RU103038U1 - ELECTRIC SWITCHING DEVICE FOR LOW VOLTAGE CHAINS - Google Patents

Abstract

 1. Switching device (1) for low voltage circuits, characterized in that it contains:! a first housing (2) comprising a box (3) and a cover (4) assembled together, the first housing (2) containing one or more poles, each of which contains at least one first fixed contact (22) and one the first movable contact (24), which are arranged to interconnect / disconnect in the first cavity (19) for opening the contacts formed in the first housing (2); ! a second housing (5) connected to the first housing (2), the second housing (5) comprising at least one auxiliary device (65, 67), and at least one auxiliary device (65, 67) comprising an electronic protective device (66) comprising at least one user interface device (68) comprising at least one display (69) for visualizing and / or setting data and / or signals; ! a movable device (25) containing for each pole at least one socket (26) suitable for accommodating a corresponding movable contact (23, 24); ! the drive mechanism, in working condition connected to the said movable device (25), providing its movement, and the drive mechanism is configured to be actuated by a control lever (8) protruding forward outside the cover (4) of the first housing (2), and the control lever (8) is in a lower position relative to the drive mechanism. ! 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains, for each pole, a second fixed contact (21) and a second movable contact (23), which are mutually adapted

Description

2420-170174EN / 081

ELECTRIC SWITCHING DEVICE FOR LOW VOLTAGE CHAINS

This utility model relates to an electrical switching device, in particular a circuit breaker or circuit breaker, which should preferably be used in low voltage circuits, such as molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs).

As you know, switching devices used in low voltage electrical circuits (that is, for applications with rated voltages up to 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC) are usually circuit breakers, circuit breakers, circuit breakers and circuit breakers, commonly referred to as "switching devices" and in this document, collectively referred to as short circuit breakers, are devices designed to ensure the proper operation of specific parts of electrical systems and loads connected to them in working condition.

The switches can be implemented in various configurations, for example, in the so-called "fixed", "detachable" or "removable" versions, and usually contain a housing containing one or more poles; moreover, each pole contains at least one fixed contact and one corresponding movable contact, which are connected to the respective terminals for connection at the input / output with the corresponding electrical circuit.

Suitable drive means allow moving movable contacts; in particular, the effect of such a drive means is traditionally manifested on the main axis, which is operatively connected to the movable contacts in such a way that, as a result of its rotation, the movable contacts are connected to the fixed contacts (closed switch) or separated from them (open switch). There are solutions in which the movable contacts are located in respective sockets formed directly in the main axis, forming a so-called movable rotating device. The movement of the movable contacts can be caused directly through the corresponding levers located on the front of the circuit breaker, or by actuating the known protective devices that the circuit breaker is equipped with.

The connection / disconnection between the contacts takes place in the respective contact opening cavities; moreover, the contact opening cavity may be simple sections formed inside the circuit breaker housing, or may more preferably contain several elements known as arc chambers, which are configured to minimize the undesirable effects of electric arcs that result from separation of the contacts.

International application WO2009 / 065706 discloses a switching device with movable contacts and fixed contacts, which are configured to interconnect / disconnect in contact opening cavities. The circuit breakers in accordance with the prior art also contain auxiliary devices, such as, for example, control devices and protective devices (also known as "protective relays"), the main task of which is to control the operation of the circuit breaker. Such auxiliary devices are associated with means for interfacing with the user, which allows the operator to interact with the auxiliary device, providing, for example, the task of controlling and regulating the auxiliary device itself.

In addition, circuit breakers can also contain many additional auxiliary devices, such as, for example, auxiliary contacts for signaling the state of the switch (open, closed or disconnected), actuators for opening, closing or restoring (for example, solenoid actuators, electric motors drives, devices with spring load), opening mechanisms at minimum and maximum voltage, temperature sensors, etc.

In general, regardless of the execution scheme, switching devices must be quick and reliable during commissioning, must guarantee the proper life and, finally, must have a design that is as compact as possible, flexible, convenient for assembly and installation, and implemented with competitive costs.

The purpose of this utility model is to create a switching device of this type with improved functions and characteristics.

This goal is achieved by means of a switching device, made in accordance with what is indicated in the formula and described below.

A switching device in accordance with the present utility model will be described below with reference to one embodiment in the form of a switch; in particular, a link will be made to a multi-pole switch with two breaks, which is provided for each pole of two pairs of contacts. Obviously, such a link should be taken only as an example, and what is described and illustrated should be considered as applicable to low voltage devices with any number of poles (for example, unipolar, bipolar, three-pole and four-pole).

Characteristics and advantages will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not the only embodiments of the switching device in accordance with this utility model, which are illustrated as examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a circuit breaker in accordance with the present utility model;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view that illustrates a spatially separated view of the elements of a box, a lid and a housing for the protective devices of the circuit breaker shown in FIG. 1, at the assembly stage;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the switch shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates the elements shown in FIG. 2, from a different angle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the switch of FIG. 1, from which the front cover flap has been removed;

FIG. 6 illustrates the elements shown in FIG. 5, from a different angle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the rear of the switch shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the switch box of FIG. 1, which shows the operating position of a movable device and arc chambers;

FIG. 9-11 are views of the spatial separation of the elements of the arc chamber with the corresponding pole shoes in accordance with various options for implementation;

FIG. 12a and 12b are perspective views of an electronic relay and a thermomagnetic relay, respectively, in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the electronic relay elements shown in FIG. 12a;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the thermomagnetic relay element shown in FIG. 12b;

