EP3146549B1 - Circuit breaker - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switching device according to the preamble of claim 1.

In low-voltage switching devices, which have a manual switch button, therefore, a manually operable element for closing the switch contacts and forming a conductive current path through the switching device, usually a movable switching contact, which is mechanically coupled to the manual switch button, by the movement of the manual switch button continuously to a housing-fixed switching contact approximated until the two switch contacts mechanically abut each other. In this case, if there is an electrical potential applied to the relevant switching device, at a certain approach of the two switching contacts to form an arc.

At sufficiently low voltage and if only consumers are connected, which only lead to a low current flow through the switching device, this arc is hardly a problem for the switching device, respectively the switching contacts due to its short time duration. At higher voltages or higher currents can However, such an arc already lead to significant damage to the relevant switching device. In particular, in protective switching devices downstream consumers are often turned on when the switch contacts of the relevant circuit breaker are closed, so immediately an often not inconsiderable current flows through the relevant switching device. A slow, manual closing of the switching contacts can not only lead to a total loss of the relevant switching device during the closing process, but also trigger a fire.

There are switching devices are known which have a so-called. Sprungeinschaltfunktion. In this case, the switching contacts regardless of the type or speed with which an operator operates a manual switch button, jump-like closed.

It has been shown in practice that, especially in the field of compact switching devices, as are customary for low-voltage applications, the corresponding snap-action switching devices often fail after a relatively small number of switch-on. Such switching devices are usually in the long term Use, 20 to 30 years are not uncommon. The snap-action switching devices used in such compact low-voltage switching devices are usually designed such that the relevant switching device is still functional even in the case of a failure of the same, except for the snap-on function. With a corresponding failure, therefore, it comes at the next power on to a slow approach of the switch contacts, which can lead to a fire immediately. Since the switching is probably done manually, it would also lead to a violation of the operator concerned.

From the EP 338 930 A1 For example, a snap-on mechanism for a circuit breaker is known.

The EP 1 003 191 A1 describes a thermomagnetic circuit breaker with a mechanism in which, during a closing operation, an auxiliary lever holds the movable contact and then releases abruptly.

The US 3,239,621 A also discloses an electrical switching device with a snap-on mechanism.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a switching device of the type mentioned, with which the mentioned disadvantages can be avoided, which has a long life and enables safe operation over a long time, and in which a high number of turn-on ensures the snap-on function can be.

This is achieved by the features of claim 1 according to the invention.

As a result, the functionality of the snap-start function can be reliably ensured for a long time or via a large number of switch-on processes. This can ensure that when closing the switch contacts, therefore when switching the switching device, to a sudden closing of the switch contacts comes. It can thereby be achieved that the snap-on function takes place over many switch-on processes without significant changes. Due to the fact that the contact arm catching device does not have a low hardness or surface hardness than the contact arm extension, wear phenomena, in particular material removal, on the rocker switch can be avoided or reduced in such a way that there is no effect on the jump activation function. As a result, it can be prevented that due to material removal to a steady displacement of the breakpoint of the snap-switch device until, until the spring rocker can no longer hold the Kontaktarmfortsatz, and the Snap-in device became ineffective.

The subclaims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

It is hereby expressly referred to the wording of the claims, whereby the claims at this point are incorporated by reference into the description and are considered to be reproduced verbatim.

• Fig. 1 eine bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines gegenständlichen Schaltgeräts ohne oberer Gehäuseschale im Ausfriss, in ausgeschaltetem Zustand;
• Fig. 2 das Schaltgerät gemäß Fig. 1 im Ausfriss, in eingeschaltetem Zustand ohne Stellfeder;
• Fig. 3 die Anordnung aus Schaltschloss, Kontaktarm, Sprungeinschaltmechanik und Handschalthebel des Schaltgeräts gemäß Fig. 1 in axonometrischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 4 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 3 im Ausfriss, in ausgeschaltetem Zustand;
• Fig. 5 die Ansicht gemäß Fig. 3 ohne Stellfeder;
• Fig. 6 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 5 mit teilweise aufgebrochener Sprungwippe, in einem Zustand kurz vor dem Schließen der Kontakte ohne Stellfeder;
• Fig. 7 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 5 mit geschlossenen Kontakten;
• Fig. 8 die Sprungwippe eines gegenständlichen Schaltgeräts in axonometrischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 9 die Sprungwippe gemäß Fig. 8 im Grundriss in teilweise aufgebrochener Ansicht; und
• Fig. 10 der als Schaltbrücke ausgebildete Kontaktarm eines gegenständlichen Schaltgeräts in axonometrischer Ansicht.

