EP2747108B1 - Switching device suitable for direct current operation - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switching device suitable for a DC operation which at least a first current path and a second current path, each having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminals to a first side of the switching device and the second terminals to a second side of the switching device are arranged. At least one contact pair is provided per current path, which has a first contact and a second contact, wherein at least the second contact is arranged on a contact piece that is movable to the first contact, and the two contacts are in contact with one another in the switched-on state of the switching apparatus. At least one extinguishing device is provided per contact pair for extinguishing an arc occurring between the contacts.

Such a switching device is from the EP 2 061 053 A2 known. To provide a switching device for DC applications there is proposed to use the housing of a switching device for AC applications, wherein additionally at least one magnet is provided which has a magnetic field with substantially transverse to the separation paths of the current paths of the AC switching device field lines. In the housing, three receiving areas are provided for each one flow path, wherein each current path is associated with a movable switching contact element and two opposing fixed switching contact elements. In this case, the three movable switching contact elements are jointly movable between a closed position, which corresponds to the switched-on state of the switching device, and an open position, which corresponds to a switched-off state of the switching device. The individual current paths are each associated with two arc quenching devices, which are each in the form of individual stacked, electrically insulated from each other quenching plates are formed. In addition, each current path has two separating sections which, when the movable switching contact elements are open, form between the ends thereof and the first and second stationary switching contact elements assigned to these ends. When opening the switching contact elements forms an arc along the separation sections, which with Help the arc extinguishing equipment can be deleted. In DC applications, since erasure of an arc can not be achieved due to current zero crossing, as in AC applications, DC applications require the provision of a magnetic field which drives the arc into one of the arc extinguishing devices. This magnetic field is formed by permanent magnets, wherein a magnetic field is built up with field lines in an orientation which extend transversely to the separation lines and generate a Lorenz force on these arcs forming parting lines, which drives the arcs in the direction of one of the arc extinguishing devices. In this case, an arc is driven between a first contact pair in the direction of a first arc quenching device and the arc between a second contact pair in a second arc quenching device. Since the movement of the arcs depends on the current direction, the switching device is suitable only for one direction of current, ie polarity. If the switching device were also operated in a reverse current direction, the arcs would not be driven into the arc extinguishing devices, but in the opposite direction to a switching bridge. Even if one reversed the magnetic polarity of one of the arc extinguishing devices, one of the arcs would always run in the direction of the switching bridge, which would result in a reduced service life, since the switching bridge or other components would be permanently damaged or even destroyed.

The EP 0 789 372 B1 also shows a switching device of the type mentioned. A fixed contact is in this case provided with a fixed sheet traveler, which is designed circular arc. On a movable contact, a movable sheet traveler is provided, which can form an arc between the two bow travelers, which is moved via the arc runner assembly depending on the direction of current in different directions. Depending on the current direction of the arc, the latter is deflected about a center either in a first direction of rotation or in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, wherein the center corresponds to the center of the stationary sheet traveler. An arc having a first current direction is directed into a first arcuate channel and an arc having a second current direction opposite to the first current direction is directed into a second arcuate channel. The two Bogenläuferkanäle extend around the center around and are separated by an insulating wall, juxtaposed. The bowler channels are each Part of an extinguishing device for extinguishing the arc. The extinguishing devices further comprise quenching plates, which are arranged radially with respect to the stationary sheet traveler. The quenching plates are arranged such that they cover both Bogenläuferkanäle and thus are part of both extinguishing devices.

Object of the present invention is to provide a switching device that can be operated independently of polarity and is as simple as possible.

The object is achieved by a switching device suitable for a DC operation, which at least a first current path and a second current path, each having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminals to a first side of the switching device and the second terminals to a second Side of the switching device are arranged comprises. At least one contact pair is provided per current path, which has a first contact and a second contact, wherein at least the second contact is arranged on a contact piece that is movable to the first contact, and the two contacts are in contact with one another in the switched-on state of the switching apparatus. At least one extinguishing device is provided per contact pair for extinguishing an arc occurring between the contacts. The erasing means of the two current paths are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the first terminals to the second terminals and at least partially in overlap with each other.

