The present invention relates to an electric assembly for a switchgear and to the related switchgear.

As known, switching devices are mono- or multi-phase devices comprising for each phase a couple of contacts which can be actuate between a closed position (where the contacts are mutually coupled) and an open position (where the contacts are decoupled). In particular, the actuation of the couple of contacts between the open and closed positions allows the correct operation of specific parts of the electric circuits in which the switching device is installed, and of the operators of such circuit.

The switching device generally comprises a casing suitable for housing therein the various components and/or elements which operatively interact to each other in order to implement at least its electric switching functionality.

Furthermore, the switching device is generally installed in a switchgear; in particular, the switchgear comprises a cubicle which houses the switching device and which defines at least: a distribution compartment containing power distribution bars; and a load compartment containing means (e.g. cables) for the connection to one or more electric loads.

The switching devices installed in the switchgear operatively electrically connect the distribution bars and the respective electric loads; in particular, the switching device comprises line terminals suitable for being electrically connected to respective distribution bars in the distribution compartment, and load terminals suitable for being electrically connected to the connection means in the load comportment.

A displacement of the electric terminals of the switching device may cause drawbacks in the related switchgear.

For instance, a strong displacement of a line terminal could cause a deformation of the distribution bar connected thereto. Such deformation could even cause a collision between the distribution bar under deformation and other elements and/or components of the switchgear, such as a near wall of the switchgear. Hence, in addition to the distribution bars, even the walls of the switchgear (or other elements thereof) could be damaged by a strong displacement of the line terminals of the switching device.

A strong displacement of the line terminals could occur under critical conditions of the switching device, such as the generation of an electrical arc inside the casing of the switching device itself.

European patent application EP0543683 discloses a multipolar isolating circuit-breaker comprising, for each pole, a bottle for electrical contacts and an insulating feedthrough. The feedthroughs of the poles are secured to a common metal bar sheltering a common shaft for driving the contacts of the bottles.

Hence, at the current state of the art there is still reason and desire for further improvements. Such desire is fulfilled by an electric assembly suitable to be installed in a switchgear, comprising:

• a switching device having a casing and at least one electric phase comprising a couple of contacts which can be actuated by an associated kinematic chain, wherein an electric terminal is operatively associated to the at least one electric phase and connected to the kinematic chain; and
• blocking means which are adapted to be operatively connected to the casing and/or to the switchgear, and which are adapted to operatively interact with the kinematic chain so as to interrupt a displacement of the electric terminal along at least one direction.

The at least one electric phase comprises a first electric phase and a second electric phase having a first couple of contacts and a second couple of contacts, respectively.

The casing comprises a base part housing at least the kinematic chain, and a first elongated body and a second elongated body which protrude from the base part and which house the first couple of contacts and the second couple of contacts, respectively.

The blocking means comprise at least one shaped body having:

• a blocking part passing between the first and second elongated bodies; and
• at least one connecting part which is adapted to be operatively connected to the casing and/or to the switchgear.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a switchgear comprising at least one electric assembly such as the electrical assembly defined by the annexed claims and disclosed in the following description.

In the following description particular reference will be made for example to at least one embodiment of an electric assembly and related switchgear which are particularly suitable for medium voltage applications. For the purpose of the present disclosure the term "medium voltage" is referred to applications with operating voltages in the range from 1 kV to some tens of kV, e.g. 30 kV or 40kV.

However, it is to be set forth that the electric assembly and the related switchgear according to the present invention can be used in applications having different voltages with respect to the above exemplary range, e.g. applications with a voltage greater than 40 kV.

Further characteristics and advantages will be more apparent from the description of exemplary, but non-exclusive, embodiments of an electric assembly and a related switchgear according to the present invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

• figure 1 schematically shows an electric phase of a switching device suitable to be used for realizing an electric assembly according to the present invention;
• figure 2 is a perspective view of a switching device suitable to be used for realizing an electric assembly according to the present invention;
• figure 3 is an exploded view of various components of the switching device illustrated in figure 2;
• figure 4 is a perspective view of a metal shell of the switching device illustrated in figure 2;
• figure 5 is a section lateral view of the switching device illustrated in figure 2;
• figure 6 is a sectional front view of an electric phase of the switching device illustrated in figure 2;
• figure 7 shows an example of kinematic chain used in the switching device illustrated in figure 2, wherein circuit breaking units and driving means are operatively associated to such kinematic chain;
• figure 8 shows a circuit breaking unit associated to a corresponding portion of the kinematic chain illustrated in figure 7;
• figure 9 is a perspective view of a switchgear comprising a first example of electric assembly according to the present invention, wherein at least a portion of the front wall, of one lateral wall and of the upper wall of such switchgear is schematically illustrated by dot lines;
• figure 10 is a front view of the switchgear illustrated in figure 9;
• figure 11 is an upper view of the switchgear illustrated in figure 9, wherein the upper wall of the switchgear is removed in order to show the electrical assembly and power distribution bars installed into the switchgear;
• figure 12 is a perspective view of blocking means suitable for being used to realize the electric assembly illustrated in figure 9;
• figure 13 is a lateral view of the switching device illustrated in figure 2, in phase of assembly with blocking means so as to realize a second example of an electric assembly according to the present invention;
• figure 14 is an upper view of the switching device illustrated in figure 13, with the blocking means assembled thereto;
• figure 15 is a perspective view of the blocking means illustrated in figures 13 and 14;
• figure 16 is a perspective view of a switchgear comprising the electric assembly illustrated in figure 14, wherein at least a portion of the front wall, of one lateral wall and of the upper wall of such switchgear are schematically illustrated by dot lines.

