EP1402552B1 - Adjusting device for a thermal trip - Google Patents

Adjusting device for a thermal trip Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1402552B1
EP1402552B1 EP02754231A EP02754231A EP1402552B1 EP 1402552 B1 EP1402552 B1 EP 1402552B1 EP 02754231 A EP02754231 A EP 02754231A EP 02754231 A EP02754231 A EP 02754231A EP 1402552 B1 EP1402552 B1 EP 1402552B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
limb
bimetallic strip
adjustment apparatus
handling
bimetal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02754231A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1402552A1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Leitl
Christoph Weber
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.)
Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE20116792U external-priority patent/DE20116792U1/en
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP1402552A1 publication Critical patent/EP1402552A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1402552B1 publication Critical patent/EP1402552B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/74—Means for adjusting the conditions under which the device will function to provide protection
    • H01H71/7427—Adjusting only the electrothermal mechanism
    • H01H71/7436—Adjusting the position (or prestrain) of the bimetal

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an adjusting device for a thermal release of a switching device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such an adjusting device is known from EP 0 913 848 A2.
  • Such a switching device is used to connect a circuit to a power grid and for manual and automatic disconnection of the circuit from the network when the current exceeds a predetermined value.
  • a miniature circuit breaker protects cables in installations and systems against overload and short circuits. In a network with shutdown by overcurrent protective devices prevents such a switching device in case of failure in addition to the persistence of high contact voltages.
  • the switching device or circuit breaker is a power storage, eg. As a spring, as part of a mechanical switching mechanism or switching mechanism clamped, which is released during the tripping operation and actuates the switch.
  • the switching device comprises a thermal release in the form of a usually strip-shaped bimetal, which triggers delay-dependent delayed overload. The tripping operation is triggered by a thermal deformation of the bimetallic strip as a result of the overcurrent carried over this.
  • the bimetallic strip acts on a release lever spaced opposite its free end and mechanically coupled to the switch lock.
  • the switching mechanism With unlatched about this the bimetallic strip the switching mechanism, while the energy storage of the switching mechanism opens a movable contact or moving contact by this lifts from a fixed contact.
  • the switching device usually also includes an instantaneous triggering magnetic or electromagnetic trigger for high surge and short circuit currents.
  • the distance between the free end of the bimetal and the release lever is adjustable, what an adjusting screw is usually provided for.
  • Switching devices in which such an adjusting screw are used for bimetallic adjustment are known, for example, from DE 1 904 731 A1 and from EP 0 143 981 A1, EP 0 412 953 A3, from EP 0 338 868 A1.
  • the use of an adjusting screw is associated with corresponding manufacturing and manufacturing costs.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object, a particularly inexpensive and easy to handle adjusting device for a switching device, in particular for a circuit breaker specify.
  • the bimetal has a parallel to the bimetal and connected to the contact end holding leg with a fixation as a fixed attachment point.
  • step-shaped curved holding leg closes on the one hand an effective as an adjustment range handling leg and on the other hand via a bend at least approximately U-shaped fixing leg of the bimetallic carrier.
  • the step contour of the retaining leg allows the holder of different lengths, in particular also indirectly heated bimetals by means of the same bimetal. As a result, the number of different thermal releases that need to be provided or kept available for different types of switching devices, can be significantly reduced and kept very low overall.
  • the handling leg is advantageously designed like a perforated plate.
  • a number of through holes preferably in the form of round holes are introduced into the handling leg.
  • the handling leg of the bimetallic carrier may be fixed in position in a stationary housing opening or contour which is also effective as a rotary opening.
  • the handling leg is expediently positioned in the region of the free end of the bimetal.
  • the bimetallic support may be formed like a loop, wherein the handling leg is then supported on the front side of the bimetallic support.
  • a predetermined bending point is preferably formed in the region of the loop vertex of the bimetal carrier.
  • the switching device has a housing which is formed from urea and / or melamine resin molding compound.
  • the urea or melamine resins belonging to the family of thermosetting plastics are particularly suitable for a cost-reducing production of mass and series products.
  • the advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that this is deliberately deformed by suitable design and arrangement of a bimetallic carrier carrying the bimetal and thus a simple and inexpensive, possibly automatically adjusting adjusting device for a thermal release of a switching device can be provided.
  • the distance of the free end of the bimetal to the release lever is on the one hand by deformation, especially by means of a tool of handling or holding leg adjustable or adjustable, or on the other hand by automatic bending of the bimetallic strip in an age-related GeHousenachschwindung be maintained.
  • FIGS 1 to 4 show a detail of a switching device 1 with the housing cover lifted off the housing 2, in which the essential parts of an adjustable thermal release are shown visible.
  • the thermal release comprises a bimetallic strip 3, whose contact end 3a is integrally connected to a bimetallic support 4 and thus held stationary.
  • the bimetal 4 is electrically connected to a terminal 5 for power management via the switching device 1.
  • the free end 3b of the bimetal 3, that is, the bimetal, is a trigger lever 6 spaced opposite, which is coupled to a non-illustrated rear derailleur or switch lock in a conventional manner.
  • This distance A between the bimetallic tip 3b and the release lever 6 is adjustable by bending or deformation of the bimetal 4.
  • the bimetallic support 4 is bent or bent several times and additionally shaped like a step.
  • a bimetal 3 with its contact end 3a can be fixed at each stage S1, S2 and thus at different positions or connection points of the bimetallic support 4.
  • both a short bimetal 3 according to Figures 1 and 2 and a comparatively long bimetal 3 according to Figures 3 and 4, which can be designed to be heated indirectly, on the same bimetallic 3 can be fixed or attached.
  • the bimetal beam 4 has a handling leg 4a and a transverse thereto, i. at least approximately at right angles extending holding leg 4b. With this holding leg 4b, the contact end 3a of the bimetal 3 is firmly bonded.
  • the holding leg 4b merges at a bending point 8 into a fixing leg 4c, which itself is bent approximately in a U-shape.
  • this fixing leg 4c of the bimetallic support 4 is fixed in position in the housing 2 by corresponding housing structures or - contours 9 and clamped by means of a terminal screw 11.
  • the holding leg 4b is at least part of the leg length without installation in the housing 2 a.
  • beads 12 are introduced into the holding limb 4b, so that a relatively thin sheet material for the bimetallic support 4 can be used with high dimensional stability and sufficient support rigidity.
  • the handling leg 4a of the bimetal carrier 4 which is located in the region of the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 and is directed outwards there, is held on the end face in a housing opening or contour 13 and is supported there.
  • the handling leg 4a is formed deformable. This is the bimetallic adjustment and thus for adjusting the distance A between the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 and the release lever 6 by means of a (not shown) handling tool of the handling leg 4a of the bimetallic support 4 twisted and thus the bimetal 4 bent or deformed. As a result, the position of the bimetal 3 for adjusting the distance A changes accordingly.
  • the adjusting device is essentially formed by the position-fixed handling leg 4b of the bimetallic support 4 with the bimetal 3 held thereon.
  • FIGS. 5a to 5d show different geometries of the handling leg 4a of the bimetal carrier 4. While this T-shaped handling leg 4a according to FIG. 5c can in principle be formed from solid material, passage openings 23 in the handling leg 4a and thus in the adjustment region are expediently along the leg longitudinal axis 14 of the bimetal carrier 4 introduced. These passage openings 23 may be designed as elongated holes or as rectangular openings according to FIGS. 5b and 5d. However, a number of circular bores 23 according to FIG. 5a are advantageous. In fact, with this geometry, a particularly favorable ratio between the angle of rotation and the change in length of the handling leg 4a can be realized. As a result, the desired goal is achieved to a particularly high degree to allow for a relatively large angle of rotation and a small change in length, a sensitive and accurate adjustment.
  • the handling leg 4a In the embodiment of the adjusting device according to Figures 6 and 7 of the handling leg 4a is provided with a nose-like contour 15, which can be guided along an arcuate housing and thus fixed counter contour 16.
  • the adjustment and thus the adjustment of the distance A takes place by bending the handling leg 4a in the direction of the arrow 17.
  • the handling leg 4a moves as it slides along the nose-like contour 15 along the arcuate stationary counter contour 16 in the direction of arrow 18, so that the bimetallic tip 3b in turn moves in the triggering direction D.
  • the length of the symbolized by the arrow 17 movement path of the handling leg 4a depends on the slope of the arcuate stationary counter contour 16.
  • the handling leg 4a is in turn bent inwards and in turn is bent to form a first bending / bending point 19 '.
  • the buckling / bending point 19 ' is - as well as the bending point 8 - formed by a hole or punching in the sheet material of the bimetal 4.
  • the handling leg 4a is guided in a housing receptacle or rotary opening 20 which is effective as a rotary contour and which is provided in a suitably positioned housing contour in the form of a dome-shaped housing structure 21. At this lying within the rotational opening 20 free end of the handling leg 4a engages the actuating tool for Bimetalljust réelle.
  • the bimetallic support 4 is in turn bent or deformed and changed the position of the bimetal 3 for adjusting the distance A.
  • a roll-up-like rotation of the handling leg 4a takes place around an axis running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • the handling leg 4a is twisted about its leg transverse axis.
  • a fork-shaped twisting or handling tool 24 is twisted or twisted, which is used for this purpose in the rotation or adjustment hole 20 and rotated in the direction of arrow 22.
  • the bimetal tip or the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 is rotated in the triggering direction D, thereby performing the bimetallic adjustment.
  • the adjusting device is essentially formed by the bimetallic support 4 with the bimetal 3 held thereon and the rotary opening 20 in the housing attachment 21 which acts as an adjustment contour.
  • the bimetal 3 is adjusted by a kind of bending buckling of the handling leg 4a of the bimetallic support 4 in the direction of the deformation arrow 22 '.
  • the free end 4a 'of the handling leg 4a is held in a housing opening 20', so that in the central region 4a '' of the handling leg 4a this can be buckled or folded.
  • the bimetallic point or the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 in the release direction D moved and thereby performed the bimetallic adjustment.
  • FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment in which the holding leg 4b of the bimetal carrier 4 is guided around a housing contour 25 to form a loop.
  • a predetermined bending point 27 is introduced into this.
  • the handling leg 4a is located on the front side in the transition region between the holding leg 4b and the fixing leg 4c and thereby in the vicinity of the bending point 8 of the bimetallic support 4 and is supported there.
  • the bimetallic tip or the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 is in turn rotated in the triggering direction D, thereby carrying out the bimetallic adjustment.
  • Figures 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of the thermal release, which differs on the one hand from the embodiment of the thermal release according to Figures 1 and 2 by the use of a setting means 28 in the form of an adjusting screw or alternatively in the form of a stepwise latching pin or the like ,
  • the adjustment by the adjusting means 28 handling leg 4a is arranged largely perpendicular to this.
  • the bimetallic support 4 is bent outwards with the aid of a bending-promoting bore / punching 29 at the first bending / bending point 19 '.
  • beads 12 are likewise introduced into the holding limb 4b in the region of the steps S1 and S2, so that a relatively thin sheet material for the bimetal carrier 4 can be used with high dimensional stability and sufficient carrier rigidity.
  • Corner beads 12 and bending / bending / bending points 8 or 19 ', 19' 'provided with bores / punched-out portions 29 can accordingly vary depending on the desired mode of operation, such as e.g. a partial stiffening or an automatic readjustment in the form of a buckling at predetermined bending points, the bimetal 4 are introduced specifically.
  • the mechanism for bimetallic adjustment advantageously also compensates for a practically unavoidable material-specific housing shrinkage.
  • Typical materials are usually plastics, especially duro- or thermoplastics.
  • a thermoset proves a particularly good thermal stability, with a thermoplastic is characterized by a finer design option.
  • Thermosets which are preferably used are, on the one hand, urea resin molding compounds and, on the other hand, melamine resin molding compounds.
  • this housing shrinkage-depending on the embodiment of the thermal release- also brings about an approximation of the housing contours acting as an adjustment contour, in which the Bimetallic 4 partly on and / or rests.
  • the thus introduced to the bimetallic 4 force causes an automatic buckling and / or bending of the buckling / bending points 19 ', 19''and possibly the bending point 8 such that the distance A remains constant.
  • an unwanted premature release of the thermal release can be avoided.
  • the tracking behavior of the bimetal 4 can be defined.
  • the adjusting device With the adjusting device according to the invention, a relatively large deformation with a relatively small change in length of the deformable for adjustment bimetal 4 is achieved. As a result, a particularly sensitive or fine adjustment of the bimetal 3 of a thermal release is possible.
  • the adjusting device is also suitable for a cold adjustment, with additional adjusting elements, for example in the form of a screw or the like., Eliminated. As a result, a cost saving is achieved by additionally the bimetal 4 can be made on relatively simple tools.

