DE102020132934B3 - Controller, system and method for controlling an electro-mechanical switch assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit (50) for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement (10), the electromechanical switch arrangement (10) having an electrical switch arrangement (11) with at least one electrical control switch (14.3) and an energy supply, and a mechanical switch (12) for connection to a load, wherein the mechanical switch (12) has a base contact (16) for contacting the load and changeover contacts (18, 20) for contacting different energy supply systems, one of the changeover contacts being used as a start depending on the switching state - switching contact (18) is used and another of the changeover contacts is used as a target switching contact (20), and- the electrical control switch (14.3) and the power supply of the electrical switch arrangement (11) for providing bridging energy (ÜE) when switching over the mechanical switch (12) are formed, wherein- the control unit (50) with the mecha nical switch (12) and can be connected to the electrical control switch (14.3) and the power supply of the electromechanical switch arrangement (10). According to the invention, the control device (50) is designed to determine a signal position (k2) of the target switching contact ( 20) to receive and to control generation of the bridging energy (ÜE) depending on the signal position (k2) at the target switching contact (20).

Description

The invention relates to a control device according to the preamble of claim 1 for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement, in particular a hybrid contactor, the electromechanical switch arrangement having an electrical switch arrangement with at least one electrical control switch and a power supply and for connection to a load, in particular has for connection to an electric motor. The invention also relates to a corresponding system for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement with a power supply and the control device, and a method for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement.

In US 2017/0 324 355 A1 basically describes a control method for controlling, in the case for controlling a glass factory. Two main propulsion electric motors are powered by a municipal power supply or by a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). If one of the power supplies fails, the corresponding electric motor may stop - but the other is kept hot. Concretely, a main control circuit that controls a frequency of a frequency converter so as to control a rotation speed of a main driving electric motor will be described. The steering is done with an in 1 the US 2017/0 324 355 A1 shown control unit, which controls a switch between two energy sources; namely between the municipal power supply and the UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

A control device for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement, in particular a hybrid contactor, for connection to a load, in particular to an electric motor, is known in that a hybrid contactor known per se has a mechanical switch and at least one semiconductor switch. The mechanical switch has a base contact and two changeover contacts. The semiconductor switch is designed to provide bridging energy when switching over. A system known per se for providing bridging energy has a semiconductor switch and a power supply.

Such a system mentioned at the outset is known in principle from DE 102 01 467 A1 , in which the system controls a hybrid contactor by means of a control unit in such a way that an AC motor can start up either in direct start mode or in soft start mode; the system therefore controls the hybrid contactor with a view to selecting a switching device according to the mode of application, ie in this case the motor. The hybrid contactor is able to absorb a surge current and limit arc generation at the initial stage of starting in direct-on-line mode by controlling. However, even this cannot completely prevent arcing.

DE 10 2018 100 974 A1 describes a circuit arrangement for applying an electrical signal to an electrical consumer, with a signal connection to which the electrical signal can be applied, a first signal branch, a second signal branch, a sensor which is electrically connected to the signal connection and is designed to have the electrical signal to check for a change in polarity within a checking time interval, and a controller. A semiconductor switch is arranged in the first signal branch, the semiconductor switch being designed to electrically close the first signal branch in a closed state in order to electrically connect the electrical load to the signal connection via the first signal branch, and to close the first signal branch in an open state interrupt. A relay is arranged in the second signal branch, the relay being designed to electrically close the second signal branch in order to electrically connect the electrical load to the signal connection via the second signal branch. In the event of a detected polarity change, the controller is designed to determine a first signal time for driving the semiconductor switch and a second signal time for driving the relay. When the relay is switched without voltage and/or current, the formation of an arc and/or chattering can be prevented. A time profile of a current and/or a voltage can be detected with the sensor in order to determine an advantageous switch-on time for the semiconductor switch and/or for the relay.

It is desirable, generally for a hybrid contactor, to avoid current surges and arc generation in an even better way.

This is where the invention comes in, the object of which is to provide an improved device and a corresponding method with regard to known control systems for hybrid contactors, in particular to provide a system for generating bridging energy and a control device - in which an arc generation should practically not take place be able

The object is achieved with regard to the device by a control device according to claim 1.

The invention provides a control device for an electromechanical switch arrangement, in particular a hybrid contactor, having an electrical switch arrangement with at least one electrical control switch and a power supply and a mechanical switch for connection to a load, in particular to an electric motor, of the type mentioned at the outset which can be connected to the mechanical switch and to the electrical control switch and the power supply. Alternatively, the load can be a compressor or an electric machine on a utility grid.

