EP2073228B1 - Compact control for medium- and high-voltage electric devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The control (C) has a rotary actuator (100) closing a switch with a closing cam (102), and an actuator (400) opening the switch. Closing locking units (200) apply a locking effort to a plate (4) in a closing state of the switch and contact with the plate to maintain the switch in a closed state. The plate, the opening actuator, the closing cam of the rotary actuator and the locking units are placed such that efforts applied by the opening actuator, the closing cam and the locking units are in a plane of the plate. An independent claim is also included for an electrical high or medium voltage device comprising a switch.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to mechanical controls for medium and high voltage electrical equipment.

Such mechanical controls are known for example from the document EP 0 651 409 and document EP 1 178 505 .

These commands comprise several levers able to be rotated by means of an energy stored in springs, to cause the opening and closing of a switch.

In particular, a lever is provided for transmitting a closing force of the switch, a lever for transmitting an opening force of the switch, a lever for acting directly on the switch, a lever for locking the switch in the closed position and a lever allowing a damping of the command during a closing operation of the switch. This command has a very large footprint, a high realization complexity, and their cost is high.

Moreover, these different forces are transmitted by trees strongly stressed in torsion / flexion.

It is also known a mechanical control of a circuit breaker of the document EP 0 294 561 having a plate rotatably mounted on a first torsion shaft, in contact with a cam driven by a second torsion shaft for causing the closing of the circuit breaker, closing the circuit breaker causing the storage of energy in the first torsion shaft for opening the circuit breaker, the plate is also connected to locking means and damping means.

But this control uses a torsion shaft for closing the circuit breaker considerably increasing the size of the control, and whose transmission of the closing force to the cam requires a complex embodiment.

In addition, the control is connected to the switch, so that the control and the switch are biased by additional transverse stresses that may reduce the life of the switch or control.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mechanical control for high and medium voltage electrical equipment, simple and compact design with a reduced number of elements, and reduced cost compared to the controls of the state of the art.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The previously stated purpose is achieved by an opening and closing switch control having a platen, rotatably mounted on a mounting plate by means of a main shaft, means for opening and closing the switch, and means for locking the switch in the closed position, the plate, the means for opening and closing the switch and the means for locking the switch in the closed position being substantially in the same plane, the switch being connected to the main shaft. The number of parts is reduced, the order is more compact and the cost is reduced. In addition, a portion of the forces is transmitted by the plate and applies in the plane of the plate, not the tree, the constraints on the shaft are reduced.

In a particularly advantageous mode, the closing means of the switch comprise a cam cooperating with the plate to tilt and cause the closing of the switch. This cam is integral in rotation with a drive wheel, this wheel being driven by a spring fixed on the one hand to the wheel and on the other hand to the mounting plate so that the spring overlaps the plate. The order is then made even more compact.

The control therefore uses a lever plate to perform different functions, which reduces the dimensions, including the depth of control. This allows to have the closing spring in a plane parallel to that of the lever, the closing spring is then superimposed on the lever. The grouping of several levers in a single plate and the particular arrangement of the closing spring makes it possible to obtain particularly compact control.

With a particular embodiment of the invention, the storage of the mechanical energy of opening and the systems for maintaining and releasing the opening energy are carried out in a same plane.

The main shaft comprises for example a lever connected in rotation to the main shaft and connected to the movable contact.

• un actionneur rotatif de fermeture du commutateur avec un moyen de transmission de force,
• un actionneur d'ouverture du commutateur,
• des moyens de verrouillage en fermeture du commutateur, aptes à appliquer à la platine un effort de verrouillage de la platine dans un état de fermeture du commutateur,

ladite platine étant connectée à l'actionneur d'ouverture, l'actionneur rotatif de fermeture étant apte à venir en contact avec la platine pour la faire pivoter dans un sens de fermeture du commutateur et les moyens de verrouillage en fermeture étant aptes à venir en contact avec la platine pour maintenir le commutateur fermé,
la platine, l'actionneur d'ouverture, le moyen de transmission de force de l'actionneur de fermeture et les moyens de verrouillage en fermeture étant disposés de telle sorte que les efforts appliqués par l'actionneur d'ouverture, le moyen de transmission de force de l'actionneur de fermeture et les moyens de verrouillage en fermeture sont sensiblement dans un plan de la platine, dit premier plan.The present invention then mainly relates to a control switch for medium or high voltage electrical equipment, comprising a plate fixed on a main shaft rotatably mounted on at least a first mounting plate, said main shaft being orthogonal to the first mounting plate, and the plate being orthogonal to the main shaft, the main shaft being connected to the switch, the opening and closing are caused by a rotation of the main shaft adapted to be rotated by a tilting of said platen, said command comprising:

• a rotary actuator for closing the switch with a force transmission means,
• a switch opening actuator,
• closure locking means of the switch, adapted to apply to the plate a latching force of the plate in a closed state of the switch,

said plate being connected to the opening actuator, the rotary closing actuator being adapted to come into contact with the plate to rotate it in a closing direction of the switch and locking means closing being able to come into contact with the plate to keep the switch closed,
the plate, the opening actuator, the force transmitting means of the closing actuator and the closing locking means being arranged in such a way that the forces applied by the opening actuator, the transmission means the closure actuator and the closing locking means are substantially in a plane of the plate, said foreground.

The force transmission means may comprise a cam secured to rotate on a closing shaft parallel to the main shaft, intended to come into contact with a second zone of the plate to apply a tilting force to the plate fixed to the main shaft in a first direction of rotation to cause the closing of the switch, said cam being rotatably connected to a drive disk adapted to be rotated by elastic energy storage means comprising a closing spring, said closing spring being disposed in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, said closing spring being rotatably mounted by a first end on the first mounting plate and a second end on the drive disc.

The control may also include means for loading the closing spring, said means comprising means for rotating the drive disc in the same direction as that of the rotation caused by the release of energy stored in the closing spring. The means for charging the closing spring comprise, for example a gear train, driven by an electric motor, a pinion meshing teeth of the periphery of the drive disc.

In addition, the control advantageously comprises opening locking means adapted to exert a force of immobilization on the drive disk in a loaded state of the closing spring.

