EP2197010A1 - Switch fuse assembly for busbar systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The circuit-protection assembly (10) comprises one or multiple circuit-protection units for receiving a fuse cartridge (22). Each circuit-protection unit has a base contact (30) for contacting a fuse cartridge and a switching unit. Each circuit-protection unit has a switch bar (100), where each switch bar is arranged movable between an on-position and an off position.

Description

The invention relates to a switch fuse assembly for busbar systems with one or more switch fuse units for receiving one fuse each. Preferably, 3-pole fused switch arrangements with three fused switch units are used, but it is also possible to provide 2-pole or multi-pole fused switch arrangements. In exceptional cases, a 1-pole switch fuse arrangement is possible. Such switch fuse arrangements are used in particular for the protection of three-phase circuits, with 3-pole switch fuse units are usually necessary in such an application.

A multi-pole switch fuse arrangement for busbars is for example from the DE 199 37 017 C1 known.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fused switch arrangement, in particular a multi-pole fused switch arrangement, which, on the one hand, works very reliably and, on the other hand, is cost-effective to produce, while also ensuring the simplest possible operation. This object is achieved by a switch fuse arrangement according to claim 1, the claims 2 to 10 relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the switch fuse arrangement according to the invention.

According to the invention, a switch fuse arrangement for busbar systems comprises one or more switch fuse units for receiving one fuse each. Such a fuse link can be used either by means of a fuse plug in the switch fuse unit, but it is also possible to use a fuse directly into the switch fuse unit, which can for example be attached by means of a screw connection. Preferably, however, fuse plugs are used, which can accommodate a fuse link and which are inserted into the switch fuse unit and can be kept in position, for example by means of locking connections.

Each switch fuse unit has a foot contact for contact with a fuse link to be inserted. This foot contact is held in a preferred embodiment by means of a spring device under bias, so that always a good contact between the fuse link and foot contact is ensured.

According to the invention, the fused switch arrangement comprises a switching device each having a switching finger for each fused switch unit reciprocable between a closed position and an off position, the selector finger being arranged to directly contact a surface of an associated bus bar when the fused switch assembly, properly and in operating condition, mounted on a busbar system. Further, the shift finger is arranged according to the invention so that it contacts the associated foot contact in the closed position, while it is arranged in the off position at a distance from the associated foot contact. The switching device is preferably arranged and designed such that by actuating the switching device by the user, each shift finger in each switch fuse unit is automatically reciprocable between the switch-on position and the switch-off position. However, it is also possible that individual switching devices are provided, so that each shift finger of a switch fuse unit can be operated individually, but this is desired only in exceptional cases.

This embodiment and the shift finger according to the invention, which directly contacts an associated busbar, has the advantage that the switching process can be implemented with very few parts. In addition to the actual foot contact only another contact element, namely the shift finger, is required to allow contact with the associated busbar. The number of parts required is therefore markedly reduced, for example also in comparison with a switch fuse arrangement according to the above-mentioned prior art.

The reduction of the parts further relates not only to the actual contact elements, but also the associated actuators and spring elements, so that a total of a significant reduction in the number of necessary parts is possible, which saves both cost and weight, and in particular the assembly of Switch fuse arrangement significantly simplified. Also, due to the small number of parts used and in particular the moving parts used, a higher reliability and ensures a longer life. The size of the switch fuse arrangement can be reduced, which is particularly important in complex systems of great importance.

Preferably, the shift finger is designed and arranged so that in the operating state, ie in the state in which the switch fuse arrangement is arranged properly on the busbar system, the shift finger is always in contact with the associated busbar, both in the switch-on and in the off position of shift finger. This ensures that at this point during switching operations no spark caused by flashovers.

Preferably, the shift finger is arranged and designed so that the contact to the associated busbar substantially point-shaped or linear (one or more point and / or line contacts) is formed, wherein the switching device and the Schaltfmger are preferably designed so that the shift finger at its movement from the closed position to the off position and vice versa essentially performs a rotational movement.

In this case, the pivot point is preferably in the region of a point contact and / or a line contact.

This particularly preferred embodiment of the shift finger ensures that the shift finger essentially rotates about one or more contact points and / or one or more contact lines with the associated busbar, so that no grinding of the contact or of the contacts occurs. As a result, wear of both the Kontaktfmgers and the busbar is avoided, also this is also avoided that sparks and / or burns can occur. As a result, in particular the reliability of the operation and the life of the switch fuse unit is increased significantly.

