (11) with the aim of bringing the latter from a relaxed position to a reset position, and a passive portion (92) along which said driving abutment (68) no longer acting on its associated following abutment (80) allows said moving abutment element (11) to move from the reset position to the relaxed position.
5. The control device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said transmission assembly (58) also includes a chain or belt (62) supporting said driving abutment (68) and following said closed line (70), said chain or belt (62) being arranged between two wheels (64, 66), at least one of which is driven in rotation by said at least one motor (8).
6. The control device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said transmission assembly (58) also includes a driving abutment support path (74) hugged by said driving abutment (68) supported by said chain or belt (62).
7. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said following abutment (80) is arranged at the end of a rod (18), the other end of which is made integral with said moving abutment element (11).
8. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises second transmission means (16) inserted between said at least one motor (8) and said output member (2), said second transmission means (16) comprising at least one transmission assembly (60) provided with a driving abutment (102) provided to be moved along a closed line (104), the latter part having an active portion (118) along which said driving abutment (102) can drive a following abutment (110) fixedly attached on said output member (2) for the purpose of moving the latter part from said open position to said closed position, and a passive portion (116) along which said driving abutment (102) no longer acting on its associated following abutment (110) allows said output member (2) to move from said closed position to said open position.
9. The control device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said transmission assembly (60) also includes a chain or a belt (96) supporting said driving abutment (102) and following said closed line (104), said chain or belt (96) being arranged between two wheels (98, 100) at least one of which is driven in rotation by said at least one motor (8).
10. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 8, characterized in that said first and second transmission means (14, 16) are driven by said at least one motor (8), the latter part being formed by a single motor.
11. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a system (46) for maintaining said moving abutment element (11) in the reset position, as well as a system (34) for maintaining the output member (2) in closing position.
12. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed so as to deliver a linear output movement.
13. The control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said moving abutment element (11) is mounted slidingly relative to said output member (2) passing through that same moving abutment element (11), along a sliding direction (6) identical to a translation direction of said output member (2) relative to the fixed frame (4).
14. An electrical appliance including a moving contact able to occupy a closed position and an open position, characterized in that it includes a control device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. A method for controlling an electrical appliance characterized in that it is implemented using a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said method including the following successive steps:

    - opening the moving contact, under the effect of said mechanical opening spring that sets in motion said moving abutment element which, through butting against it, drives the output member, so as to obtain a movement of the connection end of the moving contact from point P1 to point P2;

    - resetting the mechanical opening spring, under the effect of a switching-on of at least one motor causing said moving abutment element to be set in motion, and while keeping the connection end of the moving contact at point P2; and

    - closing the moving contact, also under the effect of a switching-on of said at least one motor, so as to obtain a movement of the connection end of the moving contact from point P2 to point P1.

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