EP2618358B1 - Release for an electric switching device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a switching device for an electric switching device, in particular an electric power switch, and a method for switching a switching device.

Switching devices for electrical switching devices, in particular electrical circuit breakers are basically for example from the WO 2010/112420 A1 known. They are used, for example, to protect line sections or circuits. The circuit breaker can also be designed as a molded case circuit breaker in the form of electrical switching devices. To ensure that the switching device is switched off in the event of short circuits or intensive power fluctuations, these are equipped with tripping devices. The tripping devices are used to detect short circuits at one or more poles and to perform a circuit of the switching device (switching off) accordingly. For this purpose, a trigger member is provided in known switching devices, which is movably mounted between a rest position and a release position. In the rest position, the trigger member is ready to perform a trip, so to speak. For example, if a short-circuit current is sensed at a pole, the trip member is moved to the trip position so that a shift mechanism may be initiated based on this movement. In this embodiment of known switching devices, for example, an electrical, a magnetic or a thermal transmission from the triggering member is used for transmitting the triggering information. It should be noted that often spring mechanisms are used, which can set the release force at a trigger member. It is in the monitoring of more than one pole, for example, in DC with two poles or three-phase with at least three poles, a variety of such spring elements necessary. However, make sure that the monitoring of at least two poles for all poles the same or substantially the same tripping force is set. In addition to the increased complexity because of a large number of individual spring elements, these spring elements must also be coordinated with each other with regard to their fine adjustment for the triggering forces.

A further disadvantage of known switching devices is that the forwarding of the release movement to a triggering mechanism, for example a switch of the switching unit, must additionally be done separately by each individual triggering member. Therefore, the complexity and cost of known switching devices are also significantly increased here.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the above disadvantages of known switching devices for electrical switching devices. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switching device for an electrical switching device and a method for switching a switching device are available, which allow in a cost effective and simple way to secure at least two poles.

The above object is achieved by a switching device with the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 11. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the switching device according to the invention apply, of course, also in connection with the inventive method and in each case vice versa, so that with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or may be.

A switching device according to the invention for an electrical switching device, in particular an electrical power switch, such as a molded case circuit breaker, is used for protection of at least two poles. Each pole is preferably associated with a phase of a circuit. If a DC network is monitored by the switching device, two poles are provided for these two phases, while in a three-phase network, for example, at least three poles are monitored for all three phases. In addition, a release member movably mounted between a rest position and a release position is provided for each pole. The movement of the trigger member can be carried out, for example, rotationally and / or translationally.

A switching device according to the invention is characterized in that a common frame movable between a biasing position and a switching position is provided for at least two triggering members. The switch frame is connected to frame portions of the at least two trigger members in force-transmitting active contact for the movement of the switching frame in the switching position upon movement of the trigger member in the release position. In addition, the switching frame has at least one spring element which is designed to apply force to the frame sections of the at least two triggering members in the direction of the rest position of the at least two triggering members. In other words, instead of a plurality of spring elements and a plurality of transmission components, a single spring element and single, common switching frame is used. This common switching frame serves to provide the necessary release force for all release members of a single spring element. Accordingly, in a switching device according to the invention, only a single spring element must be adjusted with respect to the applied force as a triggering force for all release members. If it is preferably, for example, a compression spring for the spring element, it can provide a defined release force for any number of release elements in particularly small tolerance ranges.

A switching device according to the invention thus basically works to the effect that the triggering movement of a single trigger member is sufficient to move the common switching frame entirely against the force of the spring element in its switching position. Thus, it is possible that regardless of the number of triggering movements, that is, regardless of the number of triggering trigger members, the switching frame moves against the spring. The spring element can therefore also be understood as a common spring element for all release members.

At the same time, the spring element serves to move the switch frame back to its biasing position. This return movement is effected by the spring force, which increases when moving into the switching position. In other words, not only the switching frame, but also indirectly moved via the switching frame and the respective tripped trigger member. When triggered by a plurality of trigger members of the switching frame accordingly also all other tripped release members in their rest position. This is preferably done immediately after triggering.

Thus, a plurality of poles can be secured in accordance with the invention so that a short circuit at one pole leads to tripping in accordance with the invention. Regardless of how many Poles at the same time a triggering has taken place, the transmission of the trigger command or the definition of the triggering force by a single common spring element or by a single common switching frame is provided. In addition to the reduction of the components and the reduction of the corresponding costs, a common adjustment of the release force for all trip members is thus particularly easy.

