DE102008049997A1 - Electrical switch i.e. molded case circuit breaker, has locking mechanism locking contact element in OFF position in form-fit or force-fit manner, where position of contact element is detected by releaser - Google Patents

Abstract

The switch has a drive mechanism (7) opening and closing switching contacts (2, 3). A switching latch (8) is arranged in the course of the mechanism for releasing the mechanism. A releaser (9) detects a position of a contact element (5) and has a release element that is moved in the switch. The latch is activated by the release element during electrodynamic recoiling of contact element from an ON position in a direction toward an OFF position to set the drive mechanism for opening the contacts. A locking mechanism locks the contact element in the OFF position in a form-fit or force-fit manner.

Description

The The invention relates to an electrical switch with at least two Switching contacts for interrupting a first flow path, of which at least a first on a rotatably mounted, rigid contact member is formed, with a drive mechanism for opening and closing the switch contacts, with a in the course of Drive mechanism arranged switch lock to release the drive mechanism and with the position of the contact member detecting trigger, having a trigger member movable in the switch, in the case of electrodynamic recoil of the contact member from an ON position toward an OFF position, the trigger member the trigger at a predetermined open position of the Contact member actuates the switch lock to the drive mechanism to start the switching contacts.

The The invention relates in particular to electrical switches, in particular on circuit breaker in the low voltage range, that is up to voltages of approx. 1000 volts. Such electrical switch are in particular for the interruption of current paths in a short circuit or formed in an overcurrent case. Furthermore you can the electrical switch unipolar or multipolar, in particular three-pole, be executed. You can enter each pole or have a plurality of switching contact pairs. In particular, the electrical switch for switching off currents of more than 100 A, in particular of several kA designed.

From the European patent EP 1 208 576 B1 and from the publication WO 2006/053619 A1 are electrical switches with insulating material known, each comprising at least a fixed and a movable switching contact per pole, which are resiliently pressed against each other. In both switches each forms a rotatable rigid contact member the carrier of the movable contact. In the patent EP 1 208 576 B1 shown switch, the contact member is designed as a two-armed contact lever contact bridge, which carries at its two free ends in each case a movable contact in the form of a contact piece. In the in the publication WO 2006/053619 A1 shown switch, the contact member is a one-armed contact lever, which carries at its free end the movable contact in the form of a contact piece. The switch contacts can be separated under the action of electrodynamic recoil forces. When the current flowing through the switching contacts exceeds a certain threshold, the movable contact member is transferred from an ON position to an OFF position so as to cause a limitation of said current. The electrical switches each comprise a drive mechanism for opening and closing the switch contacts and a trigger which detects the position of the movable switch contacts bearing contact member. In electrodynamic recoil of the contact member from its ON position in the direction of its OFF position, the trigger member of the trigger at a predetermined open position of the contact member actuates the switch lock, and thus sets the drive mechanism for opening the switch contacts in motion. As soon as the switch lock is released, contact carriers which carry the contact members in each pole - here each in the form of a switching shaft segment - lose their support in the drive mechanism and, with the contact members tearing open to open the contacts, go from an ON position to an OFF position transferred.

The considered electrical switch are so-called current-limiting electrical switches. In these electrical switches, for example in the form of MCCB's (Molded Case Circuit Breakers) is the to be interrupted Power interrupted before it reaches its maximum value the switching contacts by electromagnetic repulsion adjacent Ladder are pushed apart and so the power is interrupted becomes.

alternative or additionally, the switch contacts z. B. by means of a preferably electromagnetically actuated Actuators are actuated. The actuator can z. B. by an overload and / or short-circuit detection member are driven.

in the Range of switching contacts is typically a deletion package for cooling the hot arc plasma when opening the switching contacts available. By cooling down the Plasma is the electrical conductivity lowered so that the voltage needed to maintain the arc is no longer sufficient. The arc breaks off and the power is interrupted.

