EP0563774B1 - Protective circuit breaker with remote control - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a remotely controllable circuit breaker with the features the preamble of claim 1.

Such circuit breakers are used, for example, in the on-board networks of land vehicles, aircraft or ships. They are increasingly replacing conventional on-board circuit breakers in which the power lines are routed from the power source to the dashboard in the cockpit and from there to the electrical consumer.
Remote-controlled circuit breakers, on the other hand, can be arranged directly on the electrical consumer, so that the power lines are led directly from the power source to the electrical consumer, without going through the control panel. The circuit breaker is then switched on and off by an external remote switch located in the control panel. The external remote switch is only connected to the circuit breaker by control lines.

Such an arrangement of remotely controllable circuit breakers reduces the cable weight in vehicle electrical systems and therefore also reduces the costs for cabling. The cabling itself is simplified and saves space. The structure of the control panel is also simplified, since it only consists of the control device, e.g. consists of the external remote switches.

The control device can also be a computer. With the help of the control device the circuit breaker can be switched on and off, the switching state of contacts are displayed and tripping by overcurrent is displayed.

In a remote controllable circuit breaker known from US-A-3 706 100 (closest prior art) is one an external remote switch and an electromagnetic switch drive acting control electronics integrated. The switch drive is with one the circuit closing and interrupting push rod coupled. With overcurrent becomes a bimetal of the circuit breaker that acts as a thermal release element activated. On the one hand, this bimetal causes the push rod to open and on the other hand an actuation of an integrated in the circuit breaker housing Auxiliary switch. This auxiliary switch in turn leads via the control electronics to switch off the remote switch. A disadvantage of the known Circuit breaker is the loose and therefore mechanically unstable coupling of the Switch rod forming push rod with those permanently articulated to the switch drive Drive levers. Due to the natural wear and tear of this Drive levers assigned to the switching drive arise in the course of the operating time undefined switch positions of the push rod, which increases operational safety the circuit breaker is at risk. Due to the aforementioned mechanically unstable Coupling between the switch lock and the switching drive also arise proportionately long transition times when transferring the push rod into the Closed position. The circuit breaker therefore reacts when the bimetal releases slowly. In addition, the long transition times to a sparkover to lead. Irreparable mechanical damage to the push rod contacts are the consequence. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the condition of the whole Switching mechanism of the circuit breaker always depends on the position of the bimetal is. After the bimetallic circuit breaker has tripped, a Defined state of the switching mechanism is only reached when the bimetal is back cooled down and deactivated. In the event of excessive wear of the bimetal In the course of the operating time there is a defined state of the switching mechanism not at all achievable. In this case, the circuit breaker is inoperable. Because of the mechanically, electromechanically and electronically complicated The previously known circuit breaker is particularly susceptible to breakdown.

Based on these disadvantages, the object of the invention based on designing a remotely controllable circuit breaker such that it with a few components simplified in its structure and thus its Susceptibility to interference is reduced. This task is due to the combination of features of claim 1 solved.

The magnet system known from DE-GM 1 927 273 and from H.Brungsberg, Polarized Magnets for Switchgear, ETZ-A Volume 86 (1965), Issue 11, pp. 371 ff. Is used with all its advantages. This reduces the control energy required for the switching drive and increases the switching sensitivity. This switch drive also fulfills the requirements for EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) in vehicle electrical systems. At the same time, it supports stable operating positions of the circuit breaker. This switching drive ensures high holding, pushing and pulling forces with low control energy consumption. This has a cost-saving effect, while the performance of the circuit breaker is increased. A simple construction of the mechanics is thus possible for reliable closing and interruption of the circuit. This has a favorable effect on the dimensioning of the circuit breaker housing and on the cost of the circuit breaker.

The auxiliary switch acts as a link between the control electronics and the Switch drive on the one hand and the mechanics of the circuit breaker on the other and uses the switching movement of the key switch without additional components after tripping the circuit breaker to trip the external Remote switch off. The remote switch in turn works via the control electronics on the switch drive so that it locks again with the switch lock becomes. This creates a defined in a simple automatic sequence Circuit breaker off position reached.

The coupling of the key switch with the control electronics enables one Reduction of the components to trigger the various operating functions. This is the prerequisite for a simple construction of the circuit breaker. This reduces its cost and increases its reliability.

Claims 2 and 3 support the orderly and automatic functional sequence of the circuit breaker.

According to claim 4, the electrical signal of the additional switch for Control electronics can be used to control these specific functions of the Trip circuit breaker. The functional sequence is thus from the switch position of the shift actuator. This also contributes to the orderly functional sequence the circuit breaker. The switching position of the switching drive can also easily by the electrical signal of the additional switch e.g. be displayed optically or acoustically.

The additional switch according to claim 5 causes by its connection to the Control electronics in a technically simple way the release for restart of the circuit breaker. The reclosure is therefore of the Switching position of the switching drive depends, whereby the orderly Functional sequence is still supported.

Claim 6 relates to a preferred embodiment of the switch lock. This embodiment supports the simple structure of the circuit breaker.

The mechanical movements of the key switch are in the switch position of the auxiliary switch coupled. There is a display without additional components the operating position of the key switch possible. Stable switch positions of the Switch lock ensure reliable switching of the auxiliary switch and avoid malfunction of the circuit breaker.

The auxiliary switch can advantageously also be used as a rotation limit stop be used.

The bimetal is with the switch position of the Auxiliary switch coupled and enables a display without additional components the bimetallic release. It is also due to the bimetallic release unlatching ensures that the circuit breaker is switched off.

A circuit breaker according to claim 8 is also for other measurands Suitable for overcurrent. The signal at the sensor replaces this Signal of the auxiliary switch when it switches as a result of bimetallic release and acts on the control electronics in the same way.

The structure of the control electronics according to claim 9 enables this convenient and space-saving installation in the circuit breaker. The There are connecting cables to the auxiliary switch, additional switch and switching drive thereby kept short. The control electronics can be in case of a defect exchange easily. So there are also repair times at the circuit breaker reduced.

A circuit breaker according to claim 10 takes into account external connection options to the circuit breaker via its terminal block, e.g. for measuring purposes. This makes it easy to check various functions of the Circuit breaker possible.

Claims 11 and 12 relate to a simple possibility of the switching position the key switch via a display device that can be connected to the connection block to signal.

According to claim 13, the remote switch is in a simple manner to the Control electronics can be connected. A defective remote switch can be without any special Assembly effort can be exchanged. In addition, different Types of remote switches are used without the circuit breaker structure to change.

A single-pole circuit breaker according to claim 14 is simple Use of such circuit breakers according to the number of Current phases also as a multi-pole circuit breaker, e.g. suitable for three-phase current. A pre-assembly of the circuit breaker according to the number of phases not applicable. The design of the single-pole circuit breaker is not changed for different phase numbers. This means reduced Manufacturing and logistics costs.

Claim 15 relates to a further possibility, several single-pole circuit breakers to couple to a multi-pole circuit breaker. This allows the terminal blocks save for one.

Claim 16 avoids sources of electrical danger, e.g. Risk of short circuit and ensures the safe functioning of the single-pole as well as the multi-pole Circuit breaker.

Claim 17 relates to an advantageous measure for coupling several single-pole circuit breaker to a multi-pole circuit breaker. With this Multi-pole circuit breakers can save switch drives except for one will and reduce the cost of this circuit breaker.

Claim 18 relates to a preferred embodiment of the switch lock. This embodiment supports the simple structure of the circuit breaker and effective power transmission of the rotary movements of the levers for the Switch positions of the key switch. This is a reliable opening and Guaranteed closing of the circuit.

The mechanical movements of the latch lever according to claim 20 are with the switch position of the auxiliary switch coupled. There is a display without additional components the operating position of the key switch possible. Stable switch positions of the Switch lock ensure reliable switching of the auxiliary switch and avoid malfunction of the circuit breaker.

Claim 21 enables with a corresponding arrangement of latch lever and auxiliary switch whose switching with little effort. For this purpose, the displacement and / or rotary movement of the latch lever exploited. The auxiliary switch can advantageously also be used as a rotation limit stop be used.

Claim 22 facilitates the switching of the auxiliary switch by means of the latch lever.

Claim 23 relates to a measure for opening the circuit in the event of overcurrent. The bimetal is connected to the switching position of the Auxiliary switch coupled and enables a display without additional components the bimetallic release. It is also due to the bimetallic release unlatching ensures that the circuit breaker is switched off.

The shift rod attached to the shift actuator enables good power transmission during the switching process of the switching drive on the circuit breaker of the circuit breaker.

Claim 25 relates to a measure for mechanical coupling between Switch drive and switch lock.

Claim 26 enables a very effective power transmission between the Drive lever and the latch lever of the key switch.

The geometric configuration of the drive lever according to claim 27 facilitated switching the additional switch.

According to claim 28, a user is informed in a simple manner about whether the circuit is broken or closed.