Preferably, the shift finger is designed so that there are two or even more contact points, which leads to a better current carrying capacity, without having to forego the above-mentioned advantages. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the switch fuse arrangement is designed so that a bistable switching system is provided. Preference is given to the elements, in particular a so-called "Umsprunghebel" and a push rod and the shift finger are formed so that an actuator, such as the push rod, which is actuated over a cover of the fused switch arrangement moves in a guide slot of the associated Umhebungshebels until a turn-around point is reached, which ensures that the shift finger is suddenly moved from the closed position to the open position or vice versa. This ensures that the switching operations at the contact points take place quickly and without delays, even if possibly the controls that are directly operated by the user, such as the above-mentioned cover or the push rod itself, are only slowly moved by the user. This also reduces flashovers and burns and thus increases the life of the device.

There are various possibilities in the context of the invention to design the shift finger and in particular the contact region of the shift finger to the associated busbar.

In a preferred embodiment, the shift finger is elongate, and preferably has an optionally curved longitudinal axis, while its cross-sectional area is relatively small transverse to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the length of the shift finger is significantly greater than the longest diameter or the longest diagonal of the cross-sectional area of the shift finger. In a preferred embodiment, the longest diameter or the longest diagonal (or the longest straight extension in a cross-sectional area normal to the longitudinal axis) is at most 50%, preferably at most 30%, particularly preferably at most 20% of the length of the shift finger.

The shift finger may be formed in a preferred embodiment substantially in the form of a wire, with a quadrangular, rectangular, square or even round cross-sectional shape. Particularly preferably, the shift finger is designed in the form of a strip having a rectangular cross section.

Due to the abovementioned embodiments of the shift finger of the shift finger can be particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture, also be well adapted to the geometric conditions of the switch fuse assembly.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shift finger is tapered in its contact region, in particular, certain regions are preferably cut out in the region of the contact. In the case of a strip-shaped shift finger, for example, the center region can be cut out or removed, so that two contact regions or contact projections with a small cross-sectional area are formed in the edge regions of the strip-shaped shift finger. It is also possible that the shift finger is tapered in its contact area.

In another preferred embodiment, the shift finger is chamfered in its contact region. Preferably, the chamfer is formed so that the lower surface of the shift finger, the chamfer, in the off position of the shift finger is substantially parallel to the surface of the associated busbar, so that these surfaces abut each other.

If such a shift finger brought into its closed position, preferably rotated, the contact is realized by an edge portion of the shift finger, resulting in a smaller and more defined contact point.

The bevel of a shift finger, as it is according to a preferred embodiment may be provided in different forms of the shift finger, for example, in a strip-shaped shift finger, in which the center region is excluded, so that two contact projections arise in the edge region, which are then each bevelled ,

Preferably, the shift finger further comprises a holding element, which ensures that the shift finger remains in its desired position of a housing of a fused switch arrangement and in particular does not fall out of an opening of the housing, through which the shift finger contacts the associated busbar. In this case, this holding element is particularly preferably produced directly from the material of the shift finger, for example by bending a small area, preferably a central area, of the shift finger. In this way, it is further automatically ensured that two outer contact projections arise, so that automatically the above-mentioned advantages in combinatorial effect are achieved.

The busbars are typically made of copper. In some cases, however, it is also possible that the busbars are made of brass or aluminum. In these cases, it is preferable to adjust the material of the shift finger accordingly. For example, the metal finger itself may consist of a so-called Kupal material (copper / aluminum material). It is also possible, in cases where the shift finger and busbar are made of different materials, for example, the shift finger made of copper and the busbar made of aluminum, to insert an intermediate piece, e.g. a Kupal sheet whose top or Schaltfingerseite made of copper and the underside, directed towards the busbar, is an aluminum material.

According to a further, independent inventive aspect of the present invention, 3-dimensionally formed contact wires are provided in a switch fuse arrangement, which allow a contact between the respective fuse links on the one hand and the associated terminal screws on the other. In contrast to commonly used contact strips, which are difficult to process, such contact wires can be laid substantially in any 3-dimensional form within the fused switch arrangement, which saves on a material and thus costs, on the other hand significantly reduces the total weight. The switch fuse unit can thereby be made much more compact. Furthermore, it is possible with such 3-dimensional contact wires according to the invention, which are advantageously produced in one piece and preferably without waste, to work lossless during manufacture.

