EP0921543A1 - Elektrischer Sicherheitsschalter - Google Patents

Elektrischer Sicherheitsschalter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0921543A1
EP0921543A1 EP97830615A EP97830615A EP0921543A1 EP 0921543 A1 EP0921543 A1 EP 0921543A1 EP 97830615 A EP97830615 A EP 97830615A EP 97830615 A EP97830615 A EP 97830615A EP 0921543 A1 EP0921543 A1 EP 0921543A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
primary
switch
auxiliary
operating means
switch operator
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97830615A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Giancarlo Lupoli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Signal Lux Italia SpA
Original Assignee
Signal Lux Italia SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Signal Lux Italia SpA filed Critical Signal Lux Italia SpA
Priority to EP97830615A priority Critical patent/EP0921543A1/de
Priority to CN 98122542 priority patent/CN1220475A/zh
Publication of EP0921543A1 publication Critical patent/EP0921543A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/001—Means for preventing or breaking contact-welding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electric switch of the type comprising: at least one primary switch mechanism (2) comprising at least one primary movable contact (2a), at least a first primary fixed contact (2b) and at least a second primary fixed contact (2c) respectively connected to the opposite poles of the electrical circuit (3); first operating means (4) to bring selectively the primary switch operator (2) between an open condition and a closed condition of the electrical circuit (3); control means (7) for the selective activation of the first operating means (4); auxiliary switching means (11); second operating means (12) to bring the primary switching means (11) from a closed condition to an open condition of the electrical circuit (3) at least in a condition of non operation of the primary switch mechanism (2).
  • the invention is applicable to switches, switch operators, shunt operators and the like employed for uses of all kinds.
  • electric safety switches comprise a primary switch operator which opens and closes upon operation of control means which are essentially constituted by a push-button operated manually or in another manner by the user.
  • auxiliary switching means able to ensure circuit opening in case the primary switch remains welded in a closed condition.
  • said switch comprises a primary switch mechanism having a pair of primary movable contacts engaged on a first contact carrier.
  • Said contact carrier can be translated along a sliding guide by the operation of the aforementioned push-button in opposition to a first return spring, to engage in closure said movable contacts on respective primary fixed contacts connected to a battery.
  • the auxiliary switching means present an auxiliary movable contact in bridging connection on the pair of primary movable contacts. Such auxiliary movable contact is engaged on a second contact carrier interposed between the push-button and the first cursor and able to translate along the sliding guide together with the first contact carrier itself.
  • a second return spring which tends to bias the second contact carrier away from the first contact carrier to cause the circuit to open by disengaging the auxiliary movable contact from the primary movable contacts.
  • the second return spring remains compressed between the first and the second cursor as an effect of the action imparted by the first return spring, so that the auxiliary movable contact is maintained in closure on the primary movable contacts.
  • the auxiliary spring is no longer maintained compressed and is free to move the second contact carrier away from the first contact carrier thereby causing the disengagement of the auxiliary movable contact from the primary movable contacts and, consequently, the opening of the circuit.
  • expandable side portions of the second contact carrier interpose themselves between the auxiliary movable contact and the primary movable contacts themselves, in such a way as to prevent the electrical circuit from closing even after the push-button is operated anew.
  • a problem which can be encountered with safety switches of the type described above stems from the fact that the movable contact of the auxiliary switch operator is forced constantly to remain in the closed position throughout the duration of the life of the switch itself, since its opening switching takes place solely and exclusively as a result of the failure on the primary switch operator.
  • the static permanence of the auxiliary movable contact in the closed position can determine, in certain situations, the binding of the movable contact itself onto the primary movable contacts and, consequently, the lack of intervention by the auxiliary switch operator at the proper time.
  • auxiliary movable contact in direct contact on the primary movable contacts favours the possibility of welding between therebetween, also as a consequence of the overheating which the primary movable contacts may undergo due to the discharges produced when opening and closing.
  • Object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems of the prior art, proposing an electric safety switch of improved reliability.
  • An additional object of the invention is to propose a safety switch that facilitates the immediate identification of the intervention of the auxiliary switch operator in opening.
  • auxiliary switching means comprise at least one auxiliary switch operator having at least a first auxiliary fixed contact connected to a pole of the circuit, at least a second auxiliary fixed contact connected with the first primary fixed contact and at least one auxiliary movable contact operatively connected with said second operating means.
  • the number 1 indicates in its entirety an electric safety switch, according to the present invention.
  • Electric switch 1 comprises at least one primary switch operator 2 which can be operatively associated to an electric circuit 3.
  • the primary switch operator 2 comprises essentially at least one primary movable contact 2a operating in sliding relationship on at least a first primary fixed contact 2b and at least a second primary fixed contact 2c respectively connected to the opposite poles of the electrical circuit 3.
  • a third primary fixed contact 2d can also be provided, which, in the embodiment shown, is essentially inactive for the purposes of the electrical connection and shall not therefore be further considered for the purposes of the present description.
  • first operating means 4 which serve to bring selectively the switch operator itself from an open condition wherein, as can be seen for instance in Figure 5, the primary movable contact 2a engages only the first primary fixed contact 2b, to a closed condition wherein the movable contact itself engages both the first and the second primary fixed contacts 2b, 2c, to determine the closure of the electrical circuit 3.
  • the first operating means 4 preferably comprise at least a first contact carrier 5 slidingly guided on a guide structure 6 (not visible in Figures 5-12) and carrying the primary movable contact 2a.