It should be noted that in the detailed description that follows, identical or similar components, either from a structural and/or functional point of view, have the same reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different embodiments of the present disclosure; it should also be noted that in order to clearly and concisely describe the present disclosure, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features of the disclosure may be shown in somewhat schematic form.

Further, when the term "adapted" is used herein while referring to any component as a whole, or to any part of a component, or to a whole combinations of components, or even to any part of a combination of components, it has to be understood that it means and encompasses the structure, and/or configuration and/or shape and/or positioning of the related component or part thereof, or combinations of components or part thereof, such term refers to.

With reference to the attached figures 1-16, the present disclosure is related to an electric assembly globally indicated with numeral reference 200; the electric assembly 200 is suitable for being installed in a switchgear 1000 associated to an electric circuit 102.

The switchgear 1000 comprises a housing 1001, or cubicle 1001, defined by a plurality of walls 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806. The housing 1001 defines an internal space suitable for housing the electric assembly 200 and a plurality of other elements and/or components of the switchgear 1000. In particular, into the internal space of the housing 1001 are defined at least:

• a power distribution compartment 1002 housing power distribution bars 400 which are associated to a first part 100, or line part 100, of the electric circuit 102; and
• a load compartment 1003 housing connection means, e.g. cables, which are associated to a second part 101, or load part 101, of the electric circuit 101.

The electric assembly 200 comprises a switching device 1 having a casing 50 and one or more electrical phases 2, or poles 2, which are adapted to operatively electrically connect the line and load parts 100, 101 of the electric circuit 102. In particular, each electric phase 2 comprises at least a couple of contacts 11, 12 which can be actuated by an associated kinematic chain 201.

The exemplary switching device 1 illustrated in the attached figures 2-16 has three electrical phases indicated with reference sings 2a, 2b and 2c. It is to be set forth that the switching device 1 of the electric assembly 200 according to the present invention can have any number of electric phases 2 different to those illustrated only for exemplary purpose, e.g. a single electric phase 2, two electric phases 2 or four electric phases 2.

Preferably, the casing 50 defines a gas-tight internal environment for housing at least the couple of contacts 11, 12 and the associated kinematic chain 201; such gas-tight environment can be filled with insulating gas, such as for example SF₆; alternatively, in applications for smaller voltages, it can be filled with air.

The switching device 1 comprises a first electrical terminal 3 and a second electrical terminal 4 operatively associated to each electric phase 2.

The electric terminal 3 is adapted to electrically connect the corresponding phase 2 to a respective one of the power distribution bars 400 into the distribution compartment 1002, while the electric terminal 4 is adapted to electrically connect the corresponding phase 2 to the connection means into the load compartment 1003.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 2-16, the electric terminals 3 of the switching device 1 are operatively connected to the kinematic chain 201, in such a way that an undesired displacement of the electrical terminals 3 corresponds to an undesired displacement of the kinematic chain 201.

The electric assembly 200 according to the present invention comprises blocking means 700 which are operatively associated to the switching device 1.

The blocking means 700 are adapted to be operatively connected to the casing 50 of the associated switching device 1 and/or to the switchgear 1000 into which the associated switching device 1 is installed.

The blocking means 700 are also advantageously adapted to operatively interact with the kinematic chain 201 of the associated switching device 1 so as to interrupt a displacement along at least one direction of the electric terminals 3 (which are mechanically connected to the kinematic chain 201).

In practice, the blocking means 700 are adapted to mechanically interrupt, indirectly, an undesired displacement of the electric terminals 3, by intercepting and blocking the corresponding undesired displacement of the kinematic chain 201.

With reference to a first solution according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-12, the blocking means 700 are adapted to be operatively connected to the switchgear 1000. Preferably, in such case the blocking means 700 are adapted to be operatively connected to one or more structural components or elements defining the structure of the switchgear 1000, such as for example the walls 801-806 of the housing 1001.

Preferably, the blocking means 700 according to the above mentioned first solution are made of metal material, for example steel.

With reference to a second solution according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-16, the blocking means 700 are adapted to be operatively connected to the casing 50 of the switching device 1.

Preferably, in such case the casing 50 comprises at least a metal portion 52 and the blocking means 700 are adapted to be operatively connected to such portion 52.

For example, the metal portion 52 can be made of steel, e.g. stainless steel or pre-galvanized steel and is preferably connected to electric earth.