The limiting effect in the event of a short circuit is thus due to the rapid opening caused the switching contacts. Occurs a short circuit z. Eg only in one of the switching poles of a multi-pole switch, so is For example, in the manner described above care worn that not only the affected, but subordinate all Switching poles of the switch are opened.

In a staggered arrangement of a plurality of electrical switches of different rated current in a distribution network, in which usually the user-closest switch is designed for the smallest and most consumer switch for the highest rated current, an energy / current-selective behavior of arranged in different hierarchical levels of the distribution network switch is sought , That means, for example in the event of a short circuit in a consumer, only the switch closest to the consumer should switch off. Although the switch contacts of the next higher in the network hierarchy switch may open temporarily, but should after the shutdown of the consumer nearest switch again carry power to prevent shutdown of other consumers.

Difficult In doing so, the vote of the deputies in the different hierarchical levels takes shape Switch. That in the wake of the drive mechanism of the consumer closest Switch arranged switch lock must surely turn off signal receive. The switch lock, in the course of the drive mechanism of the next higher switch is allowed but no switch-off signal, even if its switching contacts temporarily open.

In the aforementioned electrical switches according to the EP 1 208 576 B1 and the WO 2006/053619 A1 forms over all poles of the respective switch triggering shaft the trigger member. This triggering shaft is rotatable in the case of the mentioned known switches in each case via a plurality of intermediate members of the movable contact member. The movement of the movable contact member, which carries the movable contact is thus transmitted via a plurality of other links to the trip shaft, which releases the switch lock to open the switch contacts all poles. This multistage transmission chain leads to a correspondingly wide tolerance range and can lead to overlaps between the switches of different hierarchy levels and thus to the unwanted switching off of a switch downstream of the consumer-oriented switch.

outgoing from this prior art it is an object of the invention to specify an alternative electrical switch.

It Another object of the invention is an energy / current selective reliable triggering electrical switch specify.

The The object of the invention is achieved by an electrical switch the features of claim 1. advantageous Embodiments are in the dependent claims 2 to 6 indicated.

According to the invention a locking mechanism provided by means of which the contact member is positively or non-positively locked in its OFF position.

In itself locking mechanisms for locking movable contact members in their OFF position, ie at the end of their opening path, known. Such locking serve to prevent re-closing and thus the risk of burning the switch contacts until the time of release of the drive mechanism by the switch lock. For example, the document shows US 2005/0231308 A1 a frictional locking. In this electric switch, however, no initiated by the movement of the movable contact member shutdown of the switch is provided.

in the Difference to the mentioned switches, which either only one through the movement of the movable contact member initiated shutdown the switch or just a latching of the movable contact member provide in its OFF position, the advantage of the invention lies Switch just in the combination of such shutdown and such a lock. This combination is namely the problem of synchronization of two current-dependent Modes of action is solved in a simple way that both modes of action on a signal generator, namely the movable contact element, are reduced. Get the movable contact member a close-to-consumer electrical switch to its OFF position, so he is fixed in this OFF position after it has a shutdown of the Switch has effected. In a downstream switch whose movable contact member due to the lower there electrodynamic Forces will not reach their OFF position no switch-off of the switch initiated and the movable contact member can after lifting to close the switch contacts return to its ON position, as it is not fixed (locked) is. The switch contacts of the consumer Switches to orderly switch so close again.

Especially It is advantageous if the trigger member in the trajectory the rigid contact member protrudes and under the direct action of the Contact member when reaching the predetermined open position of the Contact member actuates the switch lock, as in this constructive design a misconduct of the above two current-dependent modes of action is excluded.

If then still according to a preferred embodiment the switch according to the invention, the contact member and the trigger member at the same time form the latching mechanism, then both modes of action (ie the energy / current limiting Turn off the switch and lock the open Contact member) by a single between the contact member and realized the switching mechanism arranged member and thus optimally synchronized.

In particular, for adaptation to geometric conditions of the switch, the tripping However, these also have a displaceable in the switch intermediate member, wherein the trigger member projects into the path of movement of the intermediate member and wherein the trigger member actuates the switching mechanism under action of the intermediate member upon reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member. In this case, it is also easy to lock the contact element at the exact time of release, whereby the predetermined open position coincides with the OFF position.