The drive disk, the pinion meshing with the drive disk and the opening locking means are advantageously arranged substantially in the same third plane, parallel to the first plane. This reduces the depth of the order.

Preferably, the closing spring overlaps the plate, which reduces the size of the control.

The opening actuator comprises, for example an opening spring adapted to drive the plate in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, to cause the opening of said switch, the opening spring being mounted on the same face of the first mounting plate as the plate, the closing spring being disposed on another face of the first mounting plate, the opening spring having a first end rotatably mounted on the first mounting plate of the same side than that of the first end closing spring relative to the plate, and a second end rotatably mounted on the plate.

Advantageously, the closing spring crosses the opening spring, which makes the control even more compact.

The closing shaft is preferably opposite the opening spring with respect to an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the opening spring and secant with the main shaft.

For example, the closing spring and the opening spring are coil springs working in tension.

The axis of the opening spring forms an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to a horizontal direction, which makes it possible to position the control horizontally or vertically.

The control may comprise means for damping the rotation of the plate under the action of the opening spring. Advantageously, these damping means are arranged inside the opening spring, which reduces the space requirement.

The closing locking means cooperate with an operating lever rotatably mounted on the plate.

The control can then include stop means for stopping the means for loading the closing spring when the required load of the closing spring is reached, said stop means comprising a wheel integral in rotation with the drive disk, said wheel having a step at its perimeter, said recess being adapted to cooperate with a mechanism for deactivating the loading means, said recess being oriented angularly with respect to the drive disk to correspond to a rotation of the drive disk corresponding to the required load.

The deactivation means form, for example a switch capable of interrupting the power supply of said motor.

The control may comprise means for isolating the means for loading the closing spring of the drive disc as soon as the drive disc has reached a top dead center corresponding to the required load of the closing spring, these means being formed by means of least one tooth of the drive disc radially retractable.

The locking means in closing and opening are, for example arranged on one side of the closing spring opposite to that containing the main shaft.

In a preferred example, the control comprises manual actuation means capable of alternately releasing the opening locking means and the closing locking means to allow the closing and opening of the switch respectively, which makes it possible to have a unique device for both unlocking in closing and opening the order, to reduce the size and cost.

The manual actuation means may comprise a lever rotatably mounted on the first mounting plate, disposed between the closing locking means and the opening locking means. the lever may be able to be actuated at a first end and intended to come into contact with one end with a lever of the opening locking means and with another end with a lever locking means closing to tilt said levers and allow the release of the closing energy and the opening energy respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, said lever may comprise a first portion and a second portion, the first portion carrying a second end adapted to cooperate with the lever, adapted to deactivate the opening locking means, and the second portion having a radial projection. adapted to cooperate with the lever, adapted to deactivate the closing locking means.

The closing locking means and the opening locking means are, for example, mounted on either side of the first mounting plate.

The gear train of the means for loading the closing spring are advantageously arranged on an opposite side of the closing spring with respect to the main shaft, closer to the closing shaft than the manual actuating means.

The control also advantageously comprises switch state indicator means, said status indicator means being arranged on the same side of the closing spring as the main tree. Said state indicator means comprise, for example, position indicator electrical switches, a visual position indicator and means for locking a lever, opening locking means, position indicator electrical switches, visual indicator position and the locking means being connected to the plate by connecting rods.

The control preferably comprises a second mounting plate parallel to the first mounting plate, the plate being disposed in a space between the plates, and in which the main shaft projects from one side of at least one of the plates. mounting, outside the space between the two plates.

For example, the plate is distributed in at least two parallel planes, the plate can then comprise several levers mechanically assembled in a fixed manner.

The present invention also relates to medium and high voltage electrical equipment comprising a switch provided with a movable contact in translation and a fixed pole, and a control according to the present invention.

The switch may comprise a shaft rotatable about its axis and a lever integral in rotation with the shaft, the lever being connected to the movable contact in translation, so that a rotation of the shaft about its axis causes a displacement in translation of the contact mobile, and wherein the main shaft and the switch shaft are coaxial and rotationally secured.

Alternatively, a lever is secured in rotation of the main shaft at its projection of one of the mounting plates, said lever being connected to the movable contact.

In another embodiment, the electrical equipment according to the invention comprises a connecting rod system for connecting the lever to the movable contact in translation of the switch.

The lever is for example connected to the movable contact in translation by a movable part in translation. Or the lever comprises an oblong slot in which is intended to be mounted with play an end of an element rigidly connected to the mobile pole in translation of the switch, or the lever comprises a toothed angular sector for engaging a toothed portion rigidly connected to the pole mobile in translation of the switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1A est une vue de face d'un exemple de réalisation d'une commande selon la présente invention,
• la figure 1B est une vue de côté de la commande de la figure 1A,
• la figure 2A est une vue de face isolée d'une platine de la commande de la figure 1,
• la figure 2B est une vue de côté de la platine de la figure 2A dans la commande,
• la figure 3A est une vue de face isolée des moyens d'entraînement en fermeture de la commande de la figure 1,
• la figure 3B est une vue de côté des moyens de la figure 3A dans la commande,
• la figure 4A est une vue de détail partielle de la figure 1A au niveau de moyens de verrouillage en ouverture afin d'expliciter la coopération entre les moyens de verrouillage en ouverture et le disque d'entraînement,
• la figure 4B est une vue de détail partielle de la figure 1A au niveau de moyens de verrouillage en fermeture afin d'expliciter la coopération entre les moyens de verrouillage en fermeture et la platine,
• la figure 4C est une vue de détail complète de la figure 1A comportant les moyens de verrouillage en fermeture et en ouverture coopérant avec des moyens d'actionnement manuel,
• la figure 4D est une vue partielle de côté de la figure 4A, et 4B,
• la figure 4E est une vue de dessus en perspective isolé d'un levier des moyens d'actionnement de la figure 4C,
• la figure 5 est une vue de détail de la figure 1A au niveau de moyens indicateurs optiques et électriques de position du commutateur,
• la figure 6A est une vue de côté d'un exemple de réalisation d'un appareillage électrique selon la présente invention,
• la figure 6B est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle de l'appareillage de la figure 6A selon un plan A-A,
• la figure 7A est une vue de face partiellement arrachée d'un autre exemple de réalisation d'un appareillage électrique selon la présente invention,
• la figure 7B est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'appareillage de la figure 7A selon un plan A-A,
• la figure 8A est une vue de face partiellement arrachée d'un autre exemple de réalisation d'un appareillage électrique selon la présente invention,
• la figure 8B est une vue en coupe longitudinale partielle de l'appareillage de la figure 8A selon un plan A-A,
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe longitudinale schématique d'un autre exemple de réalisation d'un appareillage électrique selon la présente invention.

