DE102018209591A1 - remote operator - Google Patents

Abstract

The remote drive (1) according to the invention for a low-voltage protective switching device (100) has a controllable drive device (20) for actuating the protective switching device (100) and an energy storage device (30) for providing the energy required for the drive device (20). Furthermore, the remote drive (1) has a measuring device (40) for measuring a current capacity value of the energy storage device (30) and a processing device (50) for processing the measured capacity value, the measured capacity value being compared with a predetermined, manually adjustable target value. To operate the protective switching device (100) remotely, the remote drive (1) can be mechanically coupled to the low-voltage protective switching device (100) via its drive device (20). The current capacity value of the energy storage device (30) is compared with an individually predefined setpoint value via the measuring device (40) in order to generate a statement about the aging behavior of the energy storage device (30) during operation. In this way, preventive maintenance activities can be planned and carried out in a simplified manner.

Description

The invention relates to a remote drive for a low-voltage protective switching device - for example a line or residual current protective switching device - which has a controllable drive device for actuating the protective switching device and an energy storage device for providing the energy required for the drive device.

A remote operator enables the operation of a low-voltage protective switching device from a distance. Such low-voltage protective switching devices are also referred to as modular devices. The remote operator is mechanically coupled to the protective switching device and can be used remotely to switch on and off the protective switching device. Such remote drives are in principle from the prior art - for example from the German patent DE 102 16 055 B4 - previously known.

For remote control functionality, remote drives usually require electrical auxiliary energy, the amount of which largely depends on the type and size of the protective switching device to be switched, since these parameters have a significant influence on the force required to actuate the protective switching device. It plays a central role whether the protective switching device to be switched is a single-pole or a multi-pole protective switching device, as well as the question of which frictional forces or torques must be overcome accordingly when the respective protective switching device is actuated.

In order to make the remote drive as compact as possible, a small, compact power supply unit is used, which is usually too weak to immediately provide the power required to actuate the protective switching device. In addition, it is imperative that the remote drive can continue to function reliably even after the power supply has failed. An electrical energy store, for example in the form of an accumulator or a capacitor, is therefore used to provide the energy required for the function of the remote drive. However, both accumulators and capacitors are subject to aging - especially if they are operated or stored at high temperatures - their capacity decreases over their service life. When the energy storage device has reached the end of its predicted lifetime, a new energy storage device is required in order to continue guaranteeing the permanent availability of the functionality of the remote drive. In the case of safety-relevant systems or system components in particular, the aging of the energy store means that the stored energy is reduced to such an extent that it is no longer sufficient to carry out the predefined action of the remote drive, as a result of which the functionality of the remote drive would no longer be guaranteed. Since changing the energy storage only requires dismantling the remote drive and is therefore usually too complex, the entire remote drive is usually replaced by a technician on site if the energy storage capacity falls below the minimum.

With regard to the design / dimensioning of the energy store or its capacity, it should also be noted that the remote drive is designed as an independent module that should be combinable in combination with a large number of different protective switching devices. As a result, depending on the application of the remote drive, different switching operations with different loads or torques should be able to be carried out reliably until the end of the service life.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an alternative remote drive which is characterized by a high level of reliability with simultaneously variable operating conditions and, viewed over the entire service life, lower overall costs.

This object is achieved by the remote drive according to the invention according to independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the remote drive according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The remote drive according to the invention for a low-voltage protective switching device has a controllable drive device for actuating the protective switching device and an energy storage device for providing the energy required for the drive device. Furthermore, the remote drive has a measuring device for measuring a current capacity value of the energy storage device and a processing device for processing the measured capacity value, the measured capacity value being compared with a predetermined, manually adjustable target value.