The arranged according to claim 29 in the circuit breaker create the Requirement for a low installation height of the circuit breaker. Thus required the circuit breaker only takes up a small amount of space. Farther the assembly of the individual components within the circuit breaker is facilitated.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung des Funktionsablaufs des Schutzschalters,

Fig. 2

ein Flußdiagramm des Funktionsablaufs des Schutzschalters,

Fig. 3

ein Blockschaltbild mit Darstellung der Kopplung von Mechanik und Steuerelektronik eines einpoligen Schutzschalters,

Fig. 4

eine Explosionsdarstellung des elektromagnetischen Schaltantriebs,

Fig. 5

eine Schnittdarstellung des elektromagnetischen Schaltantriebs im Montageendzustand,

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht auf einen geöffneten, einpoligen Schutzschalter mit dem Antriebshebel in seiner Einschaltstellung und dem Kontakthebel in seiner Kontaktstellung,

Fig. 7

die Draufsicht auf den geöffneten, einpoligen Schutzschalter mit dem Antriebshebel in seiner Ausschaltstellung und dem Kontakthebel in seiner Ausschaltstellung,

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht auf den geöffneten, einpoligen Schutzschalter mit dem Antriebshebel in seiner Einschaltstellung und dem Kontakthebel in seiner Ausschaltstellung,

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Kontakthebels und Teilen des Stromkreises,

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung,

Fig. 11

eine Explosionsdarstellung der in Fig. 10 dargestellten Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung,

Fig. 12

eine Rückansicht von Teilen der Überstrom-Überwachungseinrichtung nach Fig. 11,

Fig. 13

eine Explosionsdarstellung des Antriebshebels und der für die Schaltbewegungen des Antriebshebels notwendigen Bauteile,

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Darstellung des einpoligen Schutzschalters,

Fig. 15

die perspektivische Darstellung des einpoligen Schutzschalters mit Blick auf die im Schutzschalter angeordnete Steuerelektronik.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of the functional sequence of the circuit breaker,

Fig. 2

a flowchart of the functional sequence of the circuit breaker,

Fig. 3

1 shows a block diagram showing the coupling of the mechanics and control electronics of a single-pole circuit breaker,

Fig. 4

an exploded view of the electromagnetic switching drive,

Fig. 5

2 shows a sectional illustration of the electromagnetic switching drive in the final assembly state,

Fig. 6

2 shows a plan view of an open, single-pole circuit breaker with the drive lever in its switched-on position and the contact lever in its contact position,

Fig. 7

the top view of the open, single-pole circuit breaker with the drive lever in its switch-off position and the contact lever in its switch-off position,

Fig. 8

a plan view of the open, single-pole circuit breaker with the drive lever in its switched-on position and the contact lever in its switched-off position,

Fig. 9

a perspective view of the contact lever and parts of the circuit,

Fig. 10

a perspective view of the overcurrent monitoring device,

Fig. 11

10 shows an exploded view of the overcurrent monitoring device shown in FIG. 10,

Fig. 12

11 shows a rear view of parts of the overcurrent monitoring device according to FIG. 11,

Fig. 13

an exploded view of the drive lever and the components necessary for the switching movements of the drive lever,

Fig. 14

a perspective view of the single-pole circuit breaker,

Fig. 15

the perspective view of the single-pole circuit breaker with a view of the control electronics arranged in the circuit breaker.

In Fig. 1, the assemblies contained in the circuit breaker 1 are schematic and their mutual coupling is shown. These assemblies are one Control electronics 2, an electromagnetic switching drive 3, a switching lock 4, a bimetal 5, an auxiliary switch 6 and an additional switch 7. The switching position of the auxiliary switch 6 is clear from the switching position of the switch lock 4 given. The switching position of the additional switch 7 is due to the switching position of the switching drive 3 clearly given. Depending on the opening or closing position of the switch lock is the circuit inside the circuit breaker 1 interrupted or closed. The switch lock 4 is either by bimetallic release or opened by actuating the switching drive 3.

When the bimetallic release occurs, the auxiliary switch 6 provides feedback to the Control electronics 2 to also switch off an external remote switch 8. By means of the remote switch 8, a user can change the switching state of the circuit breaker 1 remote control. The after the bimetallic release of the circuit breaker 1 off remote switch 8 indicates to the user that the circuit breaker 1 is switched off. In addition, the remote switch 8 causes a Feedback to the control electronics 2 to the switching drive 3 by means of a Actuate current pulse. The user can turn on or off of the remote switch 8 change the switching position of the switching drive 3. By the external signal changed switching position of the switching drive 3 changed via the switch lock 4 - if the switching drive 3 and switch lock 4 are locked are - the switching status of the circuit breaker 1.

2, the functional sequence of the circuit breaker 1 is shown in more detail. Generated from a remote switch 8 switched on by the user the control electronics 2 a current pulse to the electromagnetic Transfer switching drive 3 to its on position. The switching drive 3 and the switch lock 4 are latched together so that the switch lock 4 is transferred to its closed position. This is the circuit closed. When switch 4 is closed, the auxiliary switch is located 6 in switch position I. While the switch drive is in the switch-on position 3 is the additional switch 7 in switch position I. The circuit can now either by bimetallic release or by the user using the remote switch 8 are interrupted.

When the bimetal is triggered, the bimetal 5 acts on the switching lock 4 to unlatch the latter from the switching drive 3 and into its open position convict. In the open position of the key switch 4, the circuit is interrupted. The switching lock 4 switches the auxiliary switch 6. It is located therefore in switching position II. During this process, the switching drive 3 not actuated, so that the additional switch 7 remains in the switching position I. The new switching position of the auxiliary switch 6 effects via the control electronics 2 a signal to turn off the remote switch 8. The off Remote switch 8 in turn causes a current pulse in the control electronics 2, to now also move the switching drive 3 into its switch-off position. After reaching its switch-off position, the switching drive 3 with the switch 4 still in its open position again latched. In its switch-off position, the switching drive 3 switches the Additional switch 7 so that it is now in switch position II. The Switch position of the key switch 4 is unchanged, so that the auxiliary switch 6 remains in switch position II. The new combination of Switching positions of auxiliary switch 6 and additional switch 7 allows this User, the circuit breaker 1 through the remote switch 8 again turn on. With this automatic sequence is the same Starting position of the various modules for switching on the Circuit breaker 1 is reached as it is after the external switch-off of the Circuit breaker 1 is achieved by the user.

When the circuit breaker 1 is switched off externally by the user first the remote switch 8 turned off. The control electronics then generates 2 the already mentioned current pulse to the switching drive 3 from its To move the switch-on position to its switch-off position. Since switching drive 3 and switch lock 4 are latched together, the switch lock 4 is in its Open position transferred. The auxiliary switch 6 and the additional switch 7 are located therefore each in switch position II. This combination already mentioned the switch positions of auxiliary switch 6 and auxiliary switch 7 gives the Circuit breaker 1 for its reclosing by the user external remote switch 8 free.

Based on the block diagram in FIG. 3, the internal control electronics 2 of the single-pole circuit breaker 1 explained. It is for both DC voltage (e.g. 28 volts) as well as for AC voltage (e.g. 115 volts). This is by a voltage limit 9 and an internal power supply 10th reached. The additional switch 7 is with the switching position one with the switching drive 3 connected drive lever 11 (Fig. 6) coupled. The auxiliary switch 6 is with the switching position of a contact lever 12 via a latch lever 13 coupled. Auxiliary switch 6 and additional switch 7 are via signal lines with inputs of a leading edge control arranged within the control electronics 2 14 connected. The outputs of the phase control 14 are via an input 15 denoted by “1” of the control electronics 2 connected to the remote switch 8. The input 15 is on a connecting line 16 (Fig. 15) connected. The remote switch 8 is e.g. in the cockpit one Aircraft arranged.

The `` bistable switching coil '' of the block diagram corresponds to the switching drive 3. The switching drive 3 receives its control energy via a pulse generator 17 and a transistor full bridge 18 connected thereafter.

A status indicator 19 shows the respective switching position of the contact lever 12 as Part of the key switch 4. For this purpose, a microswitch serves as Status indicator 19. It is in the plane of the drawing from Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 behind the Auxiliary switch 6 arranged and therefore not shown there. He will too as the auxiliary switch 6 switched by means of the latch lever 13. The status indicator 19 is connected to three connecting lines 16 (FIG. 15). By means of the Connection sockets 20 of a connection block 21 is a display device the status indicator 19 can be connected. This can e.g. optically or acoustically display whether the circuit is open or closed.

The control electronics 2 react to an external switching signal (remote switch 8) as well as an internal switching signal. The inner switching signal is through the bimetal 5 or triggered by a sensor. It is also a combination of Sensor and bimetal 5 possible. The sensor is electrically parallel to the Auxiliary switch 6 switched.

