EP1815489A1

EP1815489A1 - Switching equipment comprising an electromagnetic trip device

Info

Publication number: EP1815489A1
Application number: EP05803773A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrick Claeys; Albrecht Vogel; Joachim Becker; Ralf Weber; Richard Kommert
Original assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
Current assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
Priority date: 2004-11-22
Filing date: 2005-11-15
Publication date: 2007-08-08
Also published as: WO2006056335A1; US20080018422A1; CA2577536A1

Abstract

The invention relates to switching equipment (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) comprising a housing (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), at least one contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that has a fixed and mobile contact part (8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d; 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and an electromagnetic trip device (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) comprising a trip coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a trip armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d). Said equipment is characterised in that the trip armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) is configured from a material with magnetic shape memory properties. According to the invention, when a short-circuit occurs, the trip armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) is deformed by the influence of the magnetic field of the trip coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d), thus causing the contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) to open.

Description

Switchgear with an electromagnetic release

description

The invention relates to a switching device having a housing and having at least one fixed contact piece and a movable contact piece comprehensive contact point, and with an electromagnetic release having a trip coil and a trigger An¬ ker, according to the preamble of claim 1. Next, the invention relates to Use of a magnetic shape memory effect material in an electromagnetic trip unit having a trip coil and a trip armature for a switching device according to the preamble of claim 18, 20 and 22.

In generic switching devices, such as circuit breakers or Mo¬ gate protectors, the electromagnetic release is used to interrupt the current path between the input and output terminals in the event of the occurrence of a short-circuit current. The electromagnetic triggers known in the prior art today, as described, for example, in DE 101 26 852 C1 or DE 100 10 093 A1, all work on the principle that a tripping armature starts to move towards a magnetic core when a short-circuit current occurs is offset, and in the course of this movement, the trigger anchor strikes the movable contact piece of the fixed contact piece at the contact point via a standing with him in Wirkverbin¬ standing ram so that thereby the contact point is opened. Known elekt¬ romagnetische triggers include for this purpose a coil, which is usually made of helically wound wire, as well as one with the coil outside umge¬ benden yoke firmly connected magnetic core, which engages inside the coil. The trip anchor is designed either as a hinged armature or as a plunger anchor, the latter also being located inside the coil. The armature is held by the core in Ruhezu¬ by means of a compression spring at a distance. When the short-circuit current flows through the tripping coil, the magnetic field generated thereby causes the tripping coil, that the release armature is moved against the restoring force of the compression spring on the core. After switching off the short-circuit current, the armature is moved back into its initial position by the restoring force of the compression spring.

The construction of electromagnetic release is today very complex and associated with high costs, since many items must be manufactured and assembled with tight tolerances.

In the prior art known thermal triggers usually work with tripping elements made of bimetallic or thermal shape memory metals, which are realized, for example, as a bending beam or as a snap-action disc. From DE 43 00 909 A1 a thermal release with a bimetallic bending beam is known.

Thermal and magnetic triggers are today realized in such a way that a separate component is produced for each tripping principle. In this case, a first, thermal partial release with a thermal tripping armature made of bimetallic or thermal shape memory metal, as mentioned above, and a second, magnetic partial release with a tripping coil and a magnetic tripping anchor sets together. DE 42 42 516 A1 discloses a thermo-magnetic combination shutter be¬ known, in which the thermal partial release is designed as a snap-action disc and the electromag netic part-trigger by a shock armature shutter. But here too, two separate triggers are set up, which are combined close together in a complex assembly.

The construction of thermal and electromagnetic triggers is therefore very auf¬ time today and associated with high costs, since two complete triggers must be constructed and combined with each other, with many items are made with tight tolerances and to build together.

