A MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHING APPARATUS

Abstract

 A switching apparatus comprising one or more electric poles.
For each electric pole, the switching apparatus comprises a first pole terminal, a second pole terminal and a ground terminal. In operation, the first pole terminal can be electrically coupled to a first conductor of an electric line, the second pole terminal can be electrically coupled to a second conductor of said electric line and the ground terminal can be electrically coupled to a grounding conductor.
For each electric pole, the switching apparatus comprises a plurality of fixed contacts spaced apart one from another. Such a plurality of fixed contacts comprises a first fixed contact electrically connected to the first pole terminal, a second fixed contact electrically connected to the second pole terminal, a third fixed contact electrically connected to the ground terminal and a fourth fixed contact electrically connectable with the second fixed contact.
For each electric pole, the switching apparatus further comprises a movable contact, which is reversibly movable about a corresponding rotation axis according to opposite first and second rotation directions, so that said movable contact can be coupled to or uncoupled from one or more of the above-mentioned fixed contacts, and a vacuum interrupter comprising a vacuum chamber, in which a fixed arc contact and a movable arc contact are enclosed and can be coupled or decoupled.
For each electric pole, the switching apparatus further comprises a motion transmission mechanism operatively coupled to the movable arc contact of said vacuum interrupter. The motion transmission mechanism is actuatable by the movable contact to cause a movement of said movable arc contact along said translation axis, when said movable contact moves about said rotation axis.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching apparatus for medium voltage electric systems, more particularly to a load-break switch for medium voltage electric systems.

[0002] Load-break switches are well known in the state of the art.

[0003] These switching apparatuses, which are generally used in secondary distribution electric grids, are capable of providing circuit-breaking functionalities (namely breaking and making a current) under specified circuit conditions (typically nominal or overload conditions) as well as providing circuit-disconnecting functionalities (namely grounding a load-side section of an electric circuit).

[0004] Most traditional load-break switches of the state of the art have their electric poles immersed in a sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) atmosphere as this insulating gas ensures excellent performances in terms of dielectric insulation between live parts and arc-quenching capabilities when currents are interrupted.

[0005] As is known, however, SF₆ is a powerful greenhouse gas and its usage is subject to severe restriction measurements for environmental preservation purposes. For this reason, over the years, there has been made a considerable effort to develop and design load-break switches not employing SF₆ as an insulating gas.

[0006] Some load-break switches have been developed, in which electric poles are immersed in pressurized dry air or other environment-friendly insulation gases, such as mixtures of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or fluorinated gases. Unfortunately, the experience has shown that these switching apparatuses generally do not show fully satisfactory performances, particularly in terms of arc-quenching capabilities.

[0007] Other currently available load-break switches employ, for each electric pole, different contact arrangements electrically connected in parallel between the pole terminals.

[0008] A contact arrangement has electric contacts operating in an atmosphere filled with an environment-friendly insulating gas or air and it is designed for carrying most of the current flowing along the electric pole as well as driving possible switching manoeuvres.

[0009] Another contact arrangement, instead, has electric contacts operating in a vacuum atmosphere and it is specifically designed for quenching the electric arcs arising when the current flowing along the electric pole is interrupted.

[0010] These last switching apparatuses have proven to ensure a relatively low environmental impact while providing, at the same time, high-level performances in terms of dielectric insulation and arc-quenching capabilities. However, until now, they adopt complicated solutions to manage and coordinate the operation of the above-mentioned multiple contact arrangements. Therefore, they still offer poor performances in terms of structural compactness and reliability in operation. The main aim of the present invention is to provide a switching apparatus for MV electric systems that allows solving or mitigating the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0011] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switching apparatus ensuring high-level performances in terms of dielectric insulation and arc-quenching capabilities during the current breaking process.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a switching apparatus showing high levels of reliability in operation.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a switching apparatus having electric poles with high compactness and structural simplicity.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a switching apparatus that can be easily manufactured at industrial level, at competitive costs with respect to the solutions of the state of the art.

[0015] In order to fulfill these aim and objects, the present invention provides a switching apparatus, according to the following claim 1 and the related dependent claims.

[0016] In a general definition, the switching apparatus of the invention comprises one or more electric poles.

[0017] For each electric pole, the switching apparatus comprises a first pole terminal, a second pole terminal and a ground terminal. In operation, the first pole terminal can be electrically coupled to a first conductor of an electric line, the second pole terminal can be electrically coupled to a second conductor of said electric line and the ground terminal can be electrically coupled to a grounding conductor.

[0018] For each electric pole, the switching apparatus comprises a plurality of fixed contacts spaced apart one from another. Such a plurality of fixed contacts comprises a first fixed contact electrically connected to the first pole terminal, a second fixed contact electrically connected to the second pole terminal, a third fixed contact electrically connected to the ground terminal and a fourth fixed contact, which, in operation, can be connected electrically to the second fixed contact.

[0019] For each electric pole, the switching apparatus further comprises a movable contact, which is reversibly movable about a corresponding rotation axis according to opposite first and second rotation directions, so that said movable contact can be mechanically and electrically coupled to or uncoupled from one or more of the above-mentioned fixed contacts.

[0020] For each electric pole, the switching apparatus further comprises a vacuum interrupter, which comprises a fixed arc contact electrically connected to the first pole terminal, a movable arc contact electrically connected to the fourth fixed contact and reversibly movable along a corresponding translation axis between a coupled position with the fixed arc contact and an uncoupled position from the fixed arc contact. The vacuum interrupter additionally comprises a vacuum chamber, in which the fixed arc contact and the movable arc contact are enclosed and can be coupled or decoupled.

[0021] For each electric pole, the switching apparatus further comprises a motion transmission mechanism mechanically coupled to the movable arc contact. Such a motion transmission mechanism is actuatable by said movable contact, when said movable contact moves about said rotation axis, in order to cause a movement of said movable arc contact along said translation axis.

[0022] According to the invention, the motion transmission mechanism comprises at least a first lever member pivoted on a fixed support at a first hinge axis and at least a second lever member pivoted on said contact shaft at a second hinge axis.

[0023] Each first lever member and each corresponding second lever member are pivoted one on another at a third hinge axis.

[0024] According to the invention, each first lever member of said motion transmission mechanism comprises first and second lever arms spaced apart one from another and extending from first hinge axis towards said movable contact. Said first and second lever arms are configured so that they are alternatively actuatable by said movable contact at different points of the motion trajectory of said movable contact.

[0025] Conveniently, the first and second lever arms of each first lever member extend from said first hinge axis towards said movable contact along different directions in such a way to be angularly spaced one from another and intersect the motion trajectory of said movable contact at different points of said motion trajectory, depending on the configuration taken by said motion transmission mechanism.

[0026] Preferably, the first lever arm of each first lever member is actuated by said movable contact when said movable contact moves according to said first rotation direction while the second lever arm of each first lever member is actuated by said movable contact when said movable contact moves according to said second rotation direction.

[0027] More particularly, the first lever arm of each first lever member is actuated by said movable contact at a first point of the motion trajectory of said movable contact, when said movable contact moves according to said first rotation direction and it electrically connects the fourth fixed contact to the second fixed contact, while the second lever arm of each first lever member is actuated by said movable contact at a second point of the motion trajectory of said movable contact, when said movable contact moves according to said second rotation direction and it electrically connects the first fixed contact to the second fixed contact.

[0028] Preferably, said movable contact comprises, at a first movable contact region, at least a coupling member configured to couple mechanically to the first and second lever arms of said at least a first lever member, alternatively, in such a way to actuate said first and second lever arms. Preferably, said motion transmission mechanism comprises a pair of first lever members arranged in parallel one to another at opposite sides of said vacuum chamber and a pair of second lever members arranged in parallel one to another at said opposite sides of said vacuum chamber.

[0029] Preferably, said motion transmission mechanism is configured to take alternatively a first configuration, at said movable arc contact is in said coupled position, and a second configuration, at which said movable arc contact is in said uncoupled position.

