EP3629351B1 - Actuating system for electrical switching appliance - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an actuation system for switching an electrical switch device between a so-called open state where the main contacts of the switch device are open and a so-called closed state where the main contacts of the switch device are closed. In the present document, the term switch electrical device indiscriminately designates different types of electrical devices such as a switch, a circuit breaker, a contactor, a fuse switch, a recloser.

The invention is more particularly suitable for high voltage devices. In the present document, the term "high voltage" covers the field of medium voltage and high voltage, that is to say devices working under an electrical supply voltage greater than 1000V. The invention also relates to an electrical switch device comprising such an actuation system.

State of the art

The document EP2204828A1 describes for example an electrical switch device comprising a double latching cocking mechanism with two spiral springs mounted on the same cocking shaft. Such latching cocking mechanisms allow enough energy to be accumulated in the springs to be able, once the mechanism is cocked, to drive the cocking shaft in order to perform a closing maneuver of the contacts of the latch. 'switch device, i.e. switch from the open state to the closed state, then a maneuver to reopen the contacts of the switch device if necessary, i.e. switch back from closed state to open state.

The document WO2010015597 describes a contact actuation system for an electrical switch device according to the preamble of claim 1 and also describes another example of an electrical switch device comprising a double latching cocking mechanism.

There are so-called single-hook mechanisms and so-called double-hook mechanisms. In a simple latching mechanism, we arm the mechanism (that is to say we accumulate energy in the two springs) then, once armed, the mechanism directly switches the switch device from the open state to the closed state by releasing one of the two springs, called the closing spring (that is to say by releasing the energy of the spring of closing). It is then necessary to act on an actuator (latching) to return the switch device to the open state by releasing the other spring, called the opening spring (that is to say by releasing the energy of the spring d. 'opening).

In a double latching mechanism, once the mechanism is armed, it is necessary to act on a first actuator to switch the switch device from the open state to the closed state, releasing the energy of the closing spring. Then, it is then necessary to act on a second actuator to return the switch device to the open state, releasing the energy of the closing spring.

These two types of mechanism are each of interest depending on the applications in which the switch device is used. The simple hook mechanism has the advantage of being simpler. On the other hand, the double latching mechanism is, for example, preferably used in a so-called Normal-Backup application in which a combination of two switches is used to switch between two power sources. The double latching mechanism then makes it possible to switch the electrical power supply network between a main power source and a backup auxiliary source, for example a generator set, then to be able to switch back to the main source, or vice versa.

However, electrical switch devices are generally marketed with a mechanism which is either single hook or double hook, and it is difficult to switch easily from one to the other. In fact, as this entails the change of various mechanical parts, a differentiation of the type of device must be made during the manufacturing process, which therefore obliges customers to choose the mechanism when ordering the device. Now, it would be desirable to provide an economical solution that is easy to implement so that the same electrical switch device can be used in both modes, that is to say that it can easily switch from "simple" operation. latching "to" double latching "operation and vice versa. It must be possible to select the type of device, for example, during the final phase of customizing the switch device when it leaves the factory or even at an installer / distributor. This would also have the advantage of reducing the number of switch devices to be stored, because the same device could be easily configured with a single hooking or double hooking mechanism.

Disclosure of the invention

This object is achieved by a contact actuation system for an electrical switch device, the actuation system comprising an arming shaft, a closing spring and an opening spring cooperating with the arming shaft, thus a control pallet actuated by the cocking shaft, and an opening actuator which, when the opening spring is charged, to control the release of the opening spring. According to the invention, the actuation system also comprises a selection member which can be positioned either in a so-called active position in which it mechanically couples the cocking pallet with a closing crank of the actuation system, so that, as soon as the closing spring is charged, the arming pallet causes the release of the closing spring by means of the closing crank, or in a so-called inactive position in which the closing crank is uncoupled from the pallet. armament.

According to one characteristic, when the selection member is in the inactive position, the actuation system also comprises a closing actuator which makes it possible, when the closing spring is loaded, to control the release of the closing spring.

According to another characteristic, the control paddle comprises a first slot, the closing crank comprises a third slot, and the selection member is a spring rod comprising a loop which, in the active position, is inserted both into the first slot and in the third slot.

According to another characteristic, the control pallet also comprises a second slot into which the loop is inserted in the inactive position.

According to another characteristic, the selection member comprises at one end a gripping lever making it possible to manually position the selection member in the active position or in the inactive position.

