EP2204828B1 - Mechanism for coupling a high- or medium-voltage switchgear control, with improved compactness and cost - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to the field of control of electrical equipment with high or medium voltage provided with at least one switch.

The equipment covered by the invention may include up to three switches with different function: current switch, bar switch, earthing switch.

The invention relates more particularly to the controls which comprise a hooking mechanism whose disarming is capable of causing a closing / opening cycle of at least one operating switch of the electrical equipment.

The invention aims to propose a new structure of the snap mechanism.

PRIOR ART

A control of a high or medium voltage switchgear equipped with at least one switch comprises a mechanism usually called a double snap mechanism.

• on arme le mécanisme (on stocke de l'énergie pour effectuer les manoeuvres de fermeture et d'ouverture d'au moins un interrupteur de l'appareillage),
• on ferme l'interrupteur en libérant une partie de l'énergie stockée dans le mécanisme (on libère un accrochage dit accrochage de fermeture),
• on ouvre l'interrupteur en libérant le reste de l'énergie stockée (on libère l'accrochage dit accrochage d'ouverture).

The so-called dual latching mechanisms of a high or medium voltage switchgear control comprising at least one switch have, as operating characteristics, the following phases:

• the mechanism is armed (energy is stored to perform the closing and opening operations of at least one switch of the apparatus),
• the switch is closed by releasing a part of the energy stored in the mechanism (it releases a hooking said closing hook),
• we open the switch by releasing the rest of the stored energy (we release the hooking said opening snap).

Thus, the double latching mechanisms can store energy to perform two operations of at least one switch of the electrical equipment which is provided with a closing maneuver and an opening maneuver.

A known type of double-hook mechanisms is that comprising two spiral springs, typically having a high stiffness for high or medium voltage application. They are compressed during a maneuver called "arming" that can be performed manually (with a lever) and / or motorized. The arming of this mechanism is obtained, for normative reasons, by rotation in the same direction of rotation.

The mechanisms comprising two coaxial coil springs are preferred over those comprising one (or two) compression spring (s) because they make it possible on the one hand to design a compact system and on the other hand to obtain a ideal energy distribution since the torque supplied by each of the spiral springs is maximum at the beginning maneuver (when the spring is compressed to the maximum) and that it is always ideally oriented (zero radial force).

A double-hook mechanism already commercialized and using two coaxial coil springs to accumulate the energy necessary for closing and opening the switch is shown schematically in FIG. figure 1 . The frame of said command, as well as the switch of high or medium voltage switchgear are not shown: the movements and rotational connections of the various elements are described below with reference to the fixed frame.

• un premier organe rotatif dit roue de commande 1 qui est solidaire d'un axe dit axe de commande 10,
• un deuxième organe rotatif, dit système d'armement 2 qui est adapté pour être accouplé en rotation à la roue de commande 1 par l'intermédiaire d'un deuxième axe dit axe d'armement 20 susceptible de coulisser dans une lumière 11 pratiquée dans la roue de commande 1,
• un troisième organe rotatif dit roue d'ouverture 3 solidaire du système d'armement 2 par un troisième axe dit d'ouverture 30 emboité dans un logement 21 pratiqué dans le système d'armement 2,
• un quatrième organe rotatif dit roue de sortie / fermeture 4 comprenant un quatrième axe 40 dit axe de liaison permanente avec au moins un interrupteur de l'appareillage haute ou moyenne tension lorsque celui-ci est en configuration installée,
• deux ressorts à spirale 5, 6 montés coaxiaux, l'un dit ressort d'ouverture 5 est apte à ouvrir l'interrupteur de l'appareillage en se relâchant depuis un état comprimé et dont l'autre dit ressort de fermeture 6 est apte à fermer l'interrupteur de l'appareillage en se relâchant depuis un état comprimé; les deux ressorts 5, 6 ont chacun une de leurs extrémités fixée à la roue d'ouverture 3 tandis que l'autre extrémité du ressort d'ouverture 5 est fixée au bâti du mécanisme et l'autre extrémité du ressort de fermeture 6 est fixée à la roue de fermeture 4,
• deux doigts 7, 8 montés pivotants dans le bâti, l'un dit doigt d'accrochage d'ouverture 7 est apte à accrocher la roue d'ouverture 3 dans un état comprimé du ressort d'ouverture 5 et l'autre dit doigt d'accrochage de fermeture 8 est apte à accrocher la roue de fermeture 6 depuis un état comprimé du ressort de fermeture 6.

