EP0450104B1 - High-speed circuit breaker - Google Patents

High-speed circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0450104B1
EP0450104B1 EP90105938A EP90105938A EP0450104B1 EP 0450104 B1 EP0450104 B1 EP 0450104B1 EP 90105938 A EP90105938 A EP 90105938A EP 90105938 A EP90105938 A EP 90105938A EP 0450104 B1 EP0450104 B1 EP 0450104B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
circuit breaker
contact member
arc
speed circuit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90105938A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0450104A1 (en
Inventor
Fritz Dipl.-Phys. Pohl
Wilfried Jaehner
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Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to DE59009511T priority Critical patent/DE59009511D1/en
Priority to AT90105938T priority patent/ATE126388T1/en
Priority to EP90105938A priority patent/EP0450104B1/en
Publication of EP0450104A1 publication Critical patent/EP0450104A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0450104B1 publication Critical patent/EP0450104B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/36—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by sliding
    • H01H1/365—Bridging contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
    • H01H3/222—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using electrodynamic repulsion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/32—Insulating body insertable between contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/302—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts wherein arc-extinguishing gas is evolved from stationary parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/548—Electromechanical and static switch connected in series

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a high-speed switch for low-voltage systems with a device for detecting a short-circuit current and an electrodynamic eddy current release, which is provided with a drive which is arranged in the field of a coil and is provided for moving a contact member in an arcing chamber, the contact member in its direction of movement is provided with alternating electrically conductive contact areas and non-conductive surface areas and the quenching chamber contains contact pins, the ends of which are positively connected to the surface of the contact member.
  • the contact member is cylindrical.
  • Such a switch is known from US-A-3242257.
  • electrodynamic quick releases can also be used, which open the switching contacts within the first half-oscillation of a short-circuit current.
  • the magnetic field of a coil through which alternating current or a current with a high rate of rise flows, induces current in the opposite direction in a drive ring which is inductively coupled to it. Due to the repulsive effect of the two currents, a contact member which is non-positively connected to the drive ring receives a high acceleration. The moving contact element quickly reaches the full starting position through the contact element. With such triggers, switching times of around 0.5 ms can be achieved from the impulse initiation to the switching piece separation. Rising short-circuit currents are limited accordingly by these short idle times (low-voltage circuit breakers by H. Franken, Springer-Verlag 1980).
  • the tubular quenching chamber has a longitudinal bore which is adapted to the cross section of the slide.
  • a piece of metal inserted in the slide connects the contacts in the on position.
  • the slide which can preferably be made of a material that emits gas at elevated temperature, is pushed between the open contacts.
  • a switch of the type mentioned is known, in which the contact member is guided by means of a close-fitting seals in the inner wall of the arcing chamber. Furthermore, from CH-A-379 599 a high-voltage switching device for fast switching off is known, in which the switching bridge is flexibly inserted into a slot of an insulating body using a movable switching bridge and two fixed contact pieces, the isolating strength between the fixed contact pieces being ensured when the switch is switched off .
  • the invention has for its object to provide a high-speed switch that allows a limitation of the short-circuit current in electrical systems by the rapid build-up of a high arc voltage and is constructed in a simple manner.
  • the object is achieved in that the contact member is provided with at least one contact ring, that the contact ring is assigned two contact pieces which are radially opposite one another on the circumference of the contact ring in the hollow cylindrical arcing chamber, and that between the contact ring and the inner wall of the quenching chamber has a defined circumferential gap which is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, at least about 0.2 mm.
  • a first, second and third contact pin are arranged in the arcing chamber and the contact member is provided with a bridge system which is designed such that it only electrically connects the first and second contact pins when the switch is closed and with the movement of the contact member the electrical connection between this first and second contact is interrupted and the third contact pin is connected to the bridge system, and that there is a defined gap between the contact areas of the bridge system and the inner wall of the arcing chamber, which gap is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, at least about 0.2 mm.
  • Switches designed in this way have a simple structure and enable currents with large currents to be extinguished in a short time.
  • a particularly advantageous embodiment of the rapid switch contains a contact member with a cylindrical surface which is alternately provided with contact rings and insulating material rings in the direction of movement.
  • Each contact ring is assigned two contact pins, which face each other radially in the hollow cylindrical quenching chamber.
  • a further embodiment of the high-speed switch with contact pins arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the contact element can advantageously be used to isolate semiconductor components in the event of a short circuit.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a quick switch according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows the current profile in a diagram.
  • FIG. 3 shows the current pulse for exciting the eddy current release and
  • FIG. 4 shows the voltage curve.
  • FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the rapid switch with contact pins, which are radially opposite one another in the arcing chamber.
  • An embodiment of the rapid switch for unlocking a semiconductor component is illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 7 shows a special embodiment of the quick switch.
  • a contact member 2 is movably arranged in an arcing chamber 3 in a longitudinal direction.
  • the direction of movement of the contact member 2 is indicated by an arrow 4.
  • the contact member 2 is positively and non-positively connected to the drive ring 6 of an eddy current release 5, the magnet coil of which is denoted by 7 in the figure.
  • the eddy current release 5 is arranged in an enlarged part of the arcing chamber, which is provided with an opening 8 at the other end.
  • two contact pins 11 and 12 are arranged one behind the other in the chamber wall 10 in such a way that their ends rest on one end of a contact bridge 18 in the rest position of the contact member 2, which should consist, for example, of a flat insulating material body the surface are separated from each other by an insulating layer 19.
  • the contact pins 11 and 12 are under a contact pressure, which in the figure by unspecified Feathers is indicated.
  • the coil 7 of the eddy current release 5 can, for example, be connected to an electronic relay which continuously monitors the current rise in the operating current and, when an adjustable current rise or an adjustable response value, for example 2 to 5 times the nominal current, is exceeded, the coil 7 by means of a pulse-shaped release current stimulates.
  • the tripping current generates eddy currents in the drive ring in the opposite direction to the tripping current.
  • the repulsive forces move the contact member 2 abruptly in the direction of arrow 4.
  • the electrically conductive contact areas at the ends of the contact bridge 18 are arranged such that with the movement of the contact member 2 separating distances between the lower ends of the contact pins 11 and 12 and the contact areas of the contact bridge 18 can be opened.
  • the contact pins 11 and 12 are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the contact member 2.
  • a contact bridge can also be provided, the contact areas of which lie opposite one another on the upper and lower flat side of the contact member 2.
  • the contact pins 11 and 12 are then arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the contact member 2 in the upper and lower chamber wall 10.
  • FIG. 2 in which the forward current I D between the contact pins 11 and 12 of the high-speed switch is plotted as a function of the time t, in one Switch according to Figure 1 for a prospective, single-pole short-circuit current of, for example, 40 kA at a mains voltage of 240 V ⁇ at time t o a let-through current I D (letthrough current) rise, which is to be deleted by the quick switch.
  • An electronically preselected current threshold value I S defines the triggering condition of the eddy current trigger 5 and should, for example, be approximately 2.5 kA, so that, for example, starting currents for a motor with a nominal current of approximately 100 A cannot lead to triggering. Due to the inherent time of the electronics, not shown in FIG.
  • the build-up of the arc voltage between contacts 11 and 12 begins at time t 2.
  • the time delay between the drive pulse I A at time t 1 and the beginning of the steep arc voltage rise of about 2.5 V / »s at time t 3 should be, for example, about 100» s.
  • This time delay is due to the acceleration phase of the contact member 2, which first has to travel a distance of, for example, approximately 2.5 mm after being driven by the drive ring 6.
  • the forward current I D can thus rise to a maximum value of approximately 5.2 kA.
  • the maximum arc voltage according to FIG. 4 is approximately 700 V.
  • the forward current I D is extinguished and the voltage U at the contact pins 11 and 12 is limited to a voltage of approximately 340 V ⁇ .
  • the erase time from the tripping current I A at time t 1 to the extinction of the forward current I D at time t 4 is thus less than 0.5 ms.
  • a three-phase high-speed switch is provided with contact pins 11 to 16, two of which are each in the wall of a hollow cylindrical chamber 3 radially face each other.
  • the switching sections can be provided for operational switching; the eddy current release 5 is then actuated only in the event of a short circuit at a predetermined current threshold value I S with the release current I A.
  • the switching pins 11 to 16 are then each provided with a drive for a fixed switch-on and switch-off position, these drives are only indicated schematically in the figure, are designated 21 to 26 and are connected to the assigned switch pin only by a dashed line of action.
  • the contact element 2 is provided with a special embodiment of a bridge system 40, in which the contact element is in the switched-on state 2 electrically connects the contact pins 11 and 12 to a contact bridge 38.
  • the contact pin 13 is connected to the bridge system 40 by a further contact bridge 39.
  • the contact bridge 39 is designed so that it forms a common contact surface with the contact bridge 38.
  • This switch is therefore particularly suitable for relieving a semiconductor component 32, for example a thyristor or a triac, in the event of a short circuit.
  • a semiconductor component 32 for example a thyristor or a triac.
  • a rotary movement of the contact member 2 by the eddy current drive 5 can optionally be provided. This will reduce the arc load on the Cylinder circumference evenly distributed.
  • a particularly advantageous further embodiment of the quick switch consists in that a predetermined profile of the outer jacket of the contact member 2 is provided.
  • the contact member 2 with its contact ring 27 and the contact pins 11 and 14 and part of the chamber wall 10 are indicated. Due to the different width of the gap 20 over the displacement path indicated by the directional arrow 4, the increase in voltage of the arc 34 during the movement of the contact member 2 can be set to predetermined values and, at the same time, the amount of the arc voltage can be limited. If necessary, the inner surface of the chamber wall 10 can also be provided with such a profile.
  • the chamber wall 10 can preferably also be provided with blow-out openings 36 and 37, from which separated material can be blown out by the gas pressure of the arc and jamming of the contact member 2 can be avoided.
  • a varistor 42 can be connected in parallel to the individual switching paths, of which one is formed, for example, according to FIG. 7 by the two switching pins 11 and 14 and the contact ring 27. This allows the switching voltage and, accordingly, the arc work to be limited.
  • a commutation contact 44 can preferably also be provided, which can consist, for example, of a contact ring which is embedded in the chamber wall 10.
  • the arc 34 commutates to this commutation contact 44 as soon as the contact ring 27 with the contact member 2 is moved past.
  • the arc 34 is thus always limited to a predetermined length.