Also This embodiment offers the advantage that a misconduct of the both above-mentioned current-dependent modes of action is excluded.

According to one preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism for positive locking the contact member in its OFF position on the contact member trained locking pin and a rotatable in the switch, under bias a spring in the path of movement of the locking pin protruding latching hook have, wherein in electrodynamic recoil of the Contact member when reaching the OFF position of the latch hook the Locking pin snaps behind.

According to one Another preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism for non-positive locking of the contact member in its OFF position at least one supported under bias of a spring on the contact member Locking pin and a contact member formed in the recess in electrodynamic recoil of the Contact member when reaching the OFF position of the locking pin in the recess engages.

at the solutions of the invention is the Mass of the now combined as the only signal generator for the two Effectively acting contact member substantially not increased. This has a very positive effect on the selectivity behavior of the Switch in a distribution network, allowing a very fine, accurate tuning of the current selective shutdown the various switches in a distribution network.

The Invention and advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the following figures. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of the electrical switch according to the invention and

2 to 4 three embodiments of the electrical switch according to the invention.

The 1 shows an electrical switch 1 with two switching contacts 2 . 3 to interrupt a first current path 4 a first switching pole. A mobile first 2 The switching contacts is in the form of a contact piece on a rotatably mounted, rigid contact member 5 educated. Assigned to it is a fixed second 3 the Schaltkon contacts. The electric switch 1 has one through a housing 6 limited first control room 7 for receiving the switching contacts 2 . 3 the first current path 4 , a drive mechanism 7 for opening and closing the switching contacts 2 . 3 , one in the course of the drive mechanism 7 arranged switch lock 8th for releasing the drive mechanism and a position of the contact member 5 detecting trigger 9 on. The switch points parallel to the first switching space shown 7 further switching rooms, not shown, in which switching contacts further switching poles are arranged.

The 2 shows a section of a first embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention. Here is the moving switch contact 102 supporting contact element 105 in a contact carrier - here in the form of a switching shaft segment 110 - around an axis 111 rotatably mounted. The switching shaft segment 110 is in turn by means of a arranged in the course of the drive mechanism drive member in the form of two switching shaft rods 112 in the direction of one 113 designated arrow around the axis 111 rotatable and thereby convertable from an ON position shown here with solid line in a marked here with dash-dot-dot line OFF position. This is the release of the switching mechanism 108 required, with both the already mentioned, the position of the contact member 105 grasping trigger that is here with you as a whole 109 is called, as well as other triggers the opening of the switch latch 8th and thus can cause the release of the drive mechanism.

According to the 1 are in the switch according to the invention 1 in addition to the position of the contact member detecting trigger 9 a thermal trigger 14 , an electromagnetic trigger 15 and a manual trigger 16 intended.

In electrodynamic recoil of the contact member 105 in which the shift shaft segment 110 initially remains in its ON position, the contact member pivots 105 in the switching shaft segment 110 around the axis 111 from one in the 2 shown by a dashed line in the direction of an OFF position shown by solid line. In this case, a trigger member operates 117 of in 1 With 9 and in the 2 With 109 designated trigger at a given, here in the 2 with an Srich point line marked open position of the contact member 105 the switch lock 108 to initiate the drive mechanism to open the switch contacts.

When in the 2 shown first embodiment of the switch according to the invention acts in one piece on the contact member 105 trained first contour in the form of a laterally projecting locking pin 118 directly to a first driver 119 formed as a trip wave, extending over all switching poles and provided for each switching pole with a first driver trigger member 117 , A second driver 120 this release shaft then actuates the switch lock 108 ,

The trigger 109 has in this first embodiment of the switch according to the invention thus in the movement path of the rigid contact member 105 protruding, movable in the switch trigger member 117 on, with the trigger member 117 under direct action of the contact member 105 upon reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member 105 the switch lock 108 actuated.

there For example, the switch lock may be one on a half cycle supported latch exist, in which case when reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member of the second driver a driver of the half-wave actuated and the half-wave twisted so that the latch their support on the Half-wave loses and swings under the half-wave, causing the drive mechanism for opening the switch contacts all Switching poles would be released.

