DE102022209032A1 - Circuit breaker and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective switching device (SG) for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit for alternating voltage, in which the level of a differential current of conductors of the low-voltage circuit is determined and - if the first differential current time limit values (DSG1) are exceeded, a current flow in the low-voltage circuit a) is avoided high-resistance state of switching elements of an electronic interruption unit when isolating contacts are closed orb) is initiated by an open state of the isolating contacts, - that when a second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded, a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when closed State of the isolating contacts is initiated.

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of a protective switching device for a low-voltage circuit with an electronic interruption unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for a protective switching device for a low-voltage circuit with an electronic interruption unit.

Low voltage refers to voltages of up to 1000 volts AC or up to 1500 volts DC. Low voltage refers in particular to voltages that are greater than low voltage, with values of 50 volts alternating voltage or 120 volts direct voltage.

Low-voltage circuits or networks or systems mean circuits with nominal currents or rated currents of up to 125 amperes, more specifically up to 63 amperes. Low-voltage circuits particularly refer to circuits with rated currents or rated currents of up to 50 amps, 40 amps, 32 amps, 25 amps, 16 amps or 10 amps. The current values mentioned in particular mean nominal, rated and/or switching off currents, i.e. the maximum current that is normally carried across the circuit or in which the electrical circuit is usually interrupted, for example by a protective device, such as a protective switching device, circuit breaker or circuit breaker. The rated currents can vary further, from 0.5 A to 1 A, 2 A, 3 A, 4 A, 5 A, 6 A, 7 A, 8 A, 9 A, 10 A, etc. up to 16 A.

Circuit breakers have long been known overcurrent protection devices that are used in electrical installation technology in low-voltage circuits. These protect cables from damage caused by heating due to excessive current and/or short circuits. A circuit breaker can automatically switch off the circuit in the event of an overload and/or short circuit. A circuit breaker is a safety element that does not reset automatically.

In contrast to circuit breakers, circuit breakers are intended for currents greater than 125 A, sometimes even from 63 amps. Circuit breakers are therefore simpler and more delicate in design. Circuit breakers usually have a mounting option for mounting on a so-called top-hat rail (mounting rail, DIN rail, TH35).

Circuit breakers according to the state of the art are constructed electromechanically. In a housing they have a mechanical switching contact or shunt release to interrupt (trigger) the electrical current. A bimetal protective element or bimetal element is usually used to trigger (interrupt) in the event of a long-lasting overcurrent (overcurrent protection) or in the event of thermal overload (overload protection). An electromagnetic release with a coil is used for short-term tripping when an overcurrent limit is exceeded or in the event of a short circuit (short circuit protection). One or more arc extinguishing chamber(s) or devices for arc extinguishing are provided. Furthermore, connection elements for conductors of the electrical circuit to be protected.

Residual current circuit breakers for electrical circuits, especially for low-voltage circuits or systems, are well known. Residual current circuit breakers are also known as residual current devices, or RCD for short. Residual current circuit breakers determine the current sum in an electrical circuit, which is normally zero, and interrupt the electrical circuit when a differential current value is exceeded, i.e. a current sum of non-zero that exceeds a certain (differential) current value or residual current value.

Almost all previous residual current circuit breakers have a summation current transformer, the primary winding of which is formed by the conductors of the circuit and the secondary winding of which emits the sum of the current, which is used directly or indirectly to interrupt the electrical circuit.

For this purpose, two or more conductors, usually forward and return conductors or external and neutral conductors in a single-phase alternating current network, all three external conductors or all three external conductors and the neutral conductor in a three-phase alternating current network, are replaced by one, usually having an annular core made of ferromagnetic material, Current transformer led. Only the differential current, i.e. a current that deviates from the forward and reverse current, is converted from the conductors. Typically, the sum of current in an electrical circuit is zero. In this way, fault currents can be detected.

For example, if a current flows towards earth on the energy sink side or consumer side, this is referred to as a fault current. A fault occurs, for example, if there is an electrical connection from a phase conductor of the electrical circuit to ground. For example, if a person touches the phase conductor. Then part of the electrical current does not flow through the neut as usual ral conductor or neutral conductor, but via the person and the earth. This fault current can now be detected using the summation current transformer, since the sum of the inflowing and returning current recorded in terms of amount is not equal to zero. An interruption of the circuit, for example at least one, a part or all of the lines, is effected via a relay or a holding magnet release, for example with connected mechanics. Residual current circuit breakers for detecting alternating residual currents are generally from the literature DE 44 32 643 A1 known.

The main function of residual current circuit breakers is to protect people from electrical currents (electric shock), as well as systems, machines or buildings from fire caused by electrical insulation faults.

If the residual current circuit breaker or its summation current transformer is designed in such a way that the secondary-side energy of the summation current transformer is sufficient to actuate a trip unit or an interruption unit or a trigger, then such residual current circuit breakers are called mains voltage independent.
If auxiliary energy is required or used for the tripping circuit, which is usually generated by a power supply provided in the residual current circuit breaker, such residual current circuit breakers are called mains voltage dependent. This means that mains voltage-dependent residual current circuit breakers contain a power supply to supply energy for residual current detection (mains voltage independent ones do not). These power supplies are required, for example, to detect residual currents in DC voltage networks as well as mixed DC/AC networks or in circuits with high frequencies.

Protective switching devices with an electronic interruption unit are relatively new developments. These have a semiconductor-based electronic interruption unit. This means that the electrical current flow of the low-voltage circuit is conducted via semiconductor components or semiconductor switches, which interrupt the electrical current flow or can be switched to conduction. Protective switching devices with an electronic interruption unit also often have a mechanical isolating contact system, in particular with isolating properties in accordance with relevant standards for low-voltage circuits, whereby the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact system are connected in series to the electronic interruption unit, i.e. the current of the low-voltage circuit to be protected is transmitted both via the mechanical isolating contact system and also carried out via the electronic interruption unit.

beschrieben. Wobei:

u(t)

momentaner Spannungswert zu der Zeit t

U

Amplitude der Spannung

The present invention relates in particular to low-voltage alternating current circuits, with an alternating voltage, usually with a time-dependent sinusoidal alternating voltage with the frequency f. The time dependence of the instantaneous voltage value u(t) of the alternating voltage is given by the equation: $$\text{u}\left(\text{t}\right)=\text{U}*\text{sin}\left(2\mathrm{\pi }*\text{f}*\text{t}\right)$$

described. Where:

u(t)

instantaneous voltage value at time t

U

Amplitude of voltage

A harmonic alternating voltage can be represented by the rotation of a pointer whose length corresponds to the amplitude (U) of the voltage. The instantaneous deflection is the projection of the pointer onto a coordinate system. One period of oscillation corresponds to one full revolution of the pointer and its full angle is 2π (2Pi) or 360°. The angular frequency is the rate of change of the phase angle of this rotating pointer. The angular frequency of a harmonic oscillation is always 2π times its frequency, i.e.: $$\begin{array}{l}\mathrm{\omega }=2\mathrm{\pi }*\text{f}=2\mathrm{\pi }/\text{T}=\text{Circular frequency of the alternating voltage}\hfill \\ \left(\text{T}=\text{Period of oscillation}\right)\hfill \end{array}$$

The specification of the angular frequency (ω) is often preferred over the frequency (f), since many formulas in vibration theory can be represented more compactly using the angular frequency due to the occurrence of trigonometric functions, the period of which is by definition 2n: $$\text{u}\left(\text{t}\right)=\text{U}*\text{sin}\left(\mathrm{\omega }\text{t}\right)$$

In the case of angular frequencies that are not constant over time, the term instantaneous angular frequency is also used.

