EP3869527B1 - Switching device with at least two extinguishing areas communicating with each other - Google Patents

Switching device with at least two extinguishing areas communicating with each other Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3869527B1
EP3869527B1 EP21157513.9A EP21157513A EP3869527B1 EP 3869527 B1 EP3869527 B1 EP 3869527B1 EP 21157513 A EP21157513 A EP 21157513A EP 3869527 B1 EP3869527 B1 EP 3869527B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switching device
extinguishing
switching
arc
area
Prior art date
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Application number
EP21157513.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3869527A1 (en
Inventor
Korbinian Kreuzpointner
Andrej Ignatov
Martin GESCHKE
Johannes Schmid
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Schaltbau GmbH
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Schaltbau GmbH
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Publication of EP3869527A1 publication Critical patent/EP3869527A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/70—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/342—Venting arrangements for arc chutes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/53—Cases; Reservoirs, tanks, piping or valves, for arc-extinguishing fluid; Accessories therefor, e.g. safety arrangements, pressure relief devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
    • H01H50/54—Contact arrangements
    • H01H50/546—Contact arrangements for contactors having bridging contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/44—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet
    • H01H9/443—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet using permanent magnets

Definitions

  • a generic switching device comprises closable contacts and an arcing chamber assigned to the contacts, which has a first arcing area and a second arcing area arranged directly next to the first arcing area, the first arcing area and the second arcing area being connected by are spatially separated from one another by a partition, and the switching device is designed in such a way that a switching arc that occurs when the contacts open is always blown away from the point of origin in one of the two quenching areas by means of an arc blowing device of the switching device and is extinguished, while the other of the both extinguishing areas is not used for extinguishing.
  • a switching device is off U.S. 5,004,874 known.
  • This publication describes a bidirectional contactor in which, depending on the direction of the current, one of the two quenching areas is used, while the other quenching area is not used.
  • Switching devices are used in various areas. There is a general trend towards ever smaller and lighter switching devices. In order to avoid damage to neighboring parts and to be able to comply with the ever more stringent safety regulations, it is necessary to prevent plasma, which is created by the switching arc during the switch-off process inside the switching device, from escaping to the outside.
  • the object of the present invention is to specify a switching device of the generic type that guarantees a high switching capacity with a compact design, while at the same time it must be ensured that the plasma produced inside the housing due to the switching arc does not escape to the outside.
  • the object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Accordingly, in a switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1, the object is achieved according to the invention if the partition wall between the first extinguishing area and the second extinguishing area has at least one overflow opening which connects the first quenching area to the second quenching area in such a way that plasma, which is generated by the switching arc, can flow from the quenching area in which the switching arc is extinguished into the respective other, unused quenching area.
  • each of the two quenching areas represents a space which has a first end, which is closest to the place where the switching arc occurs, a second end opposite the first end, to which the switching arc is due to the moved towards the action of the arc blowing device, has a first side connecting the first end and the second end to one another, and a second side opposite the first side and also connecting the first end and the second end to one another, the partition wall forming a third side of the space in each case and interconnecting the first end, the second end, the first side, and the second side, and wherein the space further includes a fourth side opposite the partition.
  • the distance between the first side and the second side defines a width of the erasing area
  • the distance between the first end and the second end defines a height of the erasing area
  • the distance between the partition and each fourth side defines a depth of the erasing area.
  • the first end, second end, first side, and second side of the first erasing area correspond in position to the respective ends and sides of the second erasing area. This means, for example, that the first side of the first erasing area coincides with the first side of the second erasing area or is only separated from the first side of the second erasing area by the partition.
  • the direction of movement of the switching arc in the first quenching area which is predetermined due to the arc blowing device, runs essentially parallel to the direction of movement of a switching arc to be extinguished in the second quenching area.
  • the arc blowing device ensures that the switching arc, regardless of whether the switching arc is in the first extinguishing region or in the is extinguished in the second extinguishing area is always blown away in the same direction from the place of its origin.
  • essentially parallel means a deviation of at most 15°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5°. More preferably, there is parallelism.
  • the arc blowing device is designed in such a way that the direction of movement of the switching arc runs essentially parallel to the partition wall.
  • essentially parallel also means a deviation of at most 15°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5° and particularly preferably of 0°.
  • the arc blowing device is designed in such a way that a longitudinal extent of the switching arc runs essentially parallel to the partition.
  • This embodiment also contributes to a compact design.
  • essentially parallel also means a deviation of at most 15°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5° and particularly preferably of 0°.
  • each erasing area is formed by side walls.
  • the overflow opening is formed on the first side and/or on the second side in the partition.
  • the overflow opening(s) is/are preferably located only on the outside on the first side and/or the second side.
  • the central region of the partition wall viewed in the width direction preferably has no overflow opening, at least near the first end. More preferably, the central region of the partition wall, viewed in the width direction, has no overflow opening at least between the first end and preferably provided extinguishing elements arranged at the second end.
  • the central region of the partition without an overflow opening, viewed in the width direction more preferably occupies at least 70% of the width measured between the first side and the second side. This ensures an effective separation between the two extinguishing areas.
  • the overflow opening is formed in a section of the partition wall that faces the first end and faces away from the second end. This also contributes to an effective separation of the two extinguishing areas and leads to an advantageous flow behavior through the overflow opening.
  • quenching elements are arranged in each of the two quenching areas, into which the switching arc is driven by means of the arc blowing device and thereby extinguished.
  • the erasing elements are preferably arranged at or near the second end.
  • the extinguishing elements preferably protrude from the partition or extend between the partition and the respectively opposite fourth wall of the respective extinguishing area.