Residual current circuit breakers of today's design have an electromagnetic release, which is usually designed as a permanent magnet release while a

U-shaped magnetic yoke, with which a hinged armature cooperates. The hinged armature is rotatably connected in the region of its one end with one of the yoke legs, while the other end of the hinged armature is the end face of the other Yoke leg covered. Mitteis a spring, the hinged armature is constantly acted in Öffnungs¬ direction; The yoke is associated with a permanent magnet, which generates a magnetic flux in the yoke, which holds the armature in the position in which the armature or hinged armature covers both end faces of the yoke legs. At the yoke, a coil is further arranged, which generates a magnetic flux within the yoke when a fault current occurs, which essentially releases the magnetic force, so that the force of the spring spends the hinged armature in the open position, whereby a shift shock is actuated the residual current circuit breaker ver¬ in the open position is introduced. In order to prevent sticking operations between the hinged armature and the end faces of the yoke legs, the trigger is inserted into a sealed housing, wherein a plunger protrudes from the housing, which unlatches a switching mechanism of the residual current circuit breaker and thus switches off the residual current circuit breaker.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to build a generic switching device easier to install and thus more cost-effective.

The object is achieved for the purely electromagnetic short-circuit tripping by a switching device with the characterizing features of claim 1, by the Ver¬ use of a material with magnetic shape memory effect in a Schaltge¬ advices according to the characterizing features of claim 18 and by Verwen¬ tion a material with a magnetic shape memory effect for short-circuit current tripping in a switching device according to the characterizing features of claim 20.

Thus, according to the invention, the tripping armature is formed from a material having a magnetic shape memory effect, wherein the tripping armature is deformed under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil in the short-circuit current case, thereby causing the contact point to open. In particular, the triggering anchor can be formed from a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy of nickel, manganese and gallium.

In the case of magnetic shape memory alloys, a change in shape in the martensitic phase can be brought about by the transition between two crystal structure variants of a twin crystal structure, the transition between the crystal structures being Structural variants is controlled by an external magnetic field. These materials are therefore referred to as magnetic shape memory alloys or "magnetic shape memory alloys" (MSM).

Magnetic shape memory alloys are advantageously formed as ferromagnetic shape memory alloys of nickel, manganese and gallium. More detailed explanations of the structure and operation of ferromagnetic Formge¬ memory alloys based on nickel, manganese and gallium, for example, WO 98/08261 and WO 99/45631 can be removed.

By means of the corresponding alloy composition it can be determined at which orientation of the external magnetic field the maximum expansion is achieved; e.g. For example, the magnetic field may be perpendicular or transverse to the MSM material to achieve maximum expansion.

Shape changes that are achieved with MSM materials under the action of an external magnetic field can be linear expansion, bending or torsion.

The advantage of the invention is that in a switching device according to the invention, the structure of the magnetic release is greatly simplified. The magnetic release according to the invention can be realized in a more compact and space-saving manner than a magnetic release according to the prior art. Thus, a switching device according to the invention with a magnetic release according to the invention can also be constructed in a simpler and more compact manner.

Another advantage of a switching device according to the invention is the speed of the magnetic trip. It must be accelerated no inertial mass, the Form¬ change due to the magnetic shape memory effect is almost instantaneously.

Also advantageous is the accessibility of a high actuating force with a relatively large Längen¬ change due to the high magnetic-mechanical energy conversion efficiency in ferromagnetic shape memory alloys. In the case of the switching device according to the invention, the magnetic field for the electromagnetic triggering can be generated by a current-carrying coil.

The release armature made of ferromagnetic shape memory metal can be formed as a longitudinally extended component which is stretched under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil in the short-circuit current case in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

The tripping armature can also be bar-shaped and bent under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil in short-circuit current case, or the tripping armature can be formed spirally and be stretched under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil in the short-circuit current case in the direction of the spiral longitudinal axis. The magnetically induced change in shape in the martensitic phase is proportional to the coil current.

A great advantage of a switching device according to the invention lies in the very simple construction of the electromagnetic release using a ferromagnetic shape memory metal release armature. The trigger essentially comprises only one coil and the trigger anchor. The trip anchor can be at its second end in operative connection with a plunger. However, it eliminates compared to the triggers according to the prior art, the core and the compression spring. The storage of the ferromagnetic shape memory metal release armature according to the invention is also simpler than the storage of the release armature in conventional releases. For there, the trigger anchor must be mounted easily movable, where, however, it no longer comprises moving parts in an inventive embodiment and is fixedly mounted in an advantageous embodiment at a first end, wo¬ he at his second, movable end under the action of the magnetic field expands. In this case, an embodiment in which the release armature is held at a first, fixed end in a bearing connected to the housing is particularly advantageous.