The remote switch 8 is e.g. switched on. The control electronics 2 receives thereby an external switching signal at input 15. The outer switching signal generates about one pulse generator 17 and full transistor bridge 18 30 ms current pulse for the electromagnetic switching drive 3. The drive lever 11 is turned to its on position, the contact lever 12 reaches its contact position (Fig. 6). If the remote switch 8 is switched off, the switching drive 3 receives an opposite, also approximately Current pulse lasting 30 ms. Drive lever 11 and contact lever 12 are transferred to their off position (Fig. 7).

If the circuit breaker 1 is triggered by overcurrent (Fig. 8), it causes Combination of the switching positions of auxiliary switch 6 and auxiliary switch 7 via the phase control 14 a current flow through the remote switch 8th This current is approximately the multiple of the nominal current of the overcurrent protection switch acting remote switch 8. The drive lever 11 is located with bimetallic release still in its switch-on position (Fig. 8). The flow of electricity by the remote switch 8, however, causes this to be triggered. Of the The circuit inside the remote switch is therefore interrupted. Thereupon there is an electrical signal at the input 15 of the control electronics 2, whereby the switching drive 3 receives a current pulse via the pulse generator 17. Of the Drive lever 11 is turned to its off position (Fig. 7) and switches the auxiliary switch 7. The new combination of switch positions of auxiliary switches 6 and additional switch 7 via the leading edge control 14, that no signal is present at the pulse generator 17. As soon as the remote switch 8 is switched on again, the switching drive 3 receives a current pulse again for transferring the drive lever 11 into its switched-on position (FIG. 6).

4 shows the electromagnetic switching drive 3 in a disassembled state. The basic structure and the mode of operation of such a switching drive 3 can be seen from the aforementioned publications.
The switching drive 3 consists essentially of an annular permanent magnet 22, a hollow cylindrical armature 23, the switching rod 25 penetrating through the armature 23 in the axial direction 24 and two housing halves. In order to increase the magnetic force, high-quality permanent magnets 22 are used. For this purpose, the permanent magnet 22 consists, for example, of an alloy of cobalt and rare earths.

The two housing halves are the cylindrical pot bottom 26 and the also cylindrical pot lid 27. The facing annular End faces of the pot base 26 and the pot lid 27 are in Final assembly condition locked together (Fig. 5). The circular outer surface 28 of the pot lid 27 contains a central rod guide bore 29 and two strand bores 30.31.

The circular outer surface 28 is with the remaining area of the pot lid 27 made in one piece. This will avoid air gaps to improve the magnetic force effect. The same applies to the bottom of the pot 26.

In the area of the pot bottom 26, only the rod guide bore 29 'is shown in FIG. to recognize. The shift rod 25 passes through in the final assembly state of the Switch drive 3, the rod guide bores 29 and 29 '. In strand bores 30, 31 of the pot lid 27 and in an analog configuration and recognizable in FIG. 5 Strand bores 30 ', 31' of the pot bottom 26 become connecting strands 32,32 ', 33,33' guided by coils 34,34 '. The coil 34 is in the Pot lid 27, while the coil 34 'lies in the pot bottom 26. To the To be able to insert coil 34 into the pot lid 27 is that of the outer surface 28 in the axial direction 24 opposite surface of the pot lid 27 completely breached. Insulation elements present in the area of the coils 34, 34 ' 35.35 ', 36.36' additionally isolate the connecting strands 32.32 ', 33.33'.

The armature 23 is firmly connected to the shift rod 25 by two fixing pins 37 (FIG. 5). The fixing pins 37 engage in a form-fitting manner in two grooves 38 (FIG. 4) formed on the shift rod 25 and in corresponding pin bores 39 in the armature 23.
An adjustment slot 40 running in the axial direction 24 is formed in the end region of the switching rod 25 facing the pot lid 27. The adjustment slot 40 runs transversely to the axial direction 24 in accordance with the diameter of the shift rod 25. By means of the adjustment slot 40, the shift rod 25 can be simply rotated mechanically for adjustment purposes. The flattening 41 also serves to transmit an actuating torque.
The end region of the switching rod 25 facing the pot bottom 26 is designed as a rod thread 42 (FIG. 5) and screwed to a coupling member 43. The coupling member 43, like the drive lever 11 (FIG. 6), contains a bore which is penetrated by a coupling axis 45 running in the depth direction 44 (FIG. 13). The structure of the drive lever 11 and the parts connected to it is explained in more detail below (FIG. 13).

A truncated cone 46 is directed inwards on the pot lid 27 in one piece molded. The truncated cone 46 tapers in the direction of the opposite one Pot bottom 26 and is central from the rod guide bore 29 in Opened in the axial direction 24. The armature 23 has the truncated cone on it 46 facing end face a truncated cone adapted to the truncated cone 46 Recess on. The same applies to the truncated cone 46 'of the pot bottom 26 and the end face of the armature 23 facing this.

The conical recesses and elevations increase the pole surfaces between the armature 23 and the pot lid 27 or pot base 26. This increases the magnetic force effect.
Since the pot base 26 and the pot lid 27 are made of magnetic material, the magnetic circuit within the switching drive 3 is closed and completely magnetically sealed from the outside. No leakage occurs to the outside, which means that the switching drive 3 meets the requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) when using the circuit breaker 1 in vehicle electrical systems.

The permanent magnet 22 is magnetized radially (FIG. 5) with the south pole facing the pot cover 27 and the north pole facing the armature 23. The direction of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 22 corresponds to the direction of the arrow 47.
The coils 34, 34 'are connected in series. The coils 34, 34 'through which current flows also generate a magnetic field. Its direction corresponds to the arrow direction 48 in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the two magnetic flux directions in the region of the armature 23 abutting the truncated cone 46 are directed in opposite directions. In the area of the truncated cone 46 ', these two directions of magnetic flux are rectified. The magnetic force in the region of the truncated cone 46 'increases with a corresponding current direction in the coils 34, 34', while it decreases in the region of the truncated cone 46 until the armature 23 is moved in the axial direction 24 towards the truncated cone 46 '. When the current direction in the coils 34, 34 ′ is reversed, the armature 23 is moved in the axial direction 24 in the opposite direction.

The switching drive 3 lies in a housing base 49 (FIG. 6). He is regarding its essential functional parts are a symmetrical component with one in the axial direction 24 extending axis of symmetry. The axial direction 24 (FIG. 6) runs parallel to a transverse direction 50 (FIG. 14).

The drive lever 11 extends substantially in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction 44 and arranged perpendicular to the transverse direction 50 longitudinal direction 51. It is by means of a housing-fixed and extending in the depth direction 44 Drive lever axis 52 rotatably mounted. It should be mentioned that the Rotation axes of all levers of the switching mechanism running in the depth direction 44 and are thus arranged perpendicular to the plane of movement of the levers. This is a prerequisite for the small installation height of the circuit breaker 1. The drive lever 11 is a two-armed lever, the arms of which in the transverse direction 50 are offset from each other. The arm of the switch rod 25 facing away from Drive lever 11 forms its latching end 53. In the latching end 53 a latch plate 54 is fitted and fastened to it. The latch plate 54 engages positively according to the type of cutting edge of a cutting edge bearing into a latching notch 55 of the latching lever 13. Of the two-armed locking lever 13 is rotatably mounted on a knee joint axis 56. The latch lever 13 consists of a drive lever 11 facing latch arm 57 and a switching arm 58. The ends of both Lever arms of the latch lever 13 are offset from one another in the longitudinal direction 51 arranged. The latch lever 13 extends essentially in the transverse direction 50. The knee joint axis 56 also extends through the Bores of two levers 59 and 60.

The two levers 59, 60 form a toggle lever with the knee joint in the area the knee joint axis 56. The levers 59, 60, the contact lever 12 and the latch lever 13 form the switching lock 4.

The levers 59, 60 are arranged approximately in the longitudinal direction 51. That of the knee joint axis 56 opposite end of the lever 59 is fixed to a housing Lever axis 61 mounted. The end of the lever 59 in the area of the knee joint axis 56 is extended conically in the longitudinal direction 51. It forms a boundary 62. The limiting lug 62 extends so far into one area of the lever 60 that they with a on the drive lever 11 facing Interact surface of the lever 60 molded nose stop 63 can. In Fig. 6, the nose stop 63 is rectangular. Limiting nose 62 and nose stop 63 limit the mutual Swivel range of the levers 59.60.