This known mechanism M comprises, in a stacking direction of parts, the following main elements:

• a first rotary member, called the control wheel 1, which is integral with an axis referred to as the control axis 10,
• a second rotary member, called the cocking system 2, which is adapted to be rotatably coupled to the control wheel 1 via a second axis, called the cocking axis 20, which can slide in a slot 11 formed in the control wheel 1,
• a third rotary member said opening wheel 3 secured to the cocking system 2 by a third axis called opening 30 nested in a housing 21 formed in the cocking system 2,
• a fourth rotary member called exit / closure wheel 4 comprising a fourth axis 40 said permanent connection axis with at least one switch of the high or medium voltage switchgear when the latter is in the installed configuration,
• two coil springs 5, 6 mounted coaxial, one said opening spring 5 is adapted to open the switch of the apparatus by relaxing from a compressed state and the other said closing spring 6 is adapted to close the switch of the equipment by relaxing from a compressed state; the two springs 5, 6 each have one of their ends fixed to the opening wheel 3 while the other end of the opening spring 5 is fixed to the frame of the mechanism and the other end of the closing spring 6 is fixed at the closing wheel 4,
• two fingers 7, 8 pivotally mounted in the frame, one said opening hooking finger 7 is adapted to hook the opening wheel 3 in a compressed state of the opening spring 5 and the other said finger of closing catch 8 is able to hook the closing wheel 6 from a compressed state of the closing spring 6.

In addition, unrepresented rotational coupling means are arranged between the opening wheel 3 and the exit / closure wheel 4 such that beyond a rotation of the opening wheel 3 counterclockwise, the latter rotates in the same direction the closing output wheel 4.

As schematized in figure 1 the mechanism M is in an initial state corresponding to the open switch. The springs 5, 6 are disarmed, the closing finger 8 hooks the wheel of exit / closure 4 while the opening finger 7 is free.

• mise en place d'un levier manuel de manoeuvre sur l'axe de commande 10 (le levier et l'axe de commande sont liés en rotation par un système de cannelure non représenté),
• rotation du levier manuel de manoeuvre dans le sens horaire afin de comprimer les deux ressorts 5, 6. Cette rotation du levier et donc de la roue de commande 1 liée en rotation conduit à une rotation du système d'armement 2 une fois l'axe de commande en butée dans la lumière 11 et à la rotation de la roue d'ouverture 3. La compression simultanée des deux ressorts 5, 6 a lieu jusqu'à ce qu'une partie de la roue d'ouverture 3 vient à être accrochée par le doigt d'ouverture 7 (le doigt de fermeture 8 étant initialement accroché). En effet, l'agencement de la partie accrochage (protubérance ou encoche) prévue sur la roue d'ouverture 3 est réalisé pour que dans une position donnée le doigt d'accrochage d'ouverture 7 vienne s'accrocher automatiquement sur ladite partie d'accrochage. Les roues 1, 2, 3 et 4 ainsi que le levier manuel de manoeuvre sont alors bloquées en rotation.

The manual arming operation of the mechanism M according to the state of the art is as follows:

• setting up a manual operating lever on the control shaft 10 (the lever and the control shaft are connected in rotation by a not shown spline system),
• rotation of the manual operating lever in the clockwise direction to compress the two springs 5, 6. This rotation of the lever and therefore of the control wheel 1 connected in rotation leads to a rotation of the cocking system 2 once the axis in which the two springs 5, 6 are simultaneously compressed until a part of the opening wheel 3 is hung up. by the opening finger 7 (the closing finger 8 being initially hooked). Indeed, the arrangement of the attachment part (protuberance or notch) provided on the opening wheel 3 is designed so that in a given position the opening hooking finger 7 comes to hook automatically on said part of hanging. The wheels 1, 2, 3 and 4 and the manual operating lever are then locked in rotation.

In this locking position, the mechanism M is in a state corresponding to the open switch, the springs 5, 6 compressed (or armed) and the gripping fingers 7, 8 respectively hooked on the opening wheel 3 and the exit / exit wheel 4.

• décrochage du doigt de fermeture 8 par un dispositif approprié (manuel du type bouton-poussoir ou automatique par remontée mécanique de l'information de fusion d'un fusible), ce qui permet la détente du ressort de fermeture 6 et donc la rotation de la roue de sortie 4 dans le sens horaire. La roue de sortie 4 étant liée à l'interrupteur par l'axe de sortie 40, sa rotation dans le sens horaire va donc conduire à la fermeture de l'interrupteur,
• décrochage du doigt d'ouverture 7 également par un dispositif approprié, ce qui permet la détente du ressort d'ouverture 5 et donc la rotation de la roue d'ouverture 3 dans le sens antihoraire qui par l'intermédiaire des moyens d'accouplement entraîne la roue de sortie/fermeture 4 dans ce même sens. L'interrupteur lié à la roue de sortie/fermeture 4 est également entraîné en rotation dans ce même sens.