Under a force-transmitting active contact is preferably a detachable, touching contact to understand. In other words, the frame portion of the respective trigger member contacts a corresponding surface portion on the switching frame. In the event that only a single trigger member performs the movement of the switching frame in the switching position, that pushes the switching frame in the switching position, the non-triggering trigger member can remain in place. It thus dissolves this touching contact, so that the force-transmitting active connection is canceled. For this purpose, a corresponding freewheel is preferably provided in the switching frame, as will be explained later.

The switching frame is substantially freely movable, but preferably translationally movable. For this purpose, it is mounted on a housing part or other components of the switching device in a corresponding manner.

It may be preferred that in a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame in addition to the definition of the release force on the spring element, in its movement into the switching position and the transmission of the triggering command takes over. For this purpose, it can be equipped with further components or sections which can provide transmission of the triggering information in a mechanical or other manner.

The switching frame is preferably particularly lightweight and still brings the desired stability in mechanical terms. This can be achieved, for example, by a construction made of plastic, in particular by means of an injection molding process.

The tripping members may also be referred to as swivels or tripping swivels, and are each provided for a pole, which is also referred to as a switching unit. The individual frame sections are, so to speak, acted upon indirectly via the switching frame by the common spring element with force. So you can understand the switch frame so as a distributor for the application of force to the release members by the spring element.

A switching device according to the invention is preferably formed with an evaluation electronics for the trigger members. This can be done from an ON position in a particularly simple manner, even with currentless evaluation electronics in the event of a pole trip a movement of a switch of the switching device. In particular, the switch is moved directly or indirectly via the common switching frame from the ON position to an OFF position. In this way, in particular the problem is resolved that when using an evaluation electronics, this is initially too slow and then de-energized.

Another advantage is when, in a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame between the biasing position and the switching position is translationally movable and / or the trigger members between the rest position and the triggering position are rotatably movable. These two variants, in particular the combination of the two types of movement leads to a particularly simple and compact design. Since usually the individual poles are arranged side by side in a switching device, the rotational movement of the trigger member is used in each case to avoid overhanging the trigger member on the lateral extent of such a pole addition. Within the pole, enough space is available in a rotatory view to perform the corresponding rotational movement. The switch frame extends over all poles, so that it will often have a substantially elongated extent. To use a translational movement for this elongated extension reduces the necessary space for the switching frame and thus the design effort to produce the same on.

It is also advantageous if, in the case of a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame is mounted for movement between the pretensioning position and the switching position via pins which are translationally movable in guide openings. The storage is preferably carried out in other components the switching device, for example, housing components or the individual housings of the poles or the switching units. It is possible regardless of the type of storage readily kinematic reversal. Thus, the pins may be attached to the switching frame, which are mounted in guide openings of the individual polar units. Of course, it is also possible that pins are provided on the respective housing of the pole unit, which in turn engage in translational mobility in guide openings of the switching frame. Preferably, both the pins and the guide openings are integral with the respective corresponding component, in particular monolithic.

By a translational mobility is meant a movement substantially along an axis. There may be provided stops which define the end positions of the switch frame. These stops may be formed separately from the pins and the guide holes, and are particularly provided by an outer case. Thus, a simple assembly, since a geometric lock is automatically set by the outer housing, so that the pins without further additional fuses or the like can be inserted into the guide openings.

Under a pin is not necessarily an element with a round cross section to understand. Other cross-sections, such as elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, triangular or other cross-sectional shapes are conceivable within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, a pin according to the invention may also be referred to as a projection. The pins can be performed in the guide openings in a kind of slotted guide. This would represent a particularly advantageous embodiment of complex translational movements.

Another advantage can be achieved if, in a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame a Switching portion which is formed for actuating a switch for switching the switching device in the movement of the switching frame from the biasing position to the switching position. The switching section thus serves to fulfill a second functionality of the switching frame, namely to transmit the triggering command or the triggering information from the respective triggering element. The switch itself can in turn be designed in any way. It may be a magnetic switch, an electronic switch, a thermal switch or a switch acting in other ways. In particular, the switch has a triggering pawl, which comes into contact and is moved with the switching section of the switching frame as it moves into the switching position. In other words, the switching section is used to move due to its geometric displacement together with the switching frame such a release latch in an operative position.