The end of the lever 60 facing the contact lever 12 forms the end of the contact lever 64 of the toggle. Contact lever 12 and contact lever end 64 of the toggle lever are connected to one another via a pivot bearing 65. For this an axis passes through a bore in the contact lever end 64 and the contact lever 12. The contact lever 12 extends essentially in the transverse direction 50. With regard to the pivot bearing 65, the contact lever 12 is a two-armed Lever with a bearing end 66 facing the drive lever 11 a contact end facing away from it. In the area of the bearing end 66 the contact lever 12 contains a longitudinal slot 68. It is of a housing-fixed Contact lever bearing 69 penetrated. The longitudinal slot 68 allows one Sliding mobility of the contact lever 12 during its pivoting. With regard to the contact lever bearing 69, the contact lever 12 forms a one-armed Lever. Bearing end 66 and contact end 67 are offset in the longitudinal direction 51 arranged against each other. In Fig. 6 the two connecting bolts run 70,70 'facing surface of the contact lever 12 in the region of its contact end 67 parallel to the transverse direction 5. In the area of the bearing end 66 this surface, however, beveled in the direction of the drive lever 11. On this beveled surface is an approximately semicircular contact lever knob 71 molded. With its convex side, it is the connecting bolt 70,70 'facing. The convex side of the contact lever knob 71 is one with a contact pressure spring 72 connected pressure plate 73 tangent. The contact pressure spring 72 lies in a form-fitting manner in a molded-on housing bottom 49, hollow cylindrical spring housing 74 a. The contact pressure spring 72 generates one Longitudinal compressive force 51.

The pressure plate 73 adjoins vertically, in the direction of the connecting bolts 70,70 'tapering to a cheek 75. The cheek 75 is with the Pressure plate 73 in one piece and with an indicator lever 76 in a pivot point 77 connected. The indicator lever 76 itself is in a housing-fixed pin 78 rotatably mounted. The display lever 76 consists of two mutually perpendicular Arms whose intersection is the center of the pin 78 corresponds. The longer of the two arms of the display lever 76 is approximately in Longitudinal direction 51 aligned. It forms the indicator arm 79 with a flange-like Extension at its free end. The flange-like extension is arcuate and extends approximately in the transverse direction 50. It gives the display arm 79 the shape of a hammer. The one pointing in the longitudinal direction 51 The end face of the flange-like extension forms a display surface 80. It is to the opening of the viewing window 119 formed on the housing base directed. This is a visual display of the operating position of the Contact lever 12 possible.

9 further details of the contact lever 12 and its interaction with the circuit are explained.
The end of the connecting bolt 70 on the housing bottom is positively connected to a U-shaped current branch 81 and is electrically contacting this current branch 81. The current branch 81 is fastened to a housing inner wall of the circuit breaker 1 by the connecting bolt 70. The two U-legs of the current branch 81 are arranged parallel to the transverse direction 50. The two U-legs are of different lengths. The shorter U-leg is pierced in the region of its free end by a cylindrical bolt opening 82 for positive connection with the connecting bolt 70. A main contact 83 and a lead contact 84 are fastened to the longer U-leg on the surface facing the contact lever 12. Main contact 83 and lead contact 84 are plate-shaped with a rectangular outline. In the area of the contact end 67 of the contact lever 12, a main contact 83 ', which is configured similarly to the main contact 83 and the lead contact 84, and a lead contact 84' are arranged. The main contact 83 'is formed on the surface of the contact end 67 facing the current branch 81. The main contact 83 'projects beyond the contact lever 12 in the depth direction 44. The lead contact 84' is formed on the free end of a strip-like spring clip 85. The spring clip 85 is fastened to the contact lever 12 with its fastening end 86. For this purpose, the fastening end 86 is provided with a rectangular pin opening 87. The pin opening 87 is penetrated by a rivet pin 88 (FIG. 6), as a result of which the connection between the contact lever 12 and the spring clip 85 is created. The fastening end 86 is bent toward the drive lever 11 relative to the rest of the spring clip 85, which runs in the transverse direction 50, approximately in the longitudinal direction 51. The part of the spring clip 85 which runs approximately in the transverse direction 50 is penetrated by a slot, with the exception of its free end 89 which carries the forward contact 84 '. The contact lever 12 lies in this slot. The dimensions of the slot, which is rectangular with a view in the longitudinal direction 51, are dimensioned somewhat larger than the width of the contact lever 12 in the depth direction 44 and the length of the contact lever 12 in the transverse direction 50.

The free end 89 is extended by a bracket extension 90. The temple extension 90 is opposite the free end 89 by 180 ° in the direction of the Contact lever 12 bent. On the flow contact 84 facing The bracket extension 90 carries the forward contact 84 'on the surface. To the Free ends 89 close in the longitudinal direction 51 two parallel spring cheeks 91.91 '. They are integrally formed on the spring clip 85. In the transverse direction 50 they extend over the free end 89 to the area of Contact end 67 of the contact lever 12. The contact end 67 of the Spring cheeks 91,91 'flanked on both sides. Their height in the longitudinal direction 51 increases continuously from the contact end 67 along the transverse direction 50 until it is in the area of the bending point between free end 89 and bracket extension 90 drops abruptly.

Along the transverse direction 50 there is a bearing bore 92 for the pivot bearing 65 (FIG. 6) approximately in the center of the contact lever 12. A connection end of a strand 93 is soldered or welded to the bearing end 66 on both sides. The connection ends of the wire 93 for the contact lever 12 form the free ends of two U-legs. The U-bottom of the strand 93 is covered in FIG. 9 by the rail extension 94 of a busbar 95. The concealed U-bottom of the strand 93 is also soldered or welded to the rail extension 94. The rail extension 94 is a metal strip with a rail slot 96 which is rectangular in the direction of view from the longitudinal direction 51. The rail slot 96 is penetrated by the drive lever 11. The drive lever 11 is molded from plastic to effectively additionally isolate the circuit from the windings of the coils 34, 34 '. The rail extension 94 is arranged parallel to the transverse direction 50. In a connection area to the busbar 95 running parallel to the longitudinal direction 51, the rail extension 94 is bent through 45 ° in the direction of the connection bolt 70 '.
Busbar 95 and rail extension 94 are made in one piece from a metal strip. However, the metal strip is only about half as wide in the depth direction 44 in the area of the busbar 95 as in the area of the rail extension 94 Grooves on.

If the main contacts 83.83 'and the lead contacts 84.84' lie against each other, so the circuit is closed. In the components shown in Fig. 9 the current e.g. fed into the branch 81 via the connecting bolt 70 and then flows through the main contacts 83.83 'and the lead contacts 84.84' in the spring clip 85 or in the contact lever 12. From the bearing end 66 of the Contact lever 12, the current flows through the strand 93 into the busbar 95.

In Fig. 9, the contact lever 12 is in an off position. Here the spring clip 85 bears against the main contact 83 'with pretension. Will the Bring the contact lever 12 into its contact position, first meet the lead contacts 84.84 'on each other. With a slight delay, the Main contacts 83.83 'on each other. In the contact position of the contact lever 12 the spring clip 85 is lifted off the main contact 83 '. When current flows Current branch 81 takes place in the area of the main contact 83 and the lead contact 84 a current division. The current division depends on the resistance of the individual components. The greater part of the current overflows the contact lever 12.

The lead contacts 84, 84 'have good burning properties and therefore a higher contact resistance. The main contacts 83, 83 'have a small number Contact resistance, however, are more susceptible to arcing. When transferring the contact lever 12 into its switch-off position the main contacts 83, 83 'are disconnected first. By the emerging Arc, the total resistance is briefly increased. With little time Delay, the lead contacts 84, 84 'are separated from one another. Of the The main arc then occurs between the contact area of the Lead contacts 84.84 '. The arc between the main contacts 83.83 ' goes out beforehand. The arcs that arise are not shown in the figures Extinguished quenching plates cooled to shorten the extinguishing times.

The further course of the current can be started from the explanations in FIG. 9 explain with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The one through the rail extension 94 and the current rail 95 current flowing branches into one out of the Bimetal 5 and a shunt current path 97 existing parallel connection. The two partial flows add up in the area of a carrier console 98 again. The carrier bracket 98 contains a cylindrical bolt opening 82 'accordingly the branch 81 (FIG. 9). The bolt opening 82 'is used for positive locking and electrically contacting connection with the connecting bolt 70 '(Fig. 6).

