Switchgear with at least two interconnected extinguishing zones

Abstract

The present invention relates to a switchgear with at least two interconnected extinguishing zones. The switchgear has a closable contact and an extinguishing chamber, the extinguishing chamber is associated with the contact and has a first extinguishing zone and a second extinguishing zone arranged directly adjacent to the first extinguishing zone, the first extinguishing zone and the second extinguishing zone are spatially separated from each other by a partition wall, and the switchgear is configured so that the switching arc generated when the contact is disconnected is always blown away from the point where the switching arc is generated in one of the two extinguishing zones by means of an arc deflection device of the switchgear and is caused to be extinguished, while the corresponding other of the two extinguishing zones is not used for extinguishing, characterized in that the partition wall between the first extinguishing zone and the second extinguishing zone has at least one overflow opening, the overflow opening connects the first extinguishing zone to the second extinguishing zone, so that the plasma generated by the switching arc can flow from the extinguishing zone in which the switching arc is extinguished to the corresponding other unused extinguishing zone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switchgear. A general switchgear comprises a closable contact and an extinguishing chamber, the extinguishing chamber is associated with the contact and has a first extinguishing zone and a second extinguishing zone arranged directly adjacent to the first extinguishing zone, the first extinguishing zone and the second extinguishing zone are spatially separated from each other by a partition wall, and the switchgear is configured so that a switching arc generated when the contact is disconnected is always blown away from a point where the switching arc is generated in one of the two extinguishing zones by means of an arc blow device of the switchgear and causes the switching arc to be extinguished, while the corresponding other of the two extinguishing zones is not used for extinguishing. Background Art

[0002] A switching device is known from US 5004874. This publication describes a bidirectional contactor in which, depending on the current direction, one of the two extinguishing zones is used while the other extinguishing zone is not used.

[0003] Switchgear is used in a variety of fields. There is a general trend towards smaller and lighter switchgear. In order to prevent damage to adjacent parts and to comply with increasingly stringent safety regulations, it is necessary to prevent the plasma generated by the switching arc inside the switchgear during the disconnection process from escaping to the outside.

[0004] The switchgear known from US Pat. No. 5,004,874 is an enclosed contactor. However, in the known enclosed contactors of compact construction, the rated switching capacity is relatively limited. At high switching capacities, relatively large amounts of plasma are generated inside the housing, resulting in high overpressures, which can lead to destruction of the switchgear if correspondingly larger dimensions are not specified. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a switching device of generic type which guarantees a high switching capacity with a compact construction while at the same time ensuring that the plasma generated inside the housing due to the switching arc does not escape to the outside.

[0006] In a switching device, the object according to the invention is achieved in the following case: a partition wall between a first extinction zone and a second extinction zone has at least one overflow opening, which connects the first extinction zone to the second extinction zone, so that the plasma generated by the switching arc can flow from the extinction zone in which the switching arc is extinguished to a corresponding other unused extinction zone.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that each of the two extinction zones defines a space having: a first end, which is closest to a point at which a switching arc is generated; a second end, which is opposite to the first end and toward which the switching arc moves due to the action of an arc deflection device; a first side, which connects the first end and the second end; and a second side, which is opposite to the first side and also connects the first end and the second end, wherein the partition wall correspondingly forms a third side of the space and connects the first end, the second end, the first side and the second side, and wherein the space further includes a fourth side opposite to the partition wall.

[0008] Thus, a compact structure is achieved. The distance between the first side and the second side defines the width of the extinguishing zone, the distance between the first end and the second end defines the height of the extinguishing zone, and the distance between the partition wall and the corresponding fourth side defines the depth of the extinguishing zone. The first end, the second end, the first side and the second side of the first extinguishing zone correspond in position to the corresponding ends and the corresponding sides of the second extinguishing zone. This means, for example, that the first side of the first extinguishing zone coincides with the first side of the second extinguishing zone or is separated from the first side of the second extinguishing zone only by the partition wall. The movement direction of the switching arc in the first extinguishing zone predetermined by the arc blow device is substantially parallel to the movement direction of the switching arc to be extinguished in the second extinguishing zone and extends. In other words, the arc blow device ensures that the switching arc is always blown away in the same direction from the point where the switching arc is generated, regardless of whether the switching arc is extinguished in the first extinguishing zone or in the second extinguishing zone. In this regard, substantially parallel means a deviation of no more than 15°, preferably no more than 10° and further preferably no more than 5°. Further preferably, there is parallelism.