It may be advantageous if in a switching device according to the invention, the switching section is at least partially formed as a slope, which includes an angle of less than 90 °, in particular between about 30 ° and about 60 ° to the direction of movement of the switching frame. This slope allows a particularly simple transmission of the trigger command. If the switching section moves in the direction of the switching position, this bevel will cause a corresponding triggering pawl to be displaced into another position. The displacement direction of the release latch is preferably formed at right angles or substantially at right angles to the direction of translation of the shift frame. The bevel with a setting in a range between about 30 ° and about 60 ° causes a particularly low frictional force and yet a sufficient displacement for the movement of the release latch of a switch is provided.

In the context of the present invention, it may be advantageous if in a switching device according to the invention the Spring element is designed as a compression spring, in particular in the form of a spiral spring. A compression spring, in particular in the form of a spiral spring, is particularly advantageous when required close tolerance ranges, since such a compression spring allows adjustment of the spring force with tight tolerances. However, other spring element types, such as tension springs, torsion springs or the like, are conceivable within the scope of the present invention. Also, a coil spring does not necessarily have to be used. Thus, it is possible that plastic components, such as elastomer components, are used for the spring element.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame has a surface with reduced sliding friction at least in sections, in particular at contact surfaces to the frame sections. This means that a reduced friction for the drive through the frame portion of the respective trigger member is provided for moving the switch frame itself. Since an additional force to overcome the frictional forces is required, thus reducing the possible force which can be given during the triggering process, ie during the release movement of the trigger members, on the switching frame, for example, to a switching section on. As a result, with a reduced friction according to the present invention, in this embodiment, the necessary spring force is reduced, and thus a smaller and less expensive spring element can be used. By reducing the sliding friction, moreover, the speed of movement of the switching frame is increased, so that the switching operation can be carried out in the desired manner particularly quickly. A reduced sliding friction can be achieved, for example, by surface treatment, in particular by reduced roughness. Alternatively, coatings are conceivable, for example, have a Teflon component. Also, the entire material of these surface sections or volume sections at the contact surfaces to the frame sections can be formed of a material with a corresponding Gleitanteil, such as Teflon.

A further advantage can be achieved if, in the case of a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame has an associated freewheeling area for each frame section, which is designed so that, when the triggering element moves into the triggering position, the non-triggering triggering elements remain in the rest position during movement of the switching frame. In other words, the release members, which do not trigger, not pulled in the event of triggering, or not dragged by the switch frame. This means that only the single releasing trigger member performs the movement of the switching frame and no additional co-movement of the other trigger members must be supported. By this clearance or freewheeling a displacement force or Mitschleppkraft for the remaining release members is prevented, so that in particular an increased speed or an increased switching force can be provided via the switching frame available. In other words, in a release member remaining in the rest position, the free-wheeling area for preventing a collision between the shift frame and the frame portion of the standing release member is formed upon movement of the shift frame to the shift position. This step of freewheeling can also be referred to as decoupling, since preferably the contact, ie the force-transmitting active contact, is released between such a frame section and the switching frame. Preferably, the freewheeling areas are designed in the form of a window.

It may be advantageous if, in the case of a switching device according to the invention, the force-transmitting active contact between the switching frame and the frame sections is in each case a releasable, contacting contact. This means that when a single triggering element is triggered individually in the case of the other triggering elements, this contacting contact is detachable and is released, so that in particular in correlation with the above described freewheeling areas entrainment of the non-triggering trigger members is avoided. It is also advantageous if, in a switching device according to the invention, the switching frame has openings and / or stiffeners. This leads to a reduction of weight and still sufficient rigidity of the switching frame. The reduction in weight reduces on the one hand the cost of materials and thus the cost and on the other hand increases the speed of the switching process. Preferably, the switching frame is designed in the form of a framework or truss.

The switching device according to the invention is designed such that the frame portion at least partially has an outer contour which is designed such that during the rotation of at least one trigger member in the release position of the switching frame is moved to the switching position and thereby the frame portion on this outer contour on the contact surface of the switching frame rolls. In particular, the rolling reduces the wear and the resulting friction, as is transferred from a sliding friction in a rolling friction. In addition to the reduced power loss due to the reduced friction so that the speed of switching is increased. The wear is reduced, so that a switching device according to the invention can remain longer and in particular maintenance-free in use.