A cycle or maneuver closing / opening a switch linked to a control equipped with a mechanism M is as follows:

• releasing of the closing finger 8 by an appropriate device (manual push-button type or automatic by mechanical rise of the fusing information of a fuse), which allows the relaxation of the closing spring 6 and therefore the rotation of the exit wheel 4 clockwise. The output wheel 4 being connected to the switch by the output shaft 40, its rotation in the clockwise direction will therefore lead to the closing of the switch,
• stalling the opening finger 7 also by a suitable device, which allows the opening spring 5 to relax and thus the rotation of the opening wheel 3 in the counterclockwise direction which, via the coupling means, causes the exit / closure wheel 4 in the same direction. The switch linked to the exit / closure wheel 4 is also rotated in the same direction.

At the end of the race, the closing finger 8 is automatically attached to the output wheel 4. The new state of the fully disarmed mechanism therefore corresponds to the initial state, that is to say with the open switch, the springs relaxed or 5, 6, the fastening gripping finger 8 in engagement with the closing wheel 4 and the opening gripping finger 7 free.

This mechanism M according to the prior art has the particular advantage of providing a maneuver cocking and closing in the same direction (clockwise).

• l'armement à la fois du ressort d'ouverture 5 et du ressort de fermeture 6 est réalisé en en une seule manoeuvre manuelle,
• en cas de fermeture de l'interrupteur sur court-circuit par exemple, le mécanisme doit être capable d'être ré ouvert immédiatement sans risque de blesser un opérateur présent à proximité de la commande sur laquelle le levier manuel serait toujours présent : en effet, lors d'une réouverture il y a alors le risque que le levier toujours présent soit ramené en arrière par le mouvement dans le même sens de la roue d'ouverture.

It also has the advantage of meeting the two normative conditions according to which:

• the arming of both the opening spring 5 and the closing spring 6 is achieved in a single manual operation,
• if the switch is closed on short circuit for example, the mechanism must be able to be reopened immediately without risk of injuring an operator present near the control on which the manual lever would always be present: indeed, when reopening then there is the risk that the always present lever is brought back by the movement in the same direction of the opening wheel.

To meet this last normative condition, the mechanism M according to the state of the art thus provides for a disengagement or in other words a disengagement between the cocking axis 20 and the light 11 made in the opening wheel 1.

The mechanism M according to the state of the art is not completely satisfactory because, it is complex to achieve, includes a high number of parts with in particular a stack of parts too important detrimental to cost and space of the mechanism. This stack of parts is due to the presence of the rotary arming system 2, the arming pin 20 which serves thus uncoupling or disengagement between the manual operating lever (and the opening wheel 1 which is connected thereto by splines) and the rest of the mechanism.

However, the larger the size of the mechanism, the more difficult it may be to integrate in the complete control ancillary functions (trigger coil, indication, locks ...).

• accumuler l'énergie nécessaire aux manoeuvres de fermeture et d'ouverture de l'interrupteur en une seule opération,
• réaliser une manoeuvre d'armement de l'énergie nécessaire aux manoeuvres de fermeture et d'ouverture proprement dites selon le même sens,
• délivrer un couple maximal en début de manoeuvre d'ouverture ou de fermeture,
• réduire le coût,
• être le plus compact possible afin de faciliter l'intégration des fonctions annexes (bobine de déclenchement, indication, verrouillages...).

The object of the invention is then to propose a new high or medium voltage switchgear control mechanism comprising at least one switch that satisfies the following requirements:

• accumulate the energy required for the closing and opening operations of the switch in a single operation,
• perform a maneuver arming the energy necessary for closing and opening operations proper in the same direction,
• deliver maximum torque at the beginning of the opening or closing maneuver,
• reduce the cost,
• be as compact as possible in order to facilitate the integration of ancillary functions (trigger coil, indication, interlocks ...).

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

• un arbre de commande,
• un premier organe rotatif dit roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture, solidaire de l'arbre de commande et adapté pour être mis en rotation par un levier manuel,
• un deuxième organe rotatif dit roue de sortie/ouverture montée libre en rotation autour de l'arbre de commande et à laquelle est fixé un axe,
• deux ressorts en spirale dont l'un dit ressort d'ouverture est apte à ouvrir l'interrupteur de l'appareillage en se relâchant depuis un état comprimé et dont l'autre dit ressort de fermeture est apte à fermer l'interrupteur de l'appareillage en se relâchant depuis un état comprimé, les extrémités intérieures du ressort d'ouverture et de fermeture étant chacune fixées à l'arbre de commande tandis que l'extrémité extérieure du ressort d'ouverture est fixée au bâti du mécanisme et l'extrémité extérieure du ressort de fermeture est fixée à la roue de fermeture,
• des moyens d'accrochage de fermeture et d'ouverture, montés pivotants entre deux états, l'un des états permettant le blocage de la roue de sortie/fermeture puis de la roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture par les compressions simultanées du ressort de fermeture et du ressort d'ouverture par l'intermédiaire du levier manuel en rotation dans un sens, l'autre des états permettant successivement la rotation de la roue de sortie/fermeture puis de la roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture dans le sens opposé par les relâchements successifs du ressort de fermeture et d'ouverture,
• des moyens d'accouplement entre le levier manuel et la roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture, lesdits moyens d'accouplement étant intégrés sur l'épaisseur de la roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture et conçus pour réaliser un désaccouplement entre ladite roue et le levier manuel en fin de course d'armement.

