EP2555217B1 - Electricity limiting system - Google Patents

Electricity limiting system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2555217B1
EP2555217B1 EP20120005541 EP12005541A EP2555217B1 EP 2555217 B1 EP2555217 B1 EP 2555217B1 EP 20120005541 EP20120005541 EP 20120005541 EP 12005541 A EP12005541 A EP 12005541A EP 2555217 B1 EP2555217 B1 EP 2555217B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
current limiting
current
contact bridge
limiting system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20120005541
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2555217A1 (en
Inventor
Roland Ritz
Joachim Becker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB AG Germany
Original Assignee
ABB AG Germany
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ABB AG Germany filed Critical ABB AG Germany
Publication of EP2555217A1 publication Critical patent/EP2555217A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2555217B1 publication Critical patent/EP2555217B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H77/00—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting
    • H01H77/02—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism
    • H01H77/10—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening
    • H01H77/107—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening characterised by the blow-off force generating means, e.g. current loops
    • H01H77/108—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening characterised by the blow-off force generating means, e.g. current loops comprising magnetisable elements, e.g. flux concentrator, linear slot motor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H73/00—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches in which excess current opens the contacts by automatic release of mechanical energy stored by previous operation of a hand reset mechanism
    • H01H73/02—Details
    • H01H73/04—Contacts
    • H01H73/045—Bridging contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H81/00—Protective switches in which contacts are normally closed but are repeatedly opened and reclosed as long as a condition causing excess current persists, e.g. for current limiting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00—Contacts
    • H01H1/12—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage
    • H01H1/14—Contacts characterised by the manner in which co-operating contacts engage by abutting
    • H01H1/20—Bridging contacts
    • H01H1/2066—Fork-shaped bridge; Two transversally connected contact arms bridging two fixed contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H5/00—Snap-action arrangements, i.e. in which during a single opening operation or a single closing operation energy is first stored and then released to produce or assist the contact movement
    • H01H5/04—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members
    • H01H5/30—Energy stored by deformation of elastic members by buckling of disc springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H77/00—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting
    • H01H77/02—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism
    • H01H77/10—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening
    • H01H77/102—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with electrodynamic opening characterised by special mounting of contact arm, allowing blow-off movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/40—Multiple main contacts for the purpose of dividing the current through, or potential drop along, the arc

