EP4195229A1 - Apparatus for interrupting current on an electrical line comprising a vacuum bulb - Google Patents

Abstract

There is proposed a current switch (10) comprising a main contact (16) comprising an electrically conductive knife (20), and an electrically insulating element (22), movably mounted on a first portion of electrical line (12) to follow alternately an opening stroke and a closing stroke; a branch branch (18) comprising a first part (28) electrically connected to a second portion of the line (14), comprising a vacuum interrupter (30) configured to be actuated alternately between an open state and a closed state, a second part (36) movably mounted on the first part (28) and configured to actuate the vacuum interrupter (30). During the opening stroke, the electrically conductive knife (20) urges the second part (36) to actuate the vacuum interrupter (30), and during the closing stroke, the electrically insulating element (22 ) urges the second part (36) without actuating the vacuum interrupter (30).

Description

Technical area

The present disclosure relates to the field of current switches mounted on an electrical line or cable. The present disclosure relates more specifically to current switches comprising a vacuum interrupter.

Prior technique

A high or medium voltage power line is commonly equipped with a switch. The power line is intended to transmit a current in a distribution network, from a voltage source to the consumer or an electrical load. The switch makes it possible to cut or establish the current crossing the line, by opening or on the contrary by closing the line.

Conventionally, the switch comprises two mutually movable contacts between a junction position, corresponding to the closing of the line, and a separation position, corresponding to the opening of the line. During the separation, the two contacts are separated in an insulating medium contained in a tank, in order to extinguish an electric arc which is established during the separation of the contacts.

On medium voltage and high voltage lines, the insulating medium is commonly sulfur hexafluoride SF6. However, this gas has the disadvantage of being a greenhouse gas, the use of which in large quantities is extremely harmful to the environment.

To overcome this, there are switches equipped with vacuum interrupters, in which the separation of the contacts is carried out in a vacuum. This solution makes it possible to extinguish the electric arc without requiring the use of polluting gas. However, vacuum interrupters capable of being integrated directly into the line are expensive, in particular because of the dimensions and the materials which they require to satisfy the various electrical and dielectric conditions, such as resistance to lightning impulses or the power closing on short circuit.

The document EP 2 182 536 proposes mounting the vacuum interrupter on a branch of a main part of the line. A disconnector drives a moving end of the branch during an opening stroke or a closing stroke. During the opening stroke, the disconnector urges a conductive face of the moving end to pass the current through the bypass then open the vacuum interrupter. During the closing stroke, an insulating face of the moving end is acted upon by the disconnector, so as not to cause the current to pass through the bypass and leave the vacuum interrupter at rest. The vacuum interrupter is left idle when the line is closed, which allows it to be less constrained and reduces the characteristics it must possess, which has a significant impact on its cost of achievement.

Nevertheless, for certain high voltage levels and during a large number of operations of the switch, there is a risk when the line is closed. When the disconnector comes into contact with the insulating face of the moving end, as described in document EP 2 182 536 , due to degradation of surface material properties, an undesired current may build up and flow through the shunt, which may damage the vacuum interrupter and switch.

The present disclosure aims to eliminate the risk of current passing through the branch when the line is closed.

Summary

There is proposed a current switch arranged between a first electrical line portion and a second electrical line portion, comprising at least one main contact comprising an electrically conductive blade, and an electrical insulating element, the main contact being movably mounted on the first electrical line portion to follow alternately: an opening stroke from a closed position in which the main contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical line portion to an open position in which the main contact is remote from the second line portion electrical, and a closing stroke from said open position to said closed position; at least one bypass branch comprising a first part electrically connected to the second portion of the line, the first part comprising a vacuum interrupter configured to be actuated alternately between an open state and a closed state; a second part movably mounted on the first part and configured to actuate the vacuum interrupter, the electrically conductive knife and the electrically insulating element being configured so that: during the opening stroke, the electrically conductive knife urges the second part to actuate the vacuum interrupter to the open state, and during the closing stroke, the electrically insulating element urges the second part without actuating the vacuum interrupter.