FIG. 15a and 15b are perspective views of an electronic relay and a thermomagnetic relay, respectively, in a second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the electronic relay elements shown in FIG. 15a;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a thermomagnetic relay element shown in FIG. 15b;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an electronic relay interface device;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the auxiliary device of the switch shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 20a and 20b are perspective views, from different angles, of a first embodiment of a retaining structure with auxiliary devices located in its interior;

FIG. 20c is a perspective view of the structure shown in FIG. 20a and 20b, without auxiliary devices that are located in its inner part;

FIG. 21a and 21b are perspective views from different angles of the second embodiment of the auxiliary switch device shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the switch shown in FIG. one;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a user interface device in an electronic relay;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the circuit breaker box shown in FIG. 1, from which the movable device is removed;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the holding structure shown in FIG. 20a, 20b and 20c, in which the side wall is not shown, in order to illustrate how the auxiliary devices are placed inside the structure itself.

With reference to the aforementioned drawings, the switch 1 comprises a main body 2 formed by a box 3 and a cover 4, and a second body 5. A box 3 and a cover 4, which form the main body 2, are connected to form a space inside which the elements of the switch 1 are placed, which will be described below; the second housing 5 is configured to contain at least one auxiliary device 66, 67 of the switch 1.

The cover 4 comprises a front shield 6 with a frame 7, from which the control lever 8 protrudes forward; the front panel 6 can be removed by the operator to have partial access to the internal parts of the switch 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and 4, the box 3 comprises a first connection surface 9, and the lid 4 contains a second connection surface 106, which are made in the form of mating profiles suitable for snug fit against each other. In practice, both surfaces 9, 106 of the connection contain grooves 10 and the corresponding protrusions, highly linked with each other, forming a labyrinth that prevents leakage of gases generated inside the switch 1.

After the box 3, the lid 4 and the second housing 5 are mechanically assembled, the switch 1 has, with reference to FIG. 1, the front wall 12 formed by the front shield 6 and the front wall 13 of the auxiliary device 66, 67, the rear wall 14 formed by the box 3, the lower wall 15 formed by the second body 5 and the lower part 39 of the box 3, the upper wall 16 formed by the cover 4 and box 3, and finally, two side walls 17 formed by box 3, cover 4 and the second body 5.

On the side walls 17 of the switch 1, recesses 119 are formed, suitable for holding wires of auxiliary devices installed in the switch 1 and configured to connect to other external devices, also in the case when several switches 7 are installed next to each other in contact with the side walls 17 other switches 1.

The main body 2 contains one or more poles, each containing a first fixed contact 21, which is configured to connect / disconnect with a first movable contact 23 in a first contact opening cavity 18, and a second fixed contact 22, which is configured to connect / disconnect to a second movable contact 24 in the second cavity 19 opening contacts.

With reference to the vertical mounting of switch 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1-6, the first contact opening cavity 18 and the second contact opening cavity 19 can be considered respectively as the lower contact opening cavity 18 and the upper contact opening cavity 19, viewed relative to the axis of rotation 20 of the movable contacts 23, 24 (in particular, see Fig. 3 ) In this sense, and for purposes of description only, in this document, the first fixed contact 21 and the second fixed contact 22 will be referred to as the "lower fixed contact" 21 and the "upper fixed contact" 22, and the first movable contact 23 and the second movable contact 24 will respectively denoted by the terms "lower movable contact" 23 and "upper movable contact" 24.

Typically, in MCCB type switches, such as switch 1, the upper contact opening cavities 19 are adjacent to the upper wall 16; simple channels or openings 37 that pass through the upper wall 16 connect the upper contact opening cavities 19 to the external environment outside the switch 1 with the possibility of forming ventilation channels for the gas generated in the upper contact opening cavities 19 as a result of a current interruption. In the illustrated example, the upper wall 16 includes two upper channels 37 for each pole.

The box 3 of the switch 1 contains a main chamber 38 (see Fig. 8), suitable, after the box 3 is assembled with the lid 4, to form a space in which the lower 18 and upper 19 contact opening cavities are placed. To ensure the exit of gas generated in the lower cavities 18 opening contacts, the box 3 contains a thin, hollow inside part 39, which protrudes from the main chamber 38 in the transverse direction relative to the lower surface 40 of the lid 4 (see Fig. 1).

In more detail, the inside-hollow portion 39 is expanded to be bounded at the rear by the rear wall 14 of the switch 1 and front by the front surface 41, which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 40 of the cover 4.

According to this particular configuration, the inside-hollow portion 39 projects forward from the main chamber 38 so as to give the bottom wall of the box 3 a substantially L-shaped shape, as can be seen in FIG. 1-8.

The internally hollow portion 39 forms, for each pole, a ventilation duct 42, which, as, for example, is illustrated in FIG. 3, contains a first section 43 communicating with the corresponding lower contact opening cavity 18, and a second section 44, opposite the first and communicating with the external environment outside the switch 1. Thus, a forced channel is formed for the generated gases that enter the first section 43 of the ventilation channel 42 and exit through at least one hole available at the end of the second section 44. Ventilation channels 42 extend entirely outside the part of the main body 2 containing elements that are carried out make electrical trip. Thus, preferably, the reliability and safety of the switch 1 is ensured.

It should be further noted that the inside-hollow part 39 is made integrally with at least one part of the main chamber 38 of the box 3, so that there are no physical gaps or cracks between the first section 43 of the ventilation ducts 42 and the corresponding lower cavities 18 opening contacts. Therefore, this design feature prevents the risk of leakage of ionized or high-temperature gases during the stage of their removal through the ventilation ducts 42.