An advantage of this arrangement is that a very compact design of the switching device is achieved by the successive arranging the Löscheinrichtungen the two current paths and by the overlap or overlap in the direction between the first terminals and the second terminals. In many applications, the supply connections are on one side of the switchgear and the outgoing connections are on the other side of the switchgear. The first connections and the second connections are therefore on opposite sides. Usually, therefore, the erasing means of two current paths, based on the direction between the first terminals and the second terminals, side by side, so that a relatively wide design of a switching device is required. In particular, when the erasing devices are arranged such that the arcs, starting from the contact pairs in a direction transverse to the respective current path, are driven into extinguishing chambers be, successively arranging the extinguishing equipment has a positive effect on the external dimensions of the switching device. In such an arrangement, in which the arcs are driven transversely to the course of the current paths in the extinguishing device, the extinguishing devices relative to the width of the individual switching path are relatively wide and would therefore result in an arrangement side by side to significantly larger dimensions of the switching device. Here, the arrangement behind one another and at least partially in overlap with each other is particularly positive. The current paths are preferably arranged approximately parallel to one another, wherein the first side of the switching device is arranged away from the second side of the switching device.

Basically, in a preferred embodiment, each extinguishing device has exactly one extinguishing chamber, wherein an arc with a first current direction in a first direction in the said quenching chamber and an arc with a second current direction in a second direction in said quenching chamber is passed. Thus, each arc, regardless of its current direction, directed in the same deletion device. Thus, no two separate extinguishing devices or extinguishing chambers are required, which also has a positive effect on the required space. Here, the quenching chamber is preferably arranged on one side of one of the two contacts of a contact pair, which faces away from the respective other contact. In a movable contact and a fixed contact, the quenching chamber is preferably located on the side facing away from the fixed contact side of the movable contact.

For guiding the arcs, a first arc guide arrangement and a second arc guide arrangement are provided per extinguishing device, by means of which an arc occurring between the contacts of a contact pair is conducted into the extinguishing chamber of the respective extinguishing device of the contact pair for extinguishing the arc.

The first arc guide arrangement can in this case be arranged such that an arc is deflected with a first current direction in a first direction of rotation and conducted to the quenching chamber. A second arc guide arrangement may be designed such that an arc with a second current direction is deflected in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation and conducted to the quenching chamber.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the quenching chamber is formed as a deion-quenching chamber with a plurality of mutually electrically isolated, mutually parallel quenching plates. The arc guide assemblies each include a first baffle and a second baffle, the first two baffles extending in opposite directions from the first contact. The first two baffles take the extinguishing device between them. The quenching plates are preferably aligned parallel to the direction of movement of the bridge switching piece. In addition, the quenching plates are aligned parallel to the respective current path.

In order to drive an arc into the respective extinguishing device, at least one arc runner arrangement can be provided, which generates a magnetic field for generating a Lorenz force on the arc, at least in the area of the contact pairs.

In order to arrange the extinguishing devices as simple as possible in relation to the direction between the first terminals and the second terminals, the first current path and the second current path are designed such that the contact pairs of the two current paths with respect to the direction between the first terminals and the second Terminals are arranged one behind the other.

Two contact pairs can be provided per current path, each of which forms a double-interrupting switching arrangement with a first contact and a second contact, the second contacts being arranged on a bridge contact piece that is movable relative to the first contacts and electrically connects the two second contacts to one another.

In order to ensure the simplest possible arrangement of the extinguishing device in a row in such an arrangement, it is preferably provided that the first current path and the second current path each have two contact carriers carrying the first contacts. The contact carriers of the first current path are in this case arranged to extend in the direction of the second current path and the contact carriers of the second current path are arranged to extend in the direction of the first current path.

Preferably, the contact pairs of the first current path and the contact pairs of the second flow path all be arranged on a common axis, so that the extinguishing devices can be arranged completely overlapping one behind the other.

Preferably, the arc runner assembly includes an outer pole member and an inner pole member. Both pole elements are designed as U-shaped profiles, each with a base web and two of the base web projecting pole plates. The inner pole element is arranged within the outer pole element, wherein at least one permanent magnet is arranged between the base webs of the two pole elements. Between each of a pole plate of the outer pole member and a pole plate of the inner pole member, a contact pair is arranged.

Figur 1

einen perspektivischen Längsschnitt durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Schaltgerät,

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Strombahnen gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 3

einen Querschnitt durch eine der Schaltkammern des Schaltgeräts entlang der Schnittlinie III - III gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Darstellung der zweiten Strombahn gemäß Figur 2 mit Lichtbogenleitanordnungen;

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Brückenschaltstücks gemäß Figur 2 mit Lichtbogenleitanordnung und

Figur 6

eine Lichtbogentreiberanordnung des Schaltgeräts gemäß Figur 1.

