EP3146555B1 - 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. The opening of the contacts, that is, the switching off of the switching device is carried out accordingly by moving the relevant hand button in the corresponding direction, which has a likewise continuous removal of the contacts result. It is even possible for a user to hold by holding the hand button in any intermediate position and the contacts in a corresponding intermediate position.

If there is an electrical potential applied to the relevant switching device, a specific approach of the two switching contacts results in the formation of an arc. This provides a sufficiently low voltage and if only consumers are connected, which only lead to a low current flow through the switching device, usually no problem.

At higher DC voltages or higher DC currents, for example at 600V and 100A, such an arc, which arises in the course of a too slow manual disconnection of the contacts, however, can lead to significant damage to the relevant switching device. If during the turn-off operation, a correspondingly high current flows through the relevant switching device, the arc formed by a slow manual opening of the contacts can not only lead to a total loss of the relevant switching device, but also trigger a fire.

There are switching devices are known which have a so-called. Jump off function. In this case, the switch contacts during manual shutdown regardless of the type or speed with which an operator operates a manual button, jumpy isolated. However, such jump switching functions are common in the field of very large circuit breakers, such as those used in substations. Such switching devices have separately aufzuladende spring memory, which are used to close or open the contacts, the application of the technology in question in the field of compact switching devices is hardly possible because an integration of the relevant technology in the compact cases is not possible.

Switching devices with jump switching mechanism are approximately from the WO 2013/041801 A1 or the JP 4 621751 B2 known.

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 allows a safe shutdown of the switching device, which has a compact design and which is easy to produce.

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

Thereby, a safe shutdown of the switching device, therefore, a secure contact separation can be achieved, which is independent of the speed with which a user operates the manual shift lever. The relevant switching device can be designed with compact dimensions, and has a small number of required parts.

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 ohne Stellfeder;
• Fig. 8 die Sprungwippe eines gegenständlichen Schaltgeräts in axonometrischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 9 die Sprungwippe gemäß Fig. 8 im Grundriss in teilweise aufgebrochener Ansicht;
• Fig. 10 der als Schaltbrücke ausgebildete Kontaktarm eines gegenständlichen Schaltgeräts in axonometrischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 11 das Schaltgerät gemäß Fig. 1 im Ausfriss mit Sprungausschaltmechanik;
• Fig. 12 die Anordnung aus Schaltschloss, Kontaktarm, Sprungeinschaltmechanik, Sprungausschaltmechanik und Handschalthebel des Schaltgeräts gemäß Fig. 11 in axonometrischer Ansicht;
• Fig. 13 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 12 im Ausfriss, in ausgeschaltetem Zustand;
• Fig. 14 die Ansicht gemäß Fig. 13 mit teilweise aufgebrochener Sprungwippe;
• Fig. 15 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 13 mit teilweise aufgebrochener Sprungwippe, während die Sprungeinschaltmechanik den Kontaktarm hält;
• Fig. 16 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 13 mit teilweise aufgebrochener Sprungwippe, in einem Zustand kurz vor dem Schließen der Kontakte;
• Fig. 17 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 13 mit geschlossenen Kontakten, und mit - in teilweise aufgebrochener Darstellung - gezeigter Verklinkungsstelle sowie Rastvorsprung und Kipphebel;
• Fig. 18 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 17 mit Handschalthebel zur Kontaktöffnung bewegt, während die Verklinkung noch aktiv ist;
• Fig. 19 die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 17 bzw. 18 im ausgeschalteten Zustand; und
• Fig. 20 den Handschalthebel in Explosionsdarstellung.

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 without spring;
• 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;
• Fig. 10 formed as a switching bridge contact arm of a representational switching device in axonometric view;
• Fig. 11 the switching device according to Fig. 1 in the breakout with jump switching mechanism;
• Fig. 12 the arrangement of switching mechanism, contact arm, snap-on mechanism, jump switching mechanism and manual shift lever of the switching device according to Fig. 11 in axonometric view;
• Fig. 13 the arrangement according to Fig. 12 in the breakout, in the off state;
• Fig. 14 the view according to Fig. 13 with partially broken rocker switch;
• Fig. 15 the arrangement according to Fig. 13 with partially broken rocker, while the snap-on mechanism holds the contact arm;
• Fig. 16 the arrangement according to Fig. 13 with partially broken rocker, in a state just before closing the contacts;
• Fig. 17 the arrangement according to Fig. 13 with closed contacts, and with - in a partially broken view - shown Verklinkungsstelle and locking projection and rocker arm;
• Fig. 18 the arrangement according to Fig. 17 with manual lever moved to the contact opening while the latch is still active;
• Fig. 19 the arrangement according to Fig. 17 or 18 in the off state; and
• Fig. 20 the hand lever in exploded view.