In the case of a sinusoidal, in particular time-constant, alternating voltage, the time-dependent value from the angular velocity ω and the time t corresponds to the time-dependent angle φ(t), which is also referred to as the phase angle φ(t). This means that the phase angle φ(t) periodically passes through the range 0...2π or 0°...360°. This means that the phase angle periodically assumes a value between 0 and 2n or 0° and 360° (φ = n* (0...2π) or φ = n* (0°...360°), due to periodicity; shortened: φ = 0...2π or φ = 0°...360°).

With instantaneous voltage value u(t) or instantaneous current value or instantaneous differential current value, the instantaneous value is therefore the Voltage / current / differential current at time t, ie with a sinusoidal (periodic) alternating voltage, the value of the voltage / current / differential current is meant at the phase angle φ (φ = 0...2π or φ = 0°... 360°, of the respective period).

The object of the present invention is to improve a protective switching device of the type mentioned at the beginning, in particular to ensure protection against fault currents caused by people while at the same time ensuring security of supply or availability of electrical systems, i.e. to achieve immunity against technically caused (fault) currents would lead to a false tripping of the protective switching device. This means, on the one hand, to ensure personal protection and, on the other hand, to improve the security of supply of a low-voltage circuit. Alternatively, to create a novel concept for such a protective switching device.

This object is achieved by a protective switching device with the features of patent claim 1, and by a method according to patent claim 12.

• - ein Gehäuse mit netzseitigen und lastseitigen Anschlüssen für Leiter des Niederspannungsstromkreises,
• - eine Differenzstromsensoreinheit, zur Ermittlung der Höhe eines Differenzstromes der Leiter des Niederspannungsstromkreises, insbesondere zur Erfassung des zeitlichen Verlauf des Momentanwertes des Differenzstromes
• - eine mechanische Trennkontakteinheit, die einen geschlossenen Zustand der Kontakte für einen Stromfluss im Niederspannungsstromkreis oder einen geöffneten Zustand der Kontakte für eine stromflussvermeidende galvanische Trennung im Niederspannungsstromkreis aufweist, die mechanische Trennkontakteinheit ist insbesondere durch eine mechanische Handhabe bedienbar und schaltbar, so dass ein Öffnen von Kontakten zur Vermeidung eines Stromflusses oder ein Schließen der Kontakte für einen Stromfluss im Niederspannungsstromkreis (durch die Handhabe) schaltbar ist, damit ist (insbesondere) eine galvanische Trennung im Niederspannungsstromkreis schaltbar; bei einer mechanischen Trennkontakteinheit wird ein Öffnen von Kontakten auch als Freischalten und ein Schließen von Kontakten als Zuschalten bezeichnet;
• - eine elektronische Unterbrechungseinheit, die stromkreisseitig in Serie zur mechanischen Trennkontakteinheit geschaltet ist und die durch halbleiterbasierte Schaltelemente einen hochohmigen (insbesondere nichtleitenden) Zustand der Schaltelemente zur Vermeidung eines Stromflusses oder einen niederohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente zum Stromfluss im Niederspannungsstromkreis aufweist; bei einer elektronische Unterbrechungseinheit wird ein hochohmiger (insbesondere nichtleitender) Zustand der Schaltelemente (zur Vermeidung eines Stromflusses) auch als ausgeschalteter Zustand (Vorgang: Ausschalten) und ein niederohmiger (leitender) Zustand der Schaltelemente (zum Stromfluss) als eingeschalter Zustand (Vorgang: Einschalten) bezeichnet;
• - einer Steuerungseinheit, die mit der Differenzstromsensoreinheit, der mechanischen Trennkontakteinheit und der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit verbunden ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist das Schutzschaltgerät, insbesondere die Steuerungseinheit, derart ausgestaltet, dass bei (insbesondere betragsmäßiger) Überschreitung von ersten Differenzstrom-Zeitgrenzwerten eine Vermeidung eines Stromflusses im Niederspannungsstromkreis
  1. a) durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit bei geschlossenem Zustand der Trennkontakte oder
  2. b) durch einen geöffneten Zustand der Trennkontakte initiiert wird.

According to the invention, a protective switching device is provided for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit, in particular a low-voltage alternating circuit, comprising:

• - a housing with network-side and load-side connections for conductors of the low-voltage circuit,
• - a differential current sensor unit for determining the level of a differential current in the conductors of the low-voltage circuit, in particular for detecting the time course of the instantaneous value of the differential current
• - a mechanical isolating contact unit, which has a closed state of the contacts for a current flow in the low-voltage circuit or an open state of the contacts for a current flow-avoiding galvanic isolation in the low-voltage circuit, the mechanical isolating contact unit can be operated and switched in particular by a mechanical handle, so that contacts can be opened to avoid a current flow or a closing of the contacts for a current flow in the low-voltage circuit can be switched (through the handle), so (in particular) a galvanic isolation in the low-voltage circuit can be switched; In the case of a mechanical isolating contact unit, opening contacts is also referred to as disconnecting and closing contacts is referred to as switching on;
• - an electronic interruption unit, which is connected in series on the circuit side to the mechanical isolating contact unit and which, through semiconductor-based switching elements, has a high-resistance (in particular non-conducting) state of the switching elements to prevent current flow or a low-resistance state of the switching elements to prevent current flow in the low-voltage circuit; In an electronic interruption unit, a high-resistance (in particular non-conducting) state of the switching elements (to avoid current flow) is also called a switched-off state (process: switching off) and a low-resistance (conducting) state of the switching elements (for current flow) is also called a switched-on state (process: switching on). designated;
• - a control unit which is connected to the differential current sensor unit, the mechanical isolating contact unit and the electronic interruption unit. According to the invention, the protective switching device, in particular the control unit, is designed in such a way that if the first differential current time limit values are exceeded (in particular in terms of amount), a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided
  1. a) due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed or
  2. b) is initiated by an open state of the isolating contacts.

Furthermore, if a second differential current limit value is exceeded, avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed.

This has the particular advantage that two evaluations are provided for the detected differential current.

On the one hand, with regard to a first differential current time limit value, which corresponds to a classic evaluation as used today in residual current circuit breakers according to the state of the art. However, the result of the evaluation can be two possible ways to avoid a current flow. On the one hand, a classic avoidance of current flow in the low-voltage circuit by keeping the isolating contacts open, ie galvanic isolation. On the other hand, through a new type of avoidance through a high-resistance state of the switching element elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed.

The effective value of the differential current can advantageously be used to evaluate the first differential current time limit value. For example, by determining the differential current using an RMS value (root mean square = effective value). If the corresponding standard (FI circuit breaker) current/time limit values are exceeded, one of the two mentioned avoidances of the current flow occurs.

On the other hand, a parallel evaluation of a second differential current limit value, advantageously using the instantaneous value of the differential current, so that an immediate shutdown if the amount is exceeded "immediately" initiates a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed.

If the second differential current limit value is exceeded, the current flow in the low-voltage circuit is advantageously avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit within a first switch-off time. The first switch-off time is in particular less than 20 ms, more specifically less than 15 ms, 10 ms, 5 ms, 1 ms, 500 µs or 100 µs.

Advantageously, after the current flow in the low-voltage circuit has been avoided, caused by exceeding the second differential current limit value, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance.

This has the particular advantage that it switches on again automatically, thereby achieving a high level of availability of the energy supply.

This occurs with low resistance in particular when the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage (applied to the protective switching device) is smaller than a first voltage limit. The first voltage limit is in particular less than 10 volts or less than 5 volts. More specifically, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit can become low-resistance at a zero crossing of the alternating voltage. This means that the protective switching device switches to the standby state and e.g. B. automatically switches back to the on state the next time the voltage crosses zero.