A preferred embodiment is explained below with reference to the figures. Herein show:

FIG. 1

a perspective longitudinal section through an inventive switching device,

FIG. 2

a perspective view of the current paths according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

a cross section through one of the switching chambers of the switching device along the section line III - III according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4

a perspective view of the second flow path according to FIG. 2 with arc guiding arrangements;

FIG. 5

a perspective view of a bridge switching piece according to FIG. 2 with arc guide and

FIG. 6

an arc runner arrangement of the switching device according to FIG. 1 ,

The electrical switching device 1 comprises a total of two poles, ie two current paths, namely a first current path 2 and a second current path 3. In principle, however, more than two current paths can be provided, preferably two pairs of current paths, as described below, are provided. The two current paths 2, 3 are each with a switching arrangement, as explained in more detail below, and thus can be electrically interrupted. The two current paths 2, 3 can each be integrated into a DC circuit and serve to interrupt a current flow.

FIG. 1 shows here the switching device 1 with a housing 6 and the therein current paths 2, 3. Die FIG. 2 , which together with the following FIG. 1 is described, shows only the two current paths 2, 3rd

The switching device 1 comprises a housing 6, in which the switch arrangement are received as explained below. The current paths 2, 3 run side by side from a first side 16 of the switching device 1 to a second side 17 of the switching device 1. The first current path 2 comprises a first terminal 4 and a second terminal 5 for connecting the first current path 2 with terminals of a DC circuit. The two terminals 4, 5 are located on opposite sides of the switching device 1 and protrude out of the housing 6. Accordingly, the second current path 3 has a first connection 4 'and a second connection 5', wherein the first connection 4 'is arranged on the same side as the first connection 4 of the first flow path 2. The second connection 5' of the second flow path 3 is arranged on the same side as the second terminal 5 of the first current path 2. In the following, representative of both current paths 2, 3, the first current path 2 described in more detail, wherein the second current path 3 is identical, unless otherwise explained.

The first terminal 4 leads to a first contact pair 7, which is arranged in a first switching chamber 13 of the housing 6. The second connection 5 leads to a second contact pair 8, which is arranged in a second switching chamber 14 of the housing 6. The two switching chambers 13, 14 are electrically insulated from each other in the housing 6 and arranged in a direction from the first terminal 4 to the second terminal 5 one behind the other and in register with each other. The first terminal 4 is electrically connected to a contact carrier in the form of a fixedly held fixed contact carrier 11, on which a first contact 9 of the first contact pair 7 is arranged. To the first contact 9, a second contact 18 is movably arranged. The second contact 18 is in the in FIGS. 1 and 2 shown representations vertically adjustable. The second contact 18 is provided on an electrically conductive contact carrier in the form of a bridge contact piece 15, which via a switching bridge 20 is adjustable. In an on state, the first contact 9 and the second contact 18 are held in contact with each other. In one in the FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrated off state, the first contact 9 and the second contact 18 are kept out of contact with each other.

The second terminal 5 leads to a first contact 10 of the second contact pair 8, which is arranged on a further contact carrier in the form of a stationary held fixed contact carrier 12. To the first contact 10 of the second contact pair 8, a second contact 19 is movably held, which is also arranged on the bridge contact piece 15 and is electrically connected to the second contact 18 of the first contact pair 7. Thus, both pairs of contacts 7, 8 are opened or closed during an adjustment of the bridge contact piece 15.

The fixed contact carriers 11, 12 of both current paths 2, 3 are arranged such that the first contacts (fixed contacts) are arranged on a common axis, wherein the axis is parallel to a main extension direction of the two current paths 2, 3.
When transferring the switching bridge 20 into an open position, arcs can form between the contacts 9, 18, 10, 19, which must be extinguished. For this purpose, an erasing device 21, 22 is provided on the side of the first contact 9, 10 facing away from the respective second contact 18, 19, wherein the two erasing devices 21, 22 of the two contact pairs 7, 8 are constructed identically. In this case, a first erasure device 21 is assigned to the first contact pair 7 and a second erasure device 22 to the second contact pair 8. Both extinguishing devices each comprise extinguishing plates 23, which are arranged electrically isolated from each other in parallel to each other and are themselves electrically conductive. They thus form a Deion-quenching chamber.

In order to be able to move arcs that form between the first contacts 9, 10 and the second contacts 18, 19 in the direction of the erasers 21, 22, an arc runner arrangement 24 (FIG. FIG. 6 ) intended. The arc runner arrangement 24 comprises an outer pole element 25 and an inner pole element 26. The two pole elements 25, 26 each have a base web 27, 28, protruding from each of which a first pole plate 29, 30 and a second pole plate 31, 32, the two Pole plates 29, 39, 31, 32 of a pole element 25, 26 parallel to each other. The inner pole member 26 is in his Dimensions smaller than the outer pole member 25, so that the inner pole member 26 can be disposed within the outer pole member 25. Here, all the pole plates 29, 30, 31, 32 of the two pole elements 25, 26 are arranged parallel to and spaced from each other. Between the two base webs 27, 28 of the two pole elements 25, 26, a distance is likewise provided, wherein a permanent magnet 33 is arranged between the two base webs 27, 28. Between the two first pole plates 29, 30, the first contact pair 7 and between the two second pole plates 31, 32, the second contact pair 8 is arranged. Between the first pole plate 30 and the second pole plate 32 of the inner pole member 26, the switching bridge 20 is arranged.

