EP4649516A1

EP4649516A1 - Disconnecting apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4649516A1
Application number: EP23844005.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leonardo LEPORATTI
Original assignee: Sel SpA
Current assignee: Sel SpA
Priority date: 2023-01-13
Filing date: 2023-12-21
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: MX2025007504A; AU2023423774A1; CN120435753A; CO2025008356A2; WO2024150058A1; CL2025001912A1; IT202300000387U1

Abstract

A disconnecting apparatus (10), for closing and/or opening a first electric section and a second electric section of an electric circuit, comprising a support structure (1); a body (2) interposed between said first and said second electric sections, internally defining a vacuum chamber (21); a first electric conductor (3) housed within said vacuum chamber (21) and mechanically connected to said support structure (1), and a second electric conductor (4) housed within said vacuum chamber (21) and movable with respect to said first electric conductor (3) between a closed configuration in which said second electric conductor (4) is substantially in contact with said first electric conductor (3), and an open configuration in which said second electric conductor (4) is distal with respect to said first electric conductor (3); handling means (5) mechanically connected to said support structure (1) and configured to handle said second electric conductor (4); said handling means (5) comprising at least one shaped member (6), disposed externally with respect to said vacuum chamber (21) and provided with a sliding path (7); at least one sliding pin (8), mechanically linked to said second electric conductor (4) and slidingly engaged with said sliding path (7); said sliding pin (8) being operable to slide in said sliding path (7) and to move in a guided manner said second electric conductor (4) between said closed configuration and said open configuration.

Description

DISCONNECTING APPARATUS DESCRIPTION

Field of technology

[001] The present invention relates to a disconnecting apparatus, in particular an operating switch apparatus, for closing and/or opening a first electric section and a second electric section of an electric circuit, according to the preamble of the independent claim number 1.

[002] In general, the disconnecting apparatus according to the present invention is intended to be electrically interposed in an electric circuit, for example in electric circuits for the transmission of electric power, for example in low or medium voltage. Typically, the disconnecting apparatus in question is advantageously used in electric circuits of the civil type (e.g., in electric power distribution lines) or the industrial type (e.g., in the electric supply circuit or network of one or more industries, e.g., a manufacturing plant).

[003] As mentioned above, the disconnecting apparatus can be advantageously used in circuits or power lines intended for the transmission and distribution of electric power (e.g. in medium-voltage power lines connecting, for example, an electric power generation plant to intermediate stations for the distribution of electric power to end users).

[004] Therefore, the invention is in the field of production and commercialization of electric and/or electromechanical apparatus and devices intended for installation in circuits and power lines, as well as in the field of production and commercialization of accessories and equipment for circuits and power lines.

State of the art

[005] It is well known in the field of devices and components for electric circuits and networks the use of disconnecting apparatuses to open or close an electric circuit, in particular by connecting or disconnecting a first electric section with a second electric section.

[006] In particular, there are disconnecting apparatus (also known in technical jargon by the acronym IMS), which are special disconnecting apparatus whose function is to perform the interruption of the electric continuity in a safe and reliable manner.

[007] For example, in order to carry out maintenance or similar activities on an electric circuit without risk to operators, it is important to disconnect one electric section of an electric circuit from a second section of the same electric circuit in order to interrupt the passage of electric current and to ensure a minimum disconnection distance to allow isolation between the two electric sections. In this way, an operator can carry out the aforementioned maintenance or similar activities on the electric circuit without risk of electrocution.

[008] In other words, they are known disconnecting devices intended to connect and/or disconnect two electric sections of an electric circuit, in such a way as to separate a user from any source of power supply, so as to ensure the absence of electric current through the electric circuit.

[009] Commercially available disconnecting apparatuses of the known type may comprise a support structure electrically interposed in an electric circuit, a hollow body that internally defines a vacuum chamber (commonly referred to in the field's technical jargon as a 'vacuum ampoule') containing within it two electric conductors, one fixed and the other movable. The hollow body is electrically in parallel with the electric circuit.

[0010] As is well known, the 'vacuum ampoule' is configured to allow the separation of the electric conductors in an environment where vacuum is formed, in order to interrupt the circuit in a quicker and easier manner than opening them in air, obviating the risk of dangerous electric arches if not properly controlled.

[0011] Specifically, one of the two electric conductors is typically fixed and connected to the support structure, while the other electric conductor is movable and configured to perform a movement between a closing configuration wherein the electric conductors are substantially in contact, and an opening configuration in which the movable electric conductor is moved away from the fixed electric conductor, in such a way as that it assumes a distal position with respect to the fixed electric conductor.

[0012] In this way, when the electric conductors are in the closed configuration there is an passage of electric current between the fixed electric conductor and the movable electric conductor, whereas when the electric conductors are in the open configuration there is no passage of electric current.