Landscapes

  • Thermally Actuated Switches (AREA)
  • Breakers (AREA)
  • Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
  • Encapsulation Of And Coatings For Semiconductor Or Solid State Devices (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

An adjusting device is for a thermal trip of a switchgear. It includes a bimetal, which is held in a fixed manner on a bimetal support, whose free end is located at a distance from a tripping lever, and which increasingly acts upon this tripping lever in a tripping direction as a result of thermal deformation. A distance can be adjusted by deforming the bimetal support. The adjusting device is particularly suited for use in circuit-breakers or the like.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Justiervorrichtung für einen thermischen Auslöser eines Schaltgerätes gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Eine derartige Justiervorrichtung ist aus der EP 0 913 848 A2 bekannt. Unter Schaltgerät werden dabei mechanische oder elektromechanische Schaltgeräte, insbesondere Leitungsschutzschalter, Leistungsschalter, Relais, Schütze oder dergleichen verstanden.The invention relates to an adjusting device for a thermal release of a switching device according to the preamble of claim 1. Such an adjusting device is known from EP 0 913 848 A2. Under switching device while mechanical or electromechanical switching devices, especially circuit breakers, circuit breakers, relays, contactors or the like understood.

Ein derartiges Schaltgerät dient zum Verbinden eines Stromkreises mit einem Stromnetz sowie zur manuellen und selbsttätigen Trennung des Stromkreises vom Netz, wenn der Strom einen vorbestimmten Wert überschreitet. So dient beispielsweise ein Leitungsschutzschalter zum Schutz von Leitungen in Installationen und Anlagen gegen Überlast und Kurzschluss. In einem Netz mit Abschaltung durch Überstrom-Schutzorgane verhindert ein solches Schaltgerät im Fehlerfall zusätzlich das Bestehenbleiben zu hoher Berührungsspannungen.Such a switching device is used to connect a circuit to a power grid and for manual and automatic disconnection of the circuit from the network when the current exceeds a predetermined value. For example, a miniature circuit breaker protects cables in installations and systems against overload and short circuits. In a network with shutdown by overcurrent protective devices prevents such a switching device in case of failure in addition to the persistence of high contact voltages.