According to another characteristic, the control paddle also comprises a first visual indicator indicating that the actuation system is disarmed and a second visual indicator indicating that the actuation system is armed.

According to another characteristic, the closing spring and the opening spring are wound in a spiral in the same direction around the cocking shaft.

According to another characteristic, the opening actuator comprises a manual control button, a mechanical striker or an electromagnet and the closing actuator comprises a manual control button or an electromagnet.

The invention also relates to a high voltage electrical switch device comprising movable contacts and such an actuation system for actuating the main movable contacts of the switch electrical appliance between an open state and a closed state.

detailed description

• la figure 1 montre une vue générale simplifiée d'un système d'actionnement selon l'invention en configuration double accrochage,
• la figure 2 représente une vue partielle du système d'actionnement en configuration simple accrochage, en face avant et en position désarmée,
• la figure 3 montre la même configuration que la figure 2, en face arrière et en position désarmée,
• la figure 4 montre la même configuration que la figure 2, en face avant et en position armée, prêt à passer à l'état fermé,
• la figure 5 représente une vue partielle du système d'actionnement en configuration double accrochage, en face avant et en position désarmée,
• la figure 6 montre la même configuration que la figure 5, en face arrière et en position désarmée,
• la figure 7 montre la même configuration que la figure 5, en face avant et en position armée.

Other characteristics will appear in the detailed description which follows given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 shows a simplified general view of an actuation system according to the invention in a double latching configuration,
• the figure 2 shows a partial view of the actuation system in simple hook-up configuration, on the front face and in the disarmed position,
• the figure 3 shows the same configuration as the figure 2 , on the rear panel and in the disarmed position,
• the figure 4 shows the same configuration as the figure 2 , on the front panel and in the armed position, ready to switch to the closed state,
• the figure 5 shows a partial view of the actuation system in double latching configuration, on the front face and in the disarmed position,
• the figure 6 shows the same configuration as the figure 5 , on the rear panel and in the disarmed position,
• the figure 7 shows the same configuration as the figure 5 , on the front panel and in the armed position.

The latching actuation system of the figure 1 is intended to trigger the closing and opening movements of the electrical contacts of an electrical switch device. The actuation system 1 is integrated between two plates so as to be then mounted in the switching device. The figure 1 shows only a first plate 2, the second plate being absent from the figures for for reasons of clarity. The two plates are separated from one another by several columns, a column 4 of which is shown in the figures. The actuation system comprises an arming shaft 5 which is movable in rotation about an axis X as well as a closing spring and an opening spring (not visible in the figures) which cooperate with the shaft of 'arming 5.

In a known manner, the rotation of the arming shaft 5 makes it possible to drive the main contacts of the switching device to an open state (main contacts disjointed) or to a closed state (main contacts joined) of the switching device. , under the action of the release of the opening spring or the closing spring.

Preferably, the closing spring and the opening spring are spiral springs which are wound around the cocking shaft 5 in the same direction, so that they can both be cocked during the same movement. rotation of the cocking axis 5 in one direction. In a known manner, this movement of arming the springs, which makes it possible to accumulate sufficient energy in the springs, can be done manually, using for example a crank, or electrically, using for example of a geared motor assembly. As soon as the arming movement of the closing and opening springs is completed, the actuation system is in the so-called armed position.

The solution with spiral springs allows a reduced size and simplification of the actuation system because the same arming movement in one direction makes it possible to arm the two springs. However, they could be replaced by linear compression springs armed for example using a connecting rod driven by the arming shaft for compression, the connecting rod being in return also capable of driving the shaft. cocking when the springs are released.

The figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of the actuation system in the simple hook-up configuration and in the disarmed position. The actuation system comprises an opening actuator 10, a pivot shaft 6, as well as a release lever 7 and a engagement lever 8 which can pivot around the pivot shaft 6. The pivot shaft 6 is parallel to the cocking shaft 5. The actuation system also comprises mechanical members not detailed in the figures because they are usual (such as wheels, levers, rollers, etc.) which in particular tilt the trigger lever 7 around the pivot shaft 6 from the end of the cocking movement of the cocking shaft 5. One end of the trigger 7 is coupled to a control pallet 30 movable around a control axis 9, also parallel to the cocking shaft 5, so that, when tilting the release lever 7, the control pallet 30 pivots also around the control axis 9.