The mechanical switch here has a base contact and two changeover contacts, with one of the changeover contacts serving as a start switch contact and another of the changeover contacts serving as a destination switch contact, depending on the switching state. In this case, the start switching contact is to be understood as the changeover contact that is contacted by the mechanical switch and the target switching contact is to be understood as the changeover contact that is not contacted by the mechanical switch. The electrical control switch, in particular a semiconductor switch, and the energy supply of the electrical switch arrangement are designed to provide bridging energy when switching over the mechanical switch. For example, the semiconductor switch is a MOSFET. Alternatively, the semiconductor switch can also be a bipolar transistor.

The control unit can be, for example, a programmable logic gate arrangement (Field Programmable Gate Array FPGA). In contrast to conventional controllers, computers or microcontrollers (microcontrollers), such a control unit can be used to program the desired circuit structure, which specifies how the elements of the control unit are to be interconnected. Advantageously, an FPGA can be programmed in the field, i.e. at the user's site.

The load is contacted via the base contact of the mechanical switch. The changeover contacts make contact with different energy supply systems, so that the load can be supplied with energy via different systems.

According to the invention, the control device is provided to receive a signal position of the target switching contact and to control generation of the bridging energy depending on the signal position at the target switching contact.

The present invention thus specifies a device and a method with which, under appropriate control, bridging energy can be provided in an improved manner. An electromechanical switch arrangement, in particular a hybrid contactor, can be controlled in such a way that the bridging energy is controlled comparatively quickly to a signal curve of a signal position at the target switching contact, in particular with improved avoidance of arcing when switching. The invention is based on the consideration that the shaping of the bridging energy in relation to the connected load can still be improved.

Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that a load can be supplied with energy from different energy supplier systems. If the energy supply to the load is switched from one supply system, for example a wind turbine supply system, to another system, for example a photovoltaic supply system, the formation of suitable bridging energy should prevent arcing.

It is further provided according to the invention that the control unit is designed to receive the signal level of the target switching contact and to control the bridging energy depending on the signal level at the target switching contact, in particular to provide it and to control it in this way.

With such a control unit, the bridging energy can be generated and provided in an improved manner, in particular individually adapted to the requirements of the application.

• - eine Energieversorgung, insbesondere mit einem Inverter und/oder einem Energiespeicher und/oder einer Gleichspannungsversorgung, zur Erzeugung einer Überbrückungsenergie, und
• - das erfindungsgemäße Steuergerät zum gesteuerten Erzeugen der Überbrückungsenergie.

The invention also leads to a system according to claim 7 with the control device according to the invention. The system for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement, in particular a hybrid contactor, has:

• - an energy supply, in particular with an inverter and/or an energy store and/or a DC voltage supply, for generating bridging energy, and
• - The control device according to the invention for the controlled generation of the bridging energy.

The object is achieved with regard to the method by a method for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement according to claim 13.

• - Detektieren einer Signallage an einem Start-Schaltkontakt und/oder einer Signallage an einem Ziel-Schaltkontakt eines mechanischen Schalters der Schalteranordnung,
• - Erzeugen einer Überbrückungsenergie;
• - Öffnen des mechanischen Schalters und Ansteuern, insbesondere Schließen, eines elektrischen Steuerschalters, wobei durch das Ansteuern des elektrischen Steuerschalters die Überbrückungsenergie bereitgestellt wird,
• - Schließen des mechanischen Schalters, wobei durch Berühren des Ziel-Schaltkontakts ein elektrisches Signal erzeugt und an ein Steuergerät ausgegeben wird,
• - weiteres Ansteuern, insbesondere Öffnen, des elektrischen Steuerschalters durch Empfangen des elektrischen Signals vom Steuergerät. Dabei ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass das Erzeugen der Überbrückungsenergie abhängig von der Signallage an dem Ziel-Schaltkontakt, insbesondere der Signallage an dem Start-Schaltkontakt und der Signallage an dem Ziel-Schaltkontakt, durch das Steuergerät gesteuert wird.

The method for controlling an electro-mechanical switch arrangement has the following steps:

• - Detecting a signal level at a start switching contact and/or a signal level a target switching contact of a mechanical switch of the switch arrangement,
• - generating a bridging energy;
• - Opening the mechanical switch and activating, in particular closing, an electrical control switch, the bridging energy being provided by activating the electrical control switch,
• - Closing of the mechanical switch, whereby an electrical signal is generated by touching the target switch contact and is output to a control device,
• - Further activation, in particular opening, of the electrical control switch by receiving the electrical signal from the control unit. The invention provides that the generation of the bridging energy is controlled by the control unit depending on the signal level at the target switch contact, in particular the signal level at the start switch contact and the signal level at the target switch contact.