These contact wires of one piece, preferably consisting of contact wire and molding surfaces for the terminal and the tapping contact of the fuse contact, in contrast to composite connecting devices according to the prior art, no additional electrical contact resistance and thus are electrically lossless. These self-contained one-piece contact wires are therefore more efficient and provide less heating due to lower energy losses.

It is particularly preferred that the contact elements are forged specifically and accurately.

A transfer contact element to the tapping contact of the fuse plug is subject to narrow tolerances because of its high accuracy of fit. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Abgreifmaß the contact transfer element is 6.0 mm +/- 0.005 mm.

In a further embodiment, the gripping surfaces of the transfer contact element may be spherically shaped in the longitudinal direction. The outer dimensions are in a particularly preferred embodiment 6.0 mm +/- 0.005 mm. The thickness of the transfer contact element is preferably 2.0 mm to 2.5 mm.

The clamping contact element preferably has a rectangular shape, the preferred cross-sectional dimensions being 8.0 mm +0 mm / -0.2 mm × 1.5 mm +0.5 mm / -0 mm.

Fig. 1

zeigt einen Querschnitt einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltersicherungsanordnung im Einschaltzustand;

Fig. 2

zeigt die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Schaltersicherungsanordnung in einem Ausschaltzustand;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 2 gezeigte Schaltersicherungsanordnung in ihrem Ausschaltzustand;

Fig. 4

zeigt eine Vergrößerung des Ausschnitts B im Einschaltzustand, wobei eine erste Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltfingers verwendet wird;

Fig. 5

zeigt den in Fig. 4 gezeigten Ausschnitt B, jedoch befindet sich das System in dem Ausschaltzustand.

Fig. 6

zeigt eine Vergrößerung des Ausschnitts B im Einschaltzustand, wobei eine zweite Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltfingers verwendet wird;

Fig. 7

zeigt den in Fig. 6 gezeigten Ausschnitt B, jedoch befindet sich das System in dem Ausschaltzustand;

Fig. 8

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltfingers, wie er in den Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 gezeigt ist, und

Figs. 9 und 10

zeigen perspektivische Ansichten von 3-dimensional geformten Verbindungsdrähten, wie sie bevorzugt bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltersicherungsanordnung verwendet werden.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of a fused switch assembly according to the invention.

Fig. 1

shows a cross section of a first embodiment of a switch fuse arrangement according to the invention in the on state;

Fig. 2

shows the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the switch fuse arrangement according to the invention in an off state;

Fig. 3

shows a plan view of the in Fig. 2 shown switch fuse assembly in its off state;

Fig. 4

shows an enlargement of the section B in the on state, wherein a first embodiment of a shift finger according to the invention is used;

Fig. 5

shows the in Fig. 4 shown section B, however, the system is in the off state.

Fig. 6

shows an enlargement of the section B in the on state, wherein a second embodiment of a shift finger according to the invention is used;

Fig. 7

shows the in Fig. 6 shown section B, however, the system is in the off state;

Fig. 8

shows a perspective view of a shift finger according to the invention, as shown in the 4 and FIG. 5 is shown, and

Figs. 9 and 10

show perspective views of 3-dimensionally shaped connecting wires, as they are preferably used in a switch fuse arrangement according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a cross section of a first embodiment of a switch fuse assembly 10 according to the invention, which is formed 3-pin and therefore comprises three switch fuse units, in each of which a fuse plug 20 is inserted, each of which in turn receives a fuse 22. The switch fuse units are housed in a housing 40. In this embodiment, it is a common housing, wherein the individual switch fuse units are separated by intermediate walls 42. However, this can also be solved differently, for example by separate individual housing for each switch fuse unit, which are for example only connected to each other.

The fused switch arrangement 10 comprises a fastening device 60 for fastening the fused switch unit to the busbars L1, L2 and L3.

