EP1848020B1 - Manually actuated protective switch - Google Patents

Abstract

The switch has a manual actuating device that is arranged in a prismatic housing part (110) and an actuating shaft (44) that is arranged perpendicular to an actuation front (102). Additional modules (10, 20) are inserted into and/or pulled out from an insertion slot (120) using a locking device (48), where the movement of the additional modules is locked by the device. The locking device is formed at the actuation shaft and is activated through rotation of the actuation shaft.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a manually operated circuit breaker for motor protection and / or line protection according to the preamble of claim 1. Such circuit breakers are known as motor protection switch, which are tuned in their tripping behavior (up to multiple starting current) to be protected electric motor, or as a circuit breaker for the protection of serve electrical lines or equipment against thermal overload or short-circuit damage. The tripping behavior and thus the use of such circuit breakers are determined by the thermal and the short-circuit tripping values.

State of the art

Such motor protection switches can be equipped with an exchangeable overcurrent release module ( CH-PS 319019 . DE 36 42 719 A1 ). In this case, an operator can set up quite different trigger modules, which differ by different current ranges, or different inertia classes.

For safety reasons, a trigger module should not be able to be pulled in the ON position of the circuit breaker. This is in the DE 36 42 719 A1 a safety device provided in the form of a flap. There is a window in the flap through which the operating knob passes attacks. The window is designed such that the operating knob in the ON position engages over the edges of the window so that the shutter module can not be pulled out of the inserted position. The safety device (the flap) is a very elaborately designed part.

A disadvantage of such or similar devices may also be that the operating knob can be deducted from the actuating shaft, as this is not particularly secured against removal. Furthermore, the safety device (the flap) in the DE 36 42 719 A1 mechanically relatively thin and thus vulnerable trained so that it can be destroyed at raw stress. In both cases, the lock function is disabled.

The EP 0 589 780 A1 discloses a hand-operated circuit breaker with a plugged onto an actuating shaft knob that prevents in an ON position due to its contour that an additional module can be inserted into an insertion slot or pulled out of this. By removing the knob but also the locking function of the knob can be canceled easily here.

In the DE 195 15 923 A1 a circuit breaker is described, which can be modularly expanded by plugging replaceable add-on modules. The circuit breaker has a prismatic housing part protruding toward the operating front, on which two contact surfaces and contact surfaces are formed perpendicular to the front panel. The additional modules can be plugged directly into the circuit breaker in this prior art or they are separated from the circuit breaker on a base (mounting rail) attached. The modular assembly of the circuit breaker described here is possible regardless of whether the circuit breaker is in the ON position or not.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide for a circuit breaker modular assembly with at least one replaceable additional module and provide a device with which the assembly with at least one additional module, or the separation of an additional module from the assembly is not possible with the circuit breaker ,

Based on a manually operated circuit breaker of the type mentioned, the object is achieved by the characterizing features of independent claim solved while the dependent claims advantageous developments of the invention can be found.

The essence of the invention is that the insertion of an additional module in and / or the extraction of an additional module from an insertion shaft with a locking device can be blocked, which housed in the housing part, formed on the actuating shaft and can be activated by rotation of the actuating shaft. One advantage is that, in addition to simple handling, there is a secure locking against unauthorized or unauthorized changing of the additional module. The additional modules can perform different additional functions on the circuit breaker. Plug-in, replaceable add-on modules can be used: overcurrent release modules, bus coupling modules, electronic components, connector blocks for bridging contacts, remote actuators and others.

With the circuit breaker according to the invention the advantage of a pluggable, without special measures interchangeable additional module (for example, a trigger module) is connected with the circuit breaker itself "on-site" still matched to the use or, if necessary, can be changed in its values. At the same time, the additional module can be pulled when working on the electrical system or on an electric motor to be protected, with a visible separation point is created and the cable is safely interrupted. It is also important that the openings for the plug contacts are finger-proof and thus secured against accidental contact. The proposed locking is done autonomously without additional operation from the outside by the rotation of the actuating shaft. By locking a secure fixation of the additional module is ensured with the circuit breaker. When switched on, the circuit breaker is blocked by the locking device activated by the operating knob. As a result, an additional module can not be pulled out of the switch combination in the switched-on state. The additional module can only be removed and replaced when the circuit breaker is switched off.
Preferably, embodiments are characterized as follows.

The locking device enters or exits the insertion shaft and blocks the movement of an additional module.

Preferably first plug-in means plug contacts and second, corresponding plug-in means should preferably be understood sockets. However, an exchange of plug contacts and sockets may be present in the claimed arrangements.