The generation of the bridging energy can be adjusted more flexibly and more precisely in the context of the control concept according to the invention, i.e. with the control unit according to the invention, the system and the method, in the event of changing requirements - and thus also changing signal positions at the target switching contact; In particular, as a result of changing signal positions at the target switching contact, arcing can be avoided when switching. In particular, based on knowledge of the signal position of the target switching contact, suitable bridging energy can be provided and introduced.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims and specify advantageous possibilities in detail for realizing the concept explained above within the scope of the task and with regard to further advantages.

The control unit is preferably designed to also receive a signal level of the start switch contact and to control the generation of the bridging energy--advantageously in addition to depending on the signal level at the target switch contact-- depending on the signal level at the start switch contact. This allows the bridging energy to be shaped even more precisely. Advantageously, signal position is to be understood primarily as the level and phase of the signal. Preferably, the signal position of the base contact, the signal position of the start switching contact and/or the signal position of the target switching contact is characterized by a phase curve for an AC voltage or a voltage level.

The control unit is advantageously designed to calculate a suitable transition from the signal position at the start switching contact to the signal position at the destination switching contact for the bridging energy. The transition is suitable in that, based on this calculation, the controller generates a control signal and outputs this control signal to the electrical control switch and outputs the power supply in order to shape the bridging power. The energy supply can be formed, for example, as an inverter and/or an energy store and/or a DC voltage supply or can include an inverter and/or an energy store and/or a DC voltage supply.

In a further development, the contacts of the mechanical switch, i.e. base contact, start switch contact and destination switch contact, are connected to detection devices. The detection devices are designed to measure the signal position at one of the contacts or at a selection of the respective contacts. A detection device can be in the form of a sensor, for example, which can measure the signal position, in particular a phase and/or voltage level, at a contact; In particular, several sensors can be provided for such a measurement of a signal position at the base contact, the start switch contact and/or the target switch contact. By measuring the signal levels at the different contacts, the signal level of the base contact to which the load is connected can be adapted to the signal level of the respective changeover contact comparatively faster and more precisely than before. This avoids arcs being generated when switching from one energy supply system to another energy supply system.

The detection device advantageously has a signal memory for storing the signal level at the base contact, the signal level at the target switching contact and the signal level at the start switching contact.

In one development, the control unit is designed to control the generation of the bridging energy by means of pulse width modulation; in particular, the control unit is designed to output a pulse width modulated control signal to an inverter. The use of pulse width modulation results in efficient operation as no more power is drawn from the power supply than necessary. In addition, a high level of responsiveness and control accuracy can be achieved with pulse width modulation.

In one development, the control unit is designed to generate the control signal, with the control signal being present at the electrical control switch and/or at the power supply at the point in time at which the mechanical switch releases from the start switching contact. As a result, the bridging energy can be provided at the respective point in time at which the mechanical switch releases from the start switch contact. This means that the connected load is not disconnected from the power supply.

The bridging energy for reaching the signal position at the target switching contact is advantageously provided within a switching time of the mechanical switch. The result of this is that the signal position, which was previously present at the base contact via the start switching contact, is matched to the signal position of the target switching contact by the bridging energy.

In one development, the electrical control switch is designed as a semiconductor switch, in particular as a transistor, to provide bridging energy when switching over the mechanical switch. A transistor has the advantage that it can be operated as an on-off switch. When a zero signal is applied to the base of the transistor, it turns "OFF" and thus acts like an open switch. When a positive signal is applied to the base, it turns "ON" and acts like a closed switch. In addition, transistors have a short switching time of up to less than a nanosecond. Such a short switching time allows the bridging energy to be provided quickly and flexibly.

According to the above-mentioned further aspect of the invention, as explained, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a system which, for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement, in particular a hybrid contactor, has: - an energy supply, in particular with an inverter and/or an energy store and /or a DC voltage supply for generating a bridging energy, and a control device according to the invention for the controlled generation of the bridging energy.

The energy supply has in particular an inverter and/or an energy store and/or a DC voltage supply for the controlled generation of the bridging energy. The inverter is preferably designed to receive the control signal from the control unit. The control signal contains information about the shape of the curve of the bridging energy, based on which the inverter forms the bridging energy with the energy provided from the energy supply.