To do this, the subject of the invention is a so-called high or medium voltage electrical equipment control coupling mechanism provided with at least one switch comprising:

• a control shaft,
• a first rotary member, said combined control, cocking and opening wheel, integral with the control shaft and adapted to be rotated by a manual lever,
• a second rotary member, called an exit / opening wheel mounted free to rotate around the control shaft and to which an axis is fixed,
• two spiral springs, one of which said opening spring is able to open the switch of the apparatus by relaxing from a compressed state and the other said closing spring is able to close the switch of the apparatus by releasing from a compressed state, the inner ends of the opening and closing spring being each attached to the drive shaft while the outer end of the opening spring is attached to the mechanism frame and the end outer of the closing spring is attached to the closing wheel,
• fastening means for closing and opening pivotally mounted between two states, one of the states allowing the blocking of the exit / closure wheel and then the combined wheel for controlling, cocking and opening by the simultaneous compression of the closing spring and the opening spring by means of the manual lever rotated in one direction, the other of the states successively allowing the rotation of the exit / closure wheel and then the combined control wheel, d arming and opening in the opposite direction by the successive releases of the closing and opening spring,
• coupling means between the manual lever and the combined control wheel, arming and opening, said coupling means being integrated on the thickness of the combined wheel control, arming and opening and designed to disengage between said wheel and the manual lever at the end of the arming stroke.

Compared to the double latching mechanism M according to the state of the art represented in FIG. figure 1 and as mentioned above, the inventors have judiciously thought to reduce the number of layers of rotating parts to two (instead of four) by integrating the functions of opening, arming, and control on the same wheel and incorporating disengagement or disengagement means at the end of the arming stroke between the operating lever and the combined wheel on the thickness of the latter.

• d'une part, il n'y a plus qu'à fabriquer une roue combinée d'armement, d'ouverture et de commande au lieu de trois différentes comme dans l'art antérieur,
• d'autre part, l'épaisseur totale du mécanisme (encombrement selon l'axe de rotation des roues) est réduite.

All other things being equal, the economic and volume gains are undeniable since:

• on the one hand, there is only to manufacture a combined arming, opening and control wheel instead of three different as in the prior art,
• on the other hand, the total thickness of the mechanism (size along the axis of rotation of the wheels) is reduced.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mechanism constitutes a double-hooking mechanism and the attachment means consist of two separate fingers, one of which is a closing engagement finger pivotally mounted opposite the closing wheel and able to lock it in a compression position of the closing spring, the other said opening hooking finger pivotally mounted opposite the opening wheel and adapted to block it in a position of compression of the opening spring.

Preferably, the opening finger and the closing finger are pivotally mounted on the same axis.

A double latching mechanism according to the invention can be particularly used in the so-called "normal / emergency" applications that are encountered when part of an electrical network must always be supplied permanently (for example hospitals). In this case, the part of the electrical network comprises two separate power sources, one being active while the other remains inactive. Thus, when the main source active in normal conditions fails, its associated switch opens while the so-called emergency switch closes under the action of the release of the closing energy of the double latching mechanism which is dedicated. When the main source is restored, its switch is closed and the emergency switch is then automatically re-opened by releasing the opening energy of the dedicated double latching mechanism.

According to an alternative, the closing fastening means can be released automatically at the end of the arming maneuver. This can be made possible for example by ejection of a closing finger. We do so somehow a simple snap mechanism by making the closing snap temporarily. A simple snap mechanism according to the invention thus has, after a closing of the switch, immediately after the arming phase, enough energy to be able to open the switch by releasing an opening hooking means. . The main application of this type of simple snap mechanism is the fuse-protected switches whose melting causes mechanical actuation of the mechanism, the latter opening the switch with the appropriate switch disconnector equipment equipment.