The switch 1 may preferably contain means suitable for changing the physical and chemical characteristics of the gases removed through the ventilation ducts 42, making them more suitable for release into the atmosphere. By using metallic materials, it is possible, for example, to lower the gas removal temperature; and the use of plastic or substances with gasifying properties allows you to change the composition of the gases, limiting, for example, the possibility of flame formation during the removal itself. The expression "gasification properties" is intended to indicate the ability of a material to release, as a result of heating caused by gas, fire-resistant substances that alter the chemical characteristics of the gases themselves.

Such means may be, for example, dividing walls located inside the ventilation ducts 42 and made of a metal material or gasification plastic; partition walls may be formed by transverse walls 107 shown in FIG. 22, made inside the second section 44 with the possibility of separation into two parts of the flow of gas removed from each ventilation channel 42.

Alternatively, said agents can be gasifying agents deposited on the inner surfaces of the ventilation ducts 42, or even on surfaces that define lower contact opening cavities 18, or the box 3 itself can be made from the inside by molding plastic with gasifying properties .

Preferably, the lower contact opening cavity 18 and the upper contact opening cavity 19, which are present at each pole of the switch 1, respectively comprise a lower arc chamber 45 and an upper arc chamber 46 (in particular, see FIG. 8) suitable for accelerating the extinction of an electric arc , which is formed as a result of the separation of contacts 21-23 and 22-24. Preferably, the arc chambers 45, 46 comprise a container 47 containing sheets or plates 48 for breaking the arc.

FIG. 9-11 depict three embodiments of the arc chamber 49, which are configured to be used for both the upper arc chambers 46 and the lower arc chambers 45 of the poles of the switch 1; thus, the term “arc chamber” 49 is used herein to refer to both the lower arc chambers 45 and the upper arc chambers 46 without distinction.

The metal plates 48 are, for example, substantially U-shaped and are housed in a container 47 made of an electrically insulating material, preferably with gasification properties. The outer side of the side walls 50 of the container 47 is geometrically mated with the corresponding contact opening cavity 18, 19 formed inside the main body 2, as can be seen in FIG. 8.

With reference to FIG. 9, a container 47, for example having a prismatic shape, comprises two opposite side walls 50; grooves 53 are made on the portion of the inner sides of said side walls 50, which are suitable for receiving metal plates 48. The front wall 54 and the rear wall 55, which are opposite to each other, limit the container 47 in the transverse direction. The front wall 54 contains a first hole 56, which is designed to ensure the exit of gases generated inside the arc chamber 49.

The rear wall 55 of the tank 47 contains a second hole 57 in the area where the movable pole contacts 23, 24 are connected / disconnected from the respective fixed contacts 21, 22. The tank 47 further comprises a bottom wall 58 with a slot 59, which forms the space for moving the movable contacts 23 , 24.

The arc chamber 49 comprises at least one pair of pole shoes 51 located inside respective holding sockets 52 formed within the container 47. Each holding socket 52 is configured to electrically isolate the corresponding pole shoe 51 from the metal plates 48. After the arc chamber 49 is assembled inside the switch 1, the pole shoes 51 are respectively placed in their working position without the need for additional assembly steps.

Examples of materials suitable for implementing pole shoes 51 are low carbon steels (clad or sintered), pure passivated iron, PBM magnets; for DC applications, good results are obtained using permanent magnets.

Each holding slot 52 has a substantially prismatic configuration, expanding from the accesses received in the rear wall 55 and ending in the front wall 54. In practice, the holding slots 52 expand longitudinally along the entire length of the opposite sides of the slit 59 formed in the lower wall 58, without the risk of the pole shoes 51 in a position adjacent to the space for moving the movable contact 23, 24. The longitudinal extension of the pole shoes 51 is essentially parallel to the path described by the contact plates oh 31 of the movable contact 23, 24 during its rotation around the axis 20 at the stage of closing and opening the switch 1. Each of the two pole shoes 51 is separated from the said path of the movable contact 23, 24 by a thin inner wall 60 of the holding socket 52 made of electrically insulating material . The mentioned special proximity between the pole shoes 51 and the movable contact 23, 24 in all its working positions provides mutual electromagnetic interaction between these pole shoes 51 and the electric arc formed in the arc chamber 49 during separation of the movable contact 23, 24 from the corresponding fixed contact 21, 22.

In working condition, the electric arc current induces a magnetic field in the pole shoes 51, which in turn exerts a force on the movable contact 23, 24. The said force acts to help separate the movable contact 23, 24 from the corresponding stationary contact 21, 22 and accelerate the critical stage interruption of electric current. The greater the interrupted current of the electric arc, the greater the force acting on the movable contact 23, 24.

The holding sockets 52 and pole shoes 51 contained therein can also expand in the longitudinal direction along only one part of the length of the opposite sides of the slit 59, in cases where the less accelerating effect of the movable contact 23, 24 is sufficient.

Preferably, each of the pole shoes 51 may have at least one transverse protrusion 61 that protrudes laterally from the pole shoe 51 and is located adjacent to the second hole 57 on the rear wall 55. With this solution, said transverse protrusion in the immediate vicinity of the transition section between the fixed contact 21, 22 and the corresponding movable contact 23, 24 with the possibility of accelerating their separation, especially during the initial opening stage.

The holding sockets 52 may be integrally formed with the container 47, for example, by means of an injection molding process.