This also has the particular advantage that after a faulty differential current event, for example caused by a person touching a (phase) conductor (critical event) or by a technically caused leakage current (non-critical for people, i.e. non-critical event) (for example by switched Capacitances) an immediate avoidance of current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit.

After the current flow is avoided due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit and the contacts are closed due to the second differential current limit values, a low-resistance occurs, so that the presence of faulty differential current events can be further checked. In this way, critical events can be distinguished from non-critical events, while providing maximum energy supply security in the circuit in order to ensure personal protection on the one hand and the availability of systems on the other.

In this way, the condition at the load-side connections can be further monitored with regard to the presence of differential current limit values or differential current time limit values. If the state changes, a further action can advantageously take place, for example according to the further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

A completely new protection concept or operating concept for a (FI) protective switching device is presented.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and in the exemplary embodiment.

Advantageously, only the mechanical isolating contact unit can be operated by the mechanical handle. Switching on and off using the electronic interruption unit cannot be operated (directly) on the device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, after the resistance becomes low, a renewed exceeding of the second differential current limit value is detected. There is a high resistance followed by a low resistance. If the second differential current limit is exceeded again (with high and low resistance), this is only carried out until a first number of violations occurs.

Then the electronic interruption unit remains in a high-resistance state. This can continue until another time limit is exceeded. Alternatively or additionally, the This state can be communicated through a communication unit.

Alternatively or additionally, the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit can be opened.

This has the particular advantage of providing a concept for a robust protective switching device that ensures high availability of the energy supply.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the protective switching device is designed such that the second differential current limit value is higher in magnitude than a first differential current limit value or the first differential current time limit value (the differential current component). In particular, the second differential current limit is a value in the range of 2 to 100 times the first differential current limit or first differential current time limit.

This has the particular advantage that the immediate shutdown is only carried out when an instantaneous value of the differential current occurs that is always greater than the permanently permissible differential current. In addition, an adjustability of the second differential current limit value enables the limit or threshold to be adapted to the given operating situation and the existing operational events or faults with a differential current sequence.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a voltage sensor unit connected to the control unit is provided for determining the level of a voltage in the conductors of the low-voltage circuit, in particular instantaneous values of the voltage. The protective switching device is designed in such a way that after the current flow in the low-voltage circuit has been avoided, caused by exceeding the second differential current limit value, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance, which become low-resistance in particular at an amount of the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage that is less than one first voltage limit occurs.

The first voltage limit is, for example, less than 20 volts or less than 10 volts or less than 5 volts. In particular, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance when the alternating voltage passes zero.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a current sensor unit connected to the control unit is provided for determining the level of a current in the conductors of the low-voltage circuit. The protective switching device, in particular the control unit, is designed in such a way that when first current limit values or first current time limit values are exceeded, avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed. This has the particular advantage that, in addition to the residual current detection and the associated protective functions, there is also an overcurrent/short-circuit current detection, so that a combined residual current/line protection protective switching device is advantageously provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mechanical isolating contact unit is assigned to the load-side connections.

This has the particular advantage that there is an architecture that supports the behavior of the protective switching device according to the invention, since on the one hand the current flow is interrupted when the interruption unit is high-resistance, but the protective switching device continues to be supplied with energy even when the contacts are open, so that work can continue to be carried out according to the invention.

According to the invention, a corresponding method for a protective switching device for a low-voltage circuit with electronic (semiconductor-based) switching elements is claimed with the same and further advantages.

• - dass bei Überschreitung von ersten Differenzstrom-Zeitgrenzwerten eine Vermeidung eines Stromflusses im Niederspannungsstromkreis
  1. a) durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit bei geschlossenem Zustand der Trennkontakte oder
  2. b) durch einen geöffneten Zustand der Trennkontakte initiiert wird;
• - dass bei Überschreitung eines zweiten Differenzstromgrenzwertes eine Vermeidung eines Stromflusses im Niederspannungsstromkreis durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit bei geschlossenem Zustand der Trennkontakte initiiert wird.

According to the invention, a corresponding computer program product for a protective switching device is claimed. The computer program product includes commands which, when the program is executed by a microcontroller, cause it to carry out or support the inventive embodiments or methods of the protective switching device. In particular,

• - that if the first differential current time limit values are exceeded, a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided
  1. a) due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed or
  2. b) is initiated by an open state of the isolating contacts;
• - that when a second differential current limit value is exceeded, a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit is initiated when the isolating contacts are closed.

The microcontroller is part of the protective switching device, especially the control unit.

According to the invention, a corresponding computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program product is stored is claimed.

According to the invention, a corresponding data carrier signal that transmits the computer program product is claimed.

All refinements, both in a dependent form based on patent claim 1 or 11, as well as based only on individual features or combinations of features of patent claims, in particular also a reference of the dependent arrangement claims to the independent method claim, bring about an improvement in a protective switching device, in particular an improvement in the Safety for people as well as the security of supply in low-voltage circuits and provide a new, safe concept for a protective switching device.

The described properties, features and advantages of this invention as well as the manner in which these are achieved will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawing.

• 1 eine erste Prinzipdarstellung eines Schutzschaltgerätes,
• 2 eine zweite Prinzipdarstellung eines Schutzschaltgerätes
• 3 eine erste Darstellung eines Schaltverhaltens,
• 4 eine zweite Darstellung eines Schaltverhaltens,
• 5 eine Darstellung eines Funktionsablaufes.

The drawing shows:

• 1 a first schematic diagram of a protective switching device,
• 2 a second schematic diagram of a protective switching device
• 3 a first representation of a switching behavior,
• 4 a second representation of a switching behavior,
• 5 a representation of a functional sequence.

• - netzseitige Anschlüsse, die i.B. einen netzseitigen Neutralleiteranschluss NG und einen netzseitigen Phasenleiteranschluss LG umfassen,
• - lastseitige Anschlüsse, die i.B. einen lastseitigen Neutralleiteranschluss NL und einen lastseitigen Phasenleiteranschluss LL umfassen,
• - die Anschlüsse sind für den Niederspannungsstromkreis vorgesehen;
• - an den netzseitige Anschlüssen / der Netzseite Grid ist üblicherweise eine Energiequelle angeschlossen,
• - an den lastseitige Anschlüssen / der Lastseite Load ist üblicherweise ein Verbraucher angeschlossen;
• - eine (zweipolige) mechanische Trennkontakteinheit MK mit lastseitigen Anschlusspunkten APLL, APNL und netzseitigen Anschlusspunkten APLG, APNG, wobei für den Neutralleiter ein lastseitiger Anschlusspunkt APNL, für den Phasenleiter ein lastseitiger Anschlusspunkt APLL, für den Neutralleiter ein netzseitiger Anschlusspunkt APNG, für den Phasenleiter ein netzseitiger Anschlusspunkt APLG vorgesehen ist. Die lastseitigen Anschlusspunkte APNL, APLL sind mit den lastseitigen Neutral- und Phasenleiteranschlüssen NL, LL verbunden, so dass ein Öffnen von Kontakten KKN, KKL zur Vermeidung eines Stromflusses oder ein Schließen der Kontakte KKN, KKL für einen Stromfluss im Niederspannungsstromkreis schaltbar ist,
• - eine, insbesondere einpolige, elektronische Unterbrechungseinheit EU, (die bei einpoliger Ausführung insbesondere im Phasenleiter angeordnet ist,) mit einem netzseitigen Verbindungspunkt EUG, der mit dem netzseitigen Phasenleiteranschluss LG in elektrischer Verbindung steht, und einem lastseitigen Verbindungspunkt EUL, der mit dem netzseitigen Anschlusspunkt APLG der mechanischen Trennkontakteinheit MK in elektrischer Verbindung steht bzw. verbunden ist, wobei die elektronische Unterbrechungseinheit EU durch (nicht dargestellte) halbleiterbasierte Schaltelemente einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente zur Vermeidung eines Stromflusses oder einen niederohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente zum Stromfluss im Niederspannungsstromkreis aufweist bzw. schaltbar ist,
• - eine Differenzstromsensoreinheit ZCT, zur Ermittlung der Höhe eines Differenzstromes (insbesondere des zeitlichen Verlauf des Momentanwertes des Differenzstromes) der Leiter des Niederspannungs-stromkreises, die Differenzstromsensoreinheit ZCT ist im Beispiel zwischen elektronischer Unterbrechungseinheit EU und mechanischer Trennkontakteinheit MK angeordnet, sie kann alternativ zwischen mechanischer Trennkontakteinheit MK und den lastseitigen Neutral- und Phasenleiteranschlüssen NL, LL vorgesehen (angeordnet) sein, ebenso alternativ zwischen elektronischer Unterbrechungseinheit EU und den netzseitige Anschlüssen NG, LG vorgesehen (angeordnet) sein. Die Differenzstromsensoreinheit ZCT ermittelt die Höhe des Differenzstromes der durch das Schutzschaltgerät geführten (zu schützenden) Leiter des Niederspannungsstromkreises. Im Beispiel bei einem Einphasenwechselstromkreis von Neutralleiter und Phasenleiter.