Landscapes

  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
  • High-Tension Arc-Extinguishing Switches Without Spraying Means (AREA)
  • Circuit Breakers (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

The high-speed circuit breaker for low-voltage installations is provided with an eddy-current trip device for moving a contact element in an extinguishing chamber. According to the invention, the contact element (2) is provided in its movement direction (4) with contact regions which are alternately electrically conductive and non-conductive. The extinguishing chamber (3) contains contact pins (12, 13), whose ends are connected in a positively locking manner to the surface of the contact element (2). There is a narrow gap (20) between the surface of the contact element (2) and the inner wall of the extinguishing chamber (3). Using this switch, short-circuit currents can be extinguished when the current is rising in less than 0.5 ms. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Schnellschalter für Niederspannungsanlagen mit einer Einrichtung zum Erfassen eines Kurzschlußstromes und einem elektrodynamischen Wirbelstromauslöser, der mit einem Antrieb versehen ist, der im Feld einer Spule angeordnet ist und zur Bewegung eines Kontaktgliedes in einer Löschkammer vorgesehen ist, wobei das Kontaktglied in seiner Bewegungsrichtung mit abwechselnd elektrisch leitenden Kontaktbereichen und nichtleitenden Oberflächenbereichen versehen ist und die Löschkammer Kontaktstifte, deren Enden formschlüssig mit der Oberfläche des Kontaktgliedesverbunden sind, enthält. In einer ersten Ausführungs form der Erfindung ist das Kontaktglied zylindrisch ausgebildet. Ein solcher Schalter ist aus der US-A-3242257 bekannt.The invention relates to a high-speed switch for low-voltage systems with a device for detecting a short-circuit current and an electrodynamic eddy current release, which is provided with a drive which is arranged in the field of a coil and is provided for moving a contact member in an arcing chamber, the contact member in its direction of movement is provided with alternating electrically conductive contact areas and non-conductive surface areas and the quenching chamber contains contact pins, the ends of which are positively connected to the surface of the contact member. In a first embodiment of the invention, the contact member is cylindrical. Such a switch is known from US-A-3242257.

Strombegrenzende Schalter müssen bekanntlich im Kurzschlußfall eine sehr frühe Kontakttrennung und einen schnellen Bogenspannungsaufbau herbeiführen. Dazu werden schnelle Auslösesysteme, elektrodynamische Öffnungskräfte und schnelles Bogenlaufen ausgenutzt. Schnelle Magnetauslöser sind als Tauch-, Klapp- und Hubankersysteme bekannt, bei denen mit einer Magnetspule das notwendige Magnetfeld im Luftspalt erzeugt wird. Diese Methode ist auf kleinere Schalternennströme bis etwa 100 A beschränkt, da die Verlustleistung der Spule sonst zu groß wird und die Schnelligkeit der Auslösung entsprechend abnimmt.As is known, current-limiting switches must bring about a very early contact separation and a rapid build-up of arcing voltage in the event of a short circuit. Fast release systems, electrodynamic opening forces and fast sheet travel are used for this. Fast magnetic releases are known as immersion, folding and lifting anchor systems, in which the necessary magnetic field is generated in the air gap with a magnetic coil. This method is limited to smaller rated switch currents up to around 100 A, otherwise the power loss of the coil will be too great and the speed of tripping will decrease accordingly.

