System, circuit breaker, display unit and display holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit breaker system, wherein the circuit breaker has a circuit breaker communication unit. A display unit is provided having a display housing, wherein the circuit breaker and the display unit are designed such that the display unit can be docked on the circuit breaker so that it is visible on the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker and the display unit are connected to each other in the docked state by an electrical plug-in connection, so that data of the circuit breaker can be displayed on the display unit. A display holder is provided having a holder housing and a holder communication unit. The display unit can be docked into the display holder, so that the display holder and the display unit are connected to each other in the docked state by an electrical plug-in connection, so that the display holder can establish a communication connection with at least one circuit breaker communication unit using the holder communication unit. The display holder is designed to display data of the circuit breaker or optionally of the connected circuit breaker in the docked state of the display unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of circuit breaker systems for low voltage circuits, circuit breakers for low voltage circuits, display holders for display units for circuit breakers and techniques for display units for circuit breakers according to the invention. BACKGROUND

[0002] A circuit breaker is a protective device which works similar to a fuse. The circuit breaker monitors the current flowing through it by means of a conductor and interrupts the current or energy flow to an energy sink or consumer when a protection parameter, for example a current limit value or a current-time period limit value, i.e. when a current value exists for a certain time period, is exceeded, which is referred to as triggering. The interruption is effected, for example, by opening contacts of the circuit breaker. Unlike a fuse, these protection parameters or response values are adjustable in the circuit breaker, for example by means of a control unit, such as an electronic triggering unit.

[0003] There are different types of circuit breakers depending on the size of the current specified in the circuit, especially for low voltage circuits or low voltage power grids. A circuit breaker in the sense of the present invention refers especially to a switch, for example applied in low voltage devices of 25 amperes or 63 amperes to 6300 amperes. More particularly, a molded case circuit breaker is used for currents of 25 amperes or 63 amperes to 1600 amperes or 2000 amperes or 2500 amperes, in particular 125 amperes to 630 amperes or 1200 amperes. An open circuit breaker is used in particular for currents of 630 amperes to 6300 amperes, more particularly for currents of 1200 amperes to 6300 amperes.

[0004] An open circuit breaker is also referred to as an air circuit breaker, abbreviated as ACB, and a molded case circuit breaker is referred to as a compact circuit breaker, abbreviated as MCCB.

[0005] Low voltage refers to voltages of up to 1000 volts AC or up to 1500 volts DC. Furthermore, low voltage refers to small voltages greater than values with 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC.

[0006] A circuit breaker in the sense of the present invention refers to a circuit breaker with an electronic triggering unit as control unit, which is also referred to as an electronic trip unit, abbreviated as ETU. The control unit monitors the size of the current measured by means of a sensor, for example a Rogowski transformer (Rogowski coil), or additionally in a similar manner the voltage and / or other parameters of the circuit and causes an interruption of the circuit when a threshold value is exceeded.

[0007] The circuit breaker has, at least partially, a display or display unit fixedly connected to the circuit breaker. On it, protection parameters, set values and / or measured values, etc. can be displayed.

[0008] Circuit breakers according to the prior art are known, for example, from the following patent applications: DE 102 014 217 292 A1 ; DE 102 014 217 332 A1 ; DE 102 015 217 108 A1 ; DE 102 014 218 831 A1 ; DE 102 014 218 910 A1 ; DE 102 016 201 651 A1 ; DE 102 015 226 475 A1 ; DE 102 015 216 981 A1 ; DE 102 016 202 827 A1 ; DE 102 016 201 659 A1 ; DE 102 015 210 479 A1 ; DE 102 014 224 173 A1 ; DE 102 015 216 023 A1 ; DE 102 016 217 425 A1 ; DE 102 016 205 196 A1 ; DE 102 016 221 093 A1 ; DE 102 017 211 900 A1 ; DE 102 017 201 239 A1 ; DE 102 017 205 003 A1 ; DE 102 017 205 004 A1 ; DE 102 017 212 477 A1 ; DE 102 017 214 903 A1 ; DE 102 017 214 907 A1 ; DE 102 017 215 820 A1. SUMMARY

[0009] The technical problem addressed by the present application is therefore to improve a circuit breaker of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular to make the use of the display more versatile.