1 shows a representation of a protective switching device SG for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit, in particular a low-voltage alternating circuit, with a housing GEH, comprising:

• - network-side connections, which iB include a network-side neutral conductor connection NG and a network-side phase conductor connection LG,
• - load-side connections, which iB include a load-side neutral conductor connection NL and a load-side phase conductor connection LL,
• - the connections are intended for the low voltage circuit;
• - an energy source is usually connected to the network-side connections/grid side,
• - a consumer is usually connected to the load-side connections/load side;
• - a (two-pole) mechanical isolating contact unit MK with load-side connection points APLL, APNL and network-side connection points APLG, APNG, with a load-side connection point APNL for the neutral conductor, a load-side connection point APLL for the phase conductor, a network-side connection point APNG for the neutral conductor, and a network-side connection point APNG for the phase conductor Grid-side connection point APLG is provided. The load-side connection points APNL, APLL are connected to the load-side neutral and phase conductor connections NL, LL, so that an opening of contacts KKN, KKL to avoid a current flow or a closing of the contacts KKN, KKL to prevent a current flow in the low-voltage circuit can be switched,
• - a, in particular single-pole, electronic interruption unit EU (which in the case of a single-pole version is arranged in particular in the phase conductor) with a network-side connection point EUG, which is in electrical connection with the network-side phase conductor connection LG, and a load-side connection point EUL, which is connected to the network-side connection point APLG of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK is in electrical connection or is connected, the electronic interruption unit EU having or being switchable by means of (not shown) semiconductor-based switching elements a high-resistance state of the switching elements to avoid a current flow or a low-resistance state of the switching elements for current flow in the low-voltage circuit ,
• - a differential current sensor unit ZCT, for determining the level of a differential current (in particular the time course of the instantaneous value of the differential current) of the conductor of the low-voltage circuit, the differential current sensor unit ZCT is arranged in the example between the electronic interruption unit EU and the mechanical isolating contact unit MK, it can alternatively be between the mechanical isolating contact unit MK and den The load-side neutral and phase conductor connections NL, LL can also be provided (arranged) between the electronic interruption unit EU and the network-side connections NG, LG. The differential current sensor unit ZCT determines the magnitude of the differential current of the conductors of the low-voltage circuit (to be protected) that are routed through the protective switching device. In the example of a single-phase AC circuit with neutral conductor and phase conductor.

• - (optional) eine Stromsensoreinheit SI, zur Ermittlung der Höhe des Stromes des Niederspannungsstromkreises, die insbesondere im Strompfad des Phasenleiter bzw. Phasenleiterstrompfad angeordnet ist,
• - einer Steuerungseinheit SE, die mit der Differenzstromsensoreinheit ZCT, (optional) mit der Stromsensoreinheit SI, mit der mechanischen Trennkontakteinheit MK und der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit EU verbunden ist.

The differential current sensor unit ZCT can be a classic summation current transformer. The primary side of the summation current transformer is formed by the conductors of the low-voltage circuit (in the example phase conductor and neutral conductor). The secondary side of the summation current transformer is connected to the SE control unit.

• - (optional) a current sensor unit SI, for determining the level of the current of the low-voltage circuit, which is arranged in particular in the current path of the phase conductor or phase conductor current path,
• - a control unit SE, which is connected to the differential current sensor unit ZCT, (optionally) to the current sensor unit SI, to the mechanical isolating contact unit MK and the electronic interruption unit EU.

• - dass bei Überschreitung von ersten Differenzstrom-Zeitgrenzwerten DSG1 (d.h. ein Differenzstromgrenzwert ist für eine erste Zeitdauer überschritten; d.h. wenn die Höhe des Differenzstromes den ersten Differenzstromgrenzwert für eine erste Zeitdauer überschreitet) eine Vermeidung eines Stromflusses im Niederspannungsstromkreis
  1. a) durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit bei geschlossenem Zustand der Trennkontakte oder
  2. b) durch einen geöffneten Zustand der Trennkontakte initiiert wird.

According to the invention, the protective switching device SG, in particular the control unit SE, is designed in such a way that

• - that if the first differential current time limit values DSG1 are exceeded (ie a differential current limit value is exceeded for a first period of time; ie if the level of the differential current exceeds the first differential current limit value for a first period of time) a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided
  1. a) due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed or
  2. b) is initiated by an open state of the isolating contacts.

(One of the two variants can be implemented. Alternatively, both variants can be implemented and an avoidance can be configured or selected in advance by a user.)

For this purpose, for example, the effective value of the differential current with regard to exceeding the first differential current time limit values DSG1 can be used. A time average is already formed by forming the effective value.

• - dass bei Überschreitung eines zweiten Differenzstromgrenzwertes DSG2 eine Vermeidung eines Stromflusses im Niederspannungsstromkreis durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit bei geschlossenem Zustand der Trennkontakte initiiert wird.

According to the invention, the protective switching device, in particular the control unit SE, is further designed in such a way that

• - that when a second differential current limit value DSG2 is exceeded, avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed.

For this purpose, the instantaneous value of the differential current is advantageously used with regard to the exceeding of the second differential current limit value DSG2. If the second differential current limit value DSG2 is exceeded, the current flow in the low-voltage circuit can be avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit within a first switch-off time, which is in particular less than 20 ms, more specifically less than 15 ms, 10 ms, 5 ms, 1 ms, 500 µs or 100 µs. This means that an immediate shutdown is achieved.

The optionally provided current sensor unit SI, which is connected to the control unit SE, for determining the level of a current in the conductors of the low-voltage circuit, can design the protective switching device SG in such a way that when first current limit values are exceeded (i.e. if the level of the current exceeds the (amount) of the first current limit value exceeds) or first current time limit values (i.e. the first current limit value is exceeded for a first period of time; i.e. if the level of the (amount of) current exceeds the first current limit value for a first period of time) avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit by a high-resistance state of the switching elements the electronic interruption unit is initiated when the isolating contacts are closed.

In the example, the mechanical isolating contact unit MK is arranged on the load side, the electronic interruption unit EU is arranged on the network side according to the invention.