The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows and the appended drawings, in which:

• the Figure 1A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a control according to the present invention,
• the Figure 1B is a side view of the command of the Figure 1A ,
• the Figure 2A is an isolated front view of a platinum from the control of the figure 1 ,
• the Figure 2B is a side view of the platinum of the Figure 2A in the order,
• the figure 3A is an isolated front view of the drive means closing the control of the figure 1 ,
• the figure 3B is a side view of the means of the figure 3A in the order,
• the Figure 4A is a partial detail view of the Figure 1A at the level of opening locking means in order to clarify the cooperation between the opening locking means and the driving disk,
• the Figure 4B is a partial detail view of the Figure 1A at locking locking means in order to clarify the cooperation between the closing locking means and the plate,
• the figure 4C is a complete detail view of the Figure 1A comprising the locking means in closing and opening cooperating with manual actuating means,
• the figure 4D is a partial side view of the Figure 4A , and 4B ,
• the figure 4E is an insulated perspective view from above of a lever of the actuating means of the figure 4C ,
• the figure 5 is a detail view of the Figure 1A at the optical and electrical indicator means of the switch position,
• the Figure 6A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the present invention,
• the Figure 6B is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of the Figure 6A according to an AA plan,
• the Figure 7A is a partially cut away front view of another embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the present invention,
• the Figure 7B is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of the Figure 7A according to an AA plan,
• the figure 8A is a partially cut away front view of another embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the present invention,
• the Figure 8B is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of the figure 8A according to an AA plan,
• the figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of an electrical apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the description, the height of the control is defined as the dimension in the vertical direction on the Figure 1A , the width, the dimension in the horizontal direction and the thickness the dimension along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of the Figure 1A .

On the Figure 1A an exemplary embodiment of a mechanical control C of a switch, in particular a circuit breaker according to the present invention, can be seen.

This command comprises two mounting plates 2, only one of which is visible on the Figure 1A , between which is rotated a plate 4 by means of a main shaft 6, the plate 4 is disposed substantially parallel to the mounting plates 2.

The main shaft 6 is rotatably mounted between the two parallel mounting plates 2 by means of bearings. In the remainder of the description we will generally mention only a mounting plate 2 for simplification purposes.

The plate 4 is intended to transmit forces between different actuators and a switch (not shown).

The main shaft 6 passes through the plate 4 substantially in a central portion thereof and is secured in rotation thereto by means of splines in the example shown. Other types of connection between the shaft 6 and the plate 4 are possible, for example by the use of hexagonal profiles, since no torque is transmitted to the shaft 6. The main shaft 6 is intended to be connected to a switch, more particularly to a movable contact of the switch, to cause an opening or closing of the switch.

The plate 4 has substantially the shape of a pentagon having five sides 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, two sides 10.1 and 10.2 of which form a concave angle 12.1 (FIG. Figure 2A ).

Each of the vertices 12.1, 12.2, 12.4 and 12.5 is connected to means able to exert or receive a force on or platinum.

The top 12.4 is intended to receive a force exerted by a rotary actuator causing the tilting of the plate in the closing direction of the switch, hereinafter referred to as closing actuator 100.

A roller 16 rotatably mounted at the top 12.4 is advantageously provided and is intended to come into contact with a rotary cam which will be described below, to reduce the frictional forces.

The top 12.5 comprises an operating lever 20 intended to cooperate with locking means in the closed position 200 of the plate 4.

The top 12.1 is connected to indicator means 300 of different positions taken by the switch.

The top 12.2 is connected to an actuator intended to cause the plate to tilt in a direction of opening of the switch, hereinafter referred to as the opening actuator 400.

The vertex 12.3 is, meanwhile, connected to any command in the example shown.

The rotation of the main shaft 6 is converted into translation of the moving contact of the switch.

In a first exemplary embodiment represented on the Figure 2B , the main shaft 6 has an end 6.1 projecting from the mounting plate 2 on which is fixed in rotation a lever 15 transmitting the force to the switch. The free end of the lever 15 can be connected to the moving contact by a connecting rod system, a rotation of the main shaft 6 about its axis causing a translation of the movable contact.

In another embodiment, the main shaft 6 is coaxial with a control shaft of the switch. This example will be described in detail later

In the example shown, the vertices 12.2, 12.4 and 12.5 are substantially at the same distance from the main shaft 6. But other embodiments are possible to obtain specific transmission ratios.

In addition, the vertices 12.2 and 12.4 are substantially symmetrical with respect to the main shaft 6. A judicious choice of the angles makes it possible in particular to avoid collisions between the different functional units (plate, springs, ratchet, cam) and to influence the reports of transmissions.

The top 12.1 is advantageously concave, to avoid collisions between the plate and the opening spring.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plate 4 comprises two parallel plates 4.1, 4.2 visible on the Figure 2B fixed in rotation to the main shaft 6, these plates 4.1, 4.2 being for example 20 mm apart.

In the following description, the plane of the plate designates, in the case of a plate formed by a sheet metal plate, the plane containing the plate, and in the case where the plate is formed by several plates, for example two parallel plates 4.1, 4.2 as in the example shown, any plane located between the two plates, parallel thereto.