[0030] Preferably, said motion transmission mechanism is configured to maintain stably said first configuration or said second configuration, if the lever arms of each first lever member are not actuated by said movable contact.

[0031] Preferably, said motion transmission mechanism is configured to change configuration, if a lever arm of each first lever member is actuated by said movable contact.

[0032] More particularly, said motion transmission mechanism is configured to switch from said first configuration to said second configuration upon an actuation of the first lever arm of each first lever member by said movable contact and is configured to switch from said second configuration to said first configuration upon an actuation of the second lever arm of each first lever member by said movable contact.

[0033] A transition of said motion transmission mechanism from said first configuration to said second configuration causes a movement of said movable arc contact from said coupled position to said uncoupled position while a transition of said motion transmission mechanism from said second configuration to said first configuration causes a movement of said movable arc contact from said uncoupled position to said coupled position.

[0034] According to an aspect of the invention, for each electric pole, said first and second pole terminals are arranged at opposite sides of said switching apparatus relative to the rotation axis of said movable contact and are aligned one to another along a first alignment direction crossing the rotation axis of said movable contact. Said first fixed contact comprises a first fixed contact region configured to couple to said movable contact. Said first fixed contact region is laterally displaced relative to said first alignment direction.

[0035] According to an aspect of the invention, for each electric pole, said first pole terminal, said first fixed contact and said vacuum interrupter are at least partially accommodated in a portion of internal volume defined by a first bushing of the insulating housing of said switching apparatus. According to an aspect of the invention, said movable contact has a first movable contact region and a second movable contact region arranged at opposite positions relative to the rotation axis of said movable contact.

[0036] Said movable contact has said first movable contact region coupled to a first fixed contact region of said first fixed contact and said second movable contact region coupled to a second fixed contact region of said second fixed contact, so that said movable contact electrically connects said first and second fixed contacts, when said movable contact is in a first end-of-run position corresponding to a closed state of said switching apparatus.

[0037] Said movable contact has said first movable contact region coupled to a third fixed contact region of said second fixed contact and said second movable contact region coupled to a fourth fixed contact region of said third fixed contact, so that said movable contact electrically connects said second and third fixed contacts, when said movable contact is in a second end-of-run position corresponding to a grounded state of said switching apparatus.

[0038] Said movable contact is coupled to no fixed contacts, when said movable contact is in a intermediate position between said first and second end-of-run positions, which corresponds to an open state of said switching apparatus.

[0039] According to an aspect of the invention, each movable contact region of said movable contact comprises at least a contact blade, more preferably a pair of parallel contact blades.

[0040] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description of preferred, but not exclusive embodiments of the switching apparatus, according to the invention, non-limiting examples of which are provided in the attached drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1 shows an outer view of the switching apparatus of the invention;
• Figure 2 schematically shows the electric poles of the switching apparatus of the invention;
• Figures 3-9 are schematic views partially showing the structure and operation of an electric pole of the switching apparatus of the invention;
• Figures 10-13 are schematic views showing some structural and operation details of an electric pole of the switching apparatus, according to the invention.

[0041] With reference to the figures, the present invention relates to a switching apparatus 1 for medium voltage electric systems.

[0042] For the purposes of the present invention, the term "medium voltage" (MV) relates to operating voltages at electric power distribution level, which are higher than 1 kV AC and 1.5 kV DC up to some tens of kV, e.g. up to 72 kV AC and 100 kV DC.

[0043] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms "terminal" and "contact" should be hereinafter intended, unless otherwise specified, as "electric terminal" and "electric contact", respectively, thereby referring to electrical components suitably arranged to be electrically connected or coupled to other electrical conductors.

[0044] The switching apparatus 1 is particularly adapted to operate as a load-break switch. It is therefore designed for providing circuit-breaking functionalities under specified circuit conditions (nominal or overload conditions) as well as circuit-disconnecting functionalities, in particular grounding a load-side section of an electric circuit.

[0045] In the following, the switching apparatus of the invention will be described with particular reference to this application for the sake of simplicity only and without intending to limit the scope of the invention.

[0046] The switching apparatus 1 comprises one or more electric poles 2.

[0047] Preferably, the switching apparatus 1 is of the multi-phase (e.g. three-phase) type and it comprises a plurality (e.g. three) of electric poles 2.

[0048] According to the embodiments shown in the cited figures, the switching apparatus 1 preferably comprises an insulating housing 4, which conveniently defines an internal volume where the electric poles 2 are accommodated.

[0049] Preferably, the insulating housing 4 has an elongated shape (e.g. substantially cylindrical) developing along a main longitudinal axis. The electric poles 2 are arranged side by side along corresponding transversal planes perpendicular the main longitudinal axis of the switching apparatus.

[0050] Preferably, the insulating housing 4 is formed by an upper shell 41 and a lower shell 42 that are mutually joined along suitable coupling edges.

[0051] For each electric pole, the insulating housing 4 comprises a first bushing 43 protruding from a top region of the upper shell 41 and a second bushing 44 protruding from a bottom region of the second shell 42 (reference is made to a normal operating positioning of the switching apparatus as shown in figure 1).

[0052] In the following, the switching apparatus of the invention will be described with reference to these embodiments for the sake of brevity only and without intending to limit the scope of the invention.

[0053] As a matter of fact, according to other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the switching apparatus of the invention might be installed in a cubicle together with other electric devices. In this case, the switching apparatus may not comprise a dedicated housing as shown in the cited figures.

[0054] Preferably, the internal volume of the switching apparatus 1 is filled with pressurized dry air or another insulating gas having a low environmental impact, such as a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or a fluorinated gas.

[0055] For each electric pole 2, the switching apparatus 1 comprises a first pole terminal 11, a second pole terminal 12 and a ground terminal 13. The first pole terminal 11 is configured to be electrically coupled to a first conductor of an electric line (e.g. a phase conductor electrically connected to an equivalent electric power source), the second pole terminal 12 is configured to be electrically connected to a second conductor of an electric line (e.g. a phase conductor electrically connected to an equivalent electric load) while the ground terminal 13 is configured to be electrically connected to a grounding conductor.

[0056] According to the embodiments shown in the cited figures, the first pole terminal 11 is at least partially accommodated in a portion of internal volume defined by the first bushing 43 while the second pole terminal 12 is at least partially accommodated in a portion of internal volume defined by the second bushing 44.

[0057] Preferably, for each electric pole, the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 are arranged at opposite sides of the switching apparatus and are aligned one to another along a first alignment direction D1 (figure 3).

[0058] For each electric pole 2, the switching apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of fixed contacts, which are spaced apart one from another around the main longitudinal axis of the switching apparatus. In particular, the switching apparatus 1 comprises a first fixed contact 5, a second fixed contact 6, a third fixed contact 7 and a fourth fixed contact 8.

[0059] The first fixed contact 5 is electrically connected to the first pole terminal 11, the second fixed contact 6 is electrically connected to the second pole terminal 12, the third fixed contact 7 is electrically connected to the ground terminal 13 while the fourth fixed contact 8 is electrically connected to a vacuum interrupter of the switching apparatus as better explained in the following.

[0060] The switching apparatus 1 comprises, for each electric pole 2, a movable contact 10 reversibly movable (along a given plane of rotation) about a corresponding rotation axis A1, which is substantially parallel to or coinciding with the main longitudinal axis of the switching apparatus. The movable contact 10 can rotate according to a first rotation direction R1, which is conveniently oriented away from the first fixed contact 5, or according to a second rotation direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotation direction R1 and is oriented towards the first fixed contact 5. With reference to the observation plane of figures 3-9, the above-mentioned first rotation direction R1 is oriented counter-clockwise while the above-mentioned second rotation direction R2 is oriented clockwise.

