EP2933810A1 - Switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Switch (1), in particular submarine switch, with a plurality of fixedly connected contact elements (3), a plurality of firmly interconnected sockets (23), wherein each one of the sockets (23) is adapted to receive in each case one of the contact elements (3), an actuator (10) arranged for positively guided movement of the contact elements (3) relative to the bushes (23).

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a switch, in particular a submarine switch, and a use of such a switch.

State of the art

Switches for subsea application are known in the art which include spring loaded contacts. The contacts are closed by means of an electric motor against a spring force. When the motor is switched off, the spring pushes back the contact and the current flow is interrupted.

A relay or contactors often have the disadvantage of building large, consuming a lot of power. Furthermore, often no vibrations can be compensated.

From the US 3,848,949 Pins are known which can be brought into linear contact by means of thread.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that in some switches springs must be mandatory to open the contacts. Furthermore, in known switches often no two safe states exist, since a return movement takes place by means of spring. Other disadvantages may be a susceptibility to vibration of the contact.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an improved switch, in particular a subsea switch for use under water. Especially should disadvantages of the prior art be mitigated or eliminated, for example, a secure contact or two safe states may be desirable.

The object is achieved with a switch according to claim 1 and a use according to the independent claim.

One aspect of the invention relates to a switch having a plurality of fixedly connected contact elements and a plurality of firmly interconnected sockets, wherein each one of the sockets is adapted to receive in each case one of the contact elements. Furthermore, the switch comprises an actuator, which is set up for positively guided movement of the contact elements relative to the sockets. In this way, closing of an electrical connection between one of the contact elements and one of the jacks is possible by actuating the actuator. In each case, a contact element, each with a socket comes into contact with each other. Furthermore, with the actuator, a second position of the contact elements relative to the sockets, in which there is no electrical connection between the contact elements on the one hand and the sockets on the other hand, be taken.

Another aspect of the invention relates to use of a switch in any of the typical embodiments described herein for switching a circuit at a sea depth of at least 10 meters or at least 30 meters.

Typical embodiments comprise at least 2 or at least 10 or at least 20 contact elements. This offers the advantage that numerous contacts can be closed in parallel. Typically, an equal number of sockets or possibly counter-sockets is provided.

Typically, the actuator causes a linear movement of the contact element relative to the bush, in particular in the direction of an axial direction of the bushing or an axial direction of a pin Contact element. Typically, the axial directions of the contact elements, the sockets and the counter-sockets provided in some typical embodiments are aligned parallel to each other. This facilitates kinematically a simultaneous actuation of the contact elements, sockets or counter-sockets for opening or closing an electrical contact.

In typical embodiments of the invention, the switch is designed as a submarine switch. Typically, the switch is designed to be used at sea depths greater than 10 meters or more than 30 meters. Typical embodiments include a housing with sealed feedthroughs, for example for electrical power or control cables. Furthermore, sealed feedthroughs can be provided for connecting or disconnecting feed or discharge cables. These feed or discharge cables are typically connected to the contact elements, the sockets or the counter sockets.

In typical embodiments of the invention, the contact element comprises a pin or a bolt. Pins of embodiments may have a polygonal, a circular or a cross-section with rounded corners. Typically, the sockets or counter-sockets are adapted to the cross-section of the contact elements. In typical embodiments, the contact elements each comprise a pin, wherein the sockets or the counter-sockets are set up, so that when the contact element is received in a socket or in a counter-socket, the pin is completely enclosed at least in sections. Unless otherwise stated, recording here also means a partial reception of the contact element, that is to say, for example, also a partial reception of a pin of the contact element. Typically, the pin is at least partially completely enclosed. As used herein, "enclosed" typically means that at least a portion of the pin is surrounded by the socket in all radial directions. Such embodiments allow a reliable contact, especially with vibrations. Typical embodiments comprise contact elements each with two pins, one pin for contacting the corresponding socket and one pin axially opposite to the first pin for contacting the counter socket.

Typically, the contact elements, the sockets or, in embodiments with counter-sockets, the counter-sockets are each movable exclusively by the actuator. This offers the advantage of a simple construction. Typical embodiments of switches of the invention are return spring free. This can provide the advantage that can be dispensed with an unreliable reset by means of return springs.

In typical embodiments, the actuator is an electromotive actuator. Typical electromotive actuators include at least one electrical machine. In typical embodiments, the actuator is redundant. Typical redundant actuators include at least a second electric machine, two control electronics or two transmissions. This offers the advantage that in case of failure, for example, an electrical machine of the actuator, a second electric machine of the actuator can ensure the functionality of the actuator. In embodiments, e.g. two electric machines are provided, which drive a common spur gear, which rotates an output, for example a spindle. Likewise, the at least one electrical machine can be designed with two redundant windings.

Other typical embodiments include hydraulically or pneumatically driven actuators. This may be useful in environments where use of an electrical machine is inappropriate or has disadvantages. Another advantage could be that can be used on already existing hydraulic or pneumatic systems, so that may be saved costs for an electric drive. Typically, the actuator is electrically controllable, for example via a control line or via a radio remote control. This allows a Remote control, for example, from a control room or from a ship. In embodiments, a control device for controlling the actuator can also be provided within a housing of the switch. Typical embodiments of control devices are configured to transmit a feedback about the state of the switch. Such feedback may include, for example, information about a functionality, a switching state or a temperature of the switch.

