EP3724909A1

EP3724909A1 - Intelligent circuit breaker

Info

Publication number: EP3724909A1
Application number: EP17835466.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jozef Smrkolj
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-12-15
Filing date: 2017-12-15
Publication date: 2020-10-21
Also published as: WO2019114983A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit breaker, comprising a current sensor (3) for sensing a current value and two parallel current paths, which are connected, as a main and a secondary current path (1, 2), in series with a coil (6) of a magnetic tripping device (7) via of a contact device (11), wherein: in the event of a fault, a switching lock (8) for opening and fixing the contact device (11) is tripped in order to open a common switching contact (C1) of the contact device (11), in order to interrupt the main and secondary current paths (1, 2); in the event of a short circuit, the magnetic tripping device (7) opens another switching contact (C2) of the contact device (11) in order to interrupt only the main current path (1); an interrupting and tripping insert (10) is arranged in the secondary current path (2), which interrupting and tripping insert, in the event of a short circuit, interrupts the secondary current path (2) and trips the switching lock (8) for opening and fixing the contact device (11) in order to interrupt the common switching contact (C1) for the main and secondary current paths (1, 2). The invention further relates to a method for operating a circuit breaker.

Description

Intelligent circuit breaker

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker with a current sensor and two parallel current paths, which are connected as a main and Nebenstrompfad via a Kontaktin direction with a coil of a magnetic release in each case in series. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a circuit breaker.

From DE 10 2011 016 933 Al a circuit breaker is known, in which the armature of a magnetic release in case of failure via a plunger or striker the switching contact of the main trompfads opens, so that the current now only flows through the secondary flow path and its contact point. The opening of the contact point in the main current path takes place without Bil tion of an arc, since the contact point is short-circuited by the secondary circuit. When a short-circuit current occurs, the contact point of the secondary current path, which is formed as Abbrennkontakt abruptly opened by the plunger or striker, which is for this purpose driven by a second anchor. The light occurring at the opening of the contact point is brought in a known manner in one of the contact point associated deion chamber delete Ver. Since the Abbrennkontakt and a thermal release for the Überstromstör fall in the secondary current path through which no current flows in the trouble-free Lall, the energy losses in the circuit breaker can be minimized in normal continuous operation. Due to the burnup at the burn-off contact, however, the tripping characteristic in the event of an overcurrent accident can change.

Learners are known as overcurrent protection fuses systems in which a replaceable fuse link between a fuse base over which a contact with a first terminal is made, and a screw cap is arranged, via which the electrical contact with a second terminal is provided. When an overcurrent or short circuit occurs, a fuse element of the fuse link melts to break the current path between the terminals. To indicate that the fuse has addressed tion, that is, the fuse element has interrupted the current path between the terminal, a flag or indicator pin is provided which is pushed out of a leather from a contact head of the fuse link when the Schmelzlei ter and the indicator retaining holding wire are melted. For connection to the mains, domestic connection fuses whose size is specified by the network operator are prescribed as connection devices in buildings in accordance with the "TAB technical connection conditions". Since domestic connection fuses must not be used as a disconnecting device for the customer system, a selective overcurrent protection device must be provided for the optional disconnection of the system. Such an overcurrent protection device usually has a selective circuit breaker, as described, for example, in DE 10 2011 016 933 A1, and a fuse arranged in the same line in accordance with regulations. In normal operation, this arrangement consumes approximately 0.5% c of the electrical power transported and protected by it. This leads to a development of heat in the overcurrent protection devices, connection devices and circuit distributors, the temperature increases to Lolge has to be considered in the design of the overcurrent protection devices to prevent Lunktionsstörungen by the mutual influence ing the protective switching devices in the system.

In order to further minimize the energy losses in a normal continuous operation and the Ausbil tion of an arc when interrupting the circuit in the event of short circuit and thus also prevent burning of contacts has been described in WO 2016/116559 Al another structure for a circuit breaker. This is a circuit breaker with two parallel current paths, each with a contact point, which are connected as a main and Nebenstrompfad via a contact device with a coil of a magnetic release in series, described. In the secondary current path, a breaker and tripping insert is provided, which interrupts the secondary current path in the event of a short circuit and triggers a switching mechanism for opening and fixing the opened contact device. The disclosure content of these WO 2016/116559 A1 by the same applicant as published on 21 January 2016 should also apply to the present application in its entirety. This circuit breaker from WO 2016/116559 Al has on the one hand a mechanically complicated contact device with a contact plate with three contact points and a contact plate carrier, which must be manoeuvrable and expensive to install, making the susceptibility is high and the robustness decreases with the age of the circuit breaker , In addition, the solution takes place in case of failure by a bimetallic element, which may be unreliable due to aging and current-related possibly. In addition, such a miniature circuit breaker is not able to document or alarm a fault operation, whereby this line In particular, contactor switches can not be used in applications in the field of smart grids, in English: "smart grid".

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a circuit breaker, which has minimized energy losses in normal continuous operation and also the formation of an arc when interrupting the circuit in case of failure and thus a Abbren nen of contacts much more reliably prevented. The line s contactor switch should be simpler and be used in many applications.

This object is achieved by a circuit breaker according to claim 1 and a procedural ren for operating the circuit breaker according to claim 15. Advantageous from designs and developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

According to the invention is therefore in a circuit breaker with a sensor for detecting a current value and with two parallel current paths, which are geschal tet as main and Nebens trompfad via a contact device with a coil of a magnetic release in series, distinguished between a short circuit and a fault case. In the event of a malfunction, the switching mechanism for opening and fixing the contact device according to the invention is released from in order to open a common switching contact of the contact device to interrupt the main and the secondary current path. Thus, the circuit can be completely interrupted whoever and a current flow stopped. This primarily protects power lines to or for a domestic installation and secondarily a connected power consumer in the event of a fault against overcurrent operation.