The Fig. 11 shows a switching device 1, in particular protective switching device, 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, wherein the movable contact 4 for contacting the housing-fixed contact. 6 and formation of a conductive current path is provided by the switching device 1, wherein the switching device 1 comprises a switching mechanism 2, which is connected to the contact arm 3, wherein the switching mechanism 2 has a pawl 20 and a latch support 22, wherein the latch support 22 a Verklinkungsstelle 24 to Latching the pawl 20 with the latch support 22, wherein the switching device 1 further comprises a manual shift lever 7, which manual shift lever 7 is connected to contact the movable contact 4 with the housing-fixed contact 6 by means of a first bracket 37 with the pawl 20, wherein the switching device a jump-off mechanism 40 for manu ell caused jump-like separation of the contacts 4, 6, wherein on the manual shift lever 7 further a second bracket 41 is mounted such that an actuation of the manual shift lever 7 for separating the movable contact 4 of the housing fixed contact 6, the latching of the pawl 22 with the Latch 20 releases.

Thereby, a safe shutdown of the switching device 1, therefore a secure separation of the contacts 4, 6 are achieved, which is independent of the speed with which a user operates the manual shift lever 7. The relevant switching device 1 can be designed with compact dimensions, and has a small number of required parts.

The subject invention relates to an electrical switching device 1, wherein it is preferably provided that the switching device 1 is designed as a protective switching device or as a so-called. Self-switch. 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 in each case parallel fork-shaped extensions 34 of the contact arm 3, which in this Design can also be drawn as a contact bridge or switching bridge, are arranged.

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. The pawl 20 may also be referred to as a locking lever.

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 first bracket 37 may also be referred to as a push rod or formed.

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 an off state of the switchgear 1, a movement of the manual override lever 7 is transmitted to the pawl 20 via the first 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 further includes according to the particularly preferred embodiment a so-called snap-on mechanism 8. The Fig. 1 and 2 show a suitably trained switching device 1, wherein the jump switching mechanism 40 is not shown in these representations.

Due to the subject snap-action mechanism 8, 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.

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 holds the contact arm 3 at a predetermined approach of the at least one movable contact 4 to the corresponding housing-fixed contact 6, while the movement of the manual shift 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 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 sufficiently long to lead to destruction of the switching device 1. 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 off position of the manual shift lever 7, the second cam 26 presses against the second lever arm 17 of 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 now applied by the spring 29 force, as well as the ability to move, pivots the first lever arm 16 of the rocker 10, which carries the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11, in the direction of this just zubewegenden this Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5, which then get in touch with each other.

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 refers to the resistance of the bodies 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 Kontaktarmfortsatzes 5 is preferably provided that the contact carrier extension 5, the Kontaktarmfangeinrichtung 11 engages behind when the two parts in engagement stand. 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. The contact carrier extension 5 engages behind the contact arm catcher 11.

Preferably, it is further provided that the rocker switch 10 has a limit stop 13 in the area of the contact arm catcher 11, and that, upon engagement of the contact arm extension 5 with the rocker switch 10, the first contact arm retaining surface 14 bears against the contact arm catcher 11, and a second contact arm retaining surface 15 abuts the limit stop 13 is present. 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.

The switching device has a jump-breaking mechanism 40 for the manually caused jump-like separation of the contacts 4, 6. The jump-breaking mechanism 40 comprises a second bracket 41, which analogous to the first bracket 37 may be formed or designated as a push rod or rod, and which second bracket 41 is mounted on the manual shift lever 7. The second bracket 41 cooperates with the latch support 22 in such a way that, upon actuation of the manual shift lever 7 for disconnecting the contacts 4, 6, the latching of the latch support 22 with the latch 20 is released.