The exact structure can also be the FIG. 6 be removed. It can be seen that in the base web 27 of the outer pole member 25, a plurality of openings 34 is provided. These serve to receive blow-out channels 35 of an insulating element 36. The insulating member 36 isolates the two switching chambers 13, 14 from each other, wherein the Ausblaskanäle 35 serve to blow out arc gases from the switching chambers 13, 14 to the outside.

The individual pole plates 29, 30, 31, 32 are arranged transversely to the current paths 2, 3 and cause a Lorentz force on an arc, which forms between the contacts 9, 10, 18, 19, so that the arc in the extinguishing device 21, 22 can be driven.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the first switching chamber 13. It can be seen that for directing an arc, which forms between the first contact 9 and the second contact 18, a first arc guide device 37 and a second arc guide device 38 are provided. The first arc guiding device 37 serves to guide an arc with a first current direction into the first erasing device 21. The second arc guiding device 38 serves to guide an arc with a second current direction into the first erasing device 21. Because of the magnetic field forming homogeneously between the first pole plates 29, 30, with field lines from one of the first pole plates 29 to the other of the first pole plates 30, they stand Magnetic field lines perpendicular to the arc, so that a Lorenz force is applied to this, which expels the arc laterally from the first pair of contacts 7. Depending on the current direction of the arc is then according to FIG. 3 driven to the left or to the right. Will the arc according to FIG. 3 driven to the left, the first Lichtbogenleiteinrichtung 37 serves to conduct the arc. If the arc according to FIG. 3 Driven to the right, the second arc guide device 38 is used to guide the arc. Both arc guiding devices 37, 38 each have a first guide plate 39, 40 and a second guide plate 41, 42, between which the arc is formed further. The first baffles 39, 40 are connected to the first fixed contact carrier 11 ( FIG. 4 ). The second guide plates 41, 42 are connected to the bridge contact piece 15, wherein the second guide plates 41, 42 are formed integrally with the bridge contact piece 15 ( FIG. 5 ).

The first guide plate 39 of the first arc guide device 37 extends in FIG. 3 first to the left and then 90 ° deflected upward, wherein the distance between the first guide plate 39 and the second guide plate 41 increases successively. The arc is therefore formed between these two baffles 39, 41 further and is driven by the first pair of contacts 7 in a first direction of flow to the left and then upwards. In the further course of the arc is at the side facing away from the first contact 9 back of the bridge contact piece 15 along, wherein the arc is successively driven into the gaps between the individual quenching plates 23. At the top of the first switching chamber 13, the Ausblaskanäle 35 are then provided to blow out the arc gases from the housing 6.

The second arc guide device 38 is constructed mirror-symmetrically identical.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

switchgear

2

first current path

3

second current path

4,4 '

first connection

5.5 '

second connection

6

casing

7, 7 '

first contact pair

8, 8 '

second contact pair

9, 9 '

first contact

10, 10 '

first contact

11, 11 '

Fixed contact carrier

12, 12 '

Fixed contact carrier

13, 13 '

first switching chamber

14, 14 '

second switching chamber

15, 15 '

Bridging contact member

16

first page

17

second page

18, 18 '

second contact

19, 19 '

second contact

20.20 '

jumper

21, 21 '

first extinguishing device

22, 22 '

second extinguishing device

23

splitters

24, 24 '

first arc driver assembly

25.25 '

outer pole element

26, 26 '

inner pole element

27

base web

28

base web

29

first pole plate

30

first pole plate

31

second pole plate

32

second pole plate

33

permanent magnet

34

breakthrough

35

blow-out

36

insulating

37

first arc guiding device

38

second arc guiding device

39

first baffle

40

first baffle

41

second baffle

42

second baffle

43

Contact support element

44

vane element

Claims (10)