The means of coupling and uncoupling at the end of arming between the manual lever and the combined opening, arming and control wheel which are integrated on the thickness of the latter advantageously comprise a fixed mechanical stop and a finger said control finger pivotally mounted on the combined wheel between two positions one said control position in which it delimits a space with the combined wheel inside a portion of the manual lever can be inserted by being locked in rotation to achieve the coupling and the other said so-called ejection position in which the portion of the manual lever is free to perform the uncoupling at the end of arming, the passage from the control position to the ejection position being caused by the setting in support of the control finger or a member secured to the control finger on the mechanical stop after a lever rotation stroke manual that allowed the compression of the springs opening and closing and their attachment.

The bearing on the mechanical stop is preferably carried out by direct contact of a lever part which is fixed on the control finger, the lever arm between the fulcrum of the lever on the stop and the point of attachment. from the lever to the control finger being made so as to reduce to a predetermined value, the effort at the end of the manual cocking lever. The use of a lever arm system adapted with the control finger significantly reduces the forces at the end of manual arming lever at a predetermined value typically of the order of 250N. This takes into account the fact that by technical specification, the effort at the end of the manual arming lever must not exceed a value of the order of 250N. However, the length of the manual arming lever must not increase the size of the control functional unit which comprises the mechanism according to the invention, which means that it is not possible to increase this length to reduce efforts.

At least one wheel or both wheels (combined arming, opening and control wheel and exit / closing wheel) according to the invention may be made of thermoplastic material.

The invention also relates to high or medium voltage electrical equipment provided with at least one switch, comprising a control provided with a hook mechanism as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un mécanisme à double accrochage (M) selon l'état de l'art,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un mécanisme à double accrochage (Mi) selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective du mécanisme (Mi) selon la figure 2,
• les figures 4A et 4B montrent en vue de dessus les étapes d'armement manuel du mécanisme (Mi) selon les figures 2 et 3,
• les figures 5A et 5B montrent en vue de dessus les étapes d'un cycle de manoeuvre de fermeture/ouverture d'un interrupteur lié à une commande comprenant le mécanisme (Mi) selon les figures 2 et 3,
• la figure 6 illustre en vue en perspective les moyens d'accouplement et de désaccouplement en fin d'armement entre le levier manuel d'armement et le mécanisme (Mi) selon l'invention,
• Les figures 6A à 6E illustrent schématiquement en vue de dessus les différentes étapes d'armement et de désaccouplement au niveau les moyens d'accouplement et de désaccouplement en fin d'armement entre le levier manuel d'armement et le mécanisme (Mi) selon la figure 6.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of illustration with reference to the following figures:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a double latching mechanism (M) according to the state of the art,
• the figure 2 is a diagrammatic view in axial section of a double-hook mechanism (Mi) according to the invention,
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the mechanism (Mi) according to the figure 2 ,
• the Figures 4A and 4B show in plan view the manual arming steps of the mechanism (Mi) according to the figures 2 and 3 ,
• the Figures 5A and 5B show in plan view the steps of a closing / opening operation cycle of a switch linked to a control comprising the mechanism (Mi) according to the figures 2 and 3 ,
• the figure 6 illustrates in perspective view the means of coupling and uncoupling at the end of arming between the manual cocking lever and the mechanism (Mi) according to the invention,
• The Figures 6A to 6E schematically illustrate in a view from above the different stages of arming and uncoupling at the level of the means of coupling and uncoupling at the end of arming between the manual arming lever and the mechanism (Mi) according to the figure 6 .

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

The double latching mechanism (M) according to the state of the art has already been commented on above and will not be discussed below.

For the sake of clarity, the elements common to the double latching mechanism according to the state of the art (M) and to the double latching mechanism according to the invention (Mi) are designated by the same reference numerals.

• un premier organe rotatif dit roue de commande 1 qui est solidaire d'un axe dit axe de commande 10 adapté pour être mis en rotation par un levier manuel 9. Cette roue fait comme expliqué ci-après également fonction de roue d'ouverture 2 et intègre un système d'armement 3,
• un arbre de commande 12 solidaire de la roue 1, 2, 3 combinée de commande d'ouverture et d'armement,
• un deuxième organe rotatif dit roue de sortie / fermeture 4 comprenant un axe 40 dit axe de liaison permanente avec au moins un interrupteur de l'appareillage haute ou moyenne tension lorsque celui-ci est en configuration installée,
• deux ressorts à spirale 5, 6 montés coaxiaux, l'un dit ressort d'ouverture 5 est apte à ouvrir l'interrupteur de l'appareillage en se relâchant depuis un état comprimé et dont l'autre dit ressort de fermeture 6 est apte à fermer au moins un interrupteur de l'appareillage en se relâchant depuis un état comprimé; les deux ressorts 5, 6 ont chacun une de leur extrémité intérieure fixée à l'arbre de commande 12 tandis que l'extrémité extérieure du ressort d'ouverture 5 est fixée au bâti du mécanisme et l'extrémité extérieure du ressort de fermeture 6 est fixée à la roue de fermeture 4,
• deux doigts 7, 8 montés pivotants dans le bâti, l'un dit doigt d'accrochage d'ouverture 7 est apte à accrocher la roue d'ouverture 1, 2, 3 dans un état comprimé du ressort d'ouverture 5 et l'autre dit doigt d'accrochage de fermeture 8 est apte accrocher la roue de fermeture 4 depuis un état comprimé du ressort de fermeture 6,
• des moyens 11, 110, 111 d'accouplement entre le levier manuel 9, 90 et la roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture, 1, 2, 3 lesdits moyens d'accouplement étant intégrés sur l'épaisseur de la roue combinée de commande, d'armement et d'ouverture et conçus pour réaliser un désaccouplement entre ladite roue et le levier manuel en fin de course d'armement (figure 6).