Strombegrenzende Schalter für höhere Nennströme nutzen häufig elektrodynamische Kontaktöffnungskräfte zur schnellen Abschaltung aus. Zur Vergrößerung des antreibenden Magnetfeldes wird das Kontaktsystem mit engen Stromschleifen versehen oder es werden Eisenanordnungen zur Feldverstärkung eingesetzt. Die elektrodynamischen Kräfte nehmen proportional oder sogar quadratisch mit dem Strom zu. Derartige Schalter arbeiten deshalb bei großen Durchlaßströmen verhältnismäßig schnell.Current-limiting switches for higher nominal currents often use electrodynamic contact opening forces for fast shutdown. To enlarge the driving Magnetic field, the contact system is provided with narrow current loops or iron arrangements are used to strengthen the field. The electrodynamic forces increase proportionally or even quadratically with the current. Such switches therefore work relatively quickly with large forward currents.

Für eine schnelle Kontaktöffnung können auch elektrodynamische Schnellauslöser eingesetzt werden, welche die Schaltkontakte innerhalb der ersten Halbschwingung eines Kurzschlußstromes auftrennen.For quick contact opening, electrodynamic quick releases can also be used, which open the switching contacts within the first half-oscillation of a short-circuit current.

In einer bekannten Ausführungsform eines derartigen Schnellauslösers wird vom Magnetfeld einer Spule, die vom Wechselstrom oder von einem Strom mit hoher Anstiegsgeschwindigkeit durchflossen ist, in einem mit ihr induktiv gekoppelten Antriebsring Strom in entgegengesetzter Richtung induziert. Durch die abstoßende Wirkung der beiden Ströme erhält ein mit dem Antriebsring kraftschlüssig verbundenes Kontaktglied eine hohe Beschleunigung. Durch das Kontaktglied gelangt das bewegliche Schaltstück schnell in die volle Ausgangsstellung. Mit solchen Auslösern können Schaltzeiten von der Impulseinleitung bis zur Schaltstücktrennung in der Größenordnung von etwa 0,5 ms erreicht werden. Durch diese kurzen Eigenzeiten werden ansteigende Kurzschlußströme entsprechend begrenzt (Niederspannungsleistungsschalter von H. Franken, Springer-Verlag 1980).In a known embodiment of such a rapid release, the magnetic field of a coil, through which alternating current or a current with a high rate of rise flows, induces current in the opposite direction in a drive ring which is inductively coupled to it. Due to the repulsive effect of the two currents, a contact member which is non-positively connected to the drive ring receives a high acceleration. The moving contact element quickly reaches the full starting position through the contact element. With such triggers, switching times of around 0.5 ms can be achieved from the impulse initiation to the switching piece separation. Rising short-circuit currents are limited accordingly by these short idle times (low-voltage circuit breakers by H. Franken, Springer-Verlag 1980).

Aus der DE-C-1 590 296 ist bekannt, daß ein Lichtbogen mit hoher Stromstärke in einem engen Spalt gelöscht werden kann. Der Lichtbogen wird entweder durch Kontakttrennung im Spalt erzeugt oder durch elektrodynamische Kräfte hineingezwängt. Die Lichtbogensäule nimmt dann im flachen Spalt einen bandförmigen Querschnitt an und kommt dadurch großflächig mit den Spaltwänden in Berührung, die vorzugsweise aus Isolierstoff bestehen können. Im Spalt entsteht durch den Lichtbogen eine Druckerhöhung, die eine entsprechende Erhöhung der Lichtbogenfeldstärke zur Folge hat. Es können beispielsweise in eine Löschkammer hineinragende, einander radial gegenüberstehende federnde Kontaktstücke verwendet werden, die bei geschlossenem Schalter miteinander in elektrisch leitender Verbindung stehen und die während der Ausschaltvorganges durch Zwischenschieben eines aus Isolierstoff bestehenden Schiebers getrennt werden. Die rohrförmige Löschkammer hat eine Längsbohrung, die dem Querschnitt des Schiebers angepaßt ist. Ein in den Schieber eingelegtes Metallstück verbindet die Kontakte in der Einschaltstellung. Beim Ausschaltvorgang wird der Schieber, der vorzugsweise aus einem bei erhöhter Temperatur gasabgebenden Material bestehen kann, zwischen die geöffneten Kontakte geschoben.From DE-C-1 590 296 it is known that an arc with a high current intensity can be extinguished in a narrow gap. The arc is either generated by contact separation in the gap or forced in by electrodynamic forces. The arc column then assumes a band-shaped cross section in the flat gap and thus comes into contact with the gap walls over a large area, which can preferably consist of insulating material. The arc creates a pressure increase in the gap, which results in a corresponding increase in the arc field strength. For example, resilient contact pieces protruding radially opposite one another can be used, which are in an electrically conductive connection when the switch is closed and which are separated during the switch-off process by interposing a slide consisting of insulating material. The tubular quenching chamber has a longitudinal bore which is adapted to the cross section of the slide. A piece of metal inserted in the slide connects the contacts in the on position. During the switch-off process, the slide, which can preferably be made of a material that emits gas at elevated temperature, is pushed between the open contacts.

Aus der US-A-3 242 257 ist ein Schalter der eingangs genannten Art bekannt, bei dem das Kontaktglied mittels einer eng anliegenden Dichtungen in der Innenwand der Löschkammer geführt ist. Weiterhin ist aus der CH-A-379 599 eine Starkstromschalteinrichtung für schnelles Ausschalten bekannt, bei dem unter Verwendung einer beweglichen Schaltbrücke und zweier feststehender Schaltstücke die Schaltbrücke nachgiebig in einem Schlitz eines Isolierkörpers eingesetzt ist, wobei beim Ausschalten die Isolationsfestigkeit zwischen den feststehenden Schaltstücken gewährleistet ist.From US-A-3 242 257 a switch of the type mentioned is known, in which the contact member is guided by means of a close-fitting seals in the inner wall of the arcing chamber. Furthermore, from CH-A-379 599 a high-voltage switching device for fast switching off is known, in which the switching bridge is flexibly inserted into a slot of an insulating body using a movable switching bridge and two fixed contact pieces, the isolating strength between the fixed contact pieces being ensured when the switch is switched off .