Preferably, the blocking means 700 according to the above mentioned second solution are made of insulating material, for example nylon.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures 2-16, the casing 50 advantageously comprises also a portion 51 made of insulating material, for example of polymeric material (e.g. a thermoplastic or a thermosetting material). Preferably, the insulating shell 51 is manufactured in a single piece, i.e. all the parts of such shell 51 are integral-made during the manufacturing process.

For example, the insulating and metal portions 51, 52 of the casing 50 comprise a first shell 51 and a second shell 52, respectively, which are coupled each other. In particular, with reference to figures 9-11 and figure 16, the switching device 1 can be installed into the related switchgear 1000, in such a way as the insulating shell 51 is placed at the power distribution compartment 1002 (so as each electric terminal 3 can be connected to the corresponding distribution bar 400), and the metal shell 52 is placed at the load compartment 1003 (so as each electric terminal 4 can be connected to the corresponding load connection means).

The insulating shell 51 and the metal shell 52 are coupled each other by connecting a first coupling portion 53 of the insulating shell 51 to a corresponding second coupling portion 54, 76 of the metal shell 52.

Preferably, the blocking means 700 according to the above mentioned second solution are adapted to be operatively connected to the mutually connected first and second coupling portions 53 and 54, 76 of the insulating and metal shells 51, 52.

According to an alternative solution, the blocking means 700 can be adapted to be operatively connected to both the casing 50 of the associated switching device 1 and the switchgear 1000 where the associated switching device 1 is installed.

Preferably, the blocking means 700 of the electric assembly 200 according to the present disclosure are advantageously adapted to operatively interact with the kinematic chain 201 so as to mechanically interrupt the displacement of the electric terminals 3 along at least one direction causing a deformation of the distribution bars 400 by means of the electric terminals 3 themselves.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 5-8, the kinematic chain 201 of the switching device 1 comprises a main movable rod 210 operatively connected to driving means 203 adapted to cause the movement of such rod 210. Preferably, the main movable rod 210 is entirely or partially made of insulating material, such as plastic; for instance, the main rod 210 can be made of insulating modular components which are mutually coupled.

The kinematic chain 201 also comprises linking means operatively connected to the main movable rod 210 and the couples of contacts 11, 12 of the associated electric phases 2. The linking means are adapted to be driven by the movement of the main rod 210 for causing the actuation of the movable contacts 11.

Preferably, the blocking means 700 are adapted to mechanically intercept at least a portion of the main rod 210 so as to interrupt the displacement of the electrical terminals 3.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures 2-16, the casing 50 of the switching device 1 comprises:

• a base part 90 defining an internal main chamber 91 housing at least the kinematic chain 201; and
• an elongated body 92 associated to each electrical phase 2.

Each elongated body 92 protrudes from the base part 90 and defines an internal chamber 93 housing a corresponding couple of contacts 11, 12 associated to the kinematic chain 201. In particular, each internal chamber 93 can be accessed from the main chamber 91, in such a way that the kinematic chain 201 can operatively interact with the associated couple of contacts 11, 12.

With reference to a switching device 1 having a plurality of electric phases 2, the blocking means 700 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-12 and according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-16 comprise at least one shaped body 700. The shaped body 700 comprises: a blocking part 701 adapted to pass between two adjacent insulating bodies 92; and one or more connecting parts 702, 703.

The blocking part 701 is positioned between adjacent insulating bodies 92 at a certain distance from the kinematic chain 201 housed into main chamber 91, in such a way that it is adapted to mechanically intercept a corresponding portion of the kinematic chain 201 under undesired displacement. In this way, the blocking part 701 can mechanically interrupt the corresponding displacement of the electrical terminals 3, such as a displacement causing the deformation of the distribution bars 400.

For example, the blocking part 701 is positioned in such a way that it can mechanically intercept the corresponding portion of the kinematic chain 201 before that the distribution bars 400 under deformation collide with one or more elements or components of the switchgear 1000, such as the upper wall 806 of the housing 1001.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-12, the one or more connecting parts 702, 703 of the shaped body 700 are operatively connected to a corresponding wall 801, 802 of the housing 1001.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-16, the one or more connecting parts 702, 703 of the shaped body 700 are operatively connected to the metal shell 52 of the casing 50, in particular to the mutually connected coupling portions 53, 54, 76 of the insulating and metal shells 51, 52.

The connecting parts 702, 703 of the shaped bodies 700 illustrated for example in figure 9-12 and in figures 13-16 comprise a first end 702 and a second end 703 opposed each other with respect to the blocking part 701.

A first linking part 704 and a second linking part 705 link the blocking part 701 to the connecting end 702 and to the connecting end 703, respectively.

With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-12 and to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-16, the linking part 704 and the linking part 705 of the shaped body 700 are inclined with respect to the blocking part 701.

In particular, the linking parts 704 and 705 are inclined in such a way that, upon positioning the blocking part 701 between the corresponding adjacent insulating bodies 92, the linking part 704 face a first wall 98 of the base part 90 of the casing 50, and the linking part 705 face a second wall 99 of the base part 90.