Beim Einschalten des Schaltgerätes oder Schutzschalters wird ein Kraftspeicher, z. B. eine Feder, als Teil eines mechanischen Schaltwerkes oder Schaltschlosses gespannt, die beim Auslösevorgang freigegeben wird und den Schalter betätigt. Dabei umfasst das Schaltgerät einen thermischen Auslöser in Form eines üblicherweise streifenförmigen Bimetalls, der überlastzeitabhängig verzögert auslöst. Der Auslösevorgang wird durch eine thermische Verformung des Bimetallstreifens infolge des über diesen geführten Überstroms ausgelöst.When switching the switching device or circuit breaker is a power storage, eg. As a spring, as part of a mechanical switching mechanism or switching mechanism clamped, which is released during the tripping operation and actuates the switch. In this case, the switching device comprises a thermal release in the form of a usually strip-shaped bimetal, which triggers delay-dependent delayed overload. The tripping operation is triggered by a thermal deformation of the bimetallic strip as a result of the overcurrent carried over this.

Dazu beaufschlagt der Bimetallstreifen einen dessen Freiende beabstandet gegenüberliegenden und mit dem Schaltschloss mechanisch gekoppelten Auslösehebel. Somit entklinkt über diesen der Bimetallstreifen das Schaltschloss, während der Kraftspeicher des Schaltschlosses einen beweglichen Kontakt oder Bewegkontakt öffnet, indem dieser von einem Festkontakt abhebt. Zudem umfasst das Schaltgerät üblicherweise zusätzlich einen unverzögert auslösenden magnetischen oder elektromagnetischen Auslöser für hohe Stoß- und Kurzschlussströme.For this purpose, the bimetallic strip acts on a release lever spaced opposite its free end and mechanically coupled to the switch lock. Thus unlatched about this the bimetallic strip the switching mechanism, while the energy storage of the switching mechanism opens a movable contact or moving contact by this lifts from a fixed contact. In addition, the switching device usually also includes an instantaneous triggering magnetic or electromagnetic trigger for high surge and short circuit currents.

Der Abstand zwischen dem Freiende des Bimetalls und dem Auslösehebel ist einstellbar zu gestalten, wozu üblicherweise eine Justierschraube vorgesehen ist. Schaltgeräte, bei denen eine solche Justierschraube zur Bimetalljustierung eingesetzt sind, sind beispielsweise aus der DE 1 904 731 A1 und aus der EP 0 143 981 A1, der EP 0 412 953 A3, aus der EP 0 338 868 A1 bekannt. Der Einsatz einer Justierschraube ist allerdings mit entsprechenden Herstellungs- und Fertigungskosten verbunden.The distance between the free end of the bimetal and the release lever is adjustable, what an adjusting screw is usually provided for. Switching devices in which such an adjusting screw are used for bimetallic adjustment are known, for example, from DE 1 904 731 A1 and from EP 0 143 981 A1, EP 0 412 953 A3, from EP 0 338 868 A1. However, the use of an adjusting screw is associated with corresponding manufacturing and manufacturing costs.

Aus der EP 0 913 848 A2 sind zudem ein Verfahren zur thermischen Kalibrierung des Auslösemechanismus eines Schaltgerätes und ein entsprechender Auslösemechanismus bekannt, bei dem die Justierung thermisch mittels eines Lasers erfolgt.From EP 0 913 848 A2 a method for thermal calibration of the triggering mechanism of a switching device and a corresponding triggering mechanism are also known, in which the adjustment takes place thermally by means of a laser.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine besonders kostengünstige und einfach handhabbare Justiervorrichtung für ein Schaltgerät, insbesondere für einen Leitungsschutzschalter, anzugeben.The invention is therefore based on the object, a particularly inexpensive and easy to handle adjusting device for a switching device, in particular for a circuit breaker specify.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Der Bimetallträger weist einen parallel zum Bimetall verlaufenden und mit dessen Kontaktende verbundenen Halteschenkel mit einem Fixierende als fixen Befestigungspunkt auf. An diesen vorzugsweise stufenförmig gebogenen Halteschenkel schließt sich einerseits ein als Justierbereich wirksamer Handhabungsschenkel und andererseits über eine Abkröpfung ein zumindest annähernd U-förmiger Fixierschenkel des Bimetallträgers an. Die Stufenkontur des Halteschenkels ermöglicht die Halterung unterschiedlich langer, insbesondere auch indirekt beheizbarer, Bimetalle mittels demselben Bimetallträger. Dadurch kann die Anzahl unterschiedlicher thermischer Auslöser, die für verschiedene Schaltgerätetypen bereitgestellt oder vorgehalten werden müssen, erheblich reduziert und insgesamt besonders gering gehalten werden.The bimetal has a parallel to the bimetal and connected to the contact end holding leg with a fixation as a fixed attachment point. At this preferably step-shaped curved holding leg closes on the one hand an effective as an adjustment range handling leg and on the other hand via a bend at least approximately U-shaped fixing leg of the bimetallic carrier. The step contour of the retaining leg allows the holder of different lengths, in particular also indirectly heated bimetals by means of the same bimetal. As a result, the number of different thermal releases that need to be provided or kept available for different types of switching devices, can be significantly reduced and kept very low overall.

Die Einstellung des Abstandes des Bimetalls zum Auslösehebel und damit die Justierung des thermischen Auslösers erfolgt erfindungsgemäß durch Verdrillen des quer zum Halteschenkel verlaufenden und als Justierbereich des Bimetallträgers wirksamen Handhabungsschenkels. Dazu ist der Handhabungsschenkel vorteilhafterweise lochblechartig ausgebildet. Dabei sind in den Handhabungsschenkel eine Anzahl von Durchgangsöffnungen, vorzugsweise in Form von Rundlochbohrungen eingebracht.The adjustment of the distance of the bimetal to the release lever and thus the adjustment of the thermal release takes place according to the invention by twisting the transverse to the holding leg and acting as an adjustment of the bimetal carrier handling leg. For this purpose, the handling leg is advantageously designed like a perforated plate. In this case, a number of through holes, preferably in the form of round holes are introduced into the handling leg.

Der Handhabungsschenkel des Bimetallträgers kann in einer ortsfesten auch als Drehöffnung wirksamen Gehäuseöffnung oder -kontur lagefixiert sein. Dazu ist der Handhabungsschenkel zweckmäßigerweise im Bereich des Freiendes des Bimetalls positioniert. Alternativ kann der Bimetallträger schlaufenartig geformt sein, wobei sich der Handhabungsschenkel dann stirnseitig am Bimetallträger abstützt. Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist vorzugsweise im Bereich des Schlaufenscheitels des Bimetallträgers eine Sollbiegestelle gebildet.The handling leg of the bimetallic carrier may be fixed in position in a stationary housing opening or contour which is also effective as a rotary opening. For this purpose, the handling leg is expediently positioned in the region of the free end of the bimetal. Alternatively, the bimetallic support may be formed like a loop, wherein the handling leg is then supported on the front side of the bimetallic support. In this embodiment, a predetermined bending point is preferably formed in the region of the loop vertex of the bimetal carrier.