FIG. 10 relates to a second preferred embodiment of the arc chamber 49, which differs from the previously described embodiment only in a different configuration of the capacitance 47, more suitable for a switch 1 of a different size, different from the switch designed to accommodate the arc chamber 49 shown in FIG. 9.

The holding sockets 52 and the container can be separated and connected using suitable connecting means, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11, wherein the container comprises a first part 64 and a second part 65, which are separable and which are connected to each other along the connection surfaces.

The connection of the two parts 64, 65 generally forms a container substantially equivalent to that illustrated in FIG. 9 and 10.

Arc chambers 45, 46 can be modular, can be easily replaced or can be made of other materials different from the materials used for the manufacture of the main body 2.

The movable contacts 23, 24 of the switch 1 are driven by a movable rotating device 25, clearly visible, for example, in FIG. 4, made of an insulating material and placed inside the main body 2, between the lower contact opening cavity 18 and the upper contact opening cavity 19; the movable device 25 is formed by a molded case, which contains, for each pole, a socket 26, which houses the lower 23 and upper 24 movable contacts. The movable device 25 rotates around the axis of rotation 20, and the slots 26 are made so that the movable contacts 23, 24 have the same axis of rotation 20.

The poles of the switch 1 are separated from each other by dividing partitions 27 formed by connecting the box 3 to the cover 4; the said partitions 27 provide the necessary insulation between the poles and give higher structural strength to the switch 1. The partitions 27, best shown in FIG. 24 have a perpendicular expansion about the axis of rotation 20. Partitions 27 partially penetrate into the movable device 25 in respective recesses or grooves 28 formed in the molded case of the movable device 25 itself. The exact gap between the dividing partitions 27 and the recesses 28 of the mobile device 25 forms rotation supports 121 that are adapted to support the movable device 25 during all his working positions. The movable device 25, in addition to ensuring proper transmission of movement to the movable contacts 23, 24 and maintaining the necessary forces, also provides electrical insulation between the poles of the switch 1, interacting with the dividing walls 27 to separate the contact opening cavities, both the lower 18 and the upper 19, of the poles . Comprehensive insulation of the poles of the switch 1 can be further improved by protrusions and ribs, not shown in the drawings, made of insulating material and held in position in the guides 120 formed on the outer surfaces of the lower 15 and upper 16 walls of the switch 1.

Near the ends of the movable device 25 and in sections of the housing of the movable device 25 contained between the recesses 28, sockets 26 are formed for receiving the movable contacts 23, 24 and the corresponding contact springs 29 with the holding pins 122 of the springs 19 themselves.

As shown in FIG. 3, for each pole, the lower 23 and upper 24 movable contacts are formed by two finger-like extensions 30 that protrude forward perpendicularly in a direction opposite to the axis of rotation 20; the said extensions form a single element located in the corresponding socket 26, which rotates as a whole by means of a moving device 25. Each socket 26 contains two holes from which two extensions 30 protrude forward, which contain contact plates 31 at their ends which are connected / are disconnected, as a result of the rotational movement of the movable device 25, with the respective plates 32 of the lower 21 and upper 22 fixed contacts located in the lower 18 and upper 19 cavities of the contact opening s.

Preferably, for each pole of the switch 1, the lower fixed contact 21 is located on the cover 4 of the main body 2 at a height, so that it is located in the lower contact opening cavity 18, and the upper fixed contact 22 is located on the box 3 of the same housing 2 at a height that it is located in the upper 19 cavity of opening contacts. The solution mentioned makes the assembly operations of the circuit breaker 1, and especially the possible subsequent maintenance operations, particularly convenient. For example, to perform cleaning of the contact plates 31, 32 of the fixed contacts 21, 22 and the movable contacts 23, 24 of the switch 1, using a simple operation to remove the cover 4, the operator simultaneously gets access to all the lower fixed 21 and movable 23 contacts, and using an additional operation Removing the movable device 25, you can immediately access also all the upper fixed 22 and movable 24 contacts.

The movable device 25 in operational condition is connected to a drive mechanism that contains mechanical means supported by a structure made in the cavity of the cover 4 of the switch 1, and which is capable of causing the rotational movement of the movable device 25 around the axis of rotation 20 with the possibility of separation or connection of the contacts 21-23 , 22-24. Said drive mechanism can be actuated directly through the control lever 8 or via a trip axis 123 fixed to the lower portion of the drive mechanism, which is designed to convert into rotational movement of the movable device 25 signals from at least one protective device 66, 67 placed in the second housing 5, and / or from auxiliary devices 77 of the switch 1 located in special spaces formed in the main body 2.

Preferably, as illustrated clearly in FIG. 3, the control lever 8 protrudes forward outward from the frame 7 in a lower position relative to the position of the drive mechanism of the movable device 25. Said position is adapted to be evaluated relative to the axis of rotation 20 of the movable contacts 23, 24.

The described solution has an ergonomic advantage, facilitating the movement of the lever 8 by an external operator, and optimizes the space intended for auxiliary devices 77, which are located in the spaces formed in the cover 4 of the switch 1. In addition, this solution also provides an improvement of the entire design of the switch 1 , which has particularly harmonious proportions, as can be seen from FIG. one.

In operating condition, the control lever 8 rotates on the support rod 33 and is capable of rotational movement around the axis of rotation 34 formed by this support rod 33. The hook 35 for holding the control lever 8 acts on the drive mechanism indirectly through a pair of connecting rods 36, best shown on FIG. 3 and 6.

