DE102014003102B4 - Electrical overcurrent relay - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrical overcurrent relay (200), which has a switching mechanism (201) that can be switched between two switching positions, at least one main thermal bimetal (202), a transmission slide (203) coupled to the at least one main thermal bimetal (202), an actuating lever (204) coupled with the transmission slide (203) ) and a thermal compensation bimetal (205) coupled to the actuating lever (204), the at least one main bimetal (202) being bent from a rest position to a release position in the event of an overcurrent, and thereby shifting the transfer slide (203) from its normal position to its overcurrent position, whereby the transfer slide (203) acts on the actuating lever (204) in such a way that the actuating lever (204) effects the switching of the switching mechanism (201) from a first switching position to a second switching position, characterized in that a release-side coupling point (206) of the actuating lever (204) with an operating lever On the side coupling point (207) of the transfer slide (203) are coupled to one another via an additional compensation thermal bimetal (208), and that by bending the additional compensation bimetal (208) the position of the release-side coupling point (206) of the actuating lever (204) relative to the actuating lever-side coupling point (207 ) of the transfer slide (203) is variable.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical overcurrent relay, which comprises a switching mechanism that can be switched between two switching positions, at least one main thermal bimetal, a transmission slide coupled to the main thermal bimetal, an actuation lever coupled to the transmission slide and a compensation thermal bimetal coupled to the actuating lever, the at least one main thermal bimetal in the event of an overcurrent Rest position is bent into a release position, and thereby moves the transmission slide from its normal position into its overcurrent position, whereby the transmission slide acts on the actuating lever so that the actuating lever causes the switching mechanism to switch from a first switching position to a second switching position, according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Overcurrent relays of the generic type are often designed as three-phase devices in which a main current path with a main thermal bimetal is present in a housing for each phase.

In overcurrent relays of the generic type, all assemblies and components necessary for the function are included in one housing, in particular connection terminals for the main current path, connection terminals for the auxiliary current path (s), a main thermal bimetal in the main current path, at least one contact point for opening or closing the auxiliary current path, an often designed as a snap-action mechanism Switching mechanism for switching the at least one contact point between two switching positions, an actuating lever, which is pivoted by a certain triggering path when actuated accordingly, and thereby acts with its actuating end on an actuation point of the snap-action mechanism, so that the snap-action mechanism is caused to snap over, and a slide mechanism with a transfer slide that transfers a deflection of the main thermal bimetal to the operating lever.

The function of a generic overcurrent relay is as follows. Due to the heat of the current in the main current path or paths, the main thermal bimetal or main thermal bimetals bend. If the current exceeds a certain critical value, the deflection is strong enough to pivot the actuating lever via the coupling of the slide mechanism to such an extent that the actuating lever can cause the snap-action mechanism to snap over.

Such an overload relay is for example in the DE 299 17 173 U1 shown.

The DE 11 15 352 B describes an overcurrent switch with a manually operated slide switch, in which a pivotable transverse arm is held in the contact closure position by a pawl under the force of a tensioning spring, and in which a bimetallic strip arranged on the pawl interacts with another bimetallic strip from the one to be monitored Current flows through it and acts as the pawl actuating organ.

The US 2009/0 027 154 A1 describes an aircraft circuit breaker comprising a housing having an opening, separable contacts, an actuation mechanism configured to open and close the contacts, and a trip mechanism configured to cooperate with the actuation mechanism to trip the actuation mechanism .

In order to be able to set the device to different nominal currents, a setting device is available in generic devices that acts either directly on the operating lever or on the snap-action mechanism and changes the distance between the operating end of the operating lever and the operating point of the snap-action mechanism when the operating lever is in the rest position. This distance is also referred to as the switching distance. If the switching distance is larger, the main thermal bimetals must bend further in order to overcome the switching distance and bring the release lever into contact with the actuation point of the snap-action mechanism and vice versa.

In the case of overcurrent relays of the generic type, a temperature compensation device is also provided. When the device heats up, for example due to an increase in the ambient temperature, it bends or the main thermal bimetals already bend and this reduces the switching distance. This is undesirable because the switching distance should remain as independent of the ambient temperature as possible. A compensation bimetal is usually provided for compensation. This flexes when the ambient temperature changes and acts on the actuating lever in such a way that the effect of the main thermal bimetal (s) is compensated. In the event of a temperature increase, the compensation bimetal would therefore push the actuating end of the actuating lever away from the actuation point and thereby compensate for a reduction in the switching distance that occurs due to the action of the main thermal bimetal (s). The compensation bimetal is stored separately in the housing.

There are three functions to be implemented in thermal overload relays. A first function is the thermal adjustment, ie the adjustment of the switching distance in such a way that all tripping characteristics required by the applicable standard or regulation for the respective application are observed. A second function relates to compensation, ie ensuring that the tripping characteristics are still met or maintained even at low or high ambient temperatures, for example in an ambient temperature range between -25 ° C and + 70 ° C. A third function concerns the implementation of a current setting option in a specific current interval so that an adaptation to the respective nominal motor current can take place.

Overload relays have become known which have a modular structure, with a lower part comprising the thermal release device, the main connection terminals and coupling conductors, with an upper part comprising the auxiliary contact connection terminals, a mounting bracket with the snap-action switch mechanism and an adjustment mechanism with the bimetal compensation, with a terminal cover, too referred to as a front cover, and with a coupling ladder cover. This makes it possible, in principle, to construct switching devices of different types, in particular different sizes, in a modular manner. Differences in size and rated current are particularly evident in the lower part with the thermal release device and the main connection terminals. The upper part with the switching mechanism and the auxiliary contact arrangement, on the other hand, could be installed together as a standard assembly with different lower parts. This means that fewer different individual assemblies are required to produce a wide range of overload relays.

However, the temperature compensation device has hitherto been adapted and designed for the corresponding nominal current strength, as is determined by the design of the lower part. However, the temperature compensation device is located in the upper part module. Therefore, the actual advantage of the modular construction of overload relays cannot be used today, because because of the temperature compensation device, a standardized upper part cannot easily be used for other switching devices, especially those with a different size.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve an overload relay in such a way that the degree of temperature compensation can be changed in a simple manner, thus making it possible for a standardized upper part assembly that contains a temperature compensation device for a certain size or nominal current strength , can be used with another overload relay of a different size or rated current.