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a merely preferred embodiment is shown by way of example. Showing:

• Fig. 1 a preferred embodiment of an objective switching device without upper housing shell in the erosion, in the off state;
• Fig. 2 the switching device according to Fig. 1 in the erosion, when switched on without a spring;
• Fig. 3 the arrangement of switching mechanism, contact arm, snap-on mechanism and manual shift lever of the switching device according to Fig. 1 in axonometric view;
• Fig. 4 the arrangement according to Fig. 3 in the breakout, in the off state;
• Fig. 5 the view according to Fig. 3 without spring;
• Fig. 6 the arrangement according to Fig. 5 with partially broken rocker, in a state just before closing the contacts without spring;
• Fig. 7 the arrangement according to Fig. 5 with closed contacts;
• Fig. 8 the rocker switch of an object switching device in axonometric view;
• Fig. 9 the rocker switch according to Fig. 8 in the plan in a partially broken view; and
• Fig. 10 formed as a switching bridge contact arm of a representational switching device in axonometric view.

The Fig. 1 and 2 each show a preferred embodiment of a switching device 1 with a housing-fixed contact 6 and a movable contact 4, wherein the movable contact 4 is arranged on a movably arranged in the switching device 1, contact arm 3, which contact arm 3 a, facing away from the movable contact 4 , Contact arm extension 5, wherein the movable contact 4 is provided for contacting the housing-fixed contact 6 and forming a conductive current path through the switching device 1, wherein the switching device 1 has a switching mechanism 2, which is connected to the movable contact arm 3, wherein the switching device further comprising a manual shift lever 7, which shift lever 7 is connected to the switch lock 2, wherein the switching device 1 further comprises a snap-on mechanism 8, which jump activation mechanism 8 a rotatably mounted, and controlled by a first cam 9 of the manual shift lever 7 rocker switch 10 with a Kontaktarmfangei device 11 for contact with the Kontaktarmfortsatz 5, wherein the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11 has a surface hardness which is greater than or equal to a surface hardness of the Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5.

As a result, the functionality of the snap-start function can be reliably ensured for a long time or via a large number of switch-on processes. This can ensure that when the contacts 4, 6 are closed, therefore when the switching device 1 is switched on, the contacts 4, 6 suddenly close. It can thereby be achieved that the snap-on function takes place over many switch-on processes without significant changes. Due to the fact that the contact arm catcher 11 does not have a low hardness or surface hardness, as the contact arm extension 5, wear phenomena, in particular material removal, can be avoided or reduced at the rocker switch so that there is no effect on the snap-on function. This can prevent that due to material removal to a steady displacement of the breakpoint of jump snap mechanism 8 comes, until then, that the rocker switch 10 can no longer hold the Kontaktarmfortsatz 5, and the snap-on mechanism 8 was ineffective.

The subject invention relates to an electrical switching device 1, wherein it is preferably provided that the switching device 1 as a protective switching device or as so-called.

Self-switch is formed. It is preferably provided that the switching device 1 is designed approximately as a circuit breaker or circuit breaker. Preferably, the switching device 1 is designed as a compact low-voltage protection switching device. The switching device 1 has at least one trigger 33 according to the preferred embodiment. In the Fig. 1 and 2 In each case, an electromagnetic release 33 is shown, such as a short-circuit release. It can also be provided in a known manner designed thermal release, such as a bimetallic release for overcurrent tripping. Furthermore, it may be provided to combine the respective triggers 33.

The switching device 1 has at least one movable contact 4, as well as at least one housing-fixed contact 6. According to the illustrated preferred embodiment, the switching device 1 has a so-called. Double interruption, and thus has two movable contacts 4 and two fixed contacts 6 contacts, which, however, are assigned a single switching path.

If the at least one movable contact 4 is in electrically conductive connection with the at least one housing-fixed contact 6, there is an electrically conductive current path through the switching device 1. The switching device 1 has connection terminals, not shown. If there is no such electrically conductive connection through or over the switching device 1, this is referred to as switched off or as switched-off state. If the corresponding conductive connection exists, this is referred to as switched on or switched-on state. The transitions between the two states are accordingly, and as usual, referred to as switching on or off of the switching device 1. The term closed contacts 4, 6 for switched on, as well as opened contacts 4, 6 for switched off can also be used synonymously.