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a current-limiting system which is suitable for limiting a current flowing through the current-limiting system, but not interrupting it permanently, the current-limiting system comprising a contact system along a current path between a first and a second terminal contact, according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the invention further relates to a current limiting unit with a current limiting system, as well as an arrangement of a plurality of current limiting units and an installation switching device with a current limiting system.
  • Such current limiting systems are typically used in series with circuit breakers or motor protection switches.
  • This known contact system has for this purpose a fixed contact carrier, which is connected to a first connection conductor.
  • the known contact system on a movable contact arm with an end-side movable contact piece, which is arranged in a conductive connection with a fixed contact carrier arranged immovable contact piece under normal conditions.
  • the contact arm is pivotable with a second connection conductor. The current flow extends from the second connection conductor, the contact arm, the movable contact piece, the fixed contact piece and the fixed contact carrier to the first connection conductor.
  • the current runs in opposite directions, whereby in the event of a short circuit, or if the current exceeds the predetermined amount, an electrodynamic force is generated which is able to push away the contact arm from the contact carrier.
  • the arc and the arc quenching plates limit the current in the event of a short circuit. In this way, it can be ensured that, in the event of a fault, a circuit breaker or motor protection switch connected downstream of the current limiting unit can interrupt the circuit to be protected by the circuit breaker or motor protection switch, in which the short circuit has occurred, as intended.
  • the EP 0 801 410 A2 shows an electrical installation switching device housed in a shell-type housing with a contact point, a thermal and a magnetic release and with a current limiting element in the form of a PTC resistor (positive temperature coefficient resistor), wherein the current limiting element laterally to the service switching device in a through a cup-shaped shell housing limited space is housed.
  • a PTC resistor element while a doped plastic material is used, in which there is the risk of aging effects caused by changes in electrical properties over time.
  • GB 1 576 877 A discloses a current limiting system according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the contact system has four fixed contact pieces, which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first and second fixed contact pieces, wherein a movable contact pieces carrying, movable contact bridge is provided, the contact bridge with the movable contact pieces in a first stable switching position a first closed double contact point with forms the first two fixed contact pieces, and wherein the contact bridge in a second stable switching position forms a second closed double contact point with the two second fixed contact pieces, and wherein when the current exceeds a An Jardinschwellwert the current limiting system, the contact bridge between the first and second stable switching position out and alternates, with alternating emergence and extinction of arcs when opening and re-closing the first and second double contact points, and wherein, when the current e falls below the closing threshold of the contact system, the contact bridge remains in one of the two stable switching positions.
  • a bistable contact arrangement is thus formed.
  • the contact bridge moves back and forth between two stable switching positions, it oscillates to a certain extent.
  • the alternating arcs are formed and extinguished alternately.
  • the thermal load on the contact points is reduced.
  • the oscillation of the contact bridge prevents the contact points from closing when there is still a considerable short-circuit current above the threshold, thus preventing welding of the contact points because the contact points are repeatedly torn during short-circuit current limiting due to oscillation.
  • the current limitation by arcs avoids aging effects due to material degradation.
  • the four fixed contact pieces are electrically connected in pairs crosswise.
  • the four fixed contact pieces are electrically connected in pairs in parallel.
  • a bistable captive device for the contact bridge is present, which is coupled to the contact bridge for setting the An Jardinschwellhongs or the Sch thoroughlyschwellivess.
  • the response or closing threshold can be set application-specific.
  • the bistable function ensures that in each of the two stable switching positions of the contact bridge a restraining force is adjustable.
  • the bistable captive device can also be used to generate the necessary contact pressure force in the case of normal current flow through the current limiting system.
  • the captive device comprises a bistable snap-action disc, which is coupled via a coupling axis with the contact bridge.
  • a bistable snap-action disc acts as a contact pressure spring in its first stable position. Their spring force determines the threshold for the short-circuit current. When the threshold is exceeded, the contact bridge is moved from its first stable position against the restoring spring force of the snap disk towards the second stable position. There is a point at which the dead center of the snap disc is exceeded. This then snaps into its second stable position and tears the contact bridge. This ensures a very fast switching between the two stable switching positions of the contact bridge, and also a sticking or welding of the contact points can thus be effectively prevented.
  • the captive device comprises a compression spring which is coupled via a coupling axis with the contact bridge so that the spring force of the compression spring at an angle to the direction of the coupling axis acts on this, that the compression spring overcoming a dead center by the Coupling axis between a first and a second stable position is pivotable.
  • This embodiment of a bistable tying device fulfills the same function as described above, but preferably uses a cylinder compression spring as an alternative spring element. Cylinder springs are easier to handle than snappers for some applications and can also be manufactured more cost-effectively.
  • the contact system comprises a magnet system for driving the contact bridge from its stable position into the respective other stable position. It is the force of a suitably oriented magnetic field on an elongated electrical conductor, the contact bridge namely, used as a drive for the oscillation of the contact bridge.
  • the current limit even at smaller short-circuit currents use, as if, as known in the art, only the electrodynamic repulsion of the contact points would be used as a driving force.
  • the magnet system has a magnetic core with an air gap, wherein the contact bridge is arranged longitudinally displaceable in the air gap, and wherein the current in the current path causes a magnetization of the core, so that the magnetic field direction in the gap is perpendicular to the current direction in the contact bridge, so that the contact bridge is moved from its stable position to the other stable position when the An Jardinschwelleptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptepteptept
  • an air gap is narrow and designed high, and the contact bridge also has a narrow, high, rectangular cross-section, in a manner like a narrow band.
  • an efficient cooling of the contact bridge in the air gap by radiation and convection of the air in the narrow air gap is given as an advantage.
  • This is advantageous in that the contact bridge does not thermally deform.
  • a narrow and high structure in the form of a thin band for the contact bridge has the further advantage that the contact bridge can thus be made very easily with high mechanical stability and high moment of inertia in the direction of movement.
  • a closely matched air gap in the mechanical dimensions of the contact bridge ensures a mechanical guidance of the contact bridge in the same direction, so that they themselves transverse to its direction of movement can not bend, which could otherwise happen due to magnetic forces.
  • the double contact points are provided with arc quenching devices.
  • arc quenching devices These can be known per se arc quenching chambers, in which the arc moves in on Lichtbogenleitschienen. In doing so, it splits into a series of partial arcs, which results in an even larger countervoltage to the mains voltage driving the arc, the so-called arc voltage increases, so that the short-circuit current limitation becomes even more effective.
  • the ends of the contact bridge are split fork-shaped, each fork arm carries a movable contact piece.
  • the fork legs can be designed symmetrically or asymmetrically to the middle part of the contact bridge.
  • the contact pieces on each longitudinal side of the contact bridge have the same distance from their associated fixed contact pieces.
  • the switching distance of the contact bridge to the two opposite pairs of fixed contact pieces, ie to the two stable switching positions out be designed differently. This provides a further optimization possibility for the vibration behavior of the contact bridge.
  • each of the captive devices is coupled to the two associated with their fork-shaped end pieces of the contact bridge.
  • a current limiting unit according to the invention with a current limiting system according to the invention has a housing in which the current limiting system is arranged.
  • the current limiting system according to the invention can be attached as an attachment or accessory with its own housing to an existing installation switching device, such as a circuit breaker or a motor protection switch.
  • the current-limiting units are arranged spatially parallel to one another, and a current-limiting system for a single phase is arranged in the housing of each current-limiting unit. This is advantageous for current limiting in three-phase systems.
  • An inventive installation switching device is in particular a circuit breaker, circuit breaker or motor protection switch, with at least one contact point, a thermal and / or magnetic release and has a current limiting system according to the invention.
  • the contact point, the thermal and / or magnetic trigger and the current limiting system can be housed together in a housing.
  • FIG. 1 1 shows a current limiting system 1, which comprises a contact system 5 along a current path 2 between a first and a second terminal contact 3, 4.
  • the contact system 5 has four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a, which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first 6, 6a and second 7, 7a fixed contact pieces.
  • the four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a are electrically connected in pairs by means of conductor pieces 21, 21a crosswise to each other, so contact piece 6 with contact piece 7a and contact piece 6a with contact piece. 7
  • a movable contact pieces 8, 8a carrying movable contact bridge 9 is provided. This forms with the movable contact pieces 8, 8a in a first stable switching position, see FIG. 1 , a first closed double contact point 10 with the two first fixed contact pieces 6, 6a. In a second stable switching position, see FIG. 3 , the contact bridge 9 forms with its movable contact pieces 8, 8a a second closed double contact point 11 with the two second fixed contact pieces 7, 7a.
  • a bistable captive device 13 is provided for the contact bridge 9, which is coupled to the contact bridge 9 for setting the An Kirschwellives and / or the Sch Strukturschwellivess.
  • the tethering device 13 here comprises a bistable snap-action disc 14 which, via a coupling axis 15 with the contact bridge 9 is coupled. If the current falls below the closing threshold, then the Lorentz force F becomes smaller than the restoring spring force of the snap-action disc and the snap-action disc pushes the contact bridge into a stable position. Which of the two possible stable positions, top or bottom, is taken thereby, depends on which side of the dead center of the snap disk, the contact bridge at the occurrence of the event was straight. The closing threshold can thus be adjusted by the choice of the spring constant and the spring strength of the snap-action disc. In the stable position of the contact bridge 9, the restoring spring force of the snap disk 14 also acts as a contact pressure force with which the closed double contact point is held together.
  • the double contact points 10, 11 are provided with arc extinguishing devices 20, 20a.
  • arc extinguishing devices 20, 20a These are arc-quenching plate arrangements, as they are known in principle and in which the arc, guided on arc guide rails 22, 22a, 23, 23a, see FIG. 2 and 4 , forming a series of partial arcs, enters, whereby the arc voltage increases.
  • the contact system 1 comprises a magnet system 17 for driving the contact bridge 9 from its stable position into the respective other stable position.
  • the magnet system 17 has a magnetic core 18, for example made of steel, with an air gap, wherein the contact bridge 9 is arranged longitudinally displaceably in the air gap 19.
  • the current in the current path 2 passes in field windings arranged on both sides of the core 19, causing magnetization of the core 18.
  • the core 18 with the gap 19 concentrates the magnetic field in the core 19, and the contact bridge 9 runs in the gap 19. This has the consequence that the magnetic field direction B in the gap 19 is perpendicular to the current direction in the contact bridge 9, so that the contact bridge 9 is moved from its stable position to the other stable position when the An Jardinschwell learners of the current through the resulting Lorentz force F is exceeded.
  • the Lorentz force becomes so great that it overcomes the resiliency of the restraining means, such as the snap-action disc 14, and can start moving from its stable position.
  • the field windings 24, 24a for generating the magnetic field in the steel core 18 may be disposed on both sides of the steel core, as shown in the figures. However, only one field winding can be arranged on one side. In the example shown in FIG. 1 For example, one field winding 24 generates a repulsive magnetic field, and the other field winding 24 a generates an attractive magnetic field which acts on the contact bridge 9.
  • the contact bridge for example, the coupling axis 15 to control a separately arranged interrupt contact and thereby interrupt the circuit or protect the short-circuit current limiter against overloading.
  • the contact force and bondage, from which the contact bridge 9 lifts, is realized by a bistable snap spring arrangement 13. If this is pressed by the magnetic force F of the contact bridge 9, this tilts from a certain point of its first stable switching position in its second stable switching position and vice versa.
  • the bistable captive device 13c includes a compression spring 16 which is coupled via a coupling axis 15 with the contact bridge 9 so that the spring force of the compression spring 16 at an angle to the direction of the coupling axis 15 acts on this, that the compression spring 16, overcoming a Tot Vietnamese by the coupling axis 15 between a first and a second stable position is pivotable.
  • the compression spring 16 is here a cylinder spring, a cheap and common Kontrukomsbauteil.
  • each fork leg 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e carries a movable contact piece 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e.
  • a tying device 13a, 13b each in the form of a bistable snap spring arrangement is provided, each of the tethering devices 13a, 13b is coupled to the two associated fork-shaped end pieces 9b, 9c; 9d, 9e of the contact bridge 9.
  • FIG. 7 shows in a further embodiment, a current limiting system 1 ', which comprises a contact system 5 along a current path 2' between a first and a second terminal contact 3 ', 4'.
  • the contact system 5 has four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a, which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first 6, 6a and second 7, 7a fixed contact pieces.
  • the four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a are connected in pairs by means of conductor pieces 21, 21 a parallel electrically connected to each other, so contact piece 6 with contact piece 7 and contact piece 6a with contact piece 7a.
  • the connecting conductors between the first and second contact pieces come to rest against the edge of the magnet system.
  • the current flow in the field windings 24 and 24 takes place here in the same direction.
  • connection of the upper field winding 4 ' is now on the opposite side to the first terminal 3' of the field winding. Otherwise, the function of the current limiting system 1 'is analogous to that of the current limiting system 1, as described in detail above in connection with FIGS FIGS. 1 to 6 described.
  • the current limiting system 1, 1 ' can be mounted on another circuit breaker, for example a circuit breaker, circuit breaker, motor protection switch or the like, or it can be installed separately on a standard profile mounting rail and connected in series to a single circuit breaker or a group of circuit breakers ,
  • the current limiting system 1, 1 'according to the invention can be used both in DC systems and in AC systems.
  • a current limiting system 1, 1 'according to the invention By using a current limiting system 1, 1 'according to the invention, the tendency of the welding of circuit breakers to be reduced and the switching capacity and the operating voltage can be increased.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Strombegrenzungssystem, welches geeignet ist, einen durch das Strombegrenzungssystem fließenden Strom zu begrenzen, jedoch nicht dauernd zu unterbrechen, wobei das Strombegrenzungssystem entlang eines Strompfades zwischen einem ersten und einem zweiten Anschlusskontakt ein Kontaktsystem umfasst, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a current-limiting system which is suitable for limiting a current flowing through the current-limiting system, but not interrupting it permanently, the current-limiting system comprising a contact system along a current path between a first and a second terminal contact, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin eine Strombegrenzungseinheit mit einem Strombegrenzungssystem, sowie eine Anordnung von mehreren Strombegrenzungseinheiten und ein Installationsschaltgerät mit einem Strombegrenzungssystem.The invention further relates to a current limiting unit with a current limiting system, as well as an arrangement of a plurality of current limiting units and an installation switching device with a current limiting system.

Derartige Strombegrenzungssysteme werden typischerweise in Serie mit Leistungsschaltern oder Motorschutzschaltern verwendet.Such current limiting systems are typically used in series with circuit breakers or motor protection switches.

Aus der EP-A-0 647 958 ist ein derartiges Strombegrenzungssystem bekannt. Dieses weist im Wesentlichen ein Kontaktsystem auf, mittels welchem der Strom, falls dieser einen bestimmten Betrag übersteigt, durch Öffnen des Kontaktsystems begrenzt wird.From the EP-A-0 647 958 Such a current limiting system is known. This essentially has a contact system by means of which the current, if it exceeds a certain amount, is limited by opening the contact system.