Alternatively to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in figures 9-16, the blocking means 700 of the electric assembly 200 according to the present invention can comprise at least one shaped body 700 having at least a portion passing through the casing 50, for example through the insulating portion 51. Such portion would pass through the casing 50 in such a way as it can mechanically intercept a corresponding portion of the kinematic chain 201 under undesired displacement and interrupt the corresponding displacement of the electric terminals 3.

The following description relates particularly to the exemplary switching device 1 illustrated in the attached figures 2-16, and to the electric assembly 200 comprising such switching device 1.

In particular, the switching device 1 comprises for each electric phase 2 at least a circuit breaking unit 10 having a movable contact 11 and a corresponding fixed contact 12. The movable contact 11 can be actuated, during the operation of the circuit breaking unit 10 itself, from a closed position (where it is electrically coupled to the fixed contact 12) and an open position (where it decoupled and electrically separated from the fixed contact 12).

The kinematic chain 201 of the switching device 1 is operatively connected to and adapted to cause the actuation of the movable contact 11 of each electric phase 2 between the open and closed positions.

Each circuit breaking unit 10 comprises a bulb 15 which is placed into the casing 50; the bulb 15 defines an internal sealed environment where the electrical connection/separation between the movable and fixed contacts 11, 12 can occur. Preferably, the internal space of the bulb 15 is in vacuum; alternatively, such internal space may be filled with insulating gas.

Each electrical terminal 3 is operatively mechanically connected to the kinematic chain 201. For example, as illustrated particularly in figures 3 and 5-8, each electrical terminal 3 is connected, preferably fixed, to the bulb 15 of the corresponding circuit breaking unit 10. Such bulb 15 is in turn operatively connected to and supported by the kinematic chain 201; in this way, the electrical terminal 3 is mechanically connected to the kinematic chain 20.

Each electric phase 2 also comprises a disconnecting unit 20 operatively associated to the circuit breaking unit 10 of the same phase 2. Preferably the circuit breaking and disconnecting units 10, 20 of the same phase 2 are electrically connected in series.

The disconnecting unit 20 has a movable contact 21 and a corresponding fixed contact 22, wherein the movable contact 21 can be actuated, during the operation of the disconnecting unit 20 itself, between a connection position (where it is connected to the fixed contact 22) and at least one disconnection position (where it is disconnected from the fixed contact 22). With reference to the example schematically illustrated in figure 1, the actuation of the movable contact 11 from the open position to the closed position allows the flowing of a current I_phase between the line and load parts 100, 101 of the electric circuit 102, through the electrically coupled movable and fixed contacts 11, 12.

The actuation of the movable contact 11 from the closed position to the open position causes the interruption of the current I_phase by means of the electrical separation between the movable and fixed contacts 11, 12; such actuation is generally carried out to intervene against the occurrence of fault currents, e.g. an overload or short-circuit current.

The connection between the movable and fixed contacts 21, 22 of the disconnecting unit 20 is suitable for realizing an electrical connection between the line and load parts 100, 101 of the electric circuit 102. The actuation of the movable contact 21 from the connection position to the disconnection position causes a physical separation between the line and load parts 100, 101 (in order to interrupt the electrical connection between them).

The switching device 1 comprises actuating means (schematically depicted in the example figure 1 and indicated with numeral reference 300) which are operatively connected to and adapted to cause the actuation of the movable contacts 21.

Preferably, the casing 50 of the switching device 1 is adapted to houses also the disconnecting units 20 and at least a portion of the associated actuating means 300.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 2-16, each electric phase 2 of the switching device 1 can also comprise earthing means which are operatively associated to the disconnecting units 20. In particular, the earthing means are adapted to connect the load part 101 of the circuit 102 to electric earth, through the disconnecting units 20.

For example, the disconnecting units 20 illustrated in figures 3-6 are advantageously adapted to realize also the earthing functionality. In particular, each disconnecting unit 20 comprises an earthed contact 23 and the movable contact 21 can be actuated between the connection position and:

• a first disconnection position, where the movable contact 21 is disconnected from the fixed contact 22 and the earthed contact 23;
• a second disconnection position, or earthing position, where the movable contact 21 is disconnected from the fixed contact 22 and connected to the earthed contact 23.

With reference to the casing 50, its insulating shell 51 comprises the base part 90 having:

• a flanged portion 53 defining the coupling portion 53 of the shell 51;
• a front wall 96 and a rear wall 97 which protrudes transversally from opposed ends of the flanged portion 53 in such a way to be faced to each other;
• first and second lateral walls 98 and 99 which protrude faced each other from the flanged portion 53, in such a way to link transversally the front and rear walls 96, 97; and
• an upper wall 25 linking transversally the first and second lateral walls 98 and 99, as well as the front and rear walls 96, 97.