The mechanism according to the invention (Mi) comprises, in a stacking direction of parts, the following main elements:

• a first rotary member, called a control wheel 1, which is integral with an axis referred to as a control shaft 10 adapted to be rotated by a manual lever 9. This wheel, as explained hereinafter, also functions as an opening wheel 2 and integrates an arming system 3,
• a control shaft 12 integral with the wheel 1, 2, 3 combined opening and arming control,
• a second rotary member called an exit / closure wheel 4 comprising an axis 40 called permanent link axis with at least one switch of the high or medium voltage switchgear when the latter is in the installed configuration,
• two coil springs 5, 6 mounted coaxial, one said opening spring 5 is adapted to open the switch of the apparatus by relaxing from a compressed state and the other said closing spring 6 is adapted to closing at least one switch of the apparatus while relaxing from a compressed state; the two springs 5, 6 each have one of their inner end fixed to the control shaft 12 while the outer end of the opening spring 5 is fixed to the frame of the mechanism and the outer end of the closing spring 6 is attached to the closing wheel 4,
• two fingers 7, 8 pivotally mounted in the frame, one said opening hooking finger 7 is adapted to hook the opening wheel 1, 2, 3 in a compressed state of the opening spring 5 and the other said closing hooking finger 8 is able to hook the closing wheel 4 from a compressed state of the closing spring 6,
• coupling means 11, 110, 111 between the manual lever 9, 90 and the combined control wheel, arming and opening, 1, 2, 3 said coupling means being integrated on the thickness of the combined control, arming and opening wheel and designed to disengage between said wheel and the manual lever at the end of the arming stroke ( figure 6 ).

As schematized in figure 2 the mechanism according to the invention Mi is in an initial state corresponding to the open switch. The springs 5, 6 are disarmed, the closing finger 8 catches the exit / closure wheel 4 while the opening finger 7 is free.

• mise en place du levier de manoeuvre 9 dans l'axe de commande 10 comme expliqué par la suite en référence aux figures 6 à 6E,
• rotation du levier manuel 9 de manoeuvre dans le sens horaire. Cette rotation du levier 9 et donc de la roue combinée d'armement, d'ouverture et de commande 1, 2, 3 et de l'arbre de commande 12 conduit à une compression des deux ressorts spirale 5, 6 (figure 4A). La rotation du levier 9 s'interrompt lorsque le doigt d'ouverture est accroché et lorsque le levier est débrayé de la roue de commande. Dans cette position de blocage, le mécanisme Mi selon l'invention est dans un état correspondant à l'interrupteur ouvert, les ressorts 5, 6 comprimés (ou armés) et les doigts d'accrochage 7, 8 respectivement accrochés sur la roue combinée d'armement, de commande et d'ouverture 1 et sur la roue de sortie/fermeture 4.

The manual arming operation of the Mi mechanism is as follows:

• placing the operating lever 9 in the control shaft 10 as explained later with reference to Figures 6 to 6E ,
• rotation of the manual lever 9 to maneuver clockwise. This rotation of the lever 9 and thus of the combined arming, opening and control wheel 1, 2, 3 and of the control shaft 12 leads to a compression of the two spiral springs 5, 6 ( Figure 4A ). The rotation of the lever 9 stops when the opening finger is hooked and when the lever is disengaged from the control wheel. In this locking position, the mechanism Mi according to the invention is in a state corresponding to the open switch, the springs 5, 6 compressed (or armed) and the gripping fingers 7, 8 respectively hung on the combined wheel d arming, control and opening 1 and on the exit / exit wheel 4.