According to the invention, a breaker and tripping insert is additionally provided in the circuit breaker in the secondary current path, which interrupts the secondary current path in the event of a short circuit and triggers a switching mechanism for opening and fixing the opened contact device. Inven tion, the magnetic release opens in case of short circuit another switching contact of the contact device, the other switching contact opens only the main current path. According to the invention so the Lunktionen a house connection fuse with the Trennvor direction are combined in a compact circuit breaker. In particular, this arrangement of a breaker and tripping insert ensures that in the event of a short circuit, only the other switching contact of the main current path, which carries the operating current as a so-called empty contact, is opened without interruption of the short-circuit current. The short-circuit current is thus conducted to the secondary current path and thus through the breaker and tripping insert. In this case, no arc occurs in the main current path and the Schaltkon contacts remain intact in the event of a short circuit. The breaker and trip insert then interrupts the bypass path without causing an arc at the common switch contact or the other switch contact.

The contact device according to the invention therefore consists of a common Schaltkon contact at the same time interrupts the main and the secondary current path and another switching contact interrupts only the main current path. This contact device allows the diversion into the secondary current path in the event of a short circuit and the prompt interruption - ie opening - both parallel current paths and thus a prompt separation of Stromkrei ses in case of failure in a mechanically and electrically simple manner, so that the susceptibility to errors is reduced and the longevity is increased.

In this case, a current sensor for detecting a current value in the circuit breaker is net angeord. With the current sensor, a continuous detection of the current current value suc conditions.

The magnetic release can be set so that it promptly opens the other switching contact of the con tact device at a current above the rated current, and so, the current is redirected to power consumers in the secondary flow path. This is referred to below as a sensitive magnetic trigger.

Alternatively, the magnetic release can also be set such that it opens the other Schaltkon contact of the contact device exclusively at a short-circuit current, ie a current value far above the rated current value, for example, 5 times or more of Nennstromwer tes. This is referred to below as a carrier magnetic release.

In a preferred embodiment, the current sensor is connected in series with the breaker and release insert in the secondary current path. The current sensor can then, for example, between a third switching contact, preferably designed as a contact point, the contact device and the breaker and tripping insert to be arranged in the secondary flow path. This Ausgestal device is advantageous, for example, when a sensitive magnetic release is used, which opens the switch contact promptly at a current above the rated current - not only in Kurschlussfall - because then the main current path has no additional current sensor, so that the circuit breaker is very energy efficient.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the current sensor is connected in series with the coil and the contact device. The current sensor can then be arranged, for example, between the spool and the common switching contact of the contact device. The current sensor can also be arranged in the current flow after the contact device or in front of the coil. This embodiment is advantageous, for example, if a slow Magnetauslö water is used, which opens the switch contact only in case of short circuit - but not in case of failure in case of overcurrent. This embodiment is also safer, since the current sensor detects a current value even with a defective magnetic release and so, the switch lock triggers to open the common switch contact.

In a preferred refinement, an evaluation unit is provided for evaluating a current value detected by the current sensor in the circuit breaker in order to detect the fault, ie to detect it. In the event of a fault, a detected current value - ie an actual current value - is above a reference current value - ie above a setpoint current value. For example, the reference current value is a defined multiple of a rated current for a pre-defined period of time. By continuously monitoring the current value in the line protection switch, for example, by detecting a current value in the specific Zeitabstän the, it can be monitored whether a desired nominal current value is significantly exceeded. If this exceeding of the current value lasts longer than a predefined period of time, a fault is detected and the main and secondary current paths are interrupted by the opening of the common switch contact. Thus, damage to the lines and possibly also the power consumers can be avoided and safety regulations for electrical installation, such as laid pipes in a building, etc. are complied with. The current setpoint must not be too high in this case, that is, for example, only twice as large as the actual current value, if the common switch contact is opened energetically in order to prevent contact erosion. Preferably, the contact device comprises two movable contact arms which are rotatable - that is movable - arranged (mounted) about a common point. The common point forms a first end of a first contact arm of the two movable contact arms. The common point forms a first end of a second contact arm of the two movable contact arms. The common switching contact is electrically contactable with a remote from the common point end of the first movable contact arm. The other switching contact is electrically contacted with a remote from the common point end of the second movable contact arm. The movement of the two contact arms can take place simultaneously (fault case) or separately (short circuit). This comparatively simple con struction allows a reliable and robust design of the contact device.

It is particularly advantageous if a third switching contact, preferably as a contact point ausgebil det, is arranged at the common point, wherein the third switching contact with a con tact of the breaker and tripping insert and / or the current sensor is connected. Thus, when opening the other switch contact can be reliably ensured that the short-circuit current is diverted to the breaker and tripping insert.

The first contact arm and the second contact arm are preferably held by a latching in trouble-free operation. Preferably, both contact arms are simultaneously unlatched when triggering the switching mechanism in case of failure, so that both the common switching contact and the other switching contact are opened. The latching can alternatively or additionally occur against a holding force of a prestressed first retaining spring.

Preferably, the second contact arm is not movable relative to the first contact arm. The second contact arm will then be moved depending on the first contact arm. Here, the third switching contact can be easily mechanically formed as a contact point and the risk of sparking when interrupting the paths is reduced. Alternatively, the second contact arm is movable relative to the first contact arm. In this case, the second contact arm is preferably held by means of a second retaining spring in trouble-free operation. The second contact arm can be moved independently of the first contact arm, so that the other switching contact can also be opened independently of the common switching contact. This occurs, for example, in the event of a short circuit. If, for example, a sensitive magnetic release in the circuit breaker used, the movement of the second contact arm to open the other Schaltkon clock is independent of the common switch contact in case of failure.