1. Switching device (1) suitable for direct current operation, comprising at least one first current path (2) and one second current path (3), the first and second current paths each comprising a respective first connection (4, 4') and a respective second connection (5, 5'), wherein the first connections (4, 4') are arranged on a first side of the switching device (1) and the second connections (5, 5') are arranged on a second side of the switching device (1), each current path (2, 3) comprises at least one contact pair (7, 7', 8, 8') having a first contact (9, 9', 10, 10') and a second contact (18, 18', 19, 19'), wherein at least the second contact (18, 18', 19, 19') is arranged on a contact member (15, 15') which is moveable with respect to the first contact (9, 9', 10, 10'), and wherein, in a switched-on status of the switching device (1), both contacts (9, 9', 10, 10', 18, 18', 19, 19') are in contact with each other, for each contact pair (7, 7', 8, 8') at least one extinguishing device (21, 21', 22, 22') to extinguish an arc forming between the contacts (9, 9', 10, 10', 18, 18', 19, 19'), characterised in that the extinguishing devices (21, 21', 22, 22') of both current paths (2, 3) are arranged in a direction from the first connections (4, 4') to the second connections (5, 5') behind one another and at least partly covering each other.
2. Switching device according to claim 1, characterised in that the extinguishing devices (21, 21', 22, 22') each comprise at least one extinguishing chamber and are arranged such that arcs emanating from the contact pairs (7, 7', 8, 8') are driven into one of the extinguishing chambers in a direction transverse to the current path.
3. Switching device according to claim 2, characterised in that each extinguishing device (21, 21', 22, 22') comprises only one extinguishing chamber, wherein an arc with a first direction of current is guided into the said extinguishing chamber in a first direction, and an arc with a second direction of current is guided into the said extinguishing chamber in a second direction.
4. Switching device according to any of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that each extinguishing device (21, 21', 22, 22') comprises a first arc guiding arrangement (37) and a second arc guiding arrangement (38), wherein the arc guiding arrangements are configured to guide an arc emanating between the contacts of a contact pair (7, 7', 8, 8') into the extinguishing chamber of the respective extinguishing device (21, 21', 22, 22') of the contact pair (7, 7', 8, 8').
5. Switching device according to claim 4, characterised in that the first arc guiding arrangement (37) is arranged such that an arc with a first direction of current is diverted in a first direction of rotation and guided into the extinguishing chamber, and the second arc guiding arrangement (38) is arranged such that an arc with a second direction of current is diverted in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation and guided into the extinguishing chamber.
6. Switching device according to any of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the extinguishing chambers are configured as deion-extinguishing chambers with a plurality of extinguishing plates (23) electrically insulated from each other and arranged parallel to each other, and the arc guiding arrangements (37, 38) each comprise a first guide plate (39, 40) and a second guide plate (41, 42), wherein the two first guide plates (39, 40) originating from the first contact (7, 7', 8, 8') run in opposite directions, and the two first guide plates (39, 40) take up the extinguishing chamber between them.
7. Switching device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first current path (2) and the second current path (3) are configured such that the contact pairs (9, 9', 10, 10') of the two current paths (2, 3) relative to the direction between the first contacts (4, 4') and the second contacts (5, 5') are arranged behind one another.
8. Switching device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that two contact pairs (7, 7', 8, 8') are provided for each current path (2, 3), the two contact pairs forming a double interrupting switching arrangement with a first contact (9, 9', 10, 10') and a second contact (18, 18', 19, 19'), wherein the second contacts (18, 18', 19, 19') are arranged on a respective bridging contact member (15, 15'), which is movable to the first contacts (9, 9', 10, 10') and electrically connects the two second contacts (18, 18', 19, 19') with each other, and the contact pairs (7, 8) of the first current path (2) and the contact pairs (7', 8') of the second current path (3) are arranged on a common axis.
9. Switching device according to claim 8, characterised in that the first current path (2) and the second current path (3) each comprise two contact supports (11, 11', 12, 12') carrying the first contacts (9, 9', 10, 10'), wherein the contact supports (11, 12) of the first current path (2) run in the direction of the second current path (3), and wherein the contact supports (11', 12') of the second current path (3) run in the direction of the first current path (2).
10. Switching device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one arc driver assembly (24, 24') is provided which is configured to create a magnetic field at least in the region of the contact pairs (7, 7', 8, 8'), the arc driver assembly (24, 24') comprises an outer pole element (25, 25') and an inner pole element (26, 26'), wherein both pole elements (25, 25', 26, 26') are configured as U-shaped profiles with a base bridge (27, 28) and two pole plates (29, 30, 31, 32) protruding from the base bridge (27, 28), the inner pole element (26, 26') is arranged within the outer pole element (25, 25'), wherein at least one permanent magnet (33) is arranged between the base bridges (27, 28) of the two pole elements (25, 25', 26, 26'), and a contact pair (7, 7', 8, 8') is provided between a pole plate (29, 30, 31, 32) of the outer pole element (25, 25') and a pole plate (29, 30, 31, 32) of the inner pole element (26, 26').

Images