Dieses bekannte Kontaktsystem weist dazu einen feststehenden Kontaktträger auf, der mit einem ersten Anschlussleiter verbunden ist. Weiter weist das bekannte Kontaktsystem einen beweglichen Kontaktarm mit einem endseitigen beweglichen Kontaktstück auf, das mit einem am feststehenden Kontaktträger angeordneten, unbeweglichen Kontaktstück unter Normalbedingungen in leitender Verbindung steht. Der Kontaktarm ist schwenkbar mit einem zweiten Anschlussleiter. Der Stromfluss verläuft vom zweiten Anschlussleiter, den Kontaktarm, das bewegliche Kontaktstück, das feststehende Kontaktstück und den feststehenden Kontaktträger zum ersten Anschlussleiter. Im beweglichen Kontaktarm und im feststehenden Kontaktträger verläuft der Strom in entgegengesetzten Richtungen, wodurch im Kurzschlussfall, beziehungsweise falls der Strom den bestimmten Betrag übersteigt, eine elektrodynamische Kraft erzeugt wird, die den Kontaktarm vom Kontaktträger wegzustossen vermag. Sobald das bewegliche Kontaktstück vom feststehenden Kontaktstück getrennt wird, zündet ein Lichtbogen zwischen dem beweglichen Kontaktstück und dem feststehenden Kontaktstück, der zum Löschen in ein Löschblechpaket geleitet wird.This known contact system has for this purpose a fixed contact carrier, which is connected to a first connection conductor. Next, the known contact system on a movable contact arm with an end-side movable contact piece, which is arranged in a conductive connection with a fixed contact carrier arranged immovable contact piece under normal conditions. The contact arm is pivotable with a second connection conductor. The current flow extends from the second connection conductor, the contact arm, the movable contact piece, the fixed contact piece and the fixed contact carrier to the first connection conductor. In the movable contact arm and the fixed contact carrier, the current runs in opposite directions, whereby in the event of a short circuit, or if the current exceeds the predetermined amount, an electrodynamic force is generated which is able to push away the contact arm from the contact carrier. Once the movable contact piece is separated from the stationary contact piece, ignites an arc between the movable contact piece and the fixed contact piece, which is passed to delete in a splitter stack.

Durch den Lichtbogen und die Lichtbogenlöschbleche wird der Strom im Kurzschlussfall begrenzt. Dadurch kann sichergestellt werden, dass ein der Strombegrenzungseinheit nachgeschalteter Leistungsschalter beziehungsweise Motorschutzschalter im Fehlerfall den durch den Leistungsschalter beziehungsweise Motorschutzschalter zu schützenden Stromkreis, in welchem der Kurzschluss aufgetreten ist, bestimmungsgemäß unterbrechen kann.The arc and the arc quenching plates limit the current in the event of a short circuit. In this way, it can be ensured that, in the event of a fault, a circuit breaker or motor protection switch connected downstream of the current limiting unit can interrupt the circuit to be protected by the circuit breaker or motor protection switch, in which the short circuit has occurred, as intended.

Bei diesem bekannten Strombegrenzungssystem kann es jedoch vorkommen, dass das Kontaktsystem dieses bekannten Strombegrenzungssystems zu einem Zeitpunkt wieder geschlossen wird, zu welchem ein immer noch beträchtlicher Strom fließt beziehungsweise eine beträchtliche Spannung zwischen dem feststehenden Kontakt und dem beweglichen Kontakt anliegt. Dadurch kann beim Schließen des Kontaktsystems erneut ein Lichtbogen zwischen dem feststehenden Kontakt und dem beweglichen Kontakt zünden, wodurch der feststehende Kontakt mit dem beweglichen Kontakt verschweißen kann.In this known current limiting system, however, it may happen that the contact system of this known current limiting system is closed again at a time at which a still considerable current flows or a considerable voltage is applied between the fixed contact and the movable contact. As a result, an arc between the fixed contact and the movable contact ignite again when closing the contact system, whereby the fixed contact with the movable contact can weld.

Die EP 0 801 410 A2 zeigt ein in einem Gehäuse in Schalenbauweise untergebrachtes elektrisches Installationsschaltgerät mit einer Kontaktstelle, einem thermischen und einem magnetischen Auslöser und mit einem Strombegrenzungselement in Form eines PTC-Widerstandes (Widerstand mit positivem Temperaturkoeffizient), wobei das Strombegrenzungselement seitlich zu dem Installationsschaltgerät in einem durch ein napfförmiges Schalengehäuse begrenzten Raum untergebracht ist. Als PTC-Widerstandselement wird dabei ein dotiertes Kunststoffmaterial verwendet, bei dem die Gefahr von durch Alterungseffekte bedingten Veränderungen der elektrischen Eigenschaften im Lauf der Zeit besteht.The EP 0 801 410 A2 shows an electrical installation switching device housed in a shell-type housing with a contact point, a thermal and a magnetic release and with a current limiting element in the form of a PTC resistor (positive temperature coefficient resistor), wherein the current limiting element laterally to the service switching device in a through a cup-shaped shell housing limited space is housed. As a PTC resistor element while a doped plastic material is used, in which there is the risk of aging effects caused by changes in electrical properties over time.

GB 1 576 877 A offenbart ein Strombegrenzungssystem gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. GB 1 576 877 A discloses a current limiting system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein gattungsgemäßes Strombegrenzungssystem zu schaffen, bei dem eine zuverlässige und langzeitstabile Strombegrenzung gegeben ist.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a generic current limiting system in which a reliable and long-term stable current limit is given.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Strombegrenzungssystem mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1.The object is achieved by a current limiting system having the characterizing features of claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß also hat das Kontaktsystem vier Festkontaktstücke, die in zwei gegenüberliegenden Paaren von ersten und zweiten Festkontaktstücken angeordnet sind, wobei eine, bewegliche Kontaktstücke tragende, bewegliche Kontaktbrücke vorgesehen ist, wobei die Kontaktbrücke mit den beweglichen Kontaktstücken in einer ersten stabilen Schaltstellung eine erste geschlossene Doppelkontaktstelle mit den beiden ersten Festkontaktstücken bildet, und wobei die Kontaktbrücke in einer zweiten stabilen Schaltstellung eine zweite geschlossene Doppelkontaktstelle mit den beiden zweiten Festkontaktstücken bildet, und wobei, wenn der Strom einen Ansprechschwellwert des Strombegrenzungssystems überschreitet, die Kontaktbrücke zwischen der ersten und der zweiten stabilen Schaltstellung hin und her wechselt, unter abwechselndem Entstehen und Verlöschen von Lichtbögen beim Öffnen und erneuten Schließen der ersten beziehungsweise zweiten Doppelkontaktstellen, und wobei, wenn der Strom einen Schließschwellwert des Kontaktsystems unterschreitet, die Kontaktbrücke in einer der beiden stabilen Schaltstellungen verharrt.According to the invention, the contact system has four fixed contact pieces, which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first and second fixed contact pieces, wherein a movable contact pieces carrying, movable contact bridge is provided, the contact bridge with the movable contact pieces in a first stable switching position a first closed double contact point with forms the first two fixed contact pieces, and wherein the contact bridge in a second stable switching position forms a second closed double contact point with the two second fixed contact pieces, and wherein when the current exceeds a Ansprechschwellwert the current limiting system, the contact bridge between the first and second stable switching position out and alternates, with alternating emergence and extinction of arcs when opening and re-closing the first and second double contact points, and wherein, when the current e falls below the closing threshold of the contact system, the contact bridge remains in one of the two stable switching positions.