The structure of the individual parts of the overcurrent monitoring device from FIG. 10 is explained with reference to FIG. 11. It is a bimetallic assembly with a U-shaped bimetal 5. The two bimetallic legs 99.99 'are arranged in the longitudinal direction 51. The U-bottom forms the movement end 100 of the bimetal 5 and extends in the depth direction 44. The movement end 100 is bent in the region 50 remote from the bimetal legs 99.99 'in the transverse direction 50 by 45 °. This bent region runs in a plane parallel to the region of the rail extension 94 which is likewise bent by 45 °. The width of the bimetal 5 in the depth direction 44 is somewhat smaller than the corresponding extension of the rail extension 94. The region of the movement end 100 which is bent by 45 ° is connected a bimetal protrusion 101. Seen in the transverse direction 50, the bimetallic projection 101 is of rectangular configuration. It is arranged in a plane parallel to the bimetallic legs 99.99 '. The bimetal projection 101 has a smaller extent in the depth direction 44 than the movement end 100 and is integrally formed at the end of the bent region of the movement end 100. In the final assembly position of the bimetallic assembly, the free ends of the bimetallic legs 99.99 'are directed towards the connecting bolt 70'. These free ends are approximately square-shaped contact ends 102, 102 '. The contact ends 102, 102 'are offset from the rest of the bimetallic legs 99.99' in the direction of the busbar 95. In the final assembly position, the busbar 95 covers the bimetal leg 99, seen in the transverse direction 50.
The shunt circuit 97 is also U-shaped. It is arranged in a plane parallel to the bimetal 5. The U-base of the shunt current path 97 projects beyond the two shunt legs 103, 103 'in the depth direction 44. Its extension in this direction is somewhat larger than the corresponding extent of the rail extension 94. The two shunt legs 103, 103' and the adjoining leg ends 104, 104 'correspond in outline form and Arrangement about the bimetallic legs 99.99 'and their contact ends 102.102'. However, the leg ends 104, 104 'are extended by contact pieces 105, 105'. The leg end 104 'is extended approximately in the longitudinal direction 51 by means of the contact piece 105'. However, the contact piece 105 'is bent away from the bimetal 5. Seen in the transverse direction 50, the contact piece 105 'is approximately square.
The leg end 104 has a greater extension in the depth direction 44 than the associated shunt leg 103. This is followed by the contact piece 105, bent at right angles and directed onto the busbar 95. Seen in the depth direction 44, the outline shape of the contact piece 105 is essentially rectangular. The contact piece 105 is pierced in its central region by a rectangular contact opening 106 in the depth direction 44 (FIG. 12). The surface of the busbar 95 facing away from the housing cover 148 in the final assembly position contains, as already mentioned in FIG. 9, a plurality of grooves and bulges. In the region of the busbar 95 facing away from the rail extension 94, the contact bulge 107 extending in the depth direction 44 is formed. Its outline shape is adapted to the outline shape of the contact opening 106 in such a way that a positive connection between the conductor rail 95 and the contact piece 105 is produced in the final assembly state.
The leg end 104 is pierced in its area facing the leg end 104 'by a screw opening 108 in the transverse direction 50. Its outline corresponds approximately to that of a semicircle with its concave side facing the leg end 104 '. The screw opening 108 enables an adjusting screw 109 with its insulating pin 110 to reach through the leg end 104 without contact in the final assembly state and to act on the contact end 102 of the bimetal 5. The cylindrical insulating pin 110 is integrally formed on the end face of the adjusting screw 109 facing the bimetal 5. The direction of action of the adjusting screw 109 corresponds to the transverse direction 50. The adjusting screw 109 is mounted in a threaded bore 111. The threaded bore 111 breaks through a currentless branch 112 of the carrier bracket 98 in the transverse direction 50. In this direction, the branch 112 has the outline shape of a rectangular plate. In the area of its corner edge facing the shunt 103 and diagonally opposite corner edge, the branch 112 is recessed in a rectangular manner.

In the depth direction 44, in addition to the currentless branch 112, a shunt contact surface 113 is integrally formed on the carrier console 98. The outline shape of the shunt contact surface 113 is essentially rectangular when viewed in the transverse direction 50. While the de-energized branch 112 is arranged parallel to the leg end 104 of the shunt current path 97 in the final assembly position, the shunt contact surface 113 is bent in the direction of the busbar 95. The shunt contact surface 113 and the contact piece 105 ', which is also bent towards the leg end 104', are arranged in mutually parallel planes. At the free end of the shunt contact surface 113, a bimetal contact surface 114 running parallel to the busbar 95 is integrally formed. Seen in the transverse direction 50, the bimetal contact surface 114 is square. The plate-like bimetal contact surface 114 projects beyond the shunt contact surface 113 in the depth direction 44 on the side facing away from the branch 112.
The branch 112 and the shunt contact surface 113 are connected to one another via a base piece 115. The base piece 115 is rectangular in the longitudinal direction 51. The base piece 115 is the part of the support bracket 98 on which the connecting bolt 70 'is electrically contacted in the final assembly position. For this purpose, the bottom piece 115 is broken through by the cylindrical bolt opening 82 ′ in the longitudinal direction 51.

In the final assembly position, this is facing away from the rail extension 94 Rail end 116 welded to the contact end 102 of the bimetal 5. The Contact bulge 107 of the busbar 95 is with a positive connection electrically contacted the contact piece 105 of the shunt current path 97. The contact end 102 ′ of the bimetal 5 is with the bimetal contact surface 114 welded. The same applies to the contact piece 105 'of the shunt current path 97 and the shunt contact surface 113. The facing each other End faces of the contact end 102 and the leg end 104 are separated from each other by an air gap. For additional insulation an insulating washer can be inserted between these two end faces. Means the adjusting screw 109 becomes the contact end 102 of the bimetal 5 pressurized. The bimetallic legs 99.99 'can be adjusted by adjusting the Adjusting screw 109 can be clamped against each other. This turns the bimetal 5 adjusts and a different trigger sensitivity can be set will.

The current flowing according to the explanations in FIG. 9 is divided in the region of the rail end 116. A part flows through the bimetal 5 from the contact end 102 to the contact end 102 '. The other current component flows through the shunt current path 97 from the contact piece 105 to the contact piece 105 '. The two partial currents add up again in the region of the shunt contact surface 113 of the carrier console 98. The bimetal 5 is designed such that the movement end 100 is deflected in the direction of the shunt current path 97 in the event of an overcurrent. This corresponds to a deflection side 117 (FIG. 10). The opposite direction along the transverse direction 50 corresponds to a rear side 118. The thermal deflection movement is supported by an electrodynamic force acting on the bimetal leg 99. Busbar 95 and bimetal arm 99 act like two parallel conductors through which current flows in opposite directions. Such conductors repel each other due to the electrodynamic force.
The shunt arm 103 and the bimetallic arm 99 act like two parallel conductors through which current flows. Such conductors attract due to the electrodynamic force. The electrodynamically induced deflection movement of the bimetal 5 supports its thermal deflection movement, particularly in the case of very large overcurrents. This increases the tripping sensitivity of the circuit breaker and reduces the tripping time.

The bimetallic assembly shown in Fig. 10 and in Fig. 11 is for amperages suitable above 50 A. Through the shunt current path connected in parallel 97 there is a current division, which reduces the cross section of the Bimetallic 5 enables. With the reduction in cross section, the electrodynamic Force effect can be better exploited.

The operating positions of the circuit breaker 1 are explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. 6, the contact lever 12 is in its contact position. The main contacts 83, 83 'and the flow contacts 84, 84' rest against one another with their mutually facing end faces, so that the circuit inside the circuit breaker 1 is closed. The switch lock 4 is closed. The toggle lever formed from the two levers 59 and 60 is in its extended position. The limiting lug 62 and the lug stop 63 prevent the toggle lever from being stretched beyond its extended position.
The contact lever 12 is guided on the contact lever bearing 69. The contact pressure spring 72 acts with its spring force in the longitudinal direction 51 by means of the pressure plate 73 on the contact lever knob 71 of the contact lever 12. As a result, the contact lever 12 is rotated clockwise with the pivot bearing 65 as the axis of rotation. At the same time, the contact lever end 64 of the toggle lever presses the contact lever 12 with the contact lever bearing 69 as the axis of rotation in the clockwise direction in the direction of the connecting bolts 70, 70 '. As a result, sufficient contact pressure is generated on the main contacts 83, 83 'and on the flow contacts 84, 84'. The position of the indicator lever 76 depends on the position of the contact pressure spring 72. Both components are connected to each other via the pivot point 77. When the contact pressure spring 72 moves in the longitudinal direction 51, the indicator arm 79 is rotated about the pin 78 as the axis of rotation. Depending on the position of the contact pressure spring 72 and thus the contact lever 12, a certain partial area of the display surface 80 can be seen in a viewing window 119. The viewing window 119 accordingly shows whether the circuit is open or closed.

The drive lever 11 is in its switched-on position in FIG. 6. It is held in its switched-on position by the holding force of the switching drive 3. The magnetic direction of flow within the switching drive 3 is oriented such that the armature 23 rests with one end face on the truncated cone 46 of the pot lid 27.
In order to improve the holding force of the switching drive 3, a torsion spring 120 is additionally provided. It is fixed to the bolt 121 which is fixed to the housing and extends in the depth direction 44. One spring leg is supported on a cam 122 of the drive lever 11. The cam 122 is formed on the end of the drive lever 11 facing away from the latching lever 13. The second spring leg rests on a housing pin 123 which is also fixed to the housing and extends in the depth direction 44. The force effect of the torsion spring 120 is the same as the magnetic force of the switching drive 3 in the switched-on position of the drive lever 11. During the transfer of the contact lever 12 into its switched-off position (FIG. 7), the magnetic force must counteract the pressure of the torsion spring 120. In this case, however, the force required by the switching mechanism 4 is low. 6, the latching plate 54 lies in the latching notch 55. As a result, drive lever 11 and latch lever 13 are latched together. This ensures a stable extended position of the toggle lever and a reliable retention of the contact lever 12 in its contact position.