The protective device 66, 67, which acts through the disconnecting axis 123 to move the movable device 25, can be placed in the second housing 5. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the second housing 5 has a substantially prismatic configuration that extends geometrically to complement the L-shaped configuration of box 3, thereby forming a very compact circuit breaker design. In practice, the front surface 41 of the inside-hollow portion 39 is used as a connecting surface between the main body 2 and the second body 5. Thus, the second body 5 is separated from the ventilation ducts 42 and, without being subjected to special thermal or mechanical stresses, can be made using less expensive material and more economical than the material used for box 3 and cover 4.

The second housing 5 is preferably configured to contain at least one auxiliary device, which can be any device that is included in the switch 1, to control and regulate its operation or add new functions. The auxiliary device of the switch 1 is preferably formed by a protective relay 66, 67, without intent to limit in any way the potential use of other types of known auxiliary devices. The relay may be electronic type 66, such as the relays shown in FIG. 12a, 15a, and in a spatial exploded view of FIG. 13 and 16, or thermomagnetic type 67, like the relays shown in FIG. 12b, 15b, and in the spatial exploded view of FIG. 14 and 17.

For solutions with a thermomagnetic relay 67, thermal and magnetic sensors are placed in the second housing 5, which act through the corresponding kinematic mechanisms on the trip axis 123, which drives the drive mechanism of the movable device 25 with the possibility of separation of contact pairs 21-23, 22 -24, for example, in case of damage, such as a short circuit. In solutions with electronic relay 66, the second housing 5 contains electronic elements for protection, a trip coil and, finally, converters that supply electric power to relay 66 and register current in the circuit passing to the poles of switch 1. In a preferred embodiment, said converters are formed by help current transformers. The electronic relay 66 analyzes the electrical operating parameters recorded by the converters, and in case of damage or deviation from the normal operation of the switch 1, transmits a signal to the trip coil, which acts on the trip axis 123 of the drive mechanism of the movable device 25 with the possibility of separation of the pair of contacts 21-23 , 22-24. The electronic relay 66 is powered by converters or, alternatively, by additional or external sources. In the accompanying drawings, electronic type 66 relays are used to protect switch 1, and will be referenced below as an example.

The individual converters in the electronic relay 66 transmit the signal associated with the detected current to the control electronics, which, in addition to the usual control functions, preferably includes an earth fault fault monitoring function, which includes the calculation of the vector sum “G” of the instantaneous currents in each phase, and the operation of the relay 66 itself in case the said amount exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In general, electronic relays 66 contain at least one continuous green LED (LED connected to a power source), which indicates the functioning of relay 66, and may also contain additional LEDs to signal the inclusion of various protective functions.

With reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 23, a preferred embodiment of an electronic relay 66 is described, characterized by the additional presence of a user interface device 68 containing a display 69 that provides convenient visualization and selection of data and / or signals received at the inputs or outputs of the relay 66. The electronic relay 66 preferably contains the first electronic control unit, interacting with the sensors and actuators of the switch 1, with which it can exchange data and / or control signals. Such a relay 66 further comprises at least one digital communication port, preferably a USB connector (universal serial bus).

The device 68 interface is mechanically connected, with the possibility of removal, with the front wall 13 of the electronic relay 66; preferably, the interface device 68 comprises molded edges and / or hooks 71 adapted to be connected to respective built-in recesses 72 formed in the front wall 13. Other releasable mechanical means of the known type may be used, as required. In principle, said interface device 68 can be installed on any portion of the walls of the switch 1.

The coupler 68 is electrically connectable, removable, to the electronic relay 66: preferably, it comprises a first USB connector 108 that is connected to the corresponding USB connector of the electronic relay 66.

The coupler 68 comprises a second control unit 109 comprising at least one microprocessor 110 and one or more memory blocks 111. Such a second control unit is configured to store data internally and exchange data and / or signals with the first control unit of the electronic relay 66. In addition, the second control unit 109 comprises first data processing means 112 for controlling the transmission of data and / or signals related, for example , with an electronic relay 66 or other devices connected to it, and second data processing means 113 for controlling the reception of data and / or signals coming from the electronic relay 66 and / or from other devices connected to it. In addition, it also includes third data processing means 114 for automatically processing inside the data and / or signals, for example, in order to process input / output information or store information in its memory spaces 111. Each of the data processing means 112, 113, 114 may be implemented with circuit blocks or, preferably, may contain one or more software modules suitable for execution by the microprocessor 110 of this second control unit 109.

The display 69 may be backlit to provide effective visualization of data and / or signals in any state of the environment. The display 69 is controlled by a second control unit 109 by means of a control program 117.

The interface device 68 comprises means for selecting 115 data and / or signals, acting upon which the user is able, for example, to select which data to display on the display 69, or to transmit control signals to the second control unit 109. Said selection means 115 may comprise one or more push buttons 124 located on the interface device 68 or integrated directly on the display 69, in accordance with, for example, known touch screen configurations. The selection tool 115 may also be used to select the direction and perception of the visualization of the information shown on the display 69.

The coupler 68 typically comprises first resolving means with which the user can select the methods for transmitting the output of the second control unit 109.

The electronic relay 66 also typically comprises a second enabling means to enable the very first electronic control unit of the relay 66 to receive and use the data transmitted by the second electronic control unit 109. The second resolving means, as well as the first resolving means, can preferably be implemented using the same selection means 115, which is integrated in the display 69.

The interface device includes a power supply unit 116 for power management, in particular, a second control unit 109, and a display 69.