The GRID network side with the energy source is normally under electrical voltage. An electrical consumer is usually connected to the load side LOAD. This has the advantage that there are no further (particularly live) parts or components between the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit / load-side connection points (APLL, APNL) of the mechanical isolating contact unit and the two load-side connections (LL, NL). So Due to this architecture or construction, it can be ensured that when the contacts KKL, KKN are open, there is no voltage at the load-side connections LL, NL. This increases the safety of the protective device.

In contrast, in other architectures in which the mechanical isolating contact unit is arranged on the network side, there are often (not galvanically isolated) electronic units in front of the load-side connection.

The protective switching device can be designed in such a way that the level of the voltage across the electronic interruption unit can be determined. This means that the level of a first voltage between the network-side connection point EUG and the load-side connection point EUL of the electronic interruption unit EU can be determined or is determined.

This is shown in the example 1 a first voltage sensor unit SU1 connected to the control unit SE is provided, which determines the level of the voltage between the network-side connection point EUG and the load-side connection point EUL of the electronic interruption unit EU.

When measuring the voltage by the first voltage sensor unit SU1, the voltage across the series connection of the electronic interruption unit EU and current sensor SI can alternatively also be determined, as in 1 shown. The current sensor unit SI has a very low internal resistance, so that the determination of the voltage level is not or negligibly affected.

The protective switching device can be designed in such a way that a second voltage sensor unit SU2 is provided, which determines the level of the voltage between the network-side neutral conductor connection NG and the network-side phase conductor connection LG.

The first voltage sensor unit can also be replaced by using two voltage measurements (before the electronic interruption unit and after the electronic interruption unit). The voltage across the electronic interruption unit is determined by forming a difference.

A second voltage sensor unit SU2 connected to the control unit SE can thus be provided, which determines the level of a second voltage between the network-side neutral conductor connection NG and the network-side phase conductor connection LG. Furthermore, a third voltage sensor unit SU3 (not shown) connected to the control unit can be provided, which determines the level of a third voltage between the network-side neutral conductor connection NG and the load-side connection point EUL of the electronic interruption unit EU. The protective switching device is designed in such a way that the level of a/the first voltage between the network-side connection point EUG and the load-side connection point EUL of the electronic interruption unit EU is determined from the difference between the second and third voltage.

A measuring impedance ZM can be connected between the network-side connection points APLG, APNG of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK. The measurement impedance ZM can be, for example, an electrical resistor and/or capacitor. The measurement impedance can also be an inductance. In particular, the measurement impedance can be a series connection or parallel connection of a resistor and/or capacitor and/or inductance.

According to the example 1 The electronic interruption unit EU is single-pole, in the example in the phase conductor. Here, the network-side connection point APNG for the neutral conductor of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK is connected to the network-side neutral conductor connection NG of the GEH housing.

The protective switching device SG is advantageously designed in such a way that the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK can be opened by the control unit SE, but cannot be closed, which is indicated by an arrow from the control unit SE to the mechanical isolating contact unit MK.

The mechanical isolating contact unit MK can be operated by a mechanical handle HH on the protective switching device SG in order to switch the contacts KKL, KKN to manual (manual) opening or closing. The mechanical handle HH indicates the switching state (open or closed) of the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK, in particular through a (purely) mechanical connection, on the protective switching device. Furthermore, the contact position (or the position of the handle, closed or opened) can be transmitted to the control unit SE. The contact position (or the position of the handle) can be determined, for example, using a sensor, such as a position sensor. The contact position or the switching state can be transmitted to the control unit SE. The position sensor can be part of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK. Alternatively, the position sensor can be a component in the electronic first part (EPART, 2 ) be. For example, a Hall sensor can be provided in the electronic first part (EPART). The position of the contacts and/or the handle is recorded and transmitted without contact.

The mechanical isolating contact unit MK is advantageously designed in such a way that (manual) closing of the contacts by the mechanical handle is only possible after an enable, in particular a release signal. This is also indicated by the arrow from the control unit SE to the mechanical isolating contacts unit MK. This means that the contacts KKL, KKN of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK can only be closed by the handle HH when the release or the release signal (from the control unit) is present. Without the release or the release signal, the HH handle can be operated, but the contacts cannot be closed (“permanent slippage”).

The protective switching device SG has a power supply or power supply NT, for example a switching power supply. In particular, the energy supply/power supply NT is provided for the control unit SE, which is achieved by a connection between the energy supply/power supply NT and the control unit SE 1 is indicated. The power supply/power pack NT is (on the other hand) connected to the network-side neutral conductor connection NG and the network-side phase conductor connection LG. A fuse SS, in particular a fuse, or a switch Sch ( 2 ) be provided. According to the invention, the power supply unit NT is normally constantly supplied with energy, especially from the network-side connections. If necessary, it is protected by the SS fuse or can be switched off using the SCH switch. Advantageously, the switch Sch can be designed in such a way that the switch can only be opened when the contacts are in the open state. This increases the safety of the device because the electronics (especially the control unit) cannot be switched off when the contacts are closed.

The fuse SS not only has the purpose of securing the energy supply via the power supply unit NT, but is also intended to be used, especially in the case of a two-part structure (see 2 ) protect the “electronic” first part EPART or its entire units (such as specifically the control unit, electronic interruption unit, if necessary voltage sensor unit(s), differential current sensor unit, if necessary current sensor unit, if necessary measurement impedance, etc.).

Alternatively, the measuring impedance ZM can be connected to the network-side neutral conductor connection NG via the fuse SS. This means that a three-pole electronic unit or an electronic first part EPART ( 2 ) can be realized, for example as a module that has three connections with regard to the low-voltage circuit, a neutral conductor connection and two phase conductor connections. The electronic first part EPART can have further connections, in particular for control or measurement information, such as a release signal Enable/enable, opening signal OEF, position information (from the position unit POS) and/or differential current signal (level of the differential current) from the differential current sensor unit ZCT.

The electronic unit or electronic first part EPART ( 2 ) has, for example, the electronic interruption unit EU, the control unit SE, the energy supply NT (in particular including fuse SS), the current sensor unit SI, optionally the first voltage sensor unit SU1 and/or optionally the second voltage sensor unit SU2.

With regard to the three connections with regard to the low-voltage circuit of the electronic first part EPART, there is the advantage that only two phase conductor connections have to have a high current-carrying capacity (several amperes in order to carry the load current) and the neutral conductor connection only has to have a (in comparison) low current-carrying capacity (for example smaller than 1 A, a few mA - depending on the energy requirement of the control unit). This simplifies the design and increases the safety of the device, since in the event of a fault in the electronic first part EPART, no large short-circuit current can flow through this connection.

The low voltage circuit may be a three-phase AC circuit, with a neutral conductor and three phase conductors. For this purpose, the protective switching device can be designed as a three-phase variant and, for example, have additional line-side and load-side phase conductor connections. Electronic interruption units and contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit according to the invention are provided in an analogous manner between the further network-side and load-side phase conductor connections. The respective conductors (three phase conductors L1, L2, L3, neutral conductor N) are routed through the differential current unit ZCT. Likewise, current sensor units and voltage determinations (e.g. by first voltage sensor units) can be provided.

High-resistance means a condition in which only a negligible current flows. In particular, with high-resistance resistance values of greater than 1 kiloohm, better greater than 10 kiloohm, 100 kiloohm, 1 megaohm, 10 mega ohm, 100 megaohm, 1 gigaohm or larger.

Low-resistance means a condition in which the current value specified on the protective switching device could flow. In particular, low-resistance means resistance values that are smaller than 10 ohms, preferably smaller than 1 ohm, 100 milliohms, 10 milliohms, 1 milliohms or smaller.

2 shows a representation according to 1 , with the difference that the protective switching device is constructed in two parts.