[0061] In operation, the switching apparatus 1 is capable of switching in three different operating states, namely:

• a closed state, in which each electric pole 2 has the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 electrically connected one to another and electrically disconnected from the ground terminal 13. When the switching apparatus is in a closed state, a current can flow along each electric pole 2 between the corresponding first and second pole terminals 11, 12;
• an open state, in which each electric pole 2 has the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 and the ground terminal 13 electrically disconnected one from another. When the switching apparatus is in an open state, no currents can flow along the electric poles 2;
• a grounded state, in which each electric pole 2 has the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 electrically disconnected one from another and the second pole terminal 12 and the ground terminal 13 electrically connected one to another. When the switching apparatus is in a grounded state, no currents can flow along the electric poles 2. However, the second pole terminal 12 of each electric pole (and therefore the second line conductor connected thereto) is put at a ground voltage.

[0062] In principle, the switching apparatus 1 may be of the "single-disconnection" type (not shown) or "double-disconnection" type (as shown in the cited figures) depending on how the current path through each electric pole is interrupted when the switching apparatus reaches an open state.

[0063] If the switching apparatus is of the "single-disconnection" type, the movable contact 10 is electrically coupled to the second fixed contact 6 and is electrically decoupled from the remaining fixed contacts 5, 7, 8, when the switching apparatus is in an open state. The current path through each electric pole is thus interrupted only at one end of the movable contact (" single-disconnection").

[0064] If the switching apparatus is of the "double-disconnection" type, the movable contact 10 is electrically decoupled from any fixed contact 5, 6, 7, 8, when the switching apparatus is in an open state. The current path through each electric pole is thus interrupted at both ends of the movable contact ("double-disconnection").

[0065] In the following, the switching apparatus of the invention will be described with particular reference to the above-mentioned "double-disconnection" configuration, for the sake of brevity only and without intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0066] The switching apparatus 1 is capable of carrying out different type of manoeuvres, each corresponding to a transition among the above-mentioned operating states. In particular, the switching apparatus is capable of carrying out:

• an opening manoeuvre when it switches from a closed state to an open state;
• a closing manoeuvre when it switches from an open state to a closed state;
• a disconnecting manoeuvre when it switches from an open state to a grounded state;
• a reconnecting manoeuvre when it switches from a grounded state to an open state.

[0067] The switching apparatus can switch from a closed state to a grounded state by carrying out an opening manoeuvre and subsequently a disconnecting manoeuvre while the switching apparatus can switch from a grounded state to a closed state by carrying out a reconnecting manoeuvre and subsequently a closing opening manoeuvre.

[0068] In order to carry out the above-mentioned manoeuvres, the movable contact 10 of each electric pole is suitably driven according to the above-mentioned first rotation direction R1 or second rotation direction R2.

[0069] In particular, the movable contact 10 moves according to the first rotation direction R1 during an opening manoeuvre or a disconnecting manoeuvre of the switching apparatus and it moves according to the second rotation direction R2 during a closing manoeuvre or a reconnecting manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.

[0070] In general, the movable contact 10 of each electric pole is reversibly movable between a first end-of-run position P_A, which corresponds to a closed state of the switching apparatus, and a second end-of-run position Pc, which corresponds to a grounded state of the switching apparatus. Conveniently, the movable contact 10 passes through an intermediate position P_B, which corresponds to an open state of the switching apparatus, when it moves between the first and second end-of-run positions P_A, Pc.

[0071] As it is reversibly movable about the rotation axis A1, the movable contact 10 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to or uncoupled from one or more of the fixed contacts 5, 6, 7, 8 thereby being electrically connecting or electrically disconnecting these fixed contacts depending on the on-going manoeuvre.

[0072] Preferably, in the switching apparatus of the invention, for each electric pole, the first fixed contact 5 and the second fixed contact 6 have, respectively, a first fixed contact region 5A and a second fixed contact region 6A that are configured to be coupled to the movable contact 10, when the movable contact 10 is in the first end-of-run position P_A.

[0073] Therefore, when it is in the first end-of-run position P_A (closed state of the switching apparatus), the movable contact 10 is coupled to the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact 5 and to the second fixed contact region 6A of the second fixed contact 6 and it electrically connects the first and second fixed contacts 5, 6 and, consequently, the first and second pole terminals 11, 12.

[0074] Preferably, in the switching apparatus of the invention, for each electric pole, the second fixed contact 6 and the third fixed contact 7 have, respectively, a third contact region 6B and a fourth contact region 7A that are configured to be coupled to the movable contact 10, when the movable contact 10 is in the second end-of-run position Pc.

[0075] Therefore, when it is in the second end-of-run position Pc (grounded state of the switching apparatus), the movable contact 10 is coupled to the third fixed contact region 6B of the second fixed contact 6 and to the fourth fixed contact region 7A of the third fixed contact 7 and it electrically connects the second and third fixed contacts 6, 7 and, consequently, the second and third pole terminals 12, 13.

[0076] Preferably, when it is in the intermediate position P_B (open state of the switching apparatus), the movable contact 10 is coupled to no fixed contacts ("double-disconnection" configuration). Preferably, in the switching apparatus of the invention, for each electric pole, the fourth fixed contact 8 is arranged in an intermediate position between the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact 5 and the third fixed contact region 6B of the second fixed contact 6 while the third fixed contact 7 is arranged in an intermediate position between the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact and a first end 6C of the second fixed contact 6. Preferably, the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact is arranged so as to be laterally displaced relative to the first alignment direction D1 of the first and second pole terminals 11, 12. For each electric pole, the first and second fixed contact regions 5A, 6A of the first and second fixed contacts 5, 6 are arranged at opposite sides of the switching apparatus relative to the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10 and are aligned one to another along a second alignment direction D2, which crosses the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10 (figure 3). The second alignment direction D2 of the first and second movable contact regions 5A, 6A is angularly spaced from the first alignment direction D1 of the first and second pole terminals 11, 12. In other words, the first and second alignment directions D1, D2 are not parallel or coincident and intersect one to another at the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10.

[0077] This solution allows improving the structural compactness of the electric poles of the switching apparatus while ensuring safe dielectric distances between the live internal components. As the first and second fixed contact regions 5A, 6A of the first and second fixed contacts 5, 6 are misaligned with the first and second pole terminals 11, 12, a free space in proximity of the first pole terminal 11 can be conveniently exploited for accommodating some cumbersome components of the electric pole, as it will better emerge from the following.

[0078] Conveniently, for each electric pole, the third and fourth fixed contact regions 6B, 7A of the second and third fixed contacts 6, 7 are arranged at opposite sides of the switching apparatus relative to the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10 and are aligned one to another along a third alignment direction D3, which crosses the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10 (figure 9).

[0079] The third alignment direction D3 of the third and fourth contact regions 6B, 7A is angularly spaced from the first alignment direction D1 of the first and second pole terminals 43, 44 and from the second alignment direction D2 of the first and second fixed contact regions 5A, 6A. The first, second and third alignment directions D1, D2, D3 are thus not parallel or coincident and intersect one to another at the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10.

[0080] According to another aspect of the invention, for each electric pole, the first and fourth fixed contact regions 5A, 7A and the second and third fixed contact regions 6A, 6B are arranged on opposite sides of the switching apparatus, relative to the first alignment direction D1 of the first and second pole terminals 11, 12.

[0081] The above-illustrated solutions contribute to improve the overall structural compactness of the electric poles of the switching apparatus.

[0082] Preferably, in the switching apparatus of the invention, the above-mentioned fixed contacts 5, 6, 7, 8 are formed by corresponding pieces of conductive material, which are suitably shaped according to the needs.

[0083] Preferably, the first fixed contact 5 is formed by a reversed-L shaped conductive body having a shorter leg with a first contoured end 5B coupled to the first pole terminal 11 and a longer leg with a second blade-shaped free end forming the first fixed contact region 5A.

[0084] Preferably, the second fixed contact 6 is formed by an arc-shaped conductive body extending partially around the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10 and having a first contoured end 6C coupled to the second pole terminal 12, a second blade-shaped free end forming the third fixed contact region 6B and an intermediate blade-shaped protrusion forming the second fixed contact region 6A. In operation, also the first contoured end 6C of the fixed contact 6 is couplable to the movable contact 10.