Das Schaltgerät weist ein Gehäuse auf, das aus Harnstoff-und/oder Melaminharz-Formmasse gebildet ist. Die zu der Familie der Duroplaste zählenden Harnstoff- oder Melaminharze eignen sich insbesondere für eine kostenreduzierende Produktion von Massen- und Serienprodukten.The switching device has a housing which is formed from urea and / or melamine resin molding compound. The urea or melamine resins belonging to the family of thermosetting plastics are particularly suitable for a cost-reducing production of mass and series products.

Die mit der Erfindung erzielten Vorteile bestehen insbesondere darin, dass durch geeignete Ausgestaltung und Anordnung eines das Bimetall tragenden Bimetallträgers dieser gezielt verformt ist und damit eine einfache und kostengünstige, gegebenenfalls sich selbsttätig einstellende Justiervorrichtung für einen thermischen Auslöser eines Schaltgerätes bereitgestellt werden kann. Der Abstand des Freiendes des Bimetalls zum Auslösehebel ist dabei einerseits durch Verformen, insbesondere durch Verdrillen, gegebenenfalls mittels eines Werkzeugs des Handhabungs- oder Halteschenkels einstell- oder justierbar, bzw. andererseits durch selbsttätiges Verbiegen des Bimetallträgers bei einer alterungsbedingten Gehäusenachschwindung einhaltbar.The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that this is deliberately deformed by suitable design and arrangement of a bimetallic carrier carrying the bimetal and thus a simple and inexpensive, possibly automatically adjusting adjusting device for a thermal release of a switching device can be provided. The distance of the free end of the bimetal to the release lever is on the one hand by deformation, especially by means of a tool of handling or holding leg adjustable or adjustable, or on the other hand by automatic bending of the bimetallic strip in an age-related Gehäusenachschwindung be maintained.

Dieser zur Bimetalljustierung dienende Mechanismus, bei dem der das Bimetall haltende Bimetallträger über zwei Befestigungspunkte gehäusefest gelagert ist, von denen ein fixer Befestigungspunkt eine stabile Lagerung des Bimetalls - und damit des thermischen Auslösers - gewährleistet und der andere Befestigungspunkt die Einstellmittel zur Justierung des Bimetalls durch Verformung umfasst, ermöglicht eine feineinstellbare und exakte Justierung des thermischen Auslösers.This serving for bimetallic adjustment mechanism in which the bimetal holding bimetallic support is mounted fixed to the housing via two attachment points, of which a fixed attachment point stable storage of the bimetal - and thus the thermal release - ensures and the other attachment point the adjustment means for adjusting the bimetal by deformation includes, allows a finely adjustable and exact adjustment of the thermal release.

Nachfolgend werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Darin zeigen:

FIG 1 und 2
in Draufsicht bzw. in perspektivischer Darstellung einen in ein Schaltgerät endmontierten thermischen Auslöser mit einer Justiervorrichtung mit verdrillbarem Bimetallträger mit kurzem Bimetall,
FIG 3 und 4
in Darstellungen gemäß den Figuren 1 bzw. 2 die Justiervorrichtung mit langem Bimetall,
FIG 5a bis 5d
unterschiedliche Geometrien eines Handhabungsschenkels der Justiervorrichtung gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 4,
FIG 6 und 7
in einer Seitenansicht bzw. in perspektivischer Darstellung eine Justiervorrichtung mit alternativ verformbarem Bimetallträger,
FIG 8 bis 11
Schnittdarstellungen verschiedener Varianten des Verformungsmechanismus der Justiervorrichtung, und
FIG 12 und 13
in Draufsicht bzw. in perspektivischer Darstellung einen in ein Schaltgerät endmontierten thermischen Auslöser mit einer weiteren Justiervorrichtung mit einem Einstellmittel für den Bimetallträger mit kurzem Bimetall.
Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:
1 and 2
in top view and in perspective view of a finally mounted in a switching device thermal release with an adjustment device with twistable bimetallic with a short bimetal,
3 and 4
in illustrations according to the figures 1 and 2, the adjustment device with a long bimetal,
FIGS. 5a to 5d
different geometries of a handling leg of the adjusting device according to the figures 1 to 4,
FIGS. 6 and 7
in a side view or in perspective an adjusting device with alternatively deformable bimetallic,
FIGS. 8 to 11
Sectional views of different variants of the deformation mechanism of the adjusting device, and
FIGS. 12 and 13
in plan view and in perspective view of a finally mounted in a switching device thermal release with a further adjusting device with a setting means for the bimetallic with a short bimetal.

Einander entsprechende Teile sind in allen Figuren mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.Corresponding parts are provided in all figures with the same reference numerals.

Die Figuren 1 bis 4 zeigen ausschnittsweise ein Schaltgerät 1 bei abgehobenem Gehäusedeckel dessen Gehäuses 2, in dem die wesentlichen Teile eines justierbaren thermischen Auslösers sichtbar dargestellt sind. Der thermische Auslöser umfasst einen Bimetallstreifen 3, dessen Kontaktende 3a mit einem Bimetallträger 4 stoffschlüssig verbunden und somit ortsfest gehalten ist. Der Bimetallträger 4 ist mit einer Anschlussklemme 5 zur Stromführung über das Schaltgerät 1 elektrisch leitend verbunden.Figures 1 to 4 show a detail of a switching device 1 with the housing cover lifted off the housing 2, in which the essential parts of an adjustable thermal release are shown visible. The thermal release comprises a bimetallic strip 3, whose contact end 3a is integrally connected to a bimetallic support 4 and thus held stationary. The bimetal 4 is electrically connected to a terminal 5 for power management via the switching device 1.

Das Freiende 3b des Bimetalls 3, d. h. die Bimetallspitze, steht einem Auslösehebel 6 beabstandet gegenüber, der mit einem nicht näher dargestellten Schaltwerk oder Schaltschloss in an sich bekannter Art und Weise gekoppelt ist. Dieser Abstand A zwischen der Bimetallspitze 3b und dem Auslösehebel 6 ist durch Verbiegen oder Verformen des Bimetallträgers 4 einstellbar.The free end 3b of the bimetal 3, that is, the bimetal, is a trigger lever 6 spaced opposite, which is coupled to a non-illustrated rear derailleur or switch lock in a conventional manner. This distance A between the bimetallic tip 3b and the release lever 6 is adjustable by bending or deformation of the bimetal 4.

Der Bimetallträger 4 ist mehrfach abgekröpft oder abgebogen und zusätzlich stufenartig ausgeformt. Dabei kann auf jeder Stufe S1, S2 und damit an unterschiedlichen Positionen oder Anschlussstellen des Bimetallträgers 4 ein Bimetall 3 mit dessen Kontaktende 3a fixiert werden. Dadurch sind sowohl ein kurzes Bimetall 3 gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 als auch ein vergleichsweise langes Bimetall 3 gemäß den Figuren 3 und 4, welches indirekt beheizbar ausgeführt sein kann, an demselben Bimetallträger 3 fixier- oder anbringbar. Somit ist der thermische Auslöser für verschiedene Stromstärken bei optimaler Materialeinsparung auslegbar.The bimetallic support 4 is bent or bent several times and additionally shaped like a step. In this case, a bimetal 3 with its contact end 3a can be fixed at each stage S1, S2 and thus at different positions or connection points of the bimetallic support 4. As a result, both a short bimetal 3 according to Figures 1 and 2 and a comparatively long bimetal 3 according to Figures 3 and 4, which can be designed to be heated indirectly, on the same bimetallic 3 can be fixed or attached. Thus, the thermal release for different currents with optimal material savings interpretable.