The Fig. 11 to 19 show the appropriately trained switching device 1 with jump switching mechanism 40, wherein furthermore also at least parts of the jump-in mechanism 8 is shown.

The relevant manual shift lever 7 is, starting from a position which corresponds to the on state of the switching device 1, moved to a, the off state of the switching device 1 corresponding position, wherein the second bracket 41 moves the latch support 22 in such a way that a release of the latch between the pawl 20 and the latch support 22 occurs. The switching mechanism 2 in question is therefore "triggered" by means of the second bracket 41, since the second bracket 41 moves the latch support 22 in accordance with an actuation by the release plunger 38 of the trigger 33.

Fig. 12 shows the relevant components in axonometric representation. The Fig. 13 to 16 show the switching of the switching device 1 by means of jump activation mechanism 8, and the others 17 to 19 show the switching off of the switching device 1 by means of the jump switching mechanism 40th

It should be noted that the subject switching device 1 in the context of so-called. Free release even with a manual shift lever 7, which is fixed in the position corresponding to the on state, can trigger, and it comes to a separation of the contacts 4, 6. The jump break mechanism 40 described hereinabove relates to the manually caused separation of the previously closed contacts 4, 6 by means of an actuation of the manual shift lever 7. The relevant actuation, regardless of the term "manual", can also be effected by means of an external mechanical actuator which drives the manual shift lever 7.

The latch support 22, according to the preferred embodiment, a guide slot 53, in which the second bracket 41 is arranged partially displaceable. The second bracket 41 is not rigidly connected to the latch support 22, but just arranged longitudinally displaceable in said guide slot 53. The guide slot 53 is preferably formed by two stub-like extensions 49, but can also be designed differently.

The guide slot 53 is preferably arranged on a jump trigger extension 55 of the latch support 22. The latch support 22 is preferably designed as a lever, which is rotatably or pivotably mounted on the switch lock rotation axis 23. A lever arm of this lever-like latch support 22 is formed by the release extension 28. The second lever arm is formed by the jump trigger extension 55, wherein the switch cam rotation axis 23 between the release extension 28 and the jump trigger extension 55 is arranged.

The latch support 22 further preferably has a jump trigger stop 54 for actuation by the second bracket 41, which jump trigger stop 54 is preferably arranged on the guide slot 53. In particular, the jump trigger stop 54 is formed by one of the preferably two stub-like extensions 49, which together form the guide slot 53.

The second bracket 41 further has a shoulder or hook-shaped end portion 48 to actuate the jump trigger stop 54.

The manual shift lever 7 preferably has a first manual shift lever part 42 and a second manual shift lever part 43. The handle 45 of the manual shift lever 7 is arranged on the second manual shift lever part 43. Both manual shift lever parts 42, 43 are arranged rotatably about one and the same hand lever pivot axis 44. The first bracket 37 is mounted on the first manual shift lever part 42, and the second bracket 41 is mounted on the second manual shift lever part 43.

The first manual shift lever part 42 and the second manual shift lever part 43 are at least partially formed as a rotationally symmetrical body. On the second manual shift lever part 43, the first and second cams 9, 26 already described in connection with the skip-in function are arranged. In the region of the second cam 26 and the storage of the first bracket 37 is arranged.

The first manual shift lever part 42 is preferably mounted at least partially coaxially within the second manual shift lever part 43. The two manual shift lever parts 42, 43 are biased by means of a hand lever lever 46 arranged within the manual shift lever 7 with respect to a basic position. Fig. 20 shows an exploded view of the manual shift lever 7, wherein the manual shift lever spring 46 is shown.