[0010] The above technical problem is solved by a circuit breaker system according to the present application, a circuit breaker according to the present application, a display holder according to the present application or a display unit according to the present application.

[0011] According to the present application, a circuit breaker system for a low-voltage circuit is specified, having a circuit breaker (at least one), wherein the circuit breaker has:

[0012] - a circuit breaker housing with a connection for a conductor of the low-voltage circuit,

[0013] - a current sensor for determining the size of the current in the low-voltage circuit,

[0014] - an interruption unit with contacts for interrupting the low-voltage circuit,

[0015] - an electronic control unit (ETU) which is connected with the current sensor and the interrupt unit and which initiates the interruption of the low-voltage circuit when the current limit value or the current-time limit value is exceeded.

[0016] According to the application, the circuit breaker has a circuit breaker communication unit. Furthermore, a display unit having a display housing is provided. According to the application, the circuit breaker and the display unit are designed in such a way that the display unit can be docked on the circuit breaker, so that the display unit is visible on the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker and the display unit are connected to one another in the docked state by an electrical plug-in connection, so that data of the circuit breaker can be displayed on the display unit.

[0017] According to the application, a display holder is specified, which has a holder housing and a holder communication unit. The display holder is designed in such a way that the display unit can be docked into the display holder. Furthermore, the display holder and the display unit are connected to one another in the docked state by an electrical plug-in connection. According to the application, the display holder can establish a communication connection, in particular a wireless communication connection, with at least one circuit breaker communication unit using the holder communication unit. Furthermore, the display holder is designed in such a way that, in the docked state of the display unit, data of the (connected) circuit breaker can be displayed (on the display unit).

[0018] In an advantageous design variant, the holder communication unit can establish a communication connection with a plurality of circuit breaker communication units. The display holder is designed in such a way that, in the docked state of the display unit, data of the connected circuit breakers can be displayed (on the display unit) in parallel or in series, i.e. simultaneously or sequentially.

[0019] This has the advantage that data of the circuit breaker can be displayed on the circuit breaker, alternatively, for example for a circuit breaker installed in a closed switch cabinet, data can be displayed on the switch cabinet without having to open the switch cabinet. This allows comfortable monitoring of circuit breakers located in closed switch cabinets. In a particularly advantageous design variant, data of a plurality of circuit breakers installed in a switch cabinet can be conveniently displayed with a single display, in particular sequentially.

[0020] Thus, a plurality of circuit breakers, for example installed in a switch cabinet, can be conveniently monitored.

[0021] The application also gives advantageous design variants.

[0022] In an advantageous design variant, the display unit can be docked on the front side of the circuit breaker.

[0023] This has the particular advantage that the display unit is particularly easy to see.

[0024] In an advantageous design of the application, the display unit can be docked into an electronic control unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker.

[0025] This has the particular advantage that a short and direct (electrical) connection is provided between the electronic control unit (especially as the main supplier of data) and the display unit, which reduces the susceptibility to errors.

[0026] In an advantageous design of the application, the circuit breaker communication unit is designed such that a wireless (or cordless) communication, in particular a Bluetooth communication, is possible.

[0027] This has the particular advantage that a particularly simple, standard available communication possibility is provided.

[0028] In an advantageous design of the application, the display holder has a power supply for the display unit.

[0029] This has the particular advantage that a power supply for the docked display unit is given.

[0030] In an advantageous design of the application, the display holder has a power supply connection.

[0031] This has the particular advantage that an external energy supply can be realized.

[0032] In an advantageous design of the application, the display holder has at least one magnet in order to advantageously enable, in particular, a fixing on a switch cabinet or a metal door.

[0033] In an advantageous design of the application, the holder communication unit is designed such that a Bluetooth communication is possible.

[0034] This has the particular advantage that a particularly simple, standard available communication possibility, in particular a communication possibility with a similarly designed circuit breaker communication unit, is provided.

[0035] In an advantageous design of the application, the display unit has a display, more particularly a touch display, in particular a touch LCD display.