Erfindungsgemäß ist somit eine bistabile Kontaktanordnung gebildet. Im Falle eines den Ansprechschwellwert übersteigenden Stromes, also beispielsweise eines hohen Kurzschlussstromes, bewegt sich die Kontaktbrücke zwischen zwei stabilen Schaltstellungen hin und her, sie oszilliert gewissermaßen. Dabei entstehen und Verlöschen abwechselnd die sich bildenden Lichtbögen. Durch das immer wieder abwechselnde verlöschen der Lichtbögen ist die thermische Belastung der Kontaktstellen verringert. Das Oszillieren der Kontaktbrücke verhindert, dass sich die Kontaktstellen schließen, wenn noch ein beträchtlicher, über der Ansprechschwelle liegender Kurzschlussstrom anliegt, und damit ist ein Verschweißen der Kontaktstellen verhindert, denn die Kontaktstellen werden während der Kurzschlussstrombegrenzung aufgrund des Oszillierens immer wieder aufgerissen. Die Strombegrenzung durch Lichtbögen vermeidet Alterungseffekte aufgrund von Materialdegradation.According to the invention, a bistable contact arrangement is thus formed. In the case of a current exceeding the response threshold, that is, for example, a high short-circuit current, the contact bridge moves back and forth between two stable switching positions, it oscillates to a certain extent. During this process, the alternating arcs are formed and extinguished alternately. By repeatedly alternating extinguish the arcs, the thermal load on the contact points is reduced. The oscillation of the contact bridge prevents the contact points from closing when there is still a considerable short-circuit current above the threshold, thus preventing welding of the contact points because the contact points are repeatedly torn during short-circuit current limiting due to oscillation. The current limitation by arcs avoids aging effects due to material degradation.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die vier Festkontaktstücke paarweise über Kreuz elektrisch miteinander verbunden.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the four fixed contact pieces are electrically connected in pairs crosswise.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die vier Festkontaktstücke paarweise parallel elektrisch miteinander verbunden.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the four fixed contact pieces are electrically connected in pairs in parallel.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist eine bistabile Fesselungseinrichtung für die Kontaktbrücke vorhanden, die mit der Kontaktbrücke zur Einstellung des Ansprechschwellwertes beziehungsweise des Schließschwellwertes gekoppelt ist. Damit lassen sich der Ansprech- beziehungsweise Schließschwellwert anwendungsspezifisch einstellen. Die bistabile Funktion sorgt dafür, dass in jeder der beiden stabilen Schaltstellungen der Kontaktbrücke eine Fesselungskraft einstellbar ist. Weiterhin vorteilhaft kann die bistabile Fesselungseinrichtung auch zur Erzeugung der nötigen Kontaktdruckkraft im Falle des normalen Stromflusses durch das Strombegrenzungssystem verwendet werden.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a bistable captive device for the contact bridge is present, which is coupled to the contact bridge for setting the Ansprechschwellwertes or the Schließschwellwertes. Thus, the response or closing threshold can be set application-specific. The bistable function ensures that in each of the two stable switching positions of the contact bridge a restraining force is adjustable. Further advantageously, the bistable captive device can also be used to generate the necessary contact pressure force in the case of normal current flow through the current limiting system.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst die Fesselungseinrichtung eine bistabile Schnappscheibe, die über eine Koppelachse mit der Kontaktbrücke gekoppelt ist. Eine bistabile Schnappscheibe wirkt in ihrer ersten stabilen Position als Kontaktdruckfeder. Ihre Federkraft bestimmt die Ansprechschwelle für den Kurzschlussstrom. Bei Überschreiten der Ansprechschwelle wird die Kontaktbrücke aus ihrer ersten stabilen Lage entgegen der rückstellenden Federkraft der Schnappscheibe hin zu der zweiten stabilen Position bewegt. Dabei gibt es einen Punkt, an dem der Totpunkt der Schnappscheibe überschritten wird. Diese schnappt dann in ihre zweite stabile Stellung und reißt die Kontaktbrücke mit. Damit ist ein sehr schnelles Umschalten zwischen den beiden stabilen Schaltstellungen der Kontaktbrücke gewährleistet, und auch ein verkleben oder verschweißen der Kontaktstellen kann damit effektiv verhindert werden.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the captive device comprises a bistable snap-action disc, which is coupled via a coupling axis with the contact bridge. A bistable snap-action disc acts as a contact pressure spring in its first stable position. Their spring force determines the threshold for the short-circuit current. When the threshold is exceeded, the contact bridge is moved from its first stable position against the restoring spring force of the snap disk towards the second stable position. There is a point at which the dead center of the snap disc is exceeded. This then snaps into its second stable position and tears the contact bridge. This ensures a very fast switching between the two stable switching positions of the contact bridge, and also a sticking or welding of the contact points can thus be effectively prevented.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst die Fesselungseinrichtung eine Druckfeder, die über eine Koppelachse mit der Kontaktbrücke so gekoppelt ist, dass die Federkraft der Druckfeder in einem Winkel zu der Verschieberichtung der Koppelachse so auf diese wirkt, dass die Druckfeder unter Überwindung einer Totpunktlage durch die Koppelachse zwischen einer ersten und einer zweiten stabilen Stellung verschwenkbar ist. Diese Ausführungsform einer bistabilen Fesselungseinrichtung erfüllt dieselbe Funktion wie oben beschrieben, verwendet aber bevorzugt eine Zylinderdruckfeder als alternatives Federelement. Zylinderdruckfedern sind für manche Anwendungen besser handhabbar als Schnappscheiben und können auch kostengünstiger gefertigt werden.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the captive device comprises a compression spring which is coupled via a coupling axis with the contact bridge so that the spring force of the compression spring at an angle to the direction of the coupling axis acts on this, that the compression spring overcoming a dead center by the Coupling axis between a first and a second stable position is pivotable. This embodiment of a bistable tying device fulfills the same function as described above, but preferably uses a cylinder compression spring as an alternative spring element. Cylinder springs are easier to handle than snappers for some applications and can also be manufactured more cost-effectively.