Thus, during a separation stroke, the main contact can drive the moving part while being in electrical contact with the bypass, to open the vacuum interrupter and ensure the breaking of the current without generating an electric arc. During the closing stroke, the main contact can touch the moving part without being in electrical contact with the branch, thus avoiding the unwanted passage of current in the branch. In particular, thanks to the electrical insulating element, the insulation distances (distance in the air and creepage distance) between the blade and the moving part of the bypass are increased.

• l'élément isolant électrique est un élément de support du couteau conducteur électrique ;
• l'élément isolant électrique comprend : un corps formant un logement pour le couteau du contact principal, une extrémité libre du couteau conducteur électrique faisant saillie du corps ; et une protubérance s'étendant à partir du corps, ladite protubérance étant disposée pour venir en contact avec ladite deuxième partie au cours de la course de fermeture ;

• la protubérance s'étend selon un plan décalé axialement d'un plan général d'extension du couteau conducteur électrique ;
• la protubérance fait partie intégrante du corps ;
• la protubérance est une pièce rapportée sur le corps ;
• la deuxième partie comprend une face conductrice électrique et une face isolante électrique, la face conductrice électrique et la face isolante étant opposées l'une de l'autre ;
• la deuxième partie comprend un premier bras monté mobile sur la première partie, et un deuxième bras monté mobile sur une extrémité libre du premier bras ;
• le deuxième bras comprend une excroissance adaptée à venir au contact de l'élément isolant électrique lors de la course de fermeture ;
• la branche de dérivation comprend en outre une butée adaptée à maintenir le deuxième bras dans une position de butée dans laquelle le deuxième bras s'étend dans le prolongement du premier bras lors de la course d'ouverture ;
• le deuxième bras est en matériau conducteur d'électricité ;
• le contact principal est monté pivotant sur la première portion de la ligne selon un premier axe de pivotement, la deuxième partie de la branche de dérivation étant montée pivotante sur la première partie de la branche de dérivation selon un deuxième axe de pivotement, le premier axe de pivotement étant parallèle au deuxième axe de pivotement ;
• la branche de dérivation comprend un ressort monté entre la première partie et la deuxième partie, le ressort étant adapté à solliciter la deuxième partie vers une position de repos, dans laquelle l'ampoule à vide est dans l'état fermée ;
• le contact principal est également adapté pour suivre une course de mise à la terre depuis la position ouverte jusqu'à une position de mise à la terre, le couteau du contact principal étant en contact électrique avec une prise de terre lorsque le contact principal est dans ladite position de mise à la terre.

The features set out in the following paragraphs can optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

• the electrical insulating element is a support element of the electrically conductive knife;
• the electrical insulating element comprises: a body forming a housing for the blade of the main contact, a free end of the electrically conductive blade projecting from the body; and a protrusion extending from the body, said protrusion being arranged to come into contact with said second part during the closing stroke;

• the protrusion extends along a plane axially offset from a general plane of extension of the electrically conductive blade;
• the protuberance is an integral part of the body;
• the protuberance is a piece added to the body;
• the second part comprises an electrically conductive face and an electrically insulating face, the electrically conductive face and the insulating face being opposite one another;
• the second part comprises a first arm movably mounted on the first part, and a second arm movably mounted on a free end of the first arm;
• the second arm comprises a protrusion adapted to come into contact with the electrical insulating element during the closing stroke;
• the branch branch further comprises an abutment adapted to hold the second arm in an abutment position in which the second arm extends in the extension of the first arm during the opening stroke;
• the second arm is made of electrically conductive material;
• the main contact is pivotally mounted on the first portion of the line along a first pivot axis, the second part of the branch branch being pivotally mounted on the first part of the branch branch along a second pivot axis, the first axis pivot being parallel to the second pivot axis;
• the branch branch comprises a spring mounted between the first part and the second part, the spring being adapted to urge the second part towards a rest position, in which the vacuum interrupter is in the closed state;
• the main contact is also adapted to follow a grounding path from the open position to a grounded position, the knife of the main contact being in electrical contact with a ground connection when the main contact is in said grounded position.