• décrochage ou déclenchement du doigt de fermeture 8 par pivotement et sortie du pion 80 d'accrochage de la roue de fermeture 4, ce qui permet la détente du ressort de fermeture 6 et donc la rotation de la roue de sortie 4 dans le sens horaire. La roue de sortie étant liée à l'interrupteur, sa rotation dans le sens horaire va donc conduire à la fermeture de l'interrupteur. Dans cette nouvelle position de blocage, le mécanisme selon l'invention est dans un état correspondant à l'interrupteur fermé, le ressort de fermeture 6 relâché ou désarmé, le ressort d'ouverture 5 comprimé ou armé, le doigt d'accrochage 8 de fermeture libéré et le doigt d'accrochage d'ouverture accroché sur la roue combinée d'armement, de commande et d'ouverture 1 (figure 5A),
• décrochage ou déclenchement du doigt d'ouverture 7 de l'encoche 100 de la roue combinée d'ouverture, de commande et d'armement 1 ce qui conduit à sa rotation dans le sens antihoraire. Les moyens d'accouplement 13, 41 entre la roue 1 et la roue de sortie 4 sont agencés de sorte que, la rotation de la roue 1 dans le sens antihoraire entraîne également la rotation de la roue de sortie 4 (et donc de l'interrupteur qui lui est lié) dans ce même sens.

A closing / opening operation cycle of a high or medium voltage switch linked to a control comprising the mechanism Mi according to the invention is as follows:

• stall or release of the closing finger 8 by pivoting and output of the pin 80 for hooking the closing wheel 4, which allows the relaxation of the closing spring 6 and thus the rotation of the output wheel 4 in the clockwise direction. The output wheel being linked to the switch, its clockwise rotation will therefore lead to the closing of the switch. In this new locking position, the mechanism according to the invention is in a state corresponding to the closed switch, the closing spring 6 released or disarmed, the opening spring 5 compressed or armed, the gripping finger 8 of released closure and the opening hooking finger hooked to the combined arming, control and opening wheel 1 ( Figure 5A )
• stalling or triggering the opening finger 7 of the notch 100 of the combined opening wheel, control and arming 1 which leads to its rotation in the counterclockwise direction. The coupling means 13, 41 between the wheel 1 and the output wheel 4 are arranged so that the rotation of the wheel 1 in the counterclockwise direction also causes the rotation of the output wheel 4 (and therefore of the switch linked to it) in the same direction.

At the end of the stroke, the closing finger 8 is automatically attached to the output wheel 4. In this new locking position, the mechanism according to the invention is in a state corresponding to the open switch, the two springs of opening 5 and closing 6 released or disarmed, the closing gripping finger 8 hooked on the closing wheel 4 and the gripping finger 7 of free opening ( Figure 5B ).

On the figure 6 the part of the mechanism Mi relating to the means for coupling and uncoupling between the manual cocking lever 9 is shown and combined opening, control and arming wheel 1, 2, 3.

In this figure, it can be seen that the pin portion 90 of the manual lever 9 is housed in a space S delimited between a control finger 11 pivotally mounted on the wheel 1, 2, 3 and the latter, the finger 11 being moreover in contact with the wheel 1, 2, 3 in this nearest command position.

This control finger 11 is integrated completely on the height E of the wheel 1, 2, 3.

A lever member 110 is attached to the finger 11.

Another abutment member 111 is attached to the frame not shown. This stop 111 is also completely integrated on the height E of the wheel 1, 2, 3.

When an operator inserts the manual cocking lever 9 in the wheel 1, 2, 3, the pin 90 is housed in the space S.

The operator turns the manual lever 9 clockwise as explained above ( Figure 6A ).

At the end of a given rotational stroke, the pallet 110 bears directly against the fixed stop 111 ( Figure 6B ). In the illustrated embodiment of the Figures 6A and 6B , the rotation stroke is of the order of 65 °. In the rotational position of the Figure 6B , the attachment of the wheel 1, 2, 3 is then achieved by the opening hooking finger 7.

The combined actions of the rotation of the wheel 1, 2, 3 under the effect of the torque transmitted by the operator to the manual lever 9 and thus to the wheel 1, 2, 3 and the direct support of the lever 110 on the mechanical stop 111 have the simultaneous effect of continuing to rotate the wheel 1, 2, 3 and to rotate the lever 110 at the attachment 1100 of the control finger 11 on the wheel 1, 2, 3 ( Figures 6C and 6D ).

At the end of a certain rotational stroke, the pivoting of the lever 110 and therefore of the control finger 11 puts the latter in a so-called ejection position in which the pin 90 of the lever 9 is free because it is no longer maintained in the space between the finger and the combined wheel 1, 2, 3 ( Figure 6 E) . In the embodiment illustrated in figure 6E , the rotation stroke performed is of the order of 75 ° with respect to the initial position of the Figure 6A .

The kinematics of the double latching mechanism (Mi) according to the invention has been successfully tested using a kinematic software.

The mechanical strength of the main parts (wheels 1 and 4, spiral springs 5, 6 and fingers 7 and closing 8) has also been successfully validated using the digital simulation software marketed under the name "Ansys ".