A major advantage of a switching device according to the invention is that the spatial allocation of the tripping coil to the tripping armature made of ferromagnetic shape memory metal can be adapted in many ways to the geometry requirements within the switchgear housing. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, the tripping armature can be encompassed by the tripping coil. According to a further advantageous embodiment The tripping armature can be provided outside the coil in its vicinity.

Thus, an optimal use of space within the switching device housing is bar, which leads to smaller and thus more cost-effective designs of the switching devices.

Fewer less demanding parts are needed for their dimensional accuracy for the electromagnetic trip device, and mounting an electromagnetic trip device with a ferromagnetic shape memory metal trip anchor is therefore simpler and cheaper.

A very similar configuration as with a trigger for a short-circuit release can also be used with a residual current circuit breaker. In this case, the component made of the material with a magnetic shape memory effect acts directly on a switching mechanism with which a contact lever of the residual current circuit breaker is coupled. The main ideas that are shown in the trigger for short circuit, apply mutatis mutandis to the trigger of a residual current circuit breaker, while it must be noted that the pending on the coil voltage or energy as secondary voltage is relatively low.

The object is further achieved by a switching device with the characterizing features of claim 1 and 2, by the use of a material with a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect in a Schaltge- device according to the characterizing features of claim 12 and by Verwen¬ tion of a material with a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect for short circuit and overcurrent current tripping in a switching device according to the characterizing features of claim 14.

According to the invention, therefore, the tripping armature is formed of a material having a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect, both under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil in the short-circuit current case, and under the influence of an overcurrent caused increase in temperature of the Auslösean¬ ker deformed and thereby the opening of the contact point is effected , In particular, the release armature may be formed of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy of nickel, manganese and gallium. In the case of magnetic shape memory alloys, a change in shape in the martensitic phase can be brought about by the transition between two crystal structure variants of a twin crystal structure, the transition between the crystal structure variants being controlled by an external magnetic field. These materials are therefore referred to as magnetic shape memory alloys or "Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys" (MSM).

Magnetic shape memory alloys are advantageously formed as ferromagnetic shape memory alloys of nickel, manganese and gallium. More detailed explanations of the structure and operation of ferromagnetic shape memory alloys based on nickel, manganese and gallium can be found, for example, in WO 98/08261 and WO 99/45631.

Further advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention and further advantages can be taken from the further subclaims.

Reference to the drawings, in which five embodiments of the invention are shown, the invention and further advantageous embodiments of the invention will be explained nä¬ forth and described.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an inventive switching device with a rod-shaped Auslösean- ker ferromagnetic shape memory metal, arranged in

Interior of a trip coil, at rest,

2 is a schematic representation of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 in the tripped state,

3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a switching device according to the invention with a rod-shaped tripping anchor made of ferromagnetic shape memory metal, arranged next to a tripping coil, at rest, Fig. 4 in a schematic representation of the second embodiment of FIG.

3 in the tripped state,

5 shows a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a switching device according to the invention with a tripping armature made of ferromagnetic material designed as a cantilevered bending beam

Shape memory metal, arranged inside a trigger coil, at rest,

6 is a schematic representation of the third embodiment of FIG. 5 in the tripped state,

7 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a switching device according to the invention with a triggering anchor of ferromagnetic shape memory metal in a spiral shape, arranged inside a tripping coil, in the resting state, FIG.

8 is a schematic representation of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 7 in the tripped state, FIG.

9 is a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of an inventive switching device with a rod-shaped Auslösean¬ ker of ferromagnetic shape memory metal, arranged in the interior of a trip coil, and a thermal release of bimetallic strip, at rest,

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of the fifth embodiment of FIG. 9 in the tripped state.