The first manual shift lever part 42 is rotatable relative to the second manual shift lever part 43 by a predefinable angular range. Preferably, the angular range and a length of the second bracket 41 are formed such that the latching of the pawl support 22 is released with the pawl 20 when the manual shift lever 7 in the region of a center position between a closed position of the Manual shift lever 7 and an OFF position of the manual shift lever 7 is arranged. The position of the manual lever 7 is hiebei preferably determined by the position of the handle 45. As a result, a certain area can be realized, within which the handle 45 and consequently also the second manual shift lever part 43 can be moved, without the contacts 4, 6 being disconnected. This is important in practice to prevent even slight touches of the handle 45 lead to a shutdown of the switching device 1. As the center position, the angular center position of the handle 45 between the two positions, which correspond to a switched-on switching device 1 or a switched-off switching device 1, is preferably considered. It is preferably provided that said range is ± 15 ° about the center position. The representational details relate preferably to an exceeding of said position of the handle 45 and of the second manual shift lever part 43. The second manual shift lever part 43 can therefore be moved to the specific position without a separation of the contacts 4, 6 takes place. If the second manual shift lever part 43 is moved beyond this position, the jump-like separation of the contacts 4, 6 takes place.

The FIGS. 17 and 18 each show modules of the switching device 1, wherein the contacts 4, 6 are each closed. In Fig. 17 is also the handle 45 in the on position. In Fig. 17 is in partially broken view and the Verklinkungsstelle 24 shown. Across from Fig. 17 was in the presentation according to Fig. 18 the handle and also the second manual shift lever part 43 is moved counterclockwise. As a result, the hook-shaped end portion 48 of the second bracket 41 comes into contact with the jump trigger stop 54, and has already moved this slightly, as shown at the Verklinkungsstelle 24. Although the latching of the latch 20 with the latch support 22 still exists, and the contacts 4, 6 are closed, however, latch 20 and latch support 22 are only very slightly in contact. Good to see comparing the two FIGS. 17 and 18 is that each of the first manual shift lever part 42 is held by the rocker arm 51 on the latching projection 50, and only the second manual shift lever part 43 has moved.

In the preferred embodiment, the second manual shift lever part 43 has a segment-like cutout 47, as in FIG Fig. 20 shown. In this cutout 47, the first and the second cam 9, 26 of the first manual shift lever part 42 are arranged. The spring within the manual shift lever 7 presses the first manual shift lever part 42 with an edge of the segment-like cutout 47 against the first cam 9. The second manual shift lever part 43 can therefore be moved relative to the first manual shift lever part 42 about the manual shift lever pivot axis 44.

At the first manual shift lever part 42, a latching projection 50 is arranged. The latching projection 50 is preferably arranged in the region of the first cam 9, or subsequently to the first cam 9. When the switching device 1 is switched on, the first cam 9 releases the contact arm 3, so that the contacts 4, 6 come to a close. In addition, or in the representations below, the first manual shift lever part 42, a pivotally mounted rocker arm 51 is arranged as a further part of the switching mechanism 2. The rocker arm 51 engages in the latching projection 50, and holds the first manual shift lever part 42 in its position. The second manual shift lever part 43 is movable relative to the, held by the rocker arm 51 first manual shift lever part 42, whereby it comes to the deflection of the latch support 22 and consequently to the separation of the contacts 4, 6 when a certain position is exceeded. The segment-like cutout 47 on the second manual shift lever part 43 is to be correspondingly designed or dimensioned such that a correspondingly further rotation of the second manual shift lever part 43 is possible without the second manual shift lever part 43 abutting the second cam 26 in advance.

When disconnecting the contacts 4, 6 and the contact arm 19 is moved. Arranged on the contact arm support 19 is a contact arm support extension 52 which, when the contacts 4, 6 are open, pushes the tilting lever 51 away from the latching projection 50. During the opening process of the contacts 4, 6, therefore, the rocker arm 51 is lifted from the locking projection 50, whereby the first manual shift lever part 42 can pivot back relative to the second manual shift lever part 43, and the first cam 9 abuts against the segment-like cutout 47 again.

The rocker arm 51 is spring loaded accordingly, whereby it is pressed in the direction of the first manual shift lever part 42.