According to another aspect, a three-phase switching device is proposed comprising at least one switch.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1
  [Fig. 1] représente une vue de côté d'un interrupteur sur une portion de ligne électrique dans une position fermée, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 2
  [Fig. 2] représente une vue de côté d'un détail de la figure 1 lors d'une course de fermeture, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 3
  [Fig. 3] représente une vue en perspective de la figure 2, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 4
  [Fig. 4] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 dans une position fermée, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 5
  [Fig. 5] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 durant une phase de commutation de la course de séparation, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 6
  [Fig. 6] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 durant une phase de coupure de courant de la course de séparation, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 7
  [Fig. 7] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 dans une position ouverte, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 8
  [Fig. 8] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 durant une phase d'engagement de la course de fermeture, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 9
  [Fig. 9] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 dans une phase de rétablissement du courant de la course de fermeture, selon un mode de réalisation.
• Fig. 10
  [Fig. 10] représente schématiquement une vue de côté de l'interrupteur de la figure 1 dans une position de mise à terre, selon un mode de réalisation.

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

• Fig. 1
  [ Fig. 1 ] shows a side view of a switch on a portion of electrical line in a closed position, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 2
  [ Fig. 2 ] shows a side view of a detail of the figure 1 during a closing stroke, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 3
  [ Fig. 3 ] shows a perspective view of the figure 2 , according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 4
  [ Fig. 4 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a closed position, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 5
  [ Fig. 5 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 during a switching phase of the separation stroke, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 6
  [ Fig. 6 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 during a power cut phase of the separation stroke, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 7
  [ Fig. 7 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in an open position, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 8
  [ Fig. 8 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 during an engagement phase of the closing stroke, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 9
  [ Fig. 9 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a phase of restoration of the current of the closing stroke, according to one embodiment.
• Fig. 10
  [ Fig. 10 ] schematically represents a side view of the switch of the figure 1 in a grounded position, according to one embodiment.

Description of embodiments

In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

There figure 1 illustrates a switch 10 mounted in a medium or high voltage line. In the following, the terms "medium voltage" and "high voltage" are used in their usual meaning, namely that the term "medium voltage" means a voltage which is greater than 1,000 volts in alternating current and 1,500 volts in direct current but which does not exceed 52,000 volts in alternating current and 75,000 volts in direct current, while the term "high voltage" designates a voltage which is strictly greater than 52,000 volts in alternating current and 75,000 volts in direct current. Such an electric line is intended to transmit a current in a distribution network.

It is noted that such a high or medium voltage electric line generally comprises three phases, that is to say that it is three-phase. Thus, the line can include three switches 10 as described below. Each switch 10 can be associated with one of the phases of the electric line. The switches 10 can be housed in a sealed enclosure or tank, in particular comprising pressurized air, which allows an economical and compact arrangement of the switches 10.

The switch 10 is mounted between a first portion 12 of the line and a second portion 14 of the line. In the example illustrated, the first portion 12 extends towards a place of consumption, and the second portion 14 rises towards a voltage source. The place of consumption can for example be a public distribution station or an industrial installation. Alternatively, the second portion 14 could rise towards the place of consumption, and the first portion 12 could extend towards the voltage source. Alternatively again, the second portion 12 could be connected to the first portion 14, forming an open loop distribution network. The switch 10 can close the line, allowing current to flow between the two portions 12, 14 of the line. The switch 10 can also open the line, cutting the passage of current between the two portions 12, 14 of the line.

In addition, the switch 10 can be placed in the vicinity of an earth connection 50. The switch 10 can, in addition to opening and closing the line, ensure the earthing of the line. Grounding contributes to the safety of agents in the event of an intervention on the line. Switch 10 is then a three-position switch.

The switch 10 essentially comprises a main contact 16 and a bypass branch 18.

The main contact 16 is movably mounted on the first portion 12 of the line. An opening stroke corresponds to the transition of the main contact 16 from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the main contact 16 is in electrical contact with the second portion 14 of the line. The line is closed, and the current can cross the main contact 16 to reach the second portion 14 of the line. Conversely, in the open position, the main contact 16 is remote from the second portion 14 of the line. The line is open, and the passage of current between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the line is cut. Further, a ground run corresponds to the transition of the main contact 16 from the open position to a ground position. In the grounded position, the main contact 16 joins the ground connection 50. Finally, a closing stroke corresponds to the return of the main contact 16 to the closed position from the open position.