In a development, the system has a capacitor as an energy store and a rectifier bridge. The rectifier bridge is designed to receive alternating current, convert it into direct current and pass it on to the capacitor. The capacitor is designed to pass on the stored energy as direct current.
Alternatively, the energy store consists of one or more batteries or other similar storage elements.

• - Empfangen von technischen Charakteristiken eines Inverters, insbesondere dessen Schaltgeschwindigkeit und dessen Schaltfrequenz, wobei das Erzeugen der Überbrückungsenergie zusätzlich abhängig ist von den technischen Charakteristiken des Inverters.

Advantageously, the method for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement provides that additional technical characteristics of an inverter, in particular its switching speed and its switching frequency, are taken into account when generating the bridging energy. The method preferably has the additional step:

• - Receiving technical characteristics of an inverter, in particular its switching speed and its switching frequency, the generation of the bridging energy is also dependent on the technical characteristics of the inverter.

• - Empfangen technischen Charakteristiken einer an die Schalteranordnung angeschlossenen Last, wobei eine Erzeugung der Überbrückungsenergie zusätzlich abhängig ist von den technischen Charakteristiken der Last.

In a further development, the method provides for additional technical characteristics of a load connected to the switch arrangement to be taken into account when generating the bridging energy. The method preferably has the additional step:

• - Receiving technical characteristics of a load connected to the switch arrangement, generation of the bridging energy also being dependent on the technical characteristics of the load.

• 1A ein Schema einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Systems mit Steuergerät zur Steuerung einer elektro-mechanischen Schalteranordnung gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung;
• 1B schematisch dargestellte Funktionseinheiten des Steuergeräts der 1A;
• 2 ein grundsätzliches Funktionsschema eines mechanischen Schalters, gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
• 3 zur Erläuterung der bevorzugten Ausführungsform ein exemplarischer Verlauf einer Überbrückungsenergie;
• 4 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zum Steuern einer elektro-mechanischen Schalteranordnung mit einem Steuergerät gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung;
• 5A ein grundsätzliches Schema eines Systems zur Erzeugung einer Überbrückungsenergie mit einer Übersicht seiner Komponenten gemäß dem Konzept der Erfindung; und
• 5B ein konkretes beispielhaftes Schaltbild eines Systems mit Steuergerät zur Steuerung einer elektro-mechanischen Schalteranordnung und mit einem daran angebundenen gesteuerten Elektromotor als Beispiel einer Last.

Embodiments of the invention are now described below with reference to the drawing in comparison to the prior art, some of which is also shown. This is not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale, rather the drawing is in schematic and/or slightly distorted form where it is useful for explanation. With regard to additions to the teachings that can be seen directly from the drawing, reference is made to the relevant state of the art. In the case of specified design ranges, values within the specified limits should also be disclosed as limit values and be usable and stressable as required. Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in:

• 1A a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a system with a controller for controlling an electro-mechanical switch ter arrangement according to the concept of the invention;
• 1B Schematically illustrated functional units of the control unit 1A ;
• 2 a basic functional diagram of a mechanical switch, according to the prior art;
• 3 to explain the preferred embodiment, an exemplary course of a bridging energy;
• 4 a flow chart of a preferred embodiment of a method for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement with a control device according to the concept of the invention;
• 5A a basic scheme of a system for generating a bridging energy with an overview of its components according to the concept of the invention; and
• 5B a concrete exemplary circuit diagram of a system with a control unit for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement and with a controlled electric motor connected to it as an example of a load.

1A shows a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a system 100 with a control device 50 for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement in the form of a hybrid contactor 10. The hybrid contactor 10 has a mechanical switch 12 and two semiconductor switches 14.1, 14.2. The hybrid contactor 10 is part of an electrical switch arrangement 11 which, in addition to the hybrid contactor 10, also has an electrical control switch 14.3 in the form of a further semiconductor switch. Detail Y shows an example of a semiconductor switch 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3, a MOSFET as a circuit symbol T1 and as a component T1'. Detail Y' shows an example of a semiconductor switch 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3 as a MOSFET as component T1'.

The mechanical switch 12 has a base contact 16 and two changeover contacts. The changeover contacts are referred to as start switch contact 18 and target switch contact 20 depending on the switchover state of mechanical switch 12 . The changeover contact to which the mechanical switch 12 rests is referred to as the start switch contact 18 . The respective other changeover contact is referred to as the target switching contact 20 . The start and destination switching contact thus change each time the mechanical switch 12 is switched over. A power supply network P1 and P2 is connected via the changeover contacts. The base contact 16 serves as a connection for a load in the form of an electric motor M. The detection devices DET1, DET2 and DET3 are connected to the base contact 16, the start switching contact 18 and the target switching contact 20.

