EP2854152B1 - Switching device with a mechanism for rapid activation - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switching device having a device for sudden switching with an actuating mechanism which has an actuating element and is operatively connected via a transmission mechanism with a switch lock, which operates a shift lever via a further transmission mechanism, and with a contact arrangement comprising a fixed contact piece with contacts has, which is opposite lying to a movable contact piece with contacts, which is guided in a contact slide.

Switching devices, in particular circuit breakers, serve, among other things, the safe switching off in the event of a short circuit and thereby protect consumer installations. Furthermore, electrical or mechanical switching units are suitable for the operational manual switching of consumers as well as for the safe disconnection of a system from the mains during maintenance work or when changing the system. Electrical switching units are often operated electromagnetically.

That is, such switching units are high-quality electrical switching devices with integrated protection for motors, lines, transformers and generators. They are used more closely at workstations with a lower switching frequency. Such switching units are suitable in addition to the short circuit protection for overload protection.

In the case of a short circuit, an electrical switching unit switches off an electrical system safely. Thus, this provides a protection against overload. Every conductor through which electricity flows heats up more or less. The heating depends on the ratio of the current to the conductor cross-section, the so-called current density. The current density must not be too large, otherwise by too high Heating may contaminate the conductor insulation or possibly cause a fire. To protect electrical equipment against these damaging effects, switching units are used as overcurrent protective devices.

Circuit breakers have two separate release mechanisms for overload and short-circuit protection. Both triggers are connected in series. Short-circuit protection is provided by an electromagnetic release that acts almost instantaneously. In the event of a short circuit, the electromagnetic release unlocks without delay a circuit breaker of the circuit breaker. A switching armature disconnects the contactor before the short-circuit current can reach its maximum value.

Known switching units have a contact slide unit with a contact slide and a movable contact piece. The movable contact piece also has electrical contacts. Furthermore, such switching units have first contacts to a power line. In an on state, the electrical contacts of the movable contact piece contact the fixed contacts of the switching unit. In the event of a short circuit, the electrical contacts of the movable contact piece are released from the fixed contacts, so that the flow of current is interrupted. Here, the movable contact is released from the fixed contacts.

In addition to their protective functions as overload and short-circuit releases, as already mentioned above, circuit breakers also fulfill the normative switching on and off of motors. To prove this function, the circuit-breakers must be able to switch on ten times the rated motor current according to the product standard. In order to be able to guarantee this limit load, it is necessary for the circuit breaker to close the double interruption of the three current paths in the form of a movable bridge with two contact points and two fixed contact points, almost simultaneously and in a step function.

To realize this function is released via a hand-operated mechanism, in the form of an actuating element, a switching mechanism and an actuating chain, the contact device of contact slide and a movable bridge. The release takes place by a so-called quick turn-on. The three contact systems are released by a mechanism only after the switch lock has already been turned on. Now, the spring-loaded in the form of a contact load spring determines the kinematics of the contact system when switching.

After striking the bridges on the Festschaltstücken the contact slide accelerates until it is reflected at a stop. The reflection and the resulting kinetic energy of the contact slide reopen the contact system. This can lead to welds with a simultaneously increased current in this current path.

To go from the EP 2 518 753 A1 , of the FR 2 717 617 A1 and the US 2055/061648 A1 Switching devices having a means for sudden switching forth, having an actuating mechanism and a contact arrangement, wherein the means for sudden switching comprises a blocking element which holds the contact arrangement of movable and fixed contact in an open-holding position and the quick-closing the blockade via the shift lever of the shift lever is canceled, so that the contacts of the movable contact piece abruptly land on the contacts of the fixed contact piece.

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a switching device with a device for sudden switching, which avoids a contact lift with possible contact welding.