The object is achieved according to the invention by an electrical overload relay with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a coupling point on the trigger side of the actuating lever is coupled to a coupling point on the actuating lever side of the transfer slide via an additional compensation bimetal, the position of the trigger-side coupling point of the operating lever relative to the operating lever-side coupling point of the transmission slide being variable by bending the additional compensation bimetal.

The advantage of the invention is that only a single part or a single assembly, namely the additional compensation bimetal, has to be added to the device in order to connect a standardized upper part assembly, which contains a temperature compensation device for a certain size or nominal current strength, with another overload relay to make other sizes or nominal amperage usable. The additional compensation bimetal can be attached to the periphery of the upper part or the lower part. It is not necessary to intervene in the interior of the upper part or the lower part. The construction and design of the actual compensation bimetal remains unchanged. A standardized upper part with a standardized compensation bimetal is adapted to lower parts with different sizes or nominal currents by means of the one component of the additional compensation bimetal.

The invention makes it possible that a complete, unmodified switchgear assembly, the upper part, which can be manufactured in large numbers fully automatically and thus inexpensively, can also be used for devices of larger size without having to accept any loss of functionality.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional compensation thermal bimetal is designed with a thermal bimetallic sheet metal strip which is clamped at one end to the release-side coupling point of the actuating lever. This can be done, for example, by inserting a corresponding strip of thermal bimetal into the free end piece of the actuating lever. The insertion point can be designed in such a way that the thermal bimetallic strip can be easily exchanged. For example, there could be a simple receiving slot into which the thermal bimetallic strip of the additional compensation is inserted and either clamped or screwed in or releasably fixed in some other manner known in principle.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional compensation thermal bimetal is designed as an arcuate thermal bimetallic sheet metal strip which acts with a first free end on the coupling point on the actuating lever side of the transmission slide and with a second free end on the trigger-side coupling point of the actuation lever. Such an arched or U-shaped strip made of bimetal for additional temperature compensation can very easily be attached from the outside afterwards. It can, for example, be pushed onto a retaining pin with its arched opening. The retaining pin can be located, for example, in the terminal cover, the front cover or in the coupling conductor cover. The structural design is then designed in such a way that the curved thermal bimetallic strip is inserted into the cover part, and when the cover is assembled it automatically comes into the correct position, in which it connects with its first free end to the coupling point of the transmission slide on the actuating lever side and with its second free end acts on the release-side coupling point of the actuating lever.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, after the overcurrent has subsided, the main thermal bimetal is bent back into its rest position or, after the overcurrent has subsided, the main thermal bimetallic is bent back into its rest position and the switching mechanism acts upon the automatic reset from its second to the first switching position Actuating lever that this pushes the transfer slide back into its starting position, a reset support element being present which exerts an additional reset force on the transfer slide to support its pushing back.

In this advantageous embodiment, the following problem, which can sometimes occur, is solved. Standardized derailleurs often have a low restoring force. This can be done with overload relays of larger sizes, in which the transfer slide is correspondingly larger and thus has a greater mass and a larger friction surface with its bearing, which leads to a greater frictional force to be overcome, due to the masses to be moved in certain installation positions, as well as by occurrence larger coefficients of friction between the moving parts lead to problems with the automatic resetting of the devices after triggering.

With the advantageous embodiment according to the invention, it is possible to ensure the automatic reset after triggering, despite the increased friction that occurs and the larger masses to be moved in the larger sizes.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reset support element is a resiliently deformable part which, in the event of an overcurrent, is elastically deformed using the bending force of the main thermal bimetal or the main thermal bimetallic and whose resilient restoring force provides the additional restoring force on the transmission slide after the overcurrent has subsided. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reset support element can be a conical spring. The advantage here is that a conical spring can also be accommodated in a small structural volume.

According to this advantageous embodiment, an additional spring is tensioned according to the invention with the excess of the release force of the thermal release, the restoring spring force of which is released during reset in order to safely push back the transfer slide.

Further advantageous refinements and improvements of the invention and further advantages can be found in the subclaims.

Figure list

Figures and description serve to better understand the subject. Objects or parts of objects that are essentially the same or similar can be provided with the same reference symbols. The figures are only a schematic representation of the invention.

• 1 eine Ansicht einer praktischen Ausführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Überstromrelais, in Art einer Explosionszeichnung, in einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 2 eine Explosionszeichnung des Unterteils des Überstromrelais nach 1,
• 3 eine Explosionszeichnung des Oberteils des Überstromrelais nach 1, in einem ersten Montageschritt,
• 4 eine Explosionszeichnung des Oberteils des Überstromrelais nach 1, in einem zweiten Montageschritt,
• 5 eine Explosionszeichnung des Montageträgers des Überstromrelais nach 1 ,
• 6 eine Explosionszeichnung der Verstellmechanik des Überstromrelais nach 1,
• 7 eine Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Überstromrelais, auf der das Zusatzkompensationsbimetall dargestellt ist und die Kegelfeder, in drei unterschiedlichen Teilansichten,
• 8 schematisch und stilisiert eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 9 schematisch und stilisiert eine zweite Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 10 schematisch und stilisiert eine dritte Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• 11 schematisch und stilisiert eine vierte Ausführungsform der Erfindung.
• 12 schematisch und stilisiert eine Variante der Ausführungsform der Erfindung nach 8,
• 13 schematisch und stilisiert eine Variante der Ausführungsform der Erfindung nach 9,
• 14 schematisch und stilisiert eine Variante der Ausführungsform der Erfindung nach 10,
• 15 schematisch und stilisiert eine Variante der Ausführungsform der Erfindung nach 11,

Show:

• 1 a view of a practical embodiment of an overcurrent relay according to the invention, in the form of an exploded drawing, in a first embodiment,
• 2 an exploded view of the lower part of the overcurrent relay according to 1 ,
• 3 an exploded view of the upper part of the overcurrent relay according to 1 , in a first assembly step,
• 4th an exploded view of the upper part of the overcurrent relay according to 1 , in a second assembly step,
• 5 an exploded view of the mounting bracket for the overcurrent relay 1 ,
• 6th an exploded view of the adjustment mechanism of the overcurrent relay 1 ,
• 7th a view of the overcurrent relay according to the invention, on which the additional compensation bimetal is shown and the conical spring, in three different partial views,
• 8th schematically and stylized an embodiment of the invention,
• 9 schematically and stylized a second embodiment of the invention,
• 10 schematically and stylized a third embodiment of the invention,
• 11 schematically and stylized a fourth embodiment of the invention.
• 12th schematically and stylized according to a variant of the embodiment of the invention 8th ,
• 13th schematically and stylized according to a variant of the embodiment of the invention 9 ,
• 14th schematically and stylized according to a variant of the embodiment of the invention 10 ,
• 15th schematically and stylized according to a variant of the embodiment of the invention 11 ,

In the figures, the same or equivalent parts or components are provided with the same reference numerals.