The interface device 68 may include a second communication port 73, for example, a USB connector, suitable for electrical connection, with the possibility of disconnecting, the interface device 68 and / or electronic relay 66 with a peripheral device, such as, for example, a test device. Thus, the peripheral device is able to communicate with the first electronic control unit and / or the second electronic control unit 109.

The described interface device 68 can be used regardless of the presence in the switch 1 of other types of second interface devices, which may be, for example, the known DIP switch interface devices 74, such as the device shown in FIG. 12a and 15a. To ensure greater compactness of the front wall 12 of the switch 1, such a second interface device 74 is located on the front wall 13 of the electronic relay 66 with the possibility of closing the interface device 68; thus, it can only be activated by the user after removing the interface device 68.

Preferably, the coupler 68 also comprises an audible alarm means 118, such as a beeper, to improve signaling of data and / or commands with audible acknowledgment signals or to generate alarms, for example due to incorrect programming or malfunction.

You can also use an electronic protective device of a simplified type and configured to provide a minimum level of protection for switch 1; such a device, known as an “electronic knife,” electronically simulates the effect of a traditional magnetic core.

If the circuit breaker 1 is made in the form of a circuit breaker, the protective device contained in the second housing 5 will simply be replaced by a set of electrical connections that connect the electrodes of said circuit breaker with clamps or terminals for external connection.

The switch 1 comprises a holding structure 75, 76, which forms a socket suitable for holding one or more auxiliary devices 77, each of which performs the function of a switch 1, such as an indication, issuing commands or a control function. Such holding structures 75, 76 are located on the inner side of the cover 4 in the spaces adjacent to the side walls 17 of the switch 1. Outside of the switch 1, a control device with a servo mechanism for the switch 1 can be installed.

FIG. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the switch 1, from which the front shield 6 of the cover 4 has been removed: FIG. 5 shows holding structures 76 without accessories 77, and FIG. 6 shows auxiliary devices 77 inserted into respective holding structures 75, 76.

In particular, the switch 1 shown in the drawings comprises two retaining structures 75 inserted removably into an appropriate placement cavity 78 (see FIG. 5) formed inside the cover 4. The removable holding structures 75 form in practice intermediate devices between auxiliary devices 77 and cover 4, acting as auxiliary holding adapters or auxiliary devices of the "neutral" type. The advantage of using this type of removable structures 75 is to increase the functional flexibility of the circuit breaker 1: after the removable structure 75 is removed from the corresponding placement cavity 78, auxiliary devices 77 can be placed in this last cavity without the need for the operator to be near the switch 1.

With reference to FIG. 5 also shows the configuration of the non-removable holding structures 76, also formed integrally with the cover 4 inside the cover 4. The illustrated holding structures 76 are each implemented to receive one or more accessory devices 77 and are also configured to overlap with respect to each other the vertical configuration of switch 1, as shown in FIG. 5. Due to the arrangement mentioned above, it is possible to install particularly large auxiliary devices 77, which require a space defined by both holding structures 76.

In general, the number, configuration and location of the retaining structures, both removable 75 and non-removable 76 shown in the drawings, does not exclude other types of configurations of the structures 75, 76 inside the switch 1.

Each auxiliary device 77 comprises a housing 79, which can be inserted into a seat formed by the holding structure 75, 76, and provided with engagement means 80 with the holding structure 75, 76. In addition, the housing 79 includes a disengaging means 81 that performs a disengaging function when it is set in motion, gear means 80. In more detail, the disengaging means 81 is operatively connected to the engaging means 80 so that the latter can be disengaged from the engaging means formed by the retaining structure 75, 76 and allowing the auxiliary device 77 to be removed from the structure 75, 76. Preferably, the engaging means 80 and the disengaging 81 made integrally with the housing 79 of the auxiliary device 77.

In addition, the auxiliary device 77 includes a working means 82 for interacting with the switch 1 through the pairing means with the holding structure 75, 76. Such a pairing means includes cams and return levers, in working condition connected to the moving parts of the switch 1, and / or one or more holes formed on the walls of the holding structures 75, 76, to allow the tool 82 of the auxiliary device 77 to directly interact with other parts of the switch 1.

FIG. 19 shows a possible embodiment of the auxiliary device 77. The housing 79 of the auxiliary device 77 has a substantially prismatic shape comprising a pair of flat surfaces 83 parallel to each other and a pair of side surfaces 84 opposite to each other that extend in directions substantially perpendicular to the flat surfaces 83. In addition, the housing 79 includes a first surface 85 and a second surface 86 opposite to each other, which extend between two opposite side surfaces Around 84.

On the first surface 85 is located the working means 82 of the auxiliary device 77; the first surface 85 is the surface of the housing 79, which is first inserted into the retaining structure 75, 76. The illustrated auxiliary device 77, for example, is configured to measure the characteristic temperature of the switch 1: the working means 82 includes a temperature sensor located on the first surface 85. Features, described below for this auxiliary device 77, should in any case be applicable to other types of auxiliary devices containing, depending on different functionalities, other working means.

The second surface 86 is the contact surface of the interaction between the auxiliary device 77 and other parts of the switch 1, such as, for example, a display, sensors and other auxiliary devices. Thus, the second surface 86 is configured to provide cable connections of the auxiliary device 77 and / or connections with auxiliary circuits and / or a bus, designed to perform the functions of supplying power and / or transmitting information necessary for the operation of the auxiliary device 77. In particular, the second surface 86 comprises one or more terminals 87 where necessary connections are made to said cable connection and said connections are inserted.