According to the invention, the actuation system also comprises a selection member 20, the purpose of which is to choose between the single hooking configuration and the double hooking configuration. In the embodiment shown, this selection member 20 is a metal spring rod. The spring rod 20 is wound one or more turns around the control axis 9 and has a first end 21 which bears on a fixed point, for example on the post 4. The other end of the rod comes out. 20 has a loop 22, forming a kind of lug, extended by a manual gripping lever 23.

The control paddle 30 comprises a first slot 33 and a second slot 34 which are capable of accommodating the loop 22 of the selection member 20. When the loop 22 is inserted into the first slot 33, the selection member 20 is said to be in the active position, whereas when the loop 22 is inserted into the second slot 34, the selection member 20 is said to be in the inactive position. The positioning of the selection member 20 in the active or inactive position is carried out manually using the gripping lever 23 which makes it very easy to insert the loop 22 in the first slot 33 or in the second slot 34.

The actuation system 1 also comprises a closing crank 40 which is movable around the control axis 9 and a closing rod 42 (see figure 3 ). This closing crank 40 has a slot, called a third slot 41. The closing link 42 is coupled on one side with the closing crank 40 and on the other side with a closing actuating lever 16. When it is actuated, this closing lever 16 causes the release of the closing spring, the released energy of which causes the switch device to switch from the open state to the closed state.

Advantageously, when the selection member 20 is in the active position, the loop 22 is inserted both in the first slot 33 of the control paddle 30 and in the third slot 41 of the closing crank 40, which that the control pallet 30 and the closing crank 40 are then mechanically coupled. Thus, as soon as the closing spring is loaded, the control pallet 30 tilts following the action of an element linked to the cocking shaft 5 (for example a roller not shown in the figures). As the buckle 22 is in the active position, the control paddle 30 then drives the closing crank 40 which itself drives the closing lever 16 via the closing rod 42, making it possible to trigger the release of the locking spring. closing and switching the switch device to the closed state.

Other embodiments of the selection member 20 are easily achievable as an alternative to the spring rod. For example, the selection member 20 may just include a removable metal latch linked to the control paddle 30 and which would hook a stud of the closing crank 40 in the active position, and which would release from this stud in the inactive position. As an alternative, one could also consider any type of removable mechanism allowing the joining of two parts, such as clip, pin, screw, etc.

The closing rod 42 is advantageously made very simply with just a rigid metal wire which is bent at its ends to be able to hook on one side to the closing crank 40 and on the other side to the closing lever 16. .

The figure 4 shows the same configuration as the figure 2 , but just as the actuating mechanism is cocked. The loop 22 being in the active position (that is to say inserted in the first slot 33 and in the third slot 41), the control paddle 30 is coupled with the closing crank 40. Thus, at the end of the movement d 'cocking, the roller linked to the cocking shaft 5 will tilt the control pallet 30, which causes the movement of the closing crank 40 and of the closing rod 42. The latter will therefore automatically actuate the lever closure 16, which will cause the rotation of a half-moon 44 by means of a connecting rod 43 (see figure 3 ) positioned between the closing lever 16 and the half-moon 44. The rotation of this half-moon 44 will then release one end of the engagement lever 8 which will thus cause the release of the closing spring and the passage of the electrical device switch in the closed state, without requiring additional action using a closing actuator.

The figures 5 and 6 show the actuation system in the double latching configuration and in the disarmed position. The actuation system includes hence now a closing actuator 15 in addition to the opening actuator 10. The selection member 20 is now in the inactive position, that is to say that the loop 22 is inserted into the second slot 34 of the control pallet 30 and is therefore no longer inserted in the third slot 41 of the closing crank 40, which disconnects the closing crank 40 and the control pallet 30. A movement of the control pallet 30 therefore does not result in no more movement of the closing crank 40 and the closing rod 42 is inoperative. It is therefore the closing actuator 15 which can act on the closing lever 16, for example by means of a pusher 17 (see figure 6 ). Therefore, at the end of the arming movement when the closing spring is loaded, there is no longer any automatic control of the release of the closing spring. It is then necessary to perform an action on the closing actuator 15 to actuate the closing lever 16, which will cause the rotation of the half-moon 44 by means of the connecting rod 43. The rotation of the half-moon 44 will then release the locking lever 8 to cause the switchover of the electrical switchgear to the closed state.