  • the overflow opening preferably as an additional overflow opening in addition to the overflow openings described above, is formed in the partition between the extinguishing elements and a cover or a housing wall of the switching device at the second end. This ensures that plasma can flow through the additional overflow opening from the currently used extinguishing area into the unused extinguishing area. A back pressure generated by the plasma is reduced or eliminated by the overflow opening, so that the switching arc can continue to lengthen, which leads to a higher breaking capacity.
  • the overflow opening preferably extends essentially over the entire width of the two extinguishing areas measured between the first side and the second side, so that the partition wall (13) actually ends at the height of the extinguishing elements.
  • a particularly advantageous flow behavior or a particularly advantageous gas exchange between the two extinguishing areas is achieved.
  • essentially over the entire width of the two erasing areas measured between the first side and the second side means at least 80%, preferably 90%, particularly preferably 100% of the width of the respective erasing area.
  • the switching device is not hermetically sealed on the other hand, so that a pressure equalization with the environment, for example through gaps in a housing of the switching device, is possible.
  • the switching device is a bidirectional switching device, with one of the two quenching areas being used depending on the current direction. More preferably, the switching device according to the invention is a contactor.
  • figure 1 shows a perspective view of a switching device 1 according to the invention.
  • figure 1 both the front of the housing facing the viewer and the left housing wall are not shown. For the same reason, the front view of the case has also been changed to figure 2 not shown.
  • the switching device 1 has two fixed contacts 2, 3, which can be electrically connected to one another by means of a contact bridge 4.
  • the drive of the contact bridge 4 is not important for the present invention and was therefore also not shown in detail.
  • the two fixed contacts 2, 3 protrude laterally from the housing 7 of the switching device 1 according to the invention and thus simultaneously form the connection contacts of the switching device.
  • a switching arc 20 occurs, the base point of which on the contact bridge side is caused to jump to the opposite fixed contact by means of a correspondingly designed arc blowing device.
  • the switching arc 20 is subsequently driven by the arc blowing device into the arcing chamber above the two fixed contacts 2, 3 and extinguished there.
  • the quenching chamber is divided by a partition 13 into a front, first quenching area 5 and a rear, second quenching area 6.
  • the switching device shown is a bidirectional switching device.
  • the base of one of the two switching arcs jumps from the contact bridge to the opposite fixed contact, which leads to the extinction of the other switching arc.
  • the remaining switching arc 20 is located either in front of or behind the partition wall 13, so that depending on the direction of the current, either the first quenching area 5 or the second quenching area 6 is used to extinguish the switching arc. This means that one of the two extinguishing areas is not used during the shutdown process.
  • the two quenching areas 5 and 6 of the quenching chamber essentially have a cuboid volume and begin above the two fixed contacts 2 and 3.
  • the two fixed contacts 2 and 3 thus mark a lower first end 9 of the respective quenching area.
  • the arc blowing device is designed in such a way that it drives the switching arc 20 from the first end 9 of the quenching area to the opposite second end 10 of the respective quenching area, which in turn is formed by the housing top 17 .
  • the housing wall on the left marks a first side 11 of the two extinguishing areas, the right-hand housing wall marks the opposite second side 12 of the two extinguishing areas.
  • the partition wall 13 forms a third side of each of the two erasing areas.
  • Each extinguishing area 5, 6 also has a partition wall opposite fourth page 14, which is formed by the respective housing front and rear housing, which is particularly in the Figures 3 and 4 is shown.
  • Each of the two quenching areas 5, 6 has several quenching elements into which the switching arc is driven and thereby extinguished.
  • the extinguishing elements protrude from the upper end of the partition 13 or each extend between the partition and the opposite side of the housing.
  • the exemplary embodiment shown involves, on the one hand, simple quenching plates 15 and, on the other hand, cylindrical permanent magnets 16, each of which is encased in a protective sleeve, attracting the switching arc and at the same time acting as quenching elements or quenching magnets.
  • the rear second erasing area 6 also has corresponding erasing elements 15 and 16, which is particularly evident figure 4 emerges.
  • the actually used quenching space of the two quenching areas 5 and 6 ends at the height of the quenching elements 15 and 16 since the switching arc 20 is extinguished by the quenching elements 15 and 16 if it is not already extinguished on the way to the quenching elements.
  • Housing ribs 18 are provided above the extinguishing elements 15 and 16 on the housing side. These protrude inwards from the top of the housing and extend over the entire depth of the two quenching areas 5 and 6. They prevent the switching arc from re-igniting above the quenching elements 15 and 16.
  • the switching device 1 is a closed switching device.
  • overflow openings 8 are provided in the central partition 13 between the two quenching areas 5 and 6 in the switching device according to the invention.
  • Two such overflow openings 8 are located laterally in the lower area of the partition, ie at the lower first end 9 of the two extinguishing areas.
  • the immediate proximity to the lower end and to the respective side wall 11 or 12 also guarantees an effective separation of the two extinguishing areas, at least as far as unintentional propagation or displacement of the switching arc is concerned.
  • the overflow openings enable a certain gas exchange between the two quenching areas, which makes a decisive contribution to preventing the plasma, which is generated inside the housing due to the switching arc, from escaping to the outside.
  • overflow opening 19 which essentially extends over the entire width of the two extinguishing areas, so that the partition wall 13 actually ends at the level of the extinguishing elements 15, 16.
  • the additional overflow opening 19 reinforces the positive effect described above.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Schaltgerät nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1. Ein gattungsgemäßes Schaltgerät umfasst schließbare Kontakten und eine den Kontakten zugeordnete Löschkammer, die einen ersten Löschbereich sowie einen unmittelbar neben dem ersten Löschbereich angeordneten zweiten Löschbereich aufweist, wobei erster Löschbereich und zweiter Löschbereich durch eine Trennwand räumlich voneinander getrennt sind, und wobei das Schaltgerät derart ausgelegt ist, dass ein beim Öffnen der Kontakte entstehender Schaltlichtbogen stets in einem der beiden Löschbereiche mittels einer Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung des Schaltgeräts vom Ort seiner Entstehung weggeblasen und zum Erlöschen gebracht wird, wohingegen der jeweils andere der beiden Löschbereiche nicht zur Löschung genutzt wird.The present invention relates to a switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1. A generic switching device comprises closable contacts and an arcing chamber assigned to the contacts, which has a first arcing area and a second arcing area arranged directly next to the first arcing area, the first arcing area and the second arcing area being connected by are spatially separated from one another by a partition, and the switching device is designed in such a way that a switching arc that occurs when the contacts open is always blown away from the point of origin in one of the two quenching areas by means of an arc blowing device of the switching device and is extinguished, while the other of the both extinguishing areas is not used for extinguishing.