Gemäß einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst das Kontaktsystem ein Magnetsystem zum Antreiben der Kontaktbrücke aus ihrer stabilen Stellung in die jeweils andere stabile Stellung. Es wird dabei die Kraftwirkung eines geeignet orientierten Magnetfeldes auf einen langgestreckten elektrischen Leiter, die Kontaktbrücke nämlich, als Antrieb für das Oszillieren der Kontaktbrücke genutzt. Damit kann die Strombegrenzung auch schon bei kleineren Kurzschlussströmen einsetzen, als wenn, wie im Stand der Technik bekannt, allein die elektrodynamische Abstoßung der Kontaktstellen als Antriebskraft genutzt würde.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact system comprises a magnet system for driving the contact bridge from its stable position into the respective other stable position. It is the force of a suitably oriented magnetic field on an elongated electrical conductor, the contact bridge namely, used as a drive for the oscillation of the contact bridge. Thus, the current limit even at smaller short-circuit currents use, as if, as known in the art, only the electrodynamic repulsion of the contact points would be used as a driving force.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung hat das Magnetsystem einen Magnetkern mit Luftspalt, wobei die Kontaktbrücke im Luftspalt längsverschieblich angeordnet ist, und wobei der Strom im Strompfad eine Magnetisierung des Kerns bewirkt, so dass die Magnetfeldrichtung im Spalt senkrecht zu der Stromrichtung in der Kontaktbrücke steht, so dass die Kontaktbrücke bei Überschreiten des Ansprechschwellwertes des Stroms durch die resultierende Lorentzkraft aus ihrer stabilen Stellung in die andere stabile Stellung bewegt wird. Ein erfindungsgemäß vorgesehener Luftspalt kann in einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform sehr schmal gemacht werden. Dadurch wird die magnetische Feldstärke in dem Luftspalt auch bei kleinen Kurzschlussströmen schon so groß, dass eine hohe Kraft auf die Kontaktbrücke erzielt wird. Weiterhin vorteilhaft ist ein Luftspalt eng und hoch gestaltet, und die Kontaktbrücke hat ebenfalls einen schmalen, hohen, rechteckigen Querschnitt, gewissermaßen wie ein schmales Band. Dadurch ist als Vorteil eine effiziente Kühlung der Kontaktbrücke in dem Luftspalt durch Strahlung und Konvektion der Luft in dem engen Luftspalt gegeben. Das ist vorteilhaft dafür, dass sich die Kontaktbrücke nicht thermisch verformt. Eine schmale und hohe Struktur in Form eines dünnen Bandes für die Kontaktbrücke hat weiter den Vorteil, dass die Kontaktbrücke damit sehr leicht bei gleichzeitig hoher mechanischer Stabilität und hohem Flächenträgheitsmoment in Bewegungsrichtung gemacht werden kann. Dadurch ist bei der Oszillation der Kontaktbrücke nur eine geringe Masse zu bewegen, was eine hohe Oszillationsfrequenz und damit eine effektive Strombegrenzung ermöglicht. Ein in den mechanischen Abmessungen auf die Kontaktbrücke eng aufeinander abgestimmter Luftspalt sorgt dabei für eine mechanische Führung der Kontaktbrücke in Bewegungsrichtung derselben, so dass sie sich quer zu ihrer Bewegungsrichtung nicht verbiegen kann, was aufgrund von magnetischen Kräften ansonsten geschehen könnte.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the magnet system has a magnetic core with an air gap, wherein the contact bridge is arranged longitudinally displaceable in the air gap, and wherein the current in the current path causes a magnetization of the core, so that the magnetic field direction in the gap is perpendicular to the current direction in the contact bridge, so that the contact bridge is moved from its stable position to the other stable position when the Ansprechschwellwertes of the current is exceeded by the resulting Lorentz force. An inventively provided air gap can be made very narrow in a particularly advantageous embodiment. As a result, the magnetic field strength in the air gap is so large even with small short-circuit currents that a high force is achieved on the contact bridge. Further advantageously, an air gap is narrow and designed high, and the contact bridge also has a narrow, high, rectangular cross-section, in a manner like a narrow band. As a result, an efficient cooling of the contact bridge in the air gap by radiation and convection of the air in the narrow air gap is given as an advantage. This is advantageous in that the contact bridge does not thermally deform. A narrow and high structure in the form of a thin band for the contact bridge has the further advantage that the contact bridge can thus be made very easily with high mechanical stability and high moment of inertia in the direction of movement. As a result, in the oscillation of the contact bridge only a small mass to move, which allows a high oscillation frequency and thus an effective current limit. A closely matched air gap in the mechanical dimensions of the contact bridge ensures a mechanical guidance of the contact bridge in the same direction, so that they themselves transverse to its direction of movement can not bend, which could otherwise happen due to magnetic forces.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Doppelkontaktstellen mit Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtungen versehen. Dies können an sich bekannte Lichtbogenlöschkammern sein, in die der Lichtbogen sich auf Lichtbogenleitschienen hineinbewegt. Dabei spaltet er in eine Serie von Teil-Lichtbögen auf, und dadurch entsteht eine noch größere Gegenspannung zu der den Lichtbogen treibenden Netzspannung, die sogenannte Lichtbogenspannung steigt, so dass die Kurzschlussstrombegrenzung noch effektiver wird.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the double contact points are provided with arc quenching devices. These can be known per se arc quenching chambers, in which the arc moves in on Lichtbogenleitschienen. In doing so, it splits into a series of partial arcs, which results in an even larger countervoltage to the mains voltage driving the arc, the so-called arc voltage increases, so that the short-circuit current limitation becomes even more effective.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung sind die Enden der Kontaktbrücke gabelförmig aufgespalten, wobei jeder Gabelast ein bewegliches Kontaktstück trägt. Die Gabeläste können dabei symmetrisch oder unsymmetrisch zu dem Mittelteil der Kontaktbrücke ausgeführt sein. Bei symmetrischer Ausführung haben die Kontaktstücke auf jeder Längsseite der Kontaktbrücke denselben Abstand zu den ihnen zugeordneten feste Kontaktstücken. Bei unsymmetrischer Anordnung kann der Schaltabstand der Kontaktbrücke zu den beiden gegenüberliegenden Paaren von festen Kontaktstücken, also zu den beiden stabilen Schaltstellungen hin, unterschiedlich ausgeführt sein. Damit ist eine weitere Optimierungsmöglichkeit für das Schwingungsverhalten der Kontaktbrücke gegeben.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ends of the contact bridge are split fork-shaped, each fork arm carries a movable contact piece. The fork legs can be designed symmetrically or asymmetrically to the middle part of the contact bridge. In a symmetrical design, the contact pieces on each longitudinal side of the contact bridge have the same distance from their associated fixed contact pieces. In asymmetric arrangement, the switching distance of the contact bridge to the two opposite pairs of fixed contact pieces, ie to the two stable switching positions out, be designed differently. This provides a further optimization possibility for the vibration behavior of the contact bridge.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist dabei an jedem Ende der Kontaktbrücke je eine Fesselungseinrichtung vorhanden, wobei jede der Fesselungseinrichtungen gekoppelt ist mit den beiden ihr zugeordneten gabelförmigen Endstücken der Kontaktbrücke. Eine solche Anordnung der bistabilen Fesselungseinrichtung an den Enden der Kontaktbrücke kann konstruktiv einfacher zu realisieren sein als die oben beschriebene Lösung mit einer Koppelachse.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in each case a captive device is present at each end of the contact bridge, wherein each of the captive devices is coupled to the two associated with their fork-shaped end pieces of the contact bridge. Such an arrangement of the bistable bondage device at the ends of the contact bridge can be structurally simpler to implement than the solution described above with a coupling axis.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Strombegrenzungseinheit mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Strombegrenzungssystem weist ein Gehäuse auf, in welchem das Strombegrenzungssystem angeordnet ist. Damit kann das erfindungsgemäße Strombegrenzungssystem als Anbauteil oder Zubehörteil mit eigenem Gehäuse an ein vorhandenes Installationsschaltgerät, beispielsweise einen Leistungsschalter oder einen Motorschutzschalter, angebaut werden.A current limiting unit according to the invention with a current limiting system according to the invention has a housing in which the current limiting system is arranged. Thus, the current limiting system according to the invention can be attached as an attachment or accessory with its own housing to an existing installation switching device, such as a circuit breaker or a motor protection switch.

Bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung von mehreren erfindungsgemäßen Strombegrenzungseinheiten sind die Strombegrenzungseinheiten räumlich parallel zueinander angeordnet, und im Gehäuse jeder Strombegrenzungseinheit ist ein Strombegrenzungssystem für eine einzige Phase angeordnet. Dies ist vorteilhaft für die Strombegrenzung in dreiphasigen Systemen.In an arrangement according to the invention of a plurality of current-limiting units according to the invention, the current-limiting units are arranged spatially parallel to one another, and a current-limiting system for a single phase is arranged in the housing of each current-limiting unit. This is advantageous for current limiting in three-phase systems.

Ein erfindungsgemäßes Installationsschaltgerät ist insbesondere ein Leitungsschutzschalter, Leistungsschalter oder Motorschutzschalter, mit wenigstens einer Kontaktstelle, einem thermischen und/oder magnetischen Auslöser und hat ein erfindungsgemäßes Strombegrenzungssystem.An inventive installation switching device is in particular a circuit breaker, circuit breaker or motor protection switch, with at least one contact point, a thermal and / or magnetic release and has a current limiting system according to the invention.

Dabei kann bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Installationsschaltgerät die Kontaktstelle, der thermische und/oder magnetische Auslöser und das Strombegrenzungssystem zusammen in einem Gehäuse untergebracht sein.In this case, in an installation switching device according to the invention, the contact point, the thermal and / or magnetic trigger and the current limiting system can be housed together in a housing.

Es kann aber auch nur die Kontaktstelle und der thermische und/oder magnetische Auslöser zusammen in einem Gehäuse untergebracht sein, mit dem eine Strombegrenzungseinheit, wie oben beschrieben, verbunden ist.However, it is also possible for only the contact point and the thermal and / or magnetic release to be accommodated together in a housing, to which a current-limiting unit, as described above, is connected.

Anhand der Zeichnungen, in denen drei Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung dargestellt sind, sollen die Erfindung sowie weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Verbesserungen der Erfindung näher erläutert und beschrieben werden.Reference to the drawings, in which three embodiments of the invention are shown, the invention and further advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention will be explained and described in detail.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1
ein erfindungsgemäßes Strombegrenzungssystem, bei dem die vier Festkontaktstücke paarweise über Kreuz elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind, in einer ersten stabilen Schaltstellung,
Figur 2
das Strombegrenzungssystem nach Figur 1 nach dem Öffnen der ersten Doppelkontaktstelle,
Figur 3
das Strombegrenzungssystem nach Figur 1 in der zweiten stabilen Schaltstellung,
Figur 4
das Strombegrenzungssystem nach Figur 1 nach dem Öffnen der zweiten Doppelkontaktstelle,
Figur 5
ein erfindungsgemäßes Strombegrenzungssystem in einer zweiten Ausführungsform, mit gabelförmig aufgespaltenem Ende der Kontaktbrücke,
Figur 6
ein erfindungsgemäßes Strombegrenzungssystem in einer dritten Ausführungsform, mit einer bistabilen Fesselungseinrichtung mit einer Zylinderdruckfeder, sowie
Figur 7
ein erfindungsgemäßes Strombegrenzungssystem, bei dem die vier Festkontaktstücke paarweise parallel elektrisch miteinander verbunden sind, in einer ersten stabilen Schaltstellung.
Show it:
FIG. 1
a current limiting system according to the invention, in which the four fixed contact pieces are electrically connected to one another in pairs, in a first stable switching position,
FIG. 2
the current limiting system after FIG. 1 after opening the first double contact point,
FIG. 3
the current limiting system after FIG. 1 in the second stable switching position,
FIG. 4
the current limiting system after FIG. 1 after opening the second double contact point,
FIG. 5
a current limiting system according to the invention in a second embodiment, with a forked end of the contact bridge,
FIG. 6
a current limiting system according to the invention in a third embodiment, with a bistable captive device with a cylinder compression spring, and
FIG. 7
an inventive current limiting system, in which the four fixed contact pieces are electrically connected in pairs in parallel, in a first stable switching position.

In den Figuren werden gleiche oder gleichwirkende Bauteile oder Elemente mit denselben Bezugszeichen bezeichnet. Die beschriebenen Ausführungsformen stehen beispielhaft für den Erfindungsgegenstand und haben keine beschränkende Wirkung.In the figures, identical or equivalent components or elements are designated by the same reference numerals. The described embodiments are exemplary of the subject invention and have no limiting effect.