The insulating shell 51 also comprises a first elongated body 92a, a second elongated body 92b and a third elongated body 92c which are associated to the first, second and third electric phases 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively. Such first, second and third elongated bodies 92a, 92b, 92c protrude transversally from the upper wall 25 along a first longitudinal axis 500a, a second longitudinal axis 500b and a third longitudinal axis 500c, respectively, wherein such longitudinal axes 500a, 500b, 500c lay on a common plane (practically coinciding to the sheet of figures 5 and 9).

Each of the insulating bodies 92a, 92b and 92c comprises the internal chamber 93 housing the corresponding circuit breaking unit 10; in particular, each internal chamber 93 is configured for housing the bulb 15 of the corresponding circuit breaking unit 10. A through hole 95 is defined in the upper end of the insulating body 92 to allow the free passage into the internal chamber 93 of the electric terminal 3.

Preferably, the base part 90 of the insulating shell 51 comprises one or more support tabs 110a-110e and one or more support tabs 111a-111e connecting the lateral wall 98 and the lateral wall 99, respectively, to the flanged portion 53. Such support tabs 110a-100e and 111a-111e are adapted to reinforce the overall structure of the insulating shell 51.

For example, the base part 90 comprises:

• a support tab 110a lying in a plane 900 comprising the longitudinal axis 500a of the insulating body 92a;
• a support tab 110b lying in a plane 901 comprising the longitudinal axis 500b of the insulating body 92b;

• a support tab 110c lying in a plane 902 comprising the longitudinal axis 500c of the insulating body 92c;
• a support tab 110d placed between the support tabs 110a and 100b;
• a support tab 110e placed between the support tabs 100b and 110d;
• a support tab 111a aligned to the support tab 110a (i.e. lying in the same plane 900 of the support tab 100a);
• a support tab 111b aligned to the support tab 110b (i.e. lying in the same plane 901 of the support tan 100b);
• a support tab 111c aligned to the support tab 110c (i.e. lying in the same plane 902 of the support tab 110c);
• a support tab 111d aligned to the support tab 110d (i.e. lying in the same plane of the support tab 110d); and
• a support tab 111e aligned to the support tab 110e (i.e. lying in the same plane of the support tab 110e).

The main chamber 91 of the insulating shell 51 houses the kinematic chain 201 operatively connected to its driving means 203, in particular to a driving rotating shaft 203 suitable to rotate about an axis 204.

The main movable rod 210 and the rotating shaft 203 are operatively connected in such a way that the main movable rod 210 can move linearly into the main chamber 91 along an axis of motion 600, according to the rotation of the shaft 203 about the axis 204.

A cover 400, preferably made of metal material, is coupled to the front wall 96 of the insulating shell 51 so as to cover an access opening 59; the cover 400 is adapted to support the driving shaft 203 and the access opening 59 provides access into the main chamber 91 to means 205 for operatively connecting the driving shaft 203 to the main movable rod 210.

The linking means of the kinematic chain 201 operatively connect the main movable rod 210 to the movable contact 11 of each circuit breaking unit 10 housed in the corresponding internal chamber 93. In particular, the linear movement of the main movable main rod 210 along the axis 600 causes the actuation of the movable contact 11 through the linking means. The linking means illustrated for example in figures 5-8 comprise a movable piston 211 associated to each circuit breaking unit 10 of the switching device 1. The movable piston 211 can be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the movable piston 211 from the first position to the second position causes the actuation of the associated movable contact 11 from the closed position to the open position, and the movement from the second position to the first position causes the actuation of the associated movable contact 11 from the open position to the closed position.

For example, the movable piston 211 is coupled to a portion of the associated movable contact 11, portion that protrudes outside from the bulb 15 of the circuit breaking unit 10.

The linking means also comprise a movable element 212 operatively connected to the movable main rod 210 so as to move from a third position to a fourth position according to the movement of the movable main rod 210 along the axis of motion 600 in a first direction (schematically depicted in figure 5 as an arrow indicated with reference sign "X₁"), and from the fourth position to the third position according to the movement of the movable main rod 210 along the axis of motion 600 in a second direction opposed with respect to the first direction (second direction which is schematically depicted in figure 5 as an arrow indicated with reference sign "X₂").

The movable element 212 is operatively connected to a corresponding movable piston 211 through elastic means 213.

In particular, the movement of the element 212 from the fourth position to the third position is able to cause the movement of the corresponding movable piston 211 from the second position to first position and the compression of the elastic means 213.

The movement of the element 212 from the third position to the fourth position is able to cause the movement of the corresponding movable piston 211 from the first position to the second position and the return of the compressed elastic means 213 to a rest position.

The linking means of the kinematic chain 201 also comprise a supporting frame associated to each circuit breaking unit 10 of the switching device 1; in particular, the supporting frame has a first flank 215 and a second flank 216 which are operatively connected to each movable element 212 of the kinematic chain 201.

Preferably, the flanks 215, 216 are made of metal material and are electrically connected to the movable contact 11 of the corresponding circuit breaking unit 10, by means of a flexible contact 217. Such conductive flanks 215, 216 are also connected to the fixed contact 22 of the disconnecting unit 20 provided in the same electric phase 2 of the corresponding circuit breaking unit 10.