Ein Schaltgerät nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 ist aus US 5,004,874 bekannt. Diese Druckschrift beschreibt ein bidirektionales Schaltschütz, bei dem in Abhängigkeit der Stromrichtung einer der beiden Löschbereiche zum Einsatz kommt, während der jeweils andere Löschbereich nicht genutzt wird.A switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is off U.S. 5,004,874 known. This publication describes a bidirectional contactor in which, depending on the direction of the current, one of the two quenching areas is used, while the other quenching area is not used.

Schaltgeräte nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 werden in verschiedenen Bereichen eingesetzt. Dabei besteht ein allgemeiner Trend hin zu immer kleiner und leichter werdenden Schaltgeräten. Um Beschädigungen benachbarter Teile zu vermeiden und die immer strenger werdenden Sicherheitsvorschriften einhalten zu können, muss verhindert werden, dass Plasma, welches durch den Schaltlichtbogen beim Abschaltvorgang innerhalb des Schaltgeräts entsteht, nach außen tritt.Switching devices according to the preamble of independent claim 1 are used in various areas. There is a general trend towards ever smaller and lighter switching devices. In order to avoid damage to neighboring parts and to be able to comply with the ever more stringent safety regulations, it is necessary to prevent plasma, which is created by the switching arc during the switch-off process inside the switching device, from escaping to the outside.

Bei dem aus der Druckschrift US 5,004,874 bekannten Schaltgerät handelt es sich um ein geschlossenes Schaltschütz. Bei bekannten geschlossenen Schaltschützen kompakter Bauweise ist die Nennschaltleistung jedoch relativ stark begrenzt. Bei hohen Schaltleistungen wird im Gehäuseinneren relativ viel Plasma und damit einhergehend ein hoher Überdruck erzeugt, der ohne entsprechend größere Dimensionierung zu einer Zerstörung des Schaltgeräts führen kann.With the one from the pamphlet U.S. 5,004,874 known switching device is a closed contactor. In the case of known closed contactors of compact design, however, the rated switching capacity is relatively severely limited. With high switching capacities, a relatively large amount of plasma is generated inside the housing and, as a result, a high overpressure is generated, which can lead to the destruction of the switching device if it is not dimensioned accordingly.

Ein weiteres Schaltgerät nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 ist aus JP 63 42 724 B2 beziehungsweise aus US 2013/112655 A1 bekannt.Another switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is made JP 63 42 724 B2 respectively off U.S. 2013/112655 A1 known.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Schaltgerät der gattungsgemäßen Art anzugeben, das bei kompakter Bauweise eine hohe Schaltleistung garantiert, wobei gleichzeitig sichergestellt sein muss, dass das im Gehäuseinneren aufgrund des Schaltlichtbogen entstehende Plasma nicht nach außen tritt.The object of the present invention is to specify a switching device of the generic type that guarantees a high switching capacity with a compact design, while at the same time it must be ensured that the plasma produced inside the housing due to the switching arc does not escape to the outside.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch die Merkmale des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1. Demnach liegt bei einem Schaltgerät nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 dann eine erfindungsgemäße Lösung der Aufgabe vor, wenn die Trennwand zwischen dem ersten Löschbereich und dem zweiten Löschbereich zumindest eine Überströmöffnung aufweist, die den ersten Löschbereich derart mit dem zweiten Löschbereich verbindet, dass Plasma, welches durch den Schaltlichtbogen erzeugt wird, von dem Löschbereich, in welchem der Schaltlichtbogen zum Erlöschen gebracht wird, in den jeweils anderen, ungenutzten Löschbereich strömen kann.The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Accordingly, in a switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1, the object is achieved according to the invention if the partition wall between the first extinguishing area and the second extinguishing area has at least one overflow opening which connects the first quenching area to the second quenching area in such a way that plasma, which is generated by the switching arc, can flow from the quenching area in which the switching arc is extinguished into the respective other, unused quenching area.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der vorliegenden Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Advantageous configurations of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass jeder der beiden Löschbereiche einen Raum darstellt, welcher ein erstes Ende, das dem Ort der Entstehung des Schaltlichtbogens am nächsten ist, ein dem ersten Ende gegenüberliegendes zweites Ende, auf das sich der Schaltlichtbogen aufgrund der Einwirkung der Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung zu bewegt, eine das erste Ende und das zweite Ende miteinander verbindende erste Seite, sowie eine der ersten Seite gegenüberliegende und ebenfalls das erste Ende und das zweite Ende miteinander verbindende zweite Seite aufweist, wobei die Trennwand jeweils eine dritte Seite des Raums bildet und das erste Ende, das zweite Ende, die erste Seite und die zweite Seite miteinander verbindet, und wobei der Raum ferner eine der Trennwand gegenüberliegende vierte Seite aufweist.According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that each of the two quenching areas represents a space which has a first end, which is closest to the place where the switching arc occurs, a second end opposite the first end, to which the switching arc is due to the moved towards the action of the arc blowing device, has a first side connecting the first end and the second end to one another, and a second side opposite the first side and also connecting the first end and the second end to one another, the partition wall forming a third side of the space in each case and interconnecting the first end, the second end, the first side, and the second side, and wherein the space further includes a fourth side opposite the partition.