11 and 12, a sixth embodiment in non-triggered and tripped state as well as

Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a residual current circuit breaker. 1 shows schematically a switching device 1 with a housing 2, an electromagnetic release 20 and a switching mechanism 36 in the non-triggered state. In Fig. 2, the switching device of FIG. 1 is shown in the tripped state, wherein the same or similar-acting assemblies or parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

Between a Eingangsklemmstück 14 and an output terminal 16 a current path via a movable strand 18, a ge in a contact lever bearing 12 ge stored contact lever 10, a located on the contact lever 10 movable contact piece 6 and a fixed contact piece 8 comprehensive contact point 4, and a trip coil 22. In the switching position shown in Fig. 1, the contact point 4 is closed ge. With the trip coil 22 and the fixed contact piece 8, a yoke 40 is connected via an ear-shaped intermediate piece 42.

Not shown in some switching devices additionally contained thermal shear trigger that acts on the occurrence of an overcurrent on the rear derailleur so that this then permanently opens the contact point.

The electromagnetic release 20 comprises the tripping coil 22 and a tripping armature 24, which in this case has a bar-shaped design and is arranged in the interior of the tripping coil 22 such that the coil longitudinal axis and the tripping armature longitudinal axis coincide.

At a first, fixed end 24 ', the trigger armature 24 is held in a trigger armature bearing 28 connected to the housing 2. At its second, free end 24 "of the trigger armature 24 is in operative connection with a plunger 26. The operative connection is shown here as a positive connection, but alternatively, non-positive or cohesive connections can be realized.

At its free end 24 ", the tripping armature 24 has a notch 25 into which engages a tripping lever 30 mounted in a tripping lever bearing 32, for example with a fork located at its first free end 30. The second free end 30" of the tripping lever 30 engages in a recess 35 in a slide 34, which is in operative connection with the rear derailleur 36 via a line of action 38. The trigger anchor 24 is made of a ferromag netic shape memory alloy based on nickel, manganese and gallium. Such ferromagnetic shape memory alloys are known and available in principle, for example, from the Finnish company AdaptaMat Ltd. manufactured and sold. A typical composition of of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloys for erfindungsgemä¬ SEN use in switching devices is represented by the structural formula Ni _65-x-y m n 2 ₀ + χGa 1 ₅ + y, where x is between 3 atomic percent and 15 atomic percent and y is between 3 atomic percent and 12 atomic percent. The ferromagnetic shape memory alloying used here has the property that in its martensitic phase, that is the phase which occupies the material below the thermal transition temperature, under the influence of an external magnetic field on a microscopic scale, a transition between two crystal structure variants of one Gemini crystal structure takes place, which is macroscopically associated with a change in shape. In the embodiment of the release anchor selected here, the change in shape consists of a linear expansion in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the beam.

The thermal transition temperature in the case of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloys used here is in the region of room temperature and can be adjusted within a range by varying the atomic percentages x and y. Thus, the working temperature range within which the electromagnetic actuator operates within a range by selecting the material composition is adjustable.

Flows through the switching device 2 in case of short circuit, a high short-circuit current, so the trip arm 24 expands due to the effect described above, and consequently the plunger 26 proposes the movable contact piece 6 away from the fixed contact piece 8, so that the contact point 4 is opened and the Switching device is triggered, as shown in Fig. 2. The expansion of the ferromagnetic shape memory material happens very quickly and almost without delay. The delay time as the time difference between the occurrence of the short-circuit current and the maximum length of the trip armature 24 is typically on the order of one millisecond.

The triggering is supported here by the trigger lever 30, which rotates in the extension of the trigger armature 24 in a clockwise direction about the trigger lever bearing 32 and while the slider 34 in its longitudinal direction, indicated by the direction arrow S, shifts, so that the slider 34 via the line of action 38, the Schalt¬ works 36 actuated.