Typical embodiments of switches of the invention include a spindle nut which is moved by a spindle. The spindle is connected in typical embodiments to an output shaft of the actuator. The spindle nut is typically arranged linearly displaceable and fixedly connected to the contact elements or in other embodiments fixed to the sockets and optionally with the counter-sockets. In this way, a positive guidance of the contact elements and the bushings is achieved relative to each other. In further embodiments, the contact elements, bushes or counter-sockets are moved relative to each other with a pinion and rack and pinion combination. The pinion may for example be connected to the output shaft of the actuator. Typical embodiments include cams, eccentrics, connecting rods or toggles for transmitting rotational movement of the actuator into axial movement of the contact elements, the sockets or the counter sockets.

Switch according to one of the preceding claims with a plurality of fixedly interconnected counter-sockets, wherein each one of the counter-sockets is adapted to receive each one of the contact elements and each opposite a counter-jack a jack in a direction of movement of the contact element. This offers the advantage that with the contact elements either the sockets or the counter sockets can be contacted. In embodiments of the invention, the counter-jacks and the bushings are arranged at a distance, which an intermediate position of the contact elements between the Bushings and the counter sockets allows. In this way it can be achieved that the contact elements can be separated from any contact with the sockets or the counter sockets.

In typical embodiments, the counter-sockets are firmly connected to the sockets. In this way, the structure can be simplified. In further embodiments, the counter bushings are arranged to be movable relative to the bushes. In this way, circuits can be switched with a larger number of possibilities.

Typically, at least a portion of the sockets or at least a portion of the counter-sockets each comprise an electrically conductive spring element, wherein the spring element is adapted to contact and to clamp the respective contact element when received in the respective socket contact element. In contact elements which comprise a pin, the spring element is arranged, so that the respective pin is contacted by the respective spring element. In further embodiments, the contact elements are designed optically or fluidly.

Typical embodiments may have the following advantages. There are forcibly guided states which can be determined exactly. Typical switches are relatively robust to vibration, especially in embodiments with an at least partially enclosed contact element. In this way, a static predicament can be created. Typical embodiments have a high reliability, since there are few moving parts and not necessarily a spring as an actuator element. Typical switches of the invention have a high power density because a plurality of contacts can be operated simultaneously. There is typically high flexibility, so the contacts can be used as signal contacts or high current contacts. In embodiments, all contact elements and sockets are identical in each case, in other embodiments, different sized contact elements are provided, which can be used for different purposes. It will be at Embodiments do not necessarily require power to maintain the position.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

ist eine Prinzipskizze einer typischen Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schalters; und

Fig. 2

ist eine schematische, geschnittene Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schalters;

Fig. 3

eine redundante Energieversorgung eines Aktuators von Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung; und

Fig. 4

eine Prinzipskizze, wie in einer Buchse von Ausführungsformen Stifte aufgenommen werden.

Further advantages and features of preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

is a schematic diagram of a typical embodiment of a switch according to the invention; and

Fig. 2

is a schematic, sectional plan view of an embodiment of a switch according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a redundant power supply of an actuator of embodiments of the invention; and

Fig. 4

a schematic diagram of how to be included in a socket of embodiments pins.

Description of preferred embodiments

Hereinafter, typical embodiments will be described with reference to the figures, the invention being not limited to the embodiments, but the scope of the invention is determined by the claims.

The Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a typical embodiment of a switch according to the invention 1. The switch 1 comprises three contact elements 3, which each have two pins 5. The drive of the contact elements by means of an actuator 10, which comprises two electric machines 12. The electric machines 12 drive via reduction gear 14th a summation gear 16, which drives a spindle nut 20 via a spindle 18. The spindle 18 is seated on the spindle nut 20, which rotationally and axially displaceable, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 by linear guide, is stored. On the spindle nut 20, the contact elements 3 are attached to the pins 5. By rotation of the spindle 18 so the contact elements 3 can be moved relative to sockets 23 and counter-sockets 25. By engagement of a respective pin 5 in a socket 23, an electrical connection between the pin 5 and the socket 23 is made. Upon engagement of the pin 5 in the socket 23, an axial portion of the pin 5 is radially encompassed by the sleeve 23, the pin 5 is thus partially enclosed by the sleeve 23. This applies analogously to a movement of the contact element 3 in the opposite direction, wherein the respective opposite pin 5 of the contact element is partially enclosed by the respective counter-socket 25. In the socket 23 and in the counter socket 25, the pins 5 are respectively contacted by electrically conductive spring elements which clamp the respective pins 5 and hold in position (see Fig. 4 ).

The electrical machines 12 are each connected to associated control devices 30. In this way, redundancy is also given to the control devices. The control devices 30 can be remotely controlled via a control line. The contact elements 3 are each connected to cable 35, the sockets 23 are each connected to cable 36 and the counter-sockets 25 are each connected to cable 37. The cables 35, 36 and 37 are guided in typical embodiments to a water-impermeable passage. In this way, elements lying outside of a housing of the switch 1 can be switched.