[0013] The disconnecting apparatus of known type also comprises an actuating system (e.g. an electromechanical mechanism or any other actuating system, e.g. oil-hydraulic type, per se known to the technician) configured to move the movable electric conductor with respect to the fixed electric conductor, from a closed position to an open position and vice versa.

[0014] There are many different types and embodiments of commercially available disconnecting apparatuses of the known type. Each embodiment differs from the others (among other possible variants), in particular by the type of actuation system adopted for the movement of the movable electric conductor with respect to the fixed electric conductor.

[0015] An example is described in the European Patent EP2182536. Such document describes a disconnecting apparatus for interrupting the passage of electric current, comprising a disconnector positioned between two electric sections of a power line, e.g. a line for the transmission of electric power.

[0016] In more detail, the device comprises a fixed part and a movable part. The fixed part is connected at one end to a vacuum chamber, and at the other end is connected to the power line. The movable part comprises a conductor movable with respect to the fixed part, in particular it is fixed on a wheel operable in rotation. During the rotation of the movable part, one end of the movable conductor intercepts the fixed part to connect/disconnect the electric circuit.

[0017] However, the disconnecting apparatus of known type briefly described so far has in practice proved to be not without drawbacks.

[0018] The main drawback lies in the fact that the disconnecting apparatuses of the known type are bulky and/or not very compact, as they do not allow the movable conductor to be moved in a small space.

[0019] A further drawback is that the disconnecting apparatuses of known type are constructively complex and expensive, as they comprise a large number of components. [0020] A further drawback is that the disconnecting apparatuses of known type are subject to rapid wear, due to impacts occurring between the movable part and the fixed part of the disconnector during its movement. In other words, the opening and closing of contacts causes degradation of the contact surfaces, in particular between the surface of the movable part and the surface of the fixed part of the disconnecting apparatus.

[0021] A further drawback lies in the fact that the disconnecting apparatuses of known type involves handling, for example, by pressurized fluids or the like, which inherently entails a certain degree of uncertainty.

[0022] In other words, apparatuses of known type are not entirely safe and reliable, e.g. they do not guarantee a precise movement and unambiguous positioning of the movable conductor with respect to the fixed conductor, with the possibility of electric current circulating between the conductors even if they are in a closed configuration. [0023] An example of a known type of disconnector with the above technical drawbacks is described in WO 2005/076304 A1.

Purposes of the invention

[0024] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that allows to overcome and remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the above-mentioned known technique.

[0025] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that is compact and/or space-saving.

[0026] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that is mechanically resistant.

[0027] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that allows precise handling of the movable parts.

[0028] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that is constructively simple.

[0029] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnection apparatus that is structurally and functionally completely reliable and safe.

[0030] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that can be realized easily, quickly and at low cost.

[0031] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnecting apparatus that can be installed on electric circuit lines easily, quickly and at low cost.

[0032] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a disconnection apparatus that has an alternative and/or improved configuration, both in terms of construction and function, compared to known traditional solutions.

Summary of the invention

[0033] All the purposes, either singly or in any combination thereof, and others which will result from the following detailed description are achieved, according to the invention, by a disconnecting apparatus having the characteristics set forth in the independent claim 1.

[0034] In particular, the aforementioned purposes are achieved with a disconnecting apparatus 10, for closing and/or opening a first electric section and a second electric section of an electric circuit, comprising a support structure 1 ; a body 2 interposed between the first and second electric sections, which internally defines a vacuum chamber 21 ; a first electric conductor 3 housed within the vacuum chamber 21 and mechanically connected to the support structure 1 ; and, a second electric conductor 4 housed within the vacuum chamber 21 and movable with respect to the first electric conductor 3 between a closed configuration in which the second electric conductor 4 is substantially in contact with the first electric conductor 3, and an open configuration in which the second electric conductor 4 is distal with respect to the first electric conductor 3; handling means 5 mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and configured to move the second electric conductor 4; wherein the handling means 5 comprise at least one shaped member 6, arranged externally with respect to the vacuum chamber 21 and provided with a sliding path 7; at least one sliding pin 8, mechanically constrained to the second electric conductor 4 and slidingly engaged with the sliding path 7; the sliding pin 8 is operable to slide in the sliding path 7 and to move the second electric conductor 4 in a guided manner between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

[0035] Advantageously, the handling means 5 comprise at least a first actuating member 51 mechanically mounted on the support structure 1 and movable between a first resting configuration and a second configuration, in which it moves the sliding pin 8 in the sliding path 7 to a second position in which the second electric conductor 4 is in the open configuration.