Der Bimetallträger 4 weist einen Handhabungsschenkel 4a und ein hierzu quer, d.h. zumindest annähernd rechtwinklig verlaufender Halteschenkel 4b auf. Mit diesem Halteschenkel 4b ist das Kontaktende 3a des Bimetalls 3 stoffschlüssig verbunden. Der Halteschenkel 4b geht an einer Biegestelle 8 in einen Fixierschenkel 4c über, der selbst etwa U-förmig gebogen ist. Mit diesem Fixierschenkel 4c wird der Bimetallträger 4 im Gehäuse 2 durch entsprechende Gehäuseaufbauten oder - konturen 9 lagefixiert und mittels einer Anschlussschraube 11 klemmfixiert. Dabei liegt der Halteschenkel 4b über zumindest einen Teil dessen Schenkellänge anlagefrei im Gehäuse 2 ein. Im Bereich der Stufen S1 und S2 sind in den Halteschenkel 4b Sicken 12 eingebracht, so dass bei hoher Formstabilität und ausreichender Trägersteifheit ein relativ dünnes Blechmaterial für den Bimetallträger 4 verwendet werden kann.The bimetal beam 4 has a handling leg 4a and a transverse thereto, i. at least approximately at right angles extending holding leg 4b. With this holding leg 4b, the contact end 3a of the bimetal 3 is firmly bonded. The holding leg 4b merges at a bending point 8 into a fixing leg 4c, which itself is bent approximately in a U-shape. With this fixing leg 4c of the bimetallic support 4 is fixed in position in the housing 2 by corresponding housing structures or - contours 9 and clamped by means of a terminal screw 11. In this case, the holding leg 4b is at least part of the leg length without installation in the housing 2 a. In the region of the steps S1 and S2, beads 12 are introduced into the holding limb 4b, so that a relatively thin sheet material for the bimetallic support 4 can be used with high dimensional stability and sufficient support rigidity.

Der im Bereich des Freiendes 3b des Bimetalls 3 liegende und dort nach außen gerichtete Handhabungsschenkel 4a des Bimetallträgers 4 ist stirnseitig in einer Gehäuseöffnung oder -kontur 13 gehalten und stützt sich dort ab. Der Handhabungsschenkel 4a ist verformbar ausgebildet. Dabei wird zur Bimetalljustierung und damit zur Einstellung des Abstands A zwischen dem Freiende 3b des Bimetalls 3 und dem Auslösehebel 6 mittels eines (nicht dargestellten) Handhabungswerkzeugs der Handhabungsschenkel 4a des Bimetallträgers 4 verdrillt und damit der Bimetallträger 4 verbogen oder verformt. Dadurch verändert sich die Lage des Bimetalls 3 zur Einstellung des Abstands A entsprechend.The handling leg 4a of the bimetal carrier 4, which is located in the region of the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 and is directed outwards there, is held on the end face in a housing opening or contour 13 and is supported there. The handling leg 4a is formed deformable. This is the bimetallic adjustment and thus for adjusting the distance A between the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 and the release lever 6 by means of a (not shown) handling tool of the handling leg 4a of the bimetallic support 4 twisted and thus the bimetal 4 bent or deformed. As a result, the position of the bimetal 3 for adjusting the distance A changes accordingly.

So wird bei einer Verdrillung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a das Bimetall 3 und damit dessen Freiende oder Bimetallspitze 3b in Auslöserichtung D gedreht. Die Justiervorrichtung ist dabei im Wesentlichen durch den lagefixierten Handhabungsschenkel 4b des Bimetallträger 4 mit dem daran gehaltenen Bimetall 3 gebildet.Thus, when the handling leg 4a is twisted, the bimetal 3 and thus its free end or bimetal tip 3b are rotated in the release direction D. The adjusting device is essentially formed by the position-fixed handling leg 4b of the bimetallic support 4 with the bimetal 3 held thereon.

Die Figuren 5a bis 5d zeigen unterschiedliche Geometrien des Handhabungsschenkels 4a des Bimetallträgers 4. Während dieser T-förmig ausgebildete Handhabungsschenkel 4a gemäß Figur 5c prinzipiell aus Vollmaterial gebildet sein kann, sind zweckmäßigerweise entlang der Schenkellängsachse 14 Durchgangsöffnungen 23 in den Handhabungsschenkel 4a und damit in den Justierbereich des Bimetallträgers 4 eingebracht. Diese Durchgangsöffnungen 23 können gemäß den Figuren 5b und 5d als Langlöcher bzw. als rechteckförmige Öffnungen ausgeführt sein. Vorteilhaft sind jedoch eine Anzahl von kreisförmigen Bohrungen 23 gemäß FIG 5a. Bei dieser Geometrie kann nämlich ein besonders günstiges Verhältnis zwischen Verdrehwinkel und Längenänderung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a realisiert werden. Dadurch wird das gewünschte Ziel in besonders hohem Maße erreicht, bei einem verhältnismäßig großen Verdrehwinkel und einer kleinen Längenänderung ein feinfühliges und genaues Justieren zu ermöglichen.FIGS. 5a to 5d show different geometries of the handling leg 4a of the bimetal carrier 4. While this T-shaped handling leg 4a according to FIG. 5c can in principle be formed from solid material, passage openings 23 in the handling leg 4a and thus in the adjustment region are expediently along the leg longitudinal axis 14 of the bimetal carrier 4 introduced. These passage openings 23 may be designed as elongated holes or as rectangular openings according to FIGS. 5b and 5d. However, a number of circular bores 23 according to FIG. 5a are advantageous. In fact, with this geometry, a particularly favorable ratio between the angle of rotation and the change in length of the handling leg 4a can be realized. As a result, the desired goal is achieved to a particularly high degree to allow for a relatively large angle of rotation and a small change in length, a sensitive and accurate adjustment.

Bei der Ausführungsform der Justiervorrichtung gemäß den Figuren 6 und 7 ist der Handhabungsschenkel 4a mit einer nasenartigen Kontur 15 versehen, die entlang einer bogenförmigen gehäuse- und damit ortsfesten Gegenkontur 16 geführt werden kann. Bei dieser Ausführungsform erfolgt die Justierung und damit die Einstellung des Abstandes A durch Verbiegen des Handhabungsschenkels 4a in Richtung des Pfeils 17. Dabei bewegt sich der Handhabungsschenkel 4a bei dessen Entlanggleiten über die nasenartige Kontur 15 entlang der bogenförmigen ortsfesten Gegenkontur 16 in Richtung des Pfeils 18, so dass sich die Bimetallspitze 3b wiederum in Auslöserichtung D bewegt. Die Länge des durch den Pfeil 17 symbolisierten Bewegungsweges des Handhabungsschenkels 4a hängt dabei von der Steigung der bogenförmigen ortsfesten Gegenkontur 16 ab.In the embodiment of the adjusting device according to Figures 6 and 7 of the handling leg 4a is provided with a nose-like contour 15, which can be guided along an arcuate housing and thus fixed counter contour 16. In this embodiment, the adjustment and thus the adjustment of the distance A takes place by bending the handling leg 4a in the direction of the arrow 17. In this case, the handling leg 4a moves as it slides along the nose-like contour 15 along the arcuate stationary counter contour 16 in the direction of arrow 18, so that the bimetallic tip 3b in turn moves in the triggering direction D. The length of the symbolized by the arrow 17 movement path of the handling leg 4a depends on the slope of the arcuate stationary counter contour 16.