The detection devices DET1, DET2 and DET3 measure the signal levels k0, k1 and k2 at the base contact 16, the start switch contact 18 and the target switch contact 20. The signal level k0 is at the base contact 16, the signal level k1 is at the start Switch contact 18 and the signal position k2 is at the target switch contact 20. Detail X shows a current-voltage Hall effect sensor 2 as an example for the detection device DET1, DET2 and DET3. The detection devices DET1, DET2 and DET3 are connected to a control unit 50 in the form of an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array FPGA). Detail Z shows such an FPGA as an example.

The FPGA receives the measured signal positions k0, k1 and k2 from the detection devices DET1, DET2 and DET3. From the received signal levels k0, k1 and k2, the FPGA calculates the necessary form of bridging energy that is required when switching the mechanical switch 12 from the start switch contact 18 to the target switch contact 20 in order to switch from the signal level k1 at the start switch contact 18 to match the signal level k2 at the target switching contact 20 without arcing occurring when switching. Based on this calculation, the FPGA generates a control signal for delivery to the power supply in the form of an inverter 22 and an energy store 24 and a DC voltage supply 44.

The electrical control switch 14.3 is also connected to an inverter 22. The inverter 22 receives the control signal from the FPGA. With the help of the control signal, the inverter forms the bridging energy ÜE, which is made available to it by an energy store 24, possibly in the form of a battery.

1B shows schematically represented functional units of a control device 50 according to the concept of the invention. The control device 50 has an energy control unit 50.1, a switch control unit 50.2, an inverter control unit 50.3, a time control unit 50.4, a BUS control unit 50.5 and a detector control unit 50.6.

With the energy control unit 50.1, the bridging energy ÜE can be specified and retrieved from an energy store 24.

The switch control unit 50.2 can be used to switch over the mechanical switch 12 and the electrical control switch.

The inverter 22 can be controlled with the inverter control unit 50.3. It can also be the sig The position and the course of the signal position can be controlled by generating corresponding control signals from the FPGA. The inverter 22 then generates the bridging energy ÜE according to the control signal.

The switching moment of the mechanical switch 12 can be specified with the time control unit 50.4 and a signal for switching the mechanical switch 12 can be sent to it.

The signal transmission from the FPGA to external connections can be controlled with the BUS control unit 50.5.

The measurement of the signal position of the detector units can be received and analyzed with the detector control unit 50.6.

2 shows a basic functional diagram of a mechanical switch 12 according to the prior art. Such a mechanical switch 12 has a base contact 16 and two changeover contacts 18, 20. The changeover contact on which the mechanical switch 12 rests is referred to as the start switch contact 18 . The changeover contact on which the mechanical switch 12 is not in contact is referred to as the target switching contact 18 . A signal position k0 is present at the base contact 16 . The signal level k1 is present at the start switch contact and a signal level k2 is present at the target switch contact 20 . In addition, the changeover contacts 18, 20 can each be connected to a power supply network P1, P2. The switching position of the mechanical switch 12 can be detected with a detector 15 .

3 shows an exemplary course of a bridging energy ÜE over time t to explain the preferred embodiment. The signal level k1 and the signal level k2 have the same maximum value but different phases. In this embodiment, the switching time Ts of the mechanical switch is between 2 ms and 15 ms. The bridging energy is provided at a point in time ti. At this time ti, the bridging energy preferably corresponds to the signal level k1 at the time ti. The point in time ti corresponds to the point in time at which the mechanical switch is released from the start switching contact and the electronic control switch is closed. The control unit controls the bridging energy ÜE in such a way that the phase of the curve 38 of the bridging energy is adapted to the phase of the signal position k2 up to the point in time t ₂ . The point in time t ₂ corresponds to the point in time at which the mechanical switch makes contact with the target switching contact and the electronic control switch is opened. In this case, the control device can calculate positions 36 of the curve 38 of the bridging energy in advance.

• - Detektieren 210 einer Signallage k1 an einem Start-Schaltkontakt 18 und/oder einer Signallage k2 an einem Ziel-Schaltkontakt 20 eines mechanischen Schalters 12 der Schalteranordnung 10,
• - Erzeugen 220 einer Überbrückungsenergie ÜE;
• - Öffnen 230 des mechanischen Schalters 12 und Schließen 240 eines elektrischen Steuerschalters 14.3, wobei durch das Schließen des elektrischen Steuerschalters 14.3 die Überbrückungsenergie ÜE bereitgestellt wird,
• - Schließen 250 des mechanischen Schalters 12, wobei durch Berühren des Ziel-Schaltkontakts 20 ein elektrisches Signal erzeugt und an ein Steuergerät 50 ausgegeben wird,
• - Öffnen 260 des elektrischen Steuerschalters 14.3 durch Empfangen des elektrischen Signals vom Steuergerät 50.