  • the first contact carrier 5 presents a first striker seat 5a acting in push-off relationship against control means 7, comprising for instance a push-button, a pedal or another organ which can be employed by a user to determine the selective activation of the operating means themselves.
  • the action by the user on the push-button or similar control means 7 determines the translation of the first contact carrier 5 along the guide structure 6 in contrast with at least a first spring 8, to bring the primary switch operator 2 from the open condition to the closed condition.
  • An arrest element 9 integral with the guide structure 6 serves to act on the contact carrier 5 to arrest its movement imparted by the control means 7 when the primary switch operator 2 reaches the closed condition.
  • a first pre-loading spring 10 acting between the primary movable contact 2a and the first cursor 5 ensures a suitable and constant support pressure of the movable contact itself on fixed contacts 2b, 2c.
  • the primary movable contact 2a can no longer be brought back to the opening condition, and the circuit 3 would remain in closure conditions even after the interruption by the user of the thrusting action on the control means 7.
  • the switch 1 is fitted with auxiliary switching means which, according to the present invention, preferably comprise at least an auxiliary switch operator 11 electrically connected in series to the primary switch operator 2.
  • the auxiliary switch operator 11 also comprises an auxiliary movable contact 11a operating in sliding relationship on at least a first auxiliary fixed contact 11b connected to one of the poles of the electrical circuit 3, as well as a second auxiliary fixed contact 11c electrically connected with the first primary fixed contact 2b.
  • the enclosed Figures also show a third auxiliary fixed contact 11d, essentially inert for the purposes of the electrical contact and therefore not further considered in the course of the present description.
  • the auxiliary movable contact 11a is operatively connected to second operating means 12 set to bring the auxiliary switch operator 11 selectively from an open condition wherein the movable contact 11a is operatively engaged only with the auxiliary fixed contact 11b, to a closed condition wherein the movable contact itself is operatively in contact with both auxiliary fixed contacts 11b, 11c to cause the first primary fixed contact 2b to be electrically connected with the corresponding pole of the electrical circuit 3.
  • the second operating means 12 comprise a second contact carrier 13 slidingly guided on the guide structure 6 according to a direction parallel to the direction of sliding of the first contact carrier 5, and carrying the auxiliary movable contact 11a.
  • the second contact carrier 13 presents a second striker seat 13a which acts in push-off relationship against the control means 7 in such a way that, upon activation of the control means themselves, the cursor 13 is translated in contrast to the action of at least a second return spring 14 interposed between the first and the second cursor 5, 13, taking the auxiliary switch 11 from the open position to the closed position.
  • a second pre-loading spring 15 or equivalent elastic organs operatively interposed between the second contact carrier 13 and the auxiliary movable contact 11a ensure that a suitable and constant thrusting action is imparted thereby upon auxiliary fixed contacts 11b, 11c.
  • the second contact carrier 13 is translated simultaneously to the first contact carrier 5 upon operation of the control means.
  • the switch of the auxiliary switch operator 11 between the open and the closed condition occurs in advance with respect to the switch of the primary switch operator 2 between the corresponding open and closed conditions.
  • primary movable contact 2a and auxiliary contact 11a are preferably to be set parallel according to a mutually offset position.
  • the primary fixed contacts 2b, 2c and the auxiliary fixed contacts 11b, 11c can be distributed along respective rows set parallel according to a mutually offset position, in such a manner as to cause the opening and closure of the auxiliary switch operator 11 to occur in advance with respect to the primary switch operator 2.
  • the second return spring 14 determines the translation of the second contact carrier 13 with respect to the first contact carrier 5, thereby assuring the interruption of the electrical circuit 3 following the opening of the auxiliary switch operator 11.
  • the safety switch 1 is further fitted with locking means 16 which intervene in case of non operation by the primary switch operator 2 to lock the second operating means 12 with the auxiliary switch operator in open condition, and to inhibit at the same time the further activation of the control means 7.
  • the locking means 16 comprise preferably one or more coupling appendices 16a extending from the second operating means 12, and more specifically from the second contact carrier 13, able to be operatively engaged in corresponding coupling seats 16b obtained in the first operating means, and more specifically in the first contact carrier 5.
  • the sliding engagement of the second operating means 12 with respect to the first operating means 4 causes the second contact carrier 13 to be brought, upon the action of the second return spring 14, from an operative position wherein the coupling appendices 15a are disengaged from the corresponding coupling seats, to a locking position wherein, as per Figure 12, the coupling appendices 16a are engaged in the corresponding seats 16b.
  • auxiliary switch operator 11 remains permanently locked in an open condition, and the second striker seat 13a borne by the second contact carrier 13 interferes with the operating means 7 thereby inhibiting their activation on the part of the user.
  • such elastic locking organs comprise the same pre-loading spring 15 operatively interposed between the auxiliary movable contact 11a and the second cursor 13.
  • the present invention attains the proposed objects.
  • the intervention of the locking means 16 determines, in addition to the disablement of the operation of the auxiliary switch operator 11, the locking of the control means in the rest position. In other words, the action of the user on the control means 7 produces no displacement thereof.
  • the user has the immediate perception of the failure situation on the safety switch, and is not led to seek in other points of the circuit the cause of the non-operation of the apparatus whereto the switch itself is associated.
  • auxiliary switch operator being fitted with the respective fixed contacts 11b, 11c, is a completely independent unit from the primary switch operator, not subjected to the overheating conditions undergone thereby.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
EP97830615A 1997-11-21 1997-11-21 Elektrischer Sicherheitsschalter Withdrawn EP0921543A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP97830615A EP0921543A1 (de) 1997-11-21 1997-11-21 Elektrischer Sicherheitsschalter
CN 98122542 CN1220475A (zh) 1997-11-21 1998-11-20 电气安全开关