The at least one movable contact 4 is arranged on a movable contact arm 3. According to the preferred embodiment, the, in Fig. 10 separately shown contact arm 3, two movable contacts 4, which are arranged on each parallel fork-shaped extensions 34 of the contact arm 3, which can be drawn in this embodiment as a contact bridge or jumper.

At one end remote from the at least one movable contact 4, the contact arm 3 has a contact arm extension 5, which according to the preferred embodiment is hook-shaped. According to the preferred embodiment, an end region 30 of the contact arm extension 5 is arranged substantially parallel to a central piece 31 of the contact arm 3. It can be provided according to the structural conditions of the relevant switching device 1 different angle.

Furthermore, the contact arm 3 has a bearing point 35, which is arranged between the at least one movable contact 4 and the contact arm extension 5, and is preferably designed as an opening.

The contact arm 3 is designed as a part through which current flows directly, preferably comprising a copper-based alloy. According to the illustrated embodiment, the contact arm 3 is formed substantially in one piece, wherein only the two movable contacts 4 are formed as a support of a corresponding contact material. It can also be provided that the contact arm 3 is constructed in several parts, and only the directly current-carrying areas of the contact arm 3 are formed comprising a good conductive copper alloy, while the contact arm extension 5 is formed of a different material. In practice, in particular integrally formed contact arms 3 have been proven in terms of efficient production, but also in terms of a rigid structure.

The switching device 1 has a so-called switching mechanism 2. The switching mechanism 2 is a mechanical arrangement which controls the movements of the contact arm 3. The switching mechanism 2 has in the preferred and illustrated embodiment, in addition to the contact arm 3 further comprises a contact arm 19, a pawl 20 and a latch support 22. Fig. 3 shows the corresponding modules released from the other components of the switching device 1 in axonometric view and in the off state.

The contact arm support 19, the contact arm 3 and the latch support 22 are movably mounted about a common switch lock rotation axis 23 in the switch lock 2, and each have corresponding openings or bearings on. The three Parts are each arranged to be movable relative to one another. Between contact arm 19 and contact arm 3, two leg springs 36 are arranged according to the illustrated embodiment, which cause the contact pressure with closed contacts 4, 6, and press the contact arm 3 against the contact arm 19 with open contacts 4, 6, as in 4 and 5 shown. With closed contacts 4, 6 of the contact arm 3 is partially lifted from the contact arm 19, such as in Fig. 7 shown.

On the contact arm 19, the pawl 20 is movably mounted about a pawl rotation axis 21. The pawl 20 is connected via a bracket 37 or a rod with the manual shift lever 7 of the switching device 1.

The latch support 22 has a Verklinkungsstelle 24 for connection to the pawl 20. In the so-called latched state, therefore when the pawl 20 engages the pawl support 22, starting from a switched-off state of the switching device 1, a movement of the manual shift lever 7 is transmitted to the pawl 20 via the bracket 37. Since the pawl 20, due to the latch, can not escape or swing out, as a result of the movement of the manual shift lever 7, further the contact arm 19 and the contact arm 3 is moved.

The latch support 19 further has a window 27, through which the contact arm extension 5 engages, as well as a release extension 28, which is arranged in the switching device 1 opposite the release plunger 38 of the release mechanism 33, such as ind Fig. 1 and 2 shown. By moving the pawl support 19, that is, by the trigger plunger 38 strikes against the release extension 28, the latch between pawl 20 and pawl support 19 can be solved, resulting in an opening of the contacts 4, 6.

The switching device also has a so-called. Sprungeinschaltmechanik 8. It has been explained above how, in the latched state, a movement of the manual shift lever 7 leads to a movement of the contact arm 3 and consequently of the at least one contact. In order to avoid a steady continuous approach, the snap-on mechanism 8 is provided, which the contact arm 3 at a predetermined approximation of the at least one movable contact 4 to the corresponding housing fixed contact 6 holds while the movement of the manual lever 7 is continued. The 4 and 5 each show the relevant components in the off state.