The engagement means 80 of the auxiliary devices 77 comprises a pair of first lever arms 88, each of which is turned toward an elastic portion of a support 89 protruding forward from each of the opposite side surfaces 84. Each first lever arm 88 comprises a free end 90 that engages with a corresponding engagement surface 125 (see FIG. 25) of the holding structure 75, 76 when the auxiliary device 77 is inserted into the structure 75, 76. The free engaging end 90 is constantly held in a stable equilibrium position by cumulative impacts, provide rigidity of the first arm 88 of the lever and the elastic reaction generated by the configuration of the position of support 89.

The disengaging means 81 comprises a pair of second lever arms 91, which are operatively connected to the respective first arms 88 of the arm with the possibility of counteracting them as a result of the elastic reaction that acts on the engaging ends 90, and thus disengaging said engaging ends 90 from engagement surfaces 125. Each of the second lever arms 91 and the corresponding first lever arm 88 are integrally formed with the elastic part of the support 89 and extend along a direction substantially parallel but opposite to the position of the elastic part of the support 89.

The use of a pair of mutually inverse first lever arms 88 provides convenient removal of the auxiliary device 77 and of course provides reliable engagement in its seat, which is formed in the holding structure 75, 76. The use of the pair of second lever arms 91 makes it easier to remove the auxiliary device 77 because it provides the operator with two opposing capture points.

The auxiliary device 77 preferably comprises a first guide means 92, which cooperates with a corresponding second guide means 99 located on the holding structure 75, 76 with the possibility of facilitating the insertion of the auxiliary device 77 into the socket formed in the holding structure 75, 76. In the solution shown in FIG. 19, said first guide means comprises one or more guide ends 92 that protrude from at least one of the side surfaces 84 of the housing 79 and extend predominantly along a direction that is substantially parallel to a plane in which the flat surfaces 83 extend. The guide end 92 partially extends also in accordance with a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the planar surfaces 83 with the possibility of forming a contact surface 93 intended to contact with ayuschey surface of the retaining structure 75, 76. As an alternative, said first contact surface 93 may be combined or replaced by other contact surfaces.

FIG. 21a and 21b depict a second embodiment of an auxiliary device 77, which also includes engagement means and disengagement means.

Fmg 20a, 20b depict two different perspective views related to the embodiment of the removable structure 75 with an auxiliary device 77 installed in its inner part; FIG. 20c is a perspective view of a removable structure 75 from which auxiliary devices 77 are removed.

The illustrated detachable holding structure 75 comprises an outer frame 94 formed by a first pair of lateral opposed holding surfaces 95, a lower surface 96 and an upper surface 97, perpendicular to the side surfaces 95 and opposite to each other. In addition, the removable structure 75 comprises one or more connecting walls 98, each of which extends inside the outer frame 94, with the possibility of accessing the upper surface 97, or alternatively, the lower surface 96. Each of the connecting walls 98 includes an engaging surface 125 shown in FIG. 25 formed by a step on which the free engaging ends 90 engage.

The removable holding structure 75 comprises a second guide means that cooperates with a first guide means 92 located on the auxiliary device 77. Such a second guide means comprises guide channels 99 formed on the inside of each connecting wall 98; a guide end 92 is inserted into each groove 99. In addition, each connecting wall 98 forms an impact surface that mates with the supporting surface 93 of the auxiliary device 77.

The detachable holding structure 75 comprises additional engagement means 100 for engaging with the corresponding accommodation cavity 78. Such further engagement means 100 comprises an elastic end 101 comprising a first engagement portion 102 configured to contact a second engagement portion 103 (see FIG. 5) formed by the wall of the accommodation cavity 78.

In the illustrated embodiment, a third guiding means suitable for interacting with a fourth guiding means located in the accommodation cavity 78 is further provided for the removable holding structure 75. Such a third guiding means comprises a pair of protrusions 104, each of which is formed on the outside of the side wall 95 the holding structure 75. The fourth guide means comprises a pair of sliding surfaces 105 (see FIG. 5) protruding forward from the side wall of the cavity 78 so that each protrusion 75 continuously slides, during insertion, along a corresponding sliding surface 105.

With reference to FIG. 5, the fixed retaining structure 76 also comprises a pair of mutually inverse connecting walls 98, each of which forms an engagement surface that is not visible in the drawings, but is equivalent to the engagement surfaces 125 of the removable retaining structures 75; said connecting surface cooperates with the engagement means 80 of the auxiliary devices 77. The connecting walls 98 protrude forward in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall 14 of the switch 1, forming the engagement surfaces so that they are substantially parallel to the rear wall 14.

On the inside of said connecting walls 98, guide grooves 99 are formed which form second guide means that are substantially equivalent to the guide means described for the removable holding structure 75.

As is apparent from FIG. 6, when the auxiliary devices 77 are inserted into the respective holding structures, both removable 75 and non-removable 76, the working sections of the second lever arms 91 are accessible to the operator after the front shield 6 of the switch 1 has been removed to ensure the actual removal of the auxiliary devices 77.

Preferably, the switch 1 comprises, in its interior, a first communication bus that is adapted to interface with one or more auxiliary devices 77, or other devices of the switch 1 itself. Also inside the switch 1, an electronic interface unit containing a plurality of connection ports is preferably in the second housing 5. Auxiliary devices 77 and other devices of the switch 1 are each connected to the corresponding connecting port of the electronic interface unit through the first bus with knit.