[0036] This has the particular advantage that a comfortable display and input possibility is provided.

[0037] In an advantageous design of the application, the display unit has a protection mechanism for protecting the docking connection in the case that the display unit is docked in the circuit breaker or the display holder.

[0038] This has the particular advantage that an unintentional or impermissible removal of the display unit can be prevented or made more difficult, so that a reliable continuous monitoring can be realized.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display unit has an input function in addition to the display function.

[0040] This has the particular advantage that input can be effected via the display unit, so that output and input can be realized in a compact manner.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the electrical plug connection is a USB connection, in particular a USB Type C connection.

[0042] This has the particular advantage that a particularly simple, standard-available communication option with a wide range of transmittable data is provided.

[0043] All embodiments with reference to individual features or combinations of features result in an improvement of (low-voltage) circuit breakers with a display unit, in particular a more universal use of the display unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention described above and the manner in which they are achieved will be more clearly understood with reference to the following description of the embodiments explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] In this accompanying figure:

[0046] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a circuit breaker for illustrating the present invention,

[0047] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a display unit for explaining the present invention,

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a circuit breaker in a switch cabinet for explaining the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a switch cabinet door with a display holder for explaining the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a display unit with a circuit breaker for explaining the present invention is shown,

[0051] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a display unit having a display holder and a circuit breaker is shown for explaining the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 In the left area, the circuit breaker LS is shown in a horizontal view, ie from the front. In the right area, a side view of the circuit breaker LS can be seen. The circuit breaker LS is, for example, a low-voltage circuit breaker, such as a compact circuit breaker (MCCB), as described in accordance with Figure 1The circuit breaker LS has an electronic control unit ETU. The electronic control unit ETU has a display unit DISP. The display unit DISP has a display housing. The circuit breaker LS, in particular the electronic control unit ETU and the display unit DISP, are designed in such a way that the display unit DISP can be docked on the circuit breaker LS, in particular into the electronic control unit ETU. This is achieved in such a way that the display unit DISP is visible on the circuit breaker LS.

[0053] The circuit breaker LS and the display unit DISP are connected to one another in the docked state by an electrical plug connection ES1 (not visible in Figure 1 in such a way that data of the circuit breaker LS can be displayed on the display unit DISP, in the (energized) on (or ready to run) state.

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary display unit DISP is shown. The display unit DISP has a (touch) (LCD) display LCDA, in particular for displaying data of the circuit breaker LS.

[0055] The display unit DISP has display elements LED, in the example four display elements LED are shown.

[0056] The display unit DISP has a docking connection EV as shown.

[0057] The display unit DISP has a protection mechanism BL for protecting the docking connection EV in the case of the display unit being docked in the circuit breaker or the display holder. For example, the protection mechanism BL can have a Bayonet Lock.

[0058] The display unit DISP has a pairing switch BPB for making or enabling a communication connection with at least one circuit breaker communication unit, in particular with a plurality of circuit breaker communication units.

[0059] The display unit DISP has a second electrical plug connection ES2, in particular on the front of the display unit DISP.

[0060] The display unit DISP has a cover AD (in particular for the second electrical plug connection ES2), the pairing switch BPB and / or the protection mechanism BL, as is shown exemplarily in Figure 2 .

[0061] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a circuit breaker LS in a switch cabinet CAB is shown. Alternatively, a plurality of circuit breakers can be arranged in the switch cabinet CAB.

[0062] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a switchgear door with a display holder is shown. A switchgear CAB is shown or indicated with a closed switchgear door DT. The switchgear door DT has a display holder DAM with a docked display unit DISP.

[0063] The switchgear CAB and / or the switchgear door DT is preferably at least partially made of metal, in particular steel or a ferrous alloy. Here, the display holder DAM preferably has at least one magnet as a design option in order to be able to be fixed in particular on the switchgear CAB or the (switchgear) metal door DT.

[0064] The display holder DAM has a power supply for the display unit DISP. Here, the display holder DAM can have a power supply connection, which is indicated with an arrow and 24V, for example for supplying a supply voltage of for example 24V.