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Schnellschalter anzugeben, der eine Begrenzung des Kurzschlußstromes in elektrischen Anlagen durch den schnellen Aufbau einer hohen Bogenspannung ermöglicht und in einfacher Weise aufgebaut ist.The invention has for its object to provide a high-speed switch that allows a limitation of the short-circuit current in electrical systems by the rapid build-up of a high arc voltage and is constructed in a simple manner.

In einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, daß das Kontaktglied mit wenigstens einem Kontaktring versehen ist, daß dem Kontaktring zwei Kontaktstücke zugeordnet sind, die am Umfang des Kontaktringes in der hohlzylindrischen Löschkammer radial einander gegenüberstehen, und daß sich zwischen dem Kontaktring und der Innenwand der Löschkammer ein definierter, umlaufender Spalt befindet, der höchstens 5 mm, vorzugsweise höchstens 0,5 mm, wenigstens ungefähr 0,2 mm, beträgt. In anderer Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind in der Löschkammer ein erster, zweiter und dritter Kontaktstift angeordnet und das Kontaktglied mit einem Brückensystem versehen, das so gestaltet ist, daß es bei geschlossenem Schalter nur den ersten und den zweiten Kontaktstift elektrisch leitend verbindet und daß mit der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes die elektrische Verbindung zwischen diesem ersten und zweiten Kontakt unterbrochen und der dritte Kontaktstift an das Brückensystem angeschlossen wird, und daß sich zwischen den Kontaktbereichen des Brückensystems und der Innenwand der Löschkammer ein definierter Spalt befindet, der höchstens 5 mm, vorzugsweise höchstens 0,5 mm, wenigstens ungefähr 0,2 mm, beträgt.In a first embodiment of the invention, the object is achieved in that the contact member is provided with at least one contact ring, that the contact ring is assigned two contact pieces which are radially opposite one another on the circumference of the contact ring in the hollow cylindrical arcing chamber, and that between the contact ring and the inner wall of the quenching chamber has a defined circumferential gap which is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, at least about 0.2 mm. In another embodiment of the invention, a first, second and third contact pin are arranged in the arcing chamber and the contact member is provided with a bridge system which is designed such that it only electrically connects the first and second contact pins when the switch is closed and with the movement of the contact member the electrical connection between this first and second contact is interrupted and the third contact pin is connected to the bridge system, and that there is a defined gap between the contact areas of the bridge system and the inner wall of the arcing chamber, which gap is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, at least about 0.2 mm.

So ausgebildete Schalter haben einen einfachen Aufbau und ermöglicht die Löschung von Strömen mit großen Stromstärken in kurzer Zeit.Switches designed in this way have a simple structure and enable currents with large currents to be extinguished in a short time.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung wurde erkannt, daß der strombegrenzende Mechanismus bekannter Schalter erst ab einer vorbestimmten Stromstärke des Kurzschlußstromes und einem dementsprechenden Zeitverzug einsetzt. Der Einsatz elektronischer Mittel, beispielsweise zur Erfassung von Überoder Kurzschlußströmen oder zur Selektivitätssteuerung, kann bei derartigen Schaltgeräten das Strombegrenzungsvermögen nicht wesentlich verbessern, weil der Schaltvorgang hier vom Verlauf der Kurzschlußstromkräfte abhängt.In the context of the invention, it was recognized that the current-limiting mechanism of known switches only starts from a predetermined current level of the short-circuit current and a corresponding time delay. The use of electronic means, for example for detecting over- or short-circuit currents or for selectivity control, cannot significantly improve the current-limiting capacity in such switching devices because the switching process here depends on the course of the short-circuit current forces.

Eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters enthält ein Kontaktglied mit zylindrischer Oberfläche, die in der Bewegungsrichtung abwechselnd mit Kontaktringen und Isolierstoffringen versehen ist. Jedem Kontaktring sind zwei Kontaktstifte zugeordnet, die in der hohlzylindrischen Löschkammer radial einander gegenüberstehen. Beim Ausschalten wird das Kontaktglied durch den Wirbelstromauslöser in axialer Richtung bewegt und die beiden am Umfang des Kontaktgliedes einander gegenüber entstehenden Lichtbogen werden in den Luftspalt gezogen und gelöscht.A particularly advantageous embodiment of the rapid switch contains a contact member with a cylindrical surface which is alternately provided with contact rings and insulating material rings in the direction of movement. Each contact ring is assigned two contact pins, which face each other radially in the hollow cylindrical quenching chamber. When switching off, the contact member is moved in the axial direction by the eddy current release and the two arcs which are created opposite one another on the circumference of the contact member are drawn into the air gap and extinguished.

Eine weitere Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters mit in der Bewegungsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes hintereinander angeordneten Kontaktstiften kann vorteilhaft zum Freischalten von Halbleiterbauelementen im Kurzschlußfall verwendet werden.A further embodiment of the high-speed switch with contact pins arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the contact element can advantageously be used to isolate semiconductor components in the event of a short circuit.

Zur weiteren Erläuterung der Erfindung wird auf die Zeichnung Bezug genommen, in deren Figur 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Schnellschalters gemäß der Erfindung schematisch veranschaulicht ist. Figur 2 zeigt den Stromverlauf in einem Diagramm. In Figur 3 ist der Stromimpuls zur Anregung des Wirbelstromauslösers und in Figur 4 der Spannungsverlauf veranschaulicht. Figur 5 zeigt eine Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters mit Kontaktstiften, die in der Löschkammer jeweils radial einander gegenüberstehen. Eine Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters zum Freischalten eines Halbleiterbauelements ist in Figur 6 veranschaulicht. In Figur 7 ist eine besondere Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters dargestellt.To further explain the invention, reference is made to the drawing, in which FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a quick switch according to the invention. Figure 2 shows the current profile in a diagram. FIG. 3 shows the current pulse for exciting the eddy current release and FIG. 4 shows the voltage curve. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the rapid switch with contact pins, which are radially opposite one another in the arcing chamber. An embodiment of the rapid switch for unlocking a semiconductor component is illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows a special embodiment of the quick switch.