Figur 1 zeigt ein Strombegrenzungssystem 1, das entlang eines Strompfades 2 zwischen einem ersten und einem zweiten Anschlusskontakt 3, 4, ein Kontaktsystem 5 umfasst. Das Kontaktsystem 5 hat vier Festkontaktstücke 6, 6a, 7, 7a, die in zwei gegenüberliegenden Paaren von ersten 6, 6a und zweiten 7, 7a Festkontaktstücken angeordnet sind. Die vier Festkontaktstücke 6, 6a, 7, 7a sind paarweise mittels Leiterstücken 21, 21a über Kreuz elektrisch miteinander verbunden, also Kontaktstück 6 mit Kontaktstück 7a und Kontaktstück 6a mit Kontaktstück 7. FIG. 1 1 shows a current limiting system 1, which comprises a contact system 5 along a current path 2 between a first and a second terminal contact 3, 4. The contact system 5 has four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a, which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first 6, 6a and second 7, 7a fixed contact pieces. The four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a are electrically connected in pairs by means of conductor pieces 21, 21a crosswise to each other, so contact piece 6 with contact piece 7a and contact piece 6a with contact piece. 7

Es ist eine bewegliche Kontaktstücke 8, 8a tragende bewegliche Kontaktbrücke 9 vorgesehen. Diese bildet mit den beweglichen Kontaktstücken 8, 8a in einer ersten stabilen Schaltstellung, siehe Figur 1, eine erste geschlossene Doppelkontaktstelle 10 mit den beiden ersten Festkontaktstücken 6, 6a. In einer zweiten stabilen Schaltstellung, siehe Figur 3, bildet die Kontaktbrücke 9 mit ihren beweglichen Kontaktstücken 8, 8a eine zweite geschlossene Doppelkontaktstelle 11 mit den beiden zweiten Festkontaktstücken 7, 7a.There is a movable contact pieces 8, 8a carrying movable contact bridge 9 is provided. This forms with the movable contact pieces 8, 8a in a first stable switching position, see FIG. 1 , a first closed double contact point 10 with the two first fixed contact pieces 6, 6a. In a second stable switching position, see FIG. 3 , the contact bridge 9 forms with its movable contact pieces 8, 8a a second closed double contact point 11 with the two second fixed contact pieces 7, 7a.

Ferner ist eine bistabile Fesselungseinrichtung 13 für die Kontaktbrücke 9 vorhanden, die mit der Kontaktbrücke 9 zur Einstellung des Ansprechschwellwertes und/oder des Schließschwellwertes gekoppelt ist. Die Fesselungseinrichtung 13 umfasst hier eine bistabile Schnappscheibe 14 umfasst, die über eine Koppelachse 15 mit der Kontaktbrücke 9 gekoppelt ist. Wenn der Strom unter den Schließschwellwert fällt, dann wird die Lorentzkraft F kleiner als die rückstellende Federkraft der Schnappscheibe, und die Schnappscheibe drückt die Kontaktbrücke in eine stabile Stellung. Welche der beiden möglichen stabilen Stellungen, oben oder unten, dabei eingenommen wird, hängt davon ab, auf welcher Seite der Totpunktlage der Schnappscheibe sich die Kontaktbrücke bei Eintritt des Ereignisses gerade befunden hat. Der Schließschwellwert kann also durch die Wahl der Federkonstante und der Federstärke der Schnappscheibe eingestellt werden. In der stabilen Stellung der Kontaktbrücke 9 wirkt die rückstellende Federkraft der Schnappscheibe 14 auch gleichzeitig als Kontaktdruckkraft, mit der die geschlossenen Doppelkontaktstelle zusammengehalten wird.Furthermore, a bistable captive device 13 is provided for the contact bridge 9, which is coupled to the contact bridge 9 for setting the Ansprechschwellwertes and / or the Schließschwellwertes. The tethering device 13 here comprises a bistable snap-action disc 14 which, via a coupling axis 15 with the contact bridge 9 is coupled. If the current falls below the closing threshold, then the Lorentz force F becomes smaller than the restoring spring force of the snap-action disc and the snap-action disc pushes the contact bridge into a stable position. Which of the two possible stable positions, top or bottom, is taken thereby, depends on which side of the dead center of the snap disk, the contact bridge at the occurrence of the event was straight. The closing threshold can thus be adjusted by the choice of the spring constant and the spring strength of the snap-action disc. In the stable position of the contact bridge 9, the restoring spring force of the snap disk 14 also acts as a contact pressure force with which the closed double contact point is held together.

Die Doppelkontaktstellen 10, 11 sind mit Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtungen 20, 20a versehen. Es handelt sich dabei um Lichtbogenlöschblechanordnungen, wie sie im Prinzip bekannt sind und in die der Lichtbogen, geführt an Lichtbogenleitschienen 22, 22a, 23, 23a, siehe Figur 2 und 4, unter Ausbildung einer Serie von Teillichtbögen, einläuft, wobei sich die Lichtbogenspannung erhöht.The double contact points 10, 11 are provided with arc extinguishing devices 20, 20a. These are arc-quenching plate arrangements, as they are known in principle and in which the arc, guided on arc guide rails 22, 22a, 23, 23a, see FIG. 2 and 4 , forming a series of partial arcs, enters, whereby the arc voltage increases.

Das Kontaktsystem 1 umfasst ein Magnetsystem 17 zum Antreiben der Kontaktbrücke 9 aus ihrer stabilen Stellung in die jeweils andere stabile Stellung. Das Magnetsystem 17 hat einen Magnetkern 18, beispielsweise aus Stahl, mit einem Luftspalt, wobei die Kontaktbrücke 9 im Luftspalt 19 längsverschieblich angeordnet ist. Der Strom im Strompfad 2 läuft in Feldwicklungen, angeordnet auf beiden Seiten des Kerns 19, wodurch eine Magnetisierung des Kerns 18 bewirkt wird. Der Kern 18 mit dem Spalt 19 konzentriert das Magnetfeld im Kern 19, und die Kontaktbrücke 9 läuft in dem Spalt 19. Die hat zur Folge, dass die Magnetfeldrichtung B im Spalt 19 senkrecht zu der Stromrichtung in der Kontaktbrücke 9 steht, so dass die Kontaktbrücke 9 bei Überschreiten des Ansprechschwellwertes des Stroms durch die resultierende Lorentzkraft F aus ihrer stabilen Stellung in die andere stabile Stellung bewegt wird. Wenn der Ansprechschwellwert des Stromes überschritten wird, wird die Lorentzkraft so groß, dass sie die rückstellende Federkraft der Fesselungseinrichtung, also beispielsweise der Schnappscheibe 14, überwindet, und sich aus ihrer stabilen Position heraus in Bewegung setzen kann.The contact system 1 comprises a magnet system 17 for driving the contact bridge 9 from its stable position into the respective other stable position. The magnet system 17 has a magnetic core 18, for example made of steel, with an air gap, wherein the contact bridge 9 is arranged longitudinally displaceably in the air gap 19. The current in the current path 2 passes in field windings arranged on both sides of the core 19, causing magnetization of the core 18. The core 18 with the gap 19 concentrates the magnetic field in the core 19, and the contact bridge 9 runs in the gap 19. This has the consequence that the magnetic field direction B in the gap 19 is perpendicular to the current direction in the contact bridge 9, so that the contact bridge 9 is moved from its stable position to the other stable position when the Ansprechschwellwertes of the current through the resulting Lorentz force F is exceeded. When the threshold of the current is exceeded, the Lorentz force becomes so great that it overcomes the resiliency of the restraining means, such as the snap-action disc 14, and can start moving from its stable position.

Im Falle eines Kurzschlussstromes bewegt sich also die Kontaktbrücke 9 je nach Ausgangslage der Schaltstellung, durch die erzeugte Magnetwirkung im Stahlkern 18 zu den gegenüberliegenden Festkontakten.In the case of a short-circuit current so the contact bridge 9 moves depending on the starting position of the switching position, by the generated magnetic action in the steel core 18 to the opposite fixed contacts.

Die Feldwicklungen 24, 24a zur Erzeugung des Magnetfeldes im Stahlkern 18 können auf beiden Seiten des Stahlkerns angeordnet sein, wie in den Figuren gezeigt. Es kann jedoch auch nur eine Feldwicklung auf einer Seite angeordnet werden. Im gezeigten Beispiel in Figur 1 erzeugt eine Feldwicklung 24 ein abstoßendes und die andere Feldwicklung 24a ein anziehendes Magnetfeld, welche auf die Kontaktbrücke 9 wirken.The field windings 24, 24a for generating the magnetic field in the steel core 18 may be disposed on both sides of the steel core, as shown in the figures. However, only one field winding can be arranged on one side. In the example shown in FIG. 1 For example, one field winding 24 generates a repulsive magnetic field, and the other field winding 24 a generates an attractive magnetic field which acts on the contact bridge 9.