Likewise provided by the present invention is a method for switching a switching device for the protection of at least two poles, wherein at least one trigger member for a pole with a frame portion is rotated from a rest position to a release position. Such a method is characterized in that on the rotating frame portion a common switching frame for at least two trigger members of a biasing position against the spring force of the spring element in a switching position and then is moved back into the biasing position by the application of spring force to the spring element. Thus, an inventive method describes the triggering situation of a switching device, as it is formed in particular in accordance with the invention. Such a method therefore brings with it the same advantages as have been explained in detail with reference to a switching device according to the invention. The spring force may also be referred to as a release force and is preferably substantially identical for all trip members.

A method according to the invention can be developed such that the switching frame actuates a switch for switching the switching device via a switching section when moving into the switching position. As a result, a dual functionality is also provided in accordance with the invention. In addition to the provision of the individual tripping members, a transmission of the tripping command can take place, which is transmitted, for example, with a tripping latch of a switch.

A method according to the invention can be developed by designing the switching device according to the present invention.

Figur 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltvorrichtung,

Figur 2

die Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 mit einem entfernten Schaltrahmen,

Figur 3

in rückseitiger Darstellung den Schaltrahmen mit den Auslösegliedern,

Figur 4

eine Draufsicht auf die Schaltvorrichtung wie sie in Fig. 1 dargestellt ist,

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Schaltvorrichtung mit angedeutetem Schalter.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. The terms "right" and "bottom" used herein refer to an alignment of the drawing figures with normally readable reference numerals. They show schematically:

FIG. 1

a first embodiment of a switching device according to the invention,

FIG. 2

the embodiment of the Fig. 1 with a remote switching frame,

FIG. 3

in the back view of the switch frame with the trigger members,

FIG. 4

a plan view of the switching device as shown in Fig. 1 is shown

FIG. 5

a perspective view of a switching device with indicated switch.

Elements with the same function and mode of action are in the Fig. 1 to 5 each provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1 It can be seen that in this embodiment, the switching device 10 is formed for three poles 100. For each pole 100, a switching unit 110 is provided. Each pole 100 is equipped with a trigger member 20a, 20b and 20c. All three trigger members 20a, 20b and 20c are rotatable between a release position A and a rest position R. Fig. 1 shows for all trip members 20a, 20b and 20c, the rest position R. In addition, each trigger member 20a, 20b and 20c, a frame portion 22 on. This is in detachable contacting operative contact with a switching frame 30. For this purpose, three windows are provided in the switching frame 30, which are significantly larger in terms of their geometric extent, as is the case on the respective frame portion 22. The enlarged windows can also be referred to as freewheel area 39 in part.

The following briefly describes how it works when triggered. The switching frame 30 has a spring element 32, which is supported against a housing of the switching device 10 or one of the switching units 110 of a pole 100. Thus, a force is applied in the direction of the rest position R of the individual trigger members 20a, 20b and 20c. For example, if the right trigger member 20c triggers, it becomes out of the rest position R, as in FIG Fig. 1 shown, rotated in the release position A clockwise. About the frame portion 22 is via a contact surface 31 of the Switch frame 30 in Fig. 1 moved to the right. Due to the freewheeling regions 39 in the remaining windows of the two other poles 100 of the switching frame 30, a co-movement of the two further triggering members 20a and 20b is avoided. Rather, these run into the freewheeling area 39 without colliding with the switching frame 30. During the movement of the shift frame 30 to the right into its shift position S, force is stored in the spring element 32 or introduced into the spring element 32.

During this translational movement, the switch frame 30 is guided over pins 34 that are substantially integral with the switch frame 30. They are mounted translationally movable in guide openings 36, which in turn are arranged on the respective switching unit 110.

The switching frame 30 is also provided with openings 35 and stiffening ribs 33 in order to provide the desired rigidity with the lowest possible cost of materials available.