[0085] Preferably, the third fixed contact 7 is formed by a blade-shaped conductive body having a contoured end coupled to the third pole terminal 13 and a blade-shaped free end forming the fourth fixed contact region 7A.

[0086] Preferably, the fourth contact 8 is formed by a reversed-T shaped conductive body having a leg formed by a hollow tube coupled to a vacuum interrupter of the switching apparatus and a contoured head slidingly couplable to the movable contact 10.

[0087] The movable contact 10 has a first movable contact region 10A and a second movable contact region 10 arranged at opposite positions relative to the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact. Preferably, the first and second movable contact regions 10A, 10B of the movable contact 10 are aligned one to another along a same direction.

[0088] Preferably, the movable contact 10 and the fixed contacts 5, 6, 7, 8 are arranged so that, in operation:

• the first movable contact region 10A of the movable contact 10 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to or uncoupled from the first contact 5 (at the first fixed contact region 5A), the fourth fixed contact 8 and the second fixed contact 6 (at the third contact region 6B), when the movable contact 10 moves between the first and second end-of-run positions P_A, P_C;
• the second movable contact region 10B of the movable contact 10 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to or uncoupled from the second fixed contact 6 (at the second fixed contact region 6A and the first contoured end 6C) and the third fixed contact 7 (at the fourth contact region 7A), when the movable contact 10 moves between the first and second end-of-run positions P_A, Pc.

[0089] Preferably, when it is in the first end-of-run position P_A, the movable contact 10 has the first movable contact region 10A coupled to the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact 5 and the second movable contact region 10B coupled to the second fixed contact region 6A of the second fixed contact 6. As mentioned above, in this situation, the movable contact 10 electrically connects the first and second fixed contacts 5, 6 and, consequently, the first and second pole terminals 11, 12.

[0090] As mentioned above, when it is in the intermediate position P_B, the movable contact 10 has no contact regions coupled to fixed contacts and it is therefore electrically disconnected from these latter.

[0091] Preferably, when it is in the second end-of-run position Pc, the movable contact 10 has the first movable contact region 10A coupled to the third fixed contact region 6B of the second fixed contact 6 and the second movable contact region 10B coupled to the fourth fixed contact region 7A of the third fixed contact 7. As mentioned above, in this situation, the movable contact 10 electrically connects the second and third fixed contacts 6, 7 and, consequently, the second pole terminal 12 and the ground terminal 13.

[0092] Preferably, when it moves between the first and second end-of-run positions P_A and Pc, the movable contact 10 slidingly couples (at the first movable contact region 10A) to the fourth fixed contact 8.

[0093] Preferably, the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact 5 and the fourth fixed contact 8 are relatively positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10, so that this latter couples to said fourth fixed contact 8 before decoupling from the first fixed contact 5 (namely from the first fixed contact region 5A), when said movable contact moves according to the first rotation direction R1, and so that the movable contact 10 couples to the first fixed contact 5 (namely to the first fixed contact region 5A) before decoupling from the fourth fixed contact 8, when said movable contact moves according to said second rotation direction R2.

[0094] Advantageously, the movable contact 10 is formed by a shaped piece of conductive material.

[0095] Preferably, the movable contact 10 is formed by an elongated conductive body centred on the rotation axis A1 and having a first contoured end forming the first movable contact region 10A and a second contoured end (opposite to the first end 10A) forming the second movable contact region 10B.

[0096] Preferably, each movable contact region 10A, 10B of the movable contact 10 comprises at least a contact blade, more preferably a pair of parallel contact blades as shown in figure 2. Preferably, the switching apparatus 1 comprises an actuation assembly providing suitable actuation forces to actuate the movable contacts 10 of the electric poles.

[0097] Preferably, such an actuation assembly comprises a motion transmission shaft 9 made of electrically insulating material, which can rotate about the rotation axis A1 and it is coupled to the movable contacts 10 of the electric poles 2.

[0098] The motion transmission shaft 9 thus provides rotational mechanical forces to actuate the movable contacts 10 during the manoeuvres of the switching apparatus.

[0099] The above-mentioned actuation assembly preferably comprises an actuator (not shown) coupled to the transmission shaft through a suitable kinematic chain. The actuator may be, for example, a mechanical actuator, an electric motor or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0100] In general, the actuation assembly of the switching apparatus may be realized according to solutions of known type. Therefore, in the following, it will be described only in relation to the aspects of interest of the invention, for the sake of brevity.

[0101] According to the invention, for each electric pole 2, the switching apparatus 1 comprises a vacuum interrupter 20.

[0102] The vacuum interrupter 20 comprises a fixed arc contact 21 electrically connected to the first pole terminal 11, preferably in parallel to the first fixed contact 5.

[0103] Preferably, the fixed arc contact 21 is formed by an elongated piece of conductive material having one end coupled to the first pole terminal 11 and an opposite free end intended to be coupled to or decoupled from another arc contact.

[0104] The vacuum interrupter 20 comprises a movable arc contact 22 reversibly movable along a corresponding translation axis A, which is preferably aligned with a main longitudinal axis of the vacuum interrupter.

[0105] As it is reversibly movable about the displacement axis A, the movable arc contact 22 can be coupled to or uncoupled from the fixed arc contact 21, thereby being electrically connected to or electrically disconnected from this latter.

[0106] The movable arc contact 22 is electrically connected to the fourth fixed contact 8, preferably through a conductor (e.g. a flexible conductor) or other equivalent connection means. Preferably, the movable arc contact 22 is solidly coupled to a contact shaft 24, which is configured to transmit motion to the movable arc contact 22 and which is preferably made, at least partially, of an electrically insulating material.

[0107] Preferably, the contact shaft 24 is aligned with the movable arc contact 22 along the translation axis A and it is conveniently arranged inside and coaxially with a hollow conductive tube forming a portion of the fourth fixed contact 8, as illustrated above.

[0108] According to possible variants of the invention (not shown), the contact shaft 24 is coupled to a compression spring coaxially arranged to exert a constant compression force, which is directed to press the movable arc contact 22 towards the fixed arc contact 21, thereby opposing to any movement of the movable arc contact 22 away from the fixed arc contact 21. Preferably, the movable arc contact 22 is formed by an elongated piece of conductive material having one end coupled to the contact shaft 24 and an opposite free end intended to be couple with or decouple from the fixed contact 21.

[0109] The vacuum interrupter 20 comprises a vacuum chamber 23, in which a vacuum atmosphere is present.

[0110] Conveniently, the fixed arc contact 21 and the movable arc contact 22 are enclosed in the vacuum chamber 23 and they are mutually coupled or decoupled inside said vacuum chamber, therefore being permanently immersed in a vacuum atmosphere.

[0111] Preferably, the vacuum interrupter 20 comprises a fixed support structure 25 made of electrically insulating material to hold the vacuum chamber 23 in its operating position.

[0112] Preferably, in the embodiments shown in the cited figures, for each electric pole, the first fixed contact 5 and the vacuum interrupter 20 are at least partially accommodated (together with the first pole terminal 11) in a portion of internal volume defined by the first bushing 43 of the insulating housing 4 of the switching apparatus. In this case, conveniently, the first fixed contact 5 has a shape that is conveniently complementary to the external shape of the vacuum interrupter 20.

[0113] The above-illustrated solution allows displacing the vacuum interrupter 20 and the motion transmission mechanism 30 towards the top of the insulating housing 4, which allows reducing the overall height of the switching apparatus while ensuring safe dielectric distances between the live internal components.

[0114] For each electric pole 2, the switching apparatus 1 comprises a motion transmission mechanism 30 operatively coupled to the movable arc contact 22 (preferably the contact shaft 24) and actuatable by the movable contact 10 to cause a movement of the movable arc contact 22, when such a movable contact moves about its rotation axis A1.

[0115] According to the invention, the motion transmission mechanism 30 comprises one or more first lever members 31 pivoted on a fixed support 25 at a fixed first hinge axis H1.