Dadurch wird eine kompakte Bauweise erzielt. Der Abstand zwischen erster Seite und zweiter Seite definiert eine Breite des Löschbereichs, der Abstand zwischen dem ersten Ende und dem zweiten Ende eine Höhe des Löschbereichs, und der Abstand zwischen der Trennwand und der jeweils vierten Seite definiert eine Tiefe des Löschbereichs. Das erste Ende, das zweite Ende, die erste Seite und die zweite Seite des ersten Löschbereichs entsprechen in ihrer Position den jeweiligen Enden und Seiten des zweiten Löschbereichs. Das bedeutet beispielsweise, dass die erste Seite des ersten Löschbereichs mit der ersten Seite des zweiten Löschbereichs zusammenfällt bzw. lediglich durch die Trennwand von der ersten Seite des zweiten Löschbereichs getrennt ist. Die aufgrund der Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung vorgegebene Bewegungsrichtung des Schaltlichtbogens im ersten Löschbereich verläuft im Wesentlichen parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung eines im zweiten Löschbereich zum Erlöschen zu bringenden Schaltlichtbogens. Die Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung sorgt mit anderen Worten dafür, dass der Schaltlichtbogen, unabhängig davon, ob der Schaltlichtbogen im ersten Löschbereich oder im zweiten Löschbereich zum Erlöschen gebracht wird, stets in der gleichen Richtung vom Ort seiner Entstehung weggeblasen wird. Im Wesentlichen parallel bedeutet in diesem Zusammenhang eine Abweichung von maximal 15°, vorzugsweise von maximal 10°, weiter vorzugsweise von maximal 5°. Weiter vorzugsweise herrscht Parallelität.This achieves a compact design. The distance between the first side and the second side defines a width of the erasing area, the distance between the first end and the second end defines a height of the erasing area, and the distance between the partition and each fourth side defines a depth of the erasing area. The first end, second end, first side, and second side of the first erasing area correspond in position to the respective ends and sides of the second erasing area. This means, for example, that the first side of the first erasing area coincides with the first side of the second erasing area or is only separated from the first side of the second erasing area by the partition. The direction of movement of the switching arc in the first quenching area, which is predetermined due to the arc blowing device, runs essentially parallel to the direction of movement of a switching arc to be extinguished in the second quenching area. In other words, the arc blowing device ensures that the switching arc, regardless of whether the switching arc is in the first extinguishing region or in the is extinguished in the second extinguishing area is always blown away in the same direction from the place of its origin. In this context, essentially parallel means a deviation of at most 15°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5°. More preferably, there is parallelism.

Weiter vorzugsweise ist die Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung derart ausgelegt, dass die Bewegungsrichtung des Schaltlichtbogens im Wesentlichen parallel zur Trennwand verläuft. Im Wesentlichen parallel bedeutet auch in diesem Zusammenhang eine Abweichung von maximal 15°, vorzugsweise von maximal 10°, weiter vorzugsweise von maximal 5° und besonders bevorzugt von 0°.More preferably, the arc blowing device is designed in such a way that the direction of movement of the switching arc runs essentially parallel to the partition wall. In this context, essentially parallel also means a deviation of at most 15°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5° and particularly preferably of 0°.

Weiter vorzugsweise ist die Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung derart ausgelegt, dass eine Längserstreckung des Schaltlichtbogens im Wesentlichen parallel zur Trennwand verläuft. Diese Ausführungsform trägt ebenfalls zu einer kompakten Bauweise bei. Im Wesentlichen parallel bedeutet auch in diesem Zusammenhang eine Abweichung von maximal 15°, vorzugsweise von maximal 10°, weiter vorzugsweise von maximal 5° und besonders bevorzugt von 0°.More preferably, the arc blowing device is designed in such a way that a longitudinal extent of the switching arc runs essentially parallel to the partition. This embodiment also contributes to a compact design. In this context, essentially parallel also means a deviation of at most 15°, preferably of at most 10°, more preferably of at most 5° and particularly preferably of 0°.

Die Seiten eines jeden Löschbereichs werden weiter vorzugsweise durch Seitenwände gebildet.More preferably, the sides of each erasing area are formed by side walls.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Überströmöffnung an der ersten Seite und/oder an der zweiten Seite in der Trennwand ausgebildet. Die Überströmöffnung(en) befindet/befinden sich bevorzugt nur außen an der ersten Seite und/oder der zweiten Seite. Der in Breitenrichtung betrachtete mittlere Bereich der Trennwand weist vorzugsweise zumindest nahe dem ersten Ende keine Überströmöffnung auf. Weiter vorzugsweise weist der in Breitenrichtung betrachtete mittlere Bereich der Trennwand zumindest zwischen dem ersten Ende und vorzugsweise vorgesehenen, am zweiten Ende angeordneten Löschelementen keine Überströmöffnung auf. Der in Breitenrichtung betrachtete mittlere Bereich der Trennwand ohne Überströmöffnung nimmt weiter vorzugsweise zumindest 70 % der zwischen erster Seite und zweiter Seite gemessenen Breite ein. Dadurch bleibt eine wirksame Trennung zwischen den beiden Löschbereichen gewährleistet.According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overflow opening is formed on the first side and/or on the second side in the partition. The overflow opening(s) is/are preferably located only on the outside on the first side and/or the second side. The central region of the partition wall viewed in the width direction preferably has no overflow opening, at least near the first end. More preferably, the central region of the partition wall, viewed in the width direction, has no overflow opening at least between the first end and preferably provided extinguishing elements arranged at the second end. The central region of the partition without an overflow opening, viewed in the width direction, more preferably occupies at least 70% of the width measured between the first side and the second side. This ensures an effective separation between the two extinguishing areas.