The term insertion shaft should be understood in a broad sense, so that guide elements for the plug-in means (plug contacts, socket) are also to be understood as an insertion shaft or as an essential part of the insertion shaft. Such parts may be physical formations on the housing with wall elements, which laterally serve to guide additional modules in their Einkken. The plug-in direction is usually perpendicular to the front panel. Therefore, at least one connection surface for an additional module is formed on the base assembly perpendicular to the front panel and the at least one connection surface is provided with a linear guide element which cooperates with at least one receiving element formed on the additional module such that the additional module in the guide element ("insertion chute") can be inserted. The insertion or removal of an additional module is blocked by the locking device. In a circuit breaker connected to the operating shaft in the ON position, an additional module can not be inserted until the contact closure.

The locking device consists of a circumference of the actuating shaft encompassing collar. The collar occurs upon rotation of the actuating shaft in the profile of a guiding element on or off; or more generally, the collar enters the path of the add-on module inserted into an insertion chute. In this case, a trained on the collar first section engages only in the ON position of the circuit breaker in the profile of the guide element ("insertion shaft").

However, the locking device may also be formed in a different form, but also be operated by the operating shaft encompassing collar. Of the Collar acts upon rotation of the actuating shaft a translationally movable slide such that the slide blocks the movement of an additional module only in the ON position of the circuit breaker.

The linear guide element can be designed as the profile of the guide element and the profile rail in the form of a dovetail formed on the additional module. However, the linear guide element can also be designed in the form of contact sockets, wherein the plug contacts can be found in the contact sockets and guided there.

The profiled rail formed on the additional module can have an engagement slot designed as a gap for the collar. The extended in locking situation collar enters the engagement slot and blocks the movement of an additional module either in the inserted position or out of the inserted position. The gap is arranged so that it corresponds to the position of the collar in the inserted position of the additional module. In extension of the rail a nose is formed after the gap.

The length and position of the nose and their distance from the contact sockets in the circuit breaker is such that the plug contacts of an inserted to the stop of the nose on the collar additional module have not yet reached the contact sockets.

Since the slider is to extend only in the position actuated by the collar in the engagement slot, the slider is mounted against the force of a return spring. With the exit of the slider out of the engagement slot, the slider moves back to a non-locking rest or initial position.

Brief description of the drawings

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Schutzschalters mit zwei Zusatzmodulen;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Sicht auf die Betätigungswelle mit Verriegelungskragen und den Verriegelungsschieber und der Darstellung des linearen Führelements an einer ersten Ebene des Schutzschalters;

Figur 3

eine Aufsicht von oben auf die Betätigungswelle mit Verriegelungskragen und mit Andeutung der beiderseits der beiden Ebenen angeordneten Zusatzgeräte (Auslöse-Modul; Verbinderbaustein);

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Steckvorgangs für ein AuslöseModul und einen Verbinderbaustein.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following, explained with reference to figures embodiment. Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a circuit breaker with two additional modules;

FIG. 2

a perspective view of the actuating shaft with locking collar and the locking slide and the representation of the linear guide element on a first level of the circuit breaker;

FIG. 3

a top view of the actuating shaft with locking collar and with an indication of both sides of the two levels arranged accessories (trigger module, connector block);

FIG. 4

a perspective view of the plug-in operation for a tripping module and a connector block.

Best way to carry out the invention

The figures relate to a circuit breaker, which is part of a mating switch combination whose components are designed according to the modular system. The manual circuit breaker (schematic in Fig. 1 ) are associated with two additional modules 10, 20. A prismatic housing part 110 with an operating front 102 is cantilevered in the middle. Additional modules can be inserted parallel to the axis of the actuating rotary knob on the switch housing next to the projecting housing part. The housing part essentially comprises a device to be operated manually with an actuating shaft 44 via a rotary knob 42 for actuating at least one switching mechanism of the circuit breaker.

The circuit breaker is operated on the operating knob 42, with which an OFF and ON position with a rotation of 90 ° is switchable. In the ON position, the switch contacts are closed and the trip unit can be activated. From this position, the switch contacts of the circuit breaker can be manually opened by a first rotation of the drive shaft 44 via the operating knob 42. The drive shaft releases in the switch drive mechanism the lock and opens the switch contacts. For manual switch-off, a short turn in the opposite direction is sufficient to operate the lock. A full 90 ° turn is not required. When automatically switching off in case of failure and opening the switch contacts the drive shaft 44 is forcibly moved.