The main contact 16 is here mounted in rotation around a pivot axis A. The axis A is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of extension of the main contact 16. Thus, the opening stroke corresponds to a rotation of the main contact 16 around axis A. The grounding stroke corresponds to a continuation of the rotation of the main contact 16 around the axis A. The closing stroke corresponds to a continuation of the rotation of the first switch element 16 around axis A, in the opposite direction to the opening stroke.

The main contact 16 is controlled by an actuator (not shown). The actuator can be arranged near the first portion 12 of the line to control the opening, closing or earthing travel of the main contact 16.

As illustrated in figure 1 , the main contact 16 comprises an electrically conductive knife 20 and an electrically insulating element 22.

The electrically conductive knife 20, also called an electrically conductive element, extends between the first and second portions of the line 12, 14 to come into contact with the second portion 14 of the line, in the closed position, and the ground connection 50, in the grounded position. The electrically conductive knife 20 is made of an electrically conductive material. The cross-section of the electrically conductive knife 20 is adapted to establish electrical contact with the second portion 14 of the line or the ground connection 50. In addition, the area of the cross-section of the electrically conductive knife 20 is sufficient to support a continuous passage. current. Thus, the electrically conductive knife 20 is configured to support a continuous flow of current.

It is noted that the electrically conductive blade 20 can join the second portion 14 of the line by any means allowing electrical contact between the main contact 16 and the second portion 14 of the line. Similarly, the main contact 16 can join the earth connection 50 by any means making it possible to obtain an electrical contact between the main contact 16 and the earth connection 50. For example, the electrical contact can be obtained by insertion, by skewering or by pinching.

Furthermore, a free end of the electrical conductor knife 20, remote from the first portion of the line 12 is configured to drive part of the branch branch 18 during the opening stroke. The conductive property of the electrically conductive knife 20 allows the passage of current to the branch branch 18.

The electrical insulating element 22 extends parallel to the electrically conductive knife 20. The electrical insulating element 22 is made of insulating material, for example epoxy or any other electrically non-conductive material. Current does not flow through electrically insulating element 22. Electrically insulating element 22 drives part of branch branch 18 during the closing stroke. The insulating property of the insulating element 22 prevents the passage of current in the bypass branch 18 during the closing stroke.

In the example illustrated, the electrical insulating element 22 comprises a body 24 and a protuberance 26.

The body 24 is a hollow part which defines a housing for receiving the electrically conductive knife 20. The electrically insulating element 22 thus forms a support element for the electrically conductive knife 20 (also called a “lifter”). The electrical insulating element 22 contributes to the dielectric strength between the electrically conducting blade 20 and any other part at the potential of the second portion 14 of the line. The free end of the electrical conductor knife 20, remote from the second portion of the line 14, protrudes from the body 24. The conductor knife 20 can then come into electrical contact with the second portion of the line 14, the earth connection 50 and the bypass branch 18 during the opening stroke.

The protuberance 26 extends from the body 24, according to a plane substantially parallel to the free end of the electrical conductor knife 20. In this case, the protuberance 26 extends in a plane offset with respect to the plane of extension of the electrically conductive knife 20. The protrusion 26 is located in particular in a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis A. Thus, the protrusion 26 can intervene in the closing stroke without obstructing the electrically conducting knife 20 during the opening stroke . It is noted that, in an embodiment not illustrated, a protuberance 26 could be provided on either side of the electrical conductor knife 20.

Seen from the side, and as visible to the figure 2 , an edge of the protrusion 26 projects beyond the electrically conductive blade 20 in the direction of the closing stroke. A distance d, measured in a plane parallel to the plane of extension of the protuberance 26, between the edge of the protuberance 26 and the edge of the electrically conductive knife 20 is for example between 5 mm and 50 mm. The distance d makes it possible to define an insulation distance between the electrically conductive knife 20 and the bypass branch 18, to limit the risk of current transmission between the electrically conductive knife 20 and the bypass branch 18 during the closing stroke . The distance d makes it possible to increase the insulation distance in air and the creepage distance between the electrical conductor knife 20 and the branch branch 18.

It is noted that an opposite edge of the protrusion 26 is recessed relative to the electrically conductive knife 20. In the direction of the opening stroke, the electrically conductive knife 20 extends beyond the protrusion 26. The protrusion 26 can come into contact with branch branch 18 during the closing stroke and not intervene in the opening stroke.