4 shows a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a method 200 for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement, here in the form of a hybrid contactor 10, with a control unit 50, which was explained here in a preferred embodiment according to the concept of the invention before. The method 200 includes the steps:

• - Detecting 210 a signal level k1 at a start switch contact 18 and/or a signal level k2 at a target switch contact 20 of a mechanical switch 12 of the switch arrangement 10,
• - Generating 220 a bridging energy ÜE;
• - Opening 230 of the mechanical switch 12 and closing 240 of an electrical control switch 14.3, the bridging energy ÜE being provided by the closing of the electrical control switch 14.3,
• - Closing 250 of the mechanical switch 12, with an electrical signal being generated by touching the target switching contact 20 and being output to a control unit 50,
• - Opening 260 of the electrical control switch 14.3 by receiving the electrical signal from the control unit 50.

The generation 220 of the bridging energy ÜE is controlled both by the signal level at the start switch contact and the signal level at the target switch contact by the control device and by technical characteristics of an inverter and technical characteristics of a load connected to the switch arrangement. Therefore, the method also includes the additional steps of receiving 212 technical characteristics of an inverter and receiving 214 technical characteristics of a load connected to the switch arrangement. The provision of the bridging energy ÜE starts with the step opening 230 of the mechanical switch or closing 240 of a semiconductor switch, namely the electrical control switch, and ends with the step closing 250 of the mechanical switch or opening 260 of the semiconductor switch. In this case, steps 230 and 240 take place approximately simultaneously, in particular simultaneously. Steps 250 and 260 also take place approximately simultaneously, in particular simultaneously. The closing 240 of the semiconductor switch is achieved by driving the semiconductor switch. The opening 260 of the semiconductor switch is also achieved by driving the semiconductor switch further.

According to the concept of the invention, provision is made for the signal position of the start switch contact to control the signal position of the target switch contact—as shown here and above. The signal position of the target switching contact is preferably reached within the switching time of the mechanical switch.

5A Figure 12 shows a basic schematic of a preferred embodiment of a system 100 for generating a bridging power with an overview of its components according to the concept of the invention. The system includes an electro-mechanical switch assembly 10 . The electromechanical switch arrangement 10 has a mechanical switch 12, a semiconductor switch 14.3, an inverter 22, an energy store 24, a rectifier bridge 26 with diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 and a control unit 50.

The mechanical switch 12, the semiconductor switch 14.3, the inverter 22, the energy store 24 and the control unit 50 are already from the 1A known and were in connection with the 1A described.

The rectifier bridge 26 with the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 supplies the energy store 24 with energy from an energy supply network. In addition, the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 convert AC voltage to DC voltage.

5B shows an example of a circuit diagram with a control device 50 in a system 100 for generating bridging energy. According to the concept of the invention. An electric motor M is operated with the system 100 . As an alternative to an electric motor M, a compressor or an electric machine can also be operated on a supply network; loads other than those mentioned here as examples are also possible.

The system 100 includes an electromechanical switch arrangement in the form of a hybrid contactor 10. The hybrid contactor 10 has a mechanical switch 12 and two semiconductor switches 14.1, 14.2. The hybrid contactor 10 is part of an electrical switch arrangement 11 which, in addition to the hybrid contactor 10, also has an electrical control switch 14.3 in the form of a further semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switches 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3 are each in the form of transistors.

The hybrid contactor 10 includes a mechanical switch 12 and two semiconductor switches 14.1, 14.2. The mechanical switch 12 has a base contact 16 and two changeover contacts, a start switch contact 18 and a target switch contact 20 on. The electric motor M is connected both to the base contact 16 and to a ground N via connections 34 . The electric motor M is connected via the mechanical switch 12 and with one of the changeover contacts 18, 20 via mains connections 42 either to the power supply network P1 or to the power supply network P2. Furthermore, the base contact 16 and the changeover contacts 18, 20 each have a detection device DET1, DET2 and DET3. The detection devices DET1, DET2 and DET3 each measure the signal position k0, k1 or k3 which is present at the corresponding contact. In the currently shown position of the mechanical switch 12, the electric motor is supplied with energy via the base contact 16, the changeover contact 18 and the power supply network P1. If the electric motor M is now to be supplied with energy via the energy supply network P2, the mechanical switch 12 switches over to the changeover contact 20. To ensure that no arcs are generated when the mechanical switch 12 is switched over, a control unit 50, here an FPGA, controls the generation and provision of bridging energy.