Besonders bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass sowohl an der ersten Seite als auch an der zweiten Seite jeweils eine Überströmöffnung in der Trennwand ausgebildet ist. So wird eine symmetrische Verteilung von Plasma und nichtionisierter Luft erreicht.Provision is particularly preferably made for an overflow opening to be formed in the partition both on the first side and on the second side. In this way, a symmetrical distribution of plasma and non-ionized air is achieved.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Überströmöffnung in einem dem ersten Ende zugewandten und dem zweiten Ende abgewandten Abschnitt der Trennwand ausgebildet ist. Dies trägt ebenfalls zu einer wirksamen Trennung der beiden Löschbereiche bei und führt zu einem vorteilhaften Strömungsverhalten durch die Überströmöffnung.According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the overflow opening is formed in a section of the partition wall that faces the first end and faces away from the second end. This also contributes to an effective separation of the two extinguishing areas and leads to an advantageous flow behavior through the overflow opening.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung sind in den beiden Löschbereichen jeweils Löschelemente angeordnet, in die der Schaltlichtbogen mittels der Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung getrieben und dadurch zum Erlöschen gebracht wird. Die Löschelemente sind vorzugsweise am zweiten Ende oder nahe des zweiten Endes angeordnet. Vorzugsweise stehen die Löschelemente von der Trennwand ab bzw. erstrecken sich zwischen der Trennwand und der jeweils gegenüberliegenden vierten Wand des jeweiligen Löschbereichs.According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, quenching elements are arranged in each of the two quenching areas, into which the switching arc is driven by means of the arc blowing device and thereby extinguished. The erasing elements are preferably arranged at or near the second end. The extinguishing elements preferably protrude from the partition or extend between the partition and the respectively opposite fourth wall of the respective extinguishing area.

Dabei ist es von besonderem Vorteil, wenn die Überströmöffnung, vorzugsweise als zusätzliche Überströmöffnung in Ergänzung zu den weiter oben beschriebenen Überströmöffnungen, zwischen den Löschelementen und einem Deckel oder einer, am zweiten Ende bestehenden Gehäusewand des Schaltgeräts in der Trennwand ausgebildet ist. Dies sorgt dafür, dass Plasma durch die weitere Überströmöffnung vom aktuell genutzten Löschbereich in den nicht genutzten Löschbereich strömen kann. Ein durch das Plasma erzeugter Gegendruck wird durch die Überströmöffnung verringert oder eliminiert, so dass sich der Schaltlichtbogen weiter längen kann, was zu einer höheren Abschaltleistung führt. Vorzugsweise erstreckt sich die Überströmöffnung dabei im Wesentlichen über die gesamte zwischen erster Seite und zweiter Seite gemessenen Breite der beiden Löschbereiche, sodass die Trennwand (13) tatsächlich auf Höhe der Löschelemente endet. Bei dieser Ausführungsform wird ein besonders vorteilhaftes Strömungsverhalten bzw. ein besonders vorteilhafter Gasaustausch zwischen den beiden Löschbereich erzielt. Im Wesentlichen über die gesamte zwischen erster Seite und zweiter Seite gemessenen Breite der beiden Löschbereiche bedeutet in diesem Zusammenhang zumindest 80%, vorzugsweise 90%, besonders bevorzugt 100% der Breite des jeweiligen Löschbereichs.It is particularly advantageous if the overflow opening, preferably as an additional overflow opening in addition to the overflow openings described above, is formed in the partition between the extinguishing elements and a cover or a housing wall of the switching device at the second end. This ensures that plasma can flow through the additional overflow opening from the currently used extinguishing area into the unused extinguishing area. A back pressure generated by the plasma is reduced or eliminated by the overflow opening, so that the switching arc can continue to lengthen, which leads to a higher breaking capacity. The overflow opening preferably extends essentially over the entire width of the two extinguishing areas measured between the first side and the second side, so that the partition wall (13) actually ends at the height of the extinguishing elements. In this embodiment, a particularly advantageous flow behavior or a particularly advantageous gas exchange between the two extinguishing areas is achieved. In this context, essentially over the entire width of the two erasing areas measured between the first side and the second side means at least 80%, preferably 90%, particularly preferably 100% of the width of the respective erasing area.

Die Erfindung spielt ihre Vorzüge insbesondere dann aus, wenn das Schaltgerät geschlossen ausgeführt ist.The advantages of the invention are particularly evident when the switching device is designed to be closed.

Gemäß einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist dabei vorgesehen, dass keine dedizierte Austrittsöffnung für den Schaltlichtbogen und/oder für Plasma, das durch den Schaltlichtbogen innerhalb des Schaltgeräts erzeugt wird, vorgesehen ist, wobei das Schaltgerät andererseits nicht hermetisch abgeschlossen ist, so dass ein Druckausgleich mit der Umgebung, beispielsweise durch Spalte in einem Gehäuse des Schaltgeräts, möglich ist.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that there is no dedicated outlet opening for the switching arc and/or for plasma generated by the switching arc is generated within the switching device, is provided, the switching device is not hermetically sealed on the other hand, so that a pressure equalization with the environment, for example through gaps in a housing of the switching device, is possible.

Gemäß einer weiteren besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung handelt es sich bei dem Schaltgerät um ein bidirektionales Schaltgerät, wobei je nach Stromrichtung einer der beiden Löschbereiche zum Einsatz kommt. Weiter vorzugsweise handelt es sich bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgerät um ein Schaltschütz.According to a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching device is a bidirectional switching device, with one of the two quenching areas being used depending on the current direction. More preferably, the switching device according to the invention is a contactor.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts mit geöffneter Gehäusevorderseite und geöffneter linker Gehäusewand,
Figur 2
eine Vorderansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts aus Figur 1 mit geöffneter Gehäusevorderseite,
Figur 3
einen Schnitt durch das erfindungsgemäße Schaltgerät aus den Figuren 1 und 2 entlang der in Figur 2 eingezeichneten Schnittlinie III, und
Figur 4
eine Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts aus den Figuren 1 bis 3 auf die in den Figuren 1 bis 3 jeweils links gelegene Gehäuseseite bei geöffneter linker Gehäusewand.
Show it:
figure 1
a perspective view of a switching device according to the invention with the front of the housing open and the left housing wall open,
figure 2
a front view of the switching device according to the invention figure 1 with the front of the housing open,
figure 3
a section through the switching device according to the invention from the Figures 1 and 2 along the in figure 2 marked cutting line III, and
figure 4
a side view of the switching device according to the invention from the Figures 1 to 3 on the in the Figures 1 to 3 left-hand side of the housing when the left-hand side of the housing is open.