This object is achieved by a switching device with the features of claim 1. Further embodiments The invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a switching device with a device for sudden switching, which has an actuating mechanism which has an actuating element and is operatively connected via a transmission mechanism with a switching mechanism, which operates a shift lever via a further transmission mechanism, and has a contact arrangement which a fixed contact having contacts, which is arranged opposite to a movable contact with contacts, which in a Contact slide is guided. The invention further provides that the device for sudden switching has a blocking element which holds the contact arrangement of movable and fixed contact pieces in an open-holding position and reverses the blocking of the shift lever at a quick turn on, so that the contacts of the movable contact piece jumped land on the contacts of the fixed contact piece, wherein the blocking element is designed as a blocking pin.

The essence of the invention is that in a preferably three-pole switching device, a finger-shaped lever holds the three contact devices of fixed and movable contact pieces directly by an additional part, according to the invention here by a blocking element in the open position, wherein the blocking element of a Schalthebelbetätigungsstelle extends toward the actuator. In the simplest case, this blocking element is preferably a cylindrical or rectangular, rod-shaped blocking pin, which holds the shift lever in the open position and is supported on a bearing in the housing corresponding counter bearing.

In a quick turn this preferably spring-loaded counter bearing is pivoted away. The blocking element according to the invention slips into a recess, so that the blockage of the shift lever is released. Acting contact load springs can push the movable contact in the on position. The counterpart part is actuated directly by the device control unit. This results in a short power flow chain, which extends the life of the entire power transmission chain via the switch lock. Incidentally, due to the short tolerance chain via the blocking element, a contact detention path which can be determined relatively precisely beforehand results from which the movable contact piece is closed in the on position. Short contact open lines reduce the risk of harmful contact bouncers.

According to the invention, it is provided that the blocking element is designed as a blocking pin. Preferably, this blocking pin according to the invention can be arranged laterally next to the short-circuit release, so that the space between the short-circuit release and switching mechanism is optimally utilized.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the concept may be provided that the blocking element is formed between a shift lever operating point at which the blocking element acts on the shift lever, and an abutment. This arrangement of the blocking element also allows a training between short-circuit release and switching mechanism, so that in this embodiment, the space between the short-circuit release and switching mechanism is optimally used.

Preferably, it can be provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the abutment is spring-loaded. According to this embodiment of the invention, it is provided that, when the switching device is switched on quickly, this spring-loaded counter bearing is pivoted away, as a result of which the blocking element slides in a recess of the counter bearing and the blockage of the shift lever is released. In the further course then the acting contact load springs can push the movable contact suddenly in the on position.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the counter bearing is designed such that it can be pivoted away during a quick turn-on. In this case, the blocking element according to the invention slides in a recess of the thrust bearing, whereby the blockage of the shift lever is released. This leads to the further course that the acting contact load springs press the movable contact suddenly in the on position.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the counter-bearing is formed in direct operative connection to the actuating element of the actuating mechanism. This results in the shortest possible contact flux chain, whereby the life of the entire power transmission chain is extended through the switching mechanism. Moreover, due to the short tolerance chain on the blocking element results in a relatively accurately predictable Kontaktoffenhaltestrecke from which the movable contact piece is thrown in the on position. This short contact lightening range reduces the risk of harmful contact bouncers.

In addition, it can be provided according to an embodiment of the present invention that the anvil has a recess into which the blocking element slips during a quick turn on. This action releases the blockage of the shift lever and allows the movable contact to be jumped to an on position.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the blocking element is cylindrical or rod-shaped with a rectangular cross-section. These embodiments of the blocking element allow the blocking element between the short-circuit release and switching mechanism can be arranged so that the space between these two units is optimally used.

It also corresponds to the invention that the switching device is preferably a circuit breaker.

The invention is characterized in that a direct operative connection between the shift lever, counter bearing part and releasing device control unit is produced by using a blocking element. The blocking element is for this purpose passed directly next to the short-circuit release coil of the current release, preferably in the middle device pole chamber and in the simplest form as an elongated cylindrical Standard part pronounced. This advantageous embodiment means that a short tolerance chain is present, so that there is a precisely adjustable hold-open distance. It is also a stable part design with little Eigenbeschbigkeiten possible.