In the Fig. 1 . 3 . 4 and 5 In addition, it can be seen that the switching frame 30 additionally has a switching section 38. This is designed as an inclined plane or oblique surface which is formed at an angle of approximately 45 ° to the direction of the translational movement of the switching frame 30. In addition, like that Fig. 5 shows, a switch 40 is provided, which is about a tripping pawl in touching mechanical contact with the switching section 38 and can be brought. In Fig. 5 It can be seen that when the switch frame 30 moves to the right, the inclined surface of the switching portion 38, the pawl of the switch 40 moves to the bottom right. This is equivalent to a triggering movement which, for example, performs a switching operation for all or even one pole in a magnetic or thermal or otherwise selective manner. If a trigger signal is received, and this following the respective trigger member rotates, so regardless of whether one, two or all poles experienced such a trigger situation, a common triggering via the common switching frame 30 done.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention only in the context of examples. Of course, individual features, if technically feasible, can be combined freely with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention.

reference numeral

10

switching device

20a

trigger member

20b

trigger member

20c

trigger member

22

frame section

30

Schaltrahmen

31

Contact surface to the frame section

32

spring element

33

stiffening rib

34

pen

35

breakthrough

36

guide opening

38

switching section

39

Freewheel area

40

switch

42

gear lever

100

pole

110

Switching unit for a pole

R

rest position

A

firing position

V

head position

S

switch position

Claims (12)

1. Switching apparatus (10) for an electrical switching device, in particular an electrical circuit breaker, for safeguarding at least two poles (100), having a tripping element (20a, 20b, 20c) supported moveably between a rest position (R) and a tripping position (A) for each pole (100), having a common switching frame (30) which can be moved between a pre-tension position (V) and a switching position (S) for at least two tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c), which are actively connected for force transmission to frame sections (22) of the at least two tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c) for the movement of the switching frame (30) into the switching position (S) upon movement of the tripping element (20a, 20b, 20c) into the tripping position (A), and which has at least one spring element (32), which is embodied to apply force to the frame sections (22) of the at least two tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c) in the direction of the rest position (R) of the at least two tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c),
   characterised in that
   the frame section (22) has an outer contour at least in sections, which is embodied such that, upon rotation of at least one tripping element (20a, 20b, 20c) into the tripping position (A), the switching frame (30) is moved into the switching position (S) and in this way rolls on the contact surface (31) of the switching frame (30).
2. Switching apparatus (10) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the switching frame (30) can be moved in a translational manner between the pre-tension position (V) and the switching position (S) and/or the tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c) can be moved in a rotational manner between the rest position (R) and the tripping position (A).
3. Switching apparatus (10) according to claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the switching frame (30) can be supported by way of pins (34), which can be moved in a translational manner in guide openings (36), for movement between the pre-tension position (V) and the switching position (S).
4. Switching apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the switching frame (30) has a switching section (38), which is embodied to actuate a switch (40) for switching the switching apparatus (10) when the switching frame (30) is moved from the pre-tension position (V) into the switching position (S).
5. Switching apparatus (10) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the switching section (38) is embodied as a bevel at least in sections, which, for the movement direction of the switching frame (30), makes an angle of less than 90°, in particular between around 30° and around 60°.
6. Switching apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the spring element (32) is embodied as a compression spring, in particular in the form of a coil spring.
7. Switching apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the switching frame (30) has a surface with reduced sliding friction, at least in sections, in particular at contact surfaces (31) with the frame sections (22).
8. Switching apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   for each frame section (22) the switching frame (30) has an associated freewheel area (39), which is embodied such that when a tripping element (20a, 20b, 20c) is moved into the tripping position (A), the untripped tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c) remain in the rest position (R) upon movement of the switching frame (30).
9. Switching apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the force-transmitting active contact between the switching frame (30) and the frame sections (22) is a detachable, contiguous contact in each instance.
10. Switching apparatus (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the switching frame (30) has openings (35) and/or reinforcement ribs (33).
11. Method for switching a switching apparatus (10) for safeguarding at least two poles (100), wherein at least one tripping element (20a, 20b, 20c) for a pole (100) is rotated with a frame section (22) from a rest position (R) into a tripping position (A), wherein a common switching frame (30) for at least two tripping elements (20a, 20b, 20c) is moved via the rotated frame section (22) from a pre-tension position (V) against the spring force of a spring element (32) into a switching position (S) and then back into the pre-tension position (V) again by applying spring force to the spring element (32),
    characterised in that
    it is implemented for a switching apparatus (10) having the features of one of claims 1 to 10.
12. Method according to claim 11,
    characterised in that
    the switching frame (30) actuates a switch (40) for switching the switching apparatus (10) by way of a switching section (38) upon movement into the switching position (S).

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