Fig. 6 shows a position in which the contact arm 3 is held. The contacts 4, 6 are in an isolation distance from each other, which can expect no rollover. When a certain position of the manual shift lever 7 is exceeded, there is a sudden bridging of this isolation distance and a closing of the contacts 4, 6. This can be prevented that it comes to the formation of an arc, which is sufficiently long to destroy the switching device. 1 respectively. By the sudden closing of the contacts 4, 6 can also be ensured that the necessary contact pressure is available very quickly and not only slowly built, and there is no contact bounce.

The snap-on mechanism 8 has a rocker switch 10 which is rotatably mounted in the switching device 1 about a jump rocker rotation axis 25. The rocker switch 10 has a so-called. Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11, which is provided for contact with the Kontaktarmfortsatz 5 or formed. It is provided that the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11 temporarily holds the Kontaktarmfortsatz 5 at the isolation distance, and then releases specifiable. The rocker switch 10 is controlled by a first cam 9 of the manual shift lever 7, wherein the manual shift lever 7 further comprises a second cam 26.

The rocker arm 10 is formed according to the illustrated preferred embodiment as a lever, the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11 is disposed on a first lever arm 16 of the rocker switch 10, and wherein a second lever arm 17 of the rocker arm 10 as actuating extension 18 for contact with at least the first cam 9 of the manual shift lever 7 is formed.

The rocker arm 10 is connected by means of a spring 29 with the contact arm 19. The respective adjusting spring 29, which is preferably designed as a helical tension spring, acts on the rocker switch 10 on a pin 32, which is arranged slightly eccentric. In the switched-off position of the manual shift lever 7, the second cam 26 presses against the second lever arm 17 the rocker switch 10, and presses the contact arm catcher 11 away from the contact arm extension 5. The spring 29 is essentially free of tension in this position. By movement of the manual shift lever 7 in the direction of the switched-on position, the second cam 26 is moved away from the second lever arm 17, whereby a pivoting of the rocker switch 10 is made possible. At the same time the spring 29 is tensioned, since the contact arm 19 is moved away. As a result of the force now applied by the spring 29, and the ability to move, pivots the first lever arm 16 of the rocker 10, which carries the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11, in the direction of this also zubewegenden this Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5, which then together with each other devices.

A continuation of the movement of the manual shift lever 7 no longer leads to a movement of the contact arm 3, which is held on the Kontaktarmfortsatz 5 on the contact arm catcher 11. Fig. 6 If the manual shift lever 7 moves further in the direction of switching on the switching device 1, there is a further movement of the Kontaktarmträgers 19, resulting in a further tightening of the torsion springs 36, as well as to If the manual shift lever 7 continues to move accordingly, the first cam 9 comes into the range of the second lever arm 17 of the rocker switch 10. The first cam 9 presses the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11 of the Contact arm extension 5 away, whereby the contact arm 3 is released and it comes to a sudden closing of the contacts 4, 6.

The contact arm 3 preferably rests against the contact arm catcher 11 with a first contact arm retention surface 14.

It is provided that the contact arm catching device 11 has a surface hardness which is greater than or equal to a surface hardness of the contact arm extension 5, in particular of the first contact arm retaining surface 14. The surface hardness of the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11 is therefore at least as high as the surface hardness of the Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5. The surface hardness or simply the hardness indicates the resistance that the body or whose surfaces oppose the penetration of a test specimen. Due to the hardness of the contact arm catcher 11 relative to the contact arm extension 5, excessive wear of the contact arm catcher 11 can be avoided.

With regard to the surface hardness of the contact arm extension 5, it is provided that the regions or parts of the contact arm extension 5, which are in contact with the contact arm catcher 11 or come into contact with the operation, have the corresponding surface hardness with respect to the contact arm catcher 11.

It is preferably provided that the relevant hardness or surface hardness is determined by the Vickers hardness test method.

In particular, it is provided that the contact arm catcher 11 is formed comprising metal, wherein it is provided above all that the contact arm catcher 11 is formed comprising steel.

It is preferably provided that the contact arm catcher 11 is formed substantially rotationally symmetrical, whereby a good and low-friction sliding of the Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5 is given by the contact arm catcher 11. It has been found to be advantageous that the contact arm catcher 11 is formed as a round rivet and / or tubular rivet 12. According to the illustrated particularly preferred embodiment of a switching device 1, the contact arm catcher 11 is formed as a tubular rivet 12 made of steel. Such has, in addition to a simple manufacturability and implementability on a further high dimensional stability, whereby a shift of the isolation distance over many switching cycles can be prevented.