The plate can then be made in such a way that it is actually contained in several parallel planes arranged close to each other. Indeed, it can be provided that the plate is made by stamping a sheet, or molding a metal alloy, or even by welding or screwing several levers, in order to achieve a plate formed of a set of different levers contained in several parallel planes, for example 20 mm apart. This particular configuration in several close superimposed planes does not cause significant stress on the main shaft 6, so it is not necessary to provide a large diameter shaft to withstand significant mechanical stresses. The control according to the invention always offers great compactness in height and width.

In the case where the two plates are separated by 20 mm, the plane of the plate designates all plane located in this interval 20 mm and parallel to the two plates 4.1, 4.2.

The closing actuator 100 shown in isolation is visible on the Figures 3A and 3B .

The closing actuator 100 comprises a cam 102 rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 2 by a shaft 104, called a closing shaft, by means of bearings 103.

The closing cam 102 is parallel to the mounting plate 2 and has substantially the shape of a crescent rotatably fixed on the shaft 104 at a point 105 connecting a portion of greater curvature 106 of the cam 102 and a part of smaller curvature 108.

The closure cam 102 is intended to come into contact with the roller 16 carried by the plate 4, on the contact zone defined between the tip 105 and the tip 110 on the side of the zone of the greatest curvature 106.

The contact between the contact zone 106 and the roller 16 causes tilting of the plate 4 in a direction of closure of the contactor, in the example shown, this corresponds to a rotation in the counterclockwise direction of the plate 4 around the main shaft 104.

The actuator 100 comprises drive means 112, formed by elastic means, in the example shown a coil spring 114, said closing spring. The spring 114 is mounted by a first end 114.1 free to rotate on the mounting plate 2 and a second end 114.2 on a drive disc 116 integral in rotation with the closing cam 102, also free to rotate. The drive disc 116 is fixedly rotatably mounted on the shaft 104.

The closing spring 114 works in tension.

The spring 114, more precisely its longitudinal axis is disposed in a plane parallel to that of the plate 4 and overlaps it. Indeed, the first end 114.1 fixed to the mounting plate 2 is located below the plate 4, and the second end 114.2 attached to the drive disc 116 is located above the plate. Thus the plane containing the axis of the closing spring 114 is superimposed on that of the plate 2. Thus, we obtain a control whose transverse dimensions are reduced, including its height and width. In addition, the use of a single plate combining several functions is made possible, as will be explained in the following description, to reduce the thickness of the command. The disposition of the closing spring 114 is such that the spring passes the side of the main shaft 6 and does not interfere with it.

The drive disk 116 is disposed above the plate 4 in the representation of the control.

The closing spring 114 is arranged to be positioned substantially along a diameter of the drive disk 116, its first end 114.1 being fixed to the mounting plate 2, opposite the drive disk 116 relative to the plate 4. The closing spring 114 extends substantially over the entire height of the control in the representation of the Figure 1A .

The closing spring 114 is intended to store elastic energy which, when it is released, drives the driving disk 116 in a clockwise rotation around the shaft 104, as well as the closing cam 102. .

The closing spring 114 is thus disposed in the control, so that the release of the elastic energy causes the rotation of the drive disk 116 in a clockwise direction causing the closing of the switch.

The loading of the closing spring 114 is carried out by clockwise rotation of the driving disc 116 around the shaft 104 by means of a rotary electric motor 118 which drives a gear train 120, one of which meshes with toothed perimeter 116.1 of the drive disk 116.

The electric motor 118 and the gear train 120 are arranged on one side of the drive disk 116 opposite the force transmission rod with respect to the plate 4.

The motor 118 drives the drive disk via the gear 120 which reduces the rotation of the motor 118. The gear comprises a freewheel coupling device (not shown), an exemplary embodiment of which is known from FIG. document EP 1 408 522 allowing the drive disk 116 to rotate rapidly during a switch operation without driving the motor.

The drive disk 116 further includes a retractable section (not shown) which decouples the motor 118 and the drive disk 116 as soon as the drive disk 116 has passed the top dead center position of the closing spring. 114. The top dead center is the full load position of the closing spring 114.

The retractable section is for example known from the document EP 1 369 886 .

The operation is as follows:

The disconnector is closed driven by the closing spring 114 via the drive disk 116, the closing cam 102 and the plate 4. The driving disk 116 rotates until the inertia of it is stored in the closing spring 114. The motor 118 is activated earlier.

The freewheeling coupling device couples the drive disk and the motor as soon as the rotational speed of the drive disk has decreased to the reduced rotational speed of the motor 118. The motor drives the drive disk. drive 116 to the top dead center of the closing spring 114. Beyond this top dead center, the closing spring 114 drives the drive disc 116 until it is stopped by the opening lock 600 The motor and the gear are then decoupled from the wheel 116 by the retractable section. The engine 118 is stopped by the switch 124, switched by the lever 126, whose position is controlled by the shape of the disc 130.

This example of driving in rotation of the drive disk 116 is in no way limiting and any other drive means may be suitable. For example, the spring 114, the motor 118 and the gearset 120 may be replaced by a hydraulic or pneumatic system or by an electric motor connected to the actuator 100.

The actuator 100 also comprises means 122 for switching off or energizing the motor and for controlling the load of the closing spring 114.

These means 122 comprise a switch 124 capable of interrupting the power supply of the motor when the required load of the closing spring 114 is reached.

The switch 124 is connected to a lever 126 by a transmission bar 128, the lever 126 being rotated when the required load is reached.

The lever 126 is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 2 and is intended to come into contact with an angular zone 130.1 of a control wheel 130 which is coaxial with the drive disc 116 and integral in rotation therewith. The angular zone 130.1 forms a recess on the outer periphery of the control wheel 130 radially inwards.

The lever 126 can then occupy two positions, a first position in which a free end 126.1 of the lever is in contact with the circular periphery of the control wheel 130 (shown in dashed line on the Figure 1A ) and a second position in which the free end 126.1 of the lever enters the recess 130.1 (shown in solid line on the Figure 1A ).

When the lever 126 is in the first position, the switch 124 is closed, the electric motor 118 is powered and the drive disc 116 is rotated causing the loading of the closing spring 114.

When the lever 126 is in the second position, the switch 124 is open, the electric motor 118 is not powered and the drive disk 116 is held stationary against the locking device 600 opening, the closing spring 114 is in a loaded state and the motor and the gear can terminate their rotation by inertia without acting on the disk 116, thanks to the retractable toothed segment.