In der Ausführungsform eines Schnellschalters gemäß Figur 1 ist ein Kontaktglied 2 in einer Löschkammer 3 in einer Längsrichtung beweglich angeordnet. Die Bewegungsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes 2 ist durch einen Richtungspfeil 4 angedeutet. Das Kontaktglied 2 ist mit dem Antriebsring 6 eines Wirbelstromauslösers 5 form- und kraftschlüssig verbunden, dessen Magnetspule in der Figur mit 7 bezeichnet ist. Der Wirbelstromauslöser 5 ist in einem erweiterten Teil der Löschkammer angeordnet, die am anderen Ende mit einer Öffnung 8 versehen ist. In der Längsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes 2 sind in der Kammerwand 10 zwei Kontaktstifte 11 und 12 derart hintereinander angeordnet, daß ihre Enden in der Ruhestellung des Kontaktgliedes 2, das beispielsweise aus einem flachen Isolierstoffkörper bestehen soll, jeweils auf einem Ende einer Kontaktbrücke 18 ruhen, die an der Oberfläche durch eine Isolierstoffzwischenlage 19 voneinander getrennt sind. Die Kontaktstifte 11 und 12 stehen unter einem Anpreßdruck, was in der Figur durch nicht näher bezeichnete Federn angedeutet ist.In the embodiment of a high-speed switch according to FIG. 1, a contact member 2 is movably arranged in an arcing chamber 3 in a longitudinal direction. The direction of movement of the contact member 2 is indicated by an arrow 4. The contact member 2 is positively and non-positively connected to the drive ring 6 of an eddy current release 5, the magnet coil of which is denoted by 7 in the figure. The eddy current release 5 is arranged in an enlarged part of the arcing chamber, which is provided with an opening 8 at the other end. In the longitudinal direction of the contact member 2, two contact pins 11 and 12 are arranged one behind the other in the chamber wall 10 in such a way that their ends rest on one end of a contact bridge 18 in the rest position of the contact member 2, which should consist, for example, of a flat insulating material body the surface are separated from each other by an insulating layer 19. The contact pins 11 and 12 are under a contact pressure, which in the figure by unspecified Feathers is indicated.

Die Spule 7 des Wirbelstromauslösers 5 kann beispielsweise an ein elektronisches Relais angeschlossen sein, das laufend den Stromanstieg des Betriebsstromes überwacht und beim Überschreiten eines einstellbaren Stromanstiegs oder beim Überschreiten eines einstellbaren Ansprechwertes, beispielsweise dem 2- bis 5fachen Nennstrom, durch einen impulsförmigen Auslösestrom die Spule 7 anregt. Durch den Auslösestrom werden im Antriebsring Wirbelströme mit zum Auslösestrom entgegengesetzter Richtung erzeugt. Die abstoßenden Kräfte bewegen das Kontaktglied 2 stoßartig in Richtung des Pfeiles 4. Die elektrisch leitenden Kontaktbereiche an den Enden der Kontaktbrücke 18 sind derart angeordnet, daß mit der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 Trennstrecken zwischen den unteren Enden der Kontaktstifte 11 und 12 und den Kontaktbereichen der Kontaktbrücke 18 geöffnet werden. Der entstehende Lichtbogen an diesen Trennstellen wird mit der Bewegung der Kontaktbrücke 18 in einen engen Spalt 20 zwischen dem Kontaktglied 2 und der Kammerwand 10 hineingezogen. Durch die Begrenzung des Bogenvolumens erhält man eine entsprechend erhöhte Lichtbogenspannung und der Strom wird nach kurzer Zeit gelöscht.The coil 7 of the eddy current release 5 can, for example, be connected to an electronic relay which continuously monitors the current rise in the operating current and, when an adjustable current rise or an adjustable response value, for example 2 to 5 times the nominal current, is exceeded, the coil 7 by means of a pulse-shaped release current stimulates. The tripping current generates eddy currents in the drive ring in the opposite direction to the tripping current. The repulsive forces move the contact member 2 abruptly in the direction of arrow 4. The electrically conductive contact areas at the ends of the contact bridge 18 are arranged such that with the movement of the contact member 2 separating distances between the lower ends of the contact pins 11 and 12 and the contact areas of the contact bridge 18 can be opened. The resulting arc at these separation points is drawn into a narrow gap 20 between the contact member 2 and the chamber wall 10 with the movement of the contact bridge 18. By limiting the arc volume, a correspondingly increased arc voltage is obtained and the current is extinguished after a short time.

In der Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters gemäß Figur 1 sind die Kontaktstifte 11 und 12 in der Bewegungsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes 2 hintereinander angeordnet. Es kann jedoch auch eine Kontaktbrücke vorgesehen sein, deren Kontaktbereiche an der oberen und unteren Flachseite des Kontaktgliedes 2 einander gegenüberliegen. Die Kontaktstifte 11 und 12 sind dann quer zur Längsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes 2 in der oberen bzw. unteren Kammerwand 10 angeordnet.In the embodiment of the high-speed switch according to FIG. 1, the contact pins 11 and 12 are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement of the contact member 2. However, a contact bridge can also be provided, the contact areas of which lie opposite one another on the upper and lower flat side of the contact member 2. The contact pins 11 and 12 are then arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the contact member 2 in the upper and lower chamber wall 10.

Gemäß dem Diagramm der Figur 2, in dem der Durchlaßstrom ID zwischen den Kontaktstiften 11 und 12 des Schnellschalters in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit t aufgetragen ist, soll in einem Schalter gemäß Figur 1 für einen prospektiven, einpoligen Kurzschlußstrom von beispielsweise 40 kA bei einer Netzspannung von 240 V∼ zur Zeit to ein Durchlaßstrom ID (letthrough current) ansteigen, der durch den Schnellschalter gelöscht werden soll. Ein elektronisch vorgewählter Stromschwellwert IS definiert die Auslösebedingung des Wirbelstromauslösers 5 und soll beispielsweise etwa 2,5 kA betragen, so daß beispielsweise Anlaufströme für einen Motor mit etwa 100 A Nennstrom nicht zur Auslösung führen können. Durch die Eigenzeit der in Figur 1 nicht dargestellten Elektronik von etwa 30 »s erfolgt gemäß dem Diagramm der Figur 3, in welcher der Auslösestrom IA in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit t aufgetragen ist, die Ansteuerung der Spule 7 des Wirbelstromauslösers 5 zur Zeit t₁ mit einem Auslösestrom IA. According to the diagram in FIG. 2, in which the forward current I D between the contact pins 11 and 12 of the high-speed switch is plotted as a function of the time t, in one Switch according to Figure 1 for a prospective, single-pole short-circuit current of, for example, 40 kA at a mains voltage of 240 V∼ at time t o a let-through current I D (letthrough current) rise, which is to be deleted by the quick switch. An electronically preselected current threshold value I S defines the triggering condition of the eddy current trigger 5 and should, for example, be approximately 2.5 kA, so that, for example, starting currents for a motor with a nominal current of approximately 100 A cannot lead to triggering. Due to the inherent time of the electronics, not shown in FIG. 1, of approximately 30 »s, according to the diagram in FIG. 3, in which the tripping current I A is plotted as a function of the time t, the control of the coil 7 of the eddy current trigger 5 at time t 1 a tripping current I A.