Particularly preferred, and in particular in the training of the contact arm catcher 11 as a round rivet and / or tubular rivet 12 easy to implement, is that the contact arm catcher 11, about its own Kontaktarmfangeinrichtungsachse rotatably mounted in the rocker switch 10. The contact arm extension 5 therefore rolls along the contact arm catcher 11, whereby the longevity of the arrangement can be further increased. It is preferably provided that the end region 30 of the contact arm extension 5 has a rounding in the region which is provided for engagement with the contact arm catching device 11 when it is released. As a result, the wear on the contact arm extension 5 as well as the contact arm catcher 11 can be further reduced.

In the preferred hook-shaped design of the contact arm extension 5, it is preferably provided that the contact arm extension 5 engages behind the contact arm catcher 11 when the two parts are engaged. It is provided that the contact arm catcher 11 is designed accordingly to allow such engagement behind. Accordingly, the contact arm catcher 11 preferably has a web-like structure which connects two side legs 39 of the rocker switch 10. Such is given in the preferred, rotationally symmetrical design of the contact arm catcher 11, as shown in the figures. In this case, the contact arm extension 5 engages behind the contact arm catcher 11. It is further provided that the rocker arm 10 has a limit stop 13 in the area of the contact arm catcher 11 and that, when the contact arm extension 5 engages with the rocker arm 10, the first contact arm retaining surface 14 rests against the contact arm catcher 11 , And a second Kontaktarmhaltefläche 15 abuts the limit stop 13. The second contact arm holding surface 15 is preferably arranged substantially normal to the first contact arm holding surface 14. The limit stop 13 prevents too far or deep penetration of the Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5 in the rocker switch 10. This allows the intended function of the snap-lock can be further secured.

Claims (9)

1. Circuit breaker (1), in particular protective circuit breaker, with one contact (6) fixed to the housing and one moveable contact (4), wherein the moveable contact (4) is disposed at a contact arm (3) disposed moveably in the circuit breaker (1), which contact arm (3) has a contact arm extension (5) facing away from the movable contact (4), wherein the movable contact (4) is provided for contacting the contact (6) fixed to the housing and forming a conducting current path through the circuit breaker (1), wherein the circuit breaker (1) has a breaker mechanism (2), which is connected with the movable contact arm (3), wherein the circuit breaker (1) furthermore has a hand shift lever (7), which hand shift lever (7) is connected with the breaker mechanism (2), wherein the circuit breaker (1) furthermore has a jump switch-on mechanism (8), which jump switch-on mechanism (8) has a jump rocker (10) which is rotatably movably supported and controlled by a first cam (9) of the hand shift lever (7), said jump rocker having a contact arm catching device (11) for contact with the contact arm extension (5), wherein the contact arm catching device (11) has a surface hardness which is greater than or equal to a surface hardness of the contact arm extension (5), and wherein the contact arm catching device (11) is formed with rotational symmetry, characterised in that the contact arm catching device (11) is formed as round rivet and/or pipe rivet (12).
2. Circuit breaker (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact arm catching device (11) is formed comprising metal.
3. Circuit breaker (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact arm catching device (11) is formed comprising steel.
4. Circuit breaker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the contact arm extension (5) is formed hook shaped.
5. Circuit breaker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the contact arm extension (5) engages behind the contact arm catching device (11).
6. Circuit breaker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the contact arm catching device (11) is supported rotatably in the jump rocker (10).
7. Circuit breaker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the jump rocker (10) has in the region of the contact arm catching device (11) a delimiting stop (13), and that, when the contact arm extension (5) engages with the jump rocker (10), a first contact arm holding surface (14) abuts on the contact arm catching device (11), and a second contact arm holding surface (15) abuts on the delimiting stop (13).
8. Circuit breaker (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the first contact arm holding surface (14) is disposed substantially normally on the second contact arm holding surface (15).
9. Circuit breaker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the jump rocker (10) is formed as rotatably movably supported lever, that the contact arm catching device (11) is disposed at a first lever arm (16) of the jump rocker (10), and at a second lever arm (17) of the jump rocker (10) is formed as operating extension (18) for contact with the first cam (9) of the hand shift lever (7).

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