The protuberance 26 can be an integral part of the body 24, for example by being molded with the body 24. Alternatively, the protuberance 26 can be a piece attached to the body 24. The protuberance 26 can for example be fixed to the body 24 at the means of screws. Of course, other fixing means can be implemented to fix the protuberance 26 to the body 24.

The bypass branch 18 essentially comprises a first part 28 and a second part 36, movably mounted on the first part 28. The first and second parts 28, 36 are in electrical continuity.

The first part 28 is mounted on the second portion of the line 14 to be in electrical continuity with the second portion of the line 14. The first part 28 comprises a vacuum interrupter 30. In this case, the vacuum interrupter 30 contains a pair of contacts, the first of which depends on a fixed rod 32, connected to the second portion of line 14, and the second depends on a movable rod 34, connected to the second part 36 of branch branch 18. Thus, the vacuum interrupter 30 can be actuated between an open state and a closed state by a movement of the second part 36. When the interrupter 30 is in the closed state, and during the opening phase where the knife 20 is in contact with bypass branch 18, the current can pass through bulb 30 and reach the second portion of line 14 via bypass branch 18. When bulb 30 is in the open state, the current does not pass through the bulb 30 and the flow of current through the bypass branch 18 is interrupted.

The second part 36 extends from the first part 28 towards the second portion of the line 12. In a rest position of the second part 36, the second part 36 is oriented towards the second portion of the line 14, without touching the main contact 16. Current does not flow through bypass branch 18 and vacuum interrupter 30 is in the closed state. During the opening stroke, the second part 36 is driven by the electrically conductive blade 20 of the main contact 16. The current passes through the bypass branch 18 and the movable rod 34 is moved to actuate the vacuum interrupter 30 towards the open state. In a first position for releasing the second part 36, during the opening stroke, the electrically conductive knife 20 releases the second part 36 and the electrical contact between the bypass branch 18 and the electrically conductive knife 20 is broken without formation of 'electric arc. During the closing stroke, the second part 36 is driven by the electrical insulating element 22 of the main contact 16. The current does not flow through the branch branch 18 during the closing stroke. In a second position for releasing the second part 36, during the closing stroke, the electrical insulating element 22 releases the second part 36.

The second part 36 is here mounted in rotation on the first part 28 around a second pivot axis X. The second pivot axis X is parallel to the first pivot axis A of the main contact 16. The training of the second part 36 thus corresponds to a rotation of the second part 36 around the second pivot axis X. The main contact 16 and the second part 36 move along substantially parallel planes, minimizing the size of the switch 10.

In addition, the second part 36 is fixed to an elastic bias 44, for example in the form of a spring 44. The elastic bias 44 is mounted on the one hand on the first part 28 and on the other hand on the second part 36 of the branch branch 18. The elastic bias 44 urges the second part 36 towards the rest position. During the opening stroke, the main contact 16 acts against the elastic bias 44, to move the second part 36 out of the rest position. In the first release position, the elastic bias 44 brings the second part 36 back to the rest position.

In the example illustrated, the second part 36 comprises a first arm 38, extending from the first part 28, and a second arm 40 (also called "retractable pallet"). The first arm 38 extends from an end connected to the first part 28 towards a free end. The second arm 40 is partially freely movable mounted on the free end of the first arm 38.

A stop 46 keeps the second arm 40 in a stop position, in which the second arm 40 extends in the extension of the first arm 38. During the opening stroke, when the main contact 16 urges the second part 36 of branch branch 18, the second arm 40 is held in the stop position and the first and second arms 38,40 move together. Conversely, during the closing stroke, the second arm 40 is not constrained by the stop 46, and the second arm 40 can be driven by the electrically conductive blade 20 of the main contact 16 independently of the first arm 38. The main contact 16 can close the line by moving only the second arm 40, without moving the first arm 36 and therefore without actuating the vacuum interrupter 30 or causing electrical contact between the first portion of the line 12 and the bypass branch 18.

In addition, the second arm 40 can be biased by an elastic bias, for example a spring. The second arm 40 can be configured to maintain the second arm 40 in the stop position. During the closing stroke, the main contact 16 can move the second arm 40 out of the stop position. At the second release position, during the closing stroke, the second arm 40 can be returned to the abutment position by the elastic bias.