Gemäß dem Diagramm der Figur 4, in dem die Lichtbogenspannung U in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit t aufgetragen ist, beginnt der Aufbau der Lichtbogenspannung zwischen den Kontakten 11 und 12 zur Zeit t₂. Der Zeitverzug zwischen dem Ansteuerimpuls IA zur Zeit t₁ und dem Beginn des steilen Bogenspannungsanstiegs von etwa 2,5 V/»s zur Zeit t₃ soll beispielsweise etwa 100 »s betragen. Dieser Zeitverzug ist bedingt durch die Beschleunigungsphase des Kontaktgliedes 2, das zunächst nach dem Antrieb durch den Antriebsring 6 einen Weg von beispielsweise etwa 2,5 mm zurücklegen muß. Damit kann gemäß Figur 2 der Durchlaßstrom ID auf einen Maximalwert von etwa 5,2 kA ansteigen. Die maximale Lichtbogenspannung beträgt gemäß Figur 4 etwa 700 V. Zur Zeit t₄ ist der Durchlaßstrom ID gelöscht und die Spannung U an den Kontaktstiften 11 und 12 wird begrenzt eine Spannung von etwa 340 V∼. Die Löschzeit vom Auslösestrom IA zur Zeit t₁ bis zum Erlöschen des Durchlaßstromes ID zur Zeit t₄ beträgt somit weniger als 0,5 ms.According to the diagram of Figure 4, in which the arc voltage U is plotted as a function of time t, the build-up of the arc voltage between contacts 11 and 12 begins at time t 2. The time delay between the drive pulse I A at time t 1 and the beginning of the steep arc voltage rise of about 2.5 V / »s at time t 3 should be, for example, about 100» s. This time delay is due to the acceleration phase of the contact member 2, which first has to travel a distance of, for example, approximately 2.5 mm after being driven by the drive ring 6. According to FIG. 2, the forward current I D can thus rise to a maximum value of approximately 5.2 kA. The maximum arc voltage according to FIG. 4 is approximately 700 V. At time t₄ the forward current I D is extinguished and the voltage U at the contact pins 11 and 12 is limited to a voltage of approximately 340 V∼. The erase time from the tripping current I A at time t 1 to the extinction of the forward current I D at time t ₄ is thus less than 0.5 ms.

In der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 5 ist ein dreiphasiger Schnellschalter mit Kontaktstiften 11 bis 16 versehen, von denen jeweils zwei in der Wand einer hohlzylindrischen Kammer 3 radial einander gegenüberstehen. Das vorzugsweise zylindrische Kontaktglied 2 mit einem Durchmesser von beispielsweise D = 15 mm ist an seinem Umfang mit Kontaktringen 27 bis 29 versehen, deren Abstand so gewählt ist, daß sie in der Ruhelage des Kontaktgliedes 2 eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung zwischen den einander gegenüberstehenden Kontaktstiften 11 und 14, 12 und 15 sowie 13 und 16 bilden. Mit der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 entsteht zwischen den Kontaktringen 27 bis 29 und den anliegenden Enden der Kontaktstifte 11 bis 16 jeweils eine Trennstelle, an der ein Lichtbogen gezogen wird. Mit zunehmendem Abstand zwischen den Kontaktringen 27 bis 29 und den Kontaktstiften 11 bis 16 werden die Lichtbögen in den Spalt 20 mit einer Breite von beispielsweise S = 0,2 mm hineingezogen und gelöscht. Mit dieser Ausführungsform eines Schnellschalters für eine Schaltspannung von beispielsweise US = 1000 V und einen Nennstrom IN = 200 A kann bei einem prospektiven Kurzschlußstrom von beispielsweise Ip = 100 kA der Durchlaßstrom ID auf einen Scheitelwert von etwa 10 kA begrenzt werden.In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, a three-phase high-speed switch is provided with contact pins 11 to 16, two of which are each in the wall of a hollow cylindrical chamber 3 radially face each other. The preferably cylindrical contact member 2 with a diameter of, for example, D = 15 mm is provided on its circumference with contact rings 27 to 29, the spacing of which is selected such that, in the rest position of the contact member 2, they provide an electrically conductive connection between the opposing contact pins 11 and 14, 12 and 15 and 13 and 16 form. With the movement of the contact member 2, between the contact rings 27 to 29 and the abutting ends of the contact pins 11 to 16, there is in each case a separation point at which an arc is drawn. As the distance between the contact rings 27 to 29 and the contact pins 11 to 16 increases, the arcs are drawn into the gap 20 with a width of, for example, S = 0.2 mm and extinguished. With this embodiment of a high-speed switch for a switching voltage of, for example, U S = 1000 V and a nominal current I N = 200 A, the forward current I D can be limited to a peak value of approximately 10 kA with a prospective short-circuit current of, for example, I p = 100 kA.

Gegebenenfalls können die Schaltstrecken zum betriebsmäßigen Schalten vorgesehen sein; der Wirbelstromauslöser 5 wird dann nur im Kurzschlußfall bei einem vorbestimmten Stromschwellwert IS mit dem Auslösestrom IA betätigt. In dieser Ausführungsform sind die Schaltstifte 11 bis 16 dann jeweils mit einem Antrieb für eine feste Ein- und Ausschaltposition versehen, diese Antriebe sind in der Figur lediglich schematisch angedeutet, mit 21 bis 26 bezeichnet und mit dem zugeordneten Schaltstift nur durch eine gestrichelte Wirkungslinie verbunden.If necessary, the switching sections can be provided for operational switching; the eddy current release 5 is then actuated only in the event of a short circuit at a predetermined current threshold value I S with the release current I A. In this embodiment, the switching pins 11 to 16 are then each provided with a drive for a fixed switch-on and switch-off position, these drives are only indicated schematically in the figure, are designated 21 to 26 and are connected to the assigned switch pin only by a dashed line of action.