When releasing the switch lock 108 are arranged in the course of the drive mechanism switching shaft segments 110 all switching poles in the direction of the arrow 113 pivoted from its ON position to its OFF position.

In this first embodiment form the laterally projecting locking pin 118 of the contact member 105 and the first driver 119 of the trigger member 117 at the same time a locking mechanism, by means of which the movable switching contact 102 is positively locked in its OFF position.

This is the first driver 119 , which is a stationary axis in the switch 121 is rotatable, at its free end as a latching hook 122 educated. Under bias of a spring 123 the catch hook protrudes 122 in the trajectory of the locking pin 118 , Upon reaching the OFF position of the contact member 105 engages behind the latching hook 122 the detent pin 118 by snapping.

The drive mechanism acts after its release by the switch lock 108 when opening the switch contacts in the direction of the arrow 124 on the trigger member 117 , whereby the positive locking of the contact member 105 is solved again.

According to the in the 3 illustrated second embodiment of the electrical switch according to the invention, the trigger, which here in the 3 as a whole with 209 is designated, however, in contrast to the first embodiment, a displaceable in the switch intermediate member 225 and one in the path of movement of the intermediate member 225 protruding, movable in the switch trigger member 217 have, wherein the trigger member 217 under the action of the intermediate member 225 upon reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member 205 the switch lock 208 actuated. In the illustrated here second embodiment of the switch according to the invention, the predetermined open position of here with 205 designated contact member, wherein the drive mechanism is turned off, at the same time the OFF position of the contact member 205 in which the contact member is locked.

The locking of the contact member 205 takes place as in the first embodiment by means of a contact member 205 trained detent pin 218 when reaching the OFF position of a latching hook 222 is snapped behind. Again, the locking hook 222 rotatable in the switch and protrudes under bias of a spring 223 in the trajectory of the locking pin.

The 4 shows a third embodiment of the electric switch according to the invention, in the latching mechanism for non-positive locking of the contact member 305 in its OFF position, under bias of a spring 326 on the contact element 305 supported locking pin 327 and one in the contact member 305 trained recess 328 wherein, in electrodynamic recoil of the contact member 305 when reaching the OFF position of the locking pin 326 in the Rastausneh tion 328 locks. In this frictional locking of the contact member causes the rotation of the switching shaft segment 310 from its ON position to its OFF position after the release of the drive mechanism by the switch latch 308 the unlatching of the contact member.

As in the second embodiment, the in the 4 as a whole with 309 designated trigger here, too, a movable link in the switch 325 and one in the path of movement of the intermediate member 325 protruding, movable in the switch trigger member 317 on, with the trigger member 317 under the action of the intermediate member 325 upon reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member 305 the switch lock 308 actuated.

In all three embodiments of the switches according to the invention so the locking of the contact lever in its OFF position is combined with a release of the switching mechanism - ie a shutdown of the drive mechanism for opening the Switching contact - through the contact element itself.

there finds the locking of the contact member z. B. instead of parts, which are stored stationary (ie in the housing), So for example on the switching shaft segment. The unlocking takes place only after the shutdown (release) of the drive mechanism during the switch-off at which the switch contacts all switching poles opened by the disconnected (released) drive mechanism become.

The Locking and unlatching can be positive or positive be solved. In a positive solution For example, a contour controlled by the drive gives the contact element only released again during the switch-off process. In egg ner form-fitting Solution is for example a drive controlled Element the contact member only when switching off again free. This element, for example, be designed as a hook and at the same time in one part catch as well as off function have.

at a non-positive solution causes the movement the stationary (in the housing) mounted parts - ie For example, the rotation of the switching shaft segment - the Unlocking, so that a renewed switch-on (Close the switching contacts) is possible.