First there will be the 8th considered. This shows schematically and stylized parts of an electrical overcurrent relay 200 . The device includes an upper part 2 and a base 1 . You can see it in the top 2 a switching mechanism that can be switched between two switching positions 201 , in the lower part 1 a main thermal bimetal 202 and one with the main thermal bimetal 202 coupled transfer slide 203 , in the upper part 2 one with the transfer slide 203 coupled operating lever 204 and one with the operating lever 204 coupled thermal compensation bimetal 205 .

In the 8th is exemplary, in order to explain the invention schematically, only one main thermal bimetal is shown. As already mentioned, it is mostly common to have three main thermal bimetals in a three-phase device with three> main current paths. The function according to the invention and the solution to the problem can, however, also be explained using a main thermal bimetal as an example.

The transfer slide 203 is a flat component. It can itself be composed of two or more flat components and also fulfill other functions, for example a function of phase failure protection. The transfer slide 203 can also be formed from two superimposed slide plates sliding against one another along a sliding surface, as shown in FIG 8th indicates. In connection with the present invention, a large number of possible and in principle known construction principles and variants of a transmission slide can be used. A practical example is given below in connection with the 1 to 7th described.

The main thermal bimetal 202 engages with its free end in a recess on the broad side of the transfer slide 203 a. This is a coupling of the deflection movement of the main thermal bimetal 202 with the transfer slide 203 given. The transfer slide 203 is with an appendix 207 formed perpendicular to the transfer slide 203 away and up, in the direction of the operating lever 204 indicates, indicates.

In the event of an overcurrent, the main thermal bimetal 202 from a rest position, shown in the 8th , bent into a release position, counterclockwise in the direction of arrow P1. It then moves the transfer slide 203 from its normal position to its overcurrent position, to the left in the direction of arrow P2. The transfer slide acts as a result 203 with its appendix 207 on the operating lever 204 so that the operating lever 204 around its pivot axis 213 is pivoted clockwise. Hence the appendix 207 also referred to as the coupling point on the actuation side of the transfer slide.

The operating lever 204 has an actuation end at its other end 214 . The distance from the end of the actuation 214 of the operating lever 204 to the actuation point of the snap-action mechanism 201 in the rest position of the operating lever 204 is called the switching distance S. If the switching distance S is greater, the main thermal bimetal must bend further in order to overcome the switching distance and the actuating lever 204 in contact with the actuation point of the snap-action mechanism 201 to bring and vice versa. The mechanism is only described schematically and functionally here. In practical versions, between the end of the actuation 214A of the operating lever 204 and the rear derailleur 201 a mechanical transmission chain can also be arranged, which for example also includes a release lever, and the operative connection line shown here as a dashed line 215 is indicated. When the actuation end 214A of the operating lever 204 has overcome the switching distance S, the actuating lever 204A causes the switching mechanism to be switched 201 from a first switch position to a second switch position.

There is also a temperature compensation device with a compensation bimetal 205 intended. When the device heats up, for example due to an increase in the ambient temperature, the main thermal bimetal bends 202 namely already off, and thereby decreases the switching distance S. This is undesirable because the switching distance S should remain as independent of the ambient temperature as possible. The compensation bimetal is used to compensate for this 205 intended. When the ambient temperature changes, this bends counterclockwise, in the direction of arrow P3, and acts on the actuating lever 204 so one that the effect of the main thermal bimetal 202 is compensated. In the event of a temperature increase, the compensation bimetal would be 205 the operating lever 204 Swivel counterclockwise and so the end of the actuation 214 of the operating lever 204 Push away from the actuation point and thereby a reduction in the switching distance S, which is due to the action of the main thermal bimetal 202 entry, compensate. The compensation bimetal 205 is stored separately in the housing. The compensation bimetal is adjusted by a compensation bimetal adjusting device (not shown) 205 brought into the required position during device production in order to be able to achieve the desired compensation effect depending on the set tripping current.

In devices of larger size it can happen that the compensation bimetal 205 in the area of the upper part only little self-heating arrives. If a rear derailleur 201 , which was originally only designed for small sizes, is now to be used here, the heat in the area of the upper part may not be sufficient for the compensation.

Therefore, an additional compensation bimetal is provided near the lower part.

The main thermal bimetal 202 and thus the transfer slide 203 facing end of the operating lever 204 is used as a coupling point on the release side 206 of the operating lever 204 designated. A strip of additional compensation thermal bimetal is clamped on one side of this 208 . With the additional compensation thermal bimetal 208 , whose free end in particular, are the coupling point on the actuating lever side 207 of the transfer slide 203 and the coupling point on the release side 206 of the operating lever 204 coupled with each other. By bending the additional compensation bimetal 208 is the position of the coupling point on the release side 206 of the operating lever 204 relative to the coupling point on the actuating lever side 207 of the transfer slide 203 changeable.

The effect of the additional compensation bimetal is as follows. When the deflection of the compensation bimetal 205 is not sufficient to compensate for the switching distance S, the additional compensation bimetal bends 208 also clockwise, in the direction of arrow P4. This causes the actuating lever to pivot 204 caused by an additional angular range counterclockwise, and the switching distance S can adjust to the desired large value. Too weak a compensation effect of the compensation bimetal 205 is so due to the additional compensation bimetal 208 added.