It contains an electronic first part EPART, for example on a printed circuit board. The first part EPART can have the control unit SE, the first voltage sensor unit SU1, the second voltage sensor unit SU2, the current sensor unit SI, the electronic interruption unit EU, the power supply NT. Furthermore, the first part can have the fuse SS, a switch SCH, the measuring impedance ZM, a temperature sensor TEM (in particular for the electronic interruption unit EU), a communication unit COM, a display unit AE, and, as a variant, a position sensor unit POS.

• - den netzseitigen Phasenleiter Anschluss LG als ersten Anschluss,
• - einen (zweiten) Anschluss für den bzw. zum netzseitigen Phasenleiteranschlusspunkt APLG der mechanischen Trennkontakteinheit MK,
• - einen dritten Anschluss EN für eine Verbindung zum netzseitigen Neutralleiteranschluss NG.

The electronic first part EPART has only three connections to the low-voltage circuit:

• - the mains-side phase conductor connection LG as the first connection,
• - a (second) connection for or to the mains-side phase conductor connection point APLG of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK,
• - a third connection EN for a connection to the network-side neutral conductor connection NG.

The two connections: to the mains-side phase conductor connection LG and for or to the mains-side phase conductor connection point APLG have a high current-carrying capacity, e.g. several amps, greater than 10A / 16 A - depending on the nominal current or rated current of the low-voltage circuit, in particular around the load current Short circuit or overload.

The third connection EN for the connection to the network-side neutral conductor connection NG has a (in comparison) low current carrying capacity, e.g. less than 1A, a few mA - depending on the energy requirements of the units supplied, especially in the electronic first part EPART. The third connection EN is designed with a low current carrying capacity to supply power to the power supply and to measure voltage between the phase conductor and neutral conductor of the low-voltage circuit. In particular, this third connection EN is protected by a fuse SS. This can be achieved using a fuse or a cost-effective conductor track fuse (thin conductor track of the appropriate length and thickness on the circuit board). This has the particular advantage that the lower current-carrying capacity in this line or at this third connection EN ensures security against a short circuit occurring within the electronic first part (EPART) (or (electronic) units), e.g. on the power supply side or . the control unit is improved.

This means that in the event of failure or failure of an electronic component of a unit within the electronic first part EPART, no dangerous short-circuit current can arise (supplied by the mains-side connections LG, NG), which could lead to a fire in the device.

This short-circuit current is fed from the network via the network-side connections. An upstream circuit breaker often has a much higher tripping current and feeds low-voltage circuits provided in parallel. If there is a fault in the protective switching device (the protective switching device of the protected low-voltage circuit) and the upstream circuit breaker is triggered, error-free parallel circuits would also be switched off, which is therefore avoided.

The communication unit COM can in particular be a wireless communication unit. The communication unit COM can have a (manual) input unit on the protective switching device for (manual) acknowledgment of states on the protective switching device SG. The acknowledgment can also take place (wired and/or wirelessly) via the communication unit COM.

Furthermore, the communication unit COM can have a display function. A separate display unit can also be provided.

The protective switching device contains a second part MPART, in particular a mechanical one. The second part MPART can have the mechanical isolating contact unit MK, the handle HH, and a release unit FG. Furthermore, the second part can have a position unit POS, for reporting the position of the contacts of the mechanical isolating contacts unit MK to the control unit, as well as the (neutral conductor) connection(s). The second part MPART has the differential current sensor unit ZCT, like a summation current transformer, as is known, for example, from classic residual current circuit breakers.

Additional, unspecified units may be provided.

The division into two parts makes it possible to advantageously realize a compact protective switching device according to the invention with a simplified construction.

The release unit/release function FG enables the actuation of the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit to be released by the handle HH when a release signal enable is present. This means that the contacts KKL, KKN can only be closed by the handle when the release signal enable (from the control unit SE) is present. Otherwise closing is not possible (continuous slide of the HH handle). The contacts remain in the open position/switching state. Furthermore, the release unit FG can cause the contacts to open (second function of the release unit FG) if an opening signal OEF (from the control unit SE) is present. The release unit/release function FG then acts as a trigger unit for opening the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK.

The protective switching device SG, in particular the control unit SE, is further designed in such a way that if current limit values or current time limit values are exceeded (i.e. if a current limit value is exceeded for a certain period of time), avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated, in particular in order to avoid a short-circuit current . This is achieved in particular by the electronic interruption unit EU changing from the low-resistance state to the high-resistance state. The avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated, for example, by a first interruption signal that is sent from the control unit SE to the electronic interruption unit EU.

The mechanical isolating contact unit MK can alternatively or additionally be controlled by the control unit SE in order to initiate an avoidance of current flow in the low-voltage circuit when current limit values or current time limit values are exceeded. In particular, a galvanic isolation may be achieved here. The initiation of the avoidance of a current flow or a possible galvanic interruption of the low-voltage circuit is carried out, for example, by a second interruption signal that is sent from the control unit SE to the mechanical isolating contact system MK.

The electronic interruption unit EU can have semiconductor components such as bipolar transistors, field effect transistors (FET), isolated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), metal oxide layer field effect transistors (MOSFET) or other (self-conducted) power semiconductors. In particular, IGBTs and MOSFETs are particularly suitable for the protective switching device according to the invention due to low flow resistances, high junction resistances and good switching behavior.

• -Mindestluftstrecke nach Norm (spannungsabhängig) (Mindestabstand der Kontakte),
• -Kontaktstellungsanzeige der Kontakte des mechanischen Trennkontaktsystem,
• -Öffnen des mechanischen Trennkontaktsystem ist immer möglich (keine Blockierung des Trennkontaktsystems - insbesondere durch die Handhabe, Freiauslösung), gemeint.

By mechanical isolating contact unit MK is meant in particular a (standard) isolating function, implemented by the isolating contact unit MK. With separator function the points are:

• -Minimum clearance according to standard (voltage-dependent) (minimum contact distance),
• -Contact position display of the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact system,
• -Opening the mechanical isolating contact system is always possible (no blocking of the isolating contact system - especially by the handle, free release).

For the purposes of the invention, the DIN EN 60947 and IEC 60947 series of standards are relevant for the isolator function and its properties, to which reference is made here.

The protective switching device can be designed as a DIN rail-mountable protective switching device SG with a width of, for example, 1 TE, 1.5 TE or 2 TE with two-pole connections (L, N). In electrical installation and control cabinet construction, the width of built-in devices such as protective switching devices, circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers, etc. is specified in division units, or TE for short. The width of a division unit is ~18 mm. According to the DIN 43880: 1988-12 standard, the installation width of the devices should be between 17.5 and 18.0 mm, or be calculated by multiplying this dimension by 0.5 or an integer multiple thereof, i.e.: k x 0.5 x 18 mm or k x 0.5 x 17.5 mm (with k = 1, 2, 3, ...). For example, a single-pole circuit breaker according to the prior art has a width of 1 HP. The internals of electrical installation distributors are coordinated with the division units in accordance with DIN 43871 “Small installation distributors for built-in devices up to 63 A”, e.g. B. the width of mounting rails/top-hat rails.

According to the invention, the protective switching device SG, in particular the control unit SE, is designed in such a way that when first differential current time limit values are exceeded, avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated, for example by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed. The first differential current time limits can be limit values according to relevant standards, such as DIN EN 61008-1. For example, 30 mA and a time of 300 ms, 150 ms, 40 ms or 20 ms for personal protection in Europe in a 230 volt low voltage circuit, 6 mA and the same time for personal protection in North America, 300 mA and the same time for fire protection (230 volts RMS value).