The passage of the blocking element according to the invention in the middle pole chamber also allows an approximately central support of the shift lever between its bearings. This results in the same hold open distances of all three device pole contact devices. This is particularly favorable for a simultaneous on-circuit.

According to the invention may further consist of the concept that the release of the quick turn on a short rotational movement of the device control panel, thereby the release switching point can be placed very close to the on position, so that the switch lock is released far enough when released.

From the invention further results that the point of application of the blocking element is located on the shift lever near the force acting center line of the contact slide. The advantage consists in the fact that due to the favorable leverage ratios, the supporting blocking parts is loaded only with approximately the sum of the three contact loads, without significant additional force components of the power transmission. Consequently, there is a significantly lower wear of the slip edges of the blocking parts.

It is also apparent from the invention that the refilling with fast engagements is possible at a very late device assembly completion time. This results in cost advantages, since the additional costs for the additional parts do not apply to all device variants. There are no different switch lock versions with or without quick turn on necessary.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to an embodiment and with reference to the drawing.

• Fig. 1 in einer Schnittdarstellung ein erfindungsgemäßes Schaltgerät mit einer Einrichtung zum sprunghaften Einschalten in der Aus-Position;
• Fig. 2 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät nach Fig. 1 in der Aus-Position;
• Fig. 3 in einer Schnittdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät mit einer Einrichtung zum sprunghaften Einschalten in der Offen-Halteposition;
• Fig. 4 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung zum sprunghaften Einschalten mit Betätigungsmechanik, Blockierelement und Kontaktanordnung in der Offen-Halteposition;
• Fig. 5 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das Schaltgerät nach Fig. 3 in der Offen-Halteposition;
• Fig. 6 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die Betätigungsmechanik mit Blockierelement und Gegenlager in der Offen-Halteposition;
• Fig. 7 in einer Schnittdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät mit einer Einrichtung zum sprunghaften Einschalten in der Schnelleinschaltungsposition;
• Fig. 8 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung zum sprunghaften Einschalten mit Betätigungsmechanik, Blockierelement und Kontaktanordnung in der Schnelleinschaltungsposition;
• Fig. 9 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das Schaltgerät nach Fig. 7 in der Schnelleinschaltungsposition;
• Fig. 10 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung die Betätigungsmechanik mit Blockierelement und Gegenlager in der Schnelleinschaltungsposition;
• Fig. 11 in einer perspektivischen Schnittdarstellung das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät mit Gehäuse in der Offen-Halteposition;
• Fig. 12 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät in einer dreipoligen Ausführung in der Offen-Halteposition.
• Fig. 1 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Schaltgerät mit einer Einrichtung zum sprunghaften Einschalten in der Aus-Position. Das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät weist eine Betätigungsmechanik auf, die ein Betätigungselement 1 beinhaltet und über eine Übertragungsmechanik mit einem Schaltschloss 2 in Wirkverbindung steht, welches über eine weitere Übertragungsmechanik einen Schalthebel 3 bedient. Das Schaltgerät weist außerdem eine Kontaktanordnung auf mit einem festen Schaltstück 4 mit Kontakten 5 und einem gegenüber liegend dazu angeordneten beweglichen Schaltstück 6 mit Kontakten 7, welches in einem Kontaktschieber 8 angeordnet ist. Oberhalb vom Kontaktschieber 8 ist vorzugsweise ein Kurzschlussauslöser 9 angeordnet. Seitlich neben dem Kurzschlussauslöser 9 ist vorzugsweise ein Überlastauslöser 10 angeordnet. Oberhalb vom Kurzschlussauslöser 9 ist die Betätigungsmechanik mit Betätigungselement 1 angeordnet.