The remote operator is used to operate a low-voltage protective switching device - for example, a line circuit breaker or a residual current circuit breaker - from a distance. For this purpose, the remote drive can be mechanically coupled to the low-voltage protective switching device via the drive device. In order to provide the energy required to switch the protective switching device, the remote drive has an energy storage device, the current capacity of which can be determined by means of the measuring device. The processing device is electrical with the measuring device connected and has a logic component in order to compare the measured capacitance value with the predefined setpoint value during operation. The setpoint can be set manually, for example by an electrician. In this way, a statement about the aging behavior of the energy storage device during ongoing operation can be derived with the aid of the processing device by comparing the measured actual value of the capacity with the set value. In this way, preventive maintenance activities can be planned and carried out more easily.

The predefined setpoint depends on the respective application condition, i.e. Depending on the installation environment of the remote operator: Depending on the type of protective switching device that the remote operator is coupled to during the initial installation on site, a suitable, individual setpoint is selected and set by an installer or technician. The setpoint can thus be edited and essentially depends on the force required to switch the protective switching device or the associated torque required.

In an advantageous further development, the remote drive has a coding switch, with the aid of which the setpoint is set manually.

The coding switch can be a potentiometer, for example a slide switch or a threshing switch. So-called DIP switches or jumpers can also be used as coding switches. The setting option of the respective coding switch should be easily accessible for an electrical installer who is to make the setting. This can be achieved, for example, by an arrangement on a housing surface of the remote drive. With the aid of a coding switch, there is therefore a simple possibility for manual setting of the setpoint directly on the remote operator.

In a further advantageous development, the remote drive has a communication device for outputting a communication signal if the measured capacitance value deviates from the predefined setpoint value in a predefined manner.

The communication device is electrically coupled to the processing device. If the measured capacitance value deviates in a predefined manner from the setpoint value, a corresponding communication signal is output by means of the communication device. With the help of this information, the current status of the energy storage device - and thus of the remote drive - can be monitored during operation and forwarded if necessary. Preventive maintenance activities can accordingly be scheduled more easily without the energy storage device itself having to be examined for this. This significantly reduces the maintenance effort and the associated costs.

In a further advantageous development of the remote drive, the communication signal is sent to a display element of the remote drive.

The display element can be, for example, a display or a lamp / LED, which is arranged in a clearly visible manner on a front side of the remote drive and is therefore easy to read or recognize. The use of a display element arranged directly on the remote drive represents a simple and inexpensive way of outputting the communication signal, which is particularly advantageous if a technician or installer is already on site anyway.

In a further advantageous development of the remote drive, the communication signal is sent to a higher-level system.

The higher-level system is, for example, a control center or control room. In this way, the current status of the energy storage device can be monitored centrally. Preventive maintenance activities can be planned and coordinated centrally without the need for an on-site inspection by a technician or installer.

In a further advantageous development, the remote drive has an interface for communication with the higher-level system.

The interface can be designed for both wired and wireless communication with the higher-level system. In this way, the installation of the remote drive, in particular the coupling to the higher-level system, is significantly simplified. In addition, with the help of the interface it is possible not to enter the respective target value directly on the device, but with the aid of a suitable editing device which can be coupled to the communication device via the interface. Alternatively, the setpoint could also be entered via a suitable user interface in the control center or control room.

In a further advantageous development of the remote drive, the setpoint is formed by a minimum capacity limit value, below which the communication signal is generated.

The minimum capacity limit represents a lower capacity limit, which is based on the minimum value for the "worst-case scenario": In the case of a remote operator, which is intended for coupling to different switching devices and must therefore carry out switching operations with different loads or torques choose the lower capacity limit, which marks the end of the service life, so that the functionality is ensured even in the worst case. In the past, this regularly had the consequence that an end of life was already indicated for attached switchgear with only a small load, i.e. with only a small torque required for the switching process, although the amount of energy provided would still have been sufficient to carry out the switching process , It is no longer necessary to replace the remote drive too early when using the remote drive according to the invention, since here the minimum capacity limit value can be adapted by the installer to the existing installation environment. The actual lifespan of the energy storage device, and thus of the remote drive, can thus be significantly extended with a small mechanical load coupled to the remote drive, without endangering the high switching reliability. In addition, maintenance can also be better planned, which means that unnecessary test and control activities can be avoided. This significantly reduces the costs for preventive maintenance.