Bei der Ausführungsform des Bimetallträgers 4 gemäß den Figuren 8 und 9 ist der Handhabungsschenkel 4a wiederum nach innen abgebogen und dabei wiederum unter Bildung einer ersten Knick-/Biegestelle 19' abgekröpft. Die Knick-/Biegestelle 19' ist - ebenso wie die Biegestelle 8 - durch eine Bohrung oder Stanzung im Blechmaterial des Bimetallträgers 4 gebildet. Freiendseitig ist der Handhabungsschenkel 4a in eine als Drehkontur wirksame Gehäuseaufnahme oder Drehöffnung 20 geführt, die in einer entsprechend positionierten Gehäusekontur in Form zweckmäßigerweise eines domförmigen Gehäuseaufbaus 21 vorgesehen ist. An diesem innerhalb der Drehöffnung 20 liegenden Freiende des Handhabungsschenkels 4a greift das Betätigungswerkzeug zur Bimetalljustierung an.In the embodiment of the bimetallic support 4 according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the handling leg 4a is in turn bent inwards and in turn is bent to form a first bending / bending point 19 '. The buckling / bending point 19 'is - as well as the bending point 8 - formed by a hole or punching in the sheet material of the bimetal 4. On the free end, the handling leg 4a is guided in a housing receptacle or rotary opening 20 which is effective as a rotary contour and which is provided in a suitably positioned housing contour in the form of a dome-shaped housing structure 21. At this lying within the rotational opening 20 free end of the handling leg 4a engages the actuating tool for Bimetalljustierung.

Bei diesen Ausführungsformen wird durch Verdrehen oder Verdrillen des Handhabungsschenkels 4a in Richtung des dargestellten Doppelpfeils 22 der Bimetallträger 4 wiederum verbogen oder verformt und die Lage des Bimetalls 3 zur Einstellung des Abstands A verändert. Dabei erfolgt bei der Ausführungsform gemäß FIG 8 eine aufrollartige Verdrehung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a um eine senkrecht zur Zeichenebene verlaufende Achse.In these embodiments, by twisting or twisting the handling leg 4a in the direction of the illustrated double arrow 22, the bimetallic support 4 is in turn bent or deformed and changed the position of the bimetal 3 for adjusting the distance A. In the embodiment according to FIG. 8, a roll-up-like rotation of the handling leg 4a takes place around an axis running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß FIG 9 erfolgt eine Verdrillung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a um dessen Schenkelquerachse. Dabei ist der im Bereich der ersten Knick-/Biegestelle 19' sowie freiendseitig gehaltene oder lagefixierte Handhabungsschenkel 4a mittels eines gabelförmigen Verdreh-oder Handhabungswerkzeugs 24 verdreh- oder verdrillbar, das dazu in die Dreh- oder Justieröffnung 20 eingesetzt und in Pfeilrichtung 22 gedreht wird. Auch hier wird wiederum bei einer Drehung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a in der dargestellten Pfeilrichtung 22 die Bimetallspitze bzw. das Freiende 3b des Bimetalls 3 in Auslöserichtung D gedreht und dadurch die Bimetalljustierung durchgeführt. Bei diesen Ausführungsformen ist die Justiervorrichtung im Wesentlichen durch den Bimetallträger 4 mit dem daran gehaltenen Bimetall 3 und die als Justierkontur wirksame Drehöffnung 20 im Gehäuseaufsatz 21 gebildet.In the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the handling leg 4a is twisted about its leg transverse axis. In this case, in the region of the first bending / bending point 19 'and freiendseitig held or positionally fixed handling leg 4a by means of a fork-shaped twisting or handling tool 24 is twisted or twisted, which is used for this purpose in the rotation or adjustment hole 20 and rotated in the direction of arrow 22. Again, upon rotation of the handling leg 4a in the illustrated arrow direction 22, the bimetal tip or the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 is rotated in the triggering direction D, thereby performing the bimetallic adjustment. In these embodiments, the adjusting device is essentially formed by the bimetallic support 4 with the bimetal 3 held thereon and the rotary opening 20 in the housing attachment 21 which acts as an adjustment contour.

Bei der Ausführungsform des thermischen Auslösers gemäß Figur 10 erfolgt eine Justierung des Bimetalls 3 durch eine Art Knickbiegung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a des Bimetallträgers 4 in Richtung des Verformungspfeils 22'. Dabei ist das Freiende 4a' des Handhabungsschenkels 4a in einer Gehäuseöffnung 20' gehalten, so dass im mittleren Bereich 4a'' des Handhabungsschenkels 4a dieser aus- oder eingeknickt werden kann. Auch hierbei wird wiederum bei einer Verformung des Handhabungsschenkels 4a in der dargestellten Pfeilrichtung 22' die Bimetallspitze bzw. das Freiende 3b des Bimetalls 3 in Auslöserichtung D bewegt und dadurch die Bimetalljustierung durchgeführt.In the embodiment of the thermal release according to FIG. 10, the bimetal 3 is adjusted by a kind of bending buckling of the handling leg 4a of the bimetallic support 4 in the direction of the deformation arrow 22 '. In this case, the free end 4a 'of the handling leg 4a is held in a housing opening 20', so that in the central region 4a '' of the handling leg 4a this can be buckled or folded. Here, too, in a deformation of the handling leg 4a in the illustrated arrow direction 22 ', the bimetallic point or the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 in the release direction D moved and thereby performed the bimetallic adjustment.

Ferner zeigt Figur 11 eine alternative Ausführungsform, bei der der Halteschenkel 4b des Bimetallträgers 4 unter Bildung einer Schlaufe um eine Gehäusekontur 25 geführt ist. Dabei ist im Bereich des Schaufelscheitels 26 des Bimetallträgers 4 eine Sollbiegestelle 27 in diesen eingebracht. Bei dieser Ausführungsform liegt der Handhabungsschenkel 4a stirnseitig im Übergangsbereich zwischen dem Halteschenkel 4b und dem Fixierschenkel 4c und dabei in der Nähe der Biegestelle 8 des Bimetallträgers 4 an und stützt sich dort ab. Durch Verdrehen oder Verbiegen des Handhabungsschenkels 4a um die Sollbiegestelle 27 in Pfeilrichtung 22'' wird wiederum die Bimetallspitze bzw. das Freiende 3b des Bimetalls 3 in Auslöserichtung D gedreht und dadurch die Bimetalljustierung durchgeführt.Furthermore, FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment in which the holding leg 4b of the bimetal carrier 4 is guided around a housing contour 25 to form a loop. Here, in the region of the blade vertex 26 of the bimetallic support 4, a predetermined bending point 27 is introduced into this. In this embodiment, the handling leg 4a is located on the front side in the transition region between the holding leg 4b and the fixing leg 4c and thereby in the vicinity of the bending point 8 of the bimetallic support 4 and is supported there. By turning or bending the handling leg 4a around the predetermined bending point 27 in the direction of arrow 22 ", the bimetallic tip or the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 is in turn rotated in the triggering direction D, thereby carrying out the bimetallic adjustment.