Here are shown schematically:

• Fig. 1 in a sectional view of an inventive switching device with a device for sudden switching in the off position;
• Fig. 2 in a perspective view of the switching device according to the invention Fig. 1 in the off position;
• Fig. 3 in a sectional view of the switching device according to the invention with a device for sudden switching in the open-holding position;
• Fig. 4 in a perspective view of the inventive device for sudden switching with actuating mechanism, blocking element and contact arrangement in the open-holding position;
• Fig. 5 in a perspective view of the switching device according to Fig. 3 in the open holding position;
• Fig. 6 in a perspective view of the actuating mechanism with blocking element and abutment in the open-holding position;
• Fig. 7 in a sectional view of the switching device according to the invention with a device for sudden switching in the Schnellinschaltungsposition;
• Fig. 8 in a perspective view of the device according to the invention for sudden switching with actuating mechanism, blocking element and contact arrangement in the fast insertion position;
• Fig. 9 in a perspective view of the switching device according to Fig. 7 in the Quick Launch position;
• Fig. 10 in a perspective view of the actuating mechanism with blocking element and abutment in the Schnellinschaltungsposition;
• Fig. 11 in a perspective sectional view of the switching device according to the invention with housing in the open-holding position;
• Fig. 12 in a perspective view of the switching device according to the invention in a three-pole design in the open-holding position.
• Fig. 1 shows a switching device according to the invention with a device for sudden switching in the off position. The switching device according to the invention has an actuating mechanism which includes an actuating element 1 and is operatively connected via a transmission mechanism with a switching mechanism 2, which operates a shift lever 3 via a further transmission mechanism. The switching device also has a contact arrangement with a fixed contact piece 4 with contacts 5 and an oppositely arranged movable contact piece 6 with contacts 7, which is arranged in a contact slide 8. Above the contact slide 8, a short-circuit release 9 is preferably arranged. On the side next to the short-circuit release 9, an overload release 10 is preferably arranged. Above the short-circuit release 9, the actuating mechanism with actuator 1 is arranged.

From actuator 1, short-circuit release 9 and contact slide 8 results in an axis. To this axis is the actuator 1 in the in Fig. 1 off position shown in zero-degree position. In this case, the contact arrangement of fixed contact 4 and movable contact piece 6 from each other spaced, that is, the contacts 5 and 7 are not closed.

Preferably, between the switching mechanism 2 and short-circuit release 9 is a blocking element 11, preferably arranged in the form of a blocking pin. The blocking element 11 has a shift lever actuation point 12 with the shift lever 3 and abuts at its other end to an abutment 13, which is preferably spring-loaded. The blocking element 11 according to the invention is thus arranged between switching mechanism 2 and short-circuit release 9 and makes optimum use of the space available there.

Out Fig. 2 the formation of the counter bearing 13 emerges. The abutment 13 is preferably a Z-shaped stamped sheet metal part with two end portions 14, 15. The end portion 14 of the abutment 13 is disposed in the region of the blocking element 11 and has a recess 16, preferably in the form of a through hole into which the blocking element 11 slip can when the switching device is brought into a quick turn on. Below the end region 15 of the abutment 13, a spring element 17 is arranged. From the end region 15, a guide web 18 is formed in the direction of blocking element, which is fastened to a fixing piece 19 which surrounds the blocking element 11. About this guide bar 18, the pivotal movement of the anvil is possible.

The Fig. 3 and 5 show the switching device according to the invention with a device for sudden switching in the open-holding position. In the open holding position, the movable contact 6 moves with the contacts 7 a piece on the fixed contact 4 with the contacts 5, without causing a contact closure. In the open holding position, the actuating element 1 forms an angle of preferably 80 ° with the axis of actuating element 1, short-circuit release 9 and contact slide 8. The shift lever 3, which has a contact actuating point 20 with the contact slide 8, has its position in the open holding position in the direction of short-circuit release 9 changed. In Fig. 4 the device for sudden switching with actuating mechanism, blocking element 11 and contact arrangement is shown in the open-holding position. The blocking element 11 is further arranged between the lever actuation point 12 and counter bearing 13.