[0116] The first hinge axis H1 is "fixed" in the sense that it cannot be subject to any translation with respect to the fixed support 25 on which each first lever member 31 is pivoted. Each first lever member 31 can thus only rotate about the hinge axis H1.

[0117] According to the invention, the motion transmission mechanism 30 comprises one or more second lever members 32 pivoted on the movable arc contact 22 (preferably the contact shaft 24 solidly coupled to the movable arc contact 22) at a fixed second hinge axis H2.

[0118] As for the first hinge axis HI, the second hinge axis H2 cannot be subject to any translation with respect to the movable contact 22, on which the second lever members 32 are pivoted. Each second lever member 32 can thus rotate only about the hinge axis H2. Obviously, the second hinge axis H2 moves together with the movable arc contact 22. To this aim, the vertical leg of the fourth contact 8 includes a suitable slot (figure 11).

[0119] It is noted that each pair of corresponding first and second lever members 31, 32 rotate according to opposite directions about the respective hinge axes HI, H2 when the motion transmission mechanism 30 is actuated by the movable contact 10.

[0120] According to the invention, each first lever member 31 is pivoted on a corresponding second lever member 32 at a movable third hinge axis H3.

[0121] The third hinge axis H3 is "movable" in the sense that it can be subject to opposite translation movements along a reference plane perpendicular to the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10. Any given first lever member 31 and the corresponding second lever member 32 can therefore rotate (conveniently according to opposite relative rotation directions) about the hinge axis H3.

[0122] Conveniently, the above-mentioned hinge axes HI, H2, H3 of the first and second lever members 31, 32 are parallel to the rotation axis A1 of the movable contact 10.

[0123] Preferably, each first lever member 31 comprises a connecting portion 313, at which said first lever member is pivoted on the fixed support 25 at the first hinge axis H1 and is pivoted on a corresponding second lever member 32 at the third hinge axis H3 (figures 10-13).

[0124] According to the invention, each first lever member 31 further comprises first and second lever arms 311, 312 spaced apart one from another and extending from the hinge axis H1 (more particularly from the connecting portion 313) towards the movable contact 10. The first and second lever arms 311, 312 are configured so that they are alternatively actuatable by the movable contact 10 at different points of the motion trajectory of said movable contact. Preferably, the first and second lever arms 311, 312 extend along different directions in such a way to be angularly spaced one from another. In this way, the first and second lever arms 311, 312 can alternatively intersect the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10 depending on the configuration taken by the motion transmission mechanism 30.

[0125] Preferably, each first lever member 31 has the first and second lever arms 311, 312 configured so that the first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 is actuated by the movable contact 10, when said movable contact moves according to the first rotation direction R1, and so that the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 is actuated by the movable contact 10, when said movable contact moves according to the second rotation direction R2.

[0126] More preferably, each first lever member 31 has first and second lever arms 311, 312 configured so that:

• the first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 is actuated by the movable contact 10, when said movable contact moves according to the first rotation direction R1 and it electrically connects the first fixed contact 5 to the second fixed contact 6, as it is coupled to these fixed contacts; and
• the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 is actuated by the movable contact 10, when said movable contact moves according to the second rotation direction R2 and it electrically connects the fourth fixed contact 8 to the second fixed contact 6, as it is coupled to these fixed contacts.

[0127] As shown in the cited figures, each first lever member 31 is preferably formed by a body of electrically insulating material with a reversed-V shaped configuration, in which the connecting portion 313 joins the lever arms 311, 312 that protrude towards the movable contact 10. Each lever arm 311, 312 has a suitable profile designed to synchronize the actuation of said lever arm (and of the movable arc contact 22) by the movable contact 10 with the movements of the movable contact itself.

[0128] Preferably, each second lever member 32 is formed by a body of electrically insulating material having a blade configuration with opposite ends hinged to the contact shaft 24 at the second axis H2 and to a corresponding first lever member 31 at the third axis H3, respectively (figures 11 and 13).

[0129] According to preferred embodiments of the invention (shown in the cited figures), the motion transmission mechanism 30 comprises a pair of first lever members 31 and a pair of second lever members 32 arranged in parallel one to another at opposite sides of the vacuum chamber 23.

[0130] According to these preferred embodiments of the invention, the motion transmission mechanism 30 advantageously comprises at least a reinforcement member 33 joining at least a pair of corresponding parallel lever arms of the first lever members 31 (figures 10 and 12). More preferably, the motion transmission mechanism 30 comprises a reinforcement member 33 joining the parallel first lever arms 311 of the first lever members 31.

[0131] According to these preferred embodiments of the invention, additionally, the movable contact 10 has its contact regions formed by a pair of contact blades parallel and spaced apart one from another. In this case, each contact blade is configured to actuate the first and second lever arms 311, 312 of a corresponding first lever member 31.

[0132] Preferably, the movable contact 10 comprises, at the first movable contact region 10A, one or more coupling members 10C configured to couple mechanically, in an alternate manner, with the first and second lever arms 311, 312 of one or more corresponding first lever members 31 in such a way to actuate these latter.

[0133] Preferably, each coupling member 10C is formed by a coupling pin protruding perpendicularly from a corresponding contact blade of the first movable contact region 10A. As an example, when the movable contact region 10A has a double blade configuration, the movable contact 10 includes a pair of contact pins 10C, which protrude perpendicularly, along opposite directions, from the contact blades of the movable contact region 10A.

[0134] According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the motion transmission mechanism 30 is configured to take alternatively a first configuration C1 and a second configuration C2.

[0135] The first configuration C1 of the motion transmission mechanism 30 corresponds to a closed condition of the vacuum interrupter 20, in the sense that, when the motion transmission mechanism takes this configuration, the movable arc contact 22 is in a coupled position P3 with the fixed arc contact 21.

[0136] The second configuration C2 of the motion transmission mechanism 30 instead corresponds to an open condition of the vacuum interrupter 20, in the sense that, when the motion transmission mechanism takes this configuration, the movable arc contact 22 is in an uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21.

[0137] Preferably, the motion transmission mechanism 30 is configured to maintain stably the first configuration C1 or the second configuration C2, if the lever arms 311, 312 of each first lever member 31 are not actuated by the movable contact 10.

[0138] Instead, the motion transmission mechanism 10 is configured to switch its configuration, upon an actuation of the lever arms 311, 312 of each first lever member 31 by the movable contact 10.

[0139] Any transition of configuration of the motion transmission mechanism 30 causes a corresponding movement of the movable arc contact 22 and a consequent change of condition of the vacuum interrupter 20.

[0140] Preferably, the motion transmission mechanism 30 is configured to switch from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 upon an actuation of the first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 by the movable contact 10 at a first point of the motion trajectory of this latter, while said movable contact is moving according to the first rotation direction R1 and it electrically connects the fourth fixed contact 8 to the second fixed contact 6 (as it is coupled to said fixed contacts). The transition of the motion transmission mechanism 30 from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 causes a corresponding movement of the movable arc contact 22 from the coupled position P3 to the uncoupled position P4. Preferably, the motion transmission mechanism 30 is configured to switch from the second configuration C2 to the first configuration C1 upon an actuation by the movable contact 10 at a second point of the motion trajectory of this latter, while said movable contact is moving according to the second rotation direction R2 and it electrically connects the first fixed contact 5 to the second fixed contact 6 (since it is coupled to said fixed contacts). The transition of the motion transmission mechanism 30 from the second configuration C2 to the first configuration C1 causes a corresponding movement of the movable arc contact 22 from the uncoupled position P4 to the coupled position P3.

[0141] The mechanical behaviour of the motion transmission mechanism 30 and its mechanical interaction with the movable arc contact 22 is briefly described in the following with reference to figures 10-13.

Transition from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2

[0142] Figures 10-11 show the motion transmission mechanism 30 in the first configuration C1.

[0143] In this case, the third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 is in the first position P1, at which the movable arc contact 22 is in the coupled position P3 with the fixed arc contact 21.

[0144] The third hinge axis H3 is not aligned with the fixed hinge axes HI, H2 and the lever members 31, 32 are relatively positioned one to another, so that the motion transmission mechanism 30 does not exert any force on the contact shaft 24 solidly connected with the movable arc contact 22.