The linking means of the kinematic chain 201 also comprise:

• a first connecting pin 230 which transversally connect each other the flanks 215 and 216;
• a first lever 231 and a second lever 232 each having a fulcrum portion 233 pivotally connected to a first end 234 and an opposed second end 235 of the first connecting pin 230, respectively, wherein each of the first and second levers 231, 232 has a first arm 236 and a second arm 237 protruding from the fulcrum portion 233; and
• a second connecting pin 240 which transversally connects the first arms 236 of the first and second levers 231 and 232.

The second connecting pin 240 is connected to the main rod 210, and the second arms 237 are connected to the movable element 212.

Due to the connection between the second connecting pin 240 and the main rod 210 each of the first and second levers 231, 232 rotates about its fulcrum portion 233, upon the movement of the main rod 210 along the axis of motion 600.

In particular, the rotation of the first and second levers 231, 232 caused by the movement of the main rod 210 along the first direction X₁ causes the movement of the element 212 from the third position to the fourth position. Such movement of the element 212 in turn causes a corresponding movement of the movable piston 211 from the first position to the second position and, therefore, the actuation of the movable contact 11 from the closed position to the open position.

The rotation of the first and second levers 231, 232 caused by the movement of the main rod 210 along the direction X₂ causes the movement of the element 212 from the fourth position to the third position. Such movement of the element 212 in turn causes a corresponding movement of the movable piston 211 from the second position to the first position and, therefore, the actuation of the movable contact 11 from the open position to the closed position.

Therefore, the electric terminals 3 are operatively connected to and supported by the kinematic chain 201. In particular, each electric terminals 3 is mechanically connected to the main movable rod 210 through: the bulb 15 and the movable contact 11 of the corresponding circuit breaking unit 10, the movable piston 211 operatively connected to such movable contact 11, the movable element 212 operatively connected to such movable piston 211, and the support flanks 215, 216 operatively connected to such movable element 212 and to the main rod 210.

The metal shell 52 of the switching device 1 illustrated in the attached figures 2-16 comprises: a base wall 71; a front wall 72, a rear wall 73 and parallel lateral walls 74, 75; the upper ends of the walls 72-75 are configured to define an overall flanged upper edge 76.

The metal shell 52 also comprises a flanged portion 54 which is placed on and fixed to the flanged upper edge 76.

The mutually fixed flanged portion 54 and flanged upper edge 76 define the overall coupling portion of the metal shell 52 that is adapted to be connected to the flanged portion 53 of the insulating shell 51. In particular, through holes 55, 56 and 77 are defined across the flanged portion 53, the flanged portion 54 and the upper flanged edge 76, respectively, for receiving therethrough fixing means 401.

The metal shell 52 supports and contains the movable contacts 21 of the disconnecting units 20. The electric terminals 4 connected to such disconnectors units 20 enter the casing 50 through corresponding holes 80 defined in the base wall 71. The movable contact 21 of each disconnecting unit 20 is pivotally mounted on the upper portion of the corresponding terminal 4 inside the casing, while the lower portion of such terminal 4 protrudes outside the casing 50 and it is surrounded by an insulator 60.

The metal shell 52 also supports and contains the actuating means 300 which comprises a driving shaft 301; the ends of the driving shaft 301 are operatively coupled to the front and rear walls 72, 73 of the metal shell 52 in such a way that the driving shaft 301 is able to rotate about an axis of rotation 302. The driving shaft 301 is operatively connected to each movable contact 21, in such a way that the rotation of the driving shaft 301 about the axis 302 causes the actuation of the movable contacts 21 between the connected position, the first disconnection position and the earthing position.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-11 the electric assembly 200 comprises the switching device 1 illustrated in figures 2-6 which is installed into the switchgear 1000. In particular, such switching device 1 is supported by support plans 1005 protruding transversally from the walls 801, 802 and 805 of the housing 1001.

The electric assembly 200 also comprises two shaped bodies 700, one of which having its own blocking part 701 passing between the insulating bodies 92a and 92b, and the other having its own blocking part 701 passing between the insulating bodies 92b and 92c.

A predefined distance is kept between the blocking parts 701 of the two illustrated shaped bodies 700 and the upper wall 25 of the insulating shell 51; the distance being such that the blocking parts 701 can suitably intercept the main movable rod 210 of the kinematic chain 201 under displacement. In this way, the blocking parts 701 can interrupt the corresponding displacement of the electrical terminal 3 causing a deformation of the distribution bars 400, in particular before that the distribution bars 400 under deformation collide with the upper wall 806 of the housing 1001.

Alternatively, the blocking parts 701 of the two illustrated shaped bodies 700 could rest on corresponding portions of the upper wall 25 of the insulating shell 51, in particular on the portions comprised between the insulating bodies 92a and 92b and between the insulating bodies 92b and 92c.

The connecting end 702 of each of the two illustrated shaped body 700 is connected to the wall 802 of the housing 1001, and the opposed connecting end 703 is connected to the wall 801 (parallel to the wall 802). For example, each one of the connecting ends 702, 703 comprises a plate 710 adapted to be coupled to a fixing pin 1006 soldered to the corresponding wall 801, 802.