In the Fig. 1 Switching fuse arrangement 10 shown is in its operating state, wherein a cover 50 is in its closed position. With the cover 50 push rods 140 are connected, which act on a Umsprunghebel 120. This Umsprunghebel 120 in turn switches a shift finger 100 between its closed position and its off position, wherein Fig. 1 shows the shift finger 100 in its closed position.

In this switch-on position, the shift finger 100 contacts, on the one hand, the foot contact 30 and, on the other hand, the associated busbar L1, L2 or L3.

Thus, a contact is made from the busbar L1, L2 or L3 via the shift finger 100 and the foot contact 30 to a fuse link 22, wherein the fuse link 22 is disposed in a fuse plug 20.

At the in Fig. 1 shown switch fuse arrangement is a pass-sleeve 26 shown in the right switch fuse unit, which ensures that only suitable fuse links 22 can be used. For the sake of clarity, this passport sleeve has been omitted for the two left-hand switch securing units.

The foot contact 30 is biased by a spring 32, so that between the foot contact 30 and fuse 22 is always a reliable contact is ensured.

A spring 122 which is provided on the Umprunghebel 120 and also acts on the shift finger 100, in conjunction with the particular configuration of the Umsprunghebels 120 on the one hand and the push rod 140 on the other hand, which runs in an elongated guide slot of the original lever 120, ensure that the switching process, which is caused by the opening and closing of the lid 50, is transmitted to the shift finger, that this is achieved upon reaching a transition point of the switching system, jerky from a closed position to an off position and vice versa, even if, for example, the lid 50 through the user is only slowly and evenly opened or closed.

How clearly in Fig. 1 it can be seen, only the shift finger 100 must be moved from a closed position to its off position and vice versa, to accomplish the switching operation, since the shift finger 100 itself is in direct contact with the associated busbar L1, L2 or L3.

The shift finger 100 thereby rotates substantially about an axis which passes through the contact point or the contact points on the busbar L1, L2 or L3. This is particularly clear from the enlargement of the area B, which, for two different embodiments of the shift finger, in Fig. 4 to Fig. 7 will be shown.

Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment, but in which the lid 50 is opened, so that the system is in the off position.

Since the cover 50 is coupled to the push rod 140, this is pulled upwards by the cover, so that the movement of the push rod 140 in turn acts on the Umsprunghebel 120, so that the system and in particular the shift finger 100 is moved to its open position, such as it in Fig. 2 is shown.

In this switch-off position, the shift finger 100 bears against a rib 44 of the housing 40, which serves as a guide or holding element for the shift finger 100.

The shift finger 100 is no longer in this off position with the foot contact 30 in connection, but is still with the busbar L1, L2 or L3 in combination. Again, this is particularly the in the Fig. 5 and 7 referenced area B magnifications. The particularly advantageous 3-dimensionally shaped contact wires 220 and 240 are particularly in the Figs. 9 and 10 shown.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the in Fig. 2 Well visible in this plan view, the busbars L1, L2 and L3, also the contact screws 222 and 242, to the 3-dimensional contact wires 220 and 240 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ), and the contact screw 262 for the third, in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 rights, switch fuse unit.

As in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 3 can be seen in the switch fuse arrangement in the off state, a shock protection is given, since even with the lid 50 and removed fuse plug or fuse insert at best the base contact 30 can be touched, but which is energized and de-energized, while the shift finger 100 and the busbars L1, L2 or L3 can not be touched.

The 4 and FIG. 5 show an enlarged detail of the area B, wherein a first embodiment of a shift finger 100 is shown. Fig. 4 shows the shift finger and the system in its on state while Fig. 5 the system is in the off state.

The shift finger 100 has a substantially cuboid shape in its contact region, with one, with respect to its longitudinal axis, substantially planar and perpendicular to the Longitudinal trained lower end or contact surface. A central region of the shift finger 100 is bent by about 90 ° and serves as a holding element 102, see in particular also Fig. 8 , Out Fig. 8 Furthermore, it is clear that the shift finger 100 has two outer end or contact surfaces due to the bent center region, which, in view of the representation in the FIGS. 4 and 5 , "arranged one behind the other". Fig. 8 illustrates the geometry of the shift finger 100 through the perspective views.

Fig. 4 shows the shift finger 100 in its closed position, according to Fig. 1 wherein the shift finger 100 contacts the bus bar L3, the lower contact portion of the shift finger 100 being nearly parallel to the surface of the bus bar L3, but subtending a small angle with the surface of the bus bar L3, typically 5 ° to 20 °, more typically 10 °.