In der Ausführungsform eines Schnellschalters gemäß Figur 6 mit einem hohlzylindrischen Kontaktglied 2 sind drei Kontaktstifte 11, 12 und 13 in der Bewegungsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes 2 hintereinander in der Kammerwand 10 angeordnet. Das Kontaktglied 2 ist mit einer besonderen Ausführungsform eines Brückensystems 40 versehen, bei dem im Einschaltzustand das Kontaktglied 2 die Kontaktstifte 11 und 12 mit einer Kontaktbrücke 38 elektrisch leitend verbindet. Mit der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 wird zunächst die elektrische Verbindung zwischen den Kontaktstiften 11 und 12 unterbrochen. Mit der weiteren Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 wird der Kontaktstift 13 durch eine weitere Kontaktbrücke 39 an das Brückensystem 40 angeschlossen. Zu diesem Zweck ist die Kontaktbrücke 39 so gestaltet, daß sie eine gemeinsame Kontaktfläche mit der Kontaktbrücke 38 bildet. Auf dieser Kontaktfläche ruht bei geschlossenem Schalter der Kontaktstift 12. In der Bewegungsrichtung des Kontaktgliedes 2 ist ihre Länge L etwas geringer als der Abstand A der Kontaktstifte 12 und 13, so daß mit der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 die elektrische Verbindung zum Kontaktstift 12 unterbrochen und zum Kontaktstift 13 geschlossen wird.In the embodiment of a high-speed switch according to FIG. 6 with a hollow cylindrical contact member 2, three contact pins 11, 12 and 13 are arranged one behind the other in the chamber wall 10 in the direction of movement of the contact member 2. The contact element 2 is provided with a special embodiment of a bridge system 40, in which the contact element is in the switched-on state 2 electrically connects the contact pins 11 and 12 to a contact bridge 38. With the movement of the contact member 2, the electrical connection between the contact pins 11 and 12 is first interrupted. With the further movement of the contact member 2, the contact pin 13 is connected to the bridge system 40 by a further contact bridge 39. For this purpose, the contact bridge 39 is designed so that it forms a common contact surface with the contact bridge 38. On this contact surface rests when the switch is closed, the contact pin 12. In the direction of movement of the contact member 2, its length L is slightly less than the distance A of the contact pins 12 and 13, so that with the movement of the contact member 2, the electrical connection to the contact pin 12 is interrupted and to Contact pin 13 is closed.

Dieser Schalter ist somit besonders geeignet zur Entlastung eines Halbleiterbauelements 32, beispielsweise eines Thyristors oder eines Triac, im Falle eines Kurzschlusses. Mit der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 mit einem Anstieg des Stromes zu einer für das Halbleiterbauelement 32 unzulässigen Höhe wird zwischen der Kontaktbrücke 38 und den Kontaktstiften 11 und 12 zunächst je eine Trennstelle gebildet und zugleich mit kleiner werdendem Abstand der Kontaktbrücke 39 zum unteren Ende des Kontaktstifts 13 eine neue Kontaktstelle gebildet, so daß der Strom vom Halbleiterbauelement 32 auf die Kontaktbrücke 39 kommutiert, bevor die Löschung der Lichtbögen erfolgt ist. Mit der weiteren Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 nimmt die Länge des Lichtbogens zwischen dem Kontaktstift 11 und der Brücke 38 zu und der Kurzschlußstrom fällt infolge der entsprechend hohen Bogenspannung schnell auf Null.This switch is therefore particularly suitable for relieving a semiconductor component 32, for example a thyristor or a triac, in the event of a short circuit. With the movement of the contact member 2 with an increase in the current to an unacceptable height for the semiconductor component 32, a separation point is first formed between the contact bridge 38 and the contact pins 11 and 12 and at the same time the distance between the contact bridge 39 and the lower end of the contact pin 13 becomes smaller a new contact point is formed so that the current commutates from the semiconductor component 32 to the contact bridge 39 before the arcing has been extinguished. With the further movement of the contact member 2, the length of the arc between the contact pin 11 and the bridge 38 increases and the short-circuit current quickly drops to zero due to the correspondingly high arc voltage.

In einer Ausführungsform des Schnellschalters gemäß Figur 5 mit einem zylindrischen Kontaktglied 2 kann gegebenenfalls eine Drehbewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 durch den Wirbelstromantrieb 5 vorgesehen sein. Damit wird die Lichtbogenbelastung auf dem Zylinderumfang gleichmäßig verteilt.In one embodiment of the high-speed switch according to FIG. 5 with a cylindrical contact member 2, a rotary movement of the contact member 2 by the eddy current drive 5 can optionally be provided. This will reduce the arc load on the Cylinder circumference evenly distributed.

Eine besonders vorteilhafte weitere Ausgestaltung des Schnellschalters besteht gemäß Figur 7 darin, daß ein vorbestimmtes Profil des Außenmantels des Kontaktgliedes 2 vorgesehen ist. In der Figur sind lediglich das Kontaktglied 2 mit seinem Kontaktring 27 und den Kontaktstiften 11 und 14 sowie ein Teil der Kammerwand 10 angedeutet. Durch die unterschiedliche Weite des Spalts 20 über dem durch den Richtungspfeil 4 angedeuteten Verschiebeweg kann der Spannungsanstieg des Lichtbogens 34 bei der Bewegung des Kontaktgliedes 2 auf vorbestimmte Werte eingestellt und damit zugleich die Höhe der Bogenspannung begrenzt werden. Gegebenenfalls kann auch die innere Oberfläche der Kammerwand 10 mit einem derartigen Profil versehen sein.According to FIG. 7, a particularly advantageous further embodiment of the quick switch consists in that a predetermined profile of the outer jacket of the contact member 2 is provided. In the figure, only the contact member 2 with its contact ring 27 and the contact pins 11 and 14 and part of the chamber wall 10 are indicated. Due to the different width of the gap 20 over the displacement path indicated by the directional arrow 4, the increase in voltage of the arc 34 during the movement of the contact member 2 can be set to predetermined values and, at the same time, the amount of the arc voltage can be limited. If necessary, the inner surface of the chamber wall 10 can also be provided with such a profile.

Die Kammerwand 10 kann vorzugsweise noch mit Ausblasöffnungen 36 und 37 versehen sein, aus denen abgetrenntes Material durch den Gasdruck des Lichtbogens herausgeblasen und ein Verklemmen des Kontaktgliedes 2 vermieden werden kann.The chamber wall 10 can preferably also be provided with blow-out openings 36 and 37, from which separated material can be blown out by the gas pressure of the arc and jamming of the contact member 2 can be avoided.

Zur Begrenzung der Schaltspannung können den einzelnen Schaltstrecken, von denen beispielsweise eine gemäß Figur 7 durch die beiden Schaltstifte 11 und 14 und den Kontaktring 27 gebildet wird, ein Varistor 42 parallelgeschaltet werden. Damit kann die Schaltspannung und dementsprechend auch die Lichtbogenarbeit begrenzt werden.In order to limit the switching voltage, a varistor 42 can be connected in parallel to the individual switching paths, of which one is formed, for example, according to FIG. 7 by the two switching pins 11 and 14 and the contact ring 27. This allows the switching voltage and, accordingly, the arc work to be limited.