The linking part 704 between the blocking part 701 and the connecting end 702 of the shaped bodies 700 is inclined with respect to the blocking portion 701 so as to face the lateral wall 98 of the insulating shell 51, and the linking part 705 between the blocking part 701 and the connecting end 703 is inclined with respect to the blocking part 701 so as to face the lateral wall 99.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-14, the electric assembly 200 comprises the switching device 1 illustrated in figures 2-6 and two shaped bodies 700, one of which having its own blocking part 701 passing between the insulating bodies 92a and 92b, and the other having its own blocking part 701 passing between the insulating bodies 92b and 92c.

The blocking parts 701 of the two illustrated shaped bodies 700 rests on corresponding portions of the upper wall 25 of the insulating shell 51, in particular to the portion comprised between the insulating bodies 92a and 92b and to the portion comprised between the insulating bodies 92b and 92c, respectively.

The blocking parts 701 are adapted to intercept the main movable rod 210 of the kinematic chain 201 under undesired displacement and block the corresponding displacement of the electrical terminal 3 causing a deformation of the distribution bars 400.

In particular, the blocking parts 701 can intercept the corresponding portion of the main movable rod 201 and interrupt the displacement of the electrical terminals 3 before that the distribution bars 400 under deformation collide with the upper wall 806 of the housing 1001. Alternatively to the illustrated embodiment, a predefined distance could be kept between the blocking parts 701 of the shaped bodies 700 and the upper wall 25 of the insulating shell 51; the distance being such that the blocking parts 701 can still suitably interact with the kinematic chain 201 under displacement to mechanically interrupt the displacement of the electric terminals 3 causing a deformation of the distribution bars 400.

The opposed connecting ends 702, 703 of the two illustrated shaped bodies 700 are fixed to opposed corresponding portions of the casing 50. Such opposed corresponding portions are defined by the coupling portion 53 of the insulating shell 51 and the coupling portion 54, 76 of the metal shell 52.

For example, the connecting ends 702 and 703 of each of the two illustrated shaped bodies 700 are fixed to the flanged portion 53, to the flanged upper edge 76 and the to the flanged portion 54 through the fixing means 401.

The linking part 704 between the blocking part 701 and the connecting end 702 of the shaped bodies 700 is inclined with respect to the blocking portion 701 so as to face the lateral wall 98 of the insulating shell 51, and the linking part 705 between the blocking portion 701 and the connecting end 703 is inclined with respect to the blocking part so as to face the lateral wall 99.

The linking parts 704 and 705 of one of the two illustrated shaped body 700 are shaped so as to rest on and cover the thickness-edge of the trapezoidal shaped support tab 110d and of the trapezoidal shaped support tab 111d, respectively. In the same way, the linking parts 704 and 705 of the other illustrated shaped body 700 are shaped so as to rest on and cover the thickness-edge of the trapezoidal shaped support tab 110c and of the trapezoidal shaped support tab 111c, respectively.

In this way, the overall sturdiness of the switching device 1, in particular of the casing 50, is improved by the shaped bodies 700.

Figure 16 shows the switchgear 1000 comprising the electric assembly 200 illustrated in figures 13-14; in particular, such assembly 200 is supported by support plans 1005 protruding transversally from the walls 801, 802 and 805 of the housing 1001.

The operation of the blocking means 700 according to the present invention is therein disclosed by making reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 9-11 and to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 16.

For example, it is considered the occurrence of an electric arc inside the casing 50, such as an electric arc between the adjacent electric phases 2a and 2b and/or between the adjacent phases 2b and 2c, or an electric arc between one of the phases 2a, 2b and 2c and electric earth.

Due to the high pressure generated into the casing 50 by the electric arc, a strong displacement of the elements housed in the casing 50 is caused, among which the kinematic chain 201, the bulbs 15 and the electrical terminals 3 which are mutually structurally connected.

Particularly critical is the displacement of the electric terminals 3 along a direction causing the deformation of the distribution bars 400.

However, the blocking part 701 of the shaped body 700 positioned between the insulating bodies 92a and 92b of the insulating shell 51, as well the blocking part 701 of the shaped body 700 positioned between the insulating bodies 92b and 92c, is adapted to mechanically interrupt the displacement of the electric terminals 3 by intercepting corresponding portions of the main movable rod 210 of the kinematic chain 201.

In this way, the deformation of the distribution bars 400 is interrupted, before such bars 400 can collide to the upper wall 806 of the switchgear 1000.

The shaped bodies 700 can withstand the impact with the corresponding portions of the kinematic chain 201, since that their connecting ends 702 and 703 are operatively connected to the walls 802, 801 of the housing 1001 (according to the solution illustrated in figures 9-11) or to the metal shell 52 of the switching device 1 (according to the solution illustrated in figures 13, 14 and 16).

In practice, it has been seen how the electric assembly 200 according to the present disclosure allow achieving the intended object offering some improvements over known solutions.