[0009] Further preferably, the arc blow device is configured so that the movement direction of the switching arc is substantially parallel to the partition wall. In this respect, substantially parallel also means a deviation of no more than 15°, preferably no more than 10°, further preferably no more than 5° and particularly preferably 0°.

[0010] Further preferably, the arc blow device is configured such that the longitudinal extension of the switching arc runs substantially parallel to the partition wall. This embodiment also contributes to a compact construction. In this respect, substantially parallel also means a deviation of no more than 15°, preferably no more than 10°, further preferably no more than 5° and particularly preferably 0°.

[0011] The sides of the respective quenching zone are further preferably formed by side walls.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the overflow opening is formed in the partition wall on the first side and / or the second side.(One or more) overflow openings are preferably only located on the outside of the first side and / or the outside of the second side. The central area of ​​the partition wall observed in the width direction preferably does not have an overflow opening at least near the first end. Further preferably, the central area of ​​the partition wall observed in the width direction does not have an overflow opening at least between the first end and the preferably provided extinguishing element arranged at the second end. The intermediate area of ​​the partition wall observed in the width direction without the overflow opening further preferably occupies at least 70% of the width measured between the first side and the second side. This ensures effective separation between the two extinguishing zones.

[0013] It is particularly preferred that overflow openings are formed in the partition wall both on the first side and on the second side. This ensures a symmetrical distribution of plasma and non-ionized air.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the overflow opening is formed in a section of the partition wall facing the first end and away from the second end. This also contributes to an effective separation of the two quenching zones and leads to a favorable flow behavior through the overflow opening.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an extinguishing element is arranged in each of the two extinguishing zones, the switching arc is driven into the extinguishing element by means of an arc blow device and thereby causes the switching arc to extinguish. Preferably, the extinguishing element is arranged at or near the second end. Preferably, the extinguishing element protrudes from the partition wall or extends between the partition wall and the corresponding opposite fourth wall of the corresponding extinguishing zone.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous that an overflow opening is formed in the partition wall between the extinguishing element and the cover or housing wall of the switching device at the second end, preferably as an additional overflow opening in addition to the overflow opening described above. This ensures that the plasma can flow from the currently used extinguishing zone into the unused extinguishing zone through the additional overflow opening. Any backpressure generated by the plasma is reduced or eliminated through the overflow opening, thereby allowing the switching arc to extend further, resulting in a higher breaking capacity. Preferably, the overflow opening extends substantially over the entire width measured between the first side and the second side of the two extinguishing zones, so that the partition wall (13) actually ends at the level of the extinguishing element. In this embodiment, a particularly advantageous flow behavior or a particularly advantageous gas exchange between the two extinguishing zones is achieved. In this respect, substantially over the entire width measured between the first side and the second side of the two extinguishing zones means at least 80%, preferably 90%, particularly preferably 100% of the width of the respective extinguishing zone.

[0017] The invention is particularly advantageous when the switching device is of enclosed design.

[0018] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that no dedicated outlet opening is provided for the switching arc and / or for the plasma generated by the switching arc in the switching device, wherein, on the other hand, the switching device is not sealed gastightly, so that pressure compensation using the environment is possible, for example via a gap in the housing of the switching device.

[0019] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the switching device is a bidirectional switching device, wherein one of the two extinction zones is used depending on the current direction. Further preferably, the switching device according to the invention is a contactor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a switch device according to the present invention, wherein the front of the housing is in an open state, and the left wall of the housing is in an open state,

[0022] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A front view of a switch device according to the present invention, wherein the front part of the housing is in an open state,

[0023] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 The section line III drawn in Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross section of a switching device according to the invention, and

[0024] Figure 4 Show Figures 1 to 3 The switch device according to the present invention is located at Figures 1 to 3 Side view on the left housing side in the figure, wherein the left housing wall is in the open state.

[0025] In the examples below, identical parts are denoted by identical reference numerals. If a figure includes reference numerals which are not mentioned in detail in the associated description of the figure, reference is made to the preceding or following description of the figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of a switch device 1 according to the present invention is shown. In order to be able to present the features or components related to the present invention, the Figure 1 The representation in FIG. 1 shows both the front side of the housing facing the viewer and the left wall of the housing. For the same reason, the left wall of the housing is not shown in FIG. Figure 2 The front part of the housing is shown in the front view in FIG.