After tripping of the switching device, the current path is interrupted and the magnetic field of the tripping coil 22 breaks down again. As a result, the release anchor 24 will contract again to its original dimensions, whereby also the release lever 30 is moved back to the starting position, as shown in Fig. 1, back. The contact point 4 is now kept in the open position by operating lines, not shown here, by the switching mechanism 36.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a switching device 1a according to the invention in a non-tripped state, and FIG. 4 shows the switching device 1a in a tripped state. Identical or equivalent components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2, supplemented by the letter a. The significant difference between the switching device 1a according to FIGS. 3 and 4 and the switching device 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is that in the former case the tripping armature 24a made of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy based on NiMnGa is arranged outside the tripping coil 22a. In addition, the release lever 30a, the slide 34a and the switching mechanism 36a are not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for the sake of clarity. The change in shape of the trigger armature 24a is caused in the case of short circuit in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by the magnetic field in the outer region of the tripping coil 22a. A corresponding design of the trip coil 22a and the magnetic circuit can be made by a person skilled in the art with the aid of his normal expertise and supported by systematic experiments.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a switching device 1b according to the invention in a non-triggered state, and FIG. 6 shows the switching device 1b in a tripped state. Identical or equivalent components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in the case of the switching device 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2, supplemented by the letter b. The essential difference between the switching device 1b according to FIGS. 5 and 6 and the switching device 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is that the triggering anchor 24b in the former is fixed to the tripping armature bearing 28b on one side with a first, fixed end 24b ' clamped bending beam is executed. The trip anchor 24b is arranged in the interior of the trip coil 22b. The change in shape induced by the magnetic field of the release coil 22b in the event of a short circuit consists here of a bending of the release armature 24b at its second, free end 24b ", see FIG. 6. The second, free end 24b" of the release armature 24b engages in one Recess 35b in a first leg 33b of the L-shaped slider 34b, whereby it is in Ver¬ bending of the release armature 24b in the direction of the longitudinal extension direction of the first leg 33b, indicated by the directional arrow S, is moved. At its second leg 33b ', the slider 34b is in operative connection with the plunger 26b, which, when the slider 34b is displaced, deflects the movable contact 6b away from the fixed contact 8b and thus opens the contact point 4b. The rear derailleur 36 is not shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a switching device 1c according to the invention in a non-tripped state, and FIG. 8 shows the switching device 1c in a tripped state. The same or equivalent components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the switching device 1 in Figs. 1 and 2, supplemented by the letter c. The essential difference between the switching device 1c according to FIGS. 7 and 8 and the switching device 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is that in the former the triggering armature 24c is helical and arranged inside the triggering coil 24c in a guide sleeve 23c oriented parallel to the coil axis is guided. The change in shape of the helical trigger armature 24c induced by the magnetic field of the tripping coil 22c in the event of a short-circuit here is an extension of the spiral 24c forming the tripping armature in the direction of the spiral longitudinal axis, indicated by the directional arrow L. At the movable end 24c "of the spiral tripping armature 24c this in operative connection with the plunger 26c, which opens the contact point 4c when triggered, see FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a switching device 1d according to the invention in a non-triggered state, and FIG. 10 shows the switching device 1d in a triggered state. The same or equivalent components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the switching device 1 in Figs. 1 and 2, supplemented by the letter d. The electromagnetic release 2Od in the embodiment as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is constructed like the electromagnetic release 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10, the input and output terminals and the Rear derailleur for clarity not shown. The switching device 1d in the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 and 10 additionally comprises, in addition to the electromagnetic trigger 2Od, a thermal overcurrent release. This is substantially gebil¬ det of a bimetallic strip 44d, which is fixed with its first, fixed end 44d "to a bimetal holder 48d, and engages the second, movable end 44d 'in a further recess 35d' in the slider 34d. The current path here extends from the input terminal (not shown) via a first movable wire 18d, the contact lever 10d, the contact point 4d formed by the movable and fixed contact piece 6d, 8d, the tripping coil 22d, the bimetal holder 48d, the thermo-bimetal strip 44d, a second movable wire 18d 'to (not shown) output terminal.