The advantage is that only a single part or a single assembly, namely the additional compensation bimetal 208 , to be added to the device to create a standardized shell assembly 2 who have favourited the compensation bimetal 205 for a certain size or nominal current intensity, with a lower part 1 Another overload relay of a different size or rated current can be used. The additional compensation bimetal 208 can be on the periphery of the upper part 2 or the lower part 1 be set. An intervention in the interior of the upper part 2 or the lower part 1 not necessary. The construction and design of the actual compensation bimetal 205 stays unchanged. An adaptation of a standardized top 2 with a standardized compensation bimetal 205 on bottoms 1 with different sizes or nominal currents takes place by means of one component of the additional compensation bimetal 208 .

This enables a complete, unmodified rear derailleur assembly, the upper part 2 , which can be manufactured fully automatically and thus inexpensively in large numbers, can also be used for devices of larger size without having to accept any loss of functionality.

The additional compensation thermal bimetal 208 is in the in the 8th The embodiment shown is formed with a thermal bimetallic sheet metal strip, one end of which is at the coupling point on the trigger side 206 of the operating lever 204 is clamped. This can be done, for example, in the free end piece of the actuating lever 204 a corresponding strip made of thermal bimetal is used. The insertion point can be designed in such a way that the thermal bimetallic strip can be easily exchanged. For example, there could be a simple receiving slot into which the thermal bimetallic strip of the additional compensation is inserted and either clamped or screwed in or releasably fixed in some other manner known in principle.

The 9 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the additional compensation thermal bimetal as an arcuate thermal bimetal sheet strip 208 ' is formed with a first free end 209 on the coupling point on the actuating lever side 207 of the transfer slide 203 and with a second free end 210 to the coupling point on the release side 206 of the operating lever 204 works. Such an arched or U-shaped strip made of bimetal for additional temperature compensation can very easily be attached from the outside afterwards. He can for example with his arch opening 216 on a retaining pin 217 be postponed. The retaining pin 217 can be located in the terminal cover, the front cover or the coupling conductor cover, for example. The structural design is then designed so that the curved thermal bimetallic strip 208 ' is inserted into the cover part, and when assembling the cover automatically comes into the correct position in which it is with its first free end 209 on the coupling point on the actuating lever side 207 of the transfer slide 203 and with its second free end 210 to the coupling point on the release side 206 of the operating lever 204 works. A practical embodiment of this is in 7th shown and described below.

After the overcurrent has subsided, the main thermal bimetal bends 202 back to its rest position. The rear derailleur 201 acts on the actuating lever when an automatic reset then takes place from its second to the first switching position 204 that this the transfer slide 203 pushes back in its starting position. In the 10 and 11 Embodiments are shown in which a reset assistance element 211 is present that an additional reset force on the transfer slide 203 in support of its pushing back. The embodiment according to 10 corresponds to the one after 8th , but with a reset support element 211 , and the embodiment according to 11 corresponds to the embodiment according to 9 , also with a reset support element 211 .

In these advantageous embodiments, the following problem that can sometimes arise is solved. Standardized derailleurs often have a low restoring force. This can be the case with larger overload relays, including the transfer slide 203 is correspondingly larger and thus has a larger mass and a larger friction surface with its storage, which leads to a greater frictional force to be overcome, due to the masses to be moved in certain installation positions, and problems with automatic resetting due to the occurrence of larger coefficients of friction between the moving parts of the devices after triggering.

With the advantageous configurations as in 10 and 11 As shown, it is possible to ensure the automatic reset after triggering, despite the increased friction that occurs and the larger masses to be moved in the larger sizes. Here is the reset support element 211 a resiliently deformable part which, in the event of an overcurrent, utilizes the bending force of the main thermal bimetal 202 is elastically deformed and its resilient restoring force after the overcurrent has subsided, the additional restoring force on the transfer slide 203 provides. In the event of an overcurrent, as already described, the main thermal bimetal presses 202 the transfer slide 203 to the left, in the direction of arrow P2. The appendix 207 also presses the additional compensation bimetal 208 to the left. This pushes along an operative connection line 218 the reset support element designed here as a spring 211 together. This becomes part of the deformation energy of the main thermal bimetal 202 in the spring element 211 saved. This can be released again when resetting and then an additional supporting thrust on the transfer slide 203 exercise.

So it is with the excess of the release force of the thermal release 202 an additional spring is tensioned, the restoring spring force of which is released during reset, around the transmission slide 203 to push back safely. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reset support element 211 a cone spring. This has the advantage of having a flat spring characteristic with a small overall length.

The 12th to 15th each show a variant of the embodiments according to 8th to 11 , 12th a variant of the 8th , 13th a variant of the 9 , 14th a variant of the 10 and 15th a variant of the 11 .

In the variant after 12th works the free end 214B of the compensation bimetal 205 on the rear derailleur 201 , this is therefore also called the end of the actuation 214B of the compensation bimetal 205 designated. The switching distance S is here between the end of the actuation 214B of the compensation bimetal 205 and the actuation point of the snap-action mechanism 201 . When the main thermal bimetal 202 bends due to the device or the surrounding area heating up, then the actuating lever presses 204 with its end of operation 214A against the compensation thermal bimetal 205 and pushes it counterclockwise against the actuation point of the snap-action mechanism 201 , whereby the switching distance S is reduced. The compensation bimetal 205 When the ambient temperature increases, it bends clockwise, in the direction of arrow P3, and thus causes the effect of the main thermal bimetal 202 is compensated. In the event of a temperature increase, the compensation thermal bimetal would be 205 The clockwise movement reduces the switching distance S, which occurs due to the action of the main thermal bimetal, compensate. The compensation bimetal 205 is stored separately in the housing or integrated into the existing adjustment mechanism.

In the 13th to 15th is the arrangement and mutual functional coupling between the compensation bimetal 205 , the operating lever 204 and the rear derailleur 201 also carried out.

It will now be the 1 to 7th considered. A practical embodiment of an electrical overcurrent relay according to the invention is shown there. An electrical overcurrent relay similar to the one described here, which can be assembled to a switchgear combination via coupling conductors with a contactor, is from the DE 10 2008 062 250 A1 known; this document should therefore be included in the disclosure of the present invention with regard to the function and the basic structure of the electrical overcurrent relay and its interaction with a contactor.