The lever 126 is resiliently biased into contact with the control wheel 130 by a torsion spring 132.

The control wheel is advantageously sized to form a mass of inertia.

A visual indicator 134 of the spring load is also provided in the form of a disc rotatably connected to the lever 126, this disc is visible from the outside. The disc 134 has visual cues corresponding to the loaded / unloaded position of the spring 114.

The closure actuator 100 has the advantage of being safe and robust.

Moreover, it combines the means for loading the spring 114, the mass of inertia which makes it possible to control the time and the closing speed of the contactor, the control means of the electric motor for the loading of the closing spring 114 and the control a visual indicator of the load of the closing spring 114.

The opening actuator 400 comprises means for storing elastic energy, these means are formed by a helical spring 402, called an opening spring, rotatably mounted by a first end 402.1 on the mounting plate 2 and by a second end 402.2 on the plate 2 at the angle 12.2.

The opening spring 402 works in tension.

Advantageously, the damping means 500 are provided inside the helical spring 402, and also fixed to the plate 4 at the angle 12.2.

These damping means 500 or brake are intended to damp the movement of the plate when the opening spring 402 causes the tilting of the plate 4 in a direction of opening of the contactor. Such means are well known to those skilled in the art and for example the document EP 1 130 610 , and will not be described in detail.

Advantageously, the first end 402.1 of the opening spring 402 is fixed on lower possible on the mounting plate 2 away from the plate 4, opposite the opening cam 102 relative to the plate 4.

The opening spring / brake 402 is advantageously inclined at an angle of approximately 45 ° with respect to the vertical direction upwards and to the right of the Figure 1A .

When the elastic energy stored by the opening spring 402 is released, the plate 4 is driven in a clockwise direction, causing an opening of the contactor.

In the example shown, the opening spring 402 is a tension spring, which is loaded during a closing phase of the switch by tilting the plate 4 in the counterclockwise direction. This tilting causes a tension force at the second end 402.2 of the opening spring 402.

The distance between the axis of the main shaft 6 and the axis of the closing shaft 104 is equal to the maximum diameter of the cam, the radius of the main shaft 6 with a tolerance of + 30% of the maximum radius of the cam.

A judicious choice of distance between the various elements of the control makes it possible to further increase the compactness of the latter by reducing the unoccupied intermediate spaces.

On the Figures 4A and 4B , we can see in detail the closing locking means 200 which act on the plate 4 at the angle 12.5 and the opening locking means 600 which act directly on the drive disc 116. The locking means 200 and 600 are interposed between the opening spring 402 and the means for loading the closing spring 114.

The locking means 200 are intended to immobilize the plate 4 in a closed position of the contactor against the force of the opening spring 402, which tends to tilt the plate 4 in a direction of opening of the contactor .

The closing locking means 200 are such that they make it possible to immobilize the plate 4 subjected to a large torque by transforming it into a lower torque. The closing locking means 200 are arranged between the two mounting plates 2, since they cooperate directly with the lever 20 integral with the plate 4.

In the example shown, the closing locking means 200 comprise a system of levers, in series, supported by one end on the operating lever 20 rotatably mounted on the plate 4 at the angle 12.5.

The locking means 200 comprise a first lever 202, rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 2, intended to come into contact with an end 202.1 with an end 20.1 of the operating lever 20. The opening spring 402 applies a force at the plate 4 in the clockwise direction, the plate 4 then transmits to the operating lever 20 a force which it transmits to the first lever 202, the direction of application of which does not pass through the axis of rotation of the first lever 202, a torque M1 is then generated.

The locking means 200 comprise a second lever 204 rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 2, to which the first lever 202 applies a force by an end 202.2 on one end 204.1, in a direction not passing through the axis of rotation of the second lever 204, a torque M2 is then generated.

The torque to which the second lever 204 is subjected and which tends to rotate it clockwise is taken up by a puck 210 held stationary, forming a mechanical stop and able to be moved by electrical control means 212.

The locking means also comprise a third lever 206 rotatably mounted on the mounting plate, intended to cooperate directly with the puck 210 for manual unlocking by a lever which will be described later.

The electrical control means 212 comprise at least one electromagnet 214 capable of moving the puck 210 in order to release the second lever 204 in rotation in a clockwise direction, which releases in rotation the first lever 202, which releases the operating lever 20 and therefore the plate 4; it then switches in the clockwise causing the opening of the contactor.

Torsion spring type return means are also provided on each of the levers 202, 204, 206 and on the pallet 210 to return them to the locking position.

Rollers are advantageously provided on the levers at the ends intended to come into contact to reduce friction.

The operating lever 20 carried by the plate 4 is also biased into position by a spring 24. Thus, when the plate 4 can resume its initial position during a closing step and be locked in position by the locking means in closing 200.

The electrical control means 212 are actuated when the need to open the contactor is detected.

The manual opening means will be described later.

According to the present invention, the closing locking means 200 are arranged below the electric motor 118 and the drive wheel 116, laterally with respect to the plate 4.

Opening locking means 600 are also provided. Figures 4A and 4C , intended to immobilize the drive disk 116 against the force of the closing spring 114, which tends to tilt the plate 4 in a closing direction of the contactor. These are arranged in the example shown above the closing locking means 200.

The opening locking means 600 comprise, in a manner similar to the closing locking means 200, a system of levers ensuring the recovery of the torque exerted by the closing spring 114 on the drive disc 116 by a puck (not visible) immobilized by electrical control means with respect to the mounting plate 2.

The opening locking means 600 are mounted on the mounting plate 2 on the opposite side to that on which the closing locking means 200 are fixed.

The lever system comprises a first lever 604 for receiving a force from the drive disk 116, the first lever 604 being in contact by one end 604.1 with a roller 117 pivotable on the radially outer periphery of the drive disk 116 .

The force exerted by the closing spring 114 tends to rotate the drive disk 116, this force is applied to the first lever 604 in a direction not passing through its axis of rotation, a torque is then generated. This pair tends to rotate the first lever 604.