[0145] Upon actuation of the first lever arm 311 by the first movable contact region 10A (more particularly by the coupling members 10C) of the movable contact 10, while said movable contact is rotating according to the first rotation direction R1, the first and second lever members 31, 32 rotate according to opposite directions about the respective hinge axes HI, H2. The third hinge axis H3 moves away from the first position P1 and it travels towards a second position P2 (figure 12).

[0146] The motion transmission mechanism 30 starts exerting a force on the contact shaft 24, which is directed to decouple the movable arc contact 22 from the fixed arc contact 21.

[0147] The movable arc contact 22 thus starts moving away from the fixed arc contact 21 notwithstanding the vacuum attraction force generated by the vacuum atmosphere in the vacuum chamber and, possibly, the compression force exerted by the compression spring coupled to the contact shaft 24.

[0148] While it is travelling towards the second position P2, the third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 passes through an intermediate deadlock position, which can be defined as the position, in which the third hinge axis H3 is aligned with the fixed hinge axes H1 and H2. In the meanwhile, the movable arc contact 22 continues to move away from the fixed arc contact 21.

[0149] As soon as the third hinge axis H3 between the lever members 31, 32 passes beyond the intermediate deadlock position, the movable contact 10 decouples from the first lever arm 311 and stops actuating the first lever member 31.

[0150] The third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 reaches the second position P2 (Figure 12) and the movable arc contact 22 reaches the uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21, which is stably maintained due to the force exerted on the movable arc contact 22 by the motion transmission mechanism 30, which opposes to the vacuum attraction force generated by the vacuum atmosphere in the vacuum chamber and, possibly, the compression force exerted by the compression spring coupled to the contact shaft 24.

Transition from the second configuration C2 to the first configuration C1

[0151] Figures 12-13 show the motion transmission mechanism 30 in the second configuration C2. In this case, the third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 is in the second position P2, at which the movable arc contact 22 is in the uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21. The third hinge axis H3 is not aligned with the fixed hinge axes HI, H2 and the lever members 31, 32 are relatively positioned one to another, so that the motion transmission mechanism 30 exerts a force on the motion transmission element 24, which is directed to maintain the movable arc contact 22 uncoupled from the fixed arc contact 21.

[0152] Upon actuation of the second lever arm 312 by the first movable contact region 10A (more particularly by the coupling members 10C) of the movable contact 10, while said movable contact is rotating according to the second rotation direction R2, the first and second lever members 31, 32 rotate according to opposite directions about the respective hinge axes HI, H2. The third hinge axis H3 moves away from the second position P2 and it travels towards the first position P1.

[0153] The motion transmission mechanism 30 exerts a further force on the contact shaft 24, which is directed to decouple the movable arc contact 22 from the fixed arc contact 21.

[0154] The movable arc contact 22 thus initially moves away from the fixed arc contact 21 notwithstanding the vacuum attraction force generated by the vacuum atmosphere in the vacuum chamber and, possibly, the compression force exerted by the compression spring coupled to the contact shaft 24.

[0155] The movable arc contact 22 reaches the maximum distance from the fixed arc contact 21, when the third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 reaches the intermediate deadlock position, while moving away from the second position P2.

[0156] As soon as the third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 passes beyond the intermediate deadlock position, the movable contact 10 decouples from the second lever arm 312 and stops actuating the first lever member 31.

[0157] The motion transmission mechanism 30 stops exerting a force on the contact shaft 24 solidly connected with the movable arc contact 22. The movable arc contact 22 thus starts moving towards the fixed arc contact 21 due to the vacuum attraction force and possible spring compression force.

[0158] The third hinge axis H3 of the lever members 31, 32 finally reaches the first position P1 (Figure 10) and the movable arc contact 22 reaches the coupled position P3 with the fixed arc contact 21, which is stably maintained as the motion transmission mechanism 30 does not exert any force on the movable arc contact 22.

[0159] The operation of the switching apparatus 1 (with a "double-disconnection" configuration) for each electric pole 2 is now described in more details.

Closed state of the switching apparatus

[0160] When the switching apparatus is in a closed state, each electric pole 2 is in the operating condition illustrated in figure 3.

[0161] In this situation, each electric pole 2 has:

• the movable contact 10 in the first end-of-run position P_A;
• the movable contact 10 with the first movable contact region 10A coupled to the first fixed contact region 5A and the second movable contact region 10B coupled to the second fixed contact region 6A;
• the first and second fixed contacts 5, 6 electrically connected one to another and electrically disconnected from the third fixed contact 7;
• the fourth fixed contact 8 electrically disconnected from the second fixed contact 6;
• the motion transmission mechanism 30 in the first configuration C1;
• the movable arc contact 22 in a coupled position P3 with the fixed arc contact 21.

[0162] The first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 is positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10 while the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 is not positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10.

[0163] A current can flow through the electric pole between the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 passing through the first fixed contact 5, the movable contact 10 and the second fixed contact 6. No currents can flow through the vacuum interrupter 20 as the fourth fixed contact 8 is electrically disconnected from the second fixed contact 6.

Open state of the switching apparatus

[0164] When the switching apparatus is in an open state, each electric pole 2 is in the condition shown in figure 6.

[0165] In this situation, each electric pole 2 has:

• the movable contact 10 in the intermediate position P_B;
• the movable contact 10 with both the first and second movable contact regions 10A, 10B decoupled from any fixed contact;
• the first, second and third fixed contacts 5, 6, 7 electrically disconnected one from another;
• the fourth fixed contact 8 electrically disconnected from the second fixed contact 6;
• the motion transmission mechanism in the second configuration C2.
• the movable arc contact 22 in an uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21;

[0166] The first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 is not positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10 while the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 is positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10.

[0167] No currents can flow between the first and second pole terminals 11, 12.

Grounded state of the switching apparatus

[0168] When the switching apparatus is in a grounded state, each electric pole 2 is in the condition illustrated in figure 9.

[0169] In this situation, each electric pole 2 has:

• the movable contact 10 in the second end-of-run position Pc;
• the movable contact 10 with the first movable contact region 10A coupled to the third fixed contact region 6B of the second fixed contact 6 and with the second movable contact region 10B coupled to the third fixed contact region 7A of the third fixed contact 7;
• the second and third fixed contacts 6, 7 electrically connected one to another and electrically disconnected from the first fixed contact 5;
• the fourth fixed contact 8 electrically disconnected from the second fixed contact 6;
• the motion transmission mechanism in the second configuration C2.
• the movable arc contact 22 in an uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21;

[0170] The first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 is not positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10 while the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 is positioned along the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10.

[0171] No currents can flow between the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 and the second pole terminal 12 is put at a ground voltage.

Opening manoeuvre

[0172] The switching apparatus 1 carries out an opening manoeuvre, when it switches from the closed state to the open state.

[0173] During an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus, the movable contact 10 moves, according to the first rotation direction R1, between the first end-of-run position P_A and the intermediate position P_B. The movable contact 10 thus moves away from the corresponding first fixed contact 5.

[0174] When the movable contact 10 starts moving according to the first rotation direction R1, the first movable contact region 10A of the movable contact 10 couples to the fourth fixed contact 8 while still being slidingly coupled to the first fixed contact 5 at the first fixed contact region 5A. The second movable contact region 10B of the movable contact 10 remains slidingly coupled to the second fixed contact 6, at the second fixed contact region 6A and the first end 6C (figure 4).

[0175] The movable contact 10 thus electrically connects both the first fixed contact 5 and the fourth fixed contact 8 with the second fixed contact 6. A current can flow between the first and second pole terminals 11, 12 passing through the first fixed contact 5 and the vacuum interrupter 20 in parallel. Obviously, most of the current will flow along the first fixed contact 5 as the current path passing through this electric contact has a lower equivalent resistance with respect to the current path passing through the vacuum interrupter.

[0176] At this stage of the opening manoeuvre, the movable contact 10 does not interact with the motion transmission mechanism 30 yet.