It is particularly advantageous if in addition a thermal release, which is designed in particular as a bi-metal element, is provided to trigger the switching mechanism for opening and fixing the contact device in case of failure and / or short circuit to the common switching contact and / or to open the other switching contact for the main current path. The position of the thermal release in the circuit breaker is flexible and different depending on the function. If, for example, a fault is reliably detected, then the thermal release is introduced into the main current path in order to enable, in addition to an electrical detection of the fault case by means of the current sensor, also a mechanical detection of the fault if. Alternatively or additionally, the thermal release can also be introduced into the Ne benstrompfad to cause in a short circuit or a fault, depending on the type of magnetic release reliably opening the common switch contact and there with the interruption of both current paths. This increases the safety and reliability of the tripping of the circuit breaker in the event of a fault and also in the event of a short circuit, should the electronic detection of the current value by means of a current sensor fail, not be present or defective. When the thermal release is arranged in the secondary current path, the energy efficiency of the circuit breaker is also increased during trouble-free operation. The thermal release preferably ensures that in case of failed or non-existent electronic current value detection in any case by means of the thermal release the switching mechanism is triggered when an overcurrent to open and fix the contact device.

In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is provided to detect the fault case, wherein the evaluation unit monitors a detected current value of the main current path at predefined time intervals and compares it with a reference current value, for example a predefined multiple of a rated current value. This allows accurate current detection and monitoring. This current monitoring can be done in a continuous manner, ie during the entire operation of the circuit breaker. The time period between the time intervals is changeable. Preferably, the evaluation unit controls a trigger switch, also referred to as trigger, in a detected fault case. With its activation then triggers the switching mechanism for Publ tion and fixation of the contact device. In this way an electronically controlled acquisition and monitoring of a current current value (actual current value) takes place. According to a defined specification of the fault is reliably detected and accordingly the switching lock activated to open the common switching contact of the contact device.

The evaluation unit preferably has a contactless interface in order to be able to exchange data with an external unit via a data communication connection. So now not only reliably a malfunction of the external unit can be reported (alarmed), it can also be reported a direction of current in the main current path and also an identification of the circuit breaker to the external unit. In addition, the state of the line circuit breaker can be remotely monitored by means of the external unit. This allows the application of the circuit breaker in the field of "smart grids". These include the communicative networking and control of power generators, storage, electrical consumers and network resources in power transmission and distribution networks of the electricity supply. According to the invention, it is now possible to optimize and monitor the interconnected components in the energy grid and to operate an efficient and reliable system.

It is particularly advantageous if the breaker and trip unit is arranged in the sidewalk path interchangeable between two contact elements, in particular terminal contact elements. This allows easy replacement of the breaker and trip unit.

It is particularly advantageous if a holding device, for example a holding pin, is provided in order to fix the other switching contact in an open position. As a result, it is ensured in the event of a short circuit that the other switching contact after the occurrence of the short-circuit current is not closed and so the main current path is not suddenly erroneously ge closed. As a result, the current is reliably redirected to the secondary current path and can lead, for example, when the current sensor in the secondary current path to open the common switching contact and / or to interrupt the breaker and trip set. It is particularly advantageous if the interruption of the secondary current paths through the Unterbre cher- and release insert is additionally detected by the evaluation unit in the event of a short circuit and a trigger switch is activated, with the activation of the switch lock after breaking both the main current path and the Nebenstrompfades to de-energize Opening and fixing the contact device triggers to open the common switching contact for the main and the secondary current path. In this way, the Nebenstrompfad is also opened by the contact device to allow a reliable interruption of the circuit, for example, in the event that the breaker and trip unit should not interrupt the secondary current path in a faulty way.

It is particularly advantageous if the breaker and tripping insert is a fusible insert whose fusible wire and / or retaining wire melts together with the fusible wire in the event of a short circuit.

It is particularly advantageous when the evaluation unit electronically detects the interruption of the secondary current path through the breaker and tripping insert, for example by detecting a large voltage drop generated in the secondary current path by the interruption on the breaker and tripping insert in the evaluation unit, whereupon the Evaluation unit electronically activates a release switch to trigger the switch lock, which then the common switch contact is opened. Alternatively or additionally, a striker against the force of a spring could be kept in its standby position. This not only ensures that a short-circuit current is reliably interrupted mechanically in a mechanical manner, but also that the switching mechanism is mechanically triggered to bring the Kontaktin direction in its OFF position and to fix it. The opening of the contact point of the secondary current path takes place without current, ie without the risk of the emergence of a Lichtbo gene.

By integrating the prescribed fuse according to the invention as a melting insert, the current sensor and optionally the thermal release in the Nebenstrompfad and the use of the current sensor for detecting the current value manages the Verlustleis obligations of the overcurrent release and the fuse in normal operation to avoid, since the fuse, the Current sensor and possibly a thermal release only in the event of Current flows through to protect electrical lines, but not during normal operation.

To rule out power accidents is provided that a breaker and trip use in Nebenstrompfad covering housing cap is removable only in the off state of the Lei ing circuit breaker, in particular for replacing the breaker and trip unit or the fuse.

By a contact device with two movable contact arms, rotatably arranged at a common point, which also serves as a third contact, a common suspension of the contact arms and an electrical function are very easily combined. Thus, according to the invention, the contact device extremely simple and uncomplicated and thus kos tengünstig produce to simultaneously form the common switching contact of the main and side trompfads and the other switching contact of the main current path.