The figure 7 shows the same configuration as the figure 5 , but just as the actuating mechanism is cocked. The loop 22 being in the inactive position (that is to say inserted in the first slot 34 and not in the third slot 41), it can be clearly seen that the movement of the control paddle 30 has not caused a movement of the closing crank 40.

Thanks to the invention, the system for actuating the contacts of the electrical switch device therefore allows two distinct configurations, namely a configuration where it operates as a single latching mechanism and a configuration where it operates as a double latching mechanism. . Advantageously, the choice between these two configurations is made very easily by virtue of the positioning of the loop 22 of the selection member 20 either in the active position (single hook mechanism) or in the inactive position (double hook mechanism).

In the single latching configuration, the actuation system comprises only one opening actuator 10, since the closing occurs as soon as the arming is complete without the need for an actuator as explained previously, while in the double latching configuration, the actuation system further comprises a closing actuator 15.

In both configurations and conventionally, the opening actuator 10 makes it possible, when the opening spring is loaded, to control the release of the opening spring by acting on an opening lever 11 (visible in figure 6 ), so as to switch the electrical device to the open state.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the opening actuator 10, as well as the closing actuator 15 when it exists, are control pushbuttons, which are placed side-by-side to the side. exterior of the plates 2 to be easily accessible, for example on the front face of the electrical switch device, thus allowing manual control by an operator.

Actuators other than a control pushbutton are also possible. It is possible, for example, to envisage an actuator of the fuse type with striker, the striker of which acts on the opening lever 16. Likewise, an electric actuator having a trigger actuated by a shunt coil or a failure coil for act on the opening lever 16 or the closing lever 11. It is also possible to envisage a release with low energy consumption (of the MITOP type), to allow an automatic remote control, which is for example useful for triggering in case of an electrical fault.

Furthermore, the control paddle 30 comprises a first visual indicator 31 indicating that the actuation system is disarmed and a second visual indicator 32 indicating that the actuation system is armed. These two indicators 31, 32 are for example materialized by two distinct flat parts of the control paddle 30 each having a sticker or a paint of distinct color. Once the actuation system has been integrated into the electrical switch device, these flat parts are positioned opposite a window of the switch device, so that, depending on whether the actuation system is armed or not (i.e. ie closing spring armed or not), it is either the second visual indicator 32, or the first visual indicator 31, which is located opposite the window. This thus constitutes a simple, reliable and economical way of indicating to an outside operator whether the actuation system is armed.

Claims (10)

1. Contact actuation system (1) for an electrical switching device, the actuation system comprising an arming shaft (5), a closing spring and an opening spring collaborating with the arming shaft (5), and a control vane (30) actuated by the arming shaft (5), and an opening actuator (10) which, when the opening spring is armed, makes it possible to command the release of the opening spring, the actuation system being characterized in that it also comprises a selection unit (20) which can be positioned:

   - either in a position referred to as active in which it mechanically couples the arming vane (30) with a closing crank (40) of the actuation system so that once the closing spring has been armed, the arming vane (30) gives rise to the release of the closing spring by means of the closing crank (40),

   - or in a position referred to as inactive in which the closing crank (40) is uncoupled from the arming vane (30).
2. Actuation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that, when the selection unit (20) is in the inactive position, the actuation system also comprises a closing actuator (15) which, when the closing spring is armed, makes it possible to command the release of the closing spring.
3. Actuation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control vane (30) comprises a first slot (33), the closing crank (40) comprises a third slot (41), and the selection unit (20) is a spring bar comprising a loop (22) which, in the active position, is inserted both into the first slot (33) and into the third slot (41).
4. Actuation system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control vane (30) also comprises a second slot (34) into which the loop (22) is inserted in the inactive position.
5. Actuation system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the selection unit (20) comprises at one end a hand lever (23) allowing the selection unit (20) to be positioned in the active position active or in the inactive position inactive manually.
6. Actuation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control vane (30) also comprises a first visual indicator (31) indicating that the actuation system is not armed and a second visual indicator (32) indicating that the actuation system is armed.
7. Actuation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the closing spring and the opening spring are wound in a spiral in the same direction around the arming shaft (5).
8. Actuation system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the opening actuator comprises a manual control button (10), a mechanical striker or an electromagnet.
9. Actuation system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the closing actuator comprises a manual control button (15) or an electromagnet.
10. High-voltage electrical switching device comprising mobile contacts, characterized in that it comprises an actuation system according to one of the preceding claims to actuate the mobile contacts.

Images