The Contact member actuated to shut off the drive mechanism with one of its contours (for example, a one-piece molded detent pin or a back section its peripheral edge) over more parts or directly For example, a driver of a trained as a triggering shaft Trigger member, which acts individually from each switching pole can be and the turn-off process by releasing a in the course the drive mechanism arranged switching mechanism (shut down the drive mechanism) initiates.

there can at the same time of the the position of the contact member detected Trigger a signal - for example, electrical or mechanical type - the current-limiting short-circuit release to the customer disposal to an electric control panel Switch be routed.

With the electrical switch according to the invention are the difficulties in synchronizing two current-dependent Effects eliminated. The control of the shutdown of the drive mechanism of the electrical switch is based on a single signal generator, namely the contact member carrying the movable contact is reduced.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - EP 1208576 B1 [0003, 0003, 0010]
• WO 2006/053619 A1 [0003, 0003, 0010]
• US 2005/0231308 A1 [0015]

Claims (6)

Electric switch ( 1 ) - with at least two switching contacts ( 2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 . 3 ) for interrupting a first flow path ( 4 ), of which at least a first ( 2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 ) on a rotatably mounted, rigid contact member ( 5 ; 105 ; 205 ; 305 ), - with a drive mechanism ( 7 ) for opening and closing the switching contacts ( 2 ; 102 ; 202 ; 302 . 3 ), - with one in the course of the drive mechanism ( 7 ) arranged switch lock ( 8th ; 108 ; 208 ; 308 ) for releasing the drive mechanism ( 7 ) and - with a position of the contact member ( 5 ; 105 ; 205 ; 305 ) trigger ( 9 ; 109 ; 209 ; 309 ), which is a trigger member movable in the switch ( 117 ; 217 ; 317 ), in which in electrodynamic recoil of the contact member ( 5 ; 105 ; 205 ; 305 ) from an ON position in the direction of an OFF position, the trigger member ( 117 ; 217 ; 317 ) of the trigger at a predetermined open position of the contact member, the switch lock is actuated to set the drive mechanism for opening the switch contacts in motion, characterized in that a latching mechanism is provided, by means of which the contact member ( 5 ; 105 ; 205 ; 305 ) is locked positively or non-positively in its OFF position. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the trigger member ( 117 ) in the trajectory of the rigid contact member ( 105 ) protrudes and under direct action of the contact member ( 105 ) when reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member ( 105 ) the switch lock ( 108 ). Electric switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact member ( 105 ) and the trigger member ( 117 ) form the locking mechanism. Electric switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the trigger ( 209 ; 309 ) a displaceable in the switch intermediate member ( 225 ; 325 ), wherein the trigger member ( 217 ; 317 ) in the path of movement of the intermediate member ( 225 ; 325 ) and wherein the trigger member ( 217 ; 317 ) under the action of the intermediate member ( 225 ; 325 ) when reaching the predetermined open position of the contact member ( 205 ; 305 ) the switch lock ( 208 ; 308 ). Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the latching mechanism for the positive locking engagement of the contact member ( 105 ; 205 ) in its OFF position on the contact member ( 105 ; 205 ) formed locking pin ( 118 ; 218 ) and one in the switch rotatable, under bias of a spring ( 123 ; 223 ) in the path of movement of the locking pin ( 118 ; 218 ) protruding latch hooks ( 122 ; 222 ), wherein upon electrodynamic recoil of the contact member when reaching the OFF position of the latching hook ( 122 ; 222 ) the locking pin ( 118 ; 218 ) snaps behind. Electrical switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the latching mechanism for frictionally locking the contact member ( 305 ) in its OFF position at least one under bias of a spring ( 328 ) on the contact member ( 305 ) supported latching pin ( 327 ) and one in the contact member ( 305 ) formed recess ( 326 ), wherein upon electrodynamic recoil of the contact member ( 305 ) when reaching the OFF position of the locking pin ( 327 ) in the recess ( 326 ) engages.