Für die folgenden Ausführungen gilt das gleiche Teile durch gleiche Bezugszeichen bezeichnet sind. Sofern in einer Figur Bezugszeichen enthalten sind, auf die in der zugehörigen Figurenbeschreibung nicht näher eingegangen wird, so wird auf vorangehende oder nachfolgende Figurenbeschreibungen Bezug genommen.The same parts are denoted by the same reference symbols for the following explanations. If a figure contains reference symbols that are not discussed in more detail in the associated description of the figures, reference is made to the preceding or following descriptions of the figures.

Figur 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts 1. Um die erfindungsrelevanten Merkmale bzw. Bauteile darstellen zu können, wurden in der Darstellung aus Figur 1 sowohl die dem Betrachter zugewandte Gehäusevorderseite als auch die linke Gehäusewand nicht dargestellt. Aus demselben Grund wurde die Gehäusevorderseite auch in der Vorderansicht in Figur 2 nicht dargestellt. figure 1 shows a perspective view of a switching device 1 according to the invention. In order to be able to show the features or components relevant to the invention, figure 1 both the front of the housing facing the viewer and the left housing wall are not shown. For the same reason, the front view of the case has also been changed to figure 2 not shown.

Das Schaltgerät 1 weist zwei Festkontakte 2, 3 auf, die mittels einer Kontaktbrücke 4 elektrisch miteinander verbunden werden können. Der Antrieb der Kontaktbrücke 4 ist für die vorliegende Erfindung nicht von Bedeutung und wurde daher ebenfalls nicht weiter dargestellt. Die beiden Festkontakte 2, 3 ragen seitlich aus dem Gehäuse 7 des erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgeräts 1 hervor und bilden somit gleichzeitig die Anschlusskontakte des Schaltgeräts.The switching device 1 has two fixed contacts 2, 3, which can be electrically connected to one another by means of a contact bridge 4. The drive of the contact bridge 4 is not important for the present invention and was therefore also not shown in detail. The two fixed contacts 2, 3 protrude laterally from the housing 7 of the switching device 1 according to the invention and thus simultaneously form the connection contacts of the switching device.

Beim Öffnen der Kontakte entsteht ein Schaltlichtbogen 20, dessen kontaktbrückenseitiger Fußpunkt mittels einer entsprechend ausgelegten Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung dazu veranlasst wird, auf den gegenüberliegenden Festkontakt überzuspringen. Der Schaltlichtbogen 20 wird durch die Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung in weiterer Folge in die oberhalb der beiden Festkontakte 2, 3 bestehende Löschkammer getrieben und dort zum Erlöschen gebracht. Die Löschkammer ist durch eine Trennwand 13 aufgeteilt in einen vorderen ersten Löschbereich 5 und einen hinteren zweiten Löschbereich 6. Der Vollständigkeit halber sei erwähnt, dass es sich bei dem gezeigten Schaltgerät um ein bidirektionales Schaltgerät handelt. Beim Öffnen der Kontakte entsteht sowohl zwischen dem ersten Festkontakt 2 und der Kontaktbrücke 4 als auch zwischen dem zweiten Festkontakt 3 und der Kontaktbrücke 4 ein Schaltlichtbogen. Aufgrund einer speziellen Ausgestaltung der Kontaktbrücke 4 und einer entsprechenden Auslegung der Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung springt der Fußpunkt eines der beiden Schaltlichtbögen von der Kontaktbrücke auf den jeweils gegenüberliegenden Festkontakt über, was zum Erlöschen des jeweils anderen Schaltlichtbogens führt. Der verbleibende Schaltlichtbogen 20 befindet sich in Abhängigkeit der Stromrichtung entweder vor oder hinter der Trennwand 13, sodass in Abhängigkeit der Stromrichtung entweder der erste Löschbereich 5 oder der zweite Löschbereich 6 zum Einsatz kommt, um den Schaltlichtbogen zum Erlöschen zu bringen. Dies bedeutet, dass jeweils einer der beiden Löschbereiche beim Abschaltvorgang nicht genutzt wird.When the contacts open, a switching arc 20 occurs, the base point of which on the contact bridge side is caused to jump to the opposite fixed contact by means of a correspondingly designed arc blowing device. The switching arc 20 is subsequently driven by the arc blowing device into the arcing chamber above the two fixed contacts 2, 3 and extinguished there. The quenching chamber is divided by a partition 13 into a front, first quenching area 5 and a rear, second quenching area 6. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the switching device shown is a bidirectional switching device. When the contacts open, a switching arc occurs both between the first fixed contact 2 and the contact bridge 4 and between the second fixed contact 3 and the contact bridge 4 . Due to a special design of the contact bridge 4 and a corresponding design of the arc blowing device, the base of one of the two switching arcs jumps from the contact bridge to the opposite fixed contact, which leads to the extinction of the other switching arc. Depending on the direction of the current, the remaining switching arc 20 is located either in front of or behind the partition wall 13, so that depending on the direction of the current, either the first quenching area 5 or the second quenching area 6 is used to extinguish the switching arc. This means that one of the two extinguishing areas is not used during the shutdown process.