[0065] The display holder DAM has a holder communication unit HKE, which is indicated by a symbol. In a similar manner, the circuit breaker has a circuit breaker communication unit LKE, which is indicated by the same symbol. The two communication units LKE, HKE can be connected by a communication connection, for example by a Bluetooth communication.

[0066] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the display unit DISP with a circuit breaker LS, in particular with an electronic control unit ETU, is shown.

[0067] The electronic control unit ETU has a first processor MCU1. The first processor MCU1 is connected with the circuit breaker communication unit LKE. Furthermore, the first processor MCU1 is connected with the first electrical plug connection ES1, in the example with the circuit breaker side or the electronic control unit side of the first electrical plug connection ES1. The electrical plug connection ES1 can be for example a USB connection, in particular a USB Typ C connection.

[0068] The display unit DISP has a second processor MCU2. The second processor MCU2 is connected with the first electrical plug connection ES1, in the example with the display side of the first electrical plug connection ES1. The electrical plug connection ES1 can be for example a USB connection, in particular a USB Typ C connection.

[0069] Furthermore, the second processor MCU2 is connected with the (touch) LCD display LCDA.

[0070] Furthermore, the second processor MCU2 is connected with the second electrical plug connection ES2, in the example with a part of the display side of the second electrical plug connection ES2. The second electrical plug connection ES2 can for example also be a USB connection, in particular a USB Typ C connection.

[0071] The first and / or second processor can be connected with other units.

[0072] In examples according to Figure 5 In this case, i.e. in the docked state, the circuit breaker LS and the display unit DISP are connected to each other via the first electrical plug connection ES1, so that data of the circuit breaker can be displayed on the display unit.

[0073] Figure 6 A schematic view of the display unit DISP with the display holder DAM and the circuit breaker LS is shown. Figure 6 A view according to Figure 5 is shown, with the difference that the display unit DISP is inserted or docked into the display holder DAM. The display holder has a holder housing, a holder communication unit HKE and a first electrical plug connection ES1".

[0074] The first electrical plug connection ES1" is preferably connected with the circuit breaker side or the electronic control unit side of the first electrical plug connection ES1. Furthermore, a power supply NT is provided. The power supply NT can have a power supply connection 24 V. The power supply NT can be used to power the display holder as well as the display unit.

[0075] In examples according to Figure 6 The display unit DISP is docked into the display holder DAM. The display holder DAM and the display unit DISP are connected to each other in the docked state via the first electrical plug connection (ES1), ES1', ES1". The display holder DAM establishes a (wireless) communication connection with at least one circuit breaker communication unit LKE, in particular with a plurality of circuit breaker communication units LKE (a plurality of circuit breakers) by means of the holder communication unit HKE. Data of the circuit breaker LS or optionally of the connected circuit breakers are transmitted from the holder communication unit HKE via the first electrical plug connection ES1', ES2" (in the docked state of the display unit) to the display unit DISP and can be displayed there.

[0076] The power supply NT can be connected with an (external) power supply voltage connection. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply NT can be connected with an external or internal battery BAT, which can enable or support mobile operation.

[0077] According to the application a display unit (display module) is proposed, which has, inter alia, a docking mechanism or snap-in mechanism for docking into a circuit breaker, in particular an electronic control unit ETU. Furthermore, a display holder (door mounting module) DAM is proposed. The display holder has the same docking mechanism or snap-in mechanism.

[0078] The display holder DAM is designed in such a way that a connection (one-to-one) with one circuit breaker or a connection (many-to-one) with multiple (many) circuit breakers is possible.

[0079] If the display holder DAM is mounted on a cabinet door, the status of one or more circuit breakers / equipment in the cabinet can be displayed without having to open the door during operation.

[0080] The display holder has a holder communication unit for a wireless connection. Thereby the complexity of wiring and the costs for the operator are reduced.