[0027] 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 invention and is therefore not shown in detail. The two fixed contacts 2, 3 extend laterally from the housing 7 of the switching device 1 according to the invention and thus simultaneously form the connecting contacts of the switching device.

[0028] When the contact is disconnected, a switching arc 20 is generated, the base point of which is located on the contact bridge side and is caused to jump to the opposite fixed contact by means of an appropriately configured arc blow device. The arc blow device then drives the switching arc 20 into an extinguishing chamber located above the two fixed contacts 2 and 3, in which the switching arc 20 is extinguished. The extinguishing chamber is divided into a front first extinguishing zone 5 and a rear second extinguishing zone 6 by a partition wall 13. For the sake of completeness, it will be noted that the switching device shown is a bidirectional switching device. When the contact is disconnected, a switching arc is generated 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 the special configuration of the contact bridge 4 and the corresponding design of the arc blow device, the base point of one of the two switching arcs jumps from the contact bridge to the corresponding opposite fixed contact, which leads to the extinction of the corresponding other switching arc. The remaining switching arc 20 is located in front of or behind the partition wall 13 depending on the current direction, so that the first quenching zone 5 or the second quenching zone 6 is used to quench the switching arc depending on the current direction. That is, one of the two quenching zones is not used during the disconnection process.

[0029] The two extinguishing zones 5 and 6 of the extinguishing chamber have essentially a cubic volume and start above the two fixed contacts 2 and 3. The two fixed contacts 2 and 3 thus mark the lower first end 9 of the respective extinguishing zone. An arc blow device, not shown in greater detail, is configured such that it drives the switching arc 20 starting from the first end 9 of the extinguishing zone to the opposite second end 10 of the respective extinguishing zone, which second end 10 in turn is formed by the upper side 17 of the housing. Figure 2 The left housing wall in the embodiment marks the first side 11 of the two extinguishing zones, while the right housing wall marks the opposite second side 12 of the two extinguishing zones. The partition wall 13 forms a third side of each of the two extinguishing zones. Each extinguishing zone 5, 6 further has a fourth side 14 opposite to the partition wall, which is formed by the respective front side of the housing or the rear side of the housing, which is Figure 3 and Figure 4 Specifically shown in.

[0030] Each of the two extinguishing zones 5, 6 has a plurality of extinguishing elements into which the switching arc is driven and thereby extinguished. The extinguishing elements protrude from the upper end of the partition wall 13 or extend between the partition wall and the opposite side of the housing. In the embodiment shown, these extinguishing elements are on the one hand simple extinguishing plates 15 and on the other hand cylindrical permanent magnets 16, each of which is enclosed in a protective sleeve, attracts the switching arc to itself and at the same time acts as an extinguishing element or extinguishing magnet. It will be noted here that in Figure 1 In the embodiment, only the extinguishing plate 15 and the permanent magnet 16 of the front extinguishing zone 5 are clearly visible. The rear second extinguishing zone 6 also has corresponding extinguishing elements 15 and extinguishing elements 16, which can be seen in FIG. Figure 4 Especially seen in.

[0031] The actual extinguishing space used by the two extinguishing zones 5 and 6 ends at the level of the extinguishing elements 15 and 16, since the extinguishing elements 15 and 16 cause the switching arc 20 to extinguish, assuming that the switching arc 20 has not yet extinguished on its path to the extinguishing elements. On the housing side, housing ribs 18 are provided above the extinguishing elements 15 and 16. These housing ribs 18 protrude inwardly from the top of the housing and extend over the entire depth of the two extinguishing zones 5 and 6. The housing ribs 18 prevent the arc from reigniting above the extinguishing elements 15 and 16.

[0032] As can be easily seen from the accompanying drawings, the switching device 1 according to the invention is a closed switching device. In order to increase the switching capacity while maintaining an extremely compact construction, the switching device according to the invention has an overflow opening 8 in the central partition wall 13 between the two extinguishing zones 5 and 6. Two such overflow openings 8 are located laterally in the lower part of the partition wall, i.e. at the lower first end 9 of the two extinguishing zones. The close proximity of the lower end and the corresponding side walls 11 and 12 further ensures an effective separation of the two extinguishing zones at least to the extent of accidental propagation or displacement involving the switching arc. At the same time, the overflow opening allows a certain degree of gas exchange between the two extinguishing zones, which decisively helps to prevent the plasma generated inside the housing due to the switching arc from escaping to the outside.