In the event of an overcurrent, the bimetallic strip 44d bends in the direction indicated by the directional arrow B, so that the slider 34d is displaced in the direction of its longitudinal axis, indicated by the directional arrow S, and via a (not shown here) line of action with the (here also not shown) derailleur, which then permanently opens the contact point 4d. In the case of a short-circuit current, the triggering takes place by means of the electromagnetic release 20d as already described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In order to support the reshaping of the release armature 24d after the magnetic field of the tripping coil 22s has collapsed as a result of the contact opening in the tripping case, a return spring 46d is provided in the embodiment according to FIGS. This is designed here as a spiral spring and includes the plunger 26d. But it could also be designed as a leaf spring or in any other suitable manner. The return spring is relaxed in the non-triggered state (FIG. 9). It is supported at one end on a spring bearing 5Od connected to the housing, and at its other end at the movable end 24d "of the trigger armature 24d. In the case of a release (Figure 10), it is replaced by the expanding trigger arm 24d zusammenge¬ suppressed. The exemplary embodiments illustrated and described in FIGS. 1 to 10 are an exemplary, non-exhaustive illustration of possible switching devices according to the invention using an electromagnetic trigger with a trigger magnet made of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy. It is also possible to produce switching devices according to the invention from all other switchgear variants known from the prior art with electromagnetic triggers by the use according to the invention of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy for forming the tripping armature.

The embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 10 have been explained essentially for materials in which only the magnetic shape memory effect occurs. The identical and identical construction can also be used when using materials which have both a magnetic and a thermal shape memory effect. In particular, as far as FIGS. 9 and 10 are concerned, a particularly advantageous embodiment is provided insofar as the thermobimetal 44d can be completely eliminated and only the triggering anchor 24d is used for both the electromagnetic and thermal tripping.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from that in FIG. 1 in that, in the former, the heating of the release armature 24d takes place directly by current flow and not, as in the case of the latter, indirectly via thermal radiation from the release coil 22d. The current path in the embodiment of Fig. 9 is as follows: from the input terminal 14d, the current flows through the movable lead 18d, the contact lever 10d, the pad 4d through the trip coil 22d, and further in series therewith via another movable lead 18d which electrically connects the end of the trip coil 22d to the front part of the trip arm 24d, through the trip arm 24d and from its fixed end 24d 'to the output terminal 16d. In the case of an overcurrent, the tripping armature 24d is thus directly heated by current heat. As a result, a thermally more accurate design of the thermal and Magneti¬'s trigger 2Od is possible.

In support of the recovery of the release armature 24d after tripping in the short-circuit current case after collapse of the magnetic field of the trip coil 22d or in the event of overcurrent after cooling of the trip arm 24d to a temperature below the thermal transition temperature due to the contact opening - in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, a return spring 46d is provided. This is designed here as a spiral spring and includes the plunger 26d. However, it could also be designed as a leaf spring or in any other suitable manner. The return spring is relaxed in the non-triggered state (FIG. 9). It is supported at one end by a spring bearing 5Od connected to the housing, and at its other end by the movable end 24d "of the trigger armature 24d. When triggered (Figure 10), it is compressed by the expanding trigger arm 24d.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated and described in FIGS. 1 to 10 are an exemplary, non-exhaustive illustration of possible switching devices according to the invention using a thermal and electromagnetic trigger with a triggering magnet of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy. It is also possible to produce switching devices according to the invention from all other switching device variants known from the prior art with thermal and electromagnetic triggers by the use according to the invention of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy for forming the tripping armature.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 differs from that in FIG. 1 in that in the former the heating of the trigger armature 24d takes place directly by current flow and not, as with the latter, indirectly via heat radiation from the trigger coil 22d. The current path in the embodiment according to FIG. 9 is shown as follows: from the input terminal 14d, the current flows via the movable wire 18d, the contact lever 10d, the contact point 4d through the tripping coil 22d and further in series therewith via a further movable one Wire 18d ', which electrically connects the end of the tripping coil 22d to the front part of the tripping armature 24d, continues through the tripping armature 24d and from its fixed end 24d' to the output terminal 16d. In the case of an overcurrent, the tripping armature 24d is thus directly heated by current heat. As a result, a thermally more accurate design of the thermal and magnetic trigger 2Od is possible.