The second differential current limit value DSG2 can be higher in magnitude than the first differential current time limit value DSG1. In particular, the second differential current limit DSG2 is a value in the range of 2 to 100 times the first differential current time limit DSG1.

The second differential current limit DSG2 can be a value of 200 mA, for example. This means, for example, that when a differential current value of 200 mA is reached, the current flow is (quasi) immediately avoided, i.e. in particular less than 20 ms, more specifically less than 15 ms, 10 ms, 5 ms, 1 ms, 500 µs or 100 µs.

After avoiding the current flow in the low-voltage circuit, caused by exceeding the second differential current limit value DSG2, in one embodiment the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance. The low resistance occurs in particular when the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage is smaller than a first voltage limit. The first voltage limit can be, for example, less than 10 volts or less than 5 volts. More specifically, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance in a zero crossing of the alternating voltage. After the resistance becomes low, the second differential current limit value DSG2 is exceeded again. Then a new high-resistance can be achieved followed by a low-resistance until a first number (x) of exceedances is present. The first number of violations can, for example, be a value in the range 2 or 3 to 20 violations. If this first number (x) of exceedances is exceeded, the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit MK (for galvanic isolation) open, for example. Alternatively, the electronic interruption unit can also remain in the high-resistance state.

The respective states can be reported via the communication unit or displayed via the display unit AE. 3 shows an example of the aforementioned behavior for a differential current i _f , caused for example by an earth fault current. 3 The upper graphic shows the height or the time course of the differential current i _f over time t with the associated avoidance of a current flow OFF due to an open state of the isolating contacts (galvanic isolation) or current flow ON (= current flow capability of the protective switching device) for a residual current circuit breaker according to the state of the art.

In the middle graphic, the level or the time course of the alternating voltage u _G in the (for example 50 Hz) low-voltage circuit at the network-side connections of the protective switching device over time t (in milliseconds ms).

• - OFF = Vermeidung eines Stromflusses durch einen geöffneten Zustand der Trennkontakte (galvanische Trennung),
• - STB = eine Vermeidung eines Stromflusses durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit EU,
• - ON = Stromfluss (= Stromflussfähigkeit des Schutzschaltgerätes) für ein erfindungsgemäßes Schutzschaltgerät.

In the graphic below, the level or the time course of the differential current i _f over time t with associated events with the following designation:

• - OFF = avoidance of current flow through an open state of the isolating contacts (galvanic isolation),
• - STB = avoiding a current flow due to a high-resistance state of the electronic interruption unit EU,
• - ON = current flow (= current flow capability of the protective switching device) for a protective switching device according to the invention.

In the upper graphic for the behavior of a residual current circuit breaker according to the prior art, an event causing a differential current, for example an earth fault current, occurs at time t of approximately 5 ms. In the example, the level of the differential current is approximately 400 mA. With a classic residual current circuit breaker, a current flow is then prevented from flowing OFF (switching off) after around 17 ms (time around 22 ms). This means that from the event until the current flow is avoided, there is a current flow ON in the low-voltage circuit, only then is the current flow OFF avoided through open contacts.

In the lower graphic for the behavior of a protective switching device according to the invention, an event causing a differential current occurs at time t of approximately 5 ms, for example an earth fault current. In the example, the level of the differential current would theoretically also reach a value of around 400 mA. According to the invention, a (quasi) immediate avoidance of a current flow occurs when the second differential current limit value DSG2 is reached, for example 200 mA, so that the possible differential current of, for example, 400 mA is not reached (limitation) within the switch-off time. The current flow is avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit STB. For example, through a moment Value evaluation of the level of the differential current using the SE control unit.

For example, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit EU then become low-resistance at an amount of the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage that is smaller than a first voltage limit. According to the example 3 The switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance in a zero crossing of the alternating voltage, specifically in the next (or next) zero crossing of the alternating voltage (for example depending on the time at which the event causing the differential current occurs). If the differential current i _f then reaches the first differential current time limit DSG1, the current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided, as shown. For example, the current flow is avoided at the next zero crossing of the alternating voltage, as shown. The current flow can be avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed STB. The current flow can be avoided alternatively (classically) by leaving the isolating contacts open OFF.

This means that in the protective switching device according to the invention, after the second differential current limit value DSG2 has been exceeded and the current flow in the low-voltage circuit is almost immediately avoided, the resistance is again (tested) low-resistance to check for the presence of the event causing the differential current.

4 shows a representation according to 3 , with the difference that the behavior mentioned for a differential current i _f , caused for example by an operational pulse differential current, is shown as an example.

In the upper graphic for the behavior of a residual current circuit breaker according to the prior art, an event causing a differential current occurs at time t of approximately 5 ms, for example an operational pulse differential current or technically induced pulse differential current, such as occurs, for example, during switching operations. This can occur particularly during switch-on processes and with frequency converters in low-voltage alternating current circuits. Such impulse differential currents are usually not critical from a personal protection perspective because they are not caused by people but by non-ideal technical circuits. In the past, a lot has been done to make classic residual current circuit breakers resistant to operational pulse differential currents or technically caused pulse differential currents in order to avoid (technically caused) false tripping and to achieve a high level of supply security in low-voltage circuits. In the example, the magnitude of the differential current is (again) approximately greater than 400 mA. In a classic residual current circuit breaker according to the state of the art, a current flow is then avoided OFF (open contacts, switching off) after about 17 ms (time around 22 ms) - the falling edge of the pulse differential current. This means that from the event until the current flow is avoided, there is a current flow ON in the low-voltage circuit, only then is the current flow OFF avoided through open contacts.

In the lower graphic for the behavior of a protective switching device according to the invention, an event causing a differential current occurs at time t of approximately 5 ms, in the example of the operational pulse differential current or technically caused pulse differential current.

In the example, the magnitude of the differential current would theoretically also reach a value of approximately or greater than 400 mA. According to the invention, a (quasi) immediate avoidance (in particular within the switch-off time) of a current flow STB (high-resistance interruption unit) occurs when the second differential current limit DSG2, for example 200 mA, is reached, so that the possible differential current of, for example (greater) 400 mA is not reached (limitation) . The current flow is avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit STB. For example, by evaluating the instantaneous value of the level of the differential current using the control unit SE. For example, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit EU then become low-resistance at an amount of the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage that is smaller than a first voltage limit. According to the example 4 The switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance in a zero crossing of the alternating voltage, specifically in the next (or next) zero crossing of the alternating voltage (for example depending on the time at which the event causing the differential current occurs).

If the differential current i _f then reaches the first differential current time limit DSG1, the current flow in the low-voltage circuit would be avoided. If the first differential current time limit DSG1 or second differential current limit DSG2 is not reached, as shown, the electronic interruption remains control unit in the low-resistance state for a current flow ON, as shown.

5 a representation of a functional sequence with different function or status blocks. A differential current sensor unit ZCT / 10 determines the level of a differential current in the conductors of the low-voltage circuit and records or provides instantaneous values of the differential current, which are passed on, for example, to a control unit SE.

1. a) durch einen hochohmigen Zustand der Schaltelemente der elektronischen Unterbrechungseinheit bei geschlossenem Zustand der Trennkontakte „Standby“ Block STB2 / 401
2. b) durch einen geöffneten Zustand der Trennkontakte OFF / 400 => Block OFF.

The instantaneous values of the differential current of the differential current sensor unit ZCT / 10 are, on the one hand, fed to a first evaluation 100, which, for example, determines an effective value (root mean square = rms) of the differential current I _Diff,rms , block RMS / 101, and with regard to the exceeding of the first differential current time limit values DSG1 checks “I _Diff,rms > DSG1” / 102. If the first differential current time limit values DSG1 are exceeded, current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided

1. a) due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts “Standby” block STB2 / 401 are closed
2. b) by an open state of the isolating contacts OFF / 400 => Block OFF.