[0033] Between the quenching elements 15, 16 and the upper side of the housing 17 there is an additional overflow opening 19 which extends substantially over the entire width of the two quenching zones, so that the partition wall 13 ends practically at the level of the quenching elements 15, 16. The additional overflow opening 19 increases the positive effects described above.

[0034] Reference Numbers List

[0035] 1 Switchgear

[0036] 2 Fixed contacts

[0037] 3 Fixed contacts

[0038] 4 Contact bridge

[0039] 5 First Extinction Zone

[0040] 6 Second Extinction Zone

[0041] 7 Housing

[0042] 8 Overflow opening

[0043] 9 First end of the extinguishing zone

[0044] 10 Second end of the extinguishing zone

[0045] 11 First side of the extinguishing zone

[0046] 12 Second side of the extinguishing zone

[0047] 13 Dividing wall or third side of extinguishing zone

[0048] 14 Fourth side of the extinguishing zone

[0049] 15 Extinguishing element

[0050] 16 Extinguish the magnet

[0051] 17 Upper side of housing

[0052] 18 Shell rib

[0053] 19 Additional overflow opening

[0054] 20 Switching arc.

Claims

1. A switching device (1), comprising a closable contact (2, 3, 4) and an extinguishing chamber, the extinguishing chamber being associated with the contact and having a first extinguishing zone (5) and a second extinguishing zone (6) arranged directly adjacent to the first extinguishing zone, the first extinguishing zone and the second extinguishing zone being spatially separated from each other by a partition wall (13), and the switching device (1) being configured so that a switching arc (20) generated when the contact is opened is always blown away from the point where the switching arc (20) is generated in one of the two extinguishing zones by means of an arc blowing device of the switching device and the switching arc (20) is extinguished, while the corresponding other of the two extinguishing zones is not used for extinguishing, characterized in that The switch device (1) is configured as a bidirectional switch device, wherein one of the two extinguishing zones (5, 6) is used depending on the current direction, and the partition wall (13) between the first extinguishing zone (5) and the second extinguishing zone (6) has at least one overflow opening (8, 19), the at least one overflow opening (8, 19) connecting the first extinguishing zone to the second extinguishing zone, so that plasma generated by the switching arc can flow from the extinguishing zone in which the switching arc is extinguished to the corresponding other unused extinguishing zone.

2. The switch device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the two extinguishing zones (5, 6) defines a space having: a first end (9) which is closest to the point where the switching arc is generated; a second end (10) which is opposite to the first end (9) and towards which the switching arc moves due to the action of the arc deflection device; a first side (11) which connects the first end (9) and the second end (10) to each other; and a second side (12) which is opposite to the first side (11) and also connects 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) which is opposite to the partition wall (13).

3. The switch device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The overflow opening (8) is formed in the partition wall (13) on the first side (11) and / or the second side (12).

4. The switch device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that Respective overflow openings (8) are formed in the partition wall (13) both on the first side (11) and on the second side (12).

5. The switchgear (1) according to one of claims 2 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. The switchgear (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that An extinguishing element (15, 16) is arranged at or near the second end (10), the switching arc (20) being driven into the extinguishing element (15, 16) by means of the arc blow device and thereby causing the switching arc (20) to be extinguished.

7. The switch device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The overflow opening (19) is formed in the partition wall (13) between the extinguishing element (15, 16) and a cover or housing wall (17) of the switching device (1) at the second end (10).

8. The switch device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The overflow opening (19) extends over the entire width of the two extinguishing zones (5, 6) measured between the first side (11) and the second side (12), so that the partition wall (13) ends practically at the level of the extinguishing elements (15, 16).

9. The switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The switch device (1) is of closed design.

10. The switch device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that No dedicated outlet opening is provided for the switching arc (20) and / or for the plasma generated by the switching arc (20) in the switching device (1), wherein, on the other hand, the switching device (1) is not hermetically sealed for pressure compensation with the environment.

11. The switch device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The switching device (1) which is not hermetically sealed comprises a housing (7) with a gap for pressure compensation with the environment.

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