When in the Fig. 1 In the embodiment variant shown, the spindle nut is movable between two end positions, wherein at least one contact, typically at least one bush or one counter bush, is arranged in the respective end position. By a movement of the spindle nut One contact can be closed between the end positions, while at the same time another contact is opened. Thus, switching between two circuits is possible in a redundant system. Furthermore, typical embodiments allow a position of the contact element between the respective sockets and counter-sockets, so that a complete separation, for example, a power supply is possible. In further embodiments, no counter-sockets are provided, so that only a contacting of the sockets by the contact elements is possible. This leads to a simplified structure.

Due to the use of the switch in extreme conditions, especially difficult to access areas of application, the drive is in embodiments such as the embodiment of Fig. 1 redundant.

In the Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view of an embodiment of a switch according to the invention shown. The embodiment of the Fig. 2 In its construction principle corresponds essentially to that in the schematic diagram of Fig. 1 shown principle. The same or similar parts are given the same reference numbers as in the FIG. 1 and may not be described again.

The embodiment of the Fig. 2 relates to a switch 1, which can be used as a submarine switch. The switch 1 comprises a redundantly constructed (see Fig. 1 ) Actuator 10, which via a spindle 18 a spindle nut 20, which is mounted linearly displaceably on a linear guide 40, can move. This contact elements 3, which are fixedly connected to the spindle nut 20, linearly displaced in the axial direction of the spindle 18. The contact elements 3 each comprise two pins 5, which are arranged on both sides of the contact element in the axial direction. Depending on the position of the spindle nut, a part of the pins 5 may be accommodated in sockets 23 or in counter-sockets 25 or may be arranged in an intermediate position between the sockets 23 and the counter-sockets 25.

In further embodiments, the sockets and, if present, the counter-sockets, are firmly connected to each other and fixed to a spindle nut. Typically, in such embodiments, the contact elements are fixed relative to the housing so that the sockets and, optionally, the counter sockets are moved relative to the housing and the contact elements.

The switch of Fig. 2 Like other typical embodiments, it comprises a watertight housing 41. A cable bushing 42 is arranged in the housing 41, via which control lines and power supply lines as well as cables (in Fig. 1 Reference numerals 35, 36 and 37) of the sockets 23, the counter-sockets 25 and the contact elements 3 are guided. In this way, operation of the switch is also possible under water or in adverse environmental conditions.

In the Fig. 3 a redundant power supply of an actuator 10 of embodiments of the invention is shown. The actuator is connected via a supply switch 50 with two redundant control devices 52, which each have their own energy sources 54. The control devices 52 determine whether and, if appropriate, at what time is switched. For this purpose, the control devices 52 are connected to the control devices 30. Furthermore, the control devices determine a setpoint position, monitor and control and give feedback to an optional higher-level system. The control devices 30 comprise the control and regulating electronics for the electrical machines 12 of the actuators 10.

In a further embodiment, the switch has three contact positions: In addition to the two end positions described with the previous embodiment, the switch can occupy a third position which is arranged between the two end positions. In this third position, which can also be referred to as intermediate position, the switch closes by a positively driven plug element or a cam switch another contact. This further contact the third contact position is typically closed orthogonal to the direction of movement of the spindle nut or to a connected to the spindle nut guide carriage.

In the Fig. 4 is shown in a schematic diagram, as in the socket 23 or in the counter-jack 25, the pins 5 are each contacted by electrically conductive spring elements 60, which clamp the respective pins 5 and hold in position.

Claims (10)

Switch (1), in particular Unterseeschalter, with a plurality of fixedly connected contact elements (3), - A plurality of fixedly interconnected sockets (23), wherein each one of the sockets (23) is adapted to receive in each case one of the contact elements (3), - An actuator (10), arranged for positively guided movement of the contact elements (3) relative to the bushes (23). Switch (1) according to claim 1, wherein either the contact elements (3) or the bushes (23) in each case exclusively by the actuator (10) are movable. Switch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator (10) is an electromotive actuator (10). Switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch (1) is free return spring. Switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims with a plurality of firmly interconnected counter-sockets (25), wherein each one of the counter-sockets (25) is adapted to receive one of the contact elements (3) and one counter-jack (25) each have a socket (23) in a direction of movement of the contact element (3) opposite. Switch (1) according to claim 5, wherein the counter-sockets (25) are fixedly connected to the sockets (23). Switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the sockets (23) and / or the counter-sockets (25) each comprise an electrically conductive spring element (60), wherein the spring element is adapted to receive at in the respective socket Contact element to contact the respective contact element and to clamp. Switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements each comprise a pin (5), wherein the sockets (23) and / or the counter-sockets (25) are arranged so that upon receiving the pin (5) of the contact element (3) in a bush (23) or in a counter-bushing (25) of the pin (5) is completely enclosed at least in sections. Switch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (10) is designed to be redundant. Use of a switch (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for switching a circuit in a sea depth of at least 10 meters.

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