Wenn die Kontaktbrücke 9 öffnet, siehe Figur 2, entstehen Lichtbögen 12, 12a an den Doppelkontaktstellen 10, welche sich mit dem Öffnungsweg längen und den Kurzschlussstrom begrenzen. Wenn eine Lichtbogenlöschkammer 20, 20a hinter den Doppelkontaktstellen 10 angeordnet ist, bewegt sich der Lichtbogen 12, 12a in diese hinein und erzeugt eine noch größere Gegenspannung bzw. Kurzschlussstrombegrenzung. Dieser Vorgang hält solange an, bis die Kontaktbrücke 9 auf der anderen Seite wieder kontaktiert, zweite stabile Schaltstellung, siehe Figur 3. Dadurch wird der Lichtbogen kurzgeschlossen und erlischt.When the contact bridge 9 opens, see FIG. 2 , arcs 12, 12a occur at the double contact points 10, which lengthen with the opening path and limit the short-circuit current. When an arc quenching chamber 20, 20a is disposed behind the double pads 10, the arc 12, 12a moves into it and generates an even greater back voltage or short circuit current limit. This process continues until the contact bridge 9 contacts again on the other side, second stable switching position, see FIG. 3 , As a result, the arc is short-circuited and extinguished.

Da die Festkontakte 7a, 7 in der zweiten stabilen Schaltstellung nach Figur 3 mit vertauschter Polarität angeschlossen sind, wird bei noch anstehendem Kurzschluss die Kontaktbrücke 9, durch die magnetische Wirkung, die Lorentzkraft F weist jetzt nach unten, wieder in die andere Richtung abheben bzw. die zweite Doppelkontaktstelle 11 öffnen. Der Bewegungsvorgang findet nun von der zweiten stabilen Schaltstellung zur ersten stabilen Schaltstellung statt, siehe Figur 4. Die damit verbundene Kurzschlussstrombegrenzung wiederholt sich. Dieser wechselnde Vorgang wiederholt sich so lange, bis der mit Kurzschlussstrom durchflossene Stromkreis von einem Schutzorgan, zum Beispiel einem Leitungsschutzschalter getrennt wird. Der Schutz durch ein zweites Schutzorgan ist erforderlich, da sich der Kurzschlußstrombegrenzer 1 auf Dauer nicht selbst schützen kann.Since the fixed contacts 7a, 7 in the second stable switching position FIG. 3 are connected with reversed polarity, is still pending shorting the contact bridge 9, by the magnetic effect, the Lorentz force F now points down, take off in the other direction again or open the second double contact point 11. The movement process now takes place from the second stable switching position to the first stable switching position, see FIG. 4 , The associated short-circuit current limitation is repeated. This alternating process is repeated until the circuit through which short-circuit current flows is disconnected from a protective device, for example a circuit breaker. The protection by a second protective device is required because the short-circuit current limiter 1 can not protect itself over time.

Es besteht jedoch die Möglichkeit durch eine mechanische oder elektrische Bewegungsabfrage der Kontaktbrücke, über beispielsweise die Koppelachse 15, einen separat angeordneten Unterbrechungskontakt anzusteuern und dadurch den Stromkreis zu unterbrechen bzw. den Kurzschlußstrombegrenzer gegen Überlastung zu schützen.However, it is possible by a mechanical or electrical motion query the contact bridge, for example, the coupling axis 15 to control a separately arranged interrupt contact and thereby interrupt the circuit or protect the short-circuit current limiter against overloading.

Die Kontaktkraft und Fesselung, ab der die Kontaktbrücke 9 abhebt, wird durch eine bistabile Schnappfederanordnung 13 realisiert. Wird diese durch die magnetische Kraftwirkung F der Kontaktbrücke 9 gedrückt, kippt diese ab einem gewissen Punkt von ihrer ersten stabilen Schaltstellung in ihre zweite stabile Schaltstellung und umgekehrt.The contact force and bondage, from which the contact bridge 9 lifts, is realized by a bistable snap spring arrangement 13. If this is pressed by the magnetic force F of the contact bridge 9, this tilts from a certain point of its first stable switching position in its second stable switching position and vice versa.

In der Ausführungsformgemäß Figur 6 umfasst die bistabile Fesselungseinrichtung 13c eine Druckfeder 16 umfasst, die über eine Koppelachse 15 mit der Kontaktbrücke 9 so gekoppelt ist, dass die Federkraft der Druckfeder 16 in einem Winkel zu der Verschieberichtung der Koppelachse 15 so auf diese wirkt, dass die Druckfeder 16 unter Überwindung einer Totpunktlage durch die Koppelachse 15 zwischen einer ersten und einer zweiten stabilen Stellung verschwenkbar ist. Die Druckfeder 16 ist hier eine Zylinderdruckfeder, ein günstiges und übliches Kontruktionsbauteil.In the embodiment according to FIG. 6 includes the bistable captive device 13c includes a compression spring 16 which is coupled via a coupling axis 15 with the contact bridge 9 so that the spring force of the compression spring 16 at an angle to the direction of the coupling axis 15 acts on this, that the compression spring 16, overcoming a Totpunktlage by the coupling axis 15 between a first and a second stable position is pivotable. The compression spring 16 is here a cylinder spring, a cheap and common Kontruktionsbauteil.

In der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 5 sind die Enden der Kontaktbrücke 9 gabelförmig aufgespalten, wobei jeder Gabelast 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e ein bewegliches Kontaktstück 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e trägt. An jedem Ende der Kontaktbrücke ist je eine Fesselungseinrichtung 13a, 13b in Form einer bistabilen Schnappfederanordnung vorhanden, wobei jede der Fesselungseinrichtungen 13a, 13b gekoppelt ist mit den beiden ihr zugeordneten gabelförmigen Endstücken 9b, 9c; 9d, 9e der Kontaktbrücke 9.In the embodiment according to FIG. 5 the ends of the contact bridge 9 are split fork-shaped, each fork leg 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e carries a movable contact piece 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e. At each end of the contact bridge, a tying device 13a, 13b each in the form of a bistable snap spring arrangement is provided, each of the tethering devices 13a, 13b is coupled to the two associated fork-shaped end pieces 9b, 9c; 9d, 9e of the contact bridge 9.

Figur 7 zeigt in einer weiteren Ausführungsform ein Strombegrenzungssystem 1', das entlang eines Strompfades 2' zwischen einem ersten und einem zweiten Anschlusskontakt 3', 4', ein Kontaktsystem 5 umfasst. Das Kontaktsystem 5 hat vier Festkontaktstücke 6, 6a, 7, 7a, die in zwei gegenüberliegenden Paaren von ersten 6, 6a und zweiten 7, 7a Festkontaktstücken angeordnet sind. Die vier Festkontaktstücke 6, 6a, 7, 7a sind paarweise mittels Leiterstücken 21, 21 a parallel elektrisch miteinander verbunden, also Kontaktstück 6 mit Kontaktstück 7 und Kontaktstück 6a mit Kontaktstück 7a. Dadurch kommen die Verbindungsleiter zwischen den ersten und zweiten Kontaktstücken an den Rand des Magnetsystems zu liegen. Der Stromfluss in den Feldwicklungen 24 und 24 erfolgt hier gleichsinnig. Der Anschluss der oberen Feldwicklung 4' liegt jetzt auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite zu dem ersten Anschluss 3' der Feldwicklung. Ansonsten ist die Funktion des Strombegrenzungssystems 1' analog zu derjenigen des Strombegrenzungssystems 1, wie ausführlich oben im Zusammenhang mit den Figuren 1 bis 6 beschrieben. FIG. 7 shows in a further embodiment, a current limiting system 1 ', which comprises a contact system 5 along a current path 2' between a first and a second terminal contact 3 ', 4'. The contact system 5 has four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a, which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first 6, 6a and second 7, 7a fixed contact pieces. The four fixed contact pieces 6, 6a, 7, 7a are connected in pairs by means of conductor pieces 21, 21 a parallel electrically connected to each other, so contact piece 6 with contact piece 7 and contact piece 6a with contact piece 7a. As a result, the connecting conductors between the first and second contact pieces come to rest against the edge of the magnet system. The current flow in the field windings 24 and 24 takes place here in the same direction. The connection of the upper field winding 4 'is now on the opposite side to the first terminal 3' of the field winding. Otherwise, the function of the current limiting system 1 'is analogous to that of the current limiting system 1, as described in detail above in connection with FIGS FIGS. 1 to 6 described.