In particular, the blocking means 700 prevent the housing 1001 of the switchgear 1000, as well of other components and/or elements housed therein, from damages that could be caused by strong displacements of the electric terminals 3 of the switching device 1.

In this way the operating life of the switchgear 1000 is increased.

The linking parts 704 and 705 of the shaped bodies 700 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-12 and to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-16, could also be adapted to intercept corresponding portions of the kinematic chain 201 under a lateral displacement. Indeed, such linking parts 704, 705 face the lateral walls 98 and 99, respectively, of the base part 90 of the casing 50, housing the kinematic chain 201.

In this way, corresponding strong lateral displacements of the electrical terminals 3 could be mechanically interrupted, or at least limited.

The switching device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures 1-16 carries out at least the current interruption functionality between parts 100, 101 of the associated electric circuit 102 and the disconnection functionality between such parts 100, 101, through the circuit breaking units 10 and the disconnecting units 20, respectively.

By integrating more functionalities in a single device, the overall space occupied into the housing 1001 of the switchgear 1000 is drastically reduced, as well as the required cable or wiring connections.

Furthermore, the casing 50 of the switching device 1 illustrated in the attached figures 2-16 is advantageously defined by coupling the insulating shell 51 and the metal shell 52.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-14 the shaped bodies 700 contribute to keep the insulating and metal shells 51 and 52 coupled each other, therefore increasing the overall sturdiness of the casing 50.

The insulating shell 51 realizes an economical and compact size of the overall casing 50.

Since such size is made of insulating material, it is possible to reduce its electrical distance with respect to live parts (i.e. energized parts) in the switchgear 1000, such as the distribution bars 400 into the distribution compartment 1002. In this way, the waste of space into the housing 1001 is further reduced.

The manufacture of the insulating shell 51 as a single piece is a particularly practical and economic solution.

The metal shell 52 connected to ground realizes a size of the overall casing 50 ensuring the respect of relevant Standards (e.g. the required metal earthed segregation between the distribution compartment 1002 and the load compartment 1003 of the switchgear 100).

The switching device 1 and related switchgear 1000 may undergo numerous modifications and come in several variants all falling within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the appended claims.

For example, even if the blocking means 700 of the electric assembly 200 according to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in figures 9-12 and in figure 13-16 are only adapted to interrupt a displacement of the electric terminals 3, such blocking means 700 could be configured for operatively interacting with the kinematic chain 201 so as to interrupt also an undesired displacement of the electric terminals 4 (providing that such terminals 4 are also mechanically connected to the kinematic chain 201).

Furthermore, alternatively or in addition to the blocking means 700 illustrated in figures 9-12 or in figure 13-16, the electric assembly 200 can comprise other blocking means which are operatively connected to the switchgear 1000 and/or to the casing 50 of the switching device 1. Such blocking means would be adapted to operatively interact with the kinematic chain 201 so as to block a displacement of the electric terminals 4 along at least one direction, providing that such terminals 4 are mechanically connected to the kinematic chain 201.

For example, even if in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 8-11 the connecting ends 702, 703 of the two shaped bodies 700 are operatively connected only to the walls 801, 802 of the switchgear 1000, and even if in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figure 16 the connecting ends 702, 703 of the two shaped bodies 700 are operatively connected only to the metal shell 52 of the casing 50, one of such connecting ends 702 and 703 could be connected to a corresponding wall of the switchgear 1000, and the other to the metal shell 52. For example, even if in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in figures 9-11 and in figures 13-14 the blocking parts 701 of the two illustrated shaped bodies 700 are placed between the insulating bodies 92a-92b and 92b-92c, such blocking parts 701 could be placed externally to the insulating shell 51 in any position suitable for providing a suitably operatively interaction with corresponding parts of the kinematic chain 201.

For example, even if in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-11 the casing 50 of the switching device 1 comprises the insulating and metal shells 51, 52, such casing 50 could be entirely made of insulating material.

For example, even if in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 13-14 the casing 50 of the switching device 1 comprises the insulating and metal shells 51, 52, such casing 50 could be made entirely of metal material.

For example, even if in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in figures 9-11 the connecting ends 702, 703 of the illustrated shaped bodies 700 are operatively connected to the walls 802 and 801 of the housing 1001, such connecting ends 702, 703 could be operatively connected to other walls of the housing 1001 and/or to other structural elements of the switchgear 1000, such as the support plans 1005.

For example, the blocking means 700 according to the solution illustrated in figure 9-12 could be made of insulating material, and the blocking means 700 according to the solution illustrated in figures 13-16 could be made of metal material.

Furthermore, even if the switching device 1 illustrated in the attached figure 1-16 implements both the circuit breaking and disconnecting functionalities (through the circuit breaking units 10 and the disconnecting units 20), the switching device 1 of the electric assembly 200 according to the present invention could implement only the circuit breaking functionality or the disconnecting functionality.

Moreover, all parts/components can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements; in practice, the type of materials, and the dimensions, can be any according to needs and to the state of the art.