Claims (15)

1. Switching device (1), in particular safety switching device, having a contact (6) which is fixed to the housing and a movable contact (4), wherein the movable contact (4) is arranged on a contact arm (3) movably arranged in the switching device (1), wherein the movable contact (4) is provided for contacting the contact (6) which is fixed to the housing and forming a conducting current path through the switching device (1), wherein the switching device (1) has a latching mechanism (2), which is connected to the contact arm (3), wherein the latching mechanism (2) has a latch (20) and a latch support (22), wherein the latch support (22) has a latching point (24) for latching the latch (20) to the latch support (22), wherein the switching device (1) further has a hand lever (7), which hand lever (7) is connected to the latch (20) by means of a first bracket (37) for contacting the movable contact (4) with the contact (6) which is fixed to the housing, wherein the switching device (1) has a sudden disconnect mechanism (40) for manually causing a sudden separation of the contacts (4, 6), characterised in that a second bracket (41) is mounted on the hand lever (7) such that an actuation of the hand lever (7) releases the latch connection between the latch support (22) and the latch (20) in order to separate the movable contact (4) from the contact (6) which is fixed to the housing.
2. Switching device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the latch support (22) has a guide slot (53) in which the second bracket (41) is arranged so as to be movable in some regions.
3. Switching device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the latch support (22) has a sudden release stop bar (54) for actuation by the second bracket (41), which sudden release stop bar (54) is arranged preferably on the guide slot (53).
4. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the hand lever (7) has a first hand lever part (42) and a second hand lever part (43), wherein the first hand lever part (42) and the second hand lever part (43) are rotatably arranged about the same hand lever axis of rotation (44), wherein a handle (45) of the hand lever (7) is arranged on the second hand lever part (43), wherein the first bracket (37) is mounted on the first hand lever part (42), and wherein the second bracket (41) is mounted on the second hand lever part (43), and wherein the first hand lever part (42) can be rotated relative to the second hand lever part (43) through a predetermined range of angles.
5. Switching device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the range of angles and a length of the second bracket (41) are configured such that the latch connection of the latch support (22) to the latch (20) is released when the hand lever (7) is arranged in the region of a central position between an activated position of the hand lever (7) and a deactivated position of the hand lever (7).
6. Switching device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the first hand lever part (42) and the second hand lever part (43) are configured as rotationally symmetrical bodies in some regions, wherein preferably the first hand lever part (42) is mounted within the second hand lever part (43) in a coaxial manner at least in some regions.
7. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, characterised in that a catch projection (50) is arranged on the first hand lever part (42), and that in the activated position of the hand lever (7) the catch projection (50) interacts with a pivotably mounted rocking lever (51) of the latching mechanism (2) to keep the hand lever (7) in the activated position.
8. Switching device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the contact arm (3) is connected to a contact arm support (19) of the latching mechanism (2), and that the contact arm support (19) has a contact arm support extension (52), that pushes the rocking lever (51) away from the catch projection (50) when the contacts (4, 6) are open.
9. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the contact arm (3) has a contact arm extension (5) on an end facing away from the movable contact (4), that the switching device (1) further comprises a sudden activation mechanism (8), which sudden activation mechanism (8) has a rotatably mounted snap-action rocker (10), controlled by a first cam (9) of the hand lever (7) having a contact arm catcher (11), preferably comprising metal, in particular steel, configured to contact the contact arm extension (5), and that the contact arm catcher (11) has a surface hardness that is greater than or equal to a surface hardness of the contact arm extension (5).
10. Switching device (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the contact support extension (5) is hook-shaped.
11. Switching device (1) according to either claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the contact support extension (5) engages behind the contact arm catcher (11).
12. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the contact arm catcher (11) is configured rotationally symmetrical, in particular as a round rivet and/or tubular rivet (12), which is preferably rotatably mounted in the snap-action rocker (10).
13. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the snap-action rocker (10) has limit stop (13) in the region of the contact arm catcher (11), and that when the contact arm extension (5) is engaged with the snap-action rocker (10), a first contact arm retaining surface (14) abuts the contact arm catcher (11) and a second contact arm retaining surface (15) abuts the limit stop (13).
14. Switching device (1) according to claim 13, characterised in that the first contact arm retaining surface (14) is arranged substantially normally to the second contact arm retaining surface (15).
15. Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterised in that the snap-action rocker (10) is configured as a rotatably mounted lever, that the contact arm catcher (11) is arranged on a first lever arm (16) of the snap-action rocker (10), and that a second lever arm (17) of the snap-action rocker (10) is configured as an actuation extension (18) for contacting the first cam (9) of the hand lever (7).

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