Abstract: A switching system for switching an electrical device, comprising: a vacuum interrupter including a fixed electrode, and a mobile electrode, the mobile electrode configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The switching system further comprising an elastic return means configured to apply a driving force to the mobile electrode, and a retaining member for retaining the elastic return means, the retaining member configured to move from a retention configuration, in which the elastic return means is immobilized, into a movement configuration, in which the elastic return means is released. The switching system is configured so that the mobile electrode moves from the closed position to the open position under the action of the elastic return means when the retaining member leaves its retention configuration.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator has: an armature carrying at least one coil; a ferromagnetic yoke configured to channel a magnetic flux created by the coil; and a ferromagnetic moving part that interacts with the yoke to form a magnetic circuit formed at least in part by an assembly of laminated metal plates, the moving part being configured to move in relation to the armature under the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil. The actuator moreover has an auxiliary magnetic circuit made of electrically conductive material, in order to permit the flow of currents induced in the auxiliary magnetic circuit when a magnetic field is generated by the coil.

Abstract: A switching system for switching an electrical device, comprising: a vacuum interrupter including a fixed electrode, and a mobile electrode, the mobile electrode configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The switching system further comprising an elastic return means configured to apply a driving force to the mobile electrode, and a retaining member for retaining the elastic return means, the retaining member configured to moves from a retention configuration, in which the elastic return means is immobilized, into a movement configuration, in which the elastic return means is released. The switching system is configured so that the mobile electrode moves from the closed position to the open position under the action of the elastic return means when the retaining member leaves its retention configuration.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an operating state of a switching device including separable contacts, which are driven by an electromagnetic actuator including a coil connected to an electronic control device, and sensors that measure a coil voltage and an intensity of a coil current. The method includes: a) receiving an order to open the switching device via the electronic control device; b) controlling the electromagnetic actuator so that it opens; c) measuring and recording the coil voltage and coil current values d) calculating and recording values of a magnetic flux through the coil, by integrating the recorded values of the coil current, the coil voltage and resistance and inductance values of the coil; and e) evaluating and recording positions of a core of the electromagnetic actuator according to a data table, which defines a bijective relation between the position of the core, the magnetic flux and the coil current.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator has: an armature carrying at least one coil; a ferromagnetic yoke configured to channel a magnetic flux created by the coil; and a ferromagnetic moving part that interacts with the yoke to form a magnetic circuit formed at least in part by an assembly of laminated metal plates, the moving part being configured to move in relation to the armature under the action of the magnetic field generated by the coil. The actuator moreover has an auxiliary magnetic circuit made of electrically conductive material, in order to permit the flow of currents induced in the auxiliary magnetic circuit when a magnetic field is generated by the coil.

Abstract: A controllable electric current switchgear includes a bistable relay including separable electrical contacts and an excitation coil for switching the contacts between open and closed states when the coil receives an amount of energy that is higher than a predefined excitation energy threshold with an electrical power that is higher than a predefined power threshold; and a control circuit including a power stage and a logic stage for triggering the switching of the relay. The power stage includes a power converter, a first set of capacitors connected at the input of the converter and a second set of capacitors connected at the output of the converter, the nominal power of the converter being strictly lower than the power threshold, the sets of capacitors being capable of storing an amount of energy that is higher than or equal to 50% of the excitation energy threshold.

Abstract: A controllable electric current switchgear includes a bistable relay including separable electrical contacts and an excitation coil for switching the contacts between open and closed states when the coil receives an amount of energy that is higher than a predefined excitation energy threshold with an electrical power that is higher than a predefined power threshold; and a control circuit including a power stage and a logic stage for triggering the switching of the relay. The power stage includes a power converter, a first set of capacitors connected at the input of the converter and a second set of capacitors connected at the output of the converter, the nominal power of the converter being strictly lower than the power threshold, the sets of capacitors being capable of storing an amount of energy that is higher than or equal to 50% of the excitation energy threshold.

Abstract: A reactive power compensator for a three-phase network having first, second and third phases includes an assembly of capacitors and electromechanical contactors electrically connected to the capacitors. Each contactor includes at least one upstream and one downstream power terminal. An electric current circulates between the upstream and downstream power terminals when the contactors are closed. A first contactor is connected to the first phase and a second contactor is connected to the third phase. The voltage between the upstream and downstream power terminals of at least one electromechanical contactor is measured so that the electromechanical contactors can be controlled according to a control algorithm. The control algorithm includes the closure of a contactor for a substantially zero voltage between the upstream and downstream power terminals thereof, and the opening a contactor for a substantially minimum power value of the capacitors to which the contactor is connected.