[0036] Advantageously, the first electric section comprises a third fixed electric conductor 11 , electrically connected to the first electric conductor 3, and the second electric section comprises a fourth movable electric conductor 12 between a first position where it is electrically connected to the third electric conductor 11 and a second position where it is disconnected from the third electric conductor 11 ; the fourth movable electric conductor 12 being configured to intercept the first actuating member 51 and to move the first actuating member 51 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0037] Advantageously, the sliding path 7 comprises at least a first section 71 , extending parallel to an axis X of movement of the second electric conductor 4 with respect to the first electric conductor 3, and at least a second section 72, extending substantially transverse with respect to the first section 71 along an axis Y.

[0038] Advantageously, the second section 72 of the sliding path 7 is bounded by a second abutment wall 74 configured to block the sliding pin 8 witch respect to a movement along the X-axis with the second conductor 4 in the open configuration.

[0039] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 is rotatably engaged to the support structure 1 and comprises a projecting portion 53 configured to actuate, during the rotation of the first actuating organ 51 , the movement of the sliding pin 8 along the first section 71 of the sliding path 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

[0040] Advantageously, the handling means 5 comprise a second actuating member 52 mechanically connected to the shaped member 6 and configured to move the shaped member 6 along the axis Y substantially transverse to the axis X, to associate the pin 8 one between the first abutment wall 73 and the second abutment wall 74 of the sliding path 7.

[0041] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises a first portion 511 and a second portion 512; the first portion 511 being rotatably constrained at a first end 5110 thereof to the support structure 1 , and at a second end 5111 thereof, opposite the first end 5110, being rotatably constrained to the second portion 512, and the second portion 512 comprising a conductive section 54 mechanically connected to the second portion 512, electrically connected to the second conductor 4 to allow the passage of electric current.

[0042] Advantageously, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to intercept the second portion 512 of the first member 51 during the movement from the first position (see Fig. 6A) to the second position (see Fig. 6E), wherein during the movement from the first configuration to the second configuration, the first portion 511 is integral with the second portion 512; and from the fact that the fourth conductor 12 is configured to intercept the second portion 512 of the first organ 51 during movement from the second position (see fig. 6E) to the first position (see fig. 6I); wherein the second portion 512 is rotatably movable in an idle manner relative to the first portion 511 (see fig. 6F).

[0043] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises second elastic means 13 that mechanically connect the first actuating member 51 to the support structure 1 ; the second elastic means 13 are configured to force the movement of the first actuating member 51 from the second configuration to the first configuration.

Brief description of the figures

[0044] The present invention is herein further elucidated in some of its preferred embodiments, set forth for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a disconnecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of the disconnecting apparatus shown in figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 shows a further perspective view of the disconnecting apparatus shown in figure 1 with some parts removed to better highlight others;

- Figure 4A shows an enlarged detail view of the handling means of the disconnecting apparatus object of the invention;

- Figure 4B shows an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the handling means illustrated in figure 4A;

- Figure 4C shows an enlarged perspective view of a further embodiment of the detail illustrated in figure 4B;

- Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the disconnecting apparatus shown in figure 1 ;

- Figures 6A-6I each show a front view of the disconnecting apparatus shown in figure 1 in different configurations.

Detailed description of the invention

[0045] With reference to the enclosed drawings, a disconnecting apparatus according to the present invention is indicated as a whole by 10.

[0046] Preferably, the apparatus in question is intended to be mechanically mounted in an electric line belonging to an electric circuit. In particular, the apparatus in question is intended to be electrically interposed between a first electric section and a second electric section, in order to connect and/or disconnect one of the two electric sections with respect to the other electric section in such a way as to establish and/or allow and/or interrupt the passage of electric current (and thus the transmission of electric power) between the first and second electric section that the disconnecting apparatus connects. [0047] Preferably, the disconnecting apparatus 10 object of the invention is a switchdisconnector apparatus (known in technical jargon by the acronym IMS).

[0048] In the following, special reference will be made to the installation of the aforementioned disconnecting apparatus between two electric sections of an electric line belonging, for example, to a power line connecting an electricity production plant with electricity distribution or transformation stations.

[0049] Obviously, the disconnecting device in question is to be understood as being applicable to any type of circuit or electric network and to any other aforementioned technical field, without thereby going beyond the scope of protection of this patent.

[0050] In the following, the term 'disconnecting apparatus' or more briefly 'disconnector' shall be understood for the purposes of this patent as meaning a device intended to be mechanically mounted and electrically installed in an electric line or circuit.

[0051] More specifically, the device according to the present invention is intended to be interposed between a first and second electric section of an electric circuit.