Die Figuren 12 und 13 zeigen eine alternative Ausführungsform des thermischen Auslösers, die sich einerseits von der Ausführungsform des thermischen Auslösers gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 durch den Einsatz eines Einstellmittels 28 in Form einer Einstellschraube oder alternativ dazu in Form eines stufenweise rastenden Steckstiftes oder dergleichen unterscheidet. Andererseits ist der durch das Einstellmittel 28 justierbare Handhabungsschenkel 4a weitestgehend senkrecht zu diesem angeordnet. Zudem ist der Bimetallträger 4 in der Ausführungsform gemäß den Figuren 12 und 13 im Gegensatz zu der Ausführungsform gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 nach außen unter Zuhilfenahme einer biegebegünstigenden Bohrung/Ausstanzung 29 an der ersten Knick-/Biegestelle 19' abgebogen. Im Anschluss daran ist unter Bildung einer zweiten, durch die Bohrung/Aus-stanzung 29 perforierten Knick-/Biegestelle 19'' der Bimetallträger 4 abgekröpft. Die Biegestelle 8 ist in gleicher Weise wie die Knick-/Biegestellen 19',19'' ausgebildet.Figures 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of the thermal release, which differs on the one hand from the embodiment of the thermal release according to Figures 1 and 2 by the use of a setting means 28 in the form of an adjusting screw or alternatively in the form of a stepwise latching pin or the like , On the other hand, the adjustment by the adjusting means 28 handling leg 4a is arranged largely perpendicular to this. In addition, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13, in contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bimetallic support 4 is bent outwards with the aid of a bending-promoting bore / punching 29 at the first bending / bending point 19 '. This is followed by forming a second, perforated by the bore / punch-29 Bent / bending point 19 '' of the bimetal 4 bent. The bending point 8 is formed in the same way as the buckling / bending points 19 ', 19''.

Im weiteren Verlauf des Bimetallträgers 4 sind im Bereich der Stufen S1 und S2 in den Halteschenkel 4b ebenfalls Sicken 12 eingebracht, so dass bei hoher Formstabilität und ausreichender Trägersteifheit ein relativ dünnes Blechmaterial für den Bimetallträger 4 verwendet werden kann. Sicken 12 und mit Bohrungen/Ausstanzungen 29 versehene Biege- und Knick-/biege -stellen 8 bzw. 19',19'' können demnach je nach gewünschter Funktionsweise, wie z.B. ein partielle Aussteifen bzw. ein selbsttätiges Nachjustieren in Form einer Ausknickung an Sollbiegestellen, des Bimetallträgers 4 gezielt eingebracht werden.In the further course of the bimetallic carrier 4, beads 12 are likewise introduced into the holding limb 4b in the region of the steps S1 and S2, so that a relatively thin sheet material for the bimetal carrier 4 can be used with high dimensional stability and sufficient carrier rigidity. Corner beads 12 and bending / bending / bending points 8 or 19 ', 19' 'provided with bores / punched-out portions 29 can accordingly vary depending on the desired mode of operation, such as e.g. a partial stiffening or an automatic readjustment in the form of a buckling at predetermined bending points, the bimetal 4 are introduced specifically.

Bei den Ausführungsformen gemäß den Figuren 9 und 10 sowie 12 und 13 kompensiert der zur Bimetalljustierung dienende Mechanismus vorteilhafterweise auch eine praktisch unvermeidliche materialspezifische Gehäusenachschwindung. Typische Materialien sind in aller Regel Kunststoffe, insbesondere Duro- oder Thermoplaste. Ein Duroplast erweist dabei eine besonders gute thermische Stabilität, wobei sich ein Thermoplast durch eine feinere Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeit auszeichnet. Bevorzugt verwendete Duroplaste sind einerseits Harnstoffharz-Formmmassen und andererseits Melaminharz-Formmassen.In the embodiments according to FIGS. 9 and 10 as well as 12 and 13, the mechanism for bimetallic adjustment advantageously also compensates for a practically unavoidable material-specific housing shrinkage. Typical materials are usually plastics, especially duro- or thermoplastics. A thermoset proves a particularly good thermal stability, with a thermoplastic is characterized by a finer design option. Thermosets which are preferably used are, on the one hand, urea resin molding compounds and, on the other hand, melamine resin molding compounds.

Ändert sich nämlich auf Grund einer derartigen Gehäusenachschwindung die Position des Auslösehebels 6 in Richtung des Freiendes 3b des Bimetalls 3, so bewirkt diese Gehäusenachschwindung - je nach Ausführungsvariante des thermischen Auslösers - auch eine Annäherung der als Justierkontur wirksamen Gehäusekonturen, in denen der Bimetallträger 4 teilweise ein- und/oder anliegt. Die somit auf den Bimetallträger 4 eingeleitete Kraft bewirkt ein selbsttätiges Einknicken und/oder Verbiegen der Knick-/Biegestellen 19', 19'' und ggf. der Biegestelle 8 derart, dass der Abstand A konstant bleibt. Dadurch kann ein ungewünschtes vorzeitiges Auslösen des thermischen Auslösers vermieden werden. Durch eine gezielte Änderung der geometrischen Beziehung zwischen der Biegestelle 8 und den Knick-/Biegestellen 19',19'' kann das Nachführungsverhalten des Bimetallträgers 4 definiert werden.If the position of the release lever 6 changes in the direction of the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 due to such housing shrinkage, this housing shrinkage-depending on the embodiment of the thermal release-also brings about an approximation of the housing contours acting as an adjustment contour, in which the Bimetallic 4 partly on and / or rests. The thus introduced to the bimetallic 4 force causes an automatic buckling and / or bending of the buckling / bending points 19 ', 19''and possibly the bending point 8 such that the distance A remains constant. As a result, an unwanted premature release of the thermal release can be avoided. By a targeted change in the geometric relationship between the bending point 8 and the buckling / bending points 19 ', 19'', the tracking behavior of the bimetal 4 can be defined.

Die bei kostengünstigen Materialien ggf. auf Grund von Wärme-oder Strahlungseinflüssen auftretenden Alterungsprozesse und die daraus entstehende Material/-Gehäuseschwindungen können somit mit Vorteil auf einfache Weise ausgeglichen werden. Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Justiervorrichtung wird ein relativ großer Verformungsweg bei gleichzeitig relativ kleiner Längenänderung des zur Justierung verformbaren Bimetallträgers 4 erzielt. Dadurch ist eine besonders empfindliche oder feine Justierung des Bimetalls 3 eines thermischen Auslösers ermöglicht. Die Justiervorrichtung eignet sich dabei auch für eine Kaltjustierung, wobei zusätzliche Justierelemente, beispielsweise in Form einer Schraube oder dgl., entfällt. Dadurch wird eine Kosteneinsparung erzielt, indem zusätzlich auch der Bimetallträger 4 auf relativ einfachen Werkzeugen gefertigt werden kann.The occurring at low cost materials, possibly due to heat or radiation influences aging processes and the resulting material / housing shrinkages can thus be compensated in an easy way with ease. With the adjusting device according to the invention, a relatively large deformation with a relatively small change in length of the deformable for adjustment bimetal 4 is achieved. As a result, a particularly sensitive or fine adjustment of the bimetal 3 of a thermal release is possible. The adjusting device is also suitable for a cold adjustment, with additional adjusting elements, for example in the form of a screw or the like., Eliminated. As a result, a cost saving is achieved by additionally the bimetal 4 can be made on relatively simple tools.