The 1 shows a view of an overcurrent relay according to the invention, in the form of an exploded drawing, from which the modular structure of the device and the procedure for the final assembly can be seen.

The overcurrent relay according to the invention consists of a lower part 1 , a top 2 , a terminal cover 4th and a coupling conductor cover 5 composed.

The structure of the lower part 1 is in 2 shown in more detail, the structure of the upper part in 3 and 4th , where in the 5 the structure of the mounting bracket 3 that is in the top 2 is used, is shown, and in the 6th is the structure of the adjustment mechanism 7th that are in the mounting bracket 3 is used.

The order in which the overcurrent contactor according to the invention is installed is thus as follows. First is the adjustment mechanism 7th composed. This is then used as a prefabricated module together with other parts to form an assembly carrier 3 assembled. The assembly carrier 3 is installed as a prefabricated module together with other components in the upper part 2 used. In parallel, the lower part 1 assembled from its individual parts. Now the main connection terminals 12th inserted and the rear of the device with a terminal cover 13th closed. Then on the side of the coupling ladder 10 , 10 ' , 10 " the transmission lever 65 and the top transfer bar 63 inserted, and finally the coupling conductor cover 5 put on.

The front cover 4th is designed in the form of a half-shell. At the back 43 are located in the 1 not visible because it is covered, four entries for connecting conductors to the auxiliary contact termination terminals 14th , 14 ' , 14 " , 14 ''' through five insulation ribs 44 , 44 ' , 44 " , 44 '''are separated from each other. To gain access to the clamping screws 16 , 16 ' , 16 " , 16 '''of the auxiliary contact terminals 14th , 14 ' , 14 " , 14 ''' To enable this, there are four access openings in the rear front 15th , 15 ' , 15 " , 15 ''' brought in.

At the front 42 there is a sealing eyelet 45 , an opening 46 for the stop button, an opening 47 for a pointer and a test puncture, an opening 48 for an adjustment knob, and an opening 49 for one button 50 .

In a pocket-like recess in the front 42 to the right of the sealing eyelet 45 extends away, a sealing cover can 51 be inserted. This is roughly T-shaped, with the longitudinal web 52 serves to cover the pointer and the test function. The crosspiece 53 carries a bag 54 in which a rectangular sign 55 can be snapped into place with a labeling surface. The shield 55 has fastening ribs on its long sides, which are inserted into corresponding grooves in the long edge of the pocket 54 can snap into place. The sealing eyelet on his 45 the transverse web faces the narrow side 53 an opening 56 for the sealing eyelet 45 in which the sealing eyelet 45 can be sealed. On the same narrow side, pointing down, is the sealing cover 51 a stop pin 57 molded, which has a stop for a locking pin automatic / manual, which is on the button 50 is formed, forms.

The key 50 has the basic shape of a hollow cylinder. The upper cover surface has a cross-shaped recess as an engagement for a Phillips screwdriver as an operating tool. In the vicinity of the upper cover surface there is a web parallel to the jacket surface 58 integrally formed, which serves as a pointer to indicate automatic or manual operation. As an extension of the jacket surface, there is a locking pin down on the lower jacket surface 60 molded.

The coupling ladder cover 5 is attached to the side of the lower part on which the coupling ladder 10 , 10 ' , 10 " protrude. She wears insulating sleeves 61 , 61 ' , 61 '' that partially accommodate the coupling ladder and protect it from contact so that only the end piece of the coupling ladder remains uncovered for electrical connection with an attached contactor. She also has a heel on the outside 62 with which it can be held on a built-in contactor.

Before the coupling conductor cover is put on, the lower part 1 , in which there is already the lower transmission bar 64 , also called the lower slide element, and the thermal release 70 are located on the side on which the coupling ladder 10 , 10 ' , 10 " stand out, an upper transmission bar 63 , also called the upper slide element, and a transmission lever 65 , also called coupling element, used.

The two transmission bars 63 and 64 form together with the transmission lever 65 the trigger slide assembly. The trigger slide arrangement causes a phase failure sensitivity in the case of thermal triggering by the in the lower part 1 built-in bimetals, which means that the switching mechanism of the overcurrent relay is also triggered if one of the three phases is interrupted and a correspondingly high overcurrent flows in only one of the three phases. The structure, the mode of operation and the coupling of the release slide assembly 63 , 64 , 65 to the bimetals and to the rear derailleur is more precise in the DE 10 2008 062 527 A1 described. This disclosure is therefore intended to be made with respect to the trip slide assembly 63 , 64 , 65 be included in the disclosure content of the present application.

It will now be the 2 which shows an exploded view of the base of the overcurrent relay. The lower part 1 comprises a substantially cuboid shell 66 which is open on 2 sides. In both open halves of the cuboid bowl 66 three separate chambers are formed by partition walls.

On the dome side, that's the one in the 2 Side of the cuboid shell facing the viewer 66 , there is a thermal release in each of the three chambers 70 introduced. Any thermal trigger 70 comes with the bimetal mounting bracket 71 Introduced in advance into one of the three chambers, with an invisible cam in the lower part 66 positioned and with mounting screws thermal release 17th , 17 ' , 17 " , 17 ''' , 17 '''' , 17 '''' on the cuboid shell 6th attached.

Each of the three chambers in the cuboid shell 66 serves to accommodate a thermal release 70 to protect one phase line each. The overcurrent relay is used for three-phase protection.

In the 2 is a thermal release 70 , shown fully assembled for insertion into the chamber. Another thermal trigger 70 is shown in an exploded view so that its structure and the design of the individual parts can be seen from it.

The trigger assembly 70 includes a mounting bracket as a central element 71 . On its long thigh 71a there are two threaded openings 71b and the opening 71c for holding the positioning cam. On the long thigh 71a there is an extension plate 71d from, aligned roughly parallel to the short leg 71e of the mounting bracket 71 . On the attachment plate 71d there is a welding area 71f to which the main bimetal 6th is welded with its fixed end. On the opposite side is the heating tape 73 with its first terminal surface 74 welded on.