[0081] Although the application has been illustrated and described in more detail by embodiments, it is not restricted thereto but can be modified in different ways without departing from the scope of the application.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker system for low-voltage circuits, having a circuit breaker (LS) with - a circuit breaker housing having terminals for conductors of a low-voltage circuit, - a current sensor for determining the current magnitude in the low-voltage circuit, - an interruption unit having contacts for interrupting the low-voltage circuit, - an electronic control unit (ETU) connected to the current sensor and to the interruption unit and which initiates interruption of the low-voltage circuit when a current limit value or a current-time limit value is exceeded, characterized in that the circuit breaker (LS) has a circuit breaker communication unit (LKE); a display unit (DISP) is provided having a display housing, wherein the circuit breaker (LS) and the display unit (DISP) are designed such that the display unit (DISP) can be docked on the circuit breaker (LS) so that the display unit (DISP) is visible on the circuit breaker (LS); the circuit breaker (LS) and the display unit (DISP) are connected to each other in the docked state by an electrical plug connection (ES1) so that data of the circuit breaker (LS) can be displayed on the display unit (DISP); a display holder (DAM) is provided having - a holder housing, - a holder communication unit (HKE); the display holder (DAM) is designed such that the display unit (DISP) can be docked into the display holder (DAM) so that the display holder (DAM) and the display unit (DISP) are connected to each other in the docked state by an electrical plug connection (ES1); the display holder (DAM) can establish a communication connection with at least one circuit breaker communication unit (LKE) using the holder communication unit (HKE) and is designed such that data of the circuit breaker are displayed in the docked state of the display unit (DISP). The display unit (DISP) can be docked on the front side of the circuit breaker (LS). The display unit (DISP) can be docked into the electronic control unit (ETU) of the circuit breaker (LS). The circuit breaker communication unit (LKE) is designed such that wireless communication is possible. The display unit (DISP) has a touch display and / or an LCD display (LCDA). The display unit (DISP) has a protection mechanism (BL) for protecting the docking connection (EV) in the case that the display unit (DISP) is docked in the circuit breaker (LS) or in the display holder (DAM). The circuit breaker has - a circuit breaker housing having terminals for conductors of a low-voltage circuit, - a current sensor for determining the current magnitude in the low-voltage circuit, - an interruption unit having contacts for interrupting the low-voltage circuit, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. The circuit breaker system for low voltage circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that, ​ 3. The circuit breaker system for low voltage circuits according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ​ 4. The circuit breaker system for low voltage circuits according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ​ 5. The circuit breaker system for low voltage circuits according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, ​ 6. The circuit breaker system for low voltage circuits according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ​ 7. A display holder (DAM) for a display unit (DISP) of a circuit breaker (LS), wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ - an electronic control unit (ETU) connected with the current sensor and the interrupt unit, and which initiates interruption of the low-voltage circuit upon exceeding of a current limit value or a current-time limit value, wherein the circuit breaker (LS) has a circuit breaker communication unit (LKE); wherein the display unit (DISP) has a display housing, wherein the circuit breaker (LS) and the display unit (DISP) are designed such that the display unit (DISP) can be docked on the circuit breaker (LS) so that the display unit (DISP) is visible on the circuit breaker (LS); wherein the circuit breaker (LS) and the display unit (DISP) are connected to each other in the docked state by an electrical plug connection (ES1) so that data of the circuit breaker (LS) can be displayed on the display unit (DISP); characterized in that the display holder has: - a holder housing, - a holder communication unit (HKE); the display holder (DAM) is designed such that the display unit (DISP) can be docked into the display holder (DAM) so that the display holder (DAM) and the display unit (DISP) are connected to each other in the docked state by an electrical plug connection (ES1); the display holder (DAM) can establish a communication connection with at least one circuit breaker communication unit (LKE) using the holder communication unit (HKE) and is designed such that data of the circuit breaker are displayed in the docked state of the display unit (DISP).

8. The display holder (DAM) according to claim 7, characterized in that The display holder (DAM) has a power supply (NT) for the display unit (DISP).

9. The display holder (DAM) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The display holder (DAM) has a power supply connection (24V).

10. The display holder (DAM) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The display holder (DAM) has at least one magnet in order to enable fixing on a switch cabinet (CAB) or a metal door (DT).

11. The display holder (DAM) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The holder communication unit (HKE) is designed such that wireless communication is possible.

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