In einem vorbestimmten Abstand von den Schaltstiften 11 und 14 kann vorzugsweise noch ein Kommutierungskontakt 44 vorgesehen sein, der beispielsweise aus einem Kontaktring bestehen kann, der in die Kammerwand 10 eingelassen ist. Auf diesen Kommutierungskontakt 44 kommutiert der Lichtbogen 34, sobald der Kontaktring 27 mit dem Kontaktglied 2 vorbeibewegt wird. Der Lichtbogen 34 wird somit immer auf eine vorbestimmte Länge begrenzt.At a predetermined distance from the switching pins 11 and 14, a commutation contact 44 can preferably also be provided, which can consist, for example, of a contact ring which is embedded in the chamber wall 10. The arc 34 commutates to this commutation contact 44 as soon as the contact ring 27 with the contact member 2 is moved past. The arc 34 is thus always limited to a predetermined length.

Claims (11)

  1. A high-speed circuit breaker for low voltage installations with a device for detecting a short-circuit current and with an electrodynamic eddy current trigger (5), whose drive ring is arranged in the field of a coil and which is provided for moving a contact member (2) in an arc-control chamber (3), the contact member (2) being provided in its direction of movement (4) with alternate electrically conductive contact regions and non-conductive surface regions and the arc-control chamber (3) contains contact pins (12, 13), whose ends are connected in a positive-locking manner to the surface of the contact member (2), the contact member (2) being of cylindrical construction, characterised in that the contact member (2) is provided with at least one contact ring (27 to 29), two contact pins (11, 14; 12, 15; 13, 16) are associated with each contact ring (27 to 29), which contact pins are arranged radially opposite one another in the hollow-cylindrical arc-control chamber (3) on the circumference of the contact ring (27 to 29), and a defined, circumferential gap (20) measuring a maximum of 5mm, preferably a maximum of 0,5mm and at least approximately 0.2mm is located between the contact ring (27 to 29) and the inner wall of the arc-control chamber (3).
  2. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterised in that a rotational movement is superimposed over the axial movement of the contact member (2).
  3. A high-speed circuit breaker for low voltage installations with a device for detecting a short-circuit current and with an electrodynamic eddy current trigger (5), whose drive ring is arranged in the field of a coil and which is provided for moving a contact member (2) in an arc-control chamber (3), the contact member (2) being provided in its direction of movement (4) with alternate electrically conductive contact regions and non-conductive surface regions and the arc-control chamber (3) contains contact pins (12, 13), whose ends are connected in a positive-locking manner to the surface of the contact member (2), characterised in that a first, second and third contact pin (11 to 13) are arranged in the arc-control chamber (3) and the contact member (2) is provided with a bridging system (40) which is constructed in such a manner that it only connects the first and second contact pins (11, 12) in an electrically conductive manner when the circuit breaker is closed, and with the movement of the contact member (2) the electrical connection between said first and second contacts (11, 12) is interrupted and the third contact pin (13) is connected to the bridging system (40), and a defined gap (20) measuring a maximum of 5mm, preferably a maximum of 0.5mm and at least approximately 0.2mm is located between the contact regions of the bridging system (40) and the inner wall of the arc-control chamber.
  4. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterised in that the bridging system (40) comprises a first contact bridge (38), which is provided between the first contact pin (11) and the second contact pin (12) with a surface region of the contact member (2) made of insulating material, and the bridging system comprises a second contact bridge (39), which is provided for connecting the third contact pin (13) and is connected in an electrically conductive manner with the second contact pin (12) when the circuit breaker is closed and whose length (L) in the direction of movement of the contact member (2) is less than the distance (A) between the second contact pin (12) from the third contact pin (13).
  5. A high-speed circuit breaker according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised by a varying size of the gap (20) in the axial direction of the contact member (2).
  6. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterised by a multi-pole, more particularly three-pole construction.
  7. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterised in that the switching pins (11 to 16) are provided with a drive (21 to 26) for fixed switching on and off positions in the case of operation-controlled switching.
  8. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterised in that a varistor (42) is connected in parallel in each case with a switching path formed by two contact pins (11, 16) and a contact region.
  9. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterised in that commutation contacts (44) are provided in the chamber wall (10) in order to limit the arc length and therefore the arc voltage.
  10. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 1 or claim 3, characterised by a parallel connection of a plurality of contact pins.
  11. A high-speed circuit breaker according to claim 10, characterised in that a resistance (42) is connected in parallel with the switching path.
EP90105938A 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 High-speed circuit breaker Expired - Lifetime EP0450104B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE59009511T DE59009511D1 (en) 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 Quick switch.
AT90105938T ATE126388T1 (en) 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 QUICK SWITCH.
EP90105938A EP0450104B1 (en) 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 High-speed circuit breaker

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP90105938A EP0450104B1 (en) 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 High-speed circuit breaker

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0450104A1 EP0450104A1 (en) 1991-10-09
EP0450104B1 true EP0450104B1 (en) 1995-08-09

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Family Applications (1)

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EP90105938A Expired - Lifetime EP0450104B1 (en) 1990-03-28 1990-03-28 High-speed circuit breaker

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EP (1) EP0450104B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE126388T1 (en)
DE (1) DE59009511D1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19701311A1 (en) * 1997-01-16 1998-07-23 Kloeckner Moeller Gmbh Current limiting power switch with eddy current trigger for opening a main circuit
DE19757179A1 (en) * 1997-12-22 1999-06-24 Kloeckner Moeller Gmbh Electro-dynamically activated contact system
DE102004036279A1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-03-23 Siemens Ag Switchgear for low voltage applications

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GB0414587D0 (en) * 2004-06-30 2004-08-04 Eja Ltd Improvements in or relating to switch contacts
DE102008033804A1 (en) 2008-07-18 2010-01-21 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Arrangement for switching of short-circuit current in low voltage system for three-phase supply network, has actuators connected with voltage intermediate circuit, where energy required for controlling actuators is provided from conductors
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DE19701311B4 (en) * 1997-01-16 2005-08-25 Moeller Gmbh Current limiting circuit breaker
DE19757179A1 (en) * 1997-12-22 1999-06-24 Kloeckner Moeller Gmbh Electro-dynamically activated contact system
DE19757179B4 (en) * 1997-12-22 2010-06-10 Moeller Gmbh Electrodynamically acted upon contact system
DE102004036279A1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-03-23 Siemens Ag Switchgear for low voltage applications
US7916442B2 (en) 2004-07-27 2011-03-29 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Breaker device for low-voltage applications

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ATE126388T1 (en) 1995-08-15
DE59009511D1 (en) 1995-09-14
EP0450104A1 (en) 1991-10-09

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