Zudem sind kostengünstige Materialien und insbesondere Bimetalle 3 unterschiedlicher Länge verwendbar, was wiederum zu einer erheblichen Kosteneinsparung führt. Mittels dieser Justiervorrichtung ist der eigentliche Justiervorgang zumindest in Grenzen reversibel. Ferner ist der Justiervorgang bei offenem oder geschlossenem Gerätegehäuse 2 durchführbar. Auch ist bei gleichzeitig robuster Lagerung des Bimetalls 3 die Justiervorrichtung und damit der thermische Auslöser besonders unempfindlich gegen Stoßbelastungen.In addition, inexpensive materials and in particular bimetal 3 different length can be used, which in turn leads to a significant cost savings. By means of this adjusting device, the actual adjustment process is reversible at least within limits. Furthermore, the adjustment process with open or closed device housing 2 is feasible. Also is at the same time robust storage of the bimetal 3, the adjusting device and thus the thermal release particularly insensitive to shock loads.

Die zuvor erläuterte Erfindung kann wie folgt zusammengefasst werden:The invention explained above can be summarized as follows:

Um eine besonders kostengünstige und einfach einstellbare Justiervorrichtung für einen thermischen Auslöser eines Schaltgeräts 1, insbesondere eines Leitungsschutzschalters, anzugeben, ist vorgesehen, dass bei dem thermischen Auslöser, mit einem an einem Bimetallträger 4 ortsfest gehaltenen Bimetall 3, dessen Freiende 3b zu einem Auslösehebel 6 beabstandet ist und diesen infolge thermischer Verformung zunehmend in Auslöserichtung D beaufschlagt, der Abstand A zwischen dem Auslösehebel 6 und dem Freiende 3b des Bimetalls 3 durch Verformen des Bimetallträgers 4 einstellbar ist.In order to specify a particularly cost-effective and easily adjustable adjusting device for a thermal release of a switching device 1, in particular a circuit breaker, it is provided that in the thermal release, with a bimetal 3 held stationary on a bimetal 4 bimetal 3 whose free end 3b spaced to a trigger lever 6 is and these increasingly acted upon in the release direction D due to thermal deformation, the distance A between the trigger lever 6 and the free end 3b of the bimetal 3 by deforming the bimetal 4 is adjustable.

Claims (15)

  1. Adjustment apparatus for a thermal release for a switching device (1), having a bimetallic strip (3) which is held in a fixed position on a bimetallic strip mount (4) and whose free end (3b) is at a distance from a tripping lever (6) and applies force to this tripping lever (6) increasingly in the tripping direction (D) as a result of thermal deformation, with the distance (A) being adjustable by deformation of the bimetallic strip mount (4),
    the bimetallic strip mount (4) having a holding limb (4b) which runs at least approximately parallel to the bimetallic strip (3) and to which the bimetallic strip (3) is connected at its contact end (3a), characterized in that the bimetallic strip mount (4) also has a handling limb (4a) at the free end which runs transversely with respect to the holding limb (4b), in which case it is possible to adjust the distance (A) by twisting the handling limb (4a).
  2. Adjustment apparatus according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that the holding limb (4b) is curved in the form of a step.
  3. Adjustment apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that the distance (A) can additionally be adjusted by bending the holding limb (4b).
  4. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
    characterized in that the handling limb (4a) and/or the holding limb (4b) are/is in the form of a perforated plate or perforated plates with a number of openings (23; 29) which are arranged one behind the other in the limb longitudinal direction (14).
  5. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
    characterized in that the bimetallic strip mount (4) has an at least approximately U-shaped fixing limb (4c) which is adjacent to the holding limb (4b), via a bend (8).
  6. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
    characterized in that the handling limb (4a) of the bimetallic strip mount (4) is fixed in position in a fixed-position opening (13; 20).
  7. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 6,
    characterized in that the handling limb (4a) is positioned in the area of the free end (3b) of the bimetallic strip (3).
  8. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
    characterized in that the holding limb (4b) of the bimetallic strip mount (4) is shaped like a loop, and the handling limb (4a) is supported on the bimetallic strip mount (4).
  9. Adjustment apparatus according to Claim 8,
    characterized in that a desired bending point (27) is formed in the area of the loop apex (26) of the bimetallic strip mount (4).
  10. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that the distance (A) can be adjusted by automatic deformation of the handling limb (4a) and/or of the holding limb (4b) of the bimetallic strip mount (4).
  11. Adjustment apparatus according to Claim 10,
    characterized in that the distance (A) can be adjusted by bending of the handling limb (4a) and/or of the holding limb (4b) of the bimetallic strip mount (4) as a result of housing shrinkage, at bending points and/or kinking/bending points (8 and 19', 19'', respectively) which can be predetermined.
  12. Adjustment apparatus according to Claim 11,
    characterized in that the bending is produced by housing shrinkages and by the approximation, which results from this, of the housing contours (9, 13, 16, 21) which act as an adjustment contour and in which and/or on which the bimetallic strip mount (4) partially rests.
  13. Adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 12,
    characterized in that a hole/stamped-out region (29) is arranged at at least one position of the bimetallic strip mount (4), in particular in the area of the holding limb (4b) which is in the form of a step, in order to form a bending point and/or a kinking/bending point (8 or 19', 19'', respectively).
  14. Switching device, in particular a line circuit breaker, having an adjustment apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 13.
  15. Switching device according to Claim 14,
    characterized by a housing (2) composed of urea and/or melamine resin moulding compound.
EP02754231A 2001-07-02 2002-06-19 Adjusting device for a thermal trip Expired - Lifetime EP1402552B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10131963 2001-07-02
DE10131963 2001-07-02
DE20116792U 2001-10-15
DE20116792U DE20116792U1 (en) 2001-07-02 2001-10-15 Adjustment device for a thermal release
PCT/DE2002/002223 WO2003005395A1 (en) 2001-07-02 2002-06-19 Adjusting device for a thermal trip

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1402552A1 EP1402552A1 (en) 2004-03-31
EP1402552B1 true EP1402552B1 (en) 2006-05-24

Family

ID=26009621

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02754231A Expired - Lifetime EP1402552B1 (en) 2001-07-02 2002-06-19 Adjusting device for a thermal trip

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7135953B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1402552B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1249764C (en)
AT (1) ATE327568T1 (en)
CZ (1) CZ20032667A3 (en)
DE (1) DE50206909D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2266548T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2003005395A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CZ20032667A3 (en) 2004-01-14
CN1249764C (en) 2006-04-05
EP1402552A1 (en) 2004-03-31
WO2003005395A1 (en) 2003-01-16
CN1496574A (en) 2004-05-12
DE50206909D1 (en) 2006-06-29
US20040140881A1 (en) 2004-07-22
US7135953B2 (en) 2006-11-14
ES2266548T3 (en) 2007-03-01
ATE327568T1 (en) 2006-06-15

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