For this purpose, the control unit 50 is connected to the detection devices DET1, DET2 and DET3 and receives the measured signal levels k0, k1 and k2 at the base contact 16 and the changeover contacts 18 and 20. The signal level k0 of the base contact 16, the signal level k1 of the start switch contact 18 and signal level k2 of the target switching contact 20 are measured as a phase curve φ for AC voltage or a voltage level a. Furthermore, the control device 50 is connected to the mechanical switch 12 and the semiconductor switches 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3 in order to switch or control them. In order to control the generation and provision of the bridging energy, the control unit 50 is also connected to an inverter 22 and an energy store 24 . The control device 50 is also connected to a BUS system via a BUS connection 32 .

As part of an energy supply, the energy store 24 has two capacitors C1 and C2. The bridging energy is stored in the capacitors C1 and C2. For power supply, these capacitors C1 and C2 can be connected to a 3 volt DC power supply 44 via an inverter 28 and thus connected to a voltage and charged. In addition, the capacitors C1 and C2 can be charged via a rectifier bridge 26 with four diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 from the respectively connected power supply system P1, P2. For the power supply, the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4 rectify an AC voltage of the power supply network P1 or P2.

The control unit 50 is designed to calculate the necessary bridging energy and to generate a corresponding control signal when the mechanical switch 12 switches over. The control unit 50 is further designed to output the present pulse width modulated control signal to the inverter 22 . The inverter 22 forms the bridging energy, which is pre-stored by the energy store 24, in accordance with the control signal. The bridging energy is made available to the electric motor M during the switching of the mechanical switch 12 via a ferrite coil 30 with overvoltage protection 40 and the electrical control switch 14.3.

Reference List

2

Hall sensor

10

Hybrid contactor

12

mechanical switch

14.1, 14.2, 14.3

Semiconductor switch, electric control switch

15

detector

16

base contact

18

Start switch contact

20

Target switch contact

22

inverters

24

energy storage

26

rectifier bridge

28

converter

30

Ferrite core coil

32

BUS connection

34

connections

36

Positions of the history of the bridging energy

38

Course of the bridging energy

40

Surge Protection Diode

42

power connections

44

DC power supply

50

control unit

50.1

energy control unit

50.2

relay control unit

50.3

inverter control unit

50.4

time control unit

50.5

BUS control unit

50.6

panel control unit

100

system

200

procedure

210

Detection of the signal layers

212

Receive technical characteristics of an inverter

214

Receive technical characteristics of a load

220

Generating a bridging energy

230

Opening a mechanical switch

240

Closing a semiconductor switch

250

Closing the mechanical switch

260

Opening of the semiconductor switch

a

voltage level

BUS

BUS system

C1, C2

capacitor

D1, D2, D3, D4

diode

DET1, DET2, DET3

detection device

k0

Signal position at the base contact

k1

Signal position at the start switch contact

k2

Signal position at the target switching contact

M

electric motor

N, SL

Dimensions

P1, P2

power grid

T

time

ts

switching time

TU

bridging energy

φ

phase progression

Claims (18)