In an advantageous development of the remote drive, the energy storage device is formed by an accumulator or a capacitor.

Both accumulators and capacitors represent a possible solution for storing the energy required for the drive device. In both cases, it is possible to charge the respective memory by means of a low charging current in such a way that the amount of energy required for the switching operation of the remote drive is available. This requires only a comparatively small power supply unit, so that the remote drive can be made as compact as possible. Furthermore, by using a rechargeable battery or capacitor, the operability of the remote drive can be maintained even in the event of a power failure and can thus be guaranteed. The reliability of the remote operator - and thus the safety of the switchgear connected to it - is significantly improved.

In a further advantageous development, the remote drive is integrated into an existing insulating housing of the low-voltage protective switching device.

In a further advantageous development, the remote drive is designed as an independent module which can be connected laterally to the low-voltage protective switching device.

The remote operator can be accommodated and held together with the protective switching device to which it is coupled in a common insulating material housing. However, it is also possible to make the remote operator modular, i.e. to be designed as an independent module with its own housing, which can be mechanically coupled to the insulating housing of the protective switching device.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Fernantriebs in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung des konzeptionellen Aufbaus des Fernantriebs;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines mit einem Schutzschaltgerät gekoppelten Fernantriebs;
• 4 ein Ersatzschaltbild des an das Schutzschaltgerät gekoppelten Fernantriebs nach 3.

An exemplary embodiment of the remote drive is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. In the figures are:

• 1 a schematic representation of a remote operator in a perspective view;
• 2 a schematic representation of the conceptual structure of the remote drive;
• 3 a schematic representation of a remote drive coupled to a protective switching device;
• 4 an equivalent circuit diagram of the remote operator coupled to the protective switching device 3 ,

In the different figures of the drawing, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals. The description applies to all drawing figures in which the corresponding part can also be seen.

1 shows a schematic representation of a remote operator 1 in perspective view. The remote operator 1 has an insulating housing 2 with a front 4 , one of the front 4 opposite fastening side 5 , as well as with the front and mounting sides 4 and 5 connecting narrow and broad sides 6 and 7 on. At the front 4 is an actuator 3 arranged, which by means of a handle connector 8th with an actuating element of a protective switching device 100 (please refer 3 ) can be coupled to the protective switching device 100 (in a coupled state) using the remote operator 1 to be able to operate. Via the attachment side 5 is the remote operator 1 Can be attached to a mounting rail or top hat rail (not shown) - as they are mainly used in electrical installation distributors for device mounting. For connection to the protective switching device 100 shows the remote operator 1 also two connecting straps 9 on which one at the front 4 in the area of the broadside 7 arranged and with in a on a housing 102 of the protective switching device 100 trained recording 109 are insertable to the remote operator 1 mechanically with the protective switching device 100 connect to.

In 2 is the conceptual structure of the remote operator 1 shown schematically in a side view. The remote operator 1 has a drive device 20 for remote actuation of the actuating element 3 on. This is the actuating element 3 on a handle roller 11 protrudingly arranged so that when the actuating element is actuated 3 the grip roller 11 about its axis of rotation 12 is rotated. The handle roller has on its circumference 11 a gearing 13 on that with a gear 21 the drive device 20 is engaged. The drive device 20 also has a motor and a gearbox to adjust the rotational speed of the motor to the required torque - and thus to that on the actuating element 3 coupled mechanical load - to adapt. For reasons of clarity, the engine and transmission are in 2 not shown. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the drive device 20 training gearless, ie the motor acts directly on the toothing - without being translated by one or more gear stages 13 on.

To apply the for the drive device 20 for actuating the actuating element 3 the remote drive has the required energy 1 also an energy storage device 30 on which with the drive device 20 is electrically connected. At the energy storage device 30 it can be, for example, a capacitor or an accumulator, which acts as a buffer memory for actuating the actuating element 3 stores the required amount of energy with the connected mechanical load and makes it available when required. The energy storage device is for charging 30 with a power supply 31 electrically connected. Because the power supply 31 only for charging the energy storage device 30 serves and does not have to provide the required amount of energy directly and immediately, it can be dimensioned so small that it also fits into a compact insulating housing 2 - for example with a width of 2 division units or even only 1.5 division units (1TE corresponds to approx. 18mm) - can be integrated. Via two lines leading to the outside 32 can the power supply 31 be electrically connected with a mains or supply voltage.