The pair is taken up by a puck held stationary, forming a mechanical stop and able to be moved by an electrical control means 612.

The opening locking means 600 also comprise a second lever 606 rotatably mounted on the mounting plate, intended to cooperate directly with the puck 610 for manual unlocking by a lever which will be described later.

The electrical control means 612 comprise at least one electromagnet 614 able to move the puck in order to release in rotation a first lever 604, which releases the disk drive 116, which then drives the plate 4 in the counterclockwise direction causing the closing of the contactor.

Torsion spring type return means are also provided on each of the levers 604, 606 to return them to the locking position.

A roller is also advantageously provided on the lever at the ends intended to come into contact, to reduce friction.

According to the present invention, the opening locking means 600 are arranged between the electric motor 118 and the closing locking means 200.

In addition, the opening locking means 600 are arranged to be able to act on the drive disk 116 and are located in an orbital position with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive disk 116, which provides certain freedom to position the locking means.

The plate is connected at its angle 12.1 to the indicator means 300 of different positions taken by the switch.

The indicator means 300 comprise electrical position indicator switches 302 (only one is shown on the Figure 1A for the sake of clarity) arranged below the plate 4, a visual position indicator 308 in the form of a disc disposed between the switches 302 and the opening spring 402, and opening locking means locking.

The switches 302 are controlled by the plate 4 by means of a connecting rod 304. Several switches 302, for example four are provided and controlled jointly by means of a bar connecting the four switches, this bar being itself connected to the connection bar 304.

The visual indicator 308 is in the form of a disk adapted to be rotated by a connecting rod 312 fixed free to rotate on the disk and on the plate 4. Thus a tilting of the plate 4 causes an angular displacement of the disk .

The indicator 300 comprises a rod 314 controlling the movement of the locking lever in opening 604 by the locking lever 315. The lever 604 is blocked and can not release a closing maneuver if the switch is not completely in position d 'opening.

Manual actuation means 700, locking means 200, 600 are also provided.

These manual actuating means 700 are, particularly advantageously, unique for the two locking means 200, 600. These comprise a lever 702 shown in full line in the rest position.

An embodiment of the lever 702 is shown from above on the figure 4E , the locking means in closing and opening are omitted for the sake of clarity.

The lever 702 is rotatably mounted between the mounting plates 2 and between the two locking means 200, 600.

The lever 702 has a first portion 703 intended to be on the outside of the mounting plates 2 and a second portion 704 intended to be inside the two mounting plates 2.

The first portion 703 extends parallel to the mounting plate 2 and has a first end 705 of manual operation and a second end 706 to cooperate with the opening locking means 600, to unlock manually.

The first end 705 is extended by the second portion 704, which extends substantially along the axis of rotation of the lever 702 and has a U-shaped radial projection 707 intended to cooperate with the closing locking means 200 , to unlock them manually.

When the operator switches, the lever 702 in the clockwise direction (position A in dotted lines) by manipulating the first end 705, the end 707 of the second part 704 abuts against the lever 206, the lever 206 comes into contact with the lug 208 projecting from the pallet 210, the latter pivots clockwise in the same way as an electric actuation, which releases the locking system closing.

If the operator moves the manual lever 702 counterclockwise (position B in dotted lines) by manipulating the first end 705, the second end 706 of the first part 703 bears against the lever 606 and causes the tilting of the palet 610 clockwise in the same manner as an electric actuation.

The shape of the lever 702 makes it possible to interact on the two planes corresponding to the locking system in closing and opening.

These manual actuation means have the advantage of being of simple design and of being unique for the closing and opening locking means, which makes it possible to reduce the number of parts of the control and thus to reduce them. cost price.

According to the present invention, the plate 4, the cam 102, the opening spring 402 with the integrated damping means 500 and the closing locking means 200 are arranged in the same plane and are arranged so as not to interfere with each other. with each other when moving.

Thanks to the present invention, the control is very compact and very robust, and has a reduced number of parts.

On the Figures 6A and 6B an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus comprising means for actuating the contactor allowing them to be mounted below the contactor and not on the side, as is customary in the apparatus of the state of the art, can be seen . These operating means can advantageously be associated with the control according to the present invention.

In the example shown on the Figures 6A and 6B the actuating means 800 comprise an intermediate bar 802 connected in rotationally movable manner at a first end 802.1 to a bar insulating 804 guided in translation along a Y axis by an insulating support column 806.

An upper end of the insulating rod 804 is connected to a pole of the contactor (not shown), and a displacement in translation of the insulating rod 804 causes displacement of the pole relative to another pole of the contactor, in a direction of approach or distance of the two poles and thus in a direction of closing or opening of the contactor.

Advantageously, guide sleeves 808 are also provided at an upper end 806.1 and at a lower end 806.2 of the column 806.

The intermediate bar 802 is rotatably mounted, a second end 802.2 opposite the first end 802.1, on a lever 810 which is mounted fixed in rotation on a control shaft 812.

The system formed by the intermediate bar 802 and the lever 810 forms a system of rods transforming a rotational movement of the shaft into a translation movement of the insulating rod.

These operating means make it possible to eliminate the parasitic forces and to have an output of the rod integrated in the control instead of a lateral output relative to the switch.

The actuating means 800 are particularly adapted to the control C according to the present invention shown on the Figures 1A to 5 , the shaft 812 is the shaft 6, the lever 810 is formed by the lever 15 and the intermediate bar 802 is mounted free to rotate on the lever 15.

In addition, these actuating means 800 make it possible to achieve a seal only at the lower part 814 of the apparatus and not on all the apparatus.

The actuating means 800 have the advantage of having few moving parts, these being also of reduced size. The maneuvering means are then very compact and consume little energy.

In addition, the present operating means make it possible to avoid buckling of the insulating rod, which is caused by the compressive stresses applied by the devices of the state of the art. Indeed, the rotational movement of the shaft 812 is transformed in a simple manner in linear motion to be transmitted to the insulating rod 804.

On the Figure 7A and 7B we can see another embodiment of operating means 900 of the contactor according to the present invention.