Abstract: A reactive power compensator for a three-phase network having first, second and third phases includes an assembly of capacitors and electromechanical contactors electrically connected to the capacitors. Each contactor includes at least one upstream and one downstream power terminal. An electric current circulates between the upstream and downstream power terminals when the contactors are closed. A first contactor is connected to the first phase and a second contactor is connected to the third phase. The voltage between the upstream and downstream power terminals of at least one electromechanical contactor is measured so that the electromechanical contactors can be controlled according to a control algorithm. The control algorithm includes the closure of a contactor for a substantially zero voltage between the upstream and downstream power terminals thereof, and the opening a contactor for a substantially minimum power value of the capacitors to which the contactor is connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for neutralizing an electric switching unit. One or several power poles, each of which is provided with movable contacts separable form fixed contacts are actuatable between opened and closed positions by an actuator for switching-on an electric charge. A mechanical actuating device interacts with the movable contacts. It is used for actuating a device for neutralizing the electric switching unit by switching-off the control electric circuit thereof when the wear degree of pellets is greater than a predetermined threshold. The control circuit is switched-off, for example, by cutting a wire thereof. An electric switching unit is provided with the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand-alone device for generating electrical energy comprising:—an excitation coil (2) furnished with a central opening, —a magnetic circuit passing through the central opening of the coil and formed of a fixed part (3) and a movable part (5) that can move with respect to the fixed part (3) so as to vary the magnetic flux through the excitation coil (2), characterized in that, —the magnetic circuit passes through the central opening of the excitation coil (2) several times, forming at least one loop. The invention also relates to a remote control device comprising a transmitter coupled to a remote receiver and a stand-alone device (1) for generating electrical energy so as to generate an electric current intended to power its transmitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for neutralising an electric switching unit comprising one or several power poles, each of which is provided with movable contacts (2) separable form fixed contacts (3) and actuatable between opened and closed positions by an actuator for switching-on an electric charge. The inventive device comprises mechanical actuating means which interact with the movable contacts (2) and are used for actuating means for neutralising the electric switching unit by switching-off the control electric circuit (50) thereof when the wear degree of pellets (20, 30) is greater than a predetermined threshold. The of control circuit is switched-off, for example, by cutting the wire (5) thereof. An electric switching unit provided with said device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprises a yoke, a core, at least two windings and switching means of the windings from a series position to a parallel position and vice-versa. It comprises control means comprising regulating means of the electric current flowing in the windings. The control means comprise inrush means controlling the voltage supplied to the windings during a closing operation, and controlling the switching means to place the windings in parallel mode. The control means also comprise holding means controlling the current supplied to the windings during a holding operation of the actuator in the closed position and controlling the switching means to place the windings in series mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand-alone device for generating electrical energy comprising:—an excitation coil (2) furnished with a central opening, —a magnetic circuit passing through the central opening of the coil and formed of a fixed part (3) and a movable part (5) that can move with respect to the fixed part (3) so as to vary the magnetic flux through the excitation coil (2), characterized in that, —the magnetic circuit passes through the central opening of the excitation coil (2) several times, forming at least one loop. The invention also relates to a remote control device comprising a transmitter coupled to a remote receiver and a stand-alone device (1) for generating electrical energy so as to generate an electric current intended to power its transmitter.

Abstract: An electric switching device of which each power pole includes a movable bridge equipped with at least one movable contact that co-operates with at least one fixed contact of the pole between open and closed positions. The switching device includes at least one approach actuator—bistable or of Voice Coil type—acting on the movable bridges to distance and bring together the movable contacts of the movable bridges and the fixed contacts. Each pole includes a force actuator, e.g., piezoelectric, to establish contact pressure or contact switching, without the use of a mechanical restoring device.

Abstract: An electric switching device of which each power pole includes a movable bridge equipped with at least one movable contact that co-operates with at least one fixed contact of the pole between open and closed positions. The switching device includes at least one approach actuator—bistable or of Voice Coil type—acting on the movable bridges to distance and bring together the movable contacts of the movable bridges and the fixed contacts. Each pole includes a force actuator, e.g., piezoelectric, to establish contact pressure or contact switching, without the use of a mechanical restoring device.