For measuring a current capacity value of the energy storage device 30 the remote drive has a measuring device 40 on which with the energy storage device 30 is electrically connected. The current capacity value of the energy storage device 30 can be recorded continuously as well as at regular intervals or only when required. In the representation of the 2 is the measuring device 40 on a circuit board 10 arranged. This can be an existing printed circuit board of the remote operator 1 act, for example, to control and / or to communicate with the remote operator 1 with a higher-level unit - for example a control room. The arrangement of the measuring device 40 on a printed circuit board is not absolutely necessary.

The measuring device is present 40 with a processing device 50 , which is also on the circuit board 10 is arranged over conductor tracks of the circuit board 10 electrically connected. At the processing facility 50 it can be, for example, a microprocessor that uses the measurement device 40 compares the detected, ie measured, capacitance value with a predetermined target value and detects the difference between the two values. With the help of a communication device 60 which with the processing device 50 is connected in an electrically conductive manner, a communication signal to a higher-level location - for example a control room - can be generated and transmitted if the measured capacitance value deviates from the predetermined target value in a predefined manner. In this way, the superordinate body receives information about the remaining capacity - and thus the current state - of the energy storage device 30 ,

The communication device 60 is also present on the circuit board 10 arranged and thus over the conductor tracks of the circuit board 10 with the processing device 50 , if necessary also with the measuring device 40 , electrically connected. However, this is not absolutely necessary: that for the remote drive according to the invention 1 required electrical connections from measuring equipment 40 , Processing device 50 and communication facility 60 are also discreet - ie without the use of a printed circuit board 10 - realizable. The communication device has for forwarding the communication signal 60 an interface 61 , which can be both wired and wireless, for example as a Bluetooth interface.

3 shows a schematic representation of a with a protective switching device 100 coupled remote operator 1 , again in perspective view. When mechanically connecting the two devices - the remote operator 1 and the protective switching device 100 - is a broadside 7 of the remote operator 1 a broadside of the protective switching device 100 facing. This in 3 protection switch shown 100 is 3-pole, but this can only be seen as an example. The remote drive is according to the invention 1 Can be coupled with both single-pole and multi-pole protective switching devices. Only the handle connector to be used 8th is the width of the protective switching device to be coupled 100 adapt. For mechanical fastening of the remote operator 1 on a housing 102 of the protective switching device 100 the two connecting tabs 9 of the remote operator 9 in the on the front of the protective switching device 100 with regard to their location correspondingly arranged recordings 109 plugged in. In this way - in addition to the coupling of the actuating element 3 of the remote operator 1 with the actuators 103 of the protective switching device 100 via the handle connector 8th - Another mechanical connection of the remote operator 1 with the protective switching device 100 created.

In 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the according 3 to the protective switching device 100 coupled remote operator 1 shown schematically. To the 3-pole protective switching device 100 are three electrical connection lines on the input and output side L1 . L2 and L3 connected, each of which is an electrical load circuit with the associated electrical load F1 . F2 respectively. F3 assigned. Within the protective switching device 100 are the input and the output connection of the three connection lines L1 . L2 and L3 each via one in the protective switching device 100 guided current path electrically connected. Via a switching contact that is directly and uniquely assigned to the respective current path S1 . S2 and S3 the current paths can be opened, if necessary, ie in the presence of a corresponding situation, for example a short circuit, by opening the switch contacts S1 . S2 and S3 to be interrupted.

For actuating the three switch contacts S1 . S2 and S3 assigns the protective switching device 100 a switching mechanism (not shown), which has an active connection 104 with the drive device 20 of the remote operator 1 connected is. In this way, the three switch contacts S1 . S2 and S3 can be opened via the remote operator around the three switch contacts S1 . S2 and S3 to interrupt assigned current paths and thus the load circuits L1 . L2 and L3 separate from the electrical supply network.