Das erfindungsgemäße Strombegrenzungssystem 1, 1' kann an einen anderen Schutzschalter, beispielsweise einen Leitungsschutzschalter, Leistungsschalter, Motorschutzschalter oder dergleichen, angebaut werden, oder es kann separat auf eine Normprofiltragschiene installiert werden und in Serie zu einem einzelnen Schutzschalter oder zu einer Gruppe von Schutzschaltern geschaltet werden.The current limiting system 1, 1 'according to the invention can be mounted on another circuit breaker, for example a circuit breaker, circuit breaker, motor protection switch or the like, or it can be installed separately on a standard profile mounting rail and connected in series to a single circuit breaker or a group of circuit breakers ,

Das erfindungsgemäße Strombegrenzungssystem 1, 1' kann sowohl in Gleichstromsystemen als auch in Wechselstromsystemen verwendet werden. Durch den Einsatz eines erfindungsgemäßen Strombegrenzungssystems 1, 1' kann die Verschweißneigung von Schutzschaltern verringert und das Schaltvermögen sowie die Betriebsspannung erhöht werden.The current limiting system 1, 1 'according to the invention can be used both in DC systems and in AC systems. By using a current limiting system 1, 1 'according to the invention, the tendency of the welding of circuit breakers to be reduced and the switching capacity and the operating voltage can be increased.

Für den Fachmann ist ohne weiteres ersichtlich, dass die Erfindung nicht auf die Einzelheiten der vorstehenden veranschaulichenden Ausführungsform beschränkt ist, und daß die vorliegende Erfindung in anderen speziellen Formen ausgeführt werden kann, ohne daß von wesentlichen Attributen derselben abgewichen wird, und es ist daher erwünscht, daß die vorliegenden Ausführungsformen in jeder Hinsicht als veranschaulichend und nicht beschränkend betrachtet werden. Bezugszeichenliste 1, 1' Strombegrenzungssystem 2, 2' Strompfad 3, 3' Erster Anschlusskontakt 4, 4' zweiter Anschlusskontakt 5 , 5' Kontaktsystem 6, 6a Erste Festkontaktstücke 7, 7a Zweite Festkontaktstücke 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d bewegliche Kontaktstücke 9 Kontaktbrücke 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e Gabelast 10 Erste Doppelkontaktstelle 11 Zweite Doppelkontaktstelle 12, 12a Lichtbogen 13, 13a, 13b, 13c Bistabile Fesselungseinrichtung 14 Bistabile Schnappscheibe 15, Koppelachse 16 Druckfeder 17 Magnetsystem 18 Magnetkern 19 Luftspalt 20, 20a Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 21, 21a Leiterstück 22, 22a Lichtbogenleitschiene 23, 23a Lichtbogenleitschiene 24, 24a Feldwicklung B Magnetfeldrichtung F Lorentzkraft It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiment, and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desirable to the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. <B><u> REFERENCE LIST </ u></b> 1, 1 ' Current limiting system 2, 2 ' current path 3, 3 ' First connection contact 4, 4 ' second connection contact 5, 5 ' Contact system 6, 6a First fixed contact pieces 7, 7a Second fixed contact pieces 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d movable contact pieces 9 Contact bridge 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e transfer load 10 First double contact point 11 Second double contact point 12, 12a Electric arc 13, 13a, 13b, 13c Bistable restraining device 14 Bistable snap disk 15 coupling axis 16 compression spring 17 magnet system 18 magnetic core 19 air gap 20, 20a Arc quenching device 21, 21a conductor piece 22, 22a arc guide 23, 23a arc guide 24, 24a field winding B magnetic field direction F Lorentz force

Claims (15)

  1. Current limiting system (1) which is suitable for limiting, but not permanently interrupting, a current flowing through the current limiting system (1), wherein the current limiting system (1) comprises a contact system (5) along a current path (2) between a first contact connection (3) and a second contact connection (4), wherein
    - the contact system (5) has four fixed contact pieces (6, 6a, 7, 7a) which are arranged in two opposite pairs of first fixed contact pieces (6, 6a) and second fixed contact pieces (7, 7a), wherein
    - a moving contact bridge (9) which is fitted with moving contact pieces (8, 8a) is provided,
    - wherein the contact bridge (9), by way of the moving contact pieces (8, 8a), forms a first closed double contact point (10) with the two first fixed contact pieces (6, 6a) in a first stable switching position,
    - and wherein the contact bridge (9) forms a second closed double contact point (11) with the two second fixed contact points (7, 7a) in a second stable switching position, characterized
    - in that, if the current exceeds a response threshold value of the current limiting system (1), the contact bridge (9) alternates back and forth between the first and the second stable switching position,
    - so as to alternately produce and quench arcs (12, 12a) when the first and, respectively, second double contact points (10, 11) are opened and closed again,
    - and in that, if the current exceeds a closing threshold value of the contact system (1), the contact bridge (9) remains in one of the two stable switching positions.
  2. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the four fixed contact pieces (6, 6a, 7, 7a) are electrically connected to one another in pairs in a crossed-over manner.
  3. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the four fixed contact pieces (6, 6a, 7, 7a) are electrically connected to one another in pairs in a parallel manner.
  4. Current limiting system according to Claim 1, characterized in that a bistable retaining device (13, 13a, 13b, 13c) for the contact bridge (9) is present, the said retaining device being coupled to the contact bridge (9) in order to set the response threshold value and/or the closing threshold value.
  5. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the retaining device (13) comprises a bistable snap-action disc (14) which is coupled to the contact bridge (9) by means of a coupling shaft (15).
  6. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the retaining device (13c) comprises a compression spring (16) which is coupled to the contact bridge (9) by means of a coupling shaft (15) such that the spring force of the compression spring (16) acts on the coupling axis at an angle in relation to the displacement direction of the coupling shaft (15) such that the compression spring (16) can be pivoted between a first and a second stable position by the coupling shaft (15) so as to overcome a dead centre position.
  7. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the contact system (1) comprises a magnet system (17) for driving the contact bridge (9) from its stable position to the respectively other stable position.
  8. Current limiting system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the magnet system (17) has a magnet core (18) with an air gap (19), wherein the contact bridge (9) is arranged in the air gap (19) in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and in that the current in the current path (2) magnetizes the core (18) so that the magnetic field direction in the gap (19) is perpendicular to the current direction in the contact bridge (9) so that, when the response threshold value of the current is exceeded, the contact bridge (9) is moved from its stable position to the other stable position due to the resulting Lorentz force.
  9. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the double contact points (10, 11) are provided with arc-quenching devices (20, 20a).
  10. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ends of the contact bridge (9) are split in the manner of forks, wherein each fork prong (9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) is fitted with a moving contact piece (8b, 8c, 8d, 8e).
  11. Current limiting system (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that a respective retaining device (13a, 13b) is present at each end of the contact bridge, wherein each of the retaining devices (13a, 13b) is coupled to the two fork-like end pieces (9b, 9c; 9d, 9e) of the contact bridge (9) which are associated with the said retaining devices.
  12. Current limiting unit comprising a current limiting system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current limiting unit has a housing in which the current limiting system is arranged.
  13. Current limiting unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that a mechanical or electrical movement checking apparatus for checking the movement of the contact bridge (9) is provided, the said movement checking apparatus driving an interruption contact and as a result being able to interrupt the current path (2) or being able to protect the short-circuit current limiter (1) against overloading.
  14. Arrangement of a plurality of current limiting units according to Claim 12, wherein the current limiting units are arranged physically parallel in relation to one another and a current limiting system (1) for a single phase is arranged in the housing of each current limiting unit.
  15. Installation switching device, in particular line circuit breaker, power breaker or motor circuit breaker, having at least a contact point, a thermal and/or magnetic release and a current limiting system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11.
EP20120005541 2011-08-02 2012-07-30 Electricity limiting system Not-in-force EP2555217B1 (en)

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CN103151191A (en) * 2013-03-02 2013-06-12 肖国选 Electrical quick-acting switch
US10153120B1 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-12-11 Abb Schweiz Ag Bypass switch comprising a movable member with a first conductive section and a second conductive section
CN107452549B (en) * 2016-05-31 2020-03-31 比亚迪股份有限公司 Relay with a movable contact
CN113208253B (en) * 2021-04-30 2023-12-19 深圳市中诺通讯有限公司 Protective sleeve and method for controlling digital product by same
CN113223901B (en) * 2021-05-06 2022-02-15 深圳瑞能电气设备有限公司 AC double-electric switching device capable of providing current-limiting protection when grounding current is too large

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DE3013233A1 (en) * 1979-04-03 1980-10-23 Torrix Levallois Ets SWITCHES, ESPECIALLY FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS OF A TRUCK
DE4334577C1 (en) 1993-10-11 1995-03-30 Kloeckner Moeller Gmbh Contact system for a current limiting unit
DE19614438A1 (en) 1996-04-12 1997-12-11 Abb Patent Gmbh Electrical installation switching device
DE10118746B4 (en) * 2001-04-17 2004-06-24 Siemens Ag Method for operating a switching device with a switchable current limiter and associated arrangement
EP2251887B1 (en) * 2009-05-15 2016-03-16 Abb Ag Electromagnetic trip device

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