[0052] Furthermore, hereafter, the term 'electric circuit' or 'electric network' will be used indistinctly to refer to an electric system susceptible to being traversed by electric power. [0053] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the attached figure 1 shows a disconnecting apparatus 10, for closing and/or opening a first electric section and a second electric section of an electric circuit. The disconnecting apparatus 10 comprises a support structure 1 , preferably made of a rigid material to impart strength and rigidity to the apparatus 10, for example in an insulating material, for example a polymer, in particular a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer.

[0054] The disconnecting apparatus 10 also includes a body 2 interposed between the first and second electric sections, which internally defines a vacuum chamber 21.

[0055] Preferably, the body 2 is elongated in shape, in particular preferably cylindrical, and extends along an axis W. Preferably, the body 2 is internally hollow and, preferably, defines an internal housing volume; the internal housing volume can be advantageously insulated from the external environment.

[0056] In this way, the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 21 can be different from the pressure of the environment outside the vacuum chamber 21.

[0057] Preferably, the internal pressure in chamber 21 is lower than the ambient pressure and more preferably a vacuum is created in chamber 21.

[0058] The disconnecting apparatus 10 further comprises a first electric conductor 3 housed within the vacuum chamber 21 and mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and, a second electric conductor 4 housed within the vacuum chamber 21 and movable with respect to the first electric conductor 3.

[0059] Typically, the body 2, with the first electric conductor 3 and the second electric conductor housed in the vacuum chamber 21 , are known in the industry's technical jargon as the 'vacuum ampoule' or more briefly 'ampoule'.

[0060] Preferably, the first electric conductor 3 and the second electric conductor 4 have an elongated shape and extend along a prevailing development direction substantially parallel to the axis W of the body 2.

[0061] In particular, the first electric conductor 3 comprises a head portion 31 , and a tail portion 32 mechanically connected to the head portion 31.

[0062] Similarly, the second electric conductor 4 preferably comprises a head portion 41 , and a tail portion 42 mechanically connected to the head portion 41.

[0063] Preferably, the body 2 comprises at least two passage openings, e.g. at least two holes, preferably aligned along the axis Wand crossed respectively by the tail portion 32 of the first conductor 3 and the tail portion 42 of the second conductor 4.

[0064] Preferably, the coupling between the tail portions 32, 42 and the respective two passage openings is watertight, in particular such as to ensure insulation between the vacuum chamber 21 and the external environment.

[0065] In more detail, the head portion 31 of the first conductor 3 preferably has a preferably flat shape, in particular preferably substantially cylindrical, and defines a substantially flat conductive face 311. The tail portion 32 preferably has a substantially elongated shape along the axis W, in particular preferably substantially cylindrical.

[0066] Similarly, the head portion 41 of the second conductor 4 has a preferably flat shape, in particular preferably substantially cylindrical, and defines a substantially flat conductive face 411 (and faces the conductive face 311 of the first conductor 3).

[0067] The tail portion 42 preferably has a substantially elongated shape along the axis W, in particular preferably cylindrical.

[0068] Preferably, the first electric conductor 3 has substantially the same shape as the second electric conductor 4. Furthermore, preferably, the first conductor 3 is mirrored with respect to the second conductor 4 and vice versa.

[0069] More in detail, the second electric conductor 4 is movable between a closed configuration wherein the second electric conductor 4 is substantially in contact with the first electric conductor 3, and an open configuration in which the second electric conductor 4 is distal to the first electric conductor 3, to electrically connect or disconnect the first electric conductor 3 with the second electric conductor 4.

[0070] In more detail, the first conductor 3 and the second conductor 4 are preferably aligned along the axis W, and preferably substantially in contact by means face 311 and face 411 .

[0071] In this way, an electric current can flow from the first conductor 3 to the second conductor 4. [0072] The disconnecting apparatus 10 also comprises handling means 5 mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and configured to handle the second electric conductor 4.

[0073] Preferably, the handling means 5 comprise a mechanism, in particular an articulated mechanism, configured to move the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3, preferably by a substantially rectilinear movement along the axis W.

[0074] In other words, the handling means 5 moves the second conductor 4 relative to the first conductor 3 in such a way that the face 411 moves away from the face 311 by means of a substantially rectilinear movement along the axis W.

[0075] The handling means 5 further comprise at least one shaped member 6, arranged externally to the vacuum chamber 21 and provided with a sliding path 7.

[0076] Preferably, the at least one shaped member 6 comprises at least one slit 61 , preferably a closed slit 61 , i.e. fully obtained within the volume of the shaped member 6. Furthermore, the at least one shaped member 6 is substantially tiled, preferably made of a metal material, for example steel or the like.

[0077] Otherwise, in accordance with an embodiment not illustrated in the attached figures, slot 61 may be an open slot, e.g. the first wall 73 may not be present, notably replaced by a through channel.