Whether a) or b) is carried out or / 110 is determined by a device configuration conf / 111 or is set/determined.

On the other hand, the instantaneous values of the differential current are subjected to a second evaluation “|i _Diff,rms (t) | > DSG2“ 200 is supplied, which in the example uses the magnitude of the instantaneous value of the differential current with regard to exceeding the second differential current limit value DSG2. If the second differential current limit value DSG2 is exceeded, avoidance of current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts STB are closed => Block STB / 201.

The avoidance of the current flow in the low-voltage circuit due to a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit STB takes place within a first switch-off time, which is in particular less than 20 ms, more specifically less than 15 ms, 10 ms, 5 ms, 1 ms, 500 µs or 100 µs.

After avoiding the current flow STB / 201, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit ON / 402 become low-resistance, this becoming low-resistance occurs in particular at an amount of the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage that is smaller than a first voltage limit, for example less than 10 volts "( at |u(t)| < 10 V)" / 402.

If the second differential current limit value DSG2 is exceeded again after the resistance has become low, this is recorded by a counter 300. When a first number STB2 / 401 should be taken => Block STB2 / 401.

If the first number has not yet been reached, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance to the current flow ON => Block ON / Block 402.

The protective switching device SG, in particular the control unit SE, can have a microcontroller (= microprocessor) on which a computer program product runs, comprising commands which, when the program is executed by the microcontroller, cause it to carry out a test (as described above and below) for a protective switching device to carry out.

The computer program product can advantageously be stored on a computer-readable storage medium; such as a USB stick, CD-ROM, etc.; saved, for example to enable an upgrade to an extended version.

Alternatively, the computer program product can also advantageously be transmitted using a data carrier signal.

• * mit einer digitalen Schaltung, z.B. mit einem (weiteren) Mikroprozessor, realisiert sein; der (weitere) Mikroprozessor kann auch einen Analog-Teil enthalten;
• * mit einer digitalen Schaltung mit analogen Schaltungsteilen realisiert sein.

The SE control unit can:

• * be implemented with a digital circuit, for example with a (further) microprocessor; the (further) microprocessor can also contain an analogue part;
• * be implemented with a digital circuit with analog circuit parts.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the exemplary embodiment, the invention is not limited by the examples disclosed and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 4432643 A1 [0010]

Claims (20)

Protective switching device (SG) for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit for alternating voltage, comprising: - a housing with network-side and load-side connections (LG, NG, LL, NL) for conductors of the low-voltage circuit, - a differential current sensor unit (ZCT) for determining the level of a differential current of the conductors of the low-voltage circuit, - a mechanical isolating contact unit (MK), which has a closed state of the contacts for a current flow in the low-voltage circuit or an open state of the contacts for a galvanic isolation to prevent current flow in the low-voltage circuit, - an electronic interruption unit (EU), which is in series on the circuit side mechanical isolating contact unit (MK) and which has a high-resistance state of the switching elements to avoid current flow or a low-resistance state of the switching elements for current flow in the low-voltage circuit due to semiconductor-based switching elements, - a control unit (SE), which is connected to the differential current sensor unit (ZCT), the mechanical Isolating contact unit (MK) and the electronic interruption unit (EU) is connected, characterized in that the protective switching device (SG), in particular the control unit (SE), is designed in such a way that if the first differential current time limit values (DSG1) are exceeded, an avoidance of a Current flow in the low-voltage circuit a) is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed or b) is initiated by an open state of the isolating contacts; - that when a second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded, avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed. Protective switching device (SG). Patent claim 1 , characterized in that the effective value of the differential current is used with regard to exceeding the first differential current time limit values (DSG1). Protective switching device (SG). Patent claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the instantaneous value of the differential current is used with regard to exceeding the second differential current limit value (DSG2). Protective switching device (SG) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded, the current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit within a first switch-off time, which is in particular less than 20 ms, more specifically is less than 15 ms, 10 ms, 5 ms, 1 ms, 500 µs or 100 µs. Protective switching device (SG) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that after the current flow in the low-voltage circuit has been avoided, caused by the second differential current limit value (DSG2) being exceeded, the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance, in particular one connected to the control unit Voltage sensor unit is provided for determining the level of a voltage of the conductors of the low-voltage circuit, which becomes low-resistance in particular at an amount of the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage that is smaller than a first voltage limit. Protective switching device (SG). Patent claim 5 , characterized in that the first voltage limit is less than 20 volts or less than 10 volts or less than 5 volts, in particular that the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance in a zero crossing of the alternating voltage. Protective switching device (SG). Patent claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that after the low resistance the second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded again is detected, a high resistance followed by a low resistance occurs until a first number (x) of exceedances occurs, in particular that the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit ( MK). Protective switching device (SG) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective switching device is designed such that the second differential current limit (DSG2) is higher in magnitude than a first differential current limit or the first differential current time limit (DSG1), in particular that the second differential current limit Value from the range of 2 to 100 times the first differential current limit or first differential current time limit (DSG1). Protective switching device (SG) according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that one with the control unit (SE) connected current sensor unit (SI) is provided to determine the level of a current of the conductors of the low-voltage circuit, that the protective switching device (SG), in particular the control unit (SE), is designed in such a way that when first current limit values or first current time limit values are exceeded, an avoidance a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed. Protective switching device (SG) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical isolating contact unit (MK) is assigned to the load-side connections (LL, NL). Method for a protective switching device (SG) for protecting an electrical low-voltage circuit for alternating voltage, in which the level of a differential current of conductors of the low-voltage circuit is determined and - that if the first differential current time limit values (DSG1) are exceeded, current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided a) due to a high-resistance state of switching elements of an electronic interruption unit when isolating contacts are closed or b) is initiated by an open state of the isolating contacts, - that when a second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded, an avoidance of current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed. Procedure according to Patent claim 11 , characterized in that an effective value of the differential current is used with regard to exceeding the first differential current limit values or first differential current time limit values (DSG1). Procedure according to Patent claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that a momentary value of the differential current is used with regard to the exceeding of the second differential current limit value (DSG2). Method according to one of the preceding Patent claims 11 until 13 , characterized in that when the second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded, the current flow in the low-voltage circuit is avoided by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit within a first switch-off time, which is in particular less than 20 ms, more specifically less than 15 ms, 10 ms, 5 ms, 1 ms, 500 µs or 100 µs. Method according to one of the preceding Patent claims 11 until 14 , characterized in that after avoiding the current flow in the low-voltage circuit caused by exceeding the second differential current limit value (DSG2), the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit become low-resistance, which become low-resistance in particular at an amount of the instantaneous value of the alternating voltage that is smaller than a first voltage limit is reached. Procedure according to Patent claim 15 , characterized in that after the low resistance the second differential current limit value (DSG2) is exceeded again is detected, a high resistance followed by a low resistance occurs until a first number (x) of exceedances occurs, in particular that the contacts of the mechanical isolating contact unit ( MK). Method according to one of the preceding Patent claims 11 until 16 , characterized in that the level of a current in the conductors of the low-voltage circuit is determined and that when first current limit values or first current time limit values are exceeded, an avoidance of a current flow in the low-voltage circuit is initiated by a high-resistance state of the switching elements of the electronic interruption unit when the isolating contacts are closed becomes. Computer program product comprising commands which, when the program is executed by a microcontroller, cause the microcontroller to carry out the method according to one of the Patent claims 11 until 17 to support or carry out. Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program product is stored Patent claim 18 is stored. Disk signal that the computer program product after Patent claim 18 transmits.

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