In a manner similar to the apparatus of Figures 6A to 6B , an insulating rod 904 is mounted slidable in an insulating support column 906 and is guided by sleeves 908 at the lower and upper ends of the column 906.

In this embodiment, no intermediate bar is provided, the operating means 900 comprise a lever 902 fixedly mounted by a first end 902.1 rotated on a shaft 912 and a second end 902.2 movable in rotation on a lower end of the insulating rod 904.

The mounting of the lever 902 on the insulating rod is performed with clearance by means of an oblong slot 910 to avoid transverse stresses of the insulating rod 904.

The lever 902 is shown in two positions, a position 1 ', in which the contactor is open and a position II', in which the contactor is closed.

The operating means 900 have the advantage of having few moving parts, these being also of reduced size. The maneuvering means are then very compact and consume little energy.

The operating means 900 also have the advantage of less stressing the insulating rod in compression.

The actuating means 900 are also particularly suitable for the control C according to the present invention shown in FIGS. Figures 1A to 5 , the shaft 912 is the main shaft 6, the lever 902 is formed by the lever 15 provided with an oblong slot at the free end 15.1 of the lever 15. On the Figure 6A control C is placed to the left of the operating means 900.

On the Figures 8A and 8B we can see another embodiment of operating means 1000 of the contactor according to the present invention.

In a manner similar to the apparatus of Figures 6A to 6B , an insulating rod 1004 is mounted fit sliding in an insulating support column 1006 and is guided by sleeves 1010 at the lower and upper ends of the column 1006.

In this embodiment, no intermediate bar is provided, the actuating means comprise a lever 100 mounted rotatably by a first end 1002.1 on a shaft 1012. The lever 1002 comprises a toothed angular sector 1002.3 meshing with a lower end 1004.1 the insulating rod 1004 provided with a corresponding toothing 1004.2.

A stop 1014 is provided at the lower end of the insulating rod 1004 in order to prevent the toothed sector from becoming more engaged with the toothed portion of the insulating rod.

Thus a rotation of the lever 1002 causes a displacement along the Y axis of the insulating rod 1004.

The operating means 1000 have the advantage of having few moving parts, these being also of reduced size. The maneuvering means are then very compact and consume little energy.

The operating means 900 also have the advantage of less stressing the insulating rod in compression.

The operating means 1000 are also particularly adapted to the control C according to the present invention shown in the Figures 1A to 5 , the shaft 1012 is the main shaft 6, the lever 1002 is formed by the lever 15 whose contour comprises a toothed sector. On the Figure 6A the control C is placed to the left of the operating means 1000. The toothed sector can advantageously be made directly on the lever 15.

It is also possible to envisage that the movement is guided in the disconnector by a rotary shaft 1102 constructed in the insulating support column of the disconnector as shown schematically on the figure 9 . The shaft 1102 crosses substantially perpendicularly a wall of the column 1103 in a sealed manner and is rotatable about its axis. The shaft 1102 is provided with two levers 1104, 1106 at each of its ends. The lever 1104 is mounted in the column 1103 and is mechanically connected to the insulating rod 1108. The lever 1106, called the external lever, is arranged outside the column and is mechanically connected to a force transmission rod. connected to the lever 15. The outer lever 1106 converts the translation of the rod 14 into a rotational movement of the shaft 1102. The inner lever 1104 transforms the rotation of the shaft 1102 into a translation of the insulating rod 1108. In this alternatively, sealing is more easily achieved, since it is performed on a rotary shaft and not on a sliding rod.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the main shaft 6 is coaxial with the shaft 1102 and is rotationally secured to it, for example by means of a sleeve. Thus, a rotation of the main shaft causes a rotation of the shaft 1102, and a sliding of the moving contact. This variant is conceivable when the main axis of the control according to the invention can be aligned with the control shaft of the switch. This variant has the advantage of being of simpler realization.

We will now describe the operation of the control according to the present invention.

The switch is assumed to be in the closed position with the loaded springs 402 and 114 in the position shown on the figure 1 .

When an order to open the switch is given, the electrical control means 212 are activated causing the movement of the puck 210, the closing locking means 200 are then deactivated, releasing the plate 4 which switches clockwise under the action of the opening spring 402.

When a close command is given, the electrical control means 612 are activated, causing the movement of the puck and the pivoting release of the lever 604. The driving disc 116 can then rotate under the action of the closing spring 114 , driving with it the closing cam 102. The closing cam 102 then comes into contact with the plate 4 at the top 12.4, causing it to tilt in the counterclockwise direction. The main shaft 6 is rotated, causing rotation of the lever 15 which moves up the rod 14, closing the switch.

Counterclockwise tilting also causes loading of the opening spring 402, which is then ready for a new opening phase. The closing locking means 200 are also active again.

The loading of the closing spring 114 then takes place. In a first step, the rotational inertia of the drive disk 116 is used to partially load the closing spring 114. Then, when the speed of rotation of the disk 116 decreases to reach that of the gear, the free wheel becomes blocking and the motor 118 rotates the drive disk 116 completing the tensioning of the closing spring until the top dead center of the closing spring 114 is exceeded. The indicator 134 informs the load of the closing spring 114 the motor 118 is stopped by switching the switch 124 and the closing spring 114 continues the rotation of the driving disk 116.

The locking in opening is then carried out automatically, when the roller 117 reaches the support on the locking system in opening 600.

When an opening command is given, the electrical control means 212 are activated, causing the movement of the puck 210 and the pivotal release of the lever 204, then of the lever 202. The plate 4 can then turn clockwise under the action of the opening spring 402, driving with it the main shaft 6 and the lever 15 (example shown in FIG. figure 9 ), the transmission rod of force 14 is then moved downwards, causing the opening of the switch.

The opening and closing of the switch can also be manually controlled by operating the lever 702 as previously described.

We have therefore realized a compact, robust and simplified implementation. In addition, its cost price is reduced compared to orders of the state of the art.