[0078] Advantageously, the sliding path 7 comprises at least a first section 71 , extending parallel to an axis of movement X of the second electric conductor 4 with respect to the first electric conductor 3, and at least one second section 72, extending substantially transverse to the first section 71 along an axis Y.

[0079] Preferably, the axis of movement X of the second conductor 4 with respect to the first conductor 3 is substantially parallel to the axis W of the body 2.

[0080] Advantageously, the sliding pin 8 is operable to slide in the sliding path 7 parallel to the axis X and to allow, once the second section 72 of the sliding path 7 is reached, the shaped member 6 to move along the axis Y to allow the pin 8 to come against the second abutment wall 74 and thus block and/or prevent the return of said pin 8 towards the first wall 73. In this way, the second electric conductor 4 is forcibly maintained in the open configuration.

[0081] Preferably, the apparatus 10 comprises first elastic means (not illustrated in the attached figures) mechanically associated with the shaped member 6 (and/or a second actuating member 52 described in detail below) and configured to arrange the shaped member 6 in a position to hold the pin 8 at the second abutment wall 74 of the path 7.

[0082] In accordance with an embodiment, the first elastic means may comprise at least one spring mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and preferably to the shaped member 6, such as an axial spring, in particular extending parallel to the axis Y. [0083] Conveniently, the first elastic means are configured to move the shaped member 6 parallel to the axis Y with respect to the support structure 1.

[0084] The handling means 5 also comprise at least one sliding pin 8, which is mechanically constrained to the second electric conductor 4 and slidingly associated with the sliding path 7.

[0085] More specifically, the sliding pin 8 is mechanically constrained to the tail portion 42 of the second conductor 4, preferably at an end of the tail portion 42 opposite the head portion 41.

[0086] Preferably, the sliding pin 8 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is preferably made of metal material, particularly preferably steel.

[0087] The sliding pin 8 is operable to slide in the sliding path 7 and to move the second electric conductor 4 in a guided manner between the closed configuration and open configuration.

[0088] In this way, the disconnecting apparatus according to the present invention allows the movement of the second conductor 4 with respect to the first conductor 3 in a quick and easy manner, by using mostly safe and reliable mechanical components.

[0089] Advantageously, the sliding pin 8 is mechanically engaged in the slot 61. In this way, the sliding pin 8 is precisely guided during its movement along the path 7 obviating the risk of disengagement between the pin 8 and the shaped member 6 and at the same time obviating the risk of incorrect or inaccurate handling of the conductors. This allows for greater reliability and safety of the apparatus 10 during its operation.

[0090] Advantageously, the first section 71 of the sliding path 7 is delimited by a first wall 73, which can be configured to lock the sliding pin 8 against a movement along the axis X with the second electric conductor 4 in the closed configuration.

[0091] Preferably, however, the first wall 73 does not receive in abutment the pin 8 with the second conductor 4 in the closed configuration. In fact, preferably, the stroke of the second conductor 4 along the axis W is smaller than the extension of the first section 71 of the sliding path 7, i.e. than the possible stroke of the pin 8 along the first section 71 of the sliding path 7. In this way, the apparatus according to the invention allows to obviate the risk that the pin 8, blocked by the first wall 73, prevents the second conductor 4 from reaching the first conductor 3 in the closed configuration.

[0092] In addition, the second section 72 of the sliding path 7 is delimited by a second abutment wall 74 configured to block the sliding pin 8 with respect to a movement along the axis X with the second conductor 4 in the open configuration.

[0093] In this way, the second abutment wall 74 blocks the sliding pin 8 in the open configuration, making the positioning of the sliding pin 8 safe and stable.

[0094] In other words, the second abutment wall 74 prevents the pin 8 from making movements not defined by the path 7, such that pin 8 assumes unwanted positions, in particular it keeps the second conductor 4 in the open configuration.

[0095] In more detail, the first section 71 and the second section 72 are substantially at least partially straight and substantially orthogonal to each other. Preferably, the first section 71 and the second section 72 are connected at respective ends, in particular thus defining a substantially L-shaped slinging path 7.

[0096] In accordance with the further embodiment of the shaped member 6 illustrated in the attached figure 4C, the first and second section 71 , 72 are connected by a connecting zone 700, for example a chamfering or a substantially oblique connecting zone 700.

[0097] The first wall 73 of the first section 71 is arranged at a shorter distance from the first fixed conductor 3 than the distance between the second abutment wall 74 of the second section 72 and the first fixed conductor 3, with respect to the axis X or the axis W.

[0098] In other words, the first abutment wall 73 and the second abutment wall 74 are arranged at different heights along the axis X or along the axis W, so that the second abutment wall 74 locks the pin 8 (and thus the second conductor 4) in position with respect to the first fixed conductor 3; i.e., in particular, that it holds the conductor 4 in the open configuration when the shaped member 6 is in the translated position along the axis Y, in accordance with the attached figure 6E.