Here, the second arm 40 is rotatably mounted on the first arm 38, around a third pivot axis Y. The third pivot axis Y is parallel to the first and second pivot axes A, X. During the stroke of closing, the drive of the second arm 40 corresponds to a rotation of the second arm 40 around the third pivot axis Y.

The second arm 40 may comprise an electrically conductive face 52 and an electrically insulating face 54. The conductive face 54 faces the second portion of the line 14 to be in contact with the electrically conductive knife 20 of the main contact 16 during the opening stroke. The electrically insulating face 54 is opposite to the conductive face 52, to come into contact with the electrically insulating element 22 during the closing stroke. The insulating face 54 makes it possible to further limit the risk of current passing between the main contact 16 and the branch branch 18 during the closing stroke. Indeed, the insulating face 54 makes it possible to increase the insulation distance in the air and the creepage distance between the electrically conductive knife 20 and the conductive face 52.

The second arm 40 can be made of electrically conductive material. The insulating face 54 can be formed by coating an insulating material. Alternatively, the second arm 36 can be made of a material that does not conduct electricity. The conductive face 52 can be formed by coating conductive material or by a braid extending along the second arm 40.

Furthermore, the second arm 40 here comprises a protrusion 42 arranged in the vicinity of a free end of the second arm 40. The protrusion 42 faces the protrusion 26 of the electrical insulating element 22, to interact, in particular by the effect of cam, with the electrical insulating element 22 during the closing stroke.

Alternatively, the second part 36, and in particular the second arm 40 of the second part 36, can be made entirely of electrically conductive material. This embodiment notably facilitates the manufacture of the switch 10.

Thereafter, the operation of the switch 10 is described in more detail, with reference to the figures 4 to 10 . THE figures 4 to 10 represent a simplified and schematic view of the operation of the switch 10 according to one embodiment.

A separation stroke corresponds to the transition of the main contact 16 from the closed position to the open position.

As seen on the figure 4 , the main contact 16 is initially in the closed position. The current passes through the electrically conductive blade 20 of the main contact 16. The second part 36 is in the rest position, oriented towards the second portion of the line 14 without touching the main contact 16. The current does not pass through the bypass branch 18, despite the closed state of the vacuum interrupter 30.

During a current switching phase, illustrated in figure 5 , the main contact 16 begins to move. The free end of the electrical conductor knife 20 comes into contact with the second part 36 of the bypass branch 18 while remaining connected to the second portion of the line 14. The current joins the second portion of the line 14 by two parallel circuits : directly through the electrically conductive knife 20 and through the electrically conductive knife 20 and the branch branch 18. During the switching phase, the contacts are at the same electrical potential, and no electric arc is formed.

During an outage phase, illustrated in figure 6 , the electrical conductor blade 20 of the main contact 16 is separated from the second portion of the line 14. The current joins the second portion of the line 14 by the bypass branch 18, crossing the vacuum interrupter 30. free of the electrically conductive knife 20 causes the second part 36 whose movement causes the opening of the vacuum interrupter 30. The current is interrupted in the vacuum interrupter 30, avoiding the formation of an electric arc between the knife 20 and the second line portion 14 during the opening stroke. The electric arc can indeed be formed in the vacuum interrupter 30.

In the first release position, the electrically conductive knife 20 of the main contact 16 releases the second part 36 of the branch branch 18. The vacuum interrupter 30 is in the open state, so no current flows through the line. The main contact 16 can continue to rotate to the open position, and the spring 44 can bring the second part 36 back to the rest position, thus closing the vacuum interrupter 30.

In the open position, illustrated in figure 7 , the main contact 16 is remote from the second portion of the line 14. The current does not cross the line. The second part 36 of the bypass branch 18 is in the rest position, and the vacuum interrupter 30 is in the closed state.

The closing stroke corresponds to the transition of the main contact 16 from the open position to the closed position.

In a commitment phase, illustrated in figure 8 , the electrical insulating element 22 comes into contact with the second part 36 of the branch branch 16. The current does not flow through the branch branch 18. The second arm 40 of the second part 36 is driven independently of the first arm 38. Thus, the vacuum interrupter 30 is maintained in the closed state. In this case, the insulation distance between the electrically conductive knife 20 of the main contact 16 and all the parts of the branch branch 18 at the potential of the second line portion 14 is sufficient to avoid the formation of an arc between the main contact 16 and the branch branch 18 during the closing stroke.