According to the invention can be provided that the common switch contact under the We kkraft a first tensioned retaining spring is opened, with the two rotatably ge overlaid contact arms of the contact device are moved simultaneously and thus the end of the first contact arm of the common switch contact and the end of the second contact of be removed from the other switching contact. Thus, therefore, the common Schaltkon clock as well as the other switching contact are opened electrically. In this case, the simultaneous opening of the two switching contacts from its closing or ON position into its open or OFF position is effected by the first contact spring acting on the two contact arms.

It can further be provided that the contact device of a pawl of the switching lock in its closed or ON position is fixed, which acts in the case of triggering a pin on the latch of the switch lock to the fixation of the contact device for opening the two switching contacts, ie the common switch contact and the other switch contact, so that the force of the preloaded first retaining spring causes the sudden movement of the con tact device from the ON to the OFF position. The triggering pin is preferably moved in the case of triggering by an electronic trigger switch on the latch of the switch latch. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is provided in the short circuit case that is fixed by means of a spring force of a second retaining spring, the other switching contact when the contact device occupies an ON position, to open this other switching contact of the main current path of the armature of the magnetic release against the force the second Hal tefeder acts on the second contact arm. For example, the force of the armature can act on a pin, which in turn acts on the second contact arm. The spring force of the second retaining spring is independent of the spring force of a first retaining spring. When the force from the armature of the magnetic release to the second contact arm is greater than the counteracting force of the second retaining spring, the other switching contact opens and interrupts the main current path. In this way, in particular the other switching contact of the main current path can be reliably interrupted in a simple manner, without a Fichtbogen occurs because the common switching contact initially reliably remains closed in the event of a short circuit, so the contact device continues to reliably hold the common switching contact in the ON position, in order to ensure a break in the secondary current path by means of the breaker and trip set.

Although it is basically possible to match the drop of the armature of the magnetic release after interrupting the Nebenstrompfads in case of short circuit and the response of the switching mechanism for moving the switch contacts in their final OFF position to each other that a re-closing of the main current path is prevented, is achieved that in a simple way the contact means can be fixed by the lever acting on the switch lock on the forces acting on the contact means in their opening or release position. Thus, the magnetic release and the switch lock can be optimized independently of each other for their respective switching tasks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be explained in more detail below, for example, with reference to the drawing. Show it:

1 is a circuit diagram of a circuit breaker according to a first embodiment of the present invention in the on state in trouble-free operation, 2 is a schematic sectional view of the line circuit breaker shown in Fig.l as a circuit diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the switched-state in trouble-free operation,

3 is a circuit diagram of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the off state after occurrence of a fault case,

4 shows a schematic sectional view of the circuit breaker shown in Figure 3 as a circuit diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the off state after occurrence of a fault,

5 is a circuit diagram of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the on state in the event of a short circuit,

6 is a schematic sectional view of the circuit breaker shown in Figure 5 as a circuit diagram according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the off state in the event of a short circuit,

7 is a circuit diagram of the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the off state after occurrence of a short circuit case,

8 is a circuit diagram of a circuit breaker according to a second embodiment of the present invention in the on state in trouble-free operation,

9 is a circuit diagram of a circuit breaker according to a third embodiment of the present invention in the on state in trouble-free operation,

Fig. 10 is a tripping current-off time characteristic as a default for the inventive

Evaluation unit showing a reference current characteristic for overcurrent and short circuit,

Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional view in four perspectives of the circuit diagram shown in Figure 4 as a circuit breaker circuit breaker according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the off state after the occurrence of a fault case. In the various figures of the drawing corresponding components are provided with the same reference numerals.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the circuit breaker according to a first imple mentation of the invention, a magnetic release 7 with a coil 6 and an armature acting on a striking pin 20 on a contact device 11. The coil 6 is connected at its one end to a first terminal 21 and at its other end to a common switching contact C1. A current sensor 3 in FIG. 1 is not shown in FIG. The contact device 11 has a first movable contact arm 18 and a second movable contact arm 19. Both contact arms 18, 19 are rotatably (movably) mounted about a common point 17. The movement of the contact arms 18, 19 can take place inde pendent of each other. The movement of the contact arms 18, 19 can take place relative to one another. At the common point 17, which simultaneously represents one end of the contact arms 18, 19 at a time, a third switching contact C3, here designed as a contact point C3, is arranged.

The contact arms 18, 19 are formed in the present case the same length to simplify their production. In a variant, not shown, the contact arms 18, 19 may have a different length under, if, for example, structural conditions in the circuit protection switch or current-induced adjustment cause it.

However, it is also possible the contact arms 18, 19 integrally th in the manner of a rocker th, the central pivot point, so the contact point C3, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rocker is displaceable, so that they can pivot about the common switching contact Cl.

In Figures 1 and 2, the circuit breaker is shown in a smooth operation in the switched-on state. In the on state, the common switching contact Cl is connected by contact with a distal end of the first contact arm 18 via the third Schaltkon contact C3, or the contact point C3, away with another switching contact C2 by contact with a distal end of a second contact arm 19. The other switching contact C2 is connected to a second connecting terminal 22 via an electrical conducting element, which forms part of the main current path 1. The coil 6 of the magnetic release 7 is connected in series with a current sensor 3 (not shown in FIG. 2). A current path thus connects the two connection terminals 21, 22 of the circuit protection circuit according to the invention. ters via the coil 6 and the current sensor 3. In trouble-free normal operation, therefore, the terminals 21, 22 exclusively by the series connection of the coil 6, the current sensor 3, the common switching contact Cl, the two contact arms 18, 19, at the switch contact C2 and the electrical line element of the main current path 1 verbun the. Alternatively, the current sensor 3 can also be arranged between the connection terminal 21 and the coil 6.