[0099] Advantageously, the handling means 5 comprise at least one first actuating member 51 mechanically mounted on the support structure 1 and movable between a first rest configuration, (e.g. in which it moves the sliding pin 8 in the sliding path 7 in a first position in which the second electric conductor 4 is in the closed configuration), and a second configuration, in which it moves the sliding pin 8 in the sliding path 7 in a second position in which the second electric conductor 4 is in the open configuration. [00100] In particular, the first configuration may be defined as the configuration in which the first organ 51 moves the sliding pin 8 in the sliding path 7 to a first position in which the second electric conductor 4 is in the closed configuration. Conversely, the first rest configuration may not coincide with the closure of the second movable conductor 4 when the first actuating member 51 is forced back into the first configuration by second elastic means 13 (described in detail below).

[00101] Preferably, the first member 51 is only movable from the first configuration in which it moves the sliding pin 8 in the sliding path 7 to a first position in which the second electric conductor 4 is in the closed configuration, to the second configuration. In other words, the first member 51 preferably allows only the opening of the first and second conductors 3, 4.

[00102] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises the second elastic means 13 mechanically connecting said first actuating member 51 to said support structure 1 .

[00103] Preferably, the second elastic means 13 comprise at least one spring. In particular, the second elastic means 13 comprise at least one torsion spring associated with the first actuating member 51 .

[00104] Moreover, said second elastic means 13 are advantageously configured to force the movement of said first actuating member 51 from said second configuration to said first resting configuration.

[00105] In this way, the first member 51 of the handling means 5 is kept under tension during its movement, which ensures robustness and rigidity of the disconnecting apparatus 10, as well as precision in the handling of the apparatus 10 itself.

[00106] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 is rotatably constrained to the support structure 1 and comprises a protruding portion 53 configured to actuate, during rotation of the first actuating member 51 , the movement of the at least one sliding pin 8 along the first section 71 of the sliding path 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

[00107] Operationally, following the sliding of pin 8 along the first section 71 , the first elastic means move the shaped member 6 along the axis Y and the pin 8 slides along the second section 72 until it comes against the second wall 74.

[00108] Preferably, the protruding portion 53 has a curved shape, preferably substantially hook-shaped, so as to mechanically engage the pin 8. [00109] Advantageously, the first electric section comprises a fixed third electric conductor 11 , electrically connected to the first electric conductor 3, and the second electric section comprises a movable fourth electric conductor 12 between a first position where it is electrically connected to the third electric conductor 11 and a second position where it is disconnected with respect to the third electric conductor 11.

[00110] Advantageously, in a manner per se known to the technician in the field, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to be moved to a third position, in correspondence and in contact with a fixed earth contact (not illustrated in the attached figures and per se known to the technician in the field) where, conveniently, by moving the fourth conductor 12 establishes electric continuity with an earth circuit.

[00111] More specifically, the movable fourth electric conductor 12 is configured to intercept the first actuating member 51 and move the first actuating member 51 between the first position and the second position.

[00112] Advantageously, the first actuating member 51 comprises a first portion 511 and a second portion 512.

[00113] In particular, the first portion 511 is rotatably constrained at a first end 5110 thereof to the support structure 1 , and at a second end 5111 thereof, opposite the first end 5110, is rotatably constrained to the second portion 512.

[00114] In this way, the second portion 512 rotates integrally with the first portion 511 during the movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[00115] Otherwise, the second portion 512 can rotate with respect to the end 5110 and independently with respect the first portion 511 during the movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[00116] Advantageously, the second portion 512 can perform two rotational movements. In particular, the second portion 512 may perform a rotation relative to the first end 5110 (i.e., to the support structure 1) and integral with the first portion 511. Further, the second portion 512 may perform an opposite rotation relative to the second end 5111.

[00117] In fact, the second end 5111 of the first portion 511 defines a stop or abutment wall for the rotation of the second portion 512, preventing in particular a rotation of the second portion 512 with respect to the first portion 511 itself.

[00118] Preferably, the rotation of the second portion 512 is implemented by third elastic means (not illustrated in the attached figures) associated with the first member 51. The third elastic means are preferably configured to push the second portion 512 in abutment against the first portion 511 of the first member 51. Preferably, the third elastic means comprise at least one spring mechanically interposed between the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 of the first organ 51 .

[00119] The second portion 512 also preferably comprises a conductive section 54 mechanically connected to the second portion 512, to allow the transmission of an electric current passage passing through it.

[00120] Preferably, the conductive section 54 is configured to be intercepted by the fourth conductor 12, and suitably shaped in such a way to define a substantially flat conductive surface 541 .