Fig. 6 shows the actuating mechanism with blocking element 11 and thrust bearing 13 in the open holding position.

In the Fig. 7 and 9 the switching device according to the invention is shown with a device for sudden switching in the Schnellinschaltungsposition. In the fast on position, the movable contact 6 moves with the contacts 7 on the fixed contact 4 with the contacts 5, so that the contacts 5, 7 close. In the fast insertion position, the actuating element 1 with the axis of the actuating element 1, short-circuit release 9 and contact slide 8 forms an angle of preferably 90 °. The shift lever 3 moves in the Schnellinschaltungsposition further towards short circuit release 9. The blocking element 11 is now slipped into the recess 16 of the thrust bearing 13.

Fig. 8 shows the inventive device for sudden switching with actuating mechanism, blocking element 11 and contact arrangement in the fast insertion position. The blocking element 11 continues to rest on the shift lever 3 at the shift lever actuating point 12, but has now slid into the recess 16 on the counter-blade 13. The actuator 1 has changed its position compared to the off position or compared to the open-hold position further.

In Fig. 10 the actuating mechanism with blocking element 11 and thrust bearing 13 is shown in the fast insertion position. It can also be clearly seen here that the blocking element 11 has now slid through the recess 16 of the counter bearing 13.

In Fig. 11 the switching device according to the invention is shown with housing in the open-holding position. Out Fig. 12 shows that the switching device according to the invention preferably has a three-pole design. Also Fig. 12 shows the switching device according to the invention in the open-holding position.

The invention is characterized in that a direct operative connection between the shift lever, counter bearing part and releasing device control unit is produced by using a blocking element. The blocking element is for this purpose passed directly next to the short-circuit release coil of the current release, preferably pronounced in the middle device pole chamber and in the simplest form as an extended cylindrical standard part. This advantageous embodiment means that a short tolerance chain is present, so that there is a precisely adjustable hold-open distance. It is also a stable part design with little Eigenbeschbigkeiten possible.

Claims (9)

1. Switching device comprising a device for sudden switch-on, having:

   - an operating mechanism which has an operating element (1) and is operatively connected to a latching mechanism (2) by means of a transmission mechanism, said latching mechanism controlling a switching lever (3) by means of a further transmission mechanism;

   - a contact arrangement which has a fixed switching piece (4) with contacts (5), said fixed switching piece being arranged opposite a moving switching piece (6) having contacts (7), which moving contact piece is guided in a contact slide (8), wherein the device for sudden switch-on has a blocking element (11) which holds the contact arrangement comprising the moving and the fixed switching piece (6, 4) in a hold-open position by means of the switching lever (3) and cancels blocking of the switching lever (3) in the event of a rapid switch-on operation, so that the contacts (7) of the moving switching piece (6) suddenly land on the contacts (5) of the fixed switching piece (4),

   characterized in that the blocking element (11) is in the form of a blocking pin.
2. Switching device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the blocking element (11) is formed between a switching lever operating point (12), at which the blocking element (11) acts on the switching lever (3), and a mating bearing (13).
3. Switching device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the mating bearing (13) is of spring-loaded design.
4. Switching device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the mating bearing (13) is designed such that it can pivot away in the event of a rapid switch-on operation.
5. Switching device according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the mating bearing (13) is designed such that it is in direct operative connection with the operating element (1) of the operating mechanism.
6. Switching device according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the mating bearing (13) has a recess (16) into which the blocking element (11) slides in the event of a rapid switch-on operation.
7. Switching device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the blocking element (11) is of cylindrical design.
8. Switching device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the blocking element (11) is designed in the manner of a rod with a rectangular cross section.
9. Switching device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the switching device is a circuit breaker.

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