Parallel to the main current path 1, a secondary current path 2 is connected between a third contact C3 and the further terminal 22. The third switching contact C3, or the contact point C3, is electrically connected in series with a breaker and tripping insert 10. The breaker and trip unit 10 is interchangeable between two Klemmkon clocks 14 used, of which the first terminal contact via a line element to the third switching contact C3 and the second terminal contact via another line element with the two-th terminal 22 is connected. It is possible that the current sensor 3 in the secondary trumpet 2 instead of the main current path 1 (not shown in Fig.l and Fig.2) in series with the breaker and trip set 10 is arranged. This increases the energy efficiency, if, for example, a sensitive magnetic release 7 is used, which opens at any current above a rated current, so both in case of failure and in the event of short circuit, the other switching contact C2 to redirect the flow in the secondary flow path.

It is also possible that in the secondary flow path 2, a thermal release (not shown in Fig.l and Fig.2) in series with the breaker and tripping insert 10 is arranged. A Rei sequence in the arrangement of breaker and tripping insert 10 to thermal release and current sensor 3 is to choose depending on the installation conditions in the circuit breaker, so that the breaker and trip unit 10 also directly to the third switching contact C3, or the contact point C3 connected is, while the thermal release between the breaker and trip unit 10 and the other terminal 22 may be arranged to.

The breaker and tripping insert 10 may have a striker, with which it acts on a switching mechanism 8. A bimetallic element of the thermal release may optionally act on the switch latch 8 (not shown). The switching mechanism 8, which is described below as necessary in more detail, is also actuated by a manual switch 9 and in turn also acts on the switch 9, as shown by the dashed double arrow to move it to its OFF position when the Circuit breaker in case of failure interrupts the disturbed area of the power grid. The fault case can be detected by means of current sensor 3 overcurrent above a predefined multiple of a rated current for a certain period of time, so if the circuit protection switch due to the overcurrent both the main and the Nebenstrompfad 1, 2 inter mediate the terminals 21, 22 interrupts. But it can also occur a short circuit through which the circuit breaker first interrupts the main current path 1 between the contacts C3 and 22 in order to redirect the current to the breaker and trip set 10.

The contact device 11 has two in Fig. 11 shown in detail first and second retaining springs 15, 16 in order to hold the contact arms 18, 19 in a certain position. The second contact arm 19 is oriented at an angle of 45 degrees to 90 degrees, ie quasi-perpendicular, to the direction of the pin 20 of the magnetic release 7.

The contact device 11 can be held by a pawl against the force of a first retaining spring 15 in its ON position. In this ON position, the two contact arms 18, 19 are each electrically connected to the switching contacts Cl and C2 (contact) and thus keep the circuit breaker in its ON state.

According to Fig.l flows in trouble-free normal operation of the circuit breaker switch according to the invention, the current from the terminal 21 via the coil 6 of the magnetic release 7 and the current sensor 3 to the common switching contact Cl, via the first contact arm 18 to the third contact C3, via the second contact arm 19 for Whether the common switching contact Cl is closed, flows via the Nebenstrompfad 2 with the breaker and tripping insert 10 virtually no electricity, since the Nebenstrompfad 2 short-circuited by the main current path 1 and other switching contact C2 and the electrical line element of the main current path is.

The current in the main current path 1 is detected by the current sensor 3. The current sensor 3 is, for example, a shunt resistor connected in series between coil 6 and common switching contact Cl. The actual position of the current sensor 3 in the electrical diagram of the Circuit breaker is freely selectable and can be adapted to the structural conditions of the line circuit breaker. However, the current sensor 3 should be arranged in the vicinity of 11 Kontaktin direction to detect a reliable current current value, which actually flows through the terminal 22 to a power consumer. The current sensor 3 may alternatively also be designed as a current transformer, so that the detected current is obtained by inductive coupling. This allows a galvanic separation of Stromerfas solution from the mains and possibly simplifies the Verschaltungsaufwand a connected to the current sensor 3 evaluation unit 4. The current sensor 3 may also be a Rogowski coil.

As already mentioned above, the current sensor 3 can also be arranged in the secondary current path (not shown). In such a position of the current sensor 3, a sensitive magnetic release 7 should be used, which promptly opens the other switching contact C2 at a current above the nominal current value - ie the occurrence of an overcurrent - and thus conducts the current via the secondary current path.

The current sensor 3 detects permanently or continuously at defined time intervals the current value (actual current value). With defined time intervals in particular equidistant Zeitab states of less than 1 second, preferably less than 100 milliseconds, more preferably every 10 milliseconds meant. In this case, the evaluation unit 4 is provided to compare the detected current with a predefined reference current value (nominal current value) at these defined time intervals.

This predefined reference current value is, for example, above a nominal current value, preferably 1.1 to 5 times the rated current value, more preferably 1.2 to 2 times the nominal current value, even more preferably 1.45 times the nominal current value. If a comparison in the evaluation unit 4 reveals that the current detected by the current sensor 3 is greater than the predefined reference current value, that is, for example, 1.45 times the rated current value, then a timer is started. The comparison is also repeated in the equidistant time intervals mentioned above.

If the comparison in the case of recurrence shows that the detected current value is below the reference current value, the timer is deleted and no fault is detected. If the comparison in the repeat case shows that the detected current value is still above the reference current value, then the timer is compared with a predefined time duration. If the predefined period has not yet been exceeded, the comparison is repeated again in accordance with the equidistant time intervals already mentioned. If the predefined time duration has already been exceeded and if the current value detected by the current sensor 3 was above the reference current value for each individual comparison, then a fault has occurred. Then sends the evaluation unit 4, an electrical signal to a trigger switch 12, also referred to as a trigger. This release switch 12 activates the switching mechanism 8 such that at least the common switching contact Cl of the contactor 11 is opened and thus the main current path 1 and the secondary current path 2 are interrupted at the same time. In this case, the common switching contact C1 is opened due to the spring action of the prestressed first retaining spring 15. In one embodiment, the other switching contact C2 is opened at the same time.