1. a) Messen des aktuellen Kapazitätswertes,
2. b) Vergleich des gemessenen Wertes mit einem vorgegebenen Sollwert,
3. c) Ausgabe eines Kommunikationssignals, wenn der gemessene Kapazitätswert vom vorgegebenen Sollwert in vordefinierter Art und Weise abweicht.

One on the remote drive according to the invention 1 based method for determining a current capacity value of the energy storage device 30 thus has the following steps:

1. a) measuring the current capacity value,
2. b) comparison of the measured value with a predetermined target value,
3. c) Output of a communication signal if the measured capacitance value deviates from the specified setpoint in a predefined manner.

In summary, the remote drive according to the invention serves 1 thus the capacity monitoring of the energy storage device 30 , from which conclusions on the aging behavior of the energy storage device 30 can be pulled. Either a defined charging or discharging process of the energy storage device is used for this 30 carried out. By measuring the voltage drop at the energy storage device 30 and the time required for the charging or discharging process, the capacity of the energy storage device 30 be calculated. This capacity can now be used to decide whether it is still sufficient for the present application or not. If this is not the case, the system is remote controlled 1 and protective switching device 100 into a safe operating state and signals the need for maintenance. In this way, the energy storage device 30 to different, with the remote drive 1 coupled protective switching devices 100 - and thus to be adapted to different mechanical loads.

In order to achieve the longest possible service life for the remote drive in any conceivable configuration, a selection option is created in such a way that the minimum available capacity is compared with the amount of energy actually required for the switching process. This selection can be made, for example, by an installer or technician using a suitable operating device and can also be adapted in the event of a change to the electrical installation. This way, for every combination of remote drive 1 and protective switching device 100 realized the maximum possible lifetime. In addition, the selection can be used to play the driving game, ie the combination of the rotational speed and the torque of the drive device 20 , can be adapted to the respective combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

remote operator

2

Insulated

3

actuator

4

front

5

mounting side

6

narrow side

7

broadside

8th

handle connector

9

connecting strap

10

circuit board

11

grip roller

12

axis of rotation

13

gearing

20

driving means

21

gear

30

Energy storage device

31

power adapter

32

management

40

measuring device

50

processing device

60

communicator

61

interface

100

Protection device

102

casing

103

actuator

104

operatively connected

109

admission

L1, L2, L3

connecting cable

F1, F2, F3

electrical load

S1, S2, S3

switching contact

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 10216055 B4 [0002]

Claims (10)

Remote drive (1) for a low-voltage protective switching device (100), - With a controllable drive device (20) for actuating the low-voltage protective switching device (100), - With an energy storage device (30) for providing the energy required for the drive device (20), - With a measuring device (40) for measuring a current capacity value of the energy storage device (30); - With a processing device (50) for processing the measured capacitance value, wherein the measured capacitance value is compared with a predetermined, manually adjustable target value. Remote operator (1) after Claim 1 , the remote drive having a coding switch, with the aid of which the setpoint is set manually. Remote operator (1) according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , with a communication device (60) for outputting a communication signal if the measured capacitance value deviates from the predefined setpoint value in a predefined manner. Remote operator (1) after Claim 3 , wherein the communication signal is sent to a display element of the remote operator. Remote operator (1) after Claim 3 , wherein the communication signal is sent to a higher-level system. Remote operator (1) after Claim 5 wherein the communication device (60) has an interface for communication with the higher-level system. Remote operator (1) according to one of the Claims 3 or 4 , the setpoint being formed by a minimum capacity limit value, below which the communication signal is generated. Remote drive (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage device (30) is formed by an accumulator or a capacitor. Remote operator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the remote operator (1) is integrated in an existing insulating housing of the low-voltage protective switching device (100). Remote operator (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th The remote drive (1) is designed as an independent module that can be connected laterally to the low-voltage protective switching device (100).

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