Claims (21)

1. A operating mechanism for a switch in medium or high voltage switchgear, including a rocker plate (4) fixed on a main shaft (6) that is mounted for rotation on at least one first mounting plate (2), said main shaft (6) being orthogonal to the first mounting plate, and the rocker plate being orthogonal to the main shaft (6), the main shaft (6) being coupled to the switch, whereby opening and closing of the switch are caused to take place by rotation of the main shaft (6), the main shaft being adapted to be rotated by tilting movement of said rocker plate (4), and said operating mechanism further including:

   - a rotary closing actuator (100) with a force transmitting means (102), for closing the switch;

   - an opening actuator (400) for opening the switch; and

   - closed switch locking means (200) for locking the switch in a closed state, said locking means being adapted to apply to the rocker plate (4) a locking force to lock the rocker plate (4) when the switch is in its closed state;
   said rocker plate being linked to the opening actuator (400), the rotary closing actuator (100) being adapted to make contact with the rocker plate whereby to cause the rocker plate to pivot in a direction corresponding to closing of the switch, and the closed switch locking means being adapted to make contact with the rocker plate whereby to hold the switch closed; and
   the rocker plate, the opening actuator (400), the force transmitting means of the closing actuator (100), and the closed switch locking means (200) being so disposed that the forces applied by the opening actuator (400), the force transmitting means of the closing actuator, and the closed switch locking means (200) are all substantially in one plane of the rocker plate, referred to as the first plane.
2. A operating mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the force transmitting means (102) consists of a cam that is fixed on, and rotatable with, a closing shaft (104) parallel to the main shaft (6), the cam being adapted to make contact with a second zone of the rocker plate, whereby to apply a tilting force, in a first direction of rotation, to the rocker plate fixed to the main shaft (6) so as to cause the switch to close, said cam (102) being rotatable with a drive disk (116) that is adapted to be driven in rotation by elastic energy storage means (114) comprising a closing spring (114), said closing spring being disposed in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, and said closing spring (114) being rotatably mounted at a first end thereof on the first mounting plate (2), and, at a second end of the spring, on the drive disk (116).
3. A operating mechanism according to claim 2, further including open switch locking means (600) adapted to exert a force holding the drive disk (116) stationary when the closing spring (112) is in a loaded state.
4. A operating mechanism according to claim 3, further including means for loading the closing spring, said means for loading the closing spring comprising a train of toothed wheels (120) driven by an electric motor, with one said toothed wheel meshing with teeth on the periphery of the drive disk, and wherein the drive disk, the toothed wheel meshing with the drive disk, and the open switch locking means (600) are disposed substantially in a common third plane parallel to the first plane.
5. A operating mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the closing spring (114) overlies the rocker plate (4).
6. A operating mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the opening actuator (400) includes an opening spring (402) that is adapted to urge the rocker plate (4) in a second direction of rotation opposed to the first direction of rotation, whereby to cause said switch to be opened, the opening spring (402) being mounted on the same face of the first mounting plate (2) as the rocker plate (4), the closing spring (114) being disposed on another face of the first mounting plate (2), the opening spring having a first end rotatably mounted on the first mounting plate, on the same side of the mounting plate as the first end of the closing spring relative to the rocker plate, and the opening spring further having a second end rotatably mounted on the rocker plate.
7. A operating mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the closing spring (114) crosses over the opening spring (402).
8. A operating mechanism according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the closing shaft (104) lies on the opposite side, relative to an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis of the opening spring (402), and which intersects the main shaft (6), from the opening spring (402).
9. A operating mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the closed switch locking means (200) cooperate with a operating lever (20) which is rotatably mounted on the rocker plate (4).
10. A operating mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 9 in combination with claim 5, further including manual actuating means (700) adapted to release, alternately, the open switch locking means (600) and the closed switch locking means (200), so as to enable the switch to be closed and opened respectively, said manual actuating means (700) comprising an actuating lever (702) rotatably mounted on the first mounting plate (2) and disposed between the closed switch locking means and the open switch locking means.
11. A operating mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuating lever is adapted to be operated at a first end (705) thereof, and is arranged to make contact through an end of the actuating lever with a lever (606) of the open switch locking means (600), and through another end of the actuating lever with a lever (206) of the closed switch locking means (200), so as to cause said levers (606, 206) to tilt whereby to release switch closing energy and switch opening energy respectively.
12. A operating mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein said actuating lever (702) consists of a first portion (703) and a second portion (704), the first portion including a second end (706), which is the end for cooperation with said lever (606) for de-activating the open switch locking means (600), and the second portion including a radial projecting element (707) which is the end for cooperation with said lever (206) for de-activating the closed switch locking means (200).
13. A operating mechanism according to any preceding claim in combination with claim 3, wherein the closed switch locking means (200) and the open switch locking means (600) are mounted on either side of the first mounting plate (2).
14. A operating mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the rocker plate (4) is disposed in at least two parallel planes.
15. Medium and high voltage switchgear including a switch having a contact or pole movable in a straight line and a fixed pole, and further including a operating mechanism according to any preceding claim.
16. Switchgear according to the preceding claim, wherein the switch includes a shaft rotatable about its axis and a switch actuating lever rotatable with said shaft, the switch actuating lever being coupled to said movable contact in such a way that a rotational movement of said shaft about its axis causes said movable contact to be displaced in a straight line, and wherein the main shaft (6) and the shaft of the switch are on the same axis as each other and rotatable together.
17. Switchgear according to claim 15, wherein a switch actuating lever is rotatable with the main shaft (6) and fixed to the maim shaft where the main shaft projects from one of the mounting plates, the switch actuating lever being coupled to the movable contact.
18. Switchgear according to claim 17, further including a rod system for coupling the switch actuating lever (15) to the movable contact of the switch.
19. Switchgear according to claim 17, wherein the switch actuating lever (15) is coupled to the movable contact by means of a movable member (802) displaceable in straight line motion.
20. Switchgear according to claim 17, wherein the switch actuating lever (15) has an oblong slot (910) in which one end of an element rigidly coupled to the movable pole of the switch is arranged to be loosely mounted.
21. Switchgear according to claim 17, wherein the switch actuating lever (15) includes a toothed angular sector (1002) adapted to mesh with a toothed portion that is rigidly coupled to the movable pole of the switch.

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