In addition, a prototype double-snap mechanism has also been successfully tested.

• sa chaîne cinématique étant très simple de réalisation, son rendement est élevé,
• le nombre d'empilement de pièces qui le constituent étant limité, sa compacité est accrue,
• le nombre de pièces qui le constituent étant limité, son coût est réduit.

The double hook mechanism according to the invention Mi which has just been described has many advantages over the mechanism M according to the state of the art:

• its kinematic chain being very simple to implement, its efficiency is high,
• the number of stack of parts that constitute it being limited, its compactness is increased,
• the number of parts constituting it being limited, its cost is reduced.

Claims (8)

1. A latch mechanism (Mi) for a control device for high or medium voltage switchgear having at least one interrupter, the latching mechanism comprising:

   - a control shaft (12);

   - a first rotary member (1, 2, 3), referred to as a combined actuating, arming, and opening wheel, that is fastened to the control shaft (12) and adapted to be set in rotation by a manual key;

   - a second rotary member referred to as an output and closing wheel (4), mounted for free rotation around the control shaft (12), with an output shaft being fastened to the output and closing wheel;

   - two spiral springs (5, 6), one of which, referred to as the opening spring (5), is adapted to open the interrupter of the switchgear by being released from a compressed state, the other of which, referred to as the closing spring (6), is adapted to close the interrupter of the switchgear by being released from a compressed state, with each of the inner ends of the opening spring (5) and closing spring (6) being fastened to the control shaft (12), while the outer end of the opening spring (5) is fastened to the body of the mechanism and the outer end of the closing spring (6) is fastened to the closing wheel (4);

   - closing latch means (8) and opening latch means (7), both of which are mounted for pivoting movement between two states, one of which states is a state in which one said latch means is enabled to block movement of the output and closing wheel (4) and then of the combined actuating, arming, and opening wheel (1, 2, 3), by simultaneous compression of the closing spring (6) and opening spring (5), effected by rotation of the manual key in one direction, the other state permitting, in succession, the rotation of the output and closing wheel and the rotation of the combined actuating, arming, and opening wheel in the opposite direction by the release, in succession, of the closing spring (6) and the opening spring (5); and

   - coupling means (11, 110, 111) between the manual key (9) and the combined control, arming, and opening wheel, said coupling means being incorporated within the thickness (E) of the combined actuating, arming, and opening wheel, and being designed for uncoupling said combined wheel (1, 2, 3) from the manual key (9) at the end of the arming movement.
2. A control mechanism (Mi) according to claim 1, constituting a double latch mechanism in which the latch means consist of two separate fingers, one of which, referred to as the closing latch finger (8), is mounted for pivoting movement facing the closing wheel, and is adapted to block movement of the closing wheel in a position in which the closing spring is compressed, the other of which, referred to as the opening latch finger (7), being mounted for pivoting movement facing the opening wheel and being adapted to block movement of the opening wheel in a position in which the opening spring is compressed.
3. A double latch control mechanism (Mi) according to claim 2, wherein the opening finger (7) and the closing finger (8) are mounted for pivoting movement on a common axis.
4. A control mechanism (Mi) according to claim 1, wherein the closing latch means is adapted to be released automatically at the end of an arming operation.
5. A control mechanism (Mi) according to any preceding claims, wherein at least one of the wheels (1, 2, 3, or 4) is made of thermoplastic material.
6. A control mechanism (Mi) according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for acting, at the end of an arming operation, to effect coupling and uncoupling between the manual key (9) and the combined opening, arming, and control wheel (1, 2, 3), which are incorporated within the thickness (E) of said combined wheel, comprise a stationary mechanical abutment (111) and a finger, referred to as the control finger (11), that is mounted for pivoting movement on the combined wheel between two positions, in one of which, referred to as the control position, a space (S) is defined with between the combined wheel (1, 2, 3), inside which a portion (90) of the manual key (9) is able to be inserted, being blocked against rotation so as thereby to effect said coupling, the other said position being referred to as the ejection position, in which said portion (90) of the manual key (9) is free to effect said uncoupling at the end of an arming operation, changing from the control position to the ejection position, being brought about by engagement of the control finger (11), or an element (110) fastened to the control finger, on the mechanical abutment (111) after a rotational movement of the manual key has caused the opening and closing springs to be compressed and latched.
7. A control mechanism (Mi) according to claim 6, wherein said engagement on the mechanical abutment (111) is obtained by direct contact of a lever element (110) that is fastened on the control finger (11), the lever arm between the point of engagement of the lever element (110) on the control finger and the point at which the lever element (110) is fastened to the control finger being such as to reduce to a predetermined value the force on the end of the manual arming key (9).
8. High or medium voltage switchgear having at least one interrupter, including a control device having a latch mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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