In the switched-off state of the circuit breaker, there are switching mechanism and switching contacts open, it is not possible to immediately put the circuit breaker in the on state. The mechanical energy storage unit of the trip unit must first be tensioned. For this purpose, with a left turn of the operating knob (and the drive shaft) from the OFF position by about 20 ° to 30 ° (ie in the opposite direction to the ON-switching movement), the trip unit is activated.

For the invention is important that the actuating shaft 44 is arranged perpendicular to the front panel 102 and the mounting surface (on the back of the circuit breaker). On the housing part 110 are perpendicular to the front panel 102 (right and left) pads 104, 106 for replaceable add-on modules 10, 20 is formed. Both pads are formed with linear guide elements (e.g., profiled groove 116) and connector elements (e.g., contact sockets 122). The guide and connector elements cooperate with corresponding elements (receiving elements) on the additional modules, in each of which an additional module can be inserted.

The additional modules addressed in the preferred embodiments are an overcurrent release module and a connector block or contact bridge. With the latter, a contactor is connected to the circuit breaker. The additional modules have plug contacts 17, 27 which can be plugged into corresponding contact sockets 122 on the circuit breaker. It is also essential that an additional module in the blocking state of the blocking device can only be plugged in so far that even separation distance between plug contacts and contact sockets available, or in particular is visible.

The Fig. 2 shows left and right each have a perspective view of the operating shaft 44 to be rotated with an operating knob 42. The actuating shaft 44 protrudes on the front panel 102 of the circuit breaker out of the housing part 110 of the circuit breaker. The housing part 110 has two connection surfaces 104 and 106, which are arranged parallel to one another. The surfaces are parallel to the axis of the actuating shaft 44 and perpendicular to the mounting plane and also perpendicular to the front panel 102. In the surface 102, a linear guide member 116 is formed, which according to FIG. 2 is shaped as a dovetail guide. The linear guide element 116 serves to guide the guide rail 16 formed on the release module 10 (cf. Fig. 3 and 4 ). Guide rail and linear guide work together in the manner of a tongue and groove guide. On the actuating shaft 44, a locking collar 48 is formed, which is not around the entire circumference - but about 150 ° of the circular sector - is present. As well as in Fig. 3 recognizable, the collar 48 has two sections 50 and 52, which differ by the radius R1 and R2. The first portion 52 has a larger radius R1 than the second portion 50 measured from the center of the axis of the actuating shaft 44th

In the ON position of the circuit breaker and the actuating shaft 44, the portion 52 of the collar passes through an aperture 118 (see FIG Fig. 2 left) out of the wall 102 in the guide profile and engages in full width in the profile of the guide member 116, as in the lower part of Fig. 3 is recognizable. After a left turn of the actuating shaft by 90 ° (again in the view of the Fig. 3 ), the portion 52 is disengaged from the guide member 116; Only the second section 50 is located in the region of the profile of the guide element 116. This ensures that in the ON position of the switching mechanism, the collar is fully in the profile of the guide element and blocks the insertion of the additional module. When rotated by 90 ° - and thus rotation in the switch position OFF - the first section 52 releases the profile. In the OFF position of the circuit breaker and the actuating shaft 44, the first portion 52 of the collar 48 does not engage in the profile of the guide member 116. The rail can slide in the linear guide element 116, the additional module 10 can be inserted or pulled.

In order to connect the circuit breaker with another device, such as a contactor, a rigid contact bridge (or referred to as connector block) may be provided as an additional module. In the in Fig. 4 drawn embodiment, the connector block 20 is formed approximately plate-shaped. On it are on both sides, projecting downwards and outstanding three pairs of plug contacts (27 ', 27 ") are present First plug contacts 27' engage in corresponding terminal bushes of the contactor - not shown in detail in the figure -, while second plug contacts 27" in corresponding Contact openings of the circuit breaker or another previously infected mechanical connector are inserted and come into conductive contact with the clamping bushes located there. The mentioned contact openings are in Fig. 4 not shown in detail. Each contact pair 27'-27 "provides a power connection between the circuit breaker and the contactor.

When mounting a switch-contactor combination, the procedure is such that first the circuit breaker is fixed on a base (for example on a mounting rail). Other devices, e.g. the contactor and a mechanical connector are (also in applications with higher switching capacity) also mounted on the base (mounting rail) and connected to a contact bridge (20) with contacts of the circuit breaker. Contact bridges (20) in combination with the mechanical connector still have the special function of increasing the mechanical stability of the circuit-breaker / contactor combination.