[00121] In more detail, the conductive surface 541 is electrically connected to the movable second conductor 4, in particular by means of a filament or the like (not illustrated in the attached figures), in order to enable the electric connection and to ensure a passage of electric current through the apparatus 10, between the first electric section and the second electric section through the conductors 3, 4.

[00122] Advantageously, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to intercept the second portion 512 of the first member 51 during the movement from the first position to the second position, wherein during the movement from the first configuration to the second configuration the first portion 511 is integral with the second portion 512.

[00123] Advantageously, the fourth conductor 12 is configured to intercept the second portion 512 of the first member 51 during the movement from the second position to the first position; wherein the second portion 512 is idly rotatably movable with respect to the first portion 511.

[00124] In other words, during the movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first portion 511 is substantially aligned with the second portion 512, with the second portion 512 abutting against the second end 5111 of the first portion 511. Furthermore, during the movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 rotate integrally with respect to the first end 5110 of the first portion 511 rotatably constrained to the support structure 1 .

[00125] Advantageously, during the movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration (i.e. the opposite movement to that described above), the fourth electric conductor 12 rotatably moves the second portion 512, which is free to rotate relative to the second end 5111 of the first portion 511 in an idle manner. Thus, the second portion 512 rotates while the first portion 511 remains stationary in position.

[00126] In this way, the second portion 512 is free to rotate independently of the first portion 511 , and this allows the fourth electric conductor 12 to pass over the second portion 512 of the first actuating member 51 and activate the movement of a second actuating member 52 (described below) in order to return the disconnecting apparatus 10 from the open configuration (see figure 6E) to the closed configuration (see figure 6I). [00127] More specifically, the second member 52 is moved to simultaneously move also the shaped member 6 to allow the pin 8 to traverse the first section 71 of the path 7, i.e. to allow the pin 8 to be released from the second abutment wall 74 of the second section 72 of the path 7.

[00128] Advantageously, the handling means 5 comprise a second actuating member 52 preferably mechanically connected to the support structure 1 and/or the shaped member 6 and is configured to move the shaped member 6 along the axis Y substantially transverse to the axis X, to associate the pin 8 with one between the first wall 73 and the second abutment wall 74 of the sliding path 7.

[00129] In other words, the second organ 52 is preferably configured to allow the pin 8 to free itself from the abutment wall 74 and to return the second movable conductor 4 to its abutment position against the first fixed conductor 3.

[00130] Preferably, the second organ 52 is configured to allow the pin 8 to free itself from the second abutment wall 74, being able to slide along the axis X in the first section 71 of the sliding path 7.

[00131] In accordance with a further embodiment, the first elastic means can be defined by the second actuating member 52, in particular made of an elastic material, such as spring steel, or a plastic material, such as a polymer, in particular a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer.

[00132] In more detail, the second actuating member 52 comprises a third end 521 preferably rotatably coupled to the support structure 1 , and a fourth end 522 shaped to be intercepted by the fourth movable conductor 12 during its movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In particular, the rotation of the fourth movable conductor 12 is such as to actuate the rotation of the second actuating member 52.

[00133] Consequently, the fourth conductor 12 actuates a substantially rectilinear movement of the shaped member 6 parallel to the axis Y, such that the pin 8 is disengaged from the second abutment wall 74. [00134] More in detail, the movement of the shaped member 6 parallel to the axis Y is performed in such a way as to bring the pin 8 at the first section 71 of the path 7 to allow the stroke of the pin 8 and thus the closure of the second movable conductor 4 in contact with the first fixed conductor 3.

[00135] The second actuating member 52 is preferably made of an insulating material, e.g. a polymer, in particular a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer.

[00136] Otherwise, the second member 52 may also be made of metal material suitably electrically insulated from the supporting structure 1.

[00137] It is clear from what has been described that the disconnecting apparatus, according to the invention, is particularly advantageous in that: is compact and space-saving; is secure and functionally completely reliable, as it can unambiguously indicate the state it is in (open or closed); is cost-effective or at least economically competitive and competitive with commercially available disconnecting apparatuses; is simple to realize; is mechanically rigid and resistant; is industrially feasible with traditional manufacturing systems and known construction techniques; is directly applicable to electric circuits or electric networks without the need for costly and complex preparation and/or adaptation; presents an alternative and/or improved configuration, both in constructional and functional terms, compared to known traditional solutions;

[00138] The present invention has been illustrated and described in its preferred embodiment, but it is understood that variations in execution may be made to it in practice, without going beyond the scope of protection of this patent for industrial invention.