The holding member 102 of the shift finger 100 is located within the housing 40 and does not interfere with the shifting operation, but ensures that the shift finger 100 can not slip out of the opening of the housing 40 in the event that the fused switch assembly is removed from the busbars.

Fig. 5 shows the shift finger 100 in its off position, wherein the longitudinal axis of the shift finger 100 is substantially parallel to the rib 44, which serves as a guide or holding element, and rests against this.

How good in the 4 and 5 is visible, the shift finger 100 rotates from its closed position to its off position and vice versa substantially about an axis or about a point which is in the region of contact between shift finger 100 and busbar L3, so that a sliding contact is at least largely avoided.

The 6 and 7 show essentially identical representations, as related to the 4 and 5 have been explained, however, with a further embodiment of a shift finger 100 according to the invention.

Unlike in the 4 and 5 In the embodiment shown, the contact surface or the contact region of the shift finger 100 is bevelled. This leads to that in the in Fig. 6 shown switching position a very well defined contact point between Shift finger 100 and busbar L3 is defined, while in the in Fig. 7 Off positions shown, the contact surface of the shift finger 100 extends substantially parallel to the surface of the busbar L3 and rests on this.

Otherwise, to avoid repetition, refer to the explanatory notes to the 4 and FIG. 5 directed.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a shift finger 100, as he also in the 4 and FIG. 5 is shown. In Fig. 8 it is clear that the shift finger 100 has two contact webs 106, so that a 2-point support is realized, resulting in a better current carrying capacity.

Clearly visible in Fig. 8 is also the holding element 102, which is formed directly from the material of the shift finger 100.

An extension 108 of the shift finger 100 serves to interact with the Umsprunghebel 120 and the spring 122nd

Copper, in particular silver-plated copper or electrolytic copper, is typically used as the preferred material for the shift finger 100.

The FIGS. 9 and 10 show the two integrally formed 3-dimensional contact wires 220 and 240, to the directly transition contact elements 224, 244 on the one hand and terminal contact elements 226, 246 are on the other hand forged.

This inventive embodiment of the contact wires enables a simple and cost-effective production, a loss-free production of the contact wires or connections and a high degree of flexibility in the guidance of the contact elements, which leads to a considerable weight and cost reduction.

At the in Fig. 9 and in Fig. 10 In the embodiments shown, the transfer contact elements 224, 244 have a width of 6.0 mm +/- 0.005 mm, while the terminal contact elements 226, 246 have a width of 8.0 mm +0 mm / -0.1 mm.

These and other features of the invention, both individually and in any combination, may be essential to the practice of the invention.

Claims (10)

Switch fuse arrangement (10) for busbar systems having one or more switch fuse units for receiving a fuse link (22), each switch fuse unit comprising a foot contact (30) for contact with a fuse link (22) to be inserted, and a switching device (50, 100, 120, 140),
characterized in that
each switch fuse unit comprises a shift finger (100), each shift finger (100) being reciprocable between a closed position and an off position and arranged to directly contact, when the switch fuse assembly (10) is disposed on a bus bar system, a surface of an associated one Busbar (L1, L2, L3) contacted and contacted the corresponding foot contact (30) in the closed position, while it is arranged in the off position at a distance from the associated foot contact (30). Switching fuse arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each shift finger (100) contacts the associated busbar (L1, L2, L3) both in the on position and in the off position when the switch fuse assembly (10) is arranged on a busbar system. Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching finger (100) is formed so that it produces with the associated busbar (L1, L2, L3) substantially one or more point contacts and / or one or more line contacts , Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed so that the shift finger (100) performs a rotational movement substantially in a movement from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. Switching fuse arrangement (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotational movement of the shift finger (100) takes place about a pivot point and / or a rotational line which is in the vicinity of a contact point or a contact line or is identical to a contact line or a contact point. Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a bistable switching system is provided. Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shift finger (100) has a substantially cuboid contact area. Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shift finger (100) has a beveled contact region. Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shift finger (100) has a holding element (102) for the secure positioning of the shift finger (100) within the housing (40). Switch fuse arrangement (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises 3-dimensionally extending contact wires.

Images