If the comparison in one of the renewed repeat cases shows that the detected current value is below the reference current value, the timer is deleted and no fault is detected.

The equidistant time intervals for the current value detection can also be varied from the detection of a detected current value above the reference current value, for example, these time intervals can be shortened.

The variations of the equidistant time intervals and / or the length of the predefined time duration can be dependent on the comparison result. For example, at a detected current value which is far greater than the reference current value - for example 20% greater than the reference current or even more - the equidistant time intervals and / or the predefined time can be selected to be shorter than for a detected current which is only minimally greater than that Reference current - for example, less than 20% greater than the reference current.

The comments on the figures 1 and 2 apply to the figures 3 to 9 continue, unless it is formulated in the following other embodiments.

According to Figures 3 and 4, the circuit breaker according to the first Ausführungsbei game of the present invention is shown in the off state, for example, after the occurrence of egg nes fault. Occurs, for example, due to a fault on the consumer side of the power grid or on the generator side, an overcurrent, ie a current above the reference current value, so this is detected according to the above monitoring by means of the current sensor 3, the evaluation unit 4 and the shutter 12 , If the above-described malfunction case is detected, then the contact device 11 is switched by means of the switching mechanism 8 such that the common switching contact C1 is opened. In this case, if necessary (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), the other switching contact C2 can also be opened at the same time. The two contact arms 18, 19 are simultaneously moved due to the force of the first retaining spring 15 and a corresponding Ab was between the ends of the contact arms 18, 19 and the switching contacts Cl, C2 generated. The retraction force of the preloaded first retaining spring 15, designed for example as a tension spring, thereby causes the movement of the two contact arms 18, 19th

If the switch 9 is manually returned to its ON position after the fault has been rectified in the power supply, a pawl of the switching mechanism 8 can be moved back into the ON position by this movement and the first retaining spring 15 becomes how curious.

In Figures 5, 6 and 7, the circuit breaker is shown in the event of a short circuit. In the short circuit case, the current value substantially greater than the reference current for detecting the fault case, so for example, 5 to lO times the rated current value or more, preferably be 2 to 5 times the rated current value or more, causes first speaks the magnetic release 7 on. In the short circuit, a magnetic force is generated in the coil 6 of the magnetic release 7, which is greater than the holding force of the second retaining spring 16. By means of the arm 20 moved by the armature of the second contact arm 19 is pressed against the holding force of the second retaining spring 16 downward. Thus, only the other switching contact C2 is opened. This interrupts only the main current path 1. A Einklink- device to the contact device 11 on the side of the coil 6 of the magnetic release 7 can be brought into engagement or held so that the other switching contact C2 can not be closed again by itself. It should be noted that initially the common switching contact Cl remains closed, so that the short-circuit current is diverted via the secondary current path 2. Now speaks of the underbreaker and tripping insert 10, which interrupts the bypass path 2 virtually simultaneously. This is illustrated by the stylized flash in Figure 5. So it will be due to the interruption 1 of the main current path 1 currentless contact C2 is opened without the possibility of an electric arc.

It is particularly advantageous if the evaluation unit 4 electronically detects the interruption of the bypass current path 2 by the breaker and trip insert 10, for example by detecting a voltage drop generated in the bypass path 2 by the interruption at the breaker and trip unit 10 in the evaluation circuit. Unit 4, as shown by the two lines in Figure 5 and 6 from the secondary flow path 2 to the evaluation unit 4. Then, the evaluation unit 4 activates the trigger switch 12 electronically to trigger the switching mechanism 8, whereby then the common switching contact 1 is opened. This is particularly advantageous if no striker, English Striker PIN, is present on the breaker and trip set 10 to activate the switch lock.

Due to the diversion of the current in the secondary current path 2 after the interruption of the main current path 1 (according to Figure 5) falls due to the ohmic properties of the Schmelzdrah tes on breaker and trip set 10, a low voltage. This low voltage drop in the secondary current path 2 is detected immediately by the electrical connection between side trumpet 2 and evaluation unit 4 in the evaluation unit 4, so that the Auswer te unit 4 detects that the main current path 1 is interrupted. Thus, both a disturbance case in mere diversion into the Nebenstrom path 2 and a Kurschlussfall in the off values unit 4 can be detected promptly and the switching mechanism 8 by means of trigger switch 12 Akti be fourth. In the event of a short circuit, the complete interruption of the secondary current path 2 by the breaker and trip set 10 must be waited by the evaluation unit 10 in order to avoid contact erosion at the switching contact Cl in premature opening in the current-carrying.

In the event of a short circuit, the breaker and trip set 10 interrupts the secondary current path 2, and this is detected in the evaluation unit 4 by a large voltage drop across the Unterbre cher- and trigger set 10. As shown in Figure 7, the interruption of the Nebenstrompfads 2 (shown by the dash-dot line in Figure 7) is detected electronically by the evaluation unit 4, whereupon the trigger switch 12 is actuated by control unit of the evaluation unit 4 is to activate the switching mechanism 8 and to open the common switching contact Cl. In this case, the manual switch 9 is in its OFF position brought, as it has already been described with Figures 3 and 4. In the event of a short circuit, the complete interruption of the secondary current path 2 by the breaker and trip set 10 must be awaited by the evaluation unit 10 in order to avoid a contact erosion at the switching contact C1 when prematurely opened in the current-carrying state.

In a (not shown) variant of the breaker and tripping insert 10 is formed by a fuse link whose fuse wire and / or retaining wire holds in unspecified Darge imputed manner a contact pin against the force of a spring (not shown). Once the fuse wire and possibly the retaining wire of the fuse insert melt due to a high short-circuit current, the pin is suddenly moved by the spring provided in the fuse insert into its release position, whereby he actuated the switch lock 8 as described above ben.