Control unit (50) for controlling an electromechanical switch arrangement (10), the electromechanical switch arrangement (10) having an electrical switch arrangement (11) with at least one electrical control switch (14.3) and a power supply and a mechanical switch (12) for connection to a load, wherein - the mechanical switch (12) has a base contact (16) for contacting the load and changeover contacts (18, 20) for contacting different energy supply systems, with one of the changeover contacts acting as a start switch contact (18 ) is used and another of the changeover contacts is used as a target switching contact (20), and - the electrical control switch (14.3) and the energy supply of the electrical switch arrangement (11) are designed to provide bridging energy (ÜE) when switching over the mechanical switch (12). are, where - the control unit (50) with the mechanical switch (12) un d can be connected to the electrical control switch (14.3) and the power supply of the electromechanical switch arrangement (10), characterized in that - the control unit (50) is designed to receive a signal position (k2) of the target switching contact (20) and to control generation of the bridging energy (ÜE) depending on the signal position (k2) at the target switching contact (20). Control unit (50) after claim 1 , characterized in that the control unit (50) is additionally designed - to receive a signal level (k1) of the start switch contact (18), and - to generate the bridging energy (ÜE) as an additional function of the signal level (k1) at the To control start switching contact (18). Control unit (50) after claim 2 , characterized in that the control unit (50) is designed - for the bridging energy (ÜE) a transition from the signal level (k1) at the start switch contact (18) to the signal level (k2) at the target switch contact (20) - to generate a control signal and to transmit it to the electrical control switch (14.3) and the energy supply, in particular to an inverter (22) and/or to an energy store (24) and/or to a DC voltage supply (44). Control unit (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (50) is designed to control the generation of the bridging energy (ÜE) by means of pulse width modulation, in particular the control unit (50) is designed to send a pulse width modulated control signal to an inverter (22) to issue. Control unit (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (50) is designed - to generate a control signal, the control signal being applied to the electrical control switch (14.3) and/or to the power supply at that point in time (t ₁ ) is present at which the mechanical switch (12) detaches from the start switching contact (20). Control unit (50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bridging energy (ÜE) for reaching the signal level (k2) at the target switching contact (20) is provided within a switching time (Ts) of the mechanical switch (12). System (100) with the electro-mechanical switch arrangement (10), in particular with a hybrid contactor, and with the control unit (50) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the system (100) further comprises: - the energy supply for generating the bridging energy (ÜE). system (100) after claim 7 , characterized in that the energy supply has an inverter (22) and/or an energy store (24) and/or a DC voltage supply (44). system (100) after claim 8 , having a capacitor (C1, C2) as an energy store (24) and a rectifier bridge (26), wherein - the rectifier bridge (26) is designed to receive alternating current, to convert it into direct current and to pass it on to the capacitor (C1, C2), and /or - the capacitor (C1, C2) is designed to pass on the stored energy as direct current. System (100) according to one of Claims 7 until 9 , characterized in that - the contacts (16, 18, 20) of the mechanical switch (12) are connected to detector devices (DET1, DET2, DET3) which are designed to detect the signal position (k0, k1, k2) of the contacts (16 , 18, 20) to measure, namely the signal position (k0, k1, k2) of the target switch contact (20) and / or the start switch contact (18) and / or the base contact (16). system (100) after claim 10 , characterized in that the detector devices (DET1, DET2, DET3) have a signal memory (54) for storing the signal position (k0) at the base contact (16), the signal position (k2) at the target switching contact (10) and/or the signal position (k1) on the start switch contact (18). System (100) according to one of Claims 7 until 11 , characterized in that the electrical control switch (14.3) for providing the bridging energy (ÜE) when switching over the mechanical switch (12) as a semiconductor switch, in particular as a transistor (T1) is formed. Method (200) for controlling the electromechanical switch arrangement (10), in particular a hybrid contactor, with the control unit (50) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , the method having the steps: - detecting (210) a signal position (k1) at the start switch contact (18) and/or a signal position (k2) at the target switch contact (20) of the mechanical switch (12) of the switch arrangement (10), - generating (220) the bridging energy (ÜE); - Opening (230) of the mechanical switch (12) and activating the electrical control switch (14.3), the bridging energy (ÜE) being provided by activating the electrical control switch (14.3), - Closing (250) the mechanical switch (12), wherein an electrical signal is generated by touching the target switching contact (20) and is output to the control unit (50), - further activation of the electrical control switch (14.3) by receiving the electrical signal from the control unit (50), characterized in that the generation (220) of the bridging energy (ÜE) is controlled by the control unit (50) depending on the signal position (k2) at the target switching contact (20). Method (200) according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the actuation of the electrical control switch (14.3) is a closing (240) of the electrical control switch (14.3) and/or the further actuation of the electrical control switch (14.3) is an opening (260) of the electrical control switch (14.3). Method (200) according to Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the generation (220) of the bridging energy (ÜE) depending on the signal level (k1) at the start switch contact (18) and the signal level (k2) at the target switch contact (20) by means of the control unit (50) is controlled. Method (200) according to any one of Claims 13 until 15 , characterized in that the signal position (k0) of the base contact (16), the signal position (k1) of the start switch contact (18) and/or the signal position (k2) of the target switch contact (20) is characterized by - a phase curve ( φ) for AC voltage, or - a voltage level (a). Method (200) according to any one of Claims 13 until 16 , characterized by the step - receiving (212) technical characteristics of an inverter (22), in particular its switching speed and its switching frequency, wherein - the generation (220) of the bridging energy (ÜE) is additionally dependent on the technical characteristics of the inverter (22 ). Method (200) according to any one of Claims 13 or 17 , characterized by the step of receiving (214) technical characteristics of a load connected to the switch arrangement (10), the generation (220) of the bridging energy (ÜE) also being dependent on the technical characteristics of the load.

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