Die beiden Löschbereiche 5 und 6 der Löschkammer haben im Wesentlichen ein quaderförmiges Volumen und beginnen oberhalb der beiden Festkontakte 2 und 3. Die beiden Festkontakte 2 und 3 markieren somit ein unteres erstes Ende 9 des jeweiligen Löschbereichs. Die nicht näher dargestellte Lichtbogenblaseinrichtung ist derart ausgelegt, dass sie den Schaltlichtbogen 20 vom ersten Ende 9 des Löschbereichs ausgehend zum gegenüberliegenden zweiten Ende 10 des jeweiligen Löschbereichs treibt, welches wiederum durch die Gehäuseoberseite 17 gebildet wird. Die in Figur 2 links gelegene Gehäusewand markiert eine erste Seite 11 der beiden Löschbereiche, die rechte Gehäusewand markiert die gegenüberliegende zweite Seite 12 der beiden Löschbereiche. Die Trennwand 13 bildet jeweils eine dritte Seite der beiden Löschbereiche. Jeder Löschbereich 5, 6 weist ferner noch eine der Trennwand gegenüberliegende vierte Seite 14 auf, die von der jeweiligen Gehäusevorderseite bzw. Gehäuserückseite gebildet wird, was insbesondere in den Figuren 3 und 4 gezeigt ist.The two quenching areas 5 and 6 of the quenching chamber essentially have a cuboid volume and begin above the two fixed contacts 2 and 3. The two fixed contacts 2 and 3 thus mark a lower first end 9 of the respective quenching area. The arc blowing device, not shown in detail, is designed in such a way that it drives the switching arc 20 from the first end 9 of the quenching area to the opposite second end 10 of the respective quenching area, which in turn is formed by the housing top 17 . In the figure 2 The housing wall on the left marks a first side 11 of the two extinguishing areas, the right-hand housing wall marks the opposite second side 12 of the two extinguishing areas. The partition wall 13 forms a third side of each of the two erasing areas. Each extinguishing area 5, 6 also has a partition wall opposite fourth page 14, which is formed by the respective housing front and rear housing, which is particularly in the Figures 3 and 4 is shown.

Jeder der beiden Löschbereiche 5, 6 verfügt über mehrere Löschelemente, in die der Schaltlichtbogen getrieben und dabei zum Erlöschen gebracht wird. Die Löschelemente stehen dabei vom oberen Ende der Trennwand 13 ab bzw. erstrecken sich jeweils zwischen der Trennwand und der gegenüberliegenden Gehäuseseite. Bei dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel handelt sich dabei zum einen um einfache Löschplatten 15 und zum anderen um zylindrische Permanentmagneten 16, die jeweils von einer Schutzhülse ummantelt sind, den Schaltlichtbogen an sich ziehen und dabei gleichzeitig als Löschelemente bzw. Löschmagneten fungieren. An dieser Stelle wird darauf hingewiesen, dass in Figur 1 lediglich die Löschplatten 15 und Permanentmagneten 16 des vorderen Löschbereichs 5 deutlich erkennbar sind. Der hintere zweite Löschbereich 6 verfügt ebenfalls über entsprechende Löschelemente 15 und 16, was insbesondere aus Figur 4 hervorgeht.Each of the two quenching areas 5, 6 has several quenching elements into which the switching arc is driven and thereby extinguished. The extinguishing elements protrude from the upper end of the partition 13 or each extend between the partition and the opposite side of the housing. The exemplary embodiment shown involves, on the one hand, simple quenching plates 15 and, on the other hand, cylindrical permanent magnets 16, each of which is encased in a protective sleeve, attracting the switching arc and at the same time acting as quenching elements or quenching magnets. At this point it is pointed out that in figure 1 only the extinguishing plates 15 and permanent magnets 16 of the front extinguishing area 5 are clearly visible. The rear second erasing area 6 also has corresponding erasing elements 15 and 16, which is particularly evident figure 4 emerges.

Der tatsächliche genutzte Löschraum der beiden Löschbereiche 5 und 6 endet auf Höhe der Löschelemente 15 und 16, da der Schaltlichtbogen 20, sofern er nicht bereits auf dem Weg zu den Löschelementen erlischt, durch die Löschelemente 15 und 16 zum Erlöschen gebracht wird. Gehäuseseitig sind oberhalb der Löschelemente 15 und 16 Gehäuserippen 18 vorgesehen. Diese stehen von der Gehäuseoberseite nach innen ab und erstrecken sich über die gesamte Tiefe der beiden Löschbereiche 5 und 6. Sie verhindern ein Wiederzünden des Schaltlichtbogens oberhalb der Löschelemente 15 und 16.The actually used quenching space of the two quenching areas 5 and 6 ends at the height of the quenching elements 15 and 16 since the switching arc 20 is extinguished by the quenching elements 15 and 16 if it is not already extinguished on the way to the quenching elements. Housing ribs 18 are provided above the extinguishing elements 15 and 16 on the housing side. These protrude inwards from the top of the housing and extend over the entire depth of the two quenching areas 5 and 6. They prevent the switching arc from re-igniting above the quenching elements 15 and 16.

Wie den Zeichnungen unschwer entnommen werden kann, handelt es sich bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgerät 1 um ein geschlossenes Schaltgerät. Um das Schaltvermögen bei gleichzeitig äußerst kompakter Bauweise zu erhöhen, sind bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Schaltgerät Überströmöffnungen 8 in der mittleren Trennwand 13 zwischen den beiden Löschbereichen 5 und 6 vorgesehen. Zwei derartige Überströmöffnungen 8 befinden sich dabei seitlich im unteren Bereich der Trennwand, also am unteren ersten Ende 9 der beiden Löschbereiche. Die unmittelbare Nähe zum unteren Ende und zu der jeweiligen Seitenwand 11 bzw. 12 garantiert weiterhin eine wirksame Trennung der beiden Löschbereiche, zumindest was eine unbeabsichtigte Ausbreitung oder Verlagerung des Schaltlichtbogens betrifft. Gleichzeitig ermöglichen die Überströmöffnungen einen gewissen Gasaustausch zwischen den beiden Löschbereichen, was entscheidend dazu beiträgt, das Plasma, welches aufgrund des Schaltlichtbogens innerhalb des Gehäuses erzeugt wird, nicht nach außen treten zu lassen.As can easily be seen from the drawings, the switching device 1 according to the invention is a closed switching device. In order to increase the switching capacity while at the same time having an extremely compact design, overflow openings 8 are provided in the central partition 13 between the two quenching areas 5 and 6 in the switching device according to the invention. Two such overflow openings 8 are located laterally in the lower area of the partition, ie at the lower first end 9 of the two extinguishing areas. The immediate proximity to the lower end and to the respective side wall 11 or 12 also guarantees an effective separation of the two extinguishing areas, at least as far as unintentional propagation or displacement of the switching arc is concerned. At the same time, the overflow openings enable a certain gas exchange between the two quenching areas, which makes a decisive contribution to preventing the plasma, which is generated inside the housing due to the switching arc, from escaping to the outside.