In Fig. 7, the drive lever 11 is in its off position. For this the magnetic field of the coils 34, 34 'based on the conditions in Fig. 6 reversed. The coils 34, 34 'receive a current pulse of about 30 ms. The armature 23 then moves in the axial direction 24 on the Truncated cone 46 'of the pot base 26 and is only after the current pulse by the force of the permanent magnet 22 in its new switching position held. The drive lever 11 is thereby with the drive lever axis 52 as Rotation axis turned counterclockwise and in its off position transferred. A pressure arm 124 formed on the drive lever 11 is pressurized in the off position of the drive lever 11, the additional switch 7. The drive lever remains during the transition to its switch-off position 11 latched to the latch lever 13. The toggle is in its kink position transferred. Under the pressure of the contact pressure spring 72, the contact lever 12 with the contact lever bearing 69 as an axis of rotation counterclockwise rotated and transferred to its off position. Unlatching from Drive lever 11 and latch lever 13 is not possible because of the latch lever 13 by means of a torsion spring not shown in the figures Knee joint axis 56 is rotated clockwise such that it is the latch end 53 of the drive lever 11 pressurized. The not shown Torsion spring is mounted on the knee joint axis 56. The latch lever is also located 13 with its surface facing the contact lever 12 on Nose stop 63 and with the end of its switching arm 58 on the stationary fixed auxiliary switch 6 on. A rotation of the latch lever 13 about Counterclockwise knee joint axis 56 is therefore additionally difficult. The latch lever 13 remains reliably in its transverse direction 50 parallel layers. While the drive lever is in the off position 11 pressurizes the end of the switching arm facing the auxiliary switch 6 58 a switch button 125 of the auxiliary switch 6.

Fig. 8 shows the relationships of the mechanics of the circuit breaker 1 after bimetallic release. The bimetal 5 extends through with its bimetal projection 101 a slide 126 housed parallel to the transverse direction 50 in the area its one drive end. The opposite drive end in the transverse direction 50 of the slide 126 is from a drive arm 127 of an angle lever 128 enforced. The angle lever 128 consists essentially of the Drive arm 127 and a perpendicular to it and approximately in the transverse direction 50 extending unlatching arm 129. The angle lever 128 is with a circular extension of the unlatching arm 117 in the area of Intersections of both arms 115, 117 can be rotated about an angle lever axis 130 stored. The angle lever 128 is by a spring, not shown in the Turned clockwise. The slide 126 is driven by the drive arm 127 moved towards auxiliary switch 6.

The drive arm 127 and the bimetal projection 101 of the bimetal 5 are each located in recesses of the slide 126. The bimetal protrusion 101 has depending on the adjustment point within the recess of the slide 126 assigned to it and ambient temperature another location. Around the slide 126 cannot be driven unintentionally by changing ambient temperatures the drive arm 127 of the bell crank 128 e.g. from a compensation bimetal consist.

Starting from the functional positions of the mechanics of the circuit breaker 1 in FIG. 6, the bimetal projection 101 is deflected in the event of an overcurrent in the direction of the shunt current path 97. The slider 126 is driven in the same direction. As a result, the angle lever 128 is rotated counterclockwise about the angle lever axis 130. The unlatching arm 129 of the angle lever 128 strikes the surface of the switching arm 58 facing it and pressurizes the latching lever 13 in this area. The latch lever 13 is rotated counterclockwise about the knee joint axis 56. Latching plate 54 and latching notch 55 disengage, which leads to unlatching of drive lever 11 and latching lever 13. The drive lever 11 remains in its switched-on position. Due to the unlatching, the latching lever 13 in FIG. 8 performs the same movement in the direction of the switch button 125 as when the drive lever 11 was transferred from its switched-on position (FIG. 6) to its switched-off position (FIG. 7).
The transfer of the contact lever 12 into its switch-off position during the free release by the bimetal 5 after the release of the drive lever 11 and the release lever 13 corresponds to the explanations in FIG. 7.

Instead of the bimetal 5, sensors can also be used to detect the Circuit breaker 1 from its on position to its off position switch. The sensor is electrically connected in parallel to the auxiliary switch 6 and triggers the switching function when specified values are exceeded or undershot. Such sensors can e.g. Temperature sensors, pressure gauges, accelerometers, Tachometer or Hall probes.

13 is the connection point between the switching lock 4 and the electromagnetic switching drive 3 explained. The drive lever 11 facing end of the shift rod 25 is with the rod thread 42nd Mistake. The rod thread 42 engages in an internal thread 131 of the Coupling member 43 a. The internal thread 131 breaks through in Longitudinal direction 5 centrally a base plate 132. The base plate 132 is in the transverse direction 50 seen square. The base plate is in the final assembly state 132 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the shift rod 25. The base plate 132 is part of the coupling member 43. At the two in Longitudinal direction 51 extending outer edges of the base plate 132 is in each case a portion running perpendicular to the base plate 132 and in the transverse direction 50 of the coupling member 43 formed. These proportions are towards the Drive lever 11 conically shaped and approximately semicircular in the area of the cone tip rounded. These portions are in the depth direction 44 of a coupling hole 133,133 'broken.

In the final assembly state, the areas of the coupling member flank the Coupling holes 133,133 'the drive lever 11. In this area is the Drive lever 11 provided with a coupling axis opening 134. The coupling holes 133, 133 'and the coupling axis opening 134 are in the final assembly state penetrated by the coupling axis 45. The diameter of the Coupling bores 133, 133 'is smaller than that of the coupling axis opening 134. This difference eliminates tolerances that occur during operation of circuit breaker 1, balanced. The axis 45 also penetrates two intermediate lever holes in the final assembly state 135,135 'of an intermediate lever 136. The intermediate lever bores 135,135' break through associated flanking parts 137, 137 '.

The flanking parts 137, 137 'arranged parallel to one another are components of the intermediate lever 136. They are designed conically in the longitudinal direction 51 with approximately semicircular, the cam 122 of the drive lever 11 facing Cone tip. The flanking parts 137, 137 'flank in the final assembly state on the outside, the areas of the coupling bores 133, 133 'of the Coupling member 43. The flanking part 137 is also with a bearing bore 138 provided. The corresponding hole in the flanking part 137 'is not shown in Fig. 13. An intermediate lever axis 139 extends through in the final assembly state the bearing bore 138 of the flanking part 137 and corresponding bore of the flanking part 137 'and an intermediate lever bearing 140. The intermediate lever bearing 140 breaks through the drive lever 11 and is adapted to the outline of the intermediate lever axis 139. The flanking parts 137, 137 'touch the drive lever 11 on the outside in the region of its intermediate lever bearing 140. The intermediate lever 136 is thus in the final assembly state mounted on the drive lever 11. The flanking parts 137.137 ' are connected by a base part 141 arranged perpendicular thereto. The Base part 141 is square-shaped in the transverse direction 50 with a central one Leg bore 142. Seen in the longitudinal direction 51, the base part 141 is U-shaped with free ends of the U-legs directed at the drive lever 11. The U-legs of the base part 141 partially form the connection points between Base part 141 and flanking parts 137, 137 '.

In the central area of the drive lever 11 there is a compensating spring 143 in the transverse direction 50. In the final assembly state, it pressurizes the surface of the base part 141 facing the drive lever 11. The compensating spring 143 is adjusted so that the armature 23, with its end faces facing the truncated cones 46, 46 ', can bear directly against them.
Manufacturing tolerances between the switching mechanism 4 and the switching drive 3 occurring at the beginning or during the operation of the circuit breaker 1 can be compensated for by the switching rod 25. For this purpose, a screwdriver, for example, engages in the adjustment slot 34 of the shift rod 25.
Shift rod 25, coupling member 43, intermediate lever 136, compensating spring 143, torsion spring 120 and drive lever 11 cooperate in such a way that the play between drive lever 11 and latch lever 13 is compensated for in order to ensure a safe latching and unlatching of these two components. In addition, by rotating the switching rod 25, the air gap between the armature 23 and the truncated cone 46 or the truncated cone 46 'can be kept constant to achieve a constant magnetic force.

The leg of the torsion spring 120 supported on the housing pin 123 passes through the compensating spring 143 and the leg bore in the final assembly position 142 (Fig. 6).

The cam 122 limits the longitudinal extent of the drive lever 11 on its the end facing away from the latching lever 13 (FIG. 6). The cam 122 has in the depth direction 44 a circular outline shape with a semicircular Extension of part of the circumference. At the extreme longitudinal extent of the drive lever 11, the cam 122 is different from the circular one Outline flattened approximately in the transverse direction 50. The cam 122 is in Depth direction 108 penetrated by a bore. In the cams 108 several Drive lever 11 can be introduced a common axis, so that a Mechanical coupling of several circuit breakers 1 is created. The cam 122 is in the depth direction 44 is wider than the adjoining region of the Drive lever 11.