Claims

1. Disconnecting apparatus (10), for closing and/or opening a first electric section and a second electric section of an electric circuit, comprising a support structure (1); a body (2) interposed between said first and second electric sections, internally defining a vacuum chamber (21); a first electric conductor (3) housed within said vacuum chamber (21) and mechanically connected to said support structure (1) e, a second electric conductor (4) housed within said vacuum chamber (21) and movable with respect to said first electric conductor (3) between a closed configuration in which said second electric conductor (4) is substantially in contact with said first electric conductor (3), and an open configuration wherein said second electric conductor (4) is distal with respect to said first electric conductor (3); handling means (5) mechanically connected to said support structure (1) and configured to handle said second electric conductor (4); characterized in that said handling means (5) comprise: at least one shaped member (6), arranged externally with respect to said vacuum chamber (21) and provided with a sliding path (7); at least one sliding pin (8), which is mechanically constrained to said second electric conductor (4) and slidingly engaged with said sliding path (7); said sliding pin (8) being operable to slide in said sliding path (7) and to move in a guided manner said second electric conductor (4) between said closed and said open configuration.

2. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said handling means (5) comprise at least a first actuation member (51) mechanically mounted on said support structure (1) and movable between: a first resting configuration, and a second configuration, wherein it moves said sliding pin (8) in said sliding path (7) to a second position wherein said second electric conductor (4) is in said open configuration.

3. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said first electric section comprises a third fixed electric conductor (11), electrically connected to said first electric conductor (3), and said second electric section comprises a fourth electric conductor (12) movable between a first position, wherein it is electrically connected to said third electric conductor (11) and a second position wherein it is disconnected with respect to said third electric conductor (11); said fourth movable electric conductor (12) being configured to intercept said first actuating member (51) and to move said first actuating member (51) between said first configuration and said second configuration.

4. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sliding path (7) comprises at least a first section (71), extending parallel to an axis X of movement of said second electric conductor (4) with respect to said first electric conductor (3), and at least a second section (72), extending substantially transversely with respect to said first section (71) along a Y axis.

5. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said second section (72) of said sliding path (7) is delimited by a second abutment wall (74) configured to block said sliding pin (8) with respect to a movement along said axis X with said second conductor (4) in said open configuration.

6. Disconnecting apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first actuating member (51) is rotatably engaged to said support structure (1) and comprises a projecting portion (53) configured to actuate, during rotation of said first actuating member (51), the movement of said at least one sliding pin (8) along said first section (71) of said sliding path (7) between said closed configuration and said open configuration.

7. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said handling means (5) comprise a second actuating member (52) mechanically connected to said shaped member (6) and is configured to move said shaped member (6) along said axis Y substantially transverse with respect to said axis X, to associate with said pin (8) one between a first wall (73) and said second abutment wall (74) of said sliding path (7).

8. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first actuating member (51) comprises a first portion (511) and a second portion (512); said first portion (511) being rotatably attached at one end (5110) thereof to said support structure (1), and at a second end (5111) thereof, opposite said first end (5110), being rotatably constrained to said second portion (512), and by the fact that said second portion (512) comprises a conductive section (54) mechanically connected to said second portion (512), electrically connected to said second conductor (4) to allow the passage of electric current.

9. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fourth conductor (12) is configured to intercept said second portion (512) of said first organ (51) during the movement from said first position to said second position, wherein during said movement from said first configuration to said second configuration said first portion (511) is integral with said second portion (512); and by the fact that said fourth conductor (12) is configured to intercept said second portion (512) of said first organ (51) during the movement from said second position to said first position; wherein said second portion (512) is rotatably movable in an idle manner with respect to said first portion (511).

10. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first actuating member (51) comprises second elastic means (13) mechanically connecting said first actuating member (51) to said support structure (1); said second elastic means (13) being configured to force the movement of said first actuating member (51) from said second configuration to said first configuration.

11. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conductive section (54) is configured to be intercepted by said fourth conductor (12) and is shaped to define a substantially flat conductive surface 541 .

12. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said conductive surface (541) is electrically connected to said second movable conductor (4), in particular by means of a filament or the like (not illustrated in the annexed figures), in order to allow electric connection and to ensure a passage of electric current through said apparatus (10), between said first electric section and said second electric section through conductors (3, 4).

13. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second member (52) is configured to allow said pin (8) to free itself from said second abutment wall (74) by being able to slide along the axis X in the first section (71) of said sliding path (7).

14. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second actuating member (52) comprises a third end (521) preferably rotatably coupled to the support structure (1), and a fourth end (522) shaped to be intercepted by said fourth movable conductor (12) during its movement from the open configuration to the closed configuration; the rotation of said fourth movable conductor (12) being such as to actuate the rotation of the second actuating member (52).

15. Disconnecting apparatus (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second sections (71 , 72) are connected by a connection zone (700), for example a chamfering or a connection zone 700, substantially oblique.