According to a preferred solution, such a first communication bus is formed by only two wires, thereby forming a so-called pair cable. Preferably, the switch devices 1 connected to the first communication bus also comprise a protective device, such as, for example, thermomagnetic relays 67 or electronic relays 66 described above. Such protective devices 66, 67 can be respectively connected, via a second communication bus, to a monitoring system located outside the circuit breaker 1. In general, the circuit breaker devices can be auxiliary devices 77, such as the devices already described, or other devices, such as, for example display or other types of peripheral equipment interconnect outside switch 1.

Each of the connecting ports is designed so that it can be connected without distinction and can be interchanged with any device of switch 1. Thus, you can change the number and type of devices by connecting or disconnecting them from the electronic interface unit through the first communication bus, without the need to add or removing wires and connecting systems.

Due to the described configuration, information related to the state of switch 1, signals, and commands associated with auxiliary devices 77 and other devices of switch 1 are transmitted inside or outside the switch in a simple manner using only an electronic interface unit and two communication buses. For example, information corresponding to the state of switch 1, determined by means of an auxiliary contact, can be transmitted simultaneously, through the first communication bus and electronic interface unit, both to the protective device 66, 67 and thus to an optional external monitoring system via the second communication bus, and into a display connected to one of the ports of said electronic interface unit.

The use of only two communication buses, in addition to a significant reduction in the number of wires inside the switch 1, provides the use of only two communication protocols: the first protocol corresponding to the first communication bus is intended for communication between various devices of the switch 1; and a second protocol corresponding to the second communication bus is intended for communication between the switch 1 and one or more external units.

Alternatively, or in addition to the communication and data and / or signal control function, the electronic interface unit can also control the distribution of power, always via the first communication bus, to various devices connected to its connecting ports. For example, power can be provided by the protective device 66, 67 and transmitted to various auxiliary devices 77, which are located in the switch 1.

Claims (11)

1. Switching device (1) for low voltage circuits, characterized in that it contains:  a first housing (2) comprising a box (3) and a cover (4) assembled together, the first housing (2) containing one or more poles, each of which contains at least one first fixed contact (22) and one the first movable contact (24), which are arranged to interconnect / disconnect in the first cavity (19) for opening the contacts formed in the first housing (2);  a second housing (5) connected to the first housing (2), the second housing (5) comprising at least one auxiliary device (65, 67), and at least one auxiliary device (65, 67) comprising an electronic protective device (66) comprising at least one user interface device (68) comprising at least one display (69) for visualizing and / or setting data and / or signals;  a movable device (25) containing for each pole at least one socket (26) suitable for accommodating a corresponding movable contact (23, 24);  the drive mechanism, in working condition connected to the said movable device (25), providing its movement, and the drive mechanism is configured to be actuated by a control lever (8) protruding forward outside the cover (4) of the first housing (2), and the control lever (8) is in a lower position relative to the drive mechanism. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains, for each pole, a second fixed contact (21) and a second movable contact (23), which are made with the possibility of mutual connection / disconnection in the second cavity (18) opening contacts formed in the first housing (2), and the first housing (2) contains an inside hollow part (39), which contains, for each pole, at least one ventilation duct (42) containing the first section (43) in communication with the corresponding second cavity (18) opening contacts, and, at least re, one ventilation duct (42) contains a second section (44), opposite the first section (43), in communication with the external environment outside the first housing (2), and the inside-hollow part (39) is made as a whole. 3. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it contains, for each pole, at least one first arc chamber (46) located inside the first contact opening cavity (19) and a second arc chamber (45 ) located inside the second cavity (18) for opening the contacts, and the arc chambers (45, 46) contain a container (47), which contains many metal plates (48) and one or more pole shoes (51) located in the respective holding sockets ( 52) formed inside the container (47), each of the holding sockets (52) It is possible to isolate the pole shoes (51) from metal plates (48). 4. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first fixed contact (22) is located on the housing of the box (3), and the second stationary contact (21) is located on the housing of said cover (4). 5. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one auxiliary device (66, 67) contains an electronic protective device (66), and the electronic protective device (66) performs the function of protecting against damage during circuit to the ground. 6. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains at least one retaining structure (75, 76) formed in the first housing (2), suitable for containing the housing (79), at least , one auxiliary device (77) of the switching device (1), the housing (79) comprising at least one engagement means (80) for engaging it with the holding structure (75, 76) and at least one corresponding means (81) disengagement, in working condition connected to at least one means (80) of engagement, providing by removing the auxiliary device (77) from the retaining structure (75, 76). 7. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one holding structure (75) is inserted with the possibility of removal into the corresponding cavity (78) of the placement formed inside the first housing (2) of the switching device (1) . 8. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one holding structure (76) is formed directly inside the first housing (2) of the switching device (1). 9. The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the auxiliary device (77) comprises at least one first lever arm (88) and at least one second lever arm (91), wherein at least one engagement means (80) comprises a first arm (88) of the arm rotatably connected with an elastic portion of the support (89), wherein the first arm (88) of the arm comprises a free end (90) that engages with a corresponding surface (125) ) engagement of the holding structure (75, 76) when the auxiliary device (77) is inserted into the structure itself a section (75, 76), wherein at least one disengaging means (81) comprises a second lever arm (91), which is operably connected to the first lever arm (88) with the possibility of disengagement, resulting in its movement, the engaging free end (90) from the engagement surface (125). 10. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that it contains a communication bus for connecting at least one auxiliary device (77) and / or at least one auxiliary device (66, 67) with the corresponding connecting port of the electronic the interface unit contained in the switching device (1). 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control lever (8) acts on the drive mechanism indirectly through a pair of connecting rods (36).