In support of the recovery of the release armature 24d after tripping in the short-circuit current case after collapse of the magnetic field of the trip coil 22d or in the event of overcurrent after cooling of the trip arm 24d to a temperature below the thermal transition temperature due to the contact opening - in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, a return spring 46d is provided. This is designed here as a spiral spring and includes the plunger 26d. However, it could also be designed as a leaf spring or in any other suitable manner. The return spring is relaxed in the non-triggered state (FIG. 9). It is supported at one end by a spring bearing 5Od connected to the housing, and at the other end by the movable end 24d "of the trip arm 24d. When triggered (Figure 12), it is compressed by the expanding trip arm 24d.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated and described in FIGS. 1 to 12 are an exemplary, non-exhaustive illustration of possible switching devices according to the invention using a thermal and electromagnetic trigger with a triggering magnet of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy. It is also possible to produce switching devices according to the invention from all other switching device variants known from the prior art with thermal and electromagnetic triggers by the use according to the invention of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy for forming the tripping armature.

Reference is briefly made to Figures 1 and 2. There, a switching device is shown, which is designed for a short-circuit current. As can be seen here, the movement of the armature 24, which can also be referred to as a plunger, transmitted to the contact lever 10. In addition, there is also a transmission of the movement of the plunger 24 via the lever mechanism 30 and the slide 34 to the switch lock 36. If the switch according to FIG. 1 is to be modified, only to be switched off in the event of a fault current, then the coil 22 is moved along the so-called primary winding in the residual current circuit breaker connected and the plunger 26 is omitted, so that not the mains current, but the secondary current flows through the coil 22; the movement of the plunger 24 then leads, for example via the components 30 and 34 on the switching mechanism. Of course, it is also possible to arrange the plunger 24 so that it acts directly on the switching mechanism 36.

A schematic representation of this arrangement is shown in FIG. 13. By a converter core 60 primary conductors 61 and 62 are passed, which len contact Stel¬ 63 and 64 have. Around the transducer core 60 is a secondary winding 65 arranged, which is connected to a coil 66 in which a plunger 67 made of a material with magnetic, but possibly also with magnetic and thermi¬ Shem shape memory effect is penetrated. This plunger 67 acts according to arrow direction P1 on a switching mechanism 68 and after unlatching the switching mechanism corresponding to the direction of the arrow P2 acts on the contact points 63, 64. Compared to Anord¬ tion according to FIG. 1, the plunger 67 has in FIG 1, the reference numeral 24; 1, the reference numeral 36, the coil 66 in the arrangement ge according to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 22, and, as can be seen, lacks a plunger element 26, because a direct action on the contact points 63, 64th is not common in such a fault current circuit breaker.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Claims

claims

1. switching device (1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d) having a housing (2, 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d) and at least one fixed and a movable contact piece (8, 8 a, 8 b, 8 c , 8d; 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), and with an electromagnetic release (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) having a trigger coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a trigger anchor (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) auf¬, characterized in that the trigger anchor (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) made of a material having at least magnetic shape memory effect is formed, under the influence of the magnetic field of the trip coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c,

22d) in the short-circuit current case and / or residual current condition of the tripping armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) deformed and thereby the opening of the contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is effected.

2. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the material in addition to the magnetic also has a thermal shape memory effect, so that the triggering anchor deformed both under the influence of Magnet¬ field and under the influence of elevated temperature.

3. Switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) is formed from a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy of nickel, manganese and gallium.

4. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 24 a, 24 d) is designed as a longitudinally extending component and under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22, 22 a, 22 d) in short circuit current event and / or Fault current case is stretched in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

5. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tripping armature (24b) is bar-shaped and is bent under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22b) in the short-circuit current case and / or Fehler¬ current case.

6. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tripping armature (24c) is formed spirally and under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22c) is stretched in the short-circuit current case and / or Fehler¬ current case in the direction of the spiral longitudinal axis.

7. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 40b, 24c, 24d) of the tripping coil (22, 22b, 22c. 22d) is included.

8. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the tripping armature (24a) outside of the tripping coil (22a) is mounted in the vicinity thereof.

9. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 24 a, 24 d) is designed as a longitudinally extending component and both under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22, 22 a, 22 d) in the short-circuit current case, and under Influence of a caused by overcurrent increase in temperature in the direction of its longitudinal axis is stretched.

10. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tripping armature (24b) is bar-shaped and both under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22b) in the short-circuit current case, as well as un¬ ter influence of a caused by overcurrent temperature increase verbo- will be.

11. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tripping armature (24c) is formed spirally and both under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22c) in the short-circuit current case, as well as un¬ ter influence caused by overcurrent temperature increase in the direction of the spiral longitudinal axis is stretched.

12. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 24b, 24c, 24d) is enclosed by the tripping coil (22, 22b, 22c, 22d).

13. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tripping armature (24a) outside the tripping coil (22a) is mounted in the vicinity thereof.

14. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature increase of the trip armature (24, 24 a, 24 b, 24 c) in the event of overcurrent by means of indirect heating by the overcurrent leading Auslösespu¬ le (22, 22 a, 22 b, 22 c) is effected.

15. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature increase of the trigger armature (24d) is effected in the event of overcurrent by direct heating due to the Überstro¬ mes flowing through the trigger armature (24d).

16. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24d) at a first end in a with the housing (2, 2a, 2b, 2d) connected to the bearing (28, 28a , 28b, 28d) is held.

17. Switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the release anchor (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) at its second end in Wirkver¬ bond with a plunger (26, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) stands.

18. Use of a material having a magnetic shape memory effect in an electromagnetic release (20, 20a, 20b, 20c) having a triggering coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a triggering armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d).

2Od) for a switching device (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), characterized in that the release armature (24,24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the trigger (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 2Od) of the material is formed with magnetic shape memory effect, wherein under the influence of the magnetic field of the trip coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) in the short-circuit current case and / or fault current condition of the tripping armature (22, 22a, 22b,

22c, 22d) and thereby the opening of a contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is effected.

19. Use of a material with magnetic shape memory effect according to claim 10 An¬, characterized in that a ferromag netic shape memory nislegierung of nickel, manganese and gallium is used.

20. Use of a material with a magnetic shape memory effect for short-circuit current release in a contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and an electromagnetic release (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) comprising switching device (1, 1a , 1b, 1c, 1d), characterized in that the tripping armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the one tripping coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a tripping armature (24, 24a, 24b , 24c, 24d) formed from the material with magnetic shape memory effect, under the influence of the magnetic field of the trip coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) in Short-circuit current case and / or fault current fall of the tripping armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) deformed and thereby the opening of a

Contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is effected.

21. Use of a material with magnetic shape memory effect for short-circuit current release according to claim 20, consisting of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy of nickel, manganese and gallium.

22. Use of a material having a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect in a trigger coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a trigger anchor (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) comprising thermal and magnetic triggers (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) for a switching device 81, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), characterized in that the triggering armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the trigger (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 2Od) is formed from the material with the combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect, both under the influence of the magnetic field of the trip coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) in the short-circuit current case, as well as under the influence of an induced by overcurrent temperature increase the trigger anchor (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) deformed and thereby the opening of the contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) be¬ acts.

23. Use of a material with a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect according to claim 22, consisting of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy of nickel, manganese and gallium.

24. Use of a material with a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect for short-circuit and overcurrent current tripping in a switching device (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) comprising a contact point (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and a thermal and magnetic release (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), characterized in that the trigger armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the trigger (20, 20a, 22a, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a trigger armature (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) 20b, 20c, 2Od) from the

Material with the combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect is formed, both under the influence of the magnetic field of the tripping coil (22, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) in the short-circuit current case, as well as under the influence of a caused by overcurrent temperature increase of the tripping armature (24 , 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) and thereby deforms the opening of the contact point (4,

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) is effected.

25. Use of a material with a combined thermal and magnetic shape memory effect for short-circuit and overcurrent current release according to claim 14, consisting of a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy of nickel, manganese and gallium.