[0177] Upon a further movement according to the first rotation direction R1, the movable contact 10 decouples from the first fixed contact 5 while remaining slidingly coupled to the fourth fixed contact 8 and the second fixed contact 6 (figure 5).

[0178] The movable contact 10 thus electrically disconnects the first fixed contact 5 from the second fixed contact 6 while maintaining the fourth fixed contact 8 electrically connected with the second fixed contact 6. In this situation, a current flowing along the electric pole is fully deviated through the vacuum interrupter 20 as no current can flow through the first fixed contact 5. The formation of electric arcs at the contact region 10A of the movable contact 10 is thus prevented.

[0179] While it is slidingly coupled to the fourth fixed contact 8 and to the second fixed contact 6, the movable contact 10 (namely the coupling members 10C thereof) couples to and actuates the first lever arm 311 of each first lever member 31 (figure 5).

[0180] The actuation of each first lever arm 311 by the movable contact 10 causes a transition of the motion transmission mechanism from the first configuration C1 to the second configuration C2 and a consequent movement of the movable arc contact 22 from the coupled position P3 with the fixed arc contact 21 to the uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21.

[0181] The separation of the electric contacts 21, 22 causes the rising of electric arcs between said electric contacts. However, since the electric contacts 21, 22 are immersed in a vacuum atmosphere, such electric arcs can be quenched efficiently, thereby quickly leading to the interruption of the current flowing along the electric pole.

[0182] In the meanwhile, the movable contact 10 maintains the fourth fixed contact 8 electrically connected to the second fixed contact 6, thereby preventing the formation of electric arcs at the contact regions 10A, 10B of the movable contact 10.

[0183] Upon a further movement towards the intermediate position P_B, according to the first rotation direction R1, the movable contact 10 decouples from the motion transmission mechanism 30, which remains in the second configuration C2, and from the second and fourth fixed contacts 6 and 8, which thus result electrically disconnected.

[0184] The movable contact 10 then reaches the intermediate position P_B, which corresponds to an open state of the switching apparatus (figure 6).

Closing manoeuvre

[0185] The switching apparatus 1 carries out a closing manoeuvre, when it switches from the open state to the close state.

[0186] Before carrying out a closing manoeuvre, the switching apparatus may have carried out a reconnecting manoeuvre in order to switch in an open state.

[0187] During a closing manoeuvre of the switching apparatus, the movable contact 10 moves, according to the second rotation direction R2, between the intermediate position P_B and the first end-of-run position P_A. The movable contact 10 thus moves towards the corresponding first fixed contact 5 (figure 7).

[0188] Upon an initial movement according to the second rotation direction R2, the movable contact 10 couples to the fourth fixed contact 8 (at the first movable contact region 10A) and to the second fixed contact 6 (at the second movable contact region 10B), thereby electrically connecting the fourth fixed contact 8 with the second fixed contact 6.

[0189] At this stage of the closing manoeuvre, the movable contact 10 does not interact with the motion transmission mechanism 30 yet.

[0190] Upon a further movement according to the second rotation direction R2, the movable contact 10 couples to the first fixed contact region 5A of the first fixed contact 5 (at the movable contact region 10A) while being still slidingly coupled to the fourth fixed contact 8 and to the second fixed contact 6 (figures 7-8). In this transitory situation, both the first fixed contact 5 and the fourth fixed contact 8 are electrically connected with the second fixed contact 6.

[0191] Upon a further movement according to the second rotation direction R2, the movable contact 10 decouples from the fourth fixed contact 8 and it remains slidingly coupled to the first fixed contact 5 and to the second fixed contact 6 (figure 8).

[0192] The movable contact 10 thus electrically disconnects the fourth fixed contact 8 from the second fixed contact 6 and it maintains the first fixed contact 5 and the second fixed contact 6 electrically connected. In this way, the vacuum interrupter 20 does not have to carry a possible short circuit current or an overload current or, more simply, a nominal current during the "making current" process. The vacuum chamber 23 can be realized with a more compact design, which allows obtaining a size and cost reduction for the overall switching apparatus. While it is slidingly coupled to the first fixed contact 5 and to the second fixed contact 6, the movable contact 10 (namely the coupling members 10C thereof) couples to and actuates the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 (figure 8).

[0193] The actuation of the second lever arm 312 of each first lever member 31 by the movable contact 10 causes a transition of the motion transmission mechanism 30 from the second configuration C2 to the first configuration C1 and a consequent movement of the movable arc contact 22 from the uncoupled position P4 from the fixed arc contact 21 to the coupled position P3 with the fixed arc contact 21. In the meanwhile, the movable contact 10 maintains the first fixed contact 5 electrically connected to the second fixed contact 6.

[0194] The movable contact 10 then reaches the first end-of-run position P_A, which corresponds to a closed state of the switching apparatus (figure 3).

Disconnecting manoeuvre

[0195] The switching apparatus 1 carries out a disconnecting manoeuvre, when it switches from an open state to a grounded state.

[0196] Obviously, before carrying out a disconnecting manoeuvre, the switching apparatus has to carry out an opening manoeuvre as described above in order to switch in an open state.

[0197] During a disconnecting manoeuvre of the switching apparatus, the movable contact 10 moves, according to the first rotation direction R1, between the intermediate position P_B and the second end-of-run position Pc.

[0198] When the movable contact 10 reaches the second end-of-run position Pc, its first movable contact region 10A couples to third fixed contact region 6B of the second fixed contact 6 while its second movable contact region 10B couples to the fourth fixed contact region 7A of the third fixed contact 7.

[0199] In this situation, the movable contact 10 electrically connects the second fixed contact 6 with the third fixed contact 7 and, consequently, the second pole terminal 12 with the ground terminal 13. The second pole terminal 12 results therefore put at a ground voltage.

[0200] The movable contact 10 does not interact with the motion transmission mechanism 30, which remains in the second configuration C2, when the switching apparatus carries out a disconnecting manoeuvre.

Reconnecting manoeuvre

[0201] The switching apparatus 1 carries out a reconnecting manoeuvre, when it switches from a grounded state to an open state.

[0202] During a reconnecting manoeuvre of the switching apparatus, the movable contact 10 moves, according to the second rotation direction R2, between the second end-of-run position Pc and the intermediate position P_B.

[0203] In this way, the first movable contact region 10A decouples from the second fixed contact region 6B while the second movable contact region 10B decouples from the fourth fixed contact region 7A. The movable contact 10 thus electrically disconnects the third fixed contact 7. As a consequence, the movable contact 10 does not electrically connect the second pole terminal 12 with the ground terminal 13 anymore. The second pole terminal 12 is therefore at a floating voltage.

[0204] The movable contact 10 does not interact with the motion transmission mechanism 30, which remains in the second configuration C2, when the switching apparatus carries out a reconnecting manoeuvre.

[0205] The operation of the switching apparatus occurs according to similar operating modes, if the switching apparatus is of the "single-disconnection" type.

[0206] The switching apparatus, according to the invention, provides remarkable advantages with respect to the known apparatuses of the state of the art.

[0207] The switching apparatus of the invention includes, for each electric pole, a bistable motion transmission mechanism 30, which allows the movable contact 10 to drive the separation of the movable arc contact 22 from the fixed arc contact 21 depending on the position reached during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.

[0208] As illustrated above, the lever arms 311, 312 of each first lever member 31 of the motion transmission mechanism 30 are actuatable at different points of the motion trajectory of the movable contact 10. This solution improves the synchronization between the movement of the movable arc contact 22 and the movement of the movable contact 10.

[0209] In this way, the breaking process of the current flowing along each electric pole can be easily made to occur at level of the arc contacts 21, 22 accommodated in the vacuum chamber 23. Possible electric arcs, which derive from the interruption of a current flowing along each electric pole, therefore form in a vacuum atmosphere only, which allows improving their quenching process.

[0210] The circumstance that the motion transmission mechanism 30 can stably take two different configurations further improves synchronization between the movements of the movable arc contact 22 and the movable contact 10, during the opening and closing manoeuvres of the switching apparatus.