The surface of this area of the drive lever facing the shift rod 25 11 is recessed in the longitudinal direction 51. Seen in the transverse direction 50 this recess is 144 U-shaped. The drive lever 11 is thereby by the Shift rod 25 is not hindered during its rotational movements. To the with the area of the drive lever 11 provided with the recess 144 closes an area widened in the depth direction 44. In this area is the balancing spring 143 used. The drive lever 11 is by means of a lever axis bore 145 mounted on the drive lever shaft 52 fixed to the housing. In this area is the height of the drive lever 11 in the transverse direction 50 enlarged relative to the cam-side end of the drive lever 11. in the The pressure arm 124 is integrally formed in the area of the lever axis bore 145. It is with its end facing the drive lever 11 in the depth direction 44 arranged and kinks vertically towards its free end, running approximately in the longitudinal direction 51. The free end of the pressure arm 124 is widened in the transverse direction 50 with respect to the rest of the area of the pressure arm 110. The surface of the free end of the free switch facing the Pressure arm 124 is approximately semicircular with the additional switch 7 facing Rounded convex side.

In the area of the lever axis bore 145, the crosswise direction 50 reduced height of the arm of the latch lever 13 facing the Drive lever 11 on. This arm is opposite to that which supports the pressure arm 124 Outer surface of the drive lever 11 arranged offset in the depth direction 44. In this direction, its width is about half the length of the Lever axis bore 145. In the facing the latch lever 13 The end face of the drive lever 11 is a lever groove running in the longitudinal direction 51 146 molded. The groove width in the depth direction 44 is the corresponding one Width of the locking lever 13 in the area of its locking notch 55 adjusted. Immediately next to the lever groove 146 is the drive lever 11 in Transverse direction 50 broken through by a lever bore 147. In the lever hole 147 can e.g. a screw can be used to secure the latch plate 54 to connect to the drive lever 11 (Fig. 6).

In Fig. 14 it can be seen that the circuit breaker housing from the housing bottom 49 effective housing shell and another as a housing cover 148 effective housing shell is composed. In the area of their Narrow sides are the housing base 49 and the housing cover 148 with a fixed to the narrow sides parallel mounting plate 149. The Mounting plate 149 protrudes from the narrow side of both housing shells in Transverse direction 50. In this protruding area contains the mounting plate 149 a mounting hole 150. The expansion of the mounting plate 149 is limited in the transverse direction 50 by a fastening plate edge 151. The fastening plate edge 151 extends in the depth direction 44 arranged. Their extent extends to about half of the extent of the circuit breaker 1 in the depth direction 44. This is followed by an area the mounting plate 149 with a lower installation height in the transverse direction 50 on. The height of the mounting plate 149 falls in the depth direction 44 continuously until it reaches the height of the circuit breaker 1 in the transverse direction 50 corresponds. With the exception of the projecting area, this corresponds to Expansion of the mounting plate 149 in the depth direction 44 of the expansion of the circuit breaker 1 in the depth direction 44.

The housing cover 148 contains a cover plate 152 arranged parallel to the plane spanned by the transverse direction 50 and the longitudinal direction 51. It has approximately a square outline shape. It can be removed from the housing cover 148 by fastening means, not shown here. These fastening means engage in four plate bores 153 arranged on the cover plate 152.
The cover plate 152 covers the control electronics 2 fastened in the circuit breaker 1. The control electronics 2 are connected to the connection block 21 by connecting lines 16 (FIG. 15). The connection block 21 is arranged on the narrow side of the housing cover 148 facing away from the fastening plate 149. In the longitudinal direction 51, the connection block 21 protrudes from the housing cover 148. The connection block 21 has a rectangular outline shape and contains ten connection sockets 20 on its surface. The two connection sockets 20 arranged side by side in the depth direction 44 are each electrically connected in parallel. Measuring or display devices are connected to the connecting sockets 20, for example. Several circuit breakers 1 can also be connected in parallel.

The connection block 21 is inserted in a recess in the housing cover 148. The cover plate 152 is extended in the longitudinal direction 51 in the region of the connection block 21 in order to completely cover the recess.
The viewing window 119 is arranged on the narrow side of the housing cover 148 carrying the connection block 21. In the rectangular viewing window 119, it is visually indicated whether the circuit is closed or open. A cutout on the narrow side of the housing cover 148 in the region of the viewing window 119 is also covered by an extension of the cover plate 152 in the longitudinal direction 51.
The cylindrical connecting bolts 70, 70 'extending in the longitudinal direction 51 penetrate the circuit breaker housing in the region of its narrow side facing away from the mounting plate 149. Both connecting bolts 70, 70 'run approximately in the division plane between housing base 49 and housing cover 148. An electrical consumer is connected to the two connecting bolts 70, 70' via power lines. The connecting bolts 70, 70 'are electrically shielded from one another by a partition 154 formed on the housing base 49. The partition 154 is T-shaped as seen in the longitudinal direction 51. The T crossbar is arranged in the transverse direction 50 and corresponds to the expansion of the housing base 49 in this direction. The T-crosspiece forms an extension of the housing base 49 in the longitudinal direction 51, the T-crosspiece being arranged offset in the depth direction 44 with respect to the housing base 49. The extension of the circuit breaker housing in the transverse direction 50 is divided into two halves by the vertical T-leg which protrudes vertically from the T-crosspiece. The vertical leg forms a plane arranged vertically on the circuit breaker housing. Its extent in the depth direction 44 is somewhat larger than the corresponding extent of the housing base 49.

The single-pole circuit breaker 1 can be seen in FIG. 15, but with the cover plate 152 removed. A circuit board 155 is fitted in the inner region which can be closed by the cover plate 152. It is arranged parallel to the plane spanned by the transverse direction 50 and the longitudinal direction 51. The entire control electronics 2 are located on the circuit board 155. A part of the control electronics 2 is a hybrid circuit 156. The connections for the additional switch 7 and the auxiliary switch 6 are also located on the circuit board. Five connecting lines 16 connect the control electronics 2 to the connection sockets 20 of the Terminal block 21. In each case two connecting sockets 20 arranged side by side in the depth direction 44 are connected in parallel. This allows an electrical coupling of several circuit breakers 1.
A plurality of circuit breakers 1 can also be coupled by direct connections of the circuit boards 155. For this purpose, the housing base 49 and the housing cover 148 are provided with openings, not shown, so that the conductor tracks relating to the same electrical signal on the circuit boards 155 of a plurality of circuit breakers 1 can be electrically connected in parallel via connecting wires.
Except for a single connection block 21 for the connection, for example, of the external remote switch 8, the remaining connection blocks 21 are unnecessary in this case. In the housing cover 148, four housing cover bores 157 are provided, which correspond to the plate bores 153 of the cover plate 152. A groove-like adjustment opening 158 is formed on the end face of the housing base 49 facing the housing cover 148 in the region of the electromagnetic switching drive 3. Through the adjustment opening 158, for example, a screwdriver can engage in the adjustment slot 34 of the shift rod 25 in order to adjust the drive lever 11 and the armature 23.

Reference list

1

Circuit breaker

2nd

Control electronics

3rd

Switch drive

4th

Switch lock

5

Bimetal

6

Auxiliary switch

7

Additional switch

8th

Remote switch

9

Voltage limitation

10th

Power supply

11

Drive lever

12th

Contact lever

13

Latch lever

14

Leading edge control

15 '

entrance

16

Connecting cable

17th

Impulse generator

18th

Full transistor bridge

19th

Status indicator

20th

Connection socket

21

Terminal block

22

Permanent magnet

23

anchor

24th

Axial direction

25th

Shift rod

26

Pot bottom

27

Pot lid

28

Outside surface

29.29 '

Rod guide hole

30.30 '

Utzenbohrung

31.31 '

Utzenbohrung

32.32 '

Connecting wire

33.33 '

Connecting wire

34.34 '

Kitchen sink

35.35 '

Insulation element

36.36 '

Insulation element

37

Locating pin

38

Groove

39

Pin hole

40

Adjustment slot

41

Flattening

42

Rod thread

43

Coupling link

44

Depth direction

45

Coupling axis

46.46 '

Truncated cone

47

Arrow direction

48

Arrow direction

49

Case back

50

Cross direction

51

Longitudinal direction

52

Drive lever axis

53

Latch end

54

Latch plate

55

Latch notch

56

Knee joint axis

57

Low latching

58

Switching arm

59

lever

60

lever

61

Lever axis

62

Boundary nose

63

Nose stop

64

Contact lever end

65

Swivel bearing

66

End of storage

67

Contact end

68

Longitudinal slot

69

Contact lever bearing

70.70 '

Connecting bolts

71

Contact lever knob

72

Contact pressure spring

73

printing plate

74

Spring housing

75

cheek

76

Indicator lever

77

pivot point

78

Cones

79

Indicator arm

80

Display area

81

Current branch

82.82 '