The heating tape is designed in a meandering shape. There are thus four layers of the heating tape here 73 parallel close to each other, connected at the top and bottom via the bending points. The individual layers of the heating tape 73 are made by layers of insulating paper 72 , 72 ' , 72 " , 72 ''' electrically separated from each other. The meandering layered heating tape with the insulating layers between the individual layers forms a heater package 73a . The heater package 73a is about as wide as the thermal bimetallic strip 6th , and it is parallel and close to the thermal bimetallic strip in the longitudinal direction 6th on, which is about the entire length of the thermal bimetallic strip 6th extends up to the actuating pin 6a at the free end of the thermal bimetal strip 6th that is not from the heater package 73a is covered.

The heating tape 73 or the heater package 73a is with insulating paper 72 also from the bimetal 6th electrically isolated. The fastening of the heating tape 73 or the heater package 73a on the main bimetal 6th is done by means of brackets 77 , 77 ' , 77 " . For electrical separation of the clamps 77 , 77 ' , 77 " from the heating tape 73 and the bimetal 6th are on the inside of the brackets 77 , 77 ' , 77 " that are with the main bimetal 6th and the heating tape 73 is in contact, insulating strips 76 , 76 ' , 76 " . The second terminal face 75 of the heating tape 73 is attached to the coupling piece 10 welded on. This means that the phase current flows through the heating tape 73 guaranteed.

The meandering layering of the heater package makes it possible to realize a long band-shaped heating conductor and to bring it into very good thermal contact with the thermal bimetallic strip.

It will now be the 3 considered the an exploded view of the base body 80 of the top 2 of the overcurrent relay shows. The basic body 80 essentially has the basic shape of a cuboid open on two sides. On its side narrow sides it has two locking hooks, also as Guide noses 81 , 81 ' labeled, for insertion into the lower part 1 .

• Ein Schieber 83, eine Taste 84, eine Schenkelfeder 85 und eine Koppelfeder 86, und wie in 4 gezeigt, weitere Montageträger 3 mit angebauten ersten und zweiten Hilfskontaktbrücken 142 und 87 und einer Rückstellfeder 88, die auf die zweite Hilfskontaktbrücke 87 wirkt, eine Justierschraube 89, ein Kontaktkamm 90 mit vier festen Kontaktstücken der Hilfskontakte, und vier Kontaktschrauben 91, 91 ',91 '',91 „', die in entsprechenden Gewindeöffnungen in den Kontaktkamm 90 eingeschraubt werden und so die Hilfskontaktanschlussklemmen 14, 14', 14“, 12''' (siehe 1) bilden.

In the main body 80 of the top 2 The following components or assemblies are now used in sequence:

• A slider 83 , one button 84 , a leg spring 85 and a coupling spring 86 , and as in 4th shown, further mounting brackets 3 with attached first and second auxiliary contact bridges 142 and 87 and a return spring 88 that are on the second auxiliary contact bridge 87 works, an adjusting screw 89 , a contact comb 90 with four fixed contact pieces of the auxiliary contacts, and four contact screws 91 , 91 ' , 91 '' , 91 " ', which are in corresponding threaded openings in the contact comb 90 are screwed in and so are the auxiliary contact terminals 14th , 14 ' , 14 " , 12 '''(see 1 ) form.

The slider 83 ( 3 ) comprises a rectangular longitudinal leg 92 , at the lower end of which is a cross arm 93 , and in the area of its upper end one perpendicular to the cross arm 93 support leg protruding to the front 94 are molded. On the support leg 94 there is a holding pin 95 on which the reset button 50 ( 1 ) can be put on. The inner recess of the reset button 50 is dimensioned so that it fits onto the retaining pin 95 can be postponed. The support leg 94 at the same time serves as a stop surface for the reset button 50 . On the left side of the cross arm 93 there is an upward-facing stop bar 123 to limit the movement of the slide during assembly.

The longitudinal leg 92 of the slide is in a guide groove 96 in the rear narrow side of the base body 80 of the top 2 Longitudinally displaceable and by means of a guide pin protruding laterally on the long side 97 held displaceably in a corresponding lateral guide groove in the housing wall. On the side of the guide groove 96 there is a locking lug 98 at which the reset button 50 can be kept latching in the pressed-in state (automatic function).

The leg spring 85 is on a pen 113 on the rear wall of the base body 80 hinged with their central opening. It works with the contact carrier rocker 139 together and tries to twist it into the released position. At the far right end of the cross arm 93 there is a cylindrical stop pin protruding to the front 100 as a stop for the leg spring 85 . Below this stop pin 100 there is a guide pin 101 for guiding the leg spring 86 . One catch 102 right below the guide pin 101 defines the position of the leg spring 86 . Between the square pin 99 and the guide pin 101 there is still a stop 103 for one arm of the leg spring 86 . Between the square pin 99 and the attack 103 a guide bar extends 104 to support the guidance of the AMR slide 83 downwards.

The thighs 85 has a short leg 105 with which they are attached to a support surface 106 of the main body 80 supports. The second, long leg 107 is slightly kinked. He has a terminal base 108 for the slider 83 and a support point to the left of it 109 for the contact carrier rocker 139 (For the contact carrier, see description below).

On the underside of the main body 80 there are two bearing rails 110 , 111 , for storing the assembly support 3 , and on a partition inside the main body 80 there is a storage area 122 , also for storing the assembly support after it has been inserted into the upper part 2 . On the back wall, to the left of the guide groove 96 , there is still a relaxation slope 112 for the coupling spring 86 .

The stop button 84 has a cuboid key body 114 which is used for actuation and at the same time for guiding in the terminal cover 4th serves. The key body 114 sits with one narrow side on an S-shaped curved resilient arm 115 on. This has a mounting block at its free end 116 with a locking hook 117 . With the fastening cuboid 116 it is in a holding bag 118 on the inside of the narrow side of the base body 80 of the top 2 held and with the locking hook 117 locked in it. With a guide arm 119 is the stop button 84 in a guide groove 120 in the rear side of the shell of the base body 80 of the top 2 guided. An actuating arm is located from the guide arm and points into the interior of the device 121 starting when the stop button is pressed 84 opens the contact.

The coupling spring 86 couples the slider 83 resilient to the coupling slide 124 , which is part of the adjustment mechanism 7th also part of the mounting bracket 3 is, see below 5 and 6th . The coupling spring 86 is with its central eyelet in the slider 83 stored. A first, short support arm 125 the coupling spring 86 leans on the slide 83 from. A second, long support arm 126 includes the support point on the coupling slide 124 .