[0211] As illustrated above, during a closing manoeuvre of the switching apparatus, the movable contact 10 reaches the first fixed contact 5 before decoupling from the fourth fixed contact 8. In this way, during a closing manoeuvre, the vacuum interrupter 20 has not to carry a possible short circuit current or an overload current or, more simply, a nominal current. This solution is quite advantageous as it allows designing a more compact vacuum chamber 23, which allows obtaining a size and cost reduction for the overall switching apparatus.

[0212] The switching apparatus of the invention has electric poles with a very compact, simple and robust structure with relevant benefits in terms of size optimization.

[0213] The switching apparatus, according to the invention, ensures high-level performances in terms of dielectric insulation and arc-quenching capabilities during the current breaking process and, at the same time, it is characterised by high levels of reliability for the intended applications. The switching apparatus, according to the invention, is of relatively easy and cheap industrial production and installation on the field.

Claims

1. A switching apparatus (1) for medium voltage electric systems, said switching apparatus comprising one or more electric poles (2), wherein, for each electric pole, said switching apparatus comprises:

- a first pole terminal (11), a second pole terminal (12) and a ground terminal (13), said first pole terminal (11) being electrically couplable to a first conductor of an electric line, said second pole terminal (12) being electrically couplable to a second conductor of said electric line and said ground terminal (13) being electrically couplable to a grounding conductor;

- a plurality of fixed contacts spaced apart one from another, said plurality of fixed contacts comprising a first fixed contact (5) electrically connected to said first pole terminal (11), a second fixed contact (6) electrically connected to said second pole terminal (12), a third fixed contact (7) electrically connected to said ground terminal (13) and a fourth fixed contact (8);

- a movable contact (10) reversibly movable about a corresponding rotation axis (A1) according to opposite first and second rotation directions (R1, R2), so that said movable contact can be coupled to or uncoupled from said fixed contacts (5, 6, 7, 8);

- a vacuum interrupter (20) comprising a fixed arc contact (21) electrically connected to said first pole terminal (11), a movable arc contact (22) electrically connected to said fourth fixed contact (8) and reversibly movable along a corresponding translation axis (A) between a coupled position (P3) with said fixed arc contact (21) and an uncoupled position (P4) from said fixed arc contact (21), and a vacuum chamber (23), in which said fixed arc contact (21) and said movable arc contact (22) are enclosed and can be coupled or decoupled;

- a motion transmission mechanism (30) operatively coupled to said movable arc contact (22), said motion transmission mechanism being actuatable by said movable contact (10) to cause a movement of said movable arc contact (22) along said translation axis (A), when said movable contact moves about said rotation axis (A1);

characterised in that said motion transmission mechanism (30) comprises at least a first lever member (31) pivoted on a fixed support (25) at a first hinge axis (HI) and at least a second lever member (32) pivoted on said movable arc contact (22) at a second hinge axis (H2), wherein each first lever member (31) and each corresponding second lever member (32) are pivoted one on another at a third hinge axis (H3),
wherein each first lever member (31) comprises first and second lever arms (311, 312) alternatively actuatable by said movable contact (10) at different points of the motion trajectory of said movable contact (10).

2. Switching apparatus, according to claim 1, characterised in that the first lever arm (311) of each first lever member (31) is actuated by said movable contact (10) when said movable contact (10) moves according to said first rotation direction (R1), and in that the second lever arm (312) of each first lever member (31) is actuated by said movable contact (10) when said movable contact (10) moves according to said second rotation direction (R2).

3. Switching apparatus, according to claim 2, characterised in that the first lever arm (311) of each first lever member (31) is actuated by said movable contact (10), when said movable contact (10) electrically connects said fourth fixed contact (8) to said second fixed contact (6), and in that the second lever arm (312) of each first lever member (31) is actuated by said movable contact (10), when said movable contact (10) electrically connects said first fixed contact (5) to said second fixed contact (6).

4. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said movable contact (10) comprises at least a coupling member (10C) configured to couple alternatively to the first and second lever arms (311, 312) of said at least a first lever member (31) in such a way to actuate said first and second lever arms.

5. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said motion transmission mechanism (30) comprises a pair of first lever members (31) and a pair of second lever members (32) arranged in parallel at said opposite sides of said vacuum chamber (23).

6. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said motion transmission mechanism (30) is configured to take a first configuration (C1), at said movable arc contact (22) is in said coupled position (P3), and a second configuration (C2), at which said movable arc contact (22) is in said uncoupled position (P4), wherein said motion transmission mechanism (30) is configured to maintain stably said first configuration (C1) or said second configuration (C2), if the lever arms (311, 312) of each first lever member (31) are not actuated by said movable contact (10),
wherein said motion transmission mechanism (30) is configured to change configuration, if a lever arm (311, 312) of each first lever member (31) is actuated by said movable contact (10).

7. Switching apparatus, according to claim 6, characterised in that said motion transmission mechanism (30) is configured to switch from said first configuration (C1) to said second configuration (C2) upon an actuation of the first lever arm (311) of each first lever member (31) by said movable contact (10), a transition of said motion transmission mechanism from said first configuration (C1) to said second configuration (C2) causing a movement of said movable arc contact (22) from said coupled position (P3) to said uncoupled position (P4).

8. Switching apparatus, according to one of the claims from 6 to 7, characterised in that said motion transmission mechanism (30) is configured to switch from said second configuration (C2) to said first configuration (C1) upon an actuation of the second lever arm (312) of each first lever member (31) by said movable contact (10), a transition of said motion transmission mechanism from said second configuration (C2) to said first configuration (C1) causing a movement of said movable arc contact (22) from said uncoupled position (P4) to said coupled position (P3).

9. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that, for each electric pole, said first and second pole terminals (11, 12) are arranged at opposite sides of said switching apparatus relative to the rotation axis (A1) of said movable contact (10) and are aligned one to another along a first alignment direction (D1) crossing the rotation axis (A1) of said movable contact (10), wherein said first fixed contact (5) comprises a first fixed contact region (5A) for coupling to said movable contact (10), wherein said first fixed contact region is laterally displaced relative to said first alignment direction.

10. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that, for each electric pole, said first pole terminal (11), said first fixed contact (5) and said vacuum interrupter (20) are at least partially accommodated in a portion of internal volume defined by a first bushing (43) of the insulating housing (4) of said switching apparatus.

11. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said movable contact (10) is reversibly movable between a first end-of-run position (P_A), which corresponds to a closed state of said switching apparatus, and a second end-of-run position (Pc), which corresponds to a grounded state of said switching apparatus, said movable contact (10) passing through an intermediate position (P_B), which corresponds to an open state of said switching apparatus, when moving between said first and second end-of-run positions (P_A, P_C),

wherein said movable contact (10) has a first movable contact region (10A) and a second movable contact region (10B) arranged at opposite positions relative to the rotation axis (A1) of said movable contact,

wherein said movable contact (10) has said first movable contact region (10A) coupled to a first fixed contact region (5A) of said first fixed contact (5) and said second movable contact region (10B) coupled to a second fixed contact region (6A) of said second fixed contact (6), thereby electrically connecting said first and second fixed contacts (5, 6), when said movable contact (10) is in said first end-of-run position (P_A);

wherein said movable contact (10) is coupled to no fixed contacts, when said movable contact (10) is in said intermediate position (P_B);

wherein said movable contact (10) has said first movable contact region (10A) coupled to a third fixed contact region (6B) of said second fixed contact (6) and said second movable contact region (10B) coupled to a fourth fixed contact region (7A) of said third fixed contact (7), thereby electrically connecting said second and third fixed contacts (6, 7), when said movable contact (10) is in said second end-of-run position (Pc).

12. Switching apparatus, according to claim 11, characterised in that each movable contact region (10A, 10B) of said movable contact (10) comprises at least a contact blade.

13. Switching apparatus, according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it is a load-break switch for medium voltage electric systems.

Drawing