After the triggering of the breaker and tripping insert 10 in the event of a short circuit, the breaker and tripping insert 10 must be replaced. For this purpose, a removable cap or the like may be provided on the housing of the line circuit breaker. If the cap, if appropriate, after the release of suitable fasteners, removed, so the breaker and trip unit 10 can be taken at the same time with up and pulled out between the terminal contact elements 14. The breaker and Auslöseein set 10 can thus take without tools from the circuit breaker invention and replace it with a new one. It can be provided that a shift lever in a switched state with its operating section secures the cap against removal. Therefore, the line contactor switch must be switched off before replacing breaker and trip unit 10. However, if this is not before, the circuit breaker ter is forcibly turned off, since not only the operating portion of the shift lever of the ma nual switch 9 blocks the decrease of the cap and thus forcibly actuated upon removal of the cap, but there as well as the lever with a pin of the breaker and tripping insert 10 cooperates, would be operated. Thus, it can be ensured that the area of the circuit breaker opened after the removal of the cap has been de-energized. The cap and the tripping insert 10 covering cap is thus removable only in the off state of the circuit breaker. In Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of a circuit breaker according to a second Ausführungsbei shown game. In the only difference to the circuit breaker according to the first embodiment is here now a thermal release 13 with a bimetallic element in one of the current paths 1, 2 - here the main current path 1, introduced. The position of the thermal release may vary depending on the function. If only a redundant detection of the fault case take place in order to counteract a failure of the electrical current detection by means of current sensor 3 and evaluation unit 4, the thermal trigger 13 is introduced into the main current path 1, as shown in FIG.

In case of failure, an overcurrent continues to flow through the coil 6 of the magnetic release 7 via the main current path 1 and thus by the bimetallic element of the thermal release 13, in particular special in a sluggish magnetic release 7. The overcurrent heats the bimetallic element, whereby this is bent. It comes into contact with a switching contact, whereby the switching mechanism 8 is triggered to open the common contact Cl and thus, as shown in Figure 4, to effect the OFF state of the circuit breaker.

8 is also a redundant protection for a short circuit, should the Magnetauslö ser 7 be defective and not open the other switching contact C2. Thus, even in the short circuit case, the heated bimetal by bending contact the switch contact, whereby the switching mechanism 8 is triggered to open the common contact Cl and so, as shown in Figure 4, to effect the OFF state of the circuit breaker.

Was the circuit breaker according to the invention switched due to an overcurrent by the thermal release 13 in its OFF state, it is after the elimination of the disturbance tion without further measures immediately switched on again.

In Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram of a circuit breaker according to a third Ausführungsbei game of the present invention in the on state in trouble-free operation Darge presents. In contrast to Fig. 8, the thermal release 13 is introduced into the secondary flow path 2 is to cause an opening of the common switching contact Cl in case of short circuit. Thus, a non-interruption after melting the breaker and trip set 10 and / or also a non-detection of a fault due to defective or non-existent electronic current value detection can be compensated. Preferably, the thermal mixed trigger 13 introduced into the secondary flow path 2 to allow a redundant detection of the Kurschlussfalls. If, in the case of such a position of the thermal release 13 according to FIG. 9, the incident should also be detected redundantly, then a sensitive magnetic release 7 should be used which already responds to overcurrent and not only in the event of a short circuit.

In Fig.lO a trip current Abschaltzeit- characteristic as a default for the evaluation unit 4 according to the invention showing a reference current characteristic for overcurrent and short circuit shown. This characteristic curve represents the switch-off time of the fuse protection switch according to the invention at different current multiples in relation to the time duration in seconds. The abscissa defines the trip current normalized to the rated current I _N from -5 to 10 000 times the rated current , The ordinate defines the turn-off time of 0.005s to 10,000 seconds.

This tripping current-off-time characteristic of FIG. 10 is used in the evaluation unit 4 to reliably detect the fault due to overcurrent. The stored in the evaluation unit 4 characteristic of the reference current is divided into two. In an upper section (shown in dashed lines), an overcurrent reference value is shown as tripping current. In a lower section (shown with dots), a short-circuit current reference value is shown as tripping current.

The evaluation unit 4 detects, for example, the event of overcurrent, when the current multiples detected by the current sensor 3 are detected for the following periods in the evaluation unit:

The magnetic release 7 according to this characteristic according to FIG. 10 releases current from I = IO, OOΊN for a time duration of t = 0.6 seconds.

In the circuit diagrams of Figures 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9, in each case also an external unit 5 is shown. This unit 5 is connected to the evaluation unit 4 via a wireless, i. con tactless, data communication connection for the exchange of data. This data may, for example, the monitoring of the condition (trouble-free operation, fault case, short circuit) of the circuit breaker concern, so that, for example, a detected malfunction case or a detected short-circuit case is transmitted to the external unit 5. Thus, an alarm can be generated, which is further processed by the external unit 5 accordingly. For example, corresponding points could be alerted to turn the circuit breaker ready for use. In addition, the operating states can be logged and thus the frequency of faults can be recorded.

In addition, a current direction in the evaluation unit 4 can be detected and transmitted to the external unit 5. For example, if the circuit breaker installed in a smart grid, the external unit 5 may be a higher-level system instance to control and monitor the smart grid. Thus, the circuit breaker is fernwartbar. The data transmitted to this external unit 5 may in particular also be the detected current and voltage values, so that a logging of the detected current and voltage values can take place. A unique identifier of the circuit breaker age can also be monitored and transmitted.