During a power restoration phase, illustrated in figure 9 , the electrically conductive blade 20 of the main contact 16 joins the second portion of the line 14. The current can join the second portion of the line 14 via the electrically conductive blade 20, without crossing the bypass branch 18.

In the second release position, the main contact 16 releases the second arm 40 of the second part 36 of the bypass branch 18. The second arm 40 of the second part 36 returns to the stop position, in particular under the effect of the elastic bias acting on the second arm 40. The switch 10 is again in the closed position of the figure 4 .

The grounding travel corresponds to the transition of the main contact 16 from the open position to the grounding. As seen in figure 10 , the earthing stroke corresponds to a continuation of the rotation of the main contact 16 until it comes into electrical contact with the earth connection 50.

Claims (15)

Current switch (10) arranged between a first electrical line portion (12) and a second electrical line portion (14), comprising: - at least one main contact (16) comprising an electrically conductive blade (20) and an electrically insulating element (22), the main contact (16) being movably mounted on the first electrical line portion (12) continue alternately: • an opening stroke from a closed position in which the main contact (16) is in electrical contact with the second electrical line portion (14) to an open position in which the main contact (16) is remote from the second portion power line (14), and • a closing stroke from said open position to said closed position; - at least one bypass branch (18) comprising a first part (28) electrically connected to the second portion of the line (14), the first part comprising a vacuum interrupter (30) configured to be actuated alternately between an open state and a closed state, and a second part (36) movably mounted on the first part (28) and configured to actuate the vacuum interrupter (30), the electrically conductive knife (20) and the electrically insulating element (22) being configured so that: - during the opening stroke, the electrically conductive knife (20) urges the second part (36) to actuate the vacuum interrupter (30) towards the open state, and - During the closing stroke, the electrical insulating element (22) stresses the second part (36) without actuating the vacuum interrupter (30). A switch according to claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating member (22) is a supporting member of the electrically conductive knife (20). A switch (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical insulating element (22) comprises: - a body (24) forming a housing for the knife (20) of the main contact (16), a free end of the electric conductor knife (20) projecting from the body (24); And - a protrusion (26) extending from the body (24), said protrusion (26) being arranged to come into contact with said second part (36) during the closing stroke. Switch according to Claim 3, in which the protrusion (26) extends along a plane axially offset from a general plane of extension of the electrical conductor blade (20). Switch (10) according to one of Claims 3 to 4, in which the protuberance (26) forms an integral part of the body (24). Switch (10) according to one of Claims 3 to 4, in which the protuberance (26) is a piece attached to the body (24). A switch (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion (36) comprises an electrically conductive face (52) and an electrically insulating face (54), the electrically conductive face (52) and the insulating face ( 54) being opposite each other. A switch (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the second part (36) comprises: - a first arm (38) movably mounted on the first part (28), and - A second arm (40) movably mounted on a free end of the first arm (38). Switch (10) according to Claim 8, in which the second arm (40) comprises a protrusion (42) adapted to come into contact with the electrical insulating element (22) during the closing stroke. Switch (10) according to claim 8 or 9 in which the branch branch (18) further comprises an abutment (46) adapted to maintain the second arm (40) in an abutment position in which the second arm (40) is extends in the extension of the first arm (38) during the opening stroke. Switch (10) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, in which the second arm (40) is made of electrically conductive material. Switch (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the main contact (16) is pivotally mounted on the first portion of the line (12) according to a first pivot axis (X), the second part (36) of the branch branch (18) being pivotally mounted on the first part (28) of the branch branch (18) according to a second pivot axis (A), the first pivot axis (X) being parallel to the second axis of swivel (A). A switch (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the bypass leg (18) includes a spring (44) mounted between the first part (28) and the second part (36), the spring (44) being adapted to urge the second part (36) towards a rest position, in which the vacuum interrupter (30) is in the closed state. A switch (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the main contact (16) is also adapted to follow a grounding path from the open position to a grounded position, the knife (20) of the main contact (16) being in electrical contact with a ground connection (50) when the main contact (16) is in said grounded position. Three-phase switching device comprising at least one switch (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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