A contact bridge should only be inserted or pulled when the switch is off. To ensure that the contact bridge is movable only in the aforementioned situation, the second associated locking function is provided. On the collar there are two sections: a first section as a bar for the guide profile and a second section as an actuator edge (abutting edge) 53 for a locking element 60 mounted against the force of a spring. The blocking element 60 is shown in FIG Fig. 2 left, in Fig. 3 and 4 located. The mode of action is such that, with a movement of the actuating shaft, the abutting edge 53 transmits the slider 60 in a straight line in a translatory manner an opening from the wall 104 is moved into the profile of the guide element 117. The movement of the actuating shaft is as per view Fig. 3 right round; this corresponds to the rotation in ON-switching direction.

In the (in FIG. 1 and in Fig. 4 ) as a semicircular profile of the guide element 117 slides a semicircular nose 28. The slider 60 thus enters the path of the semicircular nose 28. In Fig. 4 is shown below, that the connector block is in the inserted position, and the locking slide blocks the withdrawal from this position, since the slider of the movement of the nose 28 in the way. Between an additional module and the base assembly of the circuit breaker is a separation distance between plug contacts and contact sockets. It is advantageous if this separation distance is visible when the plug-in module is not plugged in. The trained on the additional module 10 rail 16 has a formed as a gap engagement slot 19 for the collar 48. The extended in the locking situation collar enters the engagement slot 19 and blocks the movement of an additional module. The gap 19 is arranged so that it corresponds to the position of the collar in the inserted position of the additional module. In extension of the rail, a nose 18 is formed following the gap. The length (T2) and the position of the nose (T1 + T2 in Fig. 4 ) and their distance from the contact sockets in the circuit breaker are such that the plug contacts of an inserted to the stop of the nose to the collar additional module, the contact sockets have not yet reached.

Claims (13)

1. Manually actuated protective switch for engine protection and/or line protection, comprising

   - a basic assembly, which substantially contains at least one switching mechanism of the protective switch, a manual actuating device with a rotary knob (42) and an actuating shaft (44) of at least one switching mechanism and

   - at least one insertion shaft (120) equipped with second plugging means (122) for at least one exchangeable additional module (10, 20) provided with first plugging means (17, 27) corresponding to the second plugging means (122),

   - wherein the manual actuating device is accommodated in a prismatic housing part (110) projecting to the operating front (102), and the actuating shaft (44) is arranged perpendicular to the operating front (102), characterised in that

   - the introduction of an additional module (10, 20) into an insertion shaft (120) or the removal of an additional module (10, 20) from an insertion shaft can be stopped with a locking device (48) which is accommodated in the housing part (110), configured on the actuating shaft (44) and can be activated by rotating the actuating shaft (44).
2. Protective switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking device (48) enters and leaves the insertion shaft (120) and blocks the movement of an addition module (10, 20).
3. Protective switch according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one connection face (104, 106) for an additional module (10, 20) is configured on the basic assembly perpendicular to the operating front (102) and the at least one connection face (104, 106) is provided with a linear guide element (116), which cooperates with at least one receiving element (16, 28) configured on the additional module (10, 20) in such a way that the additional module (10, 20) can be inserted in the guide element (116).
4. Protective switch according to claim 3, characterised in that the locking device (48) enters and leaves the guide element (116) and blocks the movement of an additional module (10, 20).
5. Protective switch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking device is a collar (48) engaging around the periphery of the actuating shaft (44).
6. Protective switch according to claim 5, characterised in that the collar (48) enters and leaves the profile of a guide element (116) upon the rotation of the actuating shaft (44) in such a way that the first portion (52) only engages in the profile of the guide element (116) in the ON position of the protective switch.
7. Protective switch according to claim 5, characterised in that the locking device is formed by a collar (48) engaging around the periphery of the actuating shaft (44), which collar, upon the rotation of the actuating shaft, acts upon a slide (60) which can be moved in a translatory manner, in such a way that the slide (60) only blocks the movement of an additional module (10, 20) in the ON position of the protective switch.
8. Protective switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the linear guide element is configured as the profile of guide element (116) and profile rail (16) in the form of a dovetail configured on the additional module (10).
9. Protective switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the linear guide element is present in the form of contact sockets (122).
10. Protective switch according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that the profile rail (16) configured on the additional module (10) has a gap (19), which is arranged in such a way that it corresponds with the position of the collar (48) in the inserted position of the additional module (10, 20).
11. Protective switch according to claim 7, characterised in that the slide (60) is mounted against the force of a return spring.
12. Protective switch according to claim 1, characterised in that the additional module is an overcurrent trip module (10).
13. Protective switch according to claim 1 or 12, characterised in that the additional module is a connector module (20) configured as the contact bridge to a contactor.

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