Bolt opening

83.83 '

Main contact

84.84 '

Lead contact

85

Spring clip

86

Fastening end

87

Pin opening

88

Rivet

89

Freeers

90

Temple extension

91.91 '

Spring cheek

92

Bearing bore

93

Strand

94

Rail extension

95

Track

96

Slit slot

97

Shunt current path

98

Carrier console

99.99 '

Bimetal legs

100

End of movement

101

Blmet projection

102

Contact end

102 '

Contact end

103

Shunt leg

103 '

Shunt leg

104

Thigh end

104 '

Thigh end

105

Contact piece

105 '

Contact piece

106

Contact opening

107

Contact bulge

108

Screw opening

109

Adjusting screw

110

Insulating pin

111

Tapped hole

112

branch

113

Shunt contact pads

114

Bimetal contact surface

115

Bottom piece

116

Rail end

117

Deflection side

118

back

119

Viewing window

120

Torsion spring

121

bolt

122

Cam

123

Housing pin

124

Pressure arm

125

Switch button

126

Slider

127

Drive arm

128

Angle lever

129

Unlatched

130

Angle lever axis

131

inner thread

132

Base plate

133

Coupling hole

133 '

Coupling hole

134

Coupling axis opening

135

Intermediate lever hole

135 '

Intermediate lever hole

136

Intermediate lever

137

Flanking part

137 '

Flanking part

138

Bearing bore

139

Intermediate lever axis

140

Intermediate lever bearing

141

Base part

142

Leg bore

143

Balancing spring

144

Recess

145

Lever axis bore

146

Lever groove

147

Lever hole

148

Housing cover

149

Mounting plate

150

Mounting hole

151

Mounting plate edge

152

Cover plate

153

Plate drilling

154

partition wall

155

Circuit board

156

Hybrid circuit

157

Housing cover hole

158

Adjustment opening

159

Parallel input

160

output

161

Parallel output

Claims (29)

1. Circuit breaker (1) which can be remotely controlled by means of an external remote control switch (8) via an electronic control unit (2),

   having an electromagnetic switching drive (3, 11) which is controlled by the electronic control unit (2) and switches the circuit via a switch latch (4, 12, 13) which can be moved between an open and a closed position, and

   having an auxiliary switch (6) which is actuated by being triggered by a bimetallic element in the event of overcurrent in order to switch off the remote control switch (8) via the electronic control unit (2),

   characterized

   in that the switching drive (3, 11) for switching the circuit is latched to the switch latch (4, 12, 13),

   in that the switch latch (4, 12, 13), as a result of being triggered by the bimetallic element, is unlatched from the switching drive (3, 11) and opened and, as a result, interrupts the circuit, and

   in that the auxiliary switch (6) which is actuated when triggered by the bimetallic element automatically effects the re-latching of the switching drive (3, 11) to the open switch latch (4, 12, 13) via the electronic control unit.
2. Circuit breaker according to Claim 1, characterized in that the action of switching off the remote control switch (8) triggers the transfer of the switching drive (3, 11) into its switched-off position.
3. Circuit breaker according to Claim 2, characterized in that the transfer of the switching drive (3, 11) into its switched-off position, which follows triggering by the bimetallic element, re-latches the said drive to the switch latch (4, 12, 13).
4. Circuit breaker according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by an additional switch (7) which signals the switching position of the switching drive (3, 11).
5. Circuit breaker according to Claim 4, characterized in that the additional switch (7), as a result of signalling the switched-off position of the switching drive (3, 11), enables the latter to be switched on again.
6. Circuit breaker according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the switch latch (4, 12, 13) is open and therefore interrupting the circuit, it acts so as to switch the auxiliary switch (6).
7. Circuit breaker according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the switching drive (3, 11) is in the switched-off position, it acts so as to switch the additional switch (7).
8. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a sensor, connected electrically in parallel with the auxiliary switch (6), for the trip-free release of the circuit breaker (1).
9. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control unit (2) essentially comprises a hybrid circuit (156).
10. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control unit (2) is connected via connecting lines (16) to a connector block (21) fastened to the circuit-breaker housing.
11. Circuit breaker according to Claim 10, characterized in that connecting lines (16) connect the connector block (21) to a status indicator (19).
12. Circuit breaker according to Claim 11, characterized in that the status indicator (19) is a microswitch and, together with the auxiliary switch (6), is switched by the switch latch (4, 12, 13).
13. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

    in that the connector block (21) contains connector sockets (20) connected to the connecting lines (16), and

    in that the connector sockets (20) can be used

    to connect the remote control switch (8) to an input (15) and to an output (160) of the electronic control unit (2), and

    to connect an external indicating device to the status indicator (19).
14. Circuit breaker according to Claim 13, characterized in that the connector sockets (20) assigned to the input (15) and to the output (160) are each connected electrically to the same connector sockets (20) of at least one further single-pole circuit breaker (1), in order together to form a multipole circuit breaker.
15. Circuit breaker according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the contact points which are assigned to the input (15) and the output (160) on a printed circuit board (155) bearing the electronic control unit (2), and which belong to a number of single-pole circuit breakers (1), are directly connected electrically by means of connecting lines which pass transversely through the circuit-breaker housing.
16. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a dividing wall (154) is arranged on the circuit-breaker housing, between two connecting pins (70, 70') which project out of the circuit-breaker housing and act as connecting ends of the circuit, fcr the purpose of screening the said connecting pins electrically from one another, and, by way of lateral extensions, also insulates the connecting ends of adjacent circuit breakers (1) electrically from one another, especially circuit breakers (1) which are coupled to form a multipole circuit breaker.
17. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one single-pole circuit breaker (1) contains a switching drive (3) which, by being coupled mechanically via a common shaft, acts on the switch latches (4) of all the single-pole circuit breakers (1).
18. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by

    a contact lever (12) which can pivot and switches the circuit, and a toggle lever (59, 60) which effects the pivoting movement of the contact lever (12), forms a constituent part of the switch latch (4) and whose one toggle-lever end is articulated on the circuit-breaker housing and whose other toggle-lever end (64) is articulated on the contact lever (12), and

    a latch lever (13) which is articulated on the toggle joint (56) of the toggle lever (59, 60), can be latched to the switching drive (3) and displaces the toggle joint (56) between the stretched position of the toggle lever (59, 60) effecting the closing of the circuit, and the bent position of the toggle lever (59, 60) effecting the interruption of the circuit.
19. Circuit breaker according to Claim 18, characterized

    in that the contact lever (12) and the toggle-lever end (64) articulated on the contact lever (12) have pressure applied to them by a contact pressure spring (72), and

    in that the latch lever (13) can be displaced counter to the contact spring pressure.
20. Circuit breaker according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that when the circuit is interrupted, the latch lever (13) acts so as to switch the auxiliary switch (6).
21. Circuit breaker according to one of Claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the latch lever (13) has two arms and acts on the auxiliary switch (6) with its switching arm (58), which is located opposite the latching arm (57).
22. Circuit breaker according to Claim 21, characterized in that the end of the switching arm (58) is designed as a stop piece.
23. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the event of an overcurrent, the bimetallic element (5) acts on the latch lever (13) so as to pivot it about the toggle-joint axis (56) and, as a result, unlatches the latching arm (57) from the switching drive (3).
24. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an electromagnetic switching drive (3) having a switching rod (25), which is articulated on a drive lever (11) that can be latched to the latching arm (57) and can be displaced in an axial direction (24) between the switching-on and switching-off positions of the switching drive (3).
25. Circuit breaker according to Claim 24, characterized in that the drive lever (11) is a two-armed pivoting lever which is mounted on the circuit-breaker housing so that it can rotate about a drive-lever axis (52) arranged parallel to the toggle-joint axis (56),

    the drive end of the said drive lever (11) is articulated to the switching rod (25), and

    the opposite end of the said drive lever (11) can be latched as a latching end (53) to the latching arm (57).
26. Circuit breaker according to Claim 25, characterized in that the latched drive lever (11) rests with its latching end (53) in a latching notch (55) in the latching arm (57) approximately in the manner of a knife edge in a knife-edge bearing.
27. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the switching drive (3) is in the switched-off position, the drive lever (11) acts so as to switch the additional switch (7), using a cantilever (124) which protrudes laterally from the lever arms and transversely in relation to the drive-lever axis (52).
28. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching position of the switch latch (4) is indicated through a viewing window (119) which is arranged on the circuit-breaker housing and whose viewing plane from the interior of the housing is covered by an indicator lever (76) which is mounted on the circuit-breaker housing so that it can rotate between two rotary positions which depend on the pressure of the contact pressure spring (72).
29. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

    in that the switching rod (25), latch lever (13) and contact lever (12) are arranged approximately parallel to one another,

    in that the drive lever (11) and toggle lever extend in the direction in which the contact lever (12) pivots and approximately at right angles to the parallel parts, and

    in that the plane defined by the abovementioned parts is their plane of movement.

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