The fixed contacts of the auxiliary contact points are by means of the contact comb 90 educated. This comprises a rectangular base body 127 , on the four silver-plated contact tongues protruding at right angles 128 , 128 ' , 128 '' , 128 ''' stick out. For mounting on the base body 80 of the top 2 become the contact tongues 128 , 128 ' , 128 " , 128 ''' in appropriate pockets 129 in the Back of the case introduced. There are four seats on the outside of the rear of the case 130 , 130 ' , 130 " , 130 ''' to support the contact comb 90 . In the vicinity of the impression of each contact tongue on the base body, the latter has a safety pin 131 , 131 ' , 131 " , 131 '''to secure the position when inserted. In the main body 127 are four threaded holes 132 , 132 ' , 132 " , 132 ''' to accommodate the contact screws 91 , 91 ' , 91 '' , 91 ''' brought in. On the longitudinal edge of the base body facing away from the contact tongues 127 is a profiled bridge 133 integrally formed, which is in receiving pockets 134 near the seats 130 , 130 ' , 130 " , 130 ''' engages and thus in addition to securing the position of the contact comb 90 contributes.

In the 6th is an exploded view of the structure of the adjustment mechanism 7th shown. The adjustment mechanism 7th includes a coupling slide 124 to which an operating lever 135 is coupled. At the coupling slide 124 is the compensation bimetal 8th stored with one in a forked guide arm 137 of the coupling slide 124 bearing adjustment screw 136 in its angle relative to the coupling slide 124 can be pivoted for adjustment purposes. The exact structure, the function and the functional interaction of the adjustment mechanism in the overcurrent relay as well as their interaction with the snap-action switch mechanism is already more precise in the DE 10 2009 048 245 A1 described. This disclosure is therefore intended to relate to the adjustment mechanism 7th , whose structure, function, advantageous effect and interaction with other parts of the overcurrent relay, to be included in the disclosure of the present application.

In the 5 is the structure of the mounting bracket in an exploded view 3 of the overcurrent relay. The assembly carrier 3 comprises a support body 138 , in which the pre-assembled adjustment mechanism 7th is used. Next is on the support body 138 the snap-action switching mechanism constructed, comprising a contact carrier rocker 139 on one arm 140 in a dome-like holder 141 the auxiliary contact bridge 142 is stored. A cylindrical tension spring 143 becomes near the middle camp process 145 the contact carrier rocker 139 hinged and ensures in connection with an S-shaped bent spring hook 144 for the contact force. A spring wire 149 , which is in the contact carrier rocker 139 is inserted, serves to secure the common position of the contact carrier and the tension spring.

In a storage pocket 146 of the support body 138 is an adjustment knob 147 with an eccentric extension 148 held, with which a current range setting can be made. The functional structure and the functional interaction of the parts of the assembly support with each other and with the adjustment mechanism 7th and other assemblies and components of the overcurrent relay is already in the DE 10 2009 043 105 A1 and those already mentioned DE 10 2009 048 245 A1 described. These disclosures are therefore intended to relate to the snap-action mechanism, the mounting bracket 3 , in particular their structure, function, advantageous effect and interaction with other parts of the overcurrent relay, are included in the disclosure content of the present application.

The 7th shows a variant of a thermal overcurrent relay according to the invention, in which an additional compensation bimetal 150 and a return spring 151 are built in. The installation of the additional compensation bimetal 150 can also be done without the return spring 151 respectively.

In 7a is an oblique view of the thermal overcurrent relay shown with the front cover 4th away. You can see the additional compensation bimetal 150 in its functional position, between the transmission lever 65 and the operating lever 135 . The additional compensation thermal bimetal 150 is arched. It is formed in an arc shape from a piece of thermal bimetallic tape material. With a first free end 152 it acts on the transmission lever 65 , and with its second free end 153 it acts on the operating lever 135 . It works to support the effect of the compensation bimetal 8th for temperature compensation. Because of the arcuate design, the two free ends are located 152 , 153 spatially next to each other, they are connected by an arch. This enables a space-saving arrangement and simple storage.

The additional compensation bimetal is structurally in the coupling conductor cover 5 stored as in the 7b and 7c is shown. 7b shows the view of the outside of the coupling conductor cover 5 , 7c shows the view of the inside of the coupling conductor cover 5 . The curved additional compensation bimetal 150 is mounted on a pin that protrudes into the free space inside the arch.

To improve the automatic reset of the additional compensation bimetal 150 is in the coupling ladder cover 5 a return element in the form of a conical spring 151 used. The conical spring 151 is at its end with the large radius in the coupling conductor cover 5 fixed. With the end with the small radius, it acts on the additional compensation bimetal 5 to support resetting. It should also be mentioned that the invention was explained on the basis of a device design with an upper part and a lower part. However, the invention solves the problem just as well in a device that does not have such a housing subdivision, but in which everything is housed in a single housing half.

List of reference symbols

1

Lower part

2

Top

3

Mounting bracket, assembled

4th

Front cover

5

Coupling ladder cover

6th

Main bimetal

6a

Actuating pin

7th

Adjustment mechanism

8th

Compensation bimetal

9

Clasp

10

Coupling ladder

10 '

Coupling ladder

10 "

Coupling ladder

11

Fixing screw upper part

12, 12 '

Main connection terminal

12 "

Main connection terminal

13th

Terminal cover

14, 14 '

Auxiliary contact connection terminal

14 "

Auxiliary contact connection terminal

14 '' '

Auxiliary contact connection terminal

15, 15 '

Access opening

15 "

Access opening

15 '' '

Access opening

16, 16 '

Clamping screw

16 "

Clamping screw

16 '' '

Clamping screw

17, 17 '

Thermal release fixing screw

17 "

Thermal release fixing screw

17 '' '

Thermal release fixing screw

17 '' ''

Thermal release fixing screw

17 '' '' '

Thermal release fixing screw

41

Front

42

Opening for cable entry

43

Rear

44, 44 '

Insulating ribs

44 "