Zwischen den Löschelementen 15, 16 und der Gehäuseoberseite 17 besteht eine weitere Überströmöffnung 19, die sich im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Breite der beiden Löschbereiche erstreckt, sodass die Trennwand 13 tatsächlich auf Höhe der Löschelemente 15, 16 endet. Die weitere Überströmöffnung 19 verstärkt den oben beschriebenen positiven Effekt.Between the extinguishing elements 15, 16 and the top side 17 of the housing there is another overflow opening 19, which essentially extends over the entire width of the two extinguishing areas, so that the partition wall 13 actually ends at the level of the extinguishing elements 15, 16. The additional overflow opening 19 reinforces the positive effect described above.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
Schaltgerätswitching device
22
Festkontaktfixed contact
33
Festkontaktfixed contact
44
Kontaktbrückecontact bridge
55
erster Löschbereichfirst erasing area
66
zweiter Löschbereichsecond erasing area
77
GehäuseHousing
88th
Überströmöffnungoverflow opening
99
erstes Ende des Löschbereichsfirst end of the erasing area
1010
zweites Ende des Löschbereichssecond end of the erasing range
1111
erste Seite des Löschbereichsfirst page of the erasing area
1212
zweite Seite des Löschbereichssecond side of the erasing area
1313
Trennwand bzw. dritte Seite des LöschbereichsPartition wall or third side of the extinguishing area
1414
vierte Seite des Löschbereichsfourth side of the erasing area
1515
Löschelementdelete element
1616
Löschmagneterase magnet
1717
Gehäuseoberseitecase top
1818
Gehäuserippenhousing ribs
1919
weitere Überströmöffnungfurther overflow opening
2020
Schaltlichtbogenswitching arc

Claims (11)

  1. Switching device (1), comprising closable contacts (2, 3, 4) and an extinguishing chamber which is associated with the contacts and has a first extinguishing area (5) and a second extinguishing area (6) arranged directly adjacent to the first extinguishing area, the first extinguishing area and the second extinguishing area being spatially separated from each other by a partition wall (13), and the switching device (1) being configured in such a way that a switching arc (20) which is generated when opening the contacts is always blown away from the point where it is generated in one of the two extinguishing areas by means of an arc blowing means of the switching device and is caused to be extinguished, whereas the respective other one of the two extinguishing areas is not used for extinguishing, characterized in that the partition wall (13) between the first extinguishing area (5) and the second extinguishing area (6) has at least one overflow opening (8, 19) which connects the first extinguishing area to the second extinguishing area in such a way that plasma which is generated by the switching arc can flow from the extinguishing area in which the switching arc is caused to be extinguished into the respective other, unused extinguishing area.
  2. Switching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the two extinguishing areas (5, 6) defines a space having a first end (9) closest to the point of generation of the switching arc, a second end (10) opposite the first end (9) and towards which the switching arc moves as a result of the action of the arc blowing means, a first side (11) connecting the first end (9) and the second end (10) to each other and a second side (12) opposite the first side (11) and also connecting the first end (9) and the second end (10) to each other, wherein the partition wall (13) forms a respective third side of the space and connects the first end (9), the second end (10), the first side (11) and the second side (12) to each other, and wherein the space further comprises a fourth side (14) opposite the partition wall (13).
  3. Switching device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the overflow opening (8) is formed on the first side (11) and/or on the second side (12) in the partition wall (13).
  4. Switching device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a respective overflow opening (8) is formed in the partition wall (13) both on the first side (11) and on the second side (12).
  5. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the overflow opening (8) is formed in a section of the partition wall (13), facing the first end (9) and facing away from the second end (10).
  6. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that extinguishing elements (15, 16) are arranged at the second end (10) or near the second end (10), into which the switching arc (20) is driven by means of the arc blowing means and thereby caused to be extinguished.
  7. Switching device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the overflow opening (19) is formed, preferably as an additional overflow opening (19), between the extinguishing elements (15, 16) and a cover or a housing wall (17) at the second end (10) of the switching device (1) in the partition wall (13).
  8. Switching device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the overflow opening (19) extends substantially over the entire width of the two extinguishing areas (5, 6), measured between the first side (11) and the second side (12), so that the partition wall (13) actually ends at the level of the extinguishing elements (15, 16).
  9. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the switching device (1) is of closed design.
  10. Switching device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that no dedicated outlet opening is provided for the switching arc (20) and/or for plasma generated by the switching arc (20) within the switching device (1), wherein, on the other hand, the switching device (1) is not hermetically sealed so that pressure compensation with the environment, for example through gaps in a housing (7) of the switching device, is possible.
  11. Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the switching device (1) is configured as a bidirectional switching device, with one of the two extinguishing areas (5, 6) being used depending on the current direction.
EP21157513.9A 2020-02-18 2021-02-17 Switching device with at least two extinguishing areas communicating with each other Active EP3869527B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102020104258.2A DE102020104258B4 (en) 2020-02-18 2020-02-18 Switching device with at least two mutually communicating extinguishing areas

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EP3869527A1 EP3869527A1 (en) 2021-08-25
EP3869527B1 true EP3869527B1 (en) 2022-07-27

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TWI782407B (en) 2022-11-01
US20210257173A1 (en) 2021-08-19
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DE102020104258A1 (en) 2021-08-19
KR20210105829A (en) 2021-08-27
CN113345740A (en) 2021-09-03
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US11615929B2 (en) 2023-03-28
JP2021132032A (en) 2021-09-09
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TW202147365A (en) 2021-12-16
PL3869527T3 (en) 2022-12-19

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