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP97830615A EP0921543A1 (de) 1997-11-21 1997-11-21 Elektrischer Sicherheitsschalter

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0921543A1 true EP0921543A1 (de) 1999-06-09

Family

ID=8230866

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97830615A Withdrawn EP0921543A1 (de) 1997-11-21 1997-11-21 Elektrischer Sicherheitsschalter

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0921543A1 (de)
CN (1) CN1220475A (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102004062266A1 (de) * 2004-12-23 2006-07-13 Siemens Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum sicheren Betrieb eines Schaltgerätes
DE102006028637A1 (de) * 2006-06-22 2007-12-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Elektrischer Schalter mit einem Arretierelement

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7525950U (de) * 1975-08-16 1975-12-04 Honeywell Gmbh Endschalter
US4149052A (en) * 1978-03-30 1979-04-10 Cutler-Hammer, Inc. Safety-disconnect power tool switch
EP0146034A2 (de) * 1983-12-05 1985-06-26 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Anordnung zum Abschalten von Verbrauchern
DE3706003A1 (de) * 1987-02-25 1988-09-08 Hengstler Bauelemente Relais
US5304753A (en) * 1993-06-29 1994-04-19 Eaton Corporation Electric switch with welded contact sensor lockout
DE9402045U1 (de) * 1994-02-08 1994-05-05 Elan Schaltelemente GmbH, 35435 Wettenberg Drucktaster für elektrische Schaltungen

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7525950U (de) * 1975-08-16 1975-12-04 Honeywell Gmbh Endschalter
US4149052A (en) * 1978-03-30 1979-04-10 Cutler-Hammer, Inc. Safety-disconnect power tool switch
EP0146034A2 (de) * 1983-12-05 1985-06-26 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Anordnung zum Abschalten von Verbrauchern
DE3706003A1 (de) * 1987-02-25 1988-09-08 Hengstler Bauelemente Relais
US5304753A (en) * 1993-06-29 1994-04-19 Eaton Corporation Electric switch with welded contact sensor lockout
DE9402045U1 (de) * 1994-02-08 1994-05-05 Elan Schaltelemente GmbH, 35435 Wettenberg Drucktaster für elektrische Schaltungen

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1220475A (zh) 1999-06-23

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