In addition, the correctness of the breaker and trip set 10 can be controlled by means of the external unit 5, so that in case of incorrect breaker and trip set 10 Lei the circuit breaker is brought externally in the OFF state, for example, if too low security by use a breaker and trip set 10 was selected with too high an ampere-number for the planned use of the circuit breaker. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 4 based on a switch-off command from the external unit 5, the trigger switch 12 electronically activate and so trigger the switch lock 8 to operate the common men contact Cl and the manual switch 9.

In Fig. 11 are four views of the described in Figures 1 to 9 and shown first Ausfüh tion of the circuit breaker shown. In this case, a plan view of the circuit breaker is shown in the lower part of Fig.l 1. In this lower part of FIG. 11, the main Trompfad 1 dashed and the Nebenstrompfad 2 dotted marked. The breaker and trip set 10 is releasably inserted into the clamp brackets 14.

Not shown in detail in the sectional views of Figures 2, 4, 6 and 11 are the current sensor 3, the evaluation unit 4, the external unit 5 and the electrical release switch 12th

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Main current path

In addition to current path

current sensor

Evaluation unit

External unit

Kitchen sink

magnetic release

switch lock

Manual switch

Breaker and trip application

contactor

Cl First contact point

C2 Second contact point

C3 Third contact point

trigger switch

Bimetallic element

Holding element for the breaker and trip unit

First holding spring

Second holding spring

Common point

First contact arm

Second contact arm

striker

First connection terminal

Second connection terminal

Claims

claims

1. Circuit breaker with a current sensor (3) for detecting a current value and two parallel current paths, the main and Nebenstrompfad (1, 2) via a con tact device (11) in series with a coil (6) of a magnetic release (7) are switched,

wherein in case of failure, a switching mechanism (8) for opening and fixing the Kontaktin direction (11) triggers to open a common switching contact (Cl) of the contact device (11) to interrupt the main and the secondary current path (1, 2),

wherein the magnetic release (7) in the event of a short circuit opens another switching contact (C2) of the contact device (11) to interrupt only the main current path (1), wherein in the secondary current path (2) a breaker and tripping insert (10) is arranged in the Short circuit case interrupts the secondary current path (2) and the switching mechanism (8) for Publ voltage and fixation of the contact device (11) triggers to interrupt the common switching contact (Cl) for the main and the secondary current path (1, 2).

2. Feitungsschutzschalter according to claim 1, characterized in that the current sensor (3) in series with the coil (6) and the contact device (11) is connected.

3. Feitungsschutzschalter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the current sensor (3) detects the current in the main current path (1) permanently.

4. Feitungsschutzschalter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an evaluation unit (4) for evaluating a current through the current sensor (3) th current value in the Feitungsschutzschalter is provided to detect the fault case, wherein in case of failure of the detected current value is above a defined multiple of a rated current for a predefined period of time.

5. Feitungsschutzschalter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact device (11) comprises two movable contact arms (18, 19) which are arranged rotatably about a common point, wherein the common switching contact (Cl) with a common point remote end of a first movable contact arm (18) is electrically contacted and the other switching contact (C2) of a remote from the common point end of a second movable contact arm (19) is electrically contacted.

6. Circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized in that a third switching contact (C3) is arranged at the common point, wherein the third switching contact (C3) is connected to a contact of the breaker and tripping insert (10).

7. Circuit breaker according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the second contact arm (19) relative to the first contact arm (18) is movable.

8. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition a thermal release (13), which is designed in particular as a bimetallic element, is provided in the event of a fault and / or in the event of a short circuit, the switching closed (8) for opening and Lixierung the contact device (11) to trigger to open the common switch contact (Cl) and / or the other switching contact (C2) for the main current path (1).

9. Circuit breaker according to claim 8, characterized in that the thermal release (13) in the secondary flow path (2) is arranged.

10. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (4) monitors at certain time intervals a detected current value of the main current path (1) and compared with a reference current value, preferably a predefined multiple of a rated current value.

11. Circuit breaker according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the evaluation unit (4) in the detected fault, a trigger switch (12) controls, with the activation of the switching mechanism (8) for opening and fixing the contact device (11) triggers ,

12. Circuit breaker according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the evaluation unit (4) has a Kontaktlosschnittstelle to communicate with an external unit (5) via a data communication connection data.

13. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interruption of the secondary current path (2) by the breaker and tripping insert (10) in the event of a short circuit is detected by the evaluation unit (4) and a tripping switch ( 12), with the activation of which the switching mechanism (8) triggers the opening and fixing of the contact device (11) in order to open the common switching contact (Cl) for the main and secondary current paths (1, 2).

14. Circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breaker and tripping insert (10) in the auxiliary current path (2) interchangeable between two holding elements (14), in particular terminal contact elements, is arranged, wherein preferably the breaker and tripping insert (10 ) is a fuse.

15. A method for operating a circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims with a current sensor (3) and two parallel current paths, as main and Nebenstrompfad (1, 2) via a contact device (11) in series with a coil (6) a magnetic release (7) are connected, with:

Opening a switching contact (C2) of the contact device (11) by means of the Magnetauslö sers (7) in a short circuit case for exclusively interrupting the main current path (1);

Interrupting the secondary flow path (2) by means of a arranged in the secondary current path (2) th breaker and tripping insert (10) in the event of a short circuit;

Triggering the switching mechanism (8) for opening and fixing the contact device (11) in the event of a short circuit after the auxiliary current path (2) is interrupted in order to interrupt a common switching contact (Cl) for the main and secondary current paths (1, 2); and

Detecting a current value by means of the current sensor (3) for detecting a fault If and triggering the switching mechanism (8) for opening and fixing the contact device (11) in case of failure to the common switching contact (Cl) for the main and the Nebens trompfad (1 , 2) to interrupt.