Insulating ribs

45

Sealing eyelet

46

Opening for stop button

47

Opening for pointer and test groove

48

Adjustment knob opening

49

Opening for stop button 50

50

Reset button

51

Sealing cover

52

Longitudinal web

53

Crossbar

54

bag

55

sign

56

Opening for sealing eyelet

57

Stop pin

58

Bridge as a pointer

59

Locking pin

60

Locking pin

61

Insulating sleeve

61 '

Insulating sleeve

61 "

Insulating sleeve

62

Locking hooks

63

Upper transfer bar

64

Lower transfer bar

65

Transmission lever

66

Shell of the lower part

70

Thermal release

71

mounting brackets

71a

long leg

71b

Threaded opening

71c

Opening for positioning cams

71d

Extension plate

71e

short leg

71f

Welding surface

72

Insulating paper

72 '

Insulating paper

72 "

Insulating paper

72 '' '

Insulating paper

73

Heating tape

73a

Heater package

74

first terminal surface

75

second terminal face

76, 76 ',

Insulating strips

76 "

Insulating strips

77, 77 '

Bracket

77 "

Bracket

79

Guide groove

80

Basic body upper part

81, 81 '

Locking hooks (guide lugs)

81 "

Locking hooks (guide lugs)

81 "

Locking hooks (guide lugs)

82

Hand pocket (no function here)

83

Slider

84

Stop button

85

Leg spring

86

Coupling spring

87

Auxiliary contact bridge

88

Return spring

89

Adjusting screw

90

Contact comb

91, 91 '

Contact screw

91 "

Contact screw

91 '' '

Contact screw

92

rectangular longitudinal leg

93

Transverse arm

94

Support leg

95

Holding pin

96

Guide groove

97

Leadership pin

98

Locking lug

99

Square pin

100

Stop pin

101

Guide pin

102

Chop

103

attack

104

Guide bar

105

short leg of the leg spring

106

Support surface

107

long leg of the leg spring

108

Support point for the slide

109

Support point for the contact carrier

110

Bearing rail

111

Bearing rail

112

Relaxation slope

113

Pin for articulating the leg spring

114

Key body (stop button)

115

Spring arm

116

Fixing cuboid

117

Locking hooks

118

Holding pocket

119

Guide arm

120

Guide groove

121

Operating arm

122

storage area

123

Stop bar

124

Coupling slide

125

first, short support arm of the coupling spring

126

second, long support arm of the coupling spring

127

Base body

128

Contact tongue

128 '

Contact tongue

128 "

Contact tongue

128 "

Contact tongue

129

Receiving pocket

130

Seat

130 '

Seat

130 "

Seat

130 '' '

Seat

131

Safety pin

131 '

Safety pin

131 "

Safety pin

131 '' '

Safety pin

132

Threaded hole

132 '

Threaded hole

132 "

Threaded hole

132 '' '

Threaded hole

133

Profiled bridge

134

Receiving pocket

135

Operating lever

136

Adjusting screw

137

Guide arm

138

Support body

139

Contact carrier rocker

140

Arm on the contact carrier bridge

141

dome-like brackets

142

Auxiliary contact bridge

143

Tension spring

144

Spring hooks

145

Storage process

146

Receiving pocket

147

Adjustment knob

148

Eccentric process

149

Spring wire

150

Additional compensation bimetal

151

Conical spring

152

first free arm

153

second free arm

200

electrical overcurrent relay

201

Rear derailleur

202

Main thermal bimetal

203

Transfer slide

204

Operating lever

205

Compensation bimetal

206

Trigger-side coupling point of the actuating lever

207

coupling point of the transfer slide on the actuation side

208

Additional compensation bimetal

208 '

curved thermal bimetallic strip

209

first free end

210

second free end

211

Reset support element

213

Swivel axis

214

End of operation

214A

Operating end of the operating lever

214B

End of actuation of the compensation bimetal

215

Active connection line

216

arc

217

Retaining pin

218

Active connection line

Claims (6)

Electrical overcurrent relay (200), which has a switching mechanism (201) that can be switched between two switching positions, at least one main thermal bimetal (202), a transmission slide (203) coupled to the at least one main thermal bimetal (202), an actuating lever (204) coupled with the transmission slide (203) ) and a thermal compensation bimetal (205) coupled to the actuating lever (204), the at least one main bimetal (202) being bent from a rest position to a release position in the event of an overcurrent, and thereby shifting the transfer slide (203) from its normal position to its overcurrent position, whereby the transfer slide (203) acts on the actuating lever (204) in such a way that the actuating lever (204) effects the switching of the switching mechanism (201) from a first switching position to a second switching position, characterized in that a release-side coupling point (206) of the actuating lever (204) with an operating lever coupling point (207) on the side of the transfer slide (203) are coupled to one another via an additional compensation thermal bimetal (208), and that by bending the additional compensation bimetal (208) the position of the release-side coupling point (206) of the actuating lever (204) relative to the actuating-lever-side coupling point (207 ) of the transfer slide (203) is variable. Electrical overcurrent relay (200) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the additional compensation thermal bimetal (208) is formed with a thermal bimetallic sheet metal strip, one end of which is clamped to the release-side coupling point (206) of the actuating lever (204). Electrical overcurrent relay (200) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the additional compensation thermal bimetallic strip (208) is designed as an arc-shaped thermal bimetallic sheet metal strip which has a first free end (209) on the coupling point (207) on the actuating lever side of the transfer slide (203) and a second free end (210) on the trigger side Coupling point (206) of the actuating lever (204) acts. Electrical overcurrent relay (200) according to Claim 1 , wherein after the overcurrent has subsided, the main thermal bimetal (202) is bent back into its rest position and the switching mechanism (201) is automatically reset from its second to the first switching position on the actuating lever (204) acts in such a way that it pushes the transfer slide (203) back into its starting position, characterized in that a reset support element (211) is present which exerts an additional reset force on the transfer slide (203) to support its pushing back. Electrical overcurrent relay (200) according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the reset support element (211) is a resiliently deformable part which, in the event of an overcurrent, is elastically deformed using the bending force of the main thermal bimetal (202) and whose resilient restoring force provides the additional restoring force on the transfer slide (203) after the overcurrent has subsided. Electrical overcurrent relay (200) according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the reset assist element (211) is a conical spring.

Images