DE102014107631A1 - Circuit breaker with improved contact force generation - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a circuit breaker (1) specified, which comprises a housing (2), a rotatably mounted therein switching shaft (7) and in the switching shaft (7) rotatably mounted contact arm (8). In the switching shaft (7) a bearing device (12, 23), slidably mounted. In turn, a roller (13) is rotatably mounted in the bearing device (12, 23). In addition, the circuit breaker (1) comprises a spring (14) mounted in the switching shaft (7) and acting on the bearing device (12, 23). The bearing device (12, 23) is made of a stamped part. In addition, a use of a bearing device made of a stamped part (12, 23) for installation in a switching shaft (7) of a circuit breaker (1) is specified.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a circuit breaker, comprising a housing, a rotatably mounted therein switching shaft, a rotatably mounted in the switching shaft contact arm, a displaceably mounted in the shift shaft bearing device, a rotatably mounted in the bearing device and a roller mounted in the shift shaft and acting on the bearing device Feather.

STATE OF THE ART

Circuit breaker of the type mentioned are known in principle. For example, the US 2008/0218296 A1 a circuit breaker with a switching shaft and a rotatably mounted therein contact arm. The contact arm has at its free end a contact which is pressed against a fixed contact in the housing. For this purpose, a spring is provided, which is mounted in the switching shaft and presses on a roller holder and a rotatably mounted therein roller against the rear part of the contact arm. If a short circuit occurs, the contact arm is pushed up against the force of the spring and opens the switching contacts. The disadvantage is the comparatively complicated configured roller holder.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved circuit breaker. In particular, the structure of the circuit breaker should be simplified with only a small force acting on the contact friction forces.

This object is achieved with a circuit breaker of the type mentioned, in which the bearing device is made of a stamped part. In particular, the bearing device is punched out of a (flat) metal sheet.

The object of the invention is also achieved with a use of a bearing device made of a stamped part for installation in a switching shaft of a circuit breaker, wherein the bearing device for rotatably and slidably supporting a roller, which acts on a rotatably mounted in the switching shaft contact arm, as well as Recording a force exerted by a spring, which is also arranged in the switching shaft.

This simplifies the structure of a circuit breaker and lowers the development cost and manufacturing cost thereof. Instead of a complicated designed plastic part simple stampings are used. On a mold can therefore also be dispensed with.

Further advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description in conjunction with the figures.

It is advantageous if the bearing device comprises two independent platelets (without rigid connection to one another), between which the roller is arranged. That is, the plates are arranged loosely in the switching shaft or are mounted to each other movable in the direction of displacement. Recent studies have shown that the two bearings for the roller with no harmful effect on the function can be moved to each other, since the role is already aligned by the (lines) contact with the contact arm anyway. Due to the role of the two plates are aligned correctly against each other, without the need for a rigid connection between them. In particular, the storage device is formed exclusively by the two platelets. The proposed measures, the structure of the circuit breaker respectively the storage device is particularly simple because the platelets after punching no longer need to be reshaped. It is also advantageous that bearing pins can be formed on the roller, that is, that the roller and the bearing pins can be made in one piece. Finally, there is also an advantage in that two (identical) plates per roll are used, which due to scaling effects, the cost of the circuit breaker can be reduced even further.

In the context of the invention, a "plate" is to be understood as meaning a substantially planar body whose dimensions in the plane (that is, for example in the x-direction and the y-direction) are significantly greater than its thickness (ie the extension of the body in the remaining z-direction). For example, it can be provided that the extent in the x-direction and the y-direction is at least 3 times as great as in the z-direction. Further preferred ratios are at least 5: 1 and at least 10: 1.

A "wafer" is further characterized as having a substantially uniform thickness and being substantially planar. For example, it can be provided that the thickness variation within the platelet is a maximum of 1: 1.5, preferably 1: 1.1 and more preferably 1: 1.05. The values given can also be used for the permissible deviation from the plane, that is to say that the deviation from the flat shape is not more than 50% of the thickness of the platelet, preferably not more than 10% of the thickness of the platelet and more preferably at most 5% of the thickness of the platelet.

It should be noted at this point that the use of a small plate would in principle also be conceivable independently of the features of patent claim 1. This means that the platelets can in principle also be produced in other ways than by punching.

It is favorable if the platelets are substantially parallelepipedic. As a result, the platelets are produced in a particularly simple manner.

It is also advantageous if the bearing device has a U-shaped bracket, which is produced by deformation of the stamped part and which comprises two substantially parallel legs and a leg connecting the legs. As a result, the assembly of the bearing device in the shift shaft may be simplified because the role can not easily fall out of the storage device. In particular, the bearing device is formed exclusively by the U-shaped bracket. "Substantially" in the above context means, in particular, that the angle enclosed by the legs lies between 0 ° and 5 °. The two legs of the U-shaped bracket can be regarded in the context of the invention as (connected) "platelets". In general, the bracket can be made in two separate steps, namely by punching and bending or by means of a combined manufacturing process, namely the stamping.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the spring acts directly on the bearing device. In other words, no further component is arranged between the spring and the bearing device. As a result, the structure of the circuit breaker can be further simplified.

It is advantageous if the platelets / legs are arranged in the switching shaft substantially congruent with respect to their extension in the plane and only spaced apart from one another in the normal direction. In this way, results in a substantially normal to the direction of movement of the bearing device aligned contact surface for the spring, which is particularly advantageous if the spring is designed as a compression spring.

It is favorable if the platelets / legs each have a bore corresponding to a journal of the roller. In particular, the platelets / legs have the bore as the only recess with a closed border. As a result, the storage device is easy to manufacture and the role is well fixed in the storage device. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the bearing device has, for example, a slot in which the roller is mounted.

It is also favorable, when first opposing and mutually parallel surfaces of the platelets / legs cooperate with parallel guide surfaces in the shift shaft and that second normally aligned surfaces of the platelets or the web of the U-shaped bracket cooperate with the spring / cooperates , As a result, the force exerted by the (pressure) spring on the bearing device acts essentially in the direction of displacement of the bearing device.

Finally, it is favorable if third surfaces of the plates / legs, which are aligned normal to the first and second surfaces, cooperate with plane surfaces of the roller. As a result, the bearing device is additionally aligned, which is particularly advantageous if it comprises two independent platelets.

It should be noted at this point that the variants disclosed for the circuit breaker and the resulting advantages relate equally to the use according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

1 an oblique view of an exemplary circuit breaker;

2 the circuit breaker off 1 with lifted housing cover;

3 an exploded view of an exemplary switching shaft contact arm arrangement with platelets as a bearing device for the role;

4 The arrangement off 3 in assembled condition;

5 an exploded view of an exemplary switch shaft contact arm assembly with a U-shaped bracket as a bearing device for the role and

6 as 5 , only with a slot in the bearing device for receiving the roller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary circuit breaker 1 which is a housing 2 has, which is a housing lower part 3 and an upper housing part 4 includes. Furthermore, the circuit breaker includes 1 connections 5 and an actuator 6 for switching the circuit breaker on and off 1 respectively to indicate the switching state of the circuit breaker 1 ,

2 shows the circuit breaker 1 out 1 with lifted housing upper part 4 , whereby the view into the interior of the circuit breaker 1 is released. In the circuit breaker 1 is a shift shaft 7 rotatably mounted. In the shift shaft 7 are again several contact arms 8th rotatably mounted, which at its end ever a switching contact 9 exhibit. In the closed position, the contact arm 8th respectively the switching contact 9 pressed against a housing-fixed contact, so that the connections 5 and 10 are electrically connected.

3 shows a first example of a switching shaft contact arm arrangement in an exploded view, the 4 in assembled condition. The arrangement shows an axis 11 , with the help of which the contact arm 8th rotatable in the switching shaft 7 is stored. In addition, the arrangement comprises a storage device 12 in which a role 13 is rotatably mounted. In the shift shaft 7 is still a compression spring 14 arranged. The shift shaft 7 also has holes 15 for receiving drive axles of drive levers for rotating the selector shaft 7 on.

The circuit breaker 1 thus comprises a housing 2 , a rotatably mounted therein shift shaft 7 , one in the switching shaft 7 rotatably mounted contact arm 8th , one in the selector shaft 7 slidably mounted storage device 12 , one in the storage device 12 rotatably mounted roller 13 and one in the switching shaft 7 stored and on the storage device 12 acting compression spring 14 ,

The shift shaft 7 is movable between an ON and OFF position. Its location is via a switching mechanism of the circuit breaker 1 , which with the actuating element 6 connected or coupled, controlled. The switching mechanism is known per se and therefore not shown in the figures.

Excessive current through the terminals 5 and 10 becomes the contact arm 8th spun by electrodynamic forces. During the opening movement rolls the role 13 on the cam-like structure on the rear part of the contact arm 8th and holds it after the triggering until the switching shaft 7 to the OFF position in the OPEN position.

The storage device consists in this example of two independent platelets 12 without rigid connection to each other, which are made by punching and between which the roll 13 is arranged. The tiles 12 are thus in the switching shaft 7 in the direction of displacement movably mounted to each other. For example, the platelets 12 be punched out of a metal sheet. It would also be conceivable that they are punched out of a plastic plate.

In principle, it would also be conceivable that the platelets are produced by a method other than punching. It would also be conceivable, of course, that the storage device in addition to the platelets 12 still has other components.

Generally, under the platelets 12 to understand essentially planar bodies whose dimensions are significantly larger in the plane than their thickness. In particular, the planar extension of the body may be at least 3 times its thickness. Further preferred ratios are at least 5: 1 and at least 10: 1. The tiles 12 are further characterized in that they have a substantially constant thickness and are substantially planar. For example, it can be provided that the thickness variation is at most 1: 1.5, preferably 1: 1.1 and more preferably 1: 1.05. The deviation from the flat shape can not exceed 50% of the thickness of the plate 12 , preferably at most 10% of the thickness of the platelet 12 and more preferably at most 5% of the thickness of the platelet 12 be.

In this example, the tiles are 12 designed essentially cuboid, whereby they are particularly easy to produce. For example, the platelets 12 be made by cutting (shearing) a flat material. In this sense, in the context of the invention by "punching" and "shearing" to understand. In principle, also deviating from the cuboid shapes for the platelets 12 imaginable. For example, these may be on the contact arm 8th rounded end facing.

Furthermore, the platelets 12 one each with a journal 16 the role 13 corresponding hole 17 on. Other recesses with closed border are not provided. This is another feature, which is an inexpensive production of the platelets 12 favored.

From the 3 is also apparent that first opposing and mutually parallel surfaces 18 the slide 12 (here the upper and lower square surfaces) with parallel guide surfaces 19 in the switching shaft 7 interact and that second normally aligned surfaces 20 the slide 12 (here the rear square surfaces) with the compression spring 14 interact.

From the 3 and 4 is also apparent that the compression spring 14 directly on the in the switching shaft 7 slidably mounted storage device 12 acts. In other words, between the compression spring 14 and the platelets 12 no further component arranged. Although the platelets 12 loose in the switching shaft 7 is arranged and also the compression spring 14 with regard to their contact surface on the platelets 12 does not need to be specially aligned, it has been shown that the arrangement by the line contact of the roll 12 on the contact arm 8th is sufficiently stabilized. Overall, this results in a very easy to manufacture bearing device 12 ,

It is beneficial if the platelets 12 in the switching shaft 7 are substantially congruent with respect to their extent in the plane and only spaced apart from each other in the normal direction, as in the 3 and 4 is shown. This results in a more or less planar support surface for the compression spring 14 ,

In addition, it is favorable if third surfaces 21 the slide 12 which are normal to the first and second surfaces 18 . 20 are aligned (here the inner surfaces of the platelets 12 ) with plane surfaces 22 the role 13 interact. This will make the tiles 12 additionally aligned.

5 now shows an embodiment which in the 3 and 4 illustrated embodiment is very similar. In contrast, but has the bearing device a U-shaped bracket 23 on, which is made by forming (bending) of a stamped part and which two substantially parallel aligned legs 24 and one the thighs 24 connecting footbridge 25 includes. This means that a blank punched out of a sheet or cut from a flat material and then bent in a U-shape. This is the storage device 23 also easy to produce. It is advantageous if the storage device 23 beyond that has no further parts.

The role 13 can in many ways between the thighs 24 to be built in. For example, a separate axis can be used, which passes through the holes 17 and one in the role 13 arranged hole is inserted. It is also conceivable that the role 13 already during the forming of the blank, that is, when bending the U-shaped bracket 23 , is inserted. Finally, another option is to use the bracket 23 after bending elastically to slightly widen the role 13 insert and the thighs 24 then spring back to the starting position.

Another elegant way to mount the role 13 in the temple 23 is in 6 shown. Instead of drilling 17 here is a slot 26 provided in the role 13 is introduced during their assembly. By the spring 14 becomes the role 13 in the assembled state of the contact arm 8th in the slot 26 held and can not fall out forward.

In the above examples it was assumed that the spring was used as a compression spring 14 is trained. However, this is not a mandatory condition for the invention. Of course, in principle, other types of springs can be used, such as a tension spring, a torsion spring or a leaf spring. By appropriate design, the surfaces 20 or the bridge 25 serve as a force-introducing element. For example, one (the contact arm 8th acting) tension spring on the bridge 25 be hung. A leaf spring or a torsion spring, for example, on the surfaces 20 or the footbridge 25 Act.

Finally, it is noted that the technology for machining the bearing device 12 . 23 Of course not limited to punching or shearing. Of course, the storage device 12 . 23 can also be edited in other ways. For example, the hole 17 not only stamped, but also produced for example with a twist drill. Also the slot 26 can be stamped or produced for example by sawing. Other technologies that can be used in principle include, for example, laser cutting and water jet cutting.

In conclusion, it is further noted that the circuit breaker 1 respectively whose components are not necessarily shown to scale and therefore may also have other proportions. Furthermore, a circuit breaker 1 Also include more or fewer components than shown. Location information (eg "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc.) are based on the respective figure described and are in a change in position of the circuit breaker 1 to adapt to the new situation. Finally, it is noted that the above refinements and developments of the invention can be combined in any desired manner.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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

• US 2008/0218296 A1 [0002]

Claims (10)

Circuit breaker ( 1 ), comprising a housing ( 2 ), a rotatably mounted therein switching shaft ( 7 ), one in the shift shaft ( 7 ) rotatably mounted contact arm ( 8th ), one in the selector shaft ( 7 ) slidably mounted bearing device ( 12 . 23 ), one in the storage device ( 12 . 23 ) rotatably mounted roller ( 13 ) as well as one in the switching shaft ( 7 ) and stored on the storage device ( 12 . 23 ) acting spring ( 14 ), characterized in that the storage device ( 12 . 23 ) is made of a stamped part. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage device comprises two mutually independent plates ( 12 ), between which the role ( 13 ) is arranged. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the platelets ( 12 ) are substantially cuboidal. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing device comprises a U-shaped bracket ( 23 ), which is produced by deformation of the stamped part and which two substantially parallel aligned leg ( 24 ) and one the thighs ( 24 ) connecting bridge ( 25 ). Breaker ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spring ( 14 ) directly onto the storage device ( 12 . 23 ) acts. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the platelets ( 12 ) / Thighs ( 24 ) in the switching shaft ( 7 ) are substantially congruent with respect to their extent in the plane and only spaced from each other in the normal direction. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the platelets ( 12 ) / Thighs ( 24 ) one each with a journal ( 16 ) of the role ( 13 ) corresponding bore ( 17 ) exhibit. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that first opposing and mutually parallel aligned surfaces ( 18 ) of the platelets / legs with parallel guide surfaces ( 19 ) in the switching shaft ( 7 ) and that second normally aligned surfaces ( 20 ) of the platelets ( 12 ) or the bridge ( 25 ) of the U-shaped bracket ( 23 ) with the spring ( 14 ) cooperate / cooperate. Circuit breaker ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that third surfaces ( 21 ) of the platelets ( 12 ) / Thighs ( 24 ) normal to the first and second surfaces ( 18 . 20 ), with plane surfaces ( 22 ) of the role ( 13 ) interact. Use of a bearing device produced from a stamped part ( 12 . 23 ) for installation in a switching shaft ( 7 ) of a circuit breaker ( 1 ), for the rotatable and displaceable storage of a roll ( 13 ), which on one in the switching shaft ( 7 ) rotatably mounted contact arm ( 8th ) and for receiving one of a spring ( 14